Chapter Text
"So, I'm gonna need your string bro." Queen Barb of the hard rock trolls demanded with a devious smile. Her spiked red hair, dusty purple skin, and double piercings adding to the punk style already established by her gothic clothing.
King Trollex was admittedly intimidated by the troll standing within a submarine that imitated the makings of a piranha only seen in nightmares but stood his ground. "We lose our string; we lose our music. I won't give it up to you."
Barb dramatically rolled her eyes at the deep blue techno troll's refusal before raising her arm high with a guitar pic at the ready, "I gave you a chance, but I'll be taking your string regardless. Once I have all the strings united, all music will be destroyed. Except for ROCK!" Barb dropped her arm, letting the pic strike her guitar and send out a powerful blast of rock streams that sent King Trollex and his trolls flying back like feathers in a storm.
King Trollex managed to catch himself, taking in the reality of the disadvantage his trolls were at. The chances of his trolls being able to defend themselves against the rock trolls was next to zero. They'd all be wiped out without mercy. Most had already hidden within small caves or been knocked out cold from the blast or resulting impacts with other objects. There was only one way out of this situation that didn't result in more harm to the fellow techno trolls. Mustering up his remaining strength, King Trollex swam back up to the lead submarine.
"Stop! You win, I'll give you the string."
Barb smirked as Trollex held the string out in offering. Watching the blue string dance in his hand one last time before Barb stomped forward and snatched the techno string harshly, releasing a triumphant laugh while holding up the string like a trophy.
"You have what you came for now leave my home." Trollex demanded, capturing her attention.
Barb tilted her head down to him, watching him hover in the spot for a moment before shrugging. "Alright fish troll, I'm done hanging around this techno trash anyway. Rock trolls were heading out!" She ordered. Shooting Trollex a quick wink before the mouth of submarine zipped closed and the rock fleet retreated from sight. Leaving a trail of pollution across their home.
Trollex watched them disappear with relief, but that relief was quickly replaced with despair at the loss of their string and music. Their ability to sing and create new techno lyrics vanished with the ships. The other techno trolls were starting to recover from the blast and reappear from their hiding spots. No one seemed to be badly hurt, but most were wearing frightened faces. Scrambling up to him with waves of concerns.
"What are we going to do King Trollex?"
"They took the string!"
"How will we make music?"
"Is this the end for us?"
King Trollex did his best to calm his panicking subjects, before a sudden dizziness struck him. As the string grew further away and his connection with it weakened so to did Trollex. He held his head as the world spun and the other troll's silhouettes blurred. The other trolls had quickly noticed the sudden change. Their digital tails flicking around with worry.
"King Trollex?"
"What's wrong?"
"He must've been hit hard by the blast."
Trollex raised his hand weakly to try and reassure them, but no sooner that he did his body lost all strength and he plundered.
Gasps and screams erupted from the techno trolls. Several of them immediately raced after him, their quick reaction allowed them to catch up quick and catch Trollex before he could crash. The trolls carried him down to a solid surface and laid him down carefully. Taking care not to crowd him so he had space to breathe. King Trollex felt like the music he'd sworn to protect was literally being ripped from his body the further the string was taken. His digital heart flickered on his chest, losing colour as he finally passed out and everything went dark.
When his eyes finally cracked open it was bright. It took a few moments before Trollex could fully open them, when he did, he was greeted by the familiar faces of his techno trolls leaning over him with concerned expressions. A wave of relief seemed to wash over them when he finally returned their gaze.
"King Trollex you're awake!"
"We thought you were dead!"
"Alright, all of you give him space." The olive techno troll with flowing yellow hair exclaimed while shooing the rest away from his bed. Trollex attempted to sit up, but the same olive troll gently pushed him back down, "you shouldn't get up yet King Trollex your heart is still dim."
Trollex tilted his chin to see for himself, she was right. The once red heart on his chest was now dimmed to a greyish shade. Attempting to move also reminded him of how weak he presently was, surrendering he laid back down. Trollex glanced at the others. "What happened after," he paused. "After the string was stolen?" He asked since his memory of the event was fuzzy.
An orange troll spoke up first. "You just fell, it was quite a shock. A few trolls caught you in time and brought you here." She explained with a slight shiver.
"The doctor said that your body experienced a severe shock from the sudden connection loss from the string and our music." The olive troll finished for her.
Trollex let out a defeated sigh, but nods. "Be sure to thank the ones who caught me, I'm fine now so please go see to any others that were injured in the blast."
They nod and exit the room, leaving Trollex alone. Once the hallway was quiet Trollex waited a moment then pushed himself out of bed and unlatched the window. Escaping to rescue the techno string by any means necessary, he failed to protect their music and wouldn't rest until he'd stolen it back.
West from the techno troll's home where the water first touched land, that’s where Trollex was headed. He'd travelled without rest for hours, determined to recover the stolen string as quickly as possible. There was never any chance of him catching up with the submarines when relying simply on his tail. Trollex would have to sneak into enemy territory to find the string. At the very least locating the hard rock troll's territory wasn't difficult with the trail of pollution left behind by their machines. The murky guide felt like bait that he was willingly following to the trap. Trollex continued on regardless despite how much his condition was worsening.
The hard rock troll's territory could be described with one word, dangerous. Every inch could've housed a hidden trap or ambush. Dark skies and waters surrounded the structures in a dome-like form, hiding themselves from outside viewer.
King Trollex quickly swam behind a platform for cover, keeping a third of his body beneath the surface of the black water for good measure since his body was comprised of bright colours that stood out like a beacon in the dark of night. Even with less distance between the string and himself he could feel his energy weakening, he'd have to act fast. Queen Barb had most likely hidden the string within the centre of her dark fortress.
Trollex had left his home in a desperate rush, not considering how'd he'd rescue the string when he was confined to the waters due to his tail. He scanned the area for any point of suitable entry, a sewer system or even a small stream, nothing. Frustration began to set in, how could he hope to find the string when he couldn't even enter the structures?
Trollex had been so distracted by his thoughts that he didn't notice the two rock trolls walking along a nearby pier. The two spotted Trollex's bold body colours immediately, alerting the others and waving his arm towards Trollex. "Trespasser!"
Trollex snapped to attention as a spotlight ignited around him. Marking him as a target for the other rock trolls to close in on. Trollex dove under the water hoping to hide among the blackness, but the spotlight followed him easily. Eliminating his option of hiding while within the rock territory. Resurfacing Trollex quickly searched for an escape route. His eyes landed on a series of currents leading back to the ocean. If he could make it to one of the currents, it would increase his speed and carry him to safety. With as much strength he could muster, Trollex swam towards the currents.
"Stop him! Don't let him escape!" One rock troll ordered the others. Trollex ignored them, focusing on reaching the currents before they had a chance to try anything. Trollex was one tail stroke away from reaching the current when a net fell around him and yanked him back.
"Looks like I caught a big one!" The troll gripping the net mocked while pulling Trollex further from the current as he thrashed around trying to get loose. He could feel the current fading to calmer waters, and he was losing the strength to fight back. If the rock trolls took him captive, he'd lose any hope of recovering the string and his home would be without its music, its life.
A few more tugs and he'd been within the rock troll's grasp, but Trollex wasn't going to give up that easily. With his last ounce of strength Trollex struck the water with his tail and jerked his body to the side causing the rock troll's grip on the net to break. Trollex immediately thrusts himself into the strong current, allowing the water to carry him to safety.
------------------------
Within the land of the Pop trolls, the trolls were enjoying the day completely oblivious to the rising threat spreading outside their territory.
Queen Poppy skipped through the troll's village, greeting everyone she passed on her way to meet up with Branch.
Branch sat close to the river's edge, skipping stones across its surface while humming his favorite song. Managing to skip one stone five paces before it fell into the depths with a slight plunk. Poppy arrived over the hill moments after. A smile forming when she spotted him. Branch was unaware of her arrival, providing the perfect opportunity. Quiet as a mouse Poppy snuck up from behind and trapped Branch in a tight hug.
Branch gasped surprised, "Poppy! Air please!"
"Get used to it Branch!"
Branch finally managed to squirm out of her grip. "I'll let your little sneak attack slide since I'm now... a positive toll, but please dial it back on the hugging."
She released a laugh, "oh come on Branch! Hugs are the best way to get those positive juices flowing."
"One step at a time."
"Well, you won't move through the steps hiding down by the river."
"I come here to think."
"I thought you did that in your bunker?"
"Maybe I'm trying not to hide away as much."
Poppy smiled at him, "that's a big step forward in your case."
Branch thanked her before skipping another stone across the river, three paces. Poppy picked up the nearest stone and sent it flying with a flick of her wrist, landing five paces. Branch released a small huff. "Beginner's luck."
"You think so huh?" Poppy snatched another pebble from the ground. Flicking her wrist a few times to test her form before releasing the stone and watching it skip a whole eight paces almost reaching the other side of the river. Her eyes followed the stone till she spotted a flash of blue across the river. "Branch there's something over there."
Branch glanced over, "where, I don't see anything."
Poppy pointed to the patch of large rocks. Branch looked closer till he spotted it. With the bright colour of the blue, it was definitely not natural to the river.
"Let's check it out!" Poppy exclaimed while extending her hair across the river, latching onto a branch and pulling herself over the running water. Branch quickly copied, landing beside her. They unhooked their hair and started making their way over the rocks. Poppy reached the blue thing first only to discover that it was a troll. A kind of troll she'd never seen before with dark blue skin, green hair, and a large tail instead of legs. The strange troll was tangled in a net which had caught on the rock's edge. He was unconscious, but still breathing through his mouth.
"Branch hurry! We must help him!"
"Wait, him?" Branch climbed over the rock, when he saw the troll, he understood. "Poppy get ready to cut the net once I have a good grip on him."
Branch passed Poppy a sharpened stick he always kept with him for emergencies, Poppy nods and carefully climbed over to the strained part of the netting. Branch moved lower, being cautious not to slip on the damp moss coating the rock surfaces. Using the net, he pulled the blue troll towards him till he was close enough to get a solid hold on his body. "Ok I've got him, cut the net."
Poppy sawed at the rope; the intense strain allowed the stick to cut it easily. Once free Branch pulled the blue troll onto the rock before the current could steal him back. Poppy hopped down to help while also examining the stranger most closely. She'd never seen a troll with a tail before, it was stranger than Cooper who walked on all fours. Branch was just as amazed and confused. The thought that was other kinds of trolls never crossed his mind. He was so lost in thought that he almost didn't realize the heart on the blue troll's chest which was beating, but slowly. "Poppy, we need to get this troll back to the village, he seems really hurt. I'll carry him while you go ahead and tell the others to set up the pool. I have a feeling the troll can't last long outside the water."
"Right!" Poppy stood up and rushed back towards the village while Branch carefully picked the mer troll up and followed close behind.
The pop trolls had uncovered and refilled the pool in record time. Many of them were extremely curious about the strange troll Branch had in his arms. Poppy did her best to keep them from crowding around the pool's edge while Branch lowered the blue troll into the water, keeping only his head above the surface. Branch kept a steady grip on the troll in fear that he might drown if submerged while unconscious. "I need some of you to build something to rest him on, so he won't be fully submerged while two others fetch a healer troll."
The urgent tone in Branch's voice was enough to halt their curiosity long enough to carry out their tasks. Poppy dropped into the water beside Branch. "Do you think he'll be ok?"
"His heartbeat seems to be slightly improved already, but we should still have someone with him at all times."
"Where do you think he came from?"
"I have no idea; I've never seen a troll like him before. Maybe your father will know something?"
"I'll ask him, are you ok alone with him for a bit?"
Branch nods, "I can handle it." Poppy took another glance at the mer troll, but climbed out of the pool and ran off to find her father. While she was gone a few of the other pop trolls managed to construct a support for the mer troll out of large leaves and branches. Branch carefully moved the mer troll out of the way and together the pop trolls lowered one end to the pool while hooking the opposite end to the pools edge. Wiggling the structure to test its strength and make sure it wouldn't slip into the pool. Satisfied, the trolls gave Branch a thumbs up with proud smiles. Branch returned the thumbs up before gently moving the mer troll to the contraption and laying him down against the leaves. By that point the two pop trolls had returned with the healer troll of the village. Their healer was just as shocked as the others to witness such a strange troll, but her instincts quickly snapped her back to her senses and she approached the pool.
Kneeling beside the water's edge she began examining the mer troll's wounds. "His pulse is very weak, Branch did you see what caused the marks on his arms by chance?"
"He was tangled in a netting, down in the river." Branch answered.
"The current probably added to the pressure, luckily the marks didn't cut too deep in his skin." The healer explained. Shuffling through her bag she pulled out some wraps. Gently lifting the mer troll's rainbow coloured arm she began bandaging the wounds after applying some healing medicine made from herbs found in the surrounding forest. After the last wrap the troll stuffed the remains back into her bag.
"Any idea when he'll wake up?" Branch asked.
The healer troll let out a small hmm. "Hard to say since this troll is different from us pop trolls. For all we know he might be able to heal faster. Knowing when he'll wake or if my herbs will heal him is impossible to at this point."
Branch nods glancing back at the blue troll.
Trollex had slowly began to recover his scenes. However, his memory was still fuzzy when recalling recent events. He finally cracked his eyes open, immediately met with a bright light that soon gave form to what looked like tall trees. He tilted his head slightly. Two strange trolls were looming over him, locked in conversation. Trollex quickly assumed them to be rock trolls. Lashing his tail Trollex pushed himself off the support and free from their grasp before quickly swimming to the other side of the pool. When all he found was solid wall he panicked, swimming frantically to all edges trying to escape his confinement. He halted and spun around when he heard the splash of the blue troll entering the pool with him. Trollex moved back a few paces when the strange troll got too close. The blue troll spoke. "We're not going to harm you, you're safe. I'm Branch, can I ask your name?"
Trollex wasn't sure whether or not to trust Branch. He didn't seem like a rock troll with the way he dressed and spoke, but he was still a stranger and potential threat. A stinging sensation passed through his arms causing him to look and notice the bandages. Why would a troll that meant him harm bandage his wounds?
All the other strange trolls were watching his now. His commotion had lured them all to the pool like moths to a flame. The crowd made Trollex feel even more trapped, but he did his best not to panic a second time. Glancing back at Branch he replied. "I'm Trollex."
Some time had passed since the scene with Trollex. Branch had shooed away the crowd just as Poppy had returned with her father. Trollex recognized King Peppy's name when Branch introduced them. It seemed King Peppy recognized Trollex as well which helped to ease Trollex's nerves hearing a familiar name. Poppy displayed great kindness to Trollex as she explained that he was in the Pop troll's land. Trollex returned the courtesy by explaining the reef where he was from.
"The rock trolls threatened us, I had no choice but to give up our string. Ever since I feel my connection to my music weakening."
"Your string?" Poppy asked.
"All different types of trolls have a string that connects them to their type of music." King Peppy answered.
Poppy looked at her father surprised. "Dad, you knew all this time that there were other types of trolls out there?"
King Peppy nodded. "Come with me. I'll show you our string and explain everything."
Trollex slowly swam laps around the small pool while he waited for the others to return. The crowd had thankfully not returned even without Branch there to repel them. Trollex was sick with worry. He'd failed to rescue his string from the rock trolls and his subjects probably assumed he'd abandoned them or been taken. He hadn't told anyone when he left because he didn't want them to try and stop him or come with and be put in danger. However, now they most likely were worried with him being gone so long. Trollex could only pray they wouldn't come after him.
Trollex had been so lost in thought that he almost didn't notice Poppy and the others return. Poppy seemed in high spirits.
"Trollex, we've decided to help you get your string back!"
Trollex looked surprised. "Why would you do that?"
Poppy shot him a smile. "Because we Pop trolls help those in need, and the other trolls out there are also in danger if the Rock trolls plan to steal the other strings. I want to at least warn them. So, what do you say? Will you let us help?" Poppy held out her hand.
Trollex hesitated, but soon smiled softly and shook her hand to seal the deal. Secretly relieved to now have some help to save his string and his music.
-----------------
Trollex watched intently as the Pop trolls pulled together a massive balloon filled with hot hair and a basket attached that could fit a group of trolls. These leg sporting trolls may be overwhelming, but he admitted they did have crafty talents. They'd even constructed a basket large enough for Trollex to fit in and strong enough to hold water so he wouldn't dry out on the journey since traveling by air was faster and more efficient. Trollex admittedly was very nervous about going into the air with nothing but a thin balloon to prevent them from a fatal fall. The thought almost made Trollex reconsider agreeing to the plan.
Poppy skipped over to the pool, being in high spirits since Trollex accepted their help. "The balloon is all set, ready to go rescue your string?"
"If this is the fastest way to get my string back then yes."
Poppy jumped slightly with a sudden rush of joy and excitement before waving Branch over. Trollex watched Branch secretly shove a container into the balloon's basket before joining them. Together, Poppy and Branch lifted Trollex out of the pool and moved him to his new temporary inhabitants on board the air balloon. The others in the group joined them. The ropes were cut, and the hot air balloon slowly began to raise them off the ground.
Trollex gripped the edge as the basket swung slightly against the air currents. He didn't dare look over the edge, afraid of knowing the extent of how high they currently were. The colder air temperature was enough for him. Poppy didn't seem to share the same fear as she leaned against the edge taking in the full view. Branch was fussing with the container he'd snuck aboard, but this time Poppy noticed.
"Whatcha got their Branch?" Poppy teased as she moved closer.
Branch scrambled to put the lid back on properly. "Nothing! Just man stuff."
"Oh, I love man stuff! Let me see!" Poppy exclaimed. Branch jumped on top of the container in a desperate attempt to prevent Poppy's intrusion, but Poppy easily lifted him and the lid off to reveal a cluster of rocks and pointed sticks. Poppy shot Branch a look of disappointment. "Shame Branch, shame."
Trollex crossed his arms while leaning against the edge of his basket, watching a very low tempered argument between the two Pop trolls about the usefulness of wooden weapons. The argument quickly ended with Poppy kicking the container over the edge and letting it fall to the ground before. Trollex almost wished Branch had won the argument because of how hostile the Rock trolls had already proven to be, and he doubted that just hugs alone would defeat them and protect the strings.
Poppy pulled out the map she'd received from her father. There were a lot more kingdoms of trolls than Trollex would've guessed.
"That's the Rock territory," Trollex pointed it out on the map. "No mistake about it."
"After we rescue your string, we can head to these other territories to warn the other trolls." Poppy stated.
"I don't know if I can accompany you on the full journey, after I get my string it's important, I return it to the reef and my trolls."
Poppy showed hints of a frown but replaced it with a small smile. "I understand Trollex, I know how it feels to have a duty to protect your trolls."
Branch cut in, "let's discuss the plan."
Nighttime darkness had begun to creep into the sky. They'd finally settled on a plan to retrieve the string, but the day had passed, and they'd decided to touch down instead of flying blindly in the dark. The balloon was set down beside a small beach allowing Trollex to hop into the ocean after being in such a small space for so long. Trollex felt much better actually having room to swim around. Poppy and the others rested on the beach while he explored the sea life under the surface, trying to determine their location based on the local species of fish and plants. A few green pufferfish passed by Trollex. They reminded him of his Beat Drop Bottom and best friend. A new wave of homesickness passed over him. He'd never been this far from his home, alone for that matter. It made him half wish BDB was with him now, but the chances of his even finding Trollex were slim to none. After giving up on pinpointing their current location Trollex returned to the others to try and get some sleep.
------------------
It had surely passed midnight, but no matter how much he tossed and turned, Trollex couldn't convince his eye to stay shut. Pushing himself up he sighed, blaming the recent homesickness for his lack of sleep. He glanced over at his comrades fast asleep under their blankets with a fire near them for extra warmth. Trollex had positioned himself away from the fire and closer to water to prevent from drying out. Trollex looked back at the water, picturing his home with all of its colours and music swimming through the currents. That version of his home would be lost forever if he didn't get his string back.
Trollex released another sigh, but halted mid-way when he heard his name being called softly. He looked to see if it came from Poppy or Branch, but they were both still asleep. Trollex figured he'd just imagined it.
"Trollex!" The unknown voice called again, sounding much closer. Close enough that Trollex could recognize the voice. Quickly looking up, tears came to his eyes at the sight of BDB swimming towards him. Trollex plunged into the water and swam towards his friend as fast as he could. Meeting halfway before the green fish lunged into Trollex's arms. Trollex hugged him still not believing it was real.
"I can't believe it! How did you find me?" Trollex asked after loosening his grip ever so slightly.
"I started looking as soon as the others found you gone. They figured you'd gone after the string; everyone is so worried about you.
"I'm sorry I left so suddenly, but I wanted to get the string back without putting anyone in danger."
BDB smiled, "I understand, but everyone would have wanted to help you. It's their string and music too."
"I realize that now, I'm glad you're here, but I don't have the string yet."
BDB nuzzled against Trollex to offer comfort. "We'll get it back."
Trollex nodded, feeling better having a friend and piece of home with him after travelling with strangers. He was about to wake Poppy and the others to introduce them to BDB when he suddenly felt the current harshly push against them. Trollex turned to find the rock troll's ships headed straight towards them.
"Sooner than we may like."