Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The days of Trollstice dates back to 200 years ago. Long ago, all the trolls lived together in what the Bergens called: ‘The Troll Tree’. Every year, once a year, the Bergens would come to the tree and collect roughly 100 trolls to feast on. ‘The Feast of Happiness’ they called it, ‘So No Bergen Shall Ever be Distraught Again’ . To protect the royalty, the trolls all agreed to draw up 100 names per year to be sacrificed to the dreadful Bergens. This system went on for 180 years until they finally had enough. The tunnels they were secretly digging were finally complete. It was time to escape. 

Branch was three years old when this happened. He remembers hiding in the hair of his mother. He remembers King Peppy’s voice chanting “No troll left behind!” He remembers the tunnels caving in, splitting the population in half. He remembers the look on the faces of the unfortunate trolls when the Bergens found them. He remembers his grandmother heroically distracting the senseless creatures and fighting them off to help them escape. He remembers the look of pride on her face as a Bergen put her in their mouth. He remembers the high screech of his mother’s voice as his father pulled her away through a different path. He remembers the shared confusion, the crying, the distress of the trolls until they finally found their new home…

His mother was made queen due to the lengths Rosiepuff took to save them. His father, being wed to his mother, was crowned king; and likewise Branch and his brothers were deemed heirs to the throne. That was until they left. They claimed the idea of royalty was too much for them to handle. They weren't ready. They couldn’t do it. So they left. They couldn’t even leave a note….

The trolls quickly evolved into their new lifestyle. The fear of the Bergens pumped through the blood of every troll that was separated. They decided to name their new tribe the ‘Forest Trolls’ from where their home place now was.

Life was different now. And it will never go back to being the same…

_____________________________

Twenty years.

It has been twenty years since Branch last saw his brothers. It was as if time was ticking at the speed of a snail. Life for him was like being forever trapped in a cocoon of darkness. His memories held him hostage in his own body. Memories that would repeat over and over and over again like a record player. He would never get out. He would never be happy. These 20 years couldn’t have gone by slowly enough.

Branch was three years old when they left. Being three seemed like yesterday when he truly thought about it. Though his mind bore no true recollection of them, he would never allow himself to forget the dreaded day they left him. That moment had been engraved into him like ancient letters being engraved into stone. He was tired of it. Of randomly remembering his former family. Of re-living the day over and over again just because his mind deemed it okay. He was sick to his stomach remembering his grandmother- but his brothers? That was a different level of pain altogether. The abandonment and the lack of closure hit him harder than a boulder. The thought of them sent him into a spiral. His lungs would refuse to take in air. His body would refuse to move. 

All. 

The. 

Time. 

As much as Branch despised it, his brothers held a place in his heart that would never be forgotten. They would always be loved by him… Even if those feelings were not reciprocated.

Branch had always cared too much about the people around him. It is this caring that caused him so much pain. If he didn’t care, maybe he would still be happy. If he wasn’t so different, maybe he wouldn’t be this dull, disgusting, sorry excuse of a troll. He hated himself. He hated his brothers. He hated his life.

He found refuge in his isolation. His castle walls were too high for him to 'socialize' with the other trolls. He never came out of his room. He never talked. He never hugged. He never laughed. As prince of the Forest trolls, he supposed that confinement was not the most logical thing he could’ve done, but he didn’t care. If his brothers could walk out on their royal duties, and not even look back at the three-year-old they left behind, then so could he. And that’s exactly what he did. 

That is until his mother died…

Branch’s mother, with all she went through, surprisingly ran the new kingdom well. With the support of her husband, they were able to build a very secure place for their population to live. The trolls adapted to their new environment very quickly. They worked hard becoming hunters, farmers, teachers, and much more of the like. Rosiepuff’s death inspired a lot of them to become soldiers, and from that, there was an incredible military formed. Despite all this success, Branch’s mother still went through a great deal of depression. Her mental health declined rapidly and she quickly grew incoherent. She was a rollercoaster of emotions. One moment, she’d be this ray of sunshine, and the next, she would be found rolled in a ball on the opposite side of the kingdom.

It shouldn’t have come as much of a surprise to Branch when he found out she died. It was truly for the best, considering everything she was going through. It shouldn't have surprised him. But it did. It ruined his 14-year-old self to find out that another one of his favorite people was no longer with him, and the way she left ruined him even more. He was an unstable mess when he found out that she had taken her own life. And he blamed himself for it. He cursed himself every time he tried to skip out on his chores. Maybe if he helped more around the kingdom then she would’ve been less stressed out. Maybe if she was less stressed then she would’ve found help to deal with her mental illness… 

She would’ve still been here if he tried harder…

It was not long after when his father fell incredibly ill. The poor king struggled to walk, let alone perform his royal duties. 

Branch knew what he had to do.

Ever since these two tragedies, Branch promised himself that he would never make the same mistake twice. Before, he helped with nothing. He occupied his days mourning his brothers and grandmother. Now, he helps with everything. Now, he controls everything. His days are filled with nothing but work. There is nothing that happens in his kingdom without his knowledge. No food, liquid, or creature passes in or out without his supervision. He allows his father to rest from his royal duties. What happened to his mother would not be repeated. 

Even now, nine years after his mother’s death, Branch continues to fill out his role as prince. He continues to let his father rest. He continues to supervise his people’s safety. He continues to prepare for the day the Bergens come back. All the trolls do. All the trolls must. 

Their livelihood depends on it.

_________________________

Branch marched to his father’s room without a hint of joy on his face. The guards stiffened and rose to attention when they saw him, knowing that he was not one to be messed with when it came to duty and order. He didn’t spare them so much as a glance as he made his way past. This was serious. 

His father had called him.

This is not an occasion that happens on the regular. He and his father don’t usually talk (unless it was about the state of the kingdom). Their interactions consisted of nothing more than a head nod. Their relationship was formal. The words spoken to each other- very little. So for him to abruptly call Branch to his room like this was something completely out of the ordinary. Especially at 2 am.

This was strange.

And it scared him.

With these thoughts, Branch picked up the pace. His mind started squirming with a million thoughts. What if his father’s condition had gotten worse? What if their population was in deep trouble? What if the Bergens were back?

Branch opened the door with force. His eyes immediately scanned the room to see his father lying down on his bed, eyes glued to the ceiling as his chest moved in an irregular pattern. The king’s body didn’t even flinch at the sound of the door; only his eyes moved to meet his son’s face. It was at this point that Branch realized his father’s skin was an ungodly shade of white. There were beads of sweat plastered on his forehead and his eyes were glassy. Upon this sight, Branch immediately ordered his guards to bring a wet towel and placed it on his father’s head. He was too warm.

“Branch…”

It sounded like it took him all the power left in him just to say his name. Branch furrowed his eyebrows as he scanned his father some more. No. This couldn’t be happening again. He remembered doing the same thing for his mother the night before she took her life. No… He refused to accept this.

“Branch…” His father wheezed again and this time, he let out a disgusting cough before he continued. “The Pop Trolls… they’re in trouble.”

Branch rolled his eyes when he heard this. They were separated from the Pop Trolls twenty years ago. Even though technically the Forest trolls were Pop trolls as well, they decided as a group to change this after their separation and due to their clear differences. Though both tribes found out the location of the other, they refused to speak and decided to keep their relationship strictly formal. The only people who would speak to one another on decent terms were Branch’s father and King Peppy. It turned out the two of them used to be quite close during their time in the troll tree, and the separation did not change this fact. They always continued to care deeply for one another.

That was the problem.

Like Branch, his father cared too much about the people he got close to. The king cared too much about his mother and on the day of her death, he was so mentally and physically troubled that his health went into an automatic downfall.

There was once a rumor that blasted throughout the kingdom, claiming that Pop trolls planned to separate half the population due to the numbers being too large to carry out. The king quickly shut this gossip down.

Although Branch doesn't necessarily hate the Pop Trolls, he admits that he doesn’t necessarily like them either. Their oblivious, happy, bright lifestyle was something that didn’t mix well with his neutral, grassy, dark one. He never understood how they could be so happy in the face of danger; and if he was being honest, he didn’t want to understand. He’d rather be dead than pretend that everything was all ‘gumdrops’ and ‘rainbows’.

Branch looked at his father very sternly before saying his next words. 

“Where’s your medicine?”

It was not the Pop Trolls that were concerning him now. It was his father. He could give less of a damn if they were in trouble.

“You do not understand…” His father said in a very weak tone, “The plant that my medicine is made out of is grown in the Pop Village… they are in trouble-”

“Don’t tell me they’re keeping it from us.” Branch seethed through his teeth, “If they are, I swear-”

The king breathed a heavy cough, a cough so loud that Branch swore it shook the walls around them. Branch just kneeled there, his body next to his father’s bed, his mouth open like a gaping fish. He had never seen his father in such a condition before. It scared him. With no energy left in his body to speak, the king reached for his bedside table and handed Branch a scroll. "Read.." He wheezed through his damaged chest. Branch could feel his knees giving out as he took the scroll from his father and opened it…

'To whom it may concern,

Sir Thorn Logwood- King of the Forest Trolls,

I am writing to inform you of a recent danger that has just hit Pop Village. The Bergens have returned, and they seem to be even more bloodthirsty, angry, and distraught than before. They have taken a great number of trolls, including some of my daughter's closest friends and your three sons: Spruce, Floyd, and John Dory.

Due to this attack, the 'mediora' plant has been completely destroyed. It has officially been ruled extinct as of 11:47 pm November 23rd. Forgive me, I tried my hardest to save it …

However, rumors are going around that the Bergens have some of these plants in their territory. A few of my finest doctors have claimed to have seen some medioras a couple of miles west from the troll tree at their time living there.

The Pop trolls are arranging a mission to rescue the trolls that were taken and retrieve the mediora. However, we lack a great deal of military experience and training. This is an official request for some of your armies to join ours in this courageous mission to rescue our trolls and end the Bergens once and for all. I am sure with our two forces combined, there will be very minimal bloodshed.

Although, indeed, our populations would not agree with this plan. They do not have the same mindset that you and I have. Fortunately, my daughter, Poppy Heart, has agreed to a strategic way of convincing the trolls to band together.

A betrothal shall be put in place between your son and my daughter. This would contradict all the rumors and spectacles that are currently going around. Tricking the public into thinking that a Forest troll and a Pop troll are in love with each other. Distract the devastating event with a lantern of hope and encourage our people to fight together- united.

Please, Thorn, our very survival rests in the palm of your hands.

My sincerest apologies for your sons.

Sincerely,

Your friend, 

Sir Peppy Charles Heart IV- King of the Pop Trolls'

Branch's face turned pale after reading this letter. He didn't even have time to process it before his father suddenly looked at him with a stern expression. “Branch.” He said with much more power than he did before. He took a deep breath through his nose before he continued. “The mediora plant… The plant that my medicine is made out of is gone.”

Branch could not believe his ears. It was November 24th. With merely one day without the mediora plant in his system, his father's health had already declined so much. The plant was extinct in the safest place it could be accessed…

His eyes must've been the size of saucers. These words were coming at him, crashing his soul like a bull. Every sentence of that scroll was like a bullet through his heart. He was being stabbed over and over and over again and again again… the stabbing will never stop. It will only get deeper.

"No."

Branch's voice was barely above a whisper. His eyes turned red as he took a deep breath and said it again, this time louder and with more force.

"No."

He put on a facade and tried to stand even though his legs were giving out on him. He was a sobbing mess on the inside, but on the outside, he was a powerful prince. He clenched his fists together.

"No. This isn't our problem. The Pop trolls are going to have to figure this out on their own. I will not risk my people’s lives for this."

"Branch… We must help them. We can't just abandon-"

"They had no problem doing that to us!" He interrupted, his voice now growing loud. "Grandma had to DIE because they-!"

"It was an accident, Branch!" The king attempted to yell but his voice gave out on him. He wheezed and coughed loudly as more sweat beads fell down his body. Branch rolled his eyes and let out a frustrated breath. 

"I know you know it was an accident." The king finished. He rested his head down on his pillow and closed his eyes with a defeated sign, letting the last bit of words fall solemnly from his lips. "Don't be like the rest…"

The king’s already glassy eyes grew glassier as the tears started to form. He choked on his words as he stared at the ceiling. “My sons… Your brothers…” The king suddenly made eye contact with Branch. Piercing blue orbs stared into one another in a way that made Branch's skin crawl. 

'This cannot be happening right now..'

"Your mother would have wanted this… She would've wanted you to help them. Violet never wanted you to end up like her- locked up, isolated, putting so much stress on yourself until you break. She saw a light in you… Don’t smother it."

An eerie silence seeped through the room as they stared at each other with nothing but fear. Fear for themselves. Fear for their family. Fear for their people. Fear from the Bergens… Branch clenched his fists tighter.

“I…I’m not..” He gritted his teeth. He was no fool. He saw how the Forest trolls reacted to his presence. The kids would stop playing, the adults would stop chatting, the birds would stop singing. It was as if they feared the very sight of him. It was as if they were all disgusted by him. His voice got lower as he continued. “Mom was wrong… I can’t. I’m… I…”

‘I’m not worthy.’ he mentally finished, ‘I kill everything around me. I seep the love out of everything and I will seep the love out of this innocent girl too. I do not deserve to be happy when I destroy all the happiness around me. I am not worthy.’

The king brought his hands up to Branch’s face and cupped it, forcing his son to look at him. As if reading his thoughts, he responded with nothing louder than a whisper, “We love you, Branch.” He gave him a warm, toothy smile. “Shine your light.” With those final words, his eyes fell closed. The king’s hands dropped and they collapsed to the side of his bed with a soft thump. Branch immediately rushed closer to the king’s side, his eyes big and red. His hands hurriedly rushed over his father's shirt and he pressed his ear on his chest, searching for any signs of breathing… and Branch finally breathed a large sigh of relief when he felt the rise and fall of his father’s frail body.

He stood up and slowly took a couple of steps away, fearing that if he went too far, then the breathing would stop. All of a sudden, upon the sight of the ill king, he became fueled with determination. He stormed over to the king’s drawers and searched frantically for a scroll and quill. When he found it, he slammed the continents on the table. With that, with all the feelings coursing through him, he wrote…

‘To whom it may concern, 

Sir Peppy Charles Heart IV- King of the Pop Trolls…’

He wrote and wrote and wrote. He wrote for what seemed like forever. He wrote until his wrists started to pain him and his fingers went numb. 

‘Thank you for informing our kingdom…’

'There is much to discuss….'

'A conference meeting must be held….'

‘Our army will join you on this mission…’

With a heavy sigh, he dropped the quill. He looked at his father, at the uneasy rise and fall of his chest, at the beads of sweat plastered on his forehead, at the soft wheeze that came out of his lips, before he finally let himself break down in tears. A heavy sob choked out of his throat. He was a complete disaster. How did things like this always happen to him? Why was it always him? Was he just that much of a failure…?

He pressed the palm of his hands into his eyes and pressed hard, trying to stop the wave that was coming out, but much to his avail, it didn't work. In fact, it seemed to make the stream fall even faster and harder than before.

Branch hated every aspect of this. He hated the way he cared too much about the safety of his people; even when they truly didn't care about him. He hated how quickly his father's health was declining. He hated how he had to write this stupid letter and marry this stupid princess. He hated how he always hated things. He hated how he hated himself. Even more, he hated at this moment how his skin was getting duller. He hated how his hair was fading from its once glorious dark purple to a disgusting black color. He hated how he was walking the steps into becoming grey and living a miserable life.

'Like mother, like son…'

Branch knew he would never get to experience true love. Not by his village, not by his brothers, and certainly NOT by the princess. He was not deserving of happiness. He was not deserving of love. Simple as that. He knew this. 

But his father was. His father deserved a happy ending. His father deserved to be healthy. His father deserved to be happy, even if they barely spoke.

This wasn't about Branch anymore. Hell, this wasn't even about the damn letter or his stupid brothers. This was about his father's plea. This was about his mother’s wish. This was about his population’s future.

And so with that, Branch turned back to the scroll. He picked up his quill and forced himself to write the last bit of the letter.

‘When will the betrothal be dated?

Sincerely,

Branch Logwood- Prince of the Forest Trolls’

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Poppy looked around at the wreckage that was once her home. The pods that were once homes to her people… destroyed. The hospital that cured so many was now broken to bits. The garden that grew so many lovely flowers was now one with the ruined grass. 

How did this happen…

Something told her that this sudden attack shouldn't have come as a shock to her. She knew that she should've had a sneaking suspicion that loud parties and flashing lights were invitations for any creature outside the village to come and join, even if they had been safe for 20 years. This shouldn't have surprised her…

But it did.

It surprised her to an unbelievable degree. This was not what the princess was told by her father. Poppy was told that after 'The Great Escape' and 'The Great Separation', the Pop trolls traveled for miles upon miles, far, far away from Bergen town. She was told that there was no need to worry because of the 'vast' difference that separated the two. She was told that their new home was safe and because of their luck in finding it, frequent celebrations were expected.

She was lied to.

And so was every other troll.

Poppy was mad. A spark lit intensely inside her, a spark that made her want to scream her head off, a spark that made her want to destroy everything and anything around her. Although she supposed the Bergens had already done that…

The princess looked to her right to see a large fire had formed. She couldn't move. She couldn't react. She just stared as the fire grew bigger and bigger. It seemed like the trolls around her did the same thing too. They all stared in horror as the fire started to consume the very homes they lived in until one troll finally snapped out of it.

Running to the nearby springs, a bright orange troll grabbed a bucket of water and threw it over the fire. This snapped the rest of them back into reality and soon enough there were numerous numbers of them running to the springs with buckets in hand.

Poppy, still frozen, continued to stand and watch the disaster unfold in front of her.

'What have I done...?'

Poppy may have been an upbeat, hyperactive, always happy troll, but there was one thing she wasn't. And that was being oblivious. Or at least, being TOO oblivious. She knew that it was her party that caused this mayhem. The princess was the one who masterminded throwing the biggest, loudest, craziest party the Pop trolls had ever seen to celebrate their 20th anniversary. She set up a beacon for the Bergens to find their location. She left the glitter cannons unattended on dry grass. She caused the fire. She was an idiot.

Poppy stared at the fire that was now dissolving and filling their atmosphere with a cloud of dense smoke. The smoke poisoned the once sweet air around them. What once smelled like candy and gumdrops now smelt like burnt moss. The trolls' bodies were all drenched in rain and mud and some of them had large injuries. As if the heavens had seen their distress, a heavy rail started to pour from the sky, finishing off the last bit of fire that was left. 

The princess looked around at the trolls that surrounded her. Multiple people with numerous broken limbs. Babies screaming and crying in fear. One troll with a large gash on his temple. One little child with a cut sliced right across his stomach. Blood oozed out of the wound at high speed. She watched as Dr. Moonbloom quickly tried to stitch him up. Poppy’s eyes watered. He will not survive.

She felt an arm on her shoulder and flinched at the unexpected contact, but she breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that it was her father. The princess was about to embrace him until she remembered the deceivement. Sensing his daughter’s rising anger, the king shook his head in regret.

“I know…” He uttered in a low voice. He stared at the ground, contemplating all the decisions he made. He thought that not telling the trolls would be for the greater good. Keeping them happy, keeping their morale high; they did not deserve to live in fear. They deserved to finally be happy after being trapped and tormented for 180 years in the troll tree. It was only now at this moment did he realized that this was not the way. "Meet me at the waterfall archives."

Poppy didn't even get a chance to respond before her father disappeared from her. She blinked and he disappeared into the smoke. The loud crying and moaning of her people filled the air around her. She could feel her eyes burn at the contact of their now grey and moistened air. How could her father expect her to leave at a time like this? Who would take care of these trolls? The princess scanned the crowd around her, all the injured and the scared. Her eyes finally fell upon the bright orange troll that put out the fire. He gave her a single nod, a nod that spoke the words that answered all her questions. She smiled as she gave a nod back.

'Thank you, Aspen.'

Poppy took one more glance at the trolls of her village. Then, at that moment, she swore that she would find a way to help them. With that, she turned her back and ran towards the waterfall. 

_______________________

The waterfall archive was around 3 hours outside of Pop Village. The other trolls did not know this archive existed. It was meant for the knowledge of royalties and royalties only. Poppy hated every moment she spent trying to locate the place. She swam through a river and hiked up hills that were much too steep before she finally reached her destination. A cool wind immediately engulfed her as she opened the doors, sending more shivers up her already cold body. The books and scrolls all had dust collecting in them as if they hadn't been touched in decades. "Woah…" The Pop princess whispered to herself, taking in what looked like an abandoned library.

It was too dark to make out anything other than some vaguely drawn-out illustrations on the walls. After a little bit more walking, Poppy finally found her father. He sat at a wooden table and his face was illuminated by the lit candle in his hand. They made eye contact and all the past rage and confusion suddenly came boiling back. 

“Why am I here?” She shot a hostile glare at her father, showing that she did not have the patience for any more of his lies. 

Peppy only stared down at the floor. The candle highlighted the dark circles around his eyes as he tried to piece his thoughts together. He finally stood up from his chair and stared deep into the eyes of his daughter, a stare so intense that it sent an uncomfortable shiver up Poppy’s spine.

“You are aware of our history, yes?” He spoke, “200 years ago all the trolls lived together in the troll tree before ‘The Great Escape’-”

“And ‘The Great Separation’.” Poppy finished. She rolled her eyes, showing her clear disinterest. “Yes dad, I know this already.”

“So then you are aware of why the different tribes do not like each other? You know of the story of ‘Elijah and Beth’ ?”

The princess froze at this. The more she thought about it, the more she realized she never actually figured out the reason WHY the two separate tribes did not like each other. Why did the two separate trolls decide not to reunite with each other even after figuring out each other's locations? Her people never really brought up the topic of the separated trolls; whether it was fear, disgust, or pent-up anger; she did not know. And back then, she did not try to question further. But now that she was ‘of age’ and a great deal of her people were taken by the Bergens, she decided it was finally time to figure it out.

Sensing his daughter’s bewilderment, the king picked up the candle and brought it over to the archive walls; or more specifically, the illustrations that were engraved into it.

“Long ago, before you or I were born, lived two trolls who were madly in love with each other: Elijah and Beth. Despite their unfortunate circumstances, living in the troll tree, they always found a way to look at the brighter side of things. The trolls had never been so united. The pair were the perfect role models, and for a while, they kept the population happy and booming.”

As the light of the candle was brought closer to the walls, Poppy could see the drawings much more clearly. The colors were washed out and faded, but she managed to make them out. A heart circled an orange troll with dark blue hair holding hands with a purple troll with bright pink hair, and next to them was a blooming tree with multiple happy trolls inside.

“People were happy, life was good… but for only a while. Trollstice was coming up and it was time to draw out names for the Bergen’s feast. Unfortunately, Beth’s name was called from the royal bowl. In only a few years, the star-crossed couple had been separated, and life had gone back to being black and white.”

Peppy moved the candle to the other side of the wall, where it showed a drawing of Beth being placed in what the Bergens liked to call the ‘Sunshine Pot’.

“Rumors quickly spread. According to some eyewitnesses, Elijah rigged the draw to save himself as well as some sort of revenge on Beth due to her not wanting to have his children. According to some other eyewitnesses, Elijah had been nowhere near the royal bowl, and he had no foul intentions towards his lover. It truly became a confusing dilemma.”

The candle moved again, this time to a clearly biased wall that showed a very sneaky Elijah putting some more slips of paper with Beth’s name into the royal bowl.

“Elijah passed soon after from a broken heart, but these different beliefs split our population morally 60 years before we were split physically. And the hatred between one another continues till this day.” In a sharp motion, the king blew out the candle, letting the cold air engulf them once again. They stood in silence for what seemed like forever, staring into the orbs of each other's eyes before Poppy finally spoke up.

“Why are you telling me this..?”

It was as if Peppy’s eyes grew darker and his eye bags became heavier.

"Poppy… a large number of our people have been captured."

The princess knew this already. The village reporters have already been going around saying that an estimated 657 trolls were taken. That's a number too many to leave behind.

"Yeah dad, I know. That's why we have to go save them! We have to rescue…" Poppy’s voice started to fade away as she realized the situation they were in. Her father gave her a solemn look, and suddenly, everything pieced together. 

They don't know how to fight. They know nothing about life outside of the village. Their bodies are filled with nothing but sprinkles and cupcakes. If they were to go, they wouldn't survive an hour… 

Wait…

All of a sudden, the Pop princess remembered something. A light bulb went off in her mind.

"The Forest Trolls…" She whispered, then said again in a stronger voice. "The Forest Trolls can help us!"

The Forest trolls… but of course! They knew how to fight. They knew the creatures of the wild. They knew how to survive!

"I'm already one step ahead of you, Poppy. I am preparing to write a scroll as we speak. However, the problem is not persuading the royalties- but the people. Our different tribes still have great hate for each other, even after all these years. We have to unite them, and there was only one thing that truly united them in the past..."

Poppy furrowed her eyebrows. She was confused. What did he mean? Why was her father looking at her like that? His eyes were much too somber. He wasn’t making any sense. 

Unless… 

Oh.

"I have to marry the prince… don't I?"

The king fell silent and she immediately knew the answer. A unity. An agreement. A truth. Their people needed a role model to set an example of what needed to be done. 

The air from Poppy’s lungs felt like they had been knocked out of her. She almost tripped over her feet in the darkness, stumbling recklessly. No. This wasn’t right. This had to be a dream. She was dreaming. She HAD to be dreaming. 

Her thoughts drifted to all the trolls that had been taken from the Bergens. The children. Her friends. 

Creek. 

Her eyes started watering at the thought of his name; at the thought of his face. He was taken from her too fast; too sudden. It was only now she realized how much of an effect it was going to have on her.

Peppy rested his hand on her shoulder and attempted to give a look of encouragement, but could only manage to pull off a weak smile. He pulled her in for a hug, sensing the princess’s growing sadness. "My gem…" He kissed her forehead before bringing her in for another embrace.

Poppy felt like breaking down in tears at this very moment. The weight of her people rested on her shoulders. The future of her population was in the grasp of her hands. Her every move affected the lives of all those dear to her. Those who were captured could very well be dead right now. It was a high chance that the Bergens had already eaten them. But still, she felt like she had to at least try. If there was even a sliver of hope that they were alive; if there was the tiniest possibility that she could save them she had to take it. So with that in mind, with Creek in mind, she gave a subtle nod. Upon her approval, she could feel her father’s embrace become tighter with relief and thankfulness. She returned it, hoping that he could not hear the sob that choked her throat.

She blinked the tears out of her eyes. No. She would not cry. She had to be strong for her people. She had to be strong for Creek.

Her eyes wandered to the walls, the walls that held so much of her troll’s history in them. Her sight fell on the drawings of Elijah and Beth, on the happiness they made around them simply with their undying love for each other. 

Poppy admits that there were a lot of things she did not know, but right now, right here, at this moment in her father’s arms, there was one thing she knew for certain: the tribes needed their Elijah and Beth. They needed their abiding hope. They needed their never-ending love story. And she would be the one to give it to them.

Even if it was all fake.

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Chapter Text

Branch could never forgive himself for agreeing to marry the Pop princess. That, hands down, must’ve been the stupidest thing he had ever done in his life. Letting himself be persuaded into marrying a ball of complete happiness… What was he thinking? Branch couldn’t care if this was for the greater good of his people. He couldn't care if they needed a truce to save his brothers. Now that he has gotten a good night's sleep, he knows that this is NOT what he wants.

He had already quit on all plans of ever getting married for "love" a long time ago. Even the thought of it made him cringe. To him, love was nothing more than an illogical disease. It had one purpose and that was to put your head on a swivel; distracting you from making any sensible decision. That was NOT something he needed right now. Not in the slightest bit. Ugh! God knows that if his father wasn’t so menacingly sick then he wouldn’t have even considered the stupid proposal. His good-for-nothing brothers could get eaten for all he cared for. They weren’t his business and he wasn’t theirs. Cleary. Simple as that.

So that's why he wasn't thinking about them right now. About what state they may be in, or if they were being tortured, or whether they were getting enough nutrition… he wasn't thinking about how they were probably standing on their last legs or about how they were most likely trapped in a spot with not nearly enough oxygen. He wasn't. Because if he was, then that would be embarrassing; disgraceful. That would contradict every emotion he was feeling right now. His brothers were fine. He wasn't going to lose them. So that's why he wasn't thinking about them. And he promised himself that he would continue not to think about them for as long as he lived.

Branch stared at himself in front of the large, body-sized mirror that stood in front of him. He fiddled with the tie on his royal attire, trying to distract his mind from thinking about anything- everything- but them. He fiddled with his clothing some more, grabbing the rough fabric and squishing it in his palm.

'This is fine.'

Squish, release, squish, release, squish, release. Over and over and over again. He was okay. He was stable. And his lungs definitely weren't moving at an oddly fast pace right now.

'This is fine.'

Squish, release, squish, release, squish, release. It was almost laughable how ridiculous this whole situation was. How did they even manage to get themselves captured? Could they really not defend themselves against the Bergens? WHY couldn't they defend themselves from the Bergens?!

'This is fine.'

Squish, release, squish, release, squish, release. Whatever. It didn't matter anyway because he didn't care. He didn’t. There was absolutely no reason why they kept on popping up in his brain. Why he couldn't get a good night's sleep- he didn't know. But it was NOT related to those horrid traitors. 

Traitors. Yes. That's what he'd call them now. They were no longer his brothers. Not even close. Brothers wouldn't do something like that. Brothers wouldn't have sentenced him to a lifetime of depression without a care in the world. Brothers wouldn't be so outright cruel.

It was at this moment that Branch finally let go of his clothing and his breathing became more steady. His mind regained consciousness and his vision finally started to even out. Branch stared at the mirror in front of him, taking in the attire that was on his body. They were traitors, all of them, nothing more. His pitch-black pants complimented his dark brown and emerald suit; a suit that reached down to his knees, splitting apart in the middle. Mini verdin feathered shoulder pads highlighted his broad frame and a cloak of raven feathers covered his back, grazing the ground beneath him. He frowned at the indent he had made on the corner of his suit.

No, this could not do. Today was the day of the conference meeting between the two kingdoms. His father and King Peppy had agreed to meet at a secret rendezvous spot a few miles outside the Pop village to discuss the details of the… 'unfortunate arrangements'. Nevertheless, being prince, Branch could not look 'mediocre' . He had to look sharp. Responsible. Perfect. He had to look his best.

“Aziel!”

His voice boomed through the dressing room, echoing through the halls. He shook a golden bell that was placed on one of the dressing tables with much force. It felt like years as he kept on shaking and shaking and shaking, growing more irritated with every sound the bell made, before a troll finally came to his service. The boy in front of Branch had washed-out navy blue hair with even more washed-out light green skin. Bright white freckles dotted his face, complimenting his crystal blue eyes and showing that his Pop genes were still there within him.

The servant took a small bow once he saw the prince. “Yes, Your Majesty.” Branch glared at him and placed the bell back on the dressing table with a prominent thumb.

“Aziel, remind me, what age are you?”

The troll blinked at his prince with confusion written all over his face. He didn’t dare arch an eyebrow at the royalty, but his voice still managed to show his perplexity. “I… I am to be sixteen in two days, my prince.”

“Mm. Sixteen…” Branch kissed his teeth and stared him hard in the eyes. “Well, you look like a perfectly respectable young man. Our kingdom has shaped you well.”

Aziel blinked again. Oh, no, he was in trouble. The prince never complimented anyone. He was usually a very straight-to-the-point type of person. A behavior change was never good news. The green troll gulped. 

“Oh! Uhm… Thank you-” 

“So why do you still move at the speed of a snail?” The prince suddenly deadpanned, sending shivers up Aziel’s body. “I am sure that at your age you are supposed to be much quicker than this.”

“Forgive me, your highness. I was tending to my sister’s-”

“Do not let it happen again.” He replied sternly, removing his suit and tossing it to the green troll. “Give this to the maids to iron.” Aziel folded the cloth and nodded, quickly making his way out of the room before he upset the prince any further.

Branch watched as the servant left. He waited until he heard the thump of the door closing before he let the regret set into his heart. The boy was only thirteen years old and, somehow, he still managed to act like a jerk. Classic Branch. God! If this was how he treated a mere child, then there was no telling how he would treat his ‘wife’. Although, he supposed that this was to be expected of the kingdom's 'grump'. He was supposed to be rude. He wasn't allowed to show any other emotion but sternness. His strict behavior is what kept his people so disciplined all these years. It's what helped them survive, and it is what will continue helping them survive.

Branch rubbed his temples. There was no use in denying it. He was not ready for marriage. Not even a little bit. There was no telling that he was going to be a terrible husband. He was going to ruin the Pop princess; no doubt. Hopefully, they can agree on some sort of arraignment so the poor troll won’t have to deal with his constant anger and greyness. 

Branch looked back at the body-sized mirror in front of him. He ran his fingers through the slick raven feathers on his back. The only good that was coming out of this marriage was his father’s medicine. Branch always told himself that he would gladly sentence himself to a lifetime of torture if it meant that his father would be content. Now, at this moment, he realized that he managed to stay true to his word. His father meant the world to him. He made every bit of pain worth it, even though the king did not feel the same way about him. It was okay though, Branch was used to not having the feelings of love reciprocated. It made him strong. It made him logical. And as the prince, that was what he was supposed to be. Nothing more. Nothing less. Because that was all he was worth.

Branch sighed and removed his hands from his head. He gave a foul look at the shade of his ungodly pale skin. Why did HE have to be the grey one? Even though the Forest trolls had naturally washed out skin, he hated to admit that none of his people were THIS pale. None. So why did it have to be him? Why did he have to be different? Why did he have to be the… freak…? His mind immediately went towards the Pop princess. What was going to happen when she saw how ugly his colors were? Branch could already picture the look of disgust on her face and the internal regret. Maybe if he looked better than this, his people wouldn't be afraid of him. Maybe if he wasn't so grey then someone would consider loving him… 

No. What was he kidding himself? No one could truly love him. He was just naturally unlovable. His skin could be as blue as the morning sky, just like it was before, and everyone would continue to have hatred for him. There was no point. To them, his grey reflected his mind: strict. It reflected his personality: rude. If only they realized that it also reflected his heart… Broken… Hurt… Alone…

Branch shook the negative thoughts from his mind. No. He could not think about this right now. He had business to attend to.  

Aziel came scurrying back into the dressing room, handing the prince a neatly folded (and freshly ironed) dark green and brown suit. Branch took the suit and put it on, marching his way out the doors. He stormed his way out of the palace, walking through the forest until he finally saw his father at their rendezvous spot.

His father, like him, was also dressed in his royal attire. Though their outfits resembled quite a bit, the king's cape had thicker raven feathers and bigger verdin feathers on his shoulders. Everything about his attire was larger and shinier, symbolizing their different statuses. 

Branch’s father leaned against a large verdin bird. His face was a lot paler than yesterday and his body had gotten much skinnier from a lack of proper nutrients. For a moment, Branch wanted to go up to him and tell him that he should be on bed rest right now and he was going to until he remembered the royal customs. As king, his father HAD to attend the meeting to co-sign the contract. 

"Someone woke up in a chippy mood." The king humored, smiling at the frown on Branch’s face. "Something bothering you?" 

Branch shot him a glare. He was not in the mood for all this 'father-son' bonding, especially when his father knew EXACTLY what was bothering him. He KNEW that Branch did not want to get married. He KNEW that he despised the idea of love. All this senseless teasing was honestly starting to get on his last nerve.

"Just take it easy, okay?" Branch said, completely ignoring the previous question. "Promise me you'll take it easy."

It was at this moment that Branch cursed under his breath over these ridiculous old traditions. If he had the power, he would get rid of them in a heartbeat. It was November for hair’s sake! There's no telling how the weather could affect his condition. But he had no choice but to allow him to come.

The king let out a soft chuckle at his concerned son. "Don't worry, Bitty B." He placed his hands on his shoulders. "I know my body."

Branch cringed at the old nickname. He hadn't heard that in a long time, not since he was fourteen. It had been his nickname back in the troll tree and it continued with his mother calling him that until she… Anyways, preferably, he'd like to not hear that name again.

He looked at his father’s 'leisurely attitude' and internally rolled his eyes. Branch knew that the king was putting up an act to try and lighten the mood, but he was failing terribly at it. There was nothing his father could do to make him happier about this betrothal or to make him worry less about his health. 

Branch helped Thorn climb on the verdin before he eventually hopped in himself. As they flew through the sky, the crisp winter air hitting their faces harshly, Branch promised himself one thing.

This was business. Only business. He wasn't going to catch himself enjoying her company. He wasn't going to have his head on a swivel. He wasn't going to catch that unprofessional disease. He was doing this only for his father and his father only. It was at this moment, as the snowflakes landed on his black hair, that he decided on a final consensus. His heart will not flutter. He will not let himself hope. There was to be no 'love'.

Ever.

_________________________

Poppy laughed brightly as she swirled around in her floor-length dress. She watched as the colors glowed more and more with every spin. Blue, purple, and green undertones stood brightly under the pink base. Her arm sleeves seemed to be made of a softer material, with faint water designs being painted on it. The whole dress was a symbol of the Pop village lifestyle. It was truly extravagant! And gosh did she love it!!

"Oh my goodness! You guys went all out on this one!" Poppy stepped away from her mirror and scurried over to her two designer friends, giving them a big hug. "I love it! You even added the flowers?! What?!?!!" The princess gestured to the pattern of vined 'poppies' sewn at the hem of her dress.

"Hahaha, duh of course we did! It's a classic! And you look so gorgeous!" Satin squeezed her back, smiling brightly. "You are DEFINETELY going to attract someone's attention." The twins looked at each other and shared a small snicker. Poppy scoffed at their immature joke and she rolled her eyes hard when she saw Chenille wiggle her eyebrows. 

"Stop it you two. That's not funny. I'm not planning on catching the prince's attention." 'In fact, even the thought of falling in love with the Forest Prince is enough to make me barf.' Poppy mentally added. Right now she couldn't imagine being all goo-goo-eyed for anyone but Creek. 

Oh right… Creek. 

After her father had told her about her betrothal to the Forest prince, Poppy had gone to bed in hopes of forgetting everything. She didn't want to live in this reality anymore. She didn't want to believe that her life was falling apart, and changing into some mediocre one. She didn't want to believe it. She COULDN'T believe it. If she did, that would go against all her morals. So she went to bed, forcing her mind to erase the recent revelation. And for a while, it worked. She woke up like normal, brushed her teeth like normal, washed her hair like normal, and tried on her new dress like normal. She was so close. She had almost forgotten about him… until now.

Creek and Poppy were complicated. No one in the village knew about their 'relationship.' That was mainly because there wasn't really a relationship to begin with. They were still friends. They still hung out as a group, the Snack Pack. But for some reason, the Pop princess couldn't help but think that there was something more between them. The way he brushed her hair, the way he looked at her… it was all indicators that the purple troll felt something for her. And she couldn't help but feel like she felt something for him too. The night of the party was the night that Creek was going to 'tell her something'. She had high hopes that he was going to confess and ask her to be his girlfriend. She was anxiously waiting for the moment… except it never came. For when he opened his lips, a Bergen appeared out of nowhere and stole him from her. She never got to know what he said…

Poppy shook her head from all the negative thoughts that had just entered. God what was happening?? What was she thinking right now?! This wasn't her. The happiest troll alive in troll history was not supposed to be having thoughts like this. Y'know what? On that note, she will get to know what he said! In fact, she'll know very soon because the Forest kingdom had agreed to the plan and they were going to unite their people with a betrothal and form a strong military and march into Bergen town and end all of those terrible creatures and save Creek and everything will be happily ever after. Yes. That was what was going to happen. She didn't dare think of any of the technicalities because there was no need to! Once they save Creek and her friends, then everything will go back to normal! And everyone will be happy! 

Everyone.

"This dress really IS gorgeous…" She smiled brightly, playing with the fabric. "You two have truly outdone yourselves, like always. And it's even thick enough for the winter!"

"Mhm! You're welcome." Satin smiled smugly. She crossed her arms, clearly proud of what she created. "The colors were also my idea. They're all the main colors of the village."

"Oh shut up, Satin." The purple twin rolled her eyes at her sister before turning to Poppy and doing her fair share of bragging. "You know how your dress shines brighter every time you spin? Well, that was MY idea." She pressed her hand on her chest to give it more emphasis. "Yup! I found one of the glitter trolls and made some magic!"

"Uh, no. I was the one that found the glitter troll." Satin arched an eyebrow at her twin. 

"Uhm, no you didn't." Chenille arched a suspicious eyebrow right back. They both gave each other a menacing glare.

"Yes, I did!"

"No, you didn't!" 

Poppy watched as the two trolls argued over the most useless thing. Their voices started growing louder and she just sighed and walked away from the twins, figuring that it was most likely best to give them some space right now. 

The Pop princess was glad that Satin and Chenille weren't taken from her, even despite their constant bickering. She wasn't sure if she'd be able to cope if every single one of her friends were gone. They were the only ones who were lucky enough to make it out on time, but she wouldn't have had it any other way. Of the members of the Snack Pack, she was definitely closest to those two. Plus, she was still able to get her new dresses! Since the fashion designers were the only ones of her friends who weren't captured, Poppy had entrusted them with the secrets she held. At first, they were a little distraught about the fact that she was going to be betrothed to the Forest Prince, but they soon warmed up to the idea. It wasn’t long before they insisted on creating some dresses for the princess, and Poppy, being Poppy, happily agreed. And boy was she glad she did! Her smile grew the more she looked at the improvements her fashion designers made to her royal attire. This new dress captured her . God, did she love it with her whole heart!

'If only Creek could see this.'

The princess already knew that if the guru was here with her then his mouth would be on the floor. He'd pick her up and swing her around all the while telling her how beautiful she was…! He was so…– IS. He IS so perfect. Poppy could not let herself forget her goal. Creek was not dead. 

'Not yet at least.'

No. No, no, no. He was not gone. He couldn't be gone. It's only been a mere two days! There was absolutely NO way that the Bergens would have already eaten him. Though the species were bloodthirsty, greedy monsters, they were still traditional. They only ate trolls on Trollstice and Trollstice was still WEEKS away. That's right! It was impossible. They wouldn't…! Poppy frantically searched around her pod, looking for anything to take her mind off the horrible thoughts. Her eyes fell upon the analog clock on her wall. 9:45 am… Wait. 9:45?!

"Gah!" She screamed, picking up her crown from her bed and putting it in her head. "Oh, God!" She was supposed to meet her father at the waterfall archives by 10:30! "I have to go!" She sprinted out of her door, yelling a quick "I'll see you later!" and "Thank you!" to the twins before she let herself fully exit. As she ran, she internally thanked the heavens that Pop Village didn’t snow much. If not, her dress would've been soaked by now!

As the princess of the hosting kingdom, she was supposed to be punctual, ESPECIALLY with matters as big as this. The future of the two populations was going to be discussed as well as the future of her life.

'Oh no.'  

It took at least 3 hours to get to the waterfall archives on foot, but the meeting was in less than an hour. Coming to this realization, Poppy whistled loudly, summoning a small squirrel towards her in a matter of seconds. She couldn't be late, not when so much was on the line. Not when Creek was on the line. The princess wasted no more time and immediately hopped on the squirrel, setting off towards the archives.

The air was crisp and cool but the fur of her squirrel created a body heat that managed to keep her warm.

As she rode through the frozen woods, thoughts of Creek flashed through her mind. However, this time, the princess didn't feel sad; she felt determined. No matter what was going to happen in the future, there was one thing that she was going to make a reality.

Creek was alive. And she was going to be the one to save him.

This was a promise that she swore to herself she would keep.

____________________________

Branch’s mouth nearly dropped to the grass once he and his father reached the rendezvous spot. It had taken them far too long to find it, and King Peppy’s instructions were not very much help. However, the struggle was quickly erased from his mind when he walked in. He couldn’t believe his eyes. This place was gorgeous! Far more gorgeous than the places he had back home. There was no way this was a Pop troll territory. Branch had always assumed the Pop Trolls enjoyed a simpler way of living (given the fact they lived in a village) but this… this was unlike anything he had ever seen! Waterfalls surrounded everywhere. And when he said everywhere, he meant EVERYWHERE. There had to be at least 7, and even then that number seemed too small. Almost every corner was covered with one, spilling out into beautiful ponds and rivers and lakes. It was as if it wasn’t even winter. Branch swore he could feel his body levitating at the sight of this. It was magical.

“Woah…” The words escaped from his lips before he could realize it.

“Woah is damn right, son.” His father replied, equally dumbfounded by their surroundings. The king looked around before his eyes fell on an orange troll. “Peppy?!” He screamed, nearly running over to him and embracing him in a big hug. He knew that he didn’t have the energy to make this much movement but, at that moment, he didn’t care. It’s been too long since he’s seen his friend. He could deal with the physical side effects later. Right now, he just wanted to spend time with him. 

The Pop king laughed upon this contact and squeezed him equally as hard. “It’s so good to finally see you again, Thorn!” They gently started swaying side to side with joy before they broke apart.

“No kidding! What’s it been, twenty years?!” Thorn lightly punched his shoulder and they both let out a heart-felt laugh. Even though the two royalties wrote to each other consistently, they had never verbally spoken to each other since the day of the ‘Great Escape’. With both of them being too busy running their kingdoms, they found very little time to speak to each other about things outside of trade. This was something they were planning on changing after the conference meeting. 

The two trolls continued to laugh and catch up with one another. It seemed like forever before King Peppy’s sights finally fell upon Branch. And God was that a mistake. For the moment he did, the entire conversation came to a deafening halt. The silence was all that could be heard for the next 10 minutes. The Pop king just stared at him…. and stared at him… and stared at him… and he kept on staring at him, his eyes not moving but his brows coming together in a small frown. Finally, his eyes moved his way towards his body, or rather, towards his skin.

‘Oh, shit.’

“Branch?” Peppy finally spoke, still looking down. Branch immediately tucked his hands in his pockets. “Branch? Is that really you…?” Peppy’s voice was soft, as if he was scared that if he spoke too loudly then he could blow away. Branch didn’t respond, but instead opted to nervously avoid eye contact. His eyes searched the small buds on the grass as if it were the most interesting thing to ever exist. Which, honestly, it kinda was, considering that they didn’t get flowers this vibrant back in the Forest Kingdom.

“Sorry, he’s a little shy,” Thorn said, trying to destroy the arising awkwardness. He gave a strained chuckle and nudged his son with his elbow. “Branch, you remember King Peppy right?” 

Branch still refused to look up and decided to stay unresponsive. More silence followed. 

“Come on, buddy!” His father said cheerily, giving him another nudge with his elbow. “Don’t you remember your ol’ ‘Uncle Pepsi’?” The Pop King’s eyes lit up when he heard the old nickname. Immediately his cherry spirit was back and he let out a deep heart-felt laugh before responding.

“Oh, heavens! I haven’t heard that in so long!” Peppy wiped a humorous tear from his eye, continuing to chuckle at the old memories of a mini Branch trying to learn how to speak properly. Uncle Pepsi had been his name for the three years Branch was alive. Suddenly, Peppy looked at the prince with a big grin on his face. “Look at you! You're so big now!” The Pop King started walking closer to Branch. Signals started going off in his brain when he saw Peppy begin to raise his arms. With every step he took, the more anxious the prince became.

No.

He wouldn’t dare.

'He actually wouldn't dare'.

Oh but, apparently, he would. Right now Branch was two seconds away from being hugged by a complete stranger. He took quick action, swiftly moving away from the king before any contact occurred. “I think it’s about time we start the conference meeting.” He stared at his watch, still avoiding eye contact before either of the kings could process what just happened. Branch showed them the time on his watch, proving that they were nearly 30 minutes late. The two kings shared a shocked look, still dumbfounded by his actions, before Peppy nervously agreed and led them to a wooden table with four large chairs. They sat in awkward silence as Peppy tried to process what had just happened. 

Did Branch just reject his hug? Branch? BABY Branch? The same Branch that would cry whenever anyone put him on the floor because all he wanted was to be held by his mother? There was no way that was the same boy in front of him. Granted, he was a man now, but still. This wasn’t right. The Pop king stared at the troll across from him who, at this moment, was impatiently tapping his finger on the table. Sensing his son's rising irritation, Branch’s father quickly spoke up.

"Sorry to ask," He said, taking Branch’s finger off the table "But is there any idea what time the princess will get here?"

"Oh! I-uhh… Hmmm. I'm not completely sure actually." Peppy stared off into the open entrance of the waterfall archives as if his daughter would come running down at any moment. When it was clear that she wasn't, he started to talk again. "I'm sorry, but I'm sure she'll be here soon."

It took every fiber in Peppy’s body to not react to the rude grunt the Forest prince let out; a grunt that clearly said 'Sure she will.' Peppy frowned at his behavior. 

‘He’s changed so much…’

From his stature to his facial structure to his skin… this wasn't the same troll he remembered all those years ago, back in the troll tree, running around with his brothers and laughing at the simplest things. In fact, with the way frown wrinkles covered his forehead, Peppy wondered if he ever laughed AT ALL since that time. No, this wasn't the troll he knew before. Not even a little bit. This troll was completely different.

And that frightened him.

Branch impatiently tapped his finger on the table and looked at his watch. 10:55 am. The meeting was supposed to start at 10:30. He felt like ripping his hair out in frustration. This was ridiculous! Where was the princess? Why was she so late? How could she be one of the hosts and still manage to be SO late?! 

And on top of that, King Peppy won't stop staring at him. He could tell that he was trying to be discreet, but wow was he failing at it. Branch may have been stubborn, but he wasn't blind. He could feel the king's orange orbs burning into the side of his head. He could feel the intense awkwardness of the atmosphere around them. He could hear the deafening silence, so much so that it seemed like even the flowing waterfalls came to a halt. Every movement, every sound, every nervous gulp, he could hear, see, taste, smell…! This was becoming too much for him. Branch hated this. He hated this. And as much as he hated this, he hated even more to admit that he was starting to worry about her now. He cursed himself for it but it was true. He honestly just wished that the bubbly princess could just waltz right in here and he could feel alright knowing that she was safe and sound. At this point, he wouldn't even be mad at her as long as she was s-

"I'm here!"

They suddenly heard a high-pitched voice and instantly turned their heads to see where the sound was coming from. Surely enough, it was the princess. She was here! She was safe! And here she came galloping down on her… squirrel? When she was close enough, she hopped off and started running towards the table, occasionally stumbling in her glass heels. 

"I'm here! Sorry, I'm here!" The out-of-breath princess gave a small courtesy to the Forest trolls, not paying much attention to them before she took her seat next to her father and began to explain the situation. "I’m so sorry, I was catching up with Satin and Chenille because they made some improvements to my dress and wanted to show me." She stood up and showed her father what she meant. "See, it has poppies on it and it even glows when I- any way that's not important. So I was talking to them and then I realized that it was already running late so I took Skipper" She gestured to the squirrel she left behind, who was currently drinking out of one of the ponds. "But then I-"

Peppy put a hand on her arm and interrupted her before the princess could go any further. "It's okay honey. Really." She gave him a warm smile and sat back down, whispering a small 'Thank you'. Peppy cleared his throat and started speaking.

"Well then, seeing as my daughter has finally arrived, I think it is time for a proper introduction, yes?" The Pop King gestured towards the troll sitting next to him "Thorn, Branch, this is Poppy Heart, my daughter."

"Hi, I'm Poppy!" The Pop princess enthusiastically stuck out her hand to the Forest king. He immediately returned it, shaking it with just as much enthusiasm as the princess radiated.

"It's a pleasure to meet you again, Princess Poppy!"

Poppy smiled at him. She had heard lots of stories from her father about his friend who was separated from him during the 'Great Escape'. Peppy had always made sure to tell her so many tales of when she was a baby back in the Troll Tree, drawing pictures with her 'uncle'. She was glad that he was as nice as her father had described him to be. The Forest Trolls weren’t rude like everyone else was saying! They weren’t these savage outcasts. In fact, with the way their KING responded to her, it seemed to her that they were actually very similar to the Pop Trolls. Poppy unknowingly let out a breath of relief. Maybe this wouldn’t be as bad as she thought. Feeling much more confident, she decided to stick out her hand to the young troll next to the Forest King, once again reintroducing her name.

“Hi, I’m Princess Poppy!”

Silence.

Absolute silence.

Oh.

Poppy stayed like that, her arm stretched out for the next few moments before her happy persona started to break. She felt like her body was sinking into the ground beneath her. She was falling, and falling fast. What was happening? Why was the Forest Prince just glaring at her hand? Why did he have the foul expression written all over his face? It felt like forever before he decided to make an actual movement towards her. He stood up slowly, his stone-cold gaze now moving to look at the princess. A tremble fell down her spine as she finally allowed herself to get a good look at him. His skin… It was…He was…

Grey.

Almost everything about him was grey. His eyes were grey. His skin was grey. He was COMPLETELY grey. The only thing that wasn’t grey was his hair, which stood at a pitch-black color.

‘Oh.’

The Forest Prince’s hand finally clasped hers. His hand felt cool and firm upon her warm, soft ones. He shook once, in a stern, formal way before releasing. 

“Branch.” He murmured, before sitting back down on his chair. It took Poppy a bit more time before she registered what had just happened, and too took a seat down. Oh… that was…

Sensing the rising awkwardness the Pop King quickly spoke. “Well then! I think it is time we finally get this conference meeting started.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

___________________

Branch stared at Poppy as the two kings conversed with one another. Pink. She was pink. Of course, she was pink. And it wasn’t even the soft, mute pink either. No, she was BRIGHT PINK with BRIGHT PINK hair and BRIGHT PINK eyes. Because that was just his luck. He was stuck with the brightest, cheeriest, pinkest troll that ever existed. How perfect. 

Never mind, he wasn’t worried about her anymore. He decided right here and there that he wasn’t worried- that he was never worried. Because now, she’s annoying. Has she done anything yet to offend him? No. Did that matter? No. For she was already the single-handedly, most annoying troll he has ever met. And oh God, don't get him started on her voice! Why was it like that? Why was it so cheery even though she knew that they had both been sentenced to a lifetime of torture? Why was it so happy even though he knew that she was indeed NOT happy about this? He could see her face drop when she took in his colors. He could see the look of disappointment flash through her eyes. In fact, he was surprised that she didn’t pull her hand away in disgust right there and then. So WHY did she STILL sound so happy? Why did it seem like she was ALWAYS so happy? HOW could she ALWAYS be happy?

Branch blinked once he saw Poppy make eye contact with him. She gave a small wave and a faint blush immediately painted his grey cheeks. He looked away and let his eyes fall to the ground beneath them. This was ridiculous. She was ridiculous. This whole thing was ridiculous.

“So, have we reached a consensus?” King Peppy said. The Forest King nodded and started writing some things on a scroll before signing it. He passed it to the Pop king and he signed it as well. Afterward, they both slid it to the side of the table. “Alright, then I believe it is time we start discussing the other issue.” 

They both looked at the young trolls next to them, who immediately sat straight at the hearing of this. They looked at their parents with anticipation, waiting anxiously for their next words.

“The betrothal will take place in exactly two days from now.” Thorn said, “After the marriage, our troops will be brought here and we will start training with the Pop Trolls TOGETHER.” Thorn made sure he emphasized the ‘together’ part, hinting that the kingdoms would be united, at least, for the span of however long it took for the mission to be completed. He wrote out another scroll and passed it over to the two Pop Trolls. They both signed it and handed it to the Forest Prince.

“Okay, fine, whatever.” Branch quickly signed the scroll and passed it over to his father to co-sign. He felt like ripping his hair out. He was so done with this whole meeting and he certainly didn’t want to be here as they talked about his marriage details. He couldn't care where it was, who was there, or how the cake would be. He couldn’t care the tiniest bit. All he cared about right now was getting the hair OUT of there before he had to make another awkward conversation with the princess. He and her would be betrothed in two days and that’s all he needed to know. Thinking that this would be the end, he started getting up. “I will see you in two days, princess.” He said to Poppy, giving her a rushed bow before he turned to leave.

“Branch, wait!” His father reached out and grabbed his arm, stopping him before he could make any real movement away. The sudden rise in his voice hurt the king’s throat and he attempted to hold in a wince. Branch looked at him, noticing that his skin was getting paler by the moment. He was starting to sweat again and his breathing was becoming shallow. It reminded Branch too much of how he was the night before, wheezing and coughing as if he was on his last legs. The king had exasperated himself too much. Realizing his father’s distress, he hesitantly started to sit back down. “Branch…” Thorn’s voice cracked with coughs lodged in his throat. King Peppy saw his friend in pain and ran to get him some water. Thorn thanked him before taking a few gulps from it, clearing his throat, and trying to speak again, but the water did not do much to help his voice. “Branch, there’s more to this plan.”

There was a short pause before Branch responded.

“More? What do you mean by MORE?” Branch’s face turned sour as if he had eaten a whole lemon, but he still tried to keep his composure. “I am to marry the princess in two days. Is that not all?”

Thorn and Peppy shared a look as Poppy and Branch just sat there, growing more confused by the second. Poppy hadn’t said much in the time the meeting took place, but that didn’t mean she didn’t have questions of her own.

“Dad?” A sudden anger started brewing inside her body. “What’s going on?” She gave her father a look, implying that he shouldn’t even dare plan on lying to her again. Peppy let out a large sigh.

“Poppy, Branch, I am assuming you both know of the story of Elijah and Beth?” They both gave a slow nod. To Branch, that story was told to him by his mother lots of times when he was a child. He would hear that story over and over and over again until she… Well, that last bit wasn't relevant. What Branch wanted to know was how that story was related to the conversation that was happening right now.

“Well…” The Pop king continued, “The only reason the trolls were so united was because they were IN love, not just because they were together as a couple. It was because the amount of love they had for each other encouraged the people so much. It inspired everyone to see the lengths the two would take just to keep each other safe…” Poppy squinted her eyes at him. She knew this. He told this to her yesterday. What was the point of repeating it?

“Dad, where are you going with this?” The pink troll asked. Peppy let out another large sigh. He looked at his friend across from him, who still had that deathly look on his face. He had drunk the water he was given as if his life depended on it, and now the cup sat empty in front of him. Even despite his rising sickness, the Forest King still pretended to be okay, although Peppy knew he truly wasn’t.

Thorn thought that he would be able to live with this ‘happy-go-lucky’ attitude for much longer than this, but he was wrong. He was exhausted. He was so, so exhausted. But he still, somehow, found a way to speak.

“Poppy, Branch,” He looked at the two trolls who looked back at him just as intently, “In the two days before your betrothal, you are going to have to be in love .” He saw the shocked and puzzled looks that covered their faces, and he continued speaking before he could hear their reaction. “Or at least PRETEND to be in love- for the public. NO ONE can know about this arrangement.”

"Elijah and Beth…" Poppy whispered, finally piecing everything together. The Pop king nodded.

“Your marriage is nothing more than a title without the actions that follow it. Trolls act from the heart, not from a silly piece of paper.” 

“This is why we are hosting a ball tonight,” Thorn said, looking at his son, then back at the Pop trolls. "8:30 pm at the Forest Kingdom. Any and all trolls are invited.” The king smiled at them. Branch had to keep himself from scowling at his father for deciding without his input, AGAIN. He was especially upset because this decision was something about his future. Although he had to tuck the feelings away for now, due to the king’s illness. This was something that he would discuss with him later.

"You must prove to them that you care about one another." The Forest King continued, "Prove that you trust each other. Prove that you LOVE each other. You have very little time to convince the kingdoms, but you must. We are running out of time and we do not have the patience to deal with the… impudence … of our people. If we are to rescue the captured trolls, then we must act quickly- YOU must act quickly. Do whatever means necessary to convince them.”

The two trolls just sat there, their mouths hanging as they tried to register everything they had just heard. This wasn’t just a betrothal. This wasn’t even close to a normal betrothal. This was something much more than a betrothal. But it couldn’t be. This wasn’t what Branch had signed up for. This was going against every promise and every rule that he had made for himself. How was he supposed to keep a distance from the Pop Princess if they had to pretend they were in love? But he couldn’t love. He wasn’t supposed to love. He wasn’t deserving of love. So HOW was he supposed to pull this off? 

Poppy on the other hand just… sat there. Her mind was blank. It was taking too long for her to process this, but she had a feeling that when she did, she would not be able to handle it. However, right now, this was okay. She was fine with temporarily ‘being in love’ with the Forest Prince as long as it contributed to getting her friends back- to getting Creek back. She would do anything.

She looked at the Forest Prince, who seemed to be having a mental panic attack. She looked closer at him. Aside from his grey skin, black hair, and overall lack of color, the troll in front of her was honestly not that bad looking. He had a broad, built frame, a sharp jawline, and some great height. It surely wouldn’t be hard pretending to be attracted to him for the public, but she wasn’t sure how she would fake her love for him. She tucked that thought in the back of her brain. For now, that wasn’t worth worrying about. 

Time would tell soon enough.

________________________________

The Pop royalties bid their goodbyes to the Forest trolls, watching as they left on their Verdins before she and her father rode home on her squirrel. By the time she reached Pop Village, it was almost 1 pm, and her jaw dropped at the sight of her home. 

The smoke had done all but improved in the last couple hours she was gone. She could’ve sworn that it was somehow getting thicker. Pods that were hanging by a thread before, had fully fallen, leaving themselves broken on the floor. The once green grass was now a disgusting color of yellow. Splashes of red painted some areas of the ground, reminding her of all the injured trolls. Their hospital was in shambles. It seemed that as time passed, the village had only gotten worse. It was something that sent horrible chills down her body.

In the conference meeting, she remembered her father and the Forest King discussing the evacuation of her people to a more secluded place. The Waterfall Archives were suggested, but as much as it was beautiful, many problems came with it. For one, many of the Pop trolls were too injured to make such a long journey so they required some assistance. Two, even though it was hard for the trolls to find the place, with the height of the Bergens, the Waterfall Archives were bound to be much too noticeable, so they required some help to camouflage it. Three, the Waterfall Archives lacked a great number of trees, which was essential for Pop culture. Although Poppy was sure that her people would be able to put up with it, she would be very grateful if there was a way they could get some tree seed donations. The Forest King said that he would take this into consideration of his people and see if they were interested in helping them. However, Poppy knew for a fact that there would be no chance in hell they would help them unless they were persuaded somehow.

Poppy roamed her home, or at least, what was once her home. The royal ball was in 7 hours. It took 6 hours to get to the Forest Kingdom by squirrel or glowbug. She knew what she had to do. 

It wasn’t fair that her people had to endure this. It wasn’t fair that they were prey to those horrible, bloodthirsty monsters. It wasn’t. It truly wasn’t. So with that, she announced to her people that the Forest King had invited them all to their royal ball. At first, it was silent, but it wasn’t long before her people roared out in a happy cheer. At this point, it didn’t matter to them if it was the Forest Trolls throwing it, a party was definitely the thing they needed to boost morale. And a ball was a great excuse to allow the Pop Trolls to dress up. 

With this triumph, she called Satin and Chenille over to her pod, who were both still bouncing with excitement. They immediately got started on making dresses for the village, both of them working insanely fast. Poppy smiled at the two trolls. This was good. If the ball was a success then maybe, just maybe, the Forest trolls would agree to help her people evacuate. If the marriage was a success then maybe, just maybe, the Forest trolls would agree to merge their militaries. 

Poppy decided right then and there that she would fool them all. She would be ‘head-over-heels’ in love with the Forest prince. She would smile at any action and laugh at every joke. She would be the emblem of the love they needed. She would put on an act so great that it would go down in history. Poppy let herself smile harder. She would take this one step at a time. One step at a time before her people were safe. One step at a time before her friends were safe. One step at a time before Creek was safe.

Just one step at a time.

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