Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

In another world, a young boy was abandoned by his older brothers then soon, loses his beloved grandmother in a tragic accident, resulting into losing all happiness and hiding himself from the world to protect himself from getting hurt again while a princess is living a very joyful and happy life with great friends and a loving father, who is keeping a secret regarding her older sister whom he believes to be dead.

They soon embark on an adventure, leading to the boy to find happiness again and the princess to become the queen she was meant to be, which soon leads to them going on even more adventures...

But what would happen if someone made a decision...

A decision that could change the course of the story?

What if there is a universe, where a certain grandmother managed to talk some sense into her older grandsons?

What would you think would happen in that universe?

Let’s find out, shall we?

Chapter Text

Once Upon a Time…

In a happy forest, in the happiest tree, lived the happiest creatures that the world has ever known, the Trolls. The loved nothing more than to sing and dance and hug and so on and so forth. It was a time of joy and peace until one day, the trolls were discovered by…

A Bergen.

They were the nastiest and most miserable creatures in the land because they don’t know how to make themselves happy and they saw how happy the trolls were and wanted that happiness for themselves but they don’t know how.

Until one of them ate a troll.

They discovered that eating a troll made them so happy that they started a terrible tradition, that once a year, the bergens would gather around the Troll Tree to have a taste of happiness on a holiday they called…

Trollstice.

“Go! Go! Go!”

An orange-skinned troll with fuchsia hair and beard wearing a leaf crown chanted has he leads a group of multi-colored trolls down the long and winding tunnels has they made their escape.

It was Trollstice once again and for decades, they have suffered under the bergens greedy thumb. They watched loved ones, both young and old, be taken from them. No troll had the strength or the courage to fight against their oppressors.

Until now…

“Daddy!”

The king stopped then turned around and saw a young girl with pink skin and curly blonde hair running up to him carrying a giggling pink-skinned and haired baby. The young trolling wore a leafy green one piece with a blue poppy flower in the front.

The king sighed in relief and smiled lovingly at the young girl. “Ah, there’s my two princesses.” He pulled his daughter into a hug. “Daddy! Daddy, I got Poppy!” The girl showed her father the still giggling baby, who beamed when she saw her father.

“Dada!”

Poppy giggled and the king smiled has he kissed Poppy's head which made her giggle then turned to his oldest daughter and smiled proudly at her. “Good job, Viva!” The pink trolling, Viva, smiled at her father but then a male troll came up to them with a worried expression.

“King Peppy, some of the others can’t keep up.”

Peppy nodded and gently pushed his daughters to the troll. “Take my daughters and Viva, stay safe and keep an eye on your sister.” Then handed him torch before running back into the tunnel and shouted.

“No Troll left behind!”

“Daddy!”

Viva watched has her father raced back into the tunnel to rescue the others with a worried and scared expression has she holds her baby sister close to her as the troll from earlier leads them out of the tunnel.

Once they were out, she darted across the crowd looking for someone until she spotted just behind the crowd, four blue-skinned and lavender nosed trolls. The tallest had green hair with goggles, the second one had purple hair, the third had blonde hair like hers and the fourth had magenta hair and wore a white earring. They all wore the same puffy vest jackets but the colors matching their hair and white pants, and they were all carrying huge backpacks on their backs.

“Okay, bro-sound off; Spruce!”

“Here!” The purple haired troll answered.

“Clay!”

“I’m here!” The yellow haired troll answered.

“Floyd?”

“Right here.” The magenta haired troll raised his hand then looked towards the green haired troll with a worried expression. “John Dory, where’s Branch?”

The others looked towards the John Dory with concerned expressions and John Dory smiled reassuringly at his brothers then looked up towards his hair. “Want to come out to reassure our brothers, Bitty B?”

“Are they gone?”

A soft, small voice spoke and John Dory chuckled. “Yeah, they’re gone buddy. We don’t have to worry about them anymore.”

Not a lie but not the entire truth either, they still need to get as far away from here as possible but he wanted to put them at ease. Slowly a small blue-skinned hand, the same shade as the rest of them peeked out of the green hair then a small cherub-like face soon came out and looked around with wide, anxious sapphire blue eyes.

Floyd smiled has he walks up to John Dory and carefully took out the small trolling out of their eldest brother’s hair. Branch looked up and saw it was Floyd, he smiled and hugged him, wrapping his arms around his brother’s neck. They felt relief flow through them when they saw their youngest brother safe and sound.

Floyd hugged Branch back then Clay joined in, pulling Spruce, who also pulled John Dory, into the group hug. John Dory sighed has he hugged his brothers, he looks up and smiles.

“Thanks grandma.”

He whispers then looks at his brothers, who are all still alive and are now safe, he couldn’t help but smile happily. No doubt their grandma, their amazing and selfless grandmother, was watching over them, feeling content and at peace knowing that all of her boys are now safe and sound.

“Clay!”

All of the brothers looked up and saw Viva running up to them carrying Poppy in her arms. Clay was the first one to pull away and frowned in worry when he saw how worried the oldest princess was.

“Viva?”

Before he could say anything else, Poppy was shoved into his arms making him grunt and he quickly adjusted the infant in his arms.

“Please keep Poppy safe. I’m going back to look for dad!”

Then she quickly darted away, running back towards the tunnels.

“Viva!!”

Clay called out and quickly handed Poppy to Spruce then ran after her. John Dory was hot on his heels, there was no way he was letting one of his little brothers go into danger, not on his watch! The other trolls tried to stop the princess but they weren’t quick enough has she dodges all of them.

“Viva, please stop!”

Clay called out again and saw her about to enter the tunnels, he reached out to her, almost grabbing her hand but was pulled back away from the tunnel entrance. John Dory pulled Clay away from the entrance while the young troll was struggling under his grip.

“John, let me go! I have to help her!”

“No way Clay, it’s too dangerous!”

Of course Clay knew that, but he wasn’t gonna let his friend get hurt!

He kept trying to pull away from his brother’s grip but it was futile, he looked up and watched has the blonde haired princess’s figure disappears into the dark tunnels.

Back in the tunnels, King Peppy was wearing nothing but his underwear since he took them off to help aid the others in their escape then he felt a tremor from above then saw a shovel break through the ceiling.

Seems like the bergens finally figured out that they had escaped.

“Daddy!”

He felt his blood run cold then he looked up and saw Viva running towards him.

“Viva!”

He quickly hugged his daughter. “What are you doing here?! Didn’t I tell you to stay put?!”

“I want to make sure that you’re okay and I want to help!”

Viva argued, looking at him with a scared but determined expression. Peppy couldn’t decide if he should feel proud of his daughter’s bravery or scared knowing that his daughter, his young daughter, was willingly putting herself in danger.

He was about to say something until another tremor happened and the ceiling was breaking open. He looked around and saw that there are still trolls in the tunnels, they were either injured or too scared to get out by themselves. He was conflicted to decide either to get his daughter out as fast as possible or let her help him save their fellow trolls.

But it seems the decision was already made for him has Viva ran further into the tunnels, shouting at the top of her lungs.

“NO TROLL LEFT BEHIND!”

“Viva!”

Peppy shouted in worry then staggered has the rumbling increased, the stragglers cried out then Peppy sprang into action. He carried all the stragglers he can see and lifted them up over his shoulders has he ran down the tunnels, hoping and praying that he could get them out then go look for his daughter.

Soon a pickaxe broke through and it got lodged in his underwear, preventing him from moving. Making a quick decision, he launch the group forward then managed to quickly get himself free. Once he was free, he ran back down the tunnels, shouting for Viva, hoping to find her.

“Viva? Viva!!”

He heard a cry and followed the sound further down the tunnels. When he arrived, he gasped and his eyes widen in fear has he watch his daughter trying to fight off a Bergen hand from snatching up any of the trolls.

“Stay back! You big, ugly, bullies!”

She whips her hair towards the hand like a whip has she tries to protect the other trolls. She found them huddled up together, trying to get away from large green hands, and she wasted no time fighting them back.

Then another hair whip appeared. Surprised, she turned around and saw it was her father. The trolls cheered while Viva smiled in relief and awe has she watched her father fought. Peppy continues to whip his hair at the hand, making much more progress than Viva, until the hands backed away.

Peppy turned towards the group and quickly pulled his daughter into a hug. “Oh, my brave little girl. Good job protecting them but please don’t do that again, you almost gave this poor father a heart attack.”

Viva sighed has she hugged her father then they both pulled away and faced the other trolls. “Quickly, let’s go!” Peppy led the rest of the trolls down the tunnels but suddenly a huge tremor appeared and the ceiling was shaking and dust fell from the cracks.

Peppy looked around and saw another tunnel. “This way!” He quickly ushered them towards the tunnel, making sure that all of them get out. Viva ran but then another tremor appeared making her trip and sprain her knee.

She cried out and Peppy saw his daughter sitting on the floor hugging her knee with a pain-filled expression. “Viva!” He ran to her and quickly scooped her up then ran towards the tunnel where the others were waiting for them.

The sounds of cracking then soon the ceiling give away and started crumbling. Peppy knew he wasn’t going to make it so he made a decision. He looked down at his daughter and hugged her tightly.

“Listen to me my little wildflower, promise me that you and Poppy will always take care of each other and be there for one another, alright?”

The pink trolling, doesn’t understand why her father was telling her this but nodded her head. “I promise, Daddy.”

Peppy smiled at her with teary eyes and kissed her head gently. “Remember, I’ll always love you and Poppy and know that I’m always with you, wherever you go.”

“Daddy?”

Now Viva was getting scared. Why is her dad talking like this? They were going to get out of here together and meet up with the rest of the village and Poppy, and be a family right?

“I love you, princess.”

Peppy smiled at her one last time then threw her towards the trolls, who managed to catch her, has the ceiling crumbled at the same time.

“DADDY!!!!”

Viva screamed has the tunnel collapsed.

Meanwhile, at the same time, the group of trolls that Peppy threw earlier were rolling down the tunnels until they reached the exit and landed safely on the ground or each other. Some of the trolls helped them stand up or tend to their wounds.

They noticed that their king wasn’t with them and a tense silence hung in the air. One of the injured trolls limped towards the tunnel and peeped inside, hoping to see any sign of their savior.

“I don’t think King Peppy made it…”

The troll trailed off. Everyone stared at the tunnel, hoping that the mighty king would appear but alas, he didn’t.

“And Viva?”

Everyone turned to look at Clay but the yellow haired troll couldn’t care less of the eyes staring at him has he addressed the troll.

“D-Do you see Viva?”

Clay asked the troll. Fear and desperation laced in his voice, praying with all his heart that the fiery pink troll managed to made it out and was okay but his hopes were crushed when the troll bowed his head and sadly shook his head.

Clay let out a shaky breath in disbelief. He won’t believe it, he couldn’t believe it, he knows Viva’s alright, she’s got to be! There’s no way she’s gone! He didn’t even get the chance to tell her-

He felt something wet on his face and noticed that he was crying then felt a firm hand on his shoulder. He looked up and saw Spruce, looking at him with a sad expression has tears clung to the edges of his eyes. The purple haired troll pulled him into a hug and Clay broke down.

Tears streamed down his eyes has he buries his face in his big brother’s chest. Spruce rubs his brother’s back has a lone silent tear fell down his face. John stares at his brothers with solemn expression has he pulls Floyd towards him, who was also crying and rubbing Branch’s back as if to soothe his baby brother.

Branch was also sad but he didn’t like seeing Clay and Floyd cry. But since he couldn’t get to Clay, so he settled in hugging Floyd instead, who hugged him back and whispered thanks has magenta haired troll gave him a kiss on his head. John Dory couldn’t help the small smile on his face at how sweet his baby brother was.

“Has anyone seen Princess Poppy?”

One of the trolls asked and that seem to snap Joh Dory out has he quickly answered.

“Uh yeah, she’s, uh, right here.”

He gently took her out of his hair then placed the baby troll gently on the ground. The pink troll infant looked around and saw the sad looks on their faces and tilted her head in confusion.

Why are they sad? Dada and Vee got everyone out, so why do they look sad?

She looked around and noticed that she couldn’t see her father or her sister. “Dada? Vee?” She called out, thinking they were playing ‘peak-a-boo’ but when they didn’t appear, she called out to them again.

“Dada? Vee?”

Again. They didn’t answer, so she kept trying again and again and again.

Everyone couldn’t help but give their remaining princess sympathetic and pitying looks has the infant kept calling out to her family, who aren’t here anymore.

John Dory looked at Poppy in sympathy. He knew what it was like to lose the people you love then a thought crossed his mind that made him shiver. What would’ve happened if he and the others did manage to run away that night after the failed concert?

What would happen If grandma hadn’t managed to talk them down?

And if the events happened the same way…

His eyes widen in horror at the realization.

Oh god, they would’ve made Branch, their sweet, angelic baby brother, an orphan! Without even realizing it! They would’ve left their baby brother alone in a world with no one to take care of him!

Now with this new information in his head, he felt even more grateful of their grandmother and wanted to hit past him in the head. He looks at his brothers, their grandmother’s last words and the promise they made to each other on that day echoed in his head. He promised himself that he’ll always be there for his brothers, not as a leader but an older brother and that’s what he’s going to do.

Meanwhile, Poppy kept calling to her father and sister but once again they didn’t show up. When she finally realized that they weren’t here, that they were gone, she cried.

She cried and cried and cried and cried. Big fat tears ran down her chubby cheeks has she kept calling out for the father and sister that were no longer there. Despair and sadness filled her heart and slowly, her colors began to disappear.

Everyone gasped in horror as they watched the princess’s bright pink skin turned into a light and dull shade of gray.

“The princess… she’s turned gray!”

Everyone didn’t know what to do, they never seen a gray troll before and if they did, their colors would usually return not much later. Branch looked at the crying princess and he wanted to make her feel better.

Grandma and Floyd always told him that he gives the best hugs, so that’s what he is going to do. He shimmied out of Floyd’s grip and went towards Poppy. Everyone watched has the Brozone’s youngest member walked up towards the crying princess, opened his arms and gave her a hug.

“I’m sorry.”

Branch whispered in her ear has he keeps hugging her. Everyone couldn’t help but smile at the display and felt relief when it got Poppy to stop crying but felt disappointed when her colors didn’t return, not even the slightest, while the four Brozone brothers looked at their youngest with pride.

“Okay, that’s enough.” They all turned towards a golden glitter-skinned troll. “We need to get going, I am just as sad about what happened and we can think about the princess’s situation later but right now, we need to get as far away from the Bergens as possible.” Everyone murmured in agreement then a female troll with yellow skin and huge red hair wearing a purple dress appeared and walked up towards Branch and Poppy.

Branch noticed her as she kneels in front of them and looks at Branch with a smile. “Hey there sweetheart, you mind if I take your friend?” She looks at Poppy and smiles gently at her. Branch stares at her has he hugs Poppy closer.

“Who are you?”

“My name is Mags Gumdrop, sweetie and I was a friend of King Peppy.”

She smiled softly at the blue trolling when she noticed his cautious behavior towards her and she couldn’t help but chuckle. Branch stares at her then looks back to Poppy then back to her. He wanted to be the one to make the princess smile and laugh like he used to when he first met her. The brothers smiled and Spruce, after he makes sure Clays alright, walks towards Branch and kneels down beside him.

“It’s okay, Bitty B. You can trust her, she was also friends with grandma.”

Spruce smiles down at his baby brother and Branch looks at the older woman and his eyes widen when she nodded. He kind of remembers seeing her when she visited their pod and vaguely remembers being pinched on the cheeks. He still felt conflicted, wanted to be there for his friend and make sure she was okay but also knows that he can trust her. He looks towards Spruce and his brother smiles and nods his head.

He slowly pulled away and Mags Gumdrop smiled at Branch and patted his head then picks the princess up while Spruce picks Branch up and carries him back to their brothers. The village began to walk into the forest but then Spruce spotted Clay standing in front of the tunnel.

The brothers frowned in worry. Spruce and John Dory shared a glance and oldest nodded his head. Spruce handed Branch to Floyd has he walks up towards Clay. He saw his ears droop and the heartbroken frown on his face.

Spruce stands beside him and slowly wraps an arm around him and spoke in a soft voice, so not to startle him. “Hey, I know it’s hard right now but it will be better someday.” Clay looks up and Spruce gives him a comforting smile. Clays sniffs has he wipes the tears off his eyes and Spruce gives him a comforting squeeze.

“Come on, little brother.”

Spruce gently leads him away from the tunnel and towards where John Dory, Floyd and Branch were waiting. Floyd and Branch looked at each other and nodded. Floyd walked up to Clay and handed Branch to him, who then gives his older brother a hug. Spruce, John Dory and Floyd chuckle at the sight has Clay hugs him back.

“Feel better?”

Branch whispers has he nuzzles the side of his face and Clay couldn’t help but laugh has he pulls away and smiles at his baby brother then gives him a kiss on the head.

“Much. Thanks Branch.”

Branch smiles and hugs him again. Clay’s heart melted at how sweet and caring his baby bro was.

“Hey, you going to be alright?”

Floyd asked, looking at Clay with worry has he gives him his backpack which he dropped when he went after Viva. He knows how much the yellow haired troll cared for the older princess, so knowing that she was gone is tough on him. Clay looks at Floyd and smiles has he puts on his backpack and adjusts Branch in his arms so he can hold him for comfortably.

“Not now, but I will be,” Then he looks at Spruce. “Someday.” Spruce smiles at him and Floyd smiles at Clay and places a hand on his shoulder. “Remember, if you need to talk about it. We’ll be right here.” Spruce and John Dory nodded and gave Clay comforting smiles which Clay felt grateful.

“Thanks bros.”

“Any time, now let’s get going.”

They nodded as they follow the rest of the village has they began to trek through the forest and towards their new home.

Chapter Text

“So, thanks to the bravery and selflessness of King Peppy and Princess Viva, the trolls were saved and Troll Village was created.”

Floyd, who was now thirty years old, closed the book and smiled at the children sitting in front of him. “That’s why we have a statue of King Peppy and Princess Viva at the center of the village, to honor them along with the trolls that we lost.”

“And why we hug every hour.”

“I wish it was every half hour though."

Floyd couldn’t help but chuckle has he stands up from his chair and places the book back in the bookshelf. Floyd’s hair was the same deep magenta but he now had bangs framing his face, he wore a red autumn leaf jacket vest and black pants with a belt buckle and his earring was now black, and he wore a magenta wristband and a silver dog tag necklace.

Twenty years had gone by and troll society was flourishing, they may have a rough beginning but now they are all living in peace and harmony. Floyd and his brothers had some ups and downs, argued about some things but in the end of the day they'll talk it out and it just makes them grow even closer to each other. He was snapped out of his thoughts when one of the kids spoke up.

“Mr. Floyd, do the Bergens still want to eat us?”

Floyd bit his bottom lip, trying to come up with an answer that doesn’t frighten the little kids. He sighed has he turns back to the children and gives them a soft, sad smile has he nodded. “Unfortunately yes, they do.”

They gasped in fear and he quickly reassure them. “But that’s just because they think it will make them happy.”

“Isn’t there anything else to make them happy?”

A little girl with yellow skin and tangerine hair and dress asked the older troll then the other trollings started to give out their own answers.

“Ooh! What about having birthday parties?”

“Or slumber parties!”

“Or staring at your parents while they sleep…”

All of the children looked creeped out while Floyd smiled nervously has he sweat drops then he turns towards the little girl, who had a worried and scared expression. He smiled softly at her.

“Hey, don’t worry. We’re safe now so don’t you worry.”

She smiled at him and he smiled back then the sound of a bell rang. “Okay everyone, that’s it for today. Now don’t forget that tonight's the 20^th Anniversary Celebration, so all of you better run on home and get ready for tonight.”

“Mr. Floyd, are you and your brothers going to perform at the party tonight?”

Floyd laughed has he saw the excited looks on all of them and he nodded.

“You bet!”

All of the trollings cheered as they all grabbed their books or bags and ran out of the classroom. Floyd shook his head in amusement then proceeded to clean the classroom. Soon he was done and began to walk out of the school building. He took a deep, relaxing breath then made his way back into the village. Has he makes his way back, his sensitive ears twitched when he heard someone calling out to him.

“Hey Floyd!”

He turned around and smiled widely when he recognized who it was. It was a troll with cyan blue skin like his own, royal blue hair with hints of purple and bright sapphire blue eyes. He wore a green leaf jacket vest and dark maroon shorts. He wore a green wristband and a silver dog tag necklace.

“Hey Branch, where have you been?”

Floyd noticed the two baskets full of berries in his hands. He can already guess why that was has he gives him a teasing smile. “Let me guess, you got too much and were planning to give them to Spruce.”

He said it has a fact and not a question. Branch smiled sheepishly and let out a chuckle. “Yeah, I was in the forest gathering herbs for the hospital and berries to restock our berry supply back in the hideout. Before I knew it, I got too much so I was going to give them to Spruce and Biggie.”

Floyd chuckled and shook his head in amusement. His little brother tends to get so focused on a task that he sometimes would get carried away. Throughout the years, his little brother grew up to be a handsome, intelligent and a golden hearted troll.

John Dory, Clay and Spruce like boast that they raised Branch to be so sweet and thoughtful while Floyd was so caring and kind but they all know that it was actually their grandmother’s hard work.

Then he smiled even wider at the mention of the hideout, his sweet baby brother showed him and their brothers the drawing of the hideout and let’s just say after years had passed, they finally managed to build it and it became the Brozone brothers’ little safe haven; a place where they can relax and have some peace and quiet, and to get away from the craziness of the village or from each other.

Don’t get Floyd wrong, he loves his brothers to death but there is a limit to the chaos that a troll can take and he needs his alone time.

“Here, let me help.”

Floyd walked up to his little brother and took hold of the other basket, Branch smiled at him and handed him the other basket. “Thanks, I’ve already delivered the herbs to the hospital. So all that’s left is to head to the restaurant then find Biggie.”

The moment he said that, the two brothers’ ears twitched when they heard trolls singing and cheering, quite loudly if I may add.

Don’t stop, don’t stop

Don’t stop the beat

I can’t stop, can’t stop

Can’t stop the beat

I won’t stop, won’t stop

Won’t stop the beat

Go!

They recognized the voices immediately and Floyd didn’t know whether to be amused or exasperated while Branch just sighed and shook his head. They made their way towards the village and were in time to catch the ending of the song.

There, right in front of the group were Branch’s friends, AKA The Snack Pack. Branch can remember how he met his friends throughout the years.

Branch was six when he met the four-legged troll, Cooper, when the latter accidentally got hurt and Branch took him home to patch him up then he met the gentle and sensitive blue giant, Biggie and his pet worm, Mr. Dinkles, who asked Branch to be his Palestine, and when Branch was fifteen, he met the party fanatic silver glitter troll, Guy Diamond, who he accidentally caught having a vulnerable moment and they’ve been close ever since. Then there were the fashion twins, Satin and Chenille, who wanted to design clothes for their favorite idols, then he met Fuzzbert on a nature walk. A year after that, Branch met DJ Suki when the aspiring DJ needed help catching her runaway wooferbug and last, he met the freakishly strong yet tiny troll, Smidge, who appointed herself has Branch’s bodyguard when she noticed that he was being harassed by crazy fans and admirers. There was one other member and Branch’s long-time friend but Branch can’t see them.

He smiled at his friends, knowing that they must be really excited for the party tonight. Frankly, every troll in the village was.

Well, except one…

Branch and Floyd heard someone clear their throat and they turned their heads towards the sound and there they saw a troll with light gray skin with a slight pink tinge and dark gray hair wearing a short dark gray dress and a headband made out of vines.

She was looking at the group with disdain and annoyance. “Seriously guys? I can hear all of you all the way from my pod, which is very far in case you forgot.” Her fuchsia eyes glared at them in a scolding manner then she added.

“All of you are going to tip off the Bergens being that loud!”

Oh no…

Floyd and Branch shared a glance, already knowing this won’t end well.

“Oh boy.” Guy Diamond sighed has he rolled his eyes.

“Here we go again.” Cooper muttered while Biggie looked at Poppy with sympathy. “Oh Poppy.”

“You always do this,” Satin commented then Chenille added. “Always ruin everything, rambling on and on about the Bergens.”

“No, I don’t.” Poppy quickly denied.

“Do we have to remind you of the time when you have to cancel the Winter Celebration because you thought a Bergen was close by when it was actually just a caterbus, snoring really loudly? You made a lot of the trolls mad that day.”

Smidge looked at Poppy with a raised brow and crossed her arms over her chest.

Poppy shuffled her feet nervously. She didn’t mean to ruin everyone’s fun that time, she just wanted to keep them safe. You might never know when an attack might happen and it was her job to keep everyone safe, just like how her father and sister managed to kept them all safe.

“Well you never know, it could’ve been a Bergen.” Poppy argued which made Smidge narrow her eyes at the gray troll has she placed her hands on her hips. “Poppy, Branch was upset for days! His brothers had to drag him out of their secret hideout to cheer him up!”

Branch, Floyd and Poppy winced at the memory. Branch loves the winter season ever since his grandmother and his brothers took him out to play in the snow for the first time, and he loves it ever since.

When they heard that the celebration was cancelled because they thought a Bergen was nearby, Branch had understood but when he found out it was nothing but a false alarm, he was extremely upset and wouldn’t leave the hideout. The Brozone brothers had tried everything to get him to come out so Floyd and Spruce had to resort to luring Branch out of the hideout using their grandmother’s homemade fudge recipe.

Poppy bit her lip in guilt when she remembered. She didn’t mean to make Branch so upset and it stabbed at her heart when he wouldn’t talk to her for days after the incident. The two brothers glanced back and forth between them then glanced at each other and nodded.

It’s probably a good time for them to intervene, before Smidge could grill their princess even more about her behavior.

“Hey everyone, is everything alright here?”

Branch called out has he and Floyd walked up to them. The Snack Pack greeted the brothers then Floyd went to Poppy and placed a hand on her shoulder. The princess relaxed, feeling her earlier frustration subsiding. She doesn't mind physical contact from the people she's close too but she gets highly uncomfortable if it's from a stranger.

“Hello Poppy, how are feeling today?”

Floyd asked giving Poppy a smile and the princess gave the older troll a small smile in return. “Hello Floyd. I'm feeling well today.”

Actually that was a lie, a big fat lie.

She feels like crap and just wants to lie in bed all day and wallow in her loneliness. Today marks the twentieth year that they have escaped from the Bergens, twenty years of freedom but for Poppy it also marks the day when her father and big sister were taken from her, the day she lost any shreds of happiness and became an outcast. Before she could delve further into her thoughts, she was drawn back to reality when she felt a firm squeeze on her shoulder. She looked up and saw Floyd frowning in concern.

"I know when you're lying to me, Princess."

Damn it, she thought she hid it well this time!

She looks down towards the grass, not making eye contact with Floyd. Why did she thought it was a good idea to lie? Especially to a troll like Floyd? Simple, she didn't want to be a burden to him. He's a busy troll and he shouldn't waste his time helping someone like her, listening to her problems and worries. He has four brothers to look out for and he's a part-time teacher at the school, he shouldn't trouble himself with somebody like her. But he does, he's always ready to listen to her, let's her vent out her frustrations or be a shoulder to cry on.

Floyd stares at Poppy and sighs, he squeezes her shoulder again making her look up at him and he gives her a gentle smile. "I understand how you feel Poppy, you don't have to talk about but I'm right here whenever you're ready."

Poppy won’t admit it, even if you threaten her entire scrapbook collection, that out of all the Brozone brothers, her favorite ones were Floyd and Branch. Don’t misunderstand her, she likes all the brothers just fine but she was the most comfortable with the two youngest.

Speaking of which...

Poppy looks up and watches as Branch gives Biggie the basket, which made the big troll beam a smile has he accepted it. “Thank you so much Branch! I was planning to get some berries to use them for the desserts I’m going to bring to the party! These are perfect!”

Branch smiled, happy to see Biggie so happy, then he turned towards the gray troll and flashed her a smile and a friendly wave. “Hey Poppy.”

“H-Hi Branch…”

She shyly greeted him has her face had a slight flush. Why did that troll just had to have a beautiful smile? It’s seem quite unfair to her.

Branch has always been by her side ever since they met, always ready to lend a hand or drop everything just to help her. She once told him that she didn't need help but the stubborn troll just won't listen. He always visits her to see how she was doing or drags her away from her work to force her to relax and take it easy, which is kind of ironic coming from the most overachieving troll she knows.

A successful celebrity musician, a part-time engineer, a recognized survivalist and what Floyd told her and from the grapevine, an aspiring doctor has well.

But despite all that, Branch always makes time for her. In fact, he planned out everything and he always schedules a day, in every week, just to spend time with her. It makes her feel warm and guilty at the same time. She looks up and was startled to find the blue haired troll was in front of her. She squeaks in surprise then looks down in embarrassment with her face flushed.

Branch chuckled when he saw how shy and flustered the princess had gotten. He always thought how cute it was that she always gets so shy. One moment she was fiery and stubborn like a mama cuddlepup then the next, she was a shy and blushing maiden. If anyone asked Branch who was his best friend, many would think it would be Floyd and they would be correct but at the same time not.

In his mind and heart, Poppy was his best friend, ever since they first met, way before she lost her colors. Ever since they escaped and established Troll Village, he made it his personal mission to always be there for her and help her whenever she needs it, and even if she tells him no, he's too stubborn to listen but more importantly, he wants to be there for her, to make sure she wasn't alone and maybe, just maybe, to see her smile again.

He misses her smile the most.

Branch ruffles her head and she swats it then gives him a halfhearted glare which was more like a pout to him. He snickers then laughs when she pouts even more, he gives her a friendly smile then turns toward Smidge. “Okay Smidge, while I appreciate you looking out for me and you have no idea how thankful I am for that, but you don’t have to remind anyone of that incident. I was fine afterwards and I already forgave Poppy, end of story.”

Branch looks at the small troll with a serious expression, trying to convince her to drop it. Smidge looked a bit guilty has she muttered an apology then he turns to Poppy. “And Poppy, I understand where you're coming from and believe me, I do, but we managed to stay out of sight and hearing range from the Bergens for twenty years. While I admire that you wanted to keep us safe but you need to tone it down a bit once and a while.”

Branch stated then Floyd joined in. “Branch is right, we love how much you care for all of us and that you want what’s best for us but sometimes, you need to ease up a bit because trying too hard or too much doesn’t just affect everyone but you as well.”

Floyd looked at her with a gentle expression but you can see the concern in his pink eyes. “You need to allow yourself to relax and slow down.”

Poppy silently glances at the brothers has she sighs. “I know…” She mumbles and she knows that Branch and Floyd are both right but she still has to make sure that her people are safe and sound.

As the sole ruler, she has to think about the safety and well-being of her subjects. “But we can never be too careful.” She stated which got Floyd to snort in amusement and Branch to laugh which made Poppy blush again while the rest rolled their eyes but nodded in agreement with the brothers.

“Yeah, and you’ll have lots of time to relax and enjoy yourself at the party later!” Cooper commented with a laugh. It was an innocent comment but it brought of wave of sadness and pain through Poppy but this time, it was much stronger. She shuffled her feet on the ground anxiously, feeling uncomfortable.

“I-I don’t know… I have lots to do and I have to check the evacuation shelters and our emergency supplies, then I need to talk to John Dory and his team about upping our village’s defenses.”

When she was a child, she once overheard that the oldest of the Brozone brothers managed to convince the village elders to set up defenses around the village and a protection squad to keep them safe from any predators after a few close calls.

Since then, Poppy has been following them and asking them for any updates on their patrols or wanting to know how the defenses work so she can check on them in her spare time. Then she came up with the idea of shelters in case a disaster happens or if the Bergens will show up and she got the idea of the village’s emergency rations from Branch when he told her about his family’s ration stocks.

She was planning to do inventory of the ration stocks tonight and making sure the evacuation shelters were up to par.

It keeps her busy and takes her mind away from the pain.

“But it’s gonna be the biggest-“

“The loudest-“

“Craziest party ever!”

The Snack Pack immediately protested. They knew she was thinking about her family and they wanted to make their princess, soon to be queen, happy, so that’s why they wanted to make it the biggest and most fun celebration she’s ever experience.

They thought it would make her happy, maybe even excited, but it got the opposite effect from the gray princess.

She furrowed her eyes at them angrily. “Big? Loud? Crazy?! You’re basically putting up a sign that says; ‘Tasty Trolls here! Come and see!’” She fumed, feeling anger and frustration rising up. All that work to keep the village safe and they were planning to ruin it.

Floyd squeezed her shoulder, trying to get her to calm down. Guy Diamond crossed his arms has he looks at Poppy with an impatient look. “Come on Poppy, Branch, Floyd and the others are going to perform tonight and I thought you wanted to support them, especially Floyd and Branch!”

“Yeah, Branch has been trying to invite you to come to at least one of their shows, but you never did!”

“And Branch always looks like a kicked puppy whenever you don't show up.”

“Satin! Chenille!”

Branch exclaimed, his face flushing in embarrassment, while the twin fashionistas just shrugged their shoulders. “Sorry Branchie, but someone had to say it.”

Poppy couldn’t help but feel shame and guilt every time she remembers turning down Branch’s invites to come to their shows and the sad look in his eyes even when he puts up a smile and tells her he understands; it always eats at her heart with guilt. She always loved their songs and watch the way they dance, always so in sync, and she likes hearing them sing, especially Branch.

That troll had the voice of an angel.

“My, what do we have here?”

‘Oh great, just what I need.’

Poppy mentally groaned when she recognized the voice. She looked up and saw a troll with purple skin and blue-green hair, Creek. It’s not like she dislikes him – okay, she might find him quite annoying, scratch that, a lot annoying. It’s just that, he always comes off has arrogant and standoffish, and okay she admits that he’s quite handsome and she would’ve had a crush on him in another world but in this one, she finds him absolutely irritating.

“Poppy, I know that you want what’s best for us and I thank you for sharing your unique view on things, but you might want to try some positivity. Your aura feels quite strung up and oppressive, some nice relaxing tea might help.”

Creek gives her a friendly smile but she knew he was silently mocking her and she can feel her eye subtly twitch in annoyance. “You might also want to try meditation as well. All that negativity is quite bad for you, darling, letting go of all negativity will surely help brighten up your mood.”

‘Okay, if he spews one more of his spiritual nonsense at my face, I’m going to throttle him and Floyd and the others can’t stop me!’

“Creek, stop it. I thought we talked about this, if she doesn’t want to then it’s her choice.”

Branch scolded his friend and gave him a stern expression has he crossed his arms then he flashed her an apologetic and reassuring smile before turning back to the blue-green haired troll.

‘Okay, maybe except him…’

Poppy smiled gratefully at Branch has she watched Creek trying to come up with an apology. Then guilt filled her when she remembered what the blue troll said, she didn’t want to come between Branch and his friends, no matter how annoying they are, so she gently shrugged off Floyd’s hand of her shoulder and cleared her throat which caught their attention and turned to her.

She plastered a smile and turn to Creek. “Thank you for the suggestions Creek, I’ll think about it. Anyhow, I need to get going but I wish you all the best of luck at the party. Bye.”

Then she left before any of them, Floyd and Branch, could stop her.

She walked passed a couple of trolls has she makes her way towards the shelters and she couldn’t help but overhear one of them say something and it brought tears to her eyes has she ducks her head and speed walks away from the village and towards the shelters.

“Can’t believe she’s going to be queen one day.”

Chapter Text

It was almost time for the party and the Brozone brothers were at backstage in their dressing room getting ready for the show. Branch was sitting on a chair in front of a vanity and he was trying to stay still has his brother places glittery gold stars underneath his right eye.

He was wearing a blue puffer jacket vest and white pants, the signature style of Brozone; the band that he and his brothers had created. The band had its ups and downs has the stress and pressure were getting to his brothers, they argued a lot, even over the most ridiculous things, and at one point they had a huge fight that resulted in their band breaking up.

The fight was so bad that his brothers almost left and they would’ve too, if it wasn’t for their grandmother putting her foot down. It took some time and effort but his brothers eventually forgave each other and bond again. They grew closer even more after their grandmother’s passing and they became a tight-knit family has the years passed.

He couldn’t imagine a life without his brothers by his side, especially with how protective they are.

But their band was never the same. They still sing together but they never performed on stage ever since the incident, but that change after the great escape and they settled into their new home deep in the forest.

His mind went back to those first few months, everyone was paranoid and stressed out since they were in a new environment with so many dangers, two of their leaders are gone and the surviving princess was an infant and was gray, so yeah it was a very stressful time for everybody.

Floyd, Clay, Spruce and John Dory tried to keep Branch away from it, wanting him to live a carefree and happy life, ignorant to the troubles around him but the baby of the family was very perceptive at the early age of three and quickly realized everyone's mood change and wanted to help put everyone at ease.

One day, Branch slipped away from his brothers’ sight and went towards a couple of irritated trolls and began to sing and dance in front of them. Eventually his brothers finally found him then rushed towards him and apologized, hoping that they weren't mad but it turns out they quite enjoyed Branch’s little performance.

So every time Branch sees a troll looking sad or stressed, he sings and dances for them and it always puts everyone in a good mood, especially his brothers. The baby even managed to convince them to sing along with him one time and a troll, most likely a fan, commented how much they miss seeing the brothers perform.

After some persuading - Branch had to pull out his secret weapon on his brothers: The Puppy Eyes - they agreed to put on a simple show for the villagers. It was nerve-wracking at first since they haven’t performed in front of a crowd after the incident but when they started to perform, it was like all their troubles and worries were gone in an instant has they sang together.

It started out as simple shows just to help the other trolls to relax, then trolls started asking them to perform at birthdays, weddings, celebrations and it got so out of hand that they ended up looking for their old manager which manage to help them schedule their shows. Then an old fan of theirs mentioned how they lost a copy of their album during the escape and Floyd, bless his compassionate heart, promised to get them another copy which leads them to hunt down their old music producer.

It took them longer than they liked, but they soon realized that they unofficially started becoming a band again. It was both exhilarating and terrifying, they missed performing and having fun on stage together but they are scared that if they do, that this time nobody will be able to stop them if things go ugly again and the end results will be even worse.

Floyd, somehow always senses that something was wrong, managed to convince them that they all sit down and talk it out with each other just like what their grandma would do and after that, they all came to realized that they all have the same fears so they made a pact, to never let anything come between them again.

Soon, Brozone was reborn but this time, it was better than ever.

And Branch wouldn’t trade it for the world.

“Alright, you’re done. You okay, B?”

He opened his eyes and looked up to one of his older brothers, Spruce. He was still as handsome as ever at the age of thirty-five, his purple hair was longer and bigger, and he looked much more relaxed than before. He still maintained the same physique he had as a teenager but at least he wasn’t slaving himself away this time.

He hasn’t change into his outfit yet has he was wearing a black and white flower vest and white beach shorts, he wore a purple wristband and a silver dog tag necklace.

Spruce looked at him with a worried look then it morphed into a teasing smirk. “Not getting the pre-show jitters, are you Bitty B?” Branch halfheartedly rolled his eyes with a smile and shook his head.

“No, I just can’t believe that it has been twenty years already.”

“You and me both, I mean look at you! Like it was only yesterday that you were in diapers and looked absolutely adorable in your glasses!”

Spruce ruffled his hair which made Branch squawk in indignation has he fixed his hair. Spruce had an evil smile on his face and Branch knew what that meant has he starts to slowly back away from him has the purple haired troll puts a finger into his mouth then pops it out and shouts.

“WET WILLY!!”

Branch screams has he runs away from his big brother, who was making roaring sounds and laughing maniacally. Floyd and John Dory, who were at the other side of the dressing room, watched as the second oldest chased the youngest around the room. John Dory shook his head has he looks at the mirror and fixes his own puffer jacket, his own silver dog tag necklace glinting in the light from the vanity has he fixes his hair.

Usually in the past, he’ll stop this and scold them, but now he’s laughing has he watch from the mirror how Spruce managed to catch Branch and the latter was trying to get away has he squealed when the wet finger touched his ear.

After he was satisfied with his look, he turns to Floyd, who was looking towards the door with a worried expression. John Dory furrowed his eyes and walks towards him. “Hey Floyd, you seem worried there, brother. If it’s about the song then don’t be, you and Branch made a killer song!” He said with a reassuring smile has he places his arm on his shoulders.

Floyd chuckled and smiled has he shook his head. “It’s not that, it’s just…” Then he turns towards the door again. “Clay is not here yet and I’m worried. We all know how this day affects him.” John Dory nodded his head and wore a solemn expression has he stands back up.

“Don’t worry, I’ll go get him.”

John Dory gives him a reassuring smile and Floyd smiles gratefully at his brother and nods his head then the oldest walks out of the dressing room. He walks down the village, towards his destination, and greets the other trolls along the way. Soon he reached the center of the village and there he sees a troll with sunshine yellow hair wearing a green sweater and light gray pants, standing in front of a stone statue and carrying a bouquet of wildflowers.

John Dory stares at the statue with a sad look in his eyes then bows his head in respect. King Peppy was such a kind man and Viva was a great friend to him and his brothers, and he wished that they could’ve survived so that Poppy could have a family and Clay wouldn’t have to suffer such heartache but life’s cruel that way.

He took a deep breath then makes his way towards his little brother. He stands a few inches behind him to give him some space. He waits in silence has Clay places the bouquet at the foot of the statue then looks up then sighs. John Dory walks up to him and wraps his arm around his shoulders and gives him a reassuring side hug.

Clay leans into it has they continued to look at the statue in silence. After a while, Clay straightens up then steps out of the hug and gives his big brother a thankful smile.

“Thanks Johnny and sorry for being late.”

John Dory grins and chuckles has he gives him a squeeze. “No problem bro, and don’t be. We all understand that you got to do this.” The green haired troll gives him an understanding smile which made Clay relax then he sighs has his ears drooped down.

“It’s been twenty years and yet I still-“

“And there’s completely nothing wrong with that.”

He immediately cuts him off and turns to look at him with a serious expression. “Grandma once told me that the people you love aren’t truly gone, they’re still alive within your heart and as long as you remember them, they’ll always be there for you.”

John Dory softly smiles at him and Clay smiles back then lightly punches John Dory’s shoulder. “Dude, you almost got me crying and here I thought Floyd was the sappy one!” Clay teased and John Dory lightly shoves him.

“Oh, shut up, banana hair.”

“Make me, square head!”

They laugh and when they caught their breath, they look up towards the statue. Clay stares at the statue of Viva with a look of longing then sighs then he feels a warm reassuring hand on his shoulder and turns to John Dory.

“Hey, it’s going to be alright and you still got us, bros forever.” He smiles then pats his shoulder. “Now come on, let’s go before Branch retaliates against Spruce.” Clay snickered, already knowing what’s going on.

He looks up at the statue one more time and smiles then leaves with his brother.

Everyone was gathered around the stage with excited grins has they chanted for their favorite band.

“Brozone! Brozone! Brozone! Brozone!”

“Ladies and Gentletrolls, here they are. Now give it up for, BROZONE!!”

The brothers appeared on stage, all wearing their signature outfits has the lights flashed and danced around them, and they began to sing.

(Brozone)

Elevate a little higher

Let's throw a party in the sky and celebrate

Elevate until we fly, yeah

Mo-move your feet until you levitate

Come on, let's elevate

(Floyd)

Forget about your day

Under the Milky Way

I know a place where we can go, oh-oh

(Branch)

No need to be afraid

Come on, I'll demonstrate

Take you to outer space, here we go, here we go

(John Dory)

if you wanna party

(Whoa-oh, whoa-oh) and I know you're down

(Whoa-oh, whoa-oh) if you wanna party

You wanna party

(Brozone)

Elevate a little higher (hey)

Let's throw a party in the sky and celebrate

Elevate until we fly, yeah (hey)

Mo-move your feet until you levitate

Come on, let's elevate

(Clay)

Elevate (hey, whoo!)

Elevate (hey)

(Spruce)

We're floatin' in the air

Look at the view from here

Show you a world you've never seen before

(Branch)

We're dancin' in the stars

No matter where we are

Jupiter Boulevard, here we go, here we go

(John Dory)

if you want to party

(Whoa-oh, whoa-oh) and I know you’re down

(Clay)

(I know you're down)

(John Dory)

(Whoa-oh, whoa-oh) if you wanna party

You wanna party

(Brozone)

Elevate a little higher (hey)

Let's throw a party in the sky and celebrate

Elevate until we fly, yeah (yeah)

Mo-move your feet until you levitate

Come on, let's elevate

(Clay)

Elevate (hey, whoa)

Elevate (hey)

Don't even hesitate (whoa)

Just let it escalate (whoa)

I wanna see you go, whoa, oh, oh

(Spruce)

Break through the ceiling now

It's time to hit the clouds

And no, we ain't coming down

(Brozone)

whoa, whoa, whoa

(Floyd)

(Whoa-oh, whoa-oh)

(Brozone)

Oh, whoa, whoa

(Floyd)

(Whoa-oh, whoa-oh)

(Brozone)

Elevate a little higher

(Spruce)

(Higher)

(Brozone)

Let's throw a party in the sky and celebrate

Elevate until we fly, yeah

(Branch)

(Until we fly)

(Brozone)

Mo-move your feet until you levitate

Come on, let's elevate

(John Dory)

Elevate

(Brozone)

(Hey!)

(Floyd)

(Whoa-oh)

(Clay)

Elevate

(Brozone)

(Hey!)

(Spruce)

(We're on another level tonight)

(Floyd)

Elevate

(Brozone)

(Hey!)

(Clay)

(Let's, let's, let's elevate, yeah)

(Spruce)

Elevate

(Brozone)

(Hey!)

(Branch)

Elevate

They posed with smiles or grins on their faces has they panted and the crowd screams for the band then the music begins to pick back up and soon everyone was dancing to the beat. The lights flashed all around has a machine shoots out balls made of glitter into the air then they explode and fell down onto the crowd.

Branch was proud that the glitter cannon that he made were working perfectly and was happy to see his friends and brothers were having so much fun, except one. He knew Poppy would never be caught dead in a party, unless it requires her attendance, if not, then she’s practically a ghost.

He sighs then an idea came to his head. He looks around and noticed that everyone was busy and his brothers surely won’t notice if he leaves the party for a bit, hopefully. If they asked where he was, he’ll just say that he got tired and went to the dressing room to relax and pray that they believe him, hopefully.

He slowly walks away and leaves the party before anyone could see him.

Poppy sighed has she writes something down on her clipboard. ‘Okay, food supplies, check, blankets, check, hygiene kits, check, water, check, next is to make sure the medicine and medical equipment aren’t expired and are working.’

She walks down the hallways then took a flight of stairs to get to the floor she needed. She was inside of a giant tree stump which was actually the village warehouse where all of their emergency stocks were placed. The princess found this stump one day and remembered what Branch told her about how they have plenty of stocks of various needs and necessities in case they need it in the hideout and she wanted one for the village. So, after talking and planning it with Branch, who she appointed to lead the project, they managed to transformed the insides of it into a huge storage warehouse for the entire village.

She reached her destination and got back to work, she was in the middle of checking the bandages and ointment, and she was so focused that she didn’t noticed someone calling her or walking towards her until something tapped her shoulder. She was startled and let out a squeal has she jumped, making her drop her clipboard and pen. She hastily turns around, ready to defend herself but then her face turned from shock and surprise to angry has she glared at the perpetrator.

“Branch! That was not funny!”

She glared towards the snickering blue troll. She picked up her pen and clipboard and smacked him in the arm.

“Don’t ever do that, you made me think some creature got in.”

“Aw, does the princess need a knight in shining armor to protect her from scary creatures? Don’t worry, I’ll make sure your safe, my princess.” Branch teased her with a smirk and a playful wink. She glared at him in an intimidating fashion but the blush on her cheeks made her less intimidating and more pouty.

“You’re a jerk, you know that? I have no idea why people refer to you as an angel, you’re the devil in disguise.”

“Finally, somebody noticed.”

“Shut it, nerd.”

“Make me, dork.”

She pouted which made Branch laugh. Poppy stares at Branch before started giggling herself. Branch grinned widely when he heard her laugh, making his ears wiggle a bit. After she calms down, Poppy then looks at him with a curious expression.

“As much as I like having you here, why aren’t you at the party?”

She asked and Branch scratched the back of his head has he sheepishly smiles. “I’m not always a Troll’s troll, I needed to recharge my batteries and I wanted to see how you were doing and see if you needed help so here I am.”

Poppy smiled at his honesty while internally squealing at how criminally cute this boy is. ‘Oh sugar, he’s just too darn cute.’ She shook her head and looked at her clipboard then to Branch, who was patiently waiting, then back to her clipboard then back to Branch.

“Do your brothers know that you’re here?”

“Yes.”

She raised a skeptical eyebrow at him, making him sweat drop and smile nervously.

“Well, no... Hahaha.”

She stares at Branch then sighs. “You can help me check the equipment.” He beamed a bright smile and they immediately went to work.

Back at the party, all the trolls were having the time of their lives has glitter rain down from the sky thanks to the glitter cannon but two random trolls thought it wasn’t enough glitter.

“Dude, are you sure it’s a good idea? Branch will kill us if he knew we touched it.”

“Oh come on, Branch made the glitter cannon specifically for this, all we’re doing is just going cranking it up a bit, what’s the worst that can go wrong?”

The troll turned the dial to medium and the machine started producing more glitter.

“See? Nothing went wrong.”

Then karma happens and the troll accidentally slipped and they almost fell to the ground but managed to save themselves by holding onto something but unfortunately that something was the dial and the troll accidentally set it to high.

“Uh oh.”

Instead of glitter balls, the machine shot out glitter lasers towards the sky. All of the trolls gasped and covered their faces has glitter and bright light exploded. The explosion caused a blast of wind to spread and the sound of the blast echoing across the forest.

Which alerted a certain someone…

They took out their telescope and spotted the ray of colorful light shooting out of the trees. They smirked has they let out an evil chuckle.

“Trolls.”

‘And there's no escaping this time.’

Meanwhile back in the warehouse, Poppy and Branch heard the explosion and immediately rushed out and noticed a ray of colorful glitter shooting up towards the sky.

“Where is that coming from?!”

Poppy exclaimed. Who in their right mind would shoot a ray of bright sparkly glitter up towards the sky?! Do they want to be recognized?!

“Oh no…”

Branch muttered then immediately ran with Poppy following close behind him. They ran until they reached the party then Poppy followed Branch to the other side of the field to where the glitter cannon was stationed, to see Branch’s brothers there with two trolls tied together by Spruce’s hair while Clay and John Dory try to shut the cannon down.

“What happened?!”

Branch exclaimed looking at his brothers for an answer. John Dory jerked his thumb towards the tied up duo. “Why don’t you ask them?”

The princess and the singer stared at the two trolls with intense eyes which made them shrink in fear.

“We’re sorry?”

“We didn’t mean to?”

“Are you kidding me?!” Poppy thought she was angry before but right now she was livid. Branch wasn’t fairing much either has he furiously glared at the duo, who gulped in fear, and here they thought the oldest Brozone brother was the scariest.

Poppy was about to scold them to high heaven when they suddenly felt huge thundering tremors. John Dory, Spruce, Clay and Floyd recognized those thundering steps anywhere. All of the trolls, the older generation, also recognized them has they anxiously looked around.

Poppy and the Brozone brothers ran out then their eyes widen when they saw it, the monster that has plague their kind for so long, the destroyer of families, the minister of their misery, the…

“Bergens.”

The Bergen looked at them with an evil glint in their red eyes has a malicious smile spreads across their face.

“Gotcha.”

Tense silence fell down on them until John Dory took out an air horn and honked it.

“Militia! You know the drill, we need to keep the Bergen away!”

John Dory rummaged through Branch’s hair until he fishes out a remote control then pressed a button. Soon, sharp toothpick-like spears shot out towards the Bergen then trolls in some kind of leaf like leather armor has they shoot arrows at the Bergen while keeping a safe distance away from it.

It soon snapped everyone out and the villagers began running and screaming, trying to get away from the Bergen while the Bergen grunted has they try to swat away the incoming projectiles and at the same time, trying to snatch up some trolls.

Seeing the chaos, the Brozone brothers jumped into action and tried to get as many trolls away as possible then Branch noticed something was with Poppy and he tries to calling her name but she wasn’t listening to him.

Poppy, on the other hand, looked around and it was pandemonium, seeing her people running and screaming, trying to save their lives. She wanted to go and help but she was stuck frozen, she was beginning to breath quickly has her eyes dart around and anywhere she looked, a troll was being snatched up.

She needed to move, needed to keep her people safe, she needed to save them but then she remembered those red beading eyes and she froze up again. What kind of princess, a queen, does nothing when her subjects are being kidnapped right before her eyes?

A coward.

She’s nothing like her father or her sister, no doubt wherever they are, they most likely are disappointed in her.

“POPPY!”

She was snapped out of it and her eyes snapped towards Branch, who was staring at her with worry and bravery.

“Poppy, look, I know you’re terrified but right now, your citizens need you! So snap out of it and go do what you do best!”

Poppy stared at Branch, who was giving her a determined smile and it filled her with courage and determination has she nodded and gave Branch a grateful smile which he returned. She walked up ahead, trying to assess the situation, she looked up and saw that the Militia are keeping the Bergen back then she turns towards the panicked trolls, who are still running around.

She pulls out a megaphone out of her hair and takes a deep breath.

“EVERY TROLL LISTEN UP!”

Everyone stopped and listened to their princess.

“GRAB AS MANY TROLLS HAS YOU CAN AND FOLLOW BRANCH, FLOYD AND THE OTHERS TO THE SAFE ZONES, IF ANY OF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT TO THEM, FIND A HIDING SPOT AND BLEND IN! NOW GO!”

Everyone obeyed the princess’s orders and Poppy, Branch, Floyd, Clay and Spruce managed to guide everyone out while John Dory and the Militia kept the Bergen occupied while at the same time rescuing the captured trolls.

Poppy looked around and hope rise in her chest, thinking they can make it.

“Wait! Our daughter is still out there!”

Two trolls tried to make their way back to the area but some of the trolls were holding them back. Memories flashed through her mind and Poppy’s heart began to race and she didn’t think twice before running out towards the field while ignoring the shouts from the brothers.

She weaved through the crowd and looked around until she spotted a small little girl, standing in the middle of the field, looking lost and terrified has she kept calling out to her parents. Poppy didn’t hesitate and ran towards the little girl and scooped her up.

The little girl quickly wrapped her arms around her while Poppy held a tight grip on her and quickly made their way back but then suddenly the little girl screamed and Poppy looked behind her and a giant purple hand was closing in on them, making it virtually impossible to escape.

“Poppy!”

She turned back and saw Branch and his brothers running towards them, making a quick decision she launched the little girl towards them. Spruce and Clay managed to catch the little girl and she smiled knowing that at least she managed to keep her people safe and she closed her eyes has she accepted her faith has the hand almost reach her.

“POPPY!”

She then felt herself being pushed away, sending her body tumbling to the ground and onto something soft. She snapped her eyes open and looked up to see she was in Floyd’s arms then she turns her head and her eyes widen in shock to see Branch standing in the same place she was then she saw the hand enclosing around him.

“BRANCH NO!”

Both Poppy and Floyd screamed and their eyes widen in horror has the Bergen grabbed Branch. The blue haired troll struggled against their grip, trying to escape from its grip but to no avail.

“BRANCH, LET HIM GO!”

“GIVE HIM BACK!”

Floyd and Poppy shouted has they tried to get to Branch but soon two blue-skinned hands grabbed them and dragged them towards the nearest hiding place.

“Spruce! Clay! Let go!”

“Let us go, please!”

Both Spruce and Clay held onto their struggling little brother and princess, trying to make sure that they won't do something stupid or get themselves hurt. "Spruce, please let go! She has Branch!" Floyd struggled against his older brother's grip so he can save his little brother. He can't let it happen again, he can't bare to lose another love one to that monster again. Spruce grunted has he tighten his grip has he spoke in a calm voice. "Floyd, calm down. JD is still out there and he'll do everything in his power to save him."

Spruce held Floyd close to him and eventually Floyd calmed down but Spruce is not letting up on his grip on him, in case he tries to make a run for it and get himself endangered. "Everything is going to be alright, JD will get Branch." He heard Floyd whimper and he pulled him close to his chest, giving him a comforting and reassuring embrace. He glances towards Clay and Poppy then noticed that Poppy also stopped struggling and was slumped against Clay with a disheartened expression on her face. Clay looked at him and they exchanged worried expressions.

It took every fiber in their being not to go out there and rescue their baby brother, but they knew Branch wouldn’t want them to be in danger because of him and they also know that their eldest brother would do anything to save Branch. They couldn't bare to lose him, not when they almost came close to losing him before. John Dory will save him, so for now, they'll stay hidden and out of sight while at the same time comforting their brother and friend.

Back in the field, John Dory was livid has he glared heatedly at the monster who held his baby brother captive. John Dory was shouting orders left and right has he and his team did everything in their power to fight off the Bergen and rescue the captive trolls while at the same time, protecting the other trolls. He was escorting a family to safety when he heard a shout. He turned around and saw Branch pushed Poppy towards Floyd then he saw the Bergen grab Branch and then he saw red.

All the anger and pain he held for the Bergens began to rise up to the surface, his fists clenched tightly has he tried in vain to contain his seething rage. He can hear the screams of terror and the pleas for mercy, he had to watch trolls get taken away, saw so many families torn apart. He remembers, he remembers and he can feel his control slipping away every minute.

First it was his parents, then his grandmother sacrificed herself and now this monstrosity was trying to take away his baby brother.

No…

No, he isn’t losing any more loved ones to this monster anymore.

He refuses to let it happen again.

He grabs a spear from the ground and whistled. A flyer bug appeared and he jumped on then flew towards the Bergen. Once he was close enough, he jumped off and with a roar, he brought down his spear and slashed at the Bergen’s eye. The Bergen cried out in pain which gave John Dory the opportunity to go save Branch.

“Branch!”

Branch looked up and saw his eldest brother running to him.

“John!”

“Don’t worry, I’m getting you out of here!”

John Dory reassured him and Branch smiles at him, feeling relieved but it was short-lived has his eyes widen in fear and yelled out a warning.

“JOHN LOOK OUT!”

But it was too late has the Bergen slapped John Dory off and he began to fall. Branch screamed in fear for his brother but then sighed out in relief when one of the Militia trolls managed to caught him. Then suddenly he was shoved into the fanny pack and before he could get his bearings, the closes and all he could see is darkness.

The Bergen grunted and retreated into the forest while trying to shield themselves from the attacks. Once John Dory was on the ground, he pushed himself off the troll and stumbled onto his feet. He can feel his side hurting but he'll worry about that later, right now he has to rescue Branch. He tried to run towards the retreating Bergen but was stopped by the Militia trolls. He struggled against their grip, trying to break free.

“Let go of me! I need to save him!”

“John Dory, stop you’re hurt!”

“I don’t care, let go!”

“Captain, stop!”

“You despicable Bergen! Give my brother back!”

“Captain, please stop! There’s nothing you can do!”

“Let go of me! Branch!”

John Dory outstretched his hand towards the Bergen, trying to get to his brother, but was held back by his men.

Soon the Bergen was gone and he finally managed to get out of their grip has he stumbles to his knees and looks towards the direction where the Bergen disappeared with a look of despair on his face then he noticed he was holding something in his hand. He opened his hand and his eyes widen when he saw Branch’s necklace, the necklace their entire family wore, the necklace he gifted him, he somehow managed to grab it. Soon, teardrops landed on the necklace and he choked on a sob has his eyes welled up with tears, threatening to burst.

Soon, Floyd, Spruce, Clay and Poppy came out of their hiding spot and looked around. They noticed that the Bergen was gone but their ears drooped when they saw the complete devastation of their village. Everything was a complete wreck then they heard crying. They looked around and saw John Dory kneeling on the ground hunched over while the Militia were a few feet away from him. A few spotted them and gave them sorrowful expressions. The three brothers felt something was wrong, something completely wrong has dread started to appear.

“John?”

Floyd walked towards him cautiously, fear and worry ate at him and it only grew when he couldn’t find Branch anywhere. The others also noticed and that sinking feeling in the pits of their stomachs deepened.

“Where’s Branch?”

John Dory tensed then mumbled something that Floyd couldn’t hear but then John Dory spoke up. “She took him…”

“What?”

No, he must've heard wrong. It couldn't be, it just wasn't true. But his fears were soon realized when John Dory spoke again.

“She took him. That… that monster took him! Chef took Branch!”

It was like a dam broke inside him has it finally sunk in. John Dory let out a gut-wrenching cry and clutched Branch’s necklace tightly has he held it towards his chest, right where is heart is. Floyd stumbled back has he shook his head vehemently in denial, refusing to believe it but seeing his big brother like this, so completely heartbroken, he knew it was true.

His baby brother is gone.

‘Please, please no, please I can’t lose him! Please, we already lost grandma and our parents, we can’t lose Branch too! Please, don’t take him away! Don’t take my baby brother away!’

He felt a hand on his shoulder and he turned around to see Spruce, who has tears clinging to the corners of his eyes, pulled him into a hug and that is when Floyd broke down and clutched his older brother’s vest has he wails in sheer agony. His pleas echoed across the field while Clay was at John Dory’s side, he hooked his arms around him, giving him comfort but soon, tears fell down his eyes has the realization that he lost yet again another loved one sink in and he cries along with his brother.

Poppy stares at the scene and one thought repeated in her mind in a constant loop.

‘This is all my fault.’

Chapter Text

Poppy couldn’t help but blame herself for this, she knew this was coming, everything she had planned; the shelters, the warehouse, because she knew that one day the Bergens will come back for them. All those years of preparing and yet she failed to keep her people safe, failed to save the one troll that was there for her from the start.

Soon the villagers came out of hiding and looked around and saw the devastation of their village then they turned towards their princess with scared and anxious faces.

“Is it… is it coming back?”

“What are we going to do now, Princess Poppy?”

“What’s going to happen?”

“I…”

Poppy tried to say something but the words were stuck in her throat has the villagers started to become hysterical.

“Is Trollstice coming back?”

“We need to hide!”

“We can’t stay here!”

“I…”

Everyone was talking over one another has they fired question after question towards the princess and she couldn’t take it anymore.

“Princess Poppy, what do we do?!”

“QUIET!”

Everyone went silent and Poppy panted then sighed. She wiped a hand over her face and sighed again. She took a moment to think, trying to push down her self-loathing thoughts, she’ll deal with them later, right now she needs to address her people and think for the next course of action.

She took a deep breath then turned towards the villagers. “Alright, for the longest time, I had a feeling that the Bergens will come for us someday so, myself and a couple of trolls, created shelters we could use and a storage warehouse with everything that we need.” She began to explain and for once, the villagers listened with rapt attention.

“The Militia will guide you to where the shelters are, and once you are there, there are rooms assigned to each of you and your families.”

She turns towards a group of the armored trolls and nods to them and understood the command and started to gather the people and lead them to the shelters. Then she turns towards the brothers and slowly walks up to them.

Spruce spotted her approaching and turns to her. “Poppy?” She stops right in front of him and Floyd. She glances towards John Dory with a concern expression.

“Are you okay?”

John Dory grunted has he stands up, Clay immediately helping him up. “Don’t worry princess, it’s just a couple of bruises, I’ll be fine.”

Poppy nods then look at them has her ears drooped even more. “I’m sorry, it’s my fault Branch was taken-“

“Poppy, it’s not your fault…”

Spruce tried to convince her but she wasn’t listening has she continues to speak. “But don’t worry, I’ll do anything in my power to bring them all back, safe and sound.”

“’Bring them back’? Poppy, it’s too dangerous to go by yourself. You’ll get eaten!”

Clay stated, worried for her safety but then she looks at him with an expression that was so familiar that his heart aches.

“No Troll left Behind.”

She stares at him with a face full of determination and at that moment, she looks like her older sister.

“Poppy…”

John Dory tries to speak but then grunts in pain, making his brothers worried while Poppy turns to the remaining Militia trolls. “Take them to the shelters and get John Dory to see the doctors.” She commanded and they nodded their heads has they obeyed the order and escorted the brothers to the shelters.

Once they were out of sight, she sighs then ran towards her pod. Once she was there, she began to pack everything she needs inside a backpack or into her hair and when she was done, she went towards the shelters.

The shelters were made out of the giant fallen trees in the forest and were close to the village, each one can house up to fifty to seventy trolls. There are six shelters so far and she went towards one of the shelters and started looking for a certain troll.

The princess immediately found her and smiled slightly has she watch the elderly troll help giving out provisions to the families. Mags Gumdrop, Poppy’s caretaker ever since Poppy lost her family. She walks up to her and Mags Gumdrop smiles when she sees her.

“Hello Poppy, how are doing my dear?”

“I’m just fine, Mags but I wanted to tell you something.”

The elderly troll stops what she was doing and turns to her with a curious but knowing expression. Poppy took a deep breath. “I’m going to Bergen Town to save the kidnapped trolls. So, I need you, Sky Toronto and Clay to look after everyone while I’m gone.”

Poppy waits for her to answer and Mags looks at her and sighs then smiles at her has she nods her head.

“I understand dearie, you can go.”

“I know it’s dangerous but I – what?“

Poppy was expecting some kind of argument from her old caretaker, making her confused. Mags knew this was going to happen, after all, Poppy took much after her father and sister and it both makes her proud and sad, and as much as she wants to keep Poppy here and tell her to ask another troll to do it instead but she knew she won’t as she felt that this was her responsibility, not anyone else’s.

“I said yes, dearie. I knew you were going to ask that and before you start doubting yourself, I know you’ll be eaten by guilt if you don’t go and rescue them. Sky and I already got things covered here, now go save them but also remember to keep yourself safe, okay?”

Mags gives her a smile and Poppy stares at her then nods has she gives her a small smile. “I will.” She adjusts her backpack then begins to walk away.

Mags watches her go with a sad smile then lets out a sigh has worry clutched at her heart for for the girl she raised then she felt a hand on her shoulder to see her long-time friend, Sky Toronto.

They gave each other worried looks and hope that everything will be alright.

Poppy was walking down in the forest, following the giant foot prints left by the Bergen.

Her mind was all over the place and she was starting to doubt herself. How is she going to make it to Bergen town? She never left the village, sure she knows the layout of the forest and the Militia’s patrol routes but she never went far from the village but now here she is, on a dangerous quest into unknown territory and danger to rescue the kidnapped trolls from a terrible fate.

Sugar, now she wished that she took up Branch’s offer on survival training.

She shook her head and took a deep breath.

No, she can do this.

She can definitely do this.

She can make it to Bergen Town and save everyone.

Right?

Right.

Unless they are already being digested as she was still psyching herself up-

“UGH!!”

She groaned loudly and gasped in fear when she heard a noise from the distance and quickly quicken her pace. She sighs and began to sing softly to herself.

I really hope I can do it,

Cause they're all depending on me

I know that I must leave the only home I've ever known,

And brave the dangers of the forest,

Saving them before they're eaten

I mean, how hard can that be?

Then she sighs has she keeps walking, usually she never sings or dances, well at least not in front of others.

She only sings or dances in the comfort of her own home. Branch tried to get her to sing once but she was too shy to sing in front of the superstar, even when they were alone, thinking that her singing might sound awful to the blue haired troll.

Just thinking about Branch sends a wave of guilt and sadness through her. He was in this mess because of her, he would still be with his brothers tending to John Dory’s injuries or help Clay with managing the village, he would’ve be with his family, safe and sound, if it wasn’t for her.

So she has to do this.

For everyone back at home.

For her father and sister.

For Branch.

Then she begins to sing.

It's so dark, not a star in the sky

With no sound to be heard and reality blurred

Dreams are gone with the light

Fading out, 'til the world's far behind

I can't do this alone, I can't find my way home

With this doubt in my mind

Gotta find the courage in me, stand up and be

Braver than I've been before

Searching for the courage in me, so I can believe

This is what I'm destined for

Is this my moment to rise?

Leave the person I was behind

There are storms to come, can I face еach one?

Is it time?

Is this my moment to risе?

I've started to realize

Doubts that held me down begin fading now

Is it my moment to rise?

As I stand, with a new path to tread

The hope in my heart starts to shake at the thought

Of what might lie ahead

Should I fight? There's so much I don't know

Do I push through the fears 'til a new world appears

Though I might be alone?

What was in darkness

Is totally different in the light

And deep in my heart I've found a way

To climb to new heights

I'll go on regardless

Of anything standing in my way

Harness the power in me for those

Who need to be saved

I won't run, I won't hide, I will soar through the sky

Tonight, I'm not going down without a fight

And now is the time

My moment to rise

Growl

She jumped when she heard something then she heard the growling started up again and shadows appeared above her. She looked up and saw four giant spiders.

And they look hungry.

They used their string to get down, soon they landed on the ground and start to surround her. She looked around for a way to escape then she reached out to her bag from behind to use something as a weapon to defend herself.

“Don’t come any closer or else… or else… I’ll use this!”

She managed to grab something and began to confidently brandish her weapon, only to groan when she noticed it was only a frying pan.

“Really?”

She muttered to herself then yelped when she saw the spiders were still closing in on her. Without thinking, she threw the frying pan at one of the spiders but it wasn’t effective, it only served to piss the spiders off more.

Poppy laughed nervously has she starts to back away slowly.

“I am so sorry.”

The spiders hissed and were about to attack her but then the ground started to shake and a rumbling sound echoed through the forest. The trees started to shake has the flora rustled then with another roar, a white armadillo-like creature sprung out of the trees and rammed into the spiders.

The spiders hissed at the armadillo but the armadillo glared at them then let out a huge roar has glitter flew out of its mouth. When the armadillo stopped, the spiders glanced at each other then towards the angry armadillo creature then ran away. Poppy blinked then turned towards the armadillo creature, fuchsia eyes wide in shock and disbelief.

“Rhonda?”

The armadillo creature, Rhonda, turned towards Poppy and let out a happy bellow has she gives the princess a happy lick, which covered Poppy in slimy glitter. She laughed has Rhonda wags her behind like a dog then the glass hatch above her face opened and revealed Spruce.

“Spruce?!”

“Oh thank troll, we finally found you. Good girl, Rhonda!”

Spruce patted Rhonda, who stuck out her tongue like a dog. Soon a door opened and Floyd, Clay and John Dory all flooded out.

“Guys?!”

Poppy couldn’t believe her eyes has she watched Branch’s older brothers run towards her with relieved and worried faces.

“Oh thank all that is trolly that you’re okay!”

“Never do that again, girl.”

“You made us all worried!”

The brothers rushed towards her but were careful not to get too close has they checked her over for injuries. She stared at them with an incredulous expression then she pointed a finger at all of them which made them back up.

“What are you all doing here?!”

The boys glanced at each other then towards Poppy then John Dory stepped forward. “Uh, I thought it was pretty obvious, we’re coming along with you.” The green haired troll said as if it was the obvious thing ever.

 “What?!”

She stared at the eldest brother incredulously. John Dory was wearing a brown leather jacket with a spotted fur collar, green shorts, a single brown fingerless glove, his usual goggles and a dark green wristband. She glances at the others and she felt her jaw dropped when they nodded in agreement with their brother’s statement.

She was in a loss for words, she couldn’t believe they were okay with risking their lives to come with her on this perilous journey, knowing they could potentially be eaten. She admires their bravery but this is incredibly stupid of them.

‘Hypocrite.’

She ignores the voice in her head and she was about to open her mouth to say something until Clay caught her off. ‘And before you tell us that this is stupid and we shouldn’t risk our lives but let me remind you that you’re here as well and we know what we’re getting ourselves into.”

Poppy pursed her lips then opens her mouth again to argue but was cut off again by Spruce. “And before you said that it is your duty to go save them, let me remind you that it is JD’s job has Captain of the Militia to keep you safe and protect our fellow trolls.”

Poppy closes her mouth again and opens it, only for Floyd to chime in.

“And before you also point out that Spruce, Clay and I shouldn’t be here, I think you’re forgetting that all of us, including Branch, are part of the Militia and so it is also OUR job to keep you safe and go rescue Branch and the others.”

Poppy closes her mouth again and opens it once more but couldn’t come up with a good rebuttal, making her huff in annoyance and cross her arms over her chest. The brothers wore victorious smirks, knowing that they won the argument and they chuckle when they saw her pouting which made her pout even more.

‘Adorable.’

“Alright, now that we found our runaway princess, let’s go save B and the others! Everybody back on Rhonda, let’s get this show on the road.”

John Dory exclaimed has he climbs back in Rhonda with Spruce and Clay following him. Poppy sighs then felt a hand on her shoulder, she looked up and saw Floyd giving her a reassuring smile.

“Come on, let’s go rescue Branch and the others.”

Poppy nodded and subtly smiled has she follows Floyd has they climb back into Rhonda and once they are inside, Rhonda let out a bellow has she took off into the forest. Once they were inside, Poppy sat down on the couch and Floyd sat down next to her while Clay stood in front of them. John Dory was driving with Spruce has his navigator.

“Alright, what’s the plan Poppy?”

…

…

…

“You don’t have a plan, do you?”

“It was a spur of the moment!”

“It was like you planned for us to come after you.”

“No I didn’t!”

“Uh yeah!”

“Clay, stop teasing her.”

Clay snickered while Poppy’s cheeks flushed in embarrassment has she pouted. Floyd knew how adorable Poppy was, no matter how much she denied it, she was adorable and it was especially true if you rile her up. Floyd, Branch and the others always had a kick off on teasing the shy princess until she comes out of her shell.

Floyd then turns to Poppy and starts to explain the plan that he and his brothers came up. “The plan was to find you first then head towards the old escape tunnels.”

Poppy looks at Floyd and nods. “What else?” To be honest, she was also planning to use the old tunnels as well but only problem is that she doesn’t know where it is, she once asked and nobody was willing to answer her.

“Once we arrive in Bergen Town, we head straight to the castle. That is where Branch and the others will no doubt be held.” Then Clay chimed in. “And once we find them, we sneak out and use the tunnels again to escape back to Troll Village on Rhonda.”

Poppy nodded and thought it was a solid plan. All she hopes that nothing goes wrong.

Floyd noticed that something was up with Poppy has she was even more quiet than normal. He exchanged a look with Clay and they turn to look at Poppy.

“Poppy, is there something wrong?”

Poppy glances at the both of them then looks down has she held her hands together. “Can I ask you guys a question? And I want a total honest answer.” They nodded and Poppy sighed. “Do you… Do you guys think that Branch and the others are okay? That they are still… alive?”

Everyone was silent has they processed the question. Floyd bit his lip anxiously while Clay eyed Poppy with a look, she couldn’t quite see. Clay sighs as he takes the spot next to her. “I’ll be totally honest Poppy, it’s a 50-50 chance since we have no idea what’s going on at their end.” Then he turns towards Poppy. “What about you? What do you think?”

She shrugs. “Honestly, I hope that they are alive.” It was all she could do for now.

“Yeah, us too.”

Clay softly spoke and Floyd nodded. Meanwhile, John Dory was clutching the wheel tightly to the point is knuckles turned white, Spruce placed a calming hand on his shoulder but he was scared on the inside, afraid to find out the answer for himself but he really does hope that they were fine, that they’ll be able to save Branch and the others in time.

It took a couple of hours but thanks to Rhonda, they finally made it to the tunnels. They got out of Rhonda and walked towards the tunnels. Clay let out a shaky breath has he stares at the tunnels, images of Viva running back into the tunnels flashing in his mind. He then felt a firm hand squeezed his shoulder. He looked back and saw Floyd giving him an encouraging smile.

“Remember, you got this, we’ll be right by your side.”

Clay smiled at his little brother. “Thanks bro.” Floyd nodded and they both made their way towards the others, who were expecting the tunnels.

“There’s so many of them, I wonder which one it is…”

John Dory hums and has he was about to say something, a deep voice suddenly appeared and echoed all around them.

“Choose a hole wisely!”

All of the jumped in surprise and the brothers immediately circled Poppy has they look around for the source.

“For one will lead to Bergen Town and the others, to certain death.”

All five of them glanced at each other then Spruce spoke.

“Who said that?”

“It was…”

Everyone tensed up, already expecting to meet some creepy traveler or a crazy old troll.

“Me.”

But turns out it was just a talking cloud instead.

They fell down to the floor in disbelief then got back up has they stare at the cloud in pure shock and complete disbelief. The cloud lazily smiles at them and a half-lidded gaze has the cloud grew a pair of legs and arms and walked towards them.

“Hey guys, how’s it going? Welcome to the root tunnels. I just wanted to warn you, one of these tunnels leads to the troll tree and the others to certain death, death, death, death.”

They stared at the cloud with varying degrees of suspicion but they all mentally agreed on one thing: there is just something not right with this guy.

Poppy carefully stepped out of the circle and cautiously approached the strange cloud. “Do you think you can tell us which is the right one?”

“You bet!”

“Great!” She plastered a polite smile then John Dory walked up to her and grab her hand then shot a fake smile towards the cloud. “Will you give us a moment?” Not waiting for a response, John Dory led Poppy back towards the others and they huddled up.

“Are you sure we can trust this guy?”

“He’s only trying to help us.”

“But you have to admit, there’s just something not right about this dude.”

“Yeah, I mean, who wear socks without shoes?”

They all glanced at the cloud, who was picking something out of his teeth then turns to them and gives them a friendly wave which they awkwardly smiled at then turned back to each other.

“Okay, while I agree, but it seems like he knows what he is talking about and let's be honest here, we haven’t been here for the last twenty years, maybe the tunnels had changed and we’ll be running in blind. So asking for help won't be such a bad idea.”

Floyd makes a point. They all nodded their heads then turned towards him has Clay steps up. “So, which way do we go?”

 The cloud smiled, a smile that all four brothers know all too well. “First, you have to give me a high five, then I’ll tell you.”

Poppy nods her head in agreement, it sounds easy enough, while the brothers looked at the cloud with distrust and suspicion. After all, they can see a prank coming from a mile away and they live with Clay, the High King Lord of Pranks.

So yeah, this is most definitely a prank.

“Alright, let’s do this.”

Poppy raised her hand but was stopped by the cloud. “Oh, I know you’ll do it, but will he?” He turns toward John Dory and all three brothers anxiously glanced at each other then look at the eldest.

John Dory blinked in surprise. Why was he picked?

“Alright, Goggles, up high!”

John Dory stares at the hand and shrugs. He raised his hand, intending to give the cloud his high five but then he moved his hand away, making John Dory missed.

“Too slow.”

The cloud smiles and John Dory looks at the cloud with an incredulous expression. “Excuse me, too slow?”

The cloud starts to laugh and John Dory looks at him in confusion, he was expecting a tazer or some form of invisible slime, not this. “That’s not even funny.” He commented and the three brothers glanced at each other while Poppy slightly narrowed her eyes.

“No. No, alright. I’m going to let you slide with a fist bump instead.”

The cloud held his fist towards John Dory and the oldest Brozone brother eyed it with distrust then sighed has he lifted his own fist to bump it with the cloud’s, only for the damn cloud to move.

“Shark attack! Nom-nom-nom-nom. Jellyfish! Hand sandwich, turkey, snowman, dolphin, helicopter, last supper, monkey in a zoo!”

“What?”

Okay, either this cloud knows where the tunnel is or is just messing with him, at the that thought that the cloud was just joking around at a very important time, John Dory was starting to lose his temper. They could’ve been in Bergen Town right now and save Branch and the others from being eaten but this cloud was getting in the way.

Clay, Spruce and Floyd cautiously eyed their oldest brother, they could tell that he was losing his temper the longer the cloud was messing with him while Poppy was getting concerned more and more has she watched.

“Gear shift!”

The cloud grabbed John Dory’s fist and was making driving sounds has he used the green haired troll’s fist has a gear lever. Then afterwards, he let go and looked at John Dory’s face then started to laugh.

John Dory’s eye twitched angrily has an angry red tic mark appeared on his forehead. The brothers and Poppy stared at John Dory nervously.

Eventually the cloud calmed down has he wiped a fake tear from his eyes then opened his arms.

“Okay, okay, okay. Now I’m thinking we hug.”

Snap

‘THAT DOES IT!’

John Dory took out his machete and glares menacingly at the cloud. His face morph into terror has he turns into a rain cloud then starts to run away, screaming with John Dory chasing him with his machete.

“That’s right, you better run cloud!”

“Wait!”

“John stop!”

Floyd, Spruce, Clay and Poppy chased after John Dory to try and calm him down while the angry troll kept spewing threats towards the terrified cloud, not noticing that they were chasing him down into the tunnels.

“I’m going to chop off your little cloud arms, off your cloud body-“

“John no!”

“And high five your face with it!”

“Dude, he’s just a cloud!”

“Let it go, man!”

“Get back here!”

“John! He can help us!”

“Please stop!”

“Come back!”

“Run, Cloud guy!”

“I’m gonna kill you!”

“John Dory!”

Once they all exited the tunnels, Cloud Guy stopped and turned towards the trolls.

“Ta-da! We’re here!”

The trolls stopped and they looked around to see that they were someplace else. They turned around and noticed the tunnel and that was where they realized that Cloud Guy did know where it was, he just didn’t bother to straight up tell them and instead decided to make fun of John Dory instead.

“You guys are a lot of fun. You know, I gotta go. Got some cloud stuff to take care of. Catch you on the way back?”

Everyone stared at the crazy cloud in varying degrees of incredulous, disbelief and annoyance while the cloud was talking to them as if they were best buddies or something.

John Dory was already hating the cloud.

“Unless,” Cloud Guy turned to them and his face morphed into a serious expression.

“You die!”

Then he was gone.

Everyone was silent has they glanced at each other. Yeah, there is something seriously messed up with that guy.

They looked around but they didn’t recognize where they were earlier, until now. Poppy placed a hand on the tree with a sad expression, seeing the state of it while the brothers looked absolutely devastated at the state of their old home, to the point they couldn’t recognize it.

“The Troll Tree…”

“Bergen Town.”

Floyd states has he looks up towards the castle, the castle that’s keeping his baby brother prisoner.

‘Hang on, Branch. We're coming.’

Chapter Text

Poppy and the brothers watched as the Bergens as they yelled, shoved, argued and threw things at each other and the list goes on.

They looked so miserable that the trolls felt bad for them.

“Wow, they’re as miserable as me…”

Poppy couldn’t help but mutter to herself has she notice the resemblance and she hopes that the others didn’t hear but unfortunately the brothers all have excellent hearing and they heard what the princess said. They glanced at each other in worry but kept it to themselves as to not make her feel self-conscious.

Then a thought came to Clay. “Wait, if they’re still this miserable then that would mean…”

Their eyes widen in realization. “They haven’t eaten a troll yet.” Poppy felt hope swell inside her and the brothers couldn’t help but feel relief wash over them knowing that their little brother is still alive.

“Then what are we waiting for?” John Dory smiled. “Let’s go save them.”

Meanwhile, Branch was trying to comfort Biggie while at the same time, trying to figure out a way to escape. Ever since he got thrown in, he looked for a way to escape without being noticed by the Bergen. He thought he would be alone since he saw that the Militia rescuing the kidnapped trolls but guessed they didn’t manage to get all of them out.

When he was thrown inside, he was immediately swarm by his friends and as much as he was happy to see them okay, he was terrified for their lives. He rubbed Biggie’s back in a soothing motion has the big troll hugged his pet worm tightly, he looked around and saw how scared everyone was.

Then his wristband chimed has a blue glowing flower popped out then soon, the others chimed as well. As much as he wasn’t always into ‘Hug Time’, all of them could really use one.

“Bring it in, guys.”

Branch opened his arms wide and they all cuddled up with one another, seeking comfort from each other. Branch sighed and he couldn’t help but think about his brothers and his ears drooped in sadness when he realized that he probably wasn’t going to see them again.

“Branch, are you okay?”

He turned to look at Biggie, who was looking at him with a worried expression. Then he looked around and saw everyone giving him the same worried look and he sighed.

“Yeah I’m fine, it’s just…” Branch sighs. “I miss my brothers.” Everyone gives him a look of sympathy. They gave each other a glance then they pulled Branch to the center and they all gave him a hug.

“It’s going to be alright, mate. We’re here for you.”

Creek said and the others agreed. “Yeah dude, as long as you got us, it’s going to be okay.” DJ Suki gave him a grin and Branch couldn’t help but feel grateful for his friends and leans into their hug.

Soon Branch’s ears twitched and flicked around has they started to pick up on noise. He pulls away from the hug and places his ear against the leather fabric and hears someone talking.

“Branch, what’s going on?”

Guy Diamond asked has he stands beside Branch. “I think I hear something.”

“What is it?” Smidge asked then everyone asked him until Branch shush them.

“Guys, I can’t hear.”

Everyone quieted down and Branch continued to listen in the conversation.

“If only there was some way I could make you feel better.”

“Well, fat chance! The only way I’ll ever be happy is by eating a troll and that ain’t gonna happen, thanks to you.”

Branch froze has his eyes widen in fear and his heart began to sped up.

“Ah, but it just might, thanks to me.”

At the sound of the zipper, the fanny pack opened and all of them tried to back away but there wasn’t any more room. They saw a short Bergen with green hair and skin wearing a crown looking at them with a look of amazement.

He must be the new Bergen king.

They can hear gasps around the room, no doubt the others Bergens must’ve seen them.

“You found the trolls.”

Branch saw the king reaching out to them and it makes Branch’s blood run cold has he tries to come up with an escape plan but then Chef slapped his hand and they sighed in relief has he fell back onto his throne, rubbing his hand.

“So this means, I might actually get to be happy!”

The short king looked excited which made the trolls shudder.

“That’s right.”

The king exclaims in delight while the trolls shivered in fear. Branch was still looking for a way to escape but then the bag closed up. Branch looked around and saw how frightened they all are as they held onto each other. Branch was also scared but he felt a wave of determination crash through him. He’s going to get them all out, they’re going to escape, head back home and he can be with his brothers again.

Soon, the bag opened again but this time, they were thrown into a cage.

Branch looked around and noticed that they were all in a kitchen and Branch couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding.

“Shh. Don’t cry, Mr. Dinkles. Shh!” Branch turned around to see Biggie with a freaked out expression has he tries to calm down his worm.

“Guys, Mr. Dinkles is really freaking out!”

“Mew.”

Branch approached him has he tries to calm down his frightened friend. “Easy Biggie, it’s going to be alright.” Branch squeezed his arm reassuringly gave him a smile, hoping to put his friend at ease.

“Branch is right everyone. We must all remain calm.”

Creek said has he starts to do a calming mantra, trying to get everyone to do the same but then gasped in fear when he heard someone behind him.

“That’s right, a calm troll is a tasty troll.”

Branch pulled Creek away from the Bergen and stood in front of his friends and glared at the Bergen, he mentally smirked when he saw the scar, still fresh, over her eye. Chef grinned at the cute display then pulled out a cook book then showed them its contents.

“And you are all a key ingredient in my recipe for success.”

“Don’t you mean your ‘recipe for failure’? Because you’re going to fail. Just like you did, twenty years ago and I can’t wait to see the look on your face when you get what’s coming to you!”

Branch proclaimed has he glared at the Bergen and Chef glared back towards Branch. Oh she’ll definitely eat him first. With a huff, Chef closed the book and a wicked grin spreads across the bergen’s lips.

“That’s not going to happen because you see, he who controls the trolls, controls the kingdom. And I, I am that ‘he’!”

After years that were down right depressing

To whole decades unbearably glum

Watch and witness my ploy to deliver the joy

To kingdom come

Now I’m cooking up something special

My dear Bergens are in for a treat

A little garlic and oil

And Trolls they’re like royal

To fill them up with glee

‘Til they all bow down to me

I’m bringing back happy

I’m bringing back cheer

When they’re looking for sunny skies and sugar highs

I got the stuff right here

And once they’re shouting “Chef won’t you feed me?”

They’ll remember how much they need me

This don’t just plan it right on track

I’m bringing back happy

Huge helpings of happy

So tell me you’re happy

Happy that I’m back!

I’m back!

I’m back!

Chef then laughed maniacally has thunder echoed. Branch and the others glanced at each other and one thought crossed Branch’s mind.

‘We need to get out of here.’

Meanwhile, Poppy and the Brozone brothers managed to sneak into the castle without being detected. Right now, they are hiding in a torch using Floyd and Spruce’s hair to imitate fire has two Bergen guards passed by.

“Chad.”

“Todd.”

Then they disappeared in the corridors and both Floyd and Spruce change their hair back to normal, then they used their hair to swing across to the hallway and onto the edge.

“So, where do you think they are?”

“Hopefully not in a Bergen’s stomach.”

“Clay!”

“Just being realistic here.”

“How about something positively realistic? Like I don't know, our bro and his friends are alive and are about to be delivered to us on a silver platter or something.”

“Yeah, real realistic dude.”

"I said something!"

Poppy sighed then all of a sudden their Hug Time bracelets went off and she gasped. “Guys!” They all turned to her with confused faces.

“But don’t you dislike-“

Poppy cut Spruce off has she shushed him with a finger. “Listen.”

She whispered and then they heard multiple familiar chimes and from the corner of their eyes they spotted bright multicolored lights shining just around the corner. They quickly followed and they can feel a pit form in their stomachs when they saw it was a dining room. Bergens bustled around the room has they got everything ready for the feast of a lifetime.

“Not good.”

They glanced at each other then the doors burst open and they saw a short and young-looking Bergen with a crown on his head then the brothers glared when they spotted Chef.

“This is gonna be the best Trollstice ever! Such a great idea I had.”

The king praised himself with an egotistic smile while Chef just serenely smiled. “Yes.” Then she addressed all of the workers in the room. “Tomorrow is Trollstice, everyone. And it must be perfect!”

“Yes Chef!”

Chef chuckled and her smile grew a bit. “Feels great to be ordering everyone again.” The brothers glared at her then Floyd spotted the cage and gasped. “Guys, look!” They all turned towards the cage on top of the cart, being wheeled behind the king. Their eyes widen when they saw Branch and the Snack Pack, alive.

“They’re alive. He’s alive.”

Spruce cried out in joy. All of the brothers felt a huge weight lifted off of their shoulders at the sight of their baby brother then Clay spotted something else and he nudged John Dory on the shoulder.

“And they’re on a silver platter too! Guess you were right.” Clay laughed at the irony.

Poppy sighed has relief flowed through her at the sight of Branch and the others alive and breathing, well they’re stuck in a cage but she has hope that they can save them.

“And to mark the occasion, Your Highness, look. I found your old Troll bib.”

They saw Chef take out an orange bib from a box and showed it to the king. “Oh wow! I bet you still fit.” They watched as the Bergen king struggled to put it on and when he managed to strapped it together, it ended up ripping apart which elicited a gasp from the maid.

Clay, Spruce and John Dory snickered while Floyd shot them a disapproving stare then they snapped their heads back when they heard Cooper laugh. The others immediately shushed him but it got the king’s attention has he stomped towards them with an angry expression.

“Oh, you think that’s funny?”

Clay and Spruce were trying to stop John Dory from jumping down there when they saw the king approaching the cage while Floyd tries to calm him down.

“We’ll see who’s laughing when I bite your yummy head off. When I bite all y’alls yummy heads off!”

The Snack Pack stared at him with wide frighten eyes, except for Branch, who was glaring at the king with a burning intensity has he steps forward. “I like to see you try, you rotundus man-child!”

Everyone in the room gasped while the king glared at Branch.

“What did you call me?!”

The king commanded angrily while Branch gave him a smug and sarcastic smirk while plastering a fake smile and an apologetic expression.

“Oh I’m sorry, let me dumb it down for you since you don’t seem to be that smart.”

The king’s face flushed red in both embarrassment and anger while Branch kept a polite smile on his face has he continues.

“You’re an egotistic and immature child in the body of a grown-up that is so spoilt that he gets upset when things don’t go his way and is so stupid that he didn’t realized that someone just called him fat.”

Everyone was shocked into silence while Branch was sweetly smiling. Up in their hiding place in the chandelier, Clay stared at Branch in surprise but there was a proud glint in his eyes, Spruce was snickering in his hand, John Dory was silently wheezing while Floyd face palmed and Poppy’s jaw dropped in disbelief and pure shock.

She had no idea Branch had such a mouth on him, he was always so polite and sweet!

“Damn Branch…”

Clay muttered has Floyd groaned and shook his head while John Dory manage to recover from his wheezing fit and crossed his arms over his chest, a proud look on his face has he confidently stated.

“He got it from me, you know.”

At least Poppy now knows who is to blame.

“I don’t think that’s a good thing.”

Spruce commented which earned him a look of indignation from his older brother while Clay snickered and Floyd groaned again has he wiped a hand over his face.

Meanwhile, the king’s face was as red as a tomato in anger has he glared at the blue troll but then he noticed something. His face morphed from anger into confusion.

“Wait a minute. Chef, this isn’t enough yummy heads to feed all of Bergen Town.” He addressed the chef in an angry tone has his face twisted in annoyance while Chef was trying to find a good excuse for her blunder.

“How are we supposed to have Trollstice if there’s not enough trolls?”

Chef’s mind was running like clockwork trying to come up with a good excuse while at the same time, she has to appeased the young ruler so her plans won’t go up in smoke.

“Oh, there’s plenty more where that came from, sire.”

“Are you sure? Because I promised everyone a troll.”

Poppy and the four Brozone brothers looked at each other in worry while Branch and the Snack Pack also gave each other worried looks.

“Everything will be fine. If I were truly worried, would I be willing to do this?”

The purple-skinned Bergen opened the cage and grabbed Creek. Everyone let out terrified gasps and Branch sprang into action and whipped his hair towards Creek to grab hold.

“Hang… on.”

“Branch!”

Creek called out, scared beyond his wits has he held onto his friend’s hair. Branch struggled against the Bergen, trying to not let go of Creek. Chef let out a grunt has she continues to pull. Branch was trying his best but he was struggling to keep up and was starting to slip. The others took noticed and immediately rushed to help their friend save their other friend.

They all struggled against the Bergen and Creek held onto Branch’s hair as tight as he can but his fingers were starting to slip until eventually he let go. Everyone stumbled back and watched helplessly has Creek got taken.

“Oh no!”

Poppy exclaimed loudly enough to make Chef turned her head and they all quickly hid themselves, hoping and praying that she didn’t see them.

“Oh my first troll!”

“Go on, eat, King Gristle. Enjoy a taste of true happiness.”

Chef handed Creek to Gristle, who looked absolutely excited. They all watched as Gristle brings Creek into his mouth but then he stops.

“Shouldn’t we wait for Trollstice?”

Thus the sentence sparked a debate between Gristle and Chef until the older Bergen got fed up with the king and shoved the troll into Gristle’s mouth. They all gasp in horror with fear-struck expressions.

They all just saw their friend get eaten.

“Oh my God.”

“No!”

 Then a mariachi band appeared and spun Gristle out of the dining room with a sombrero and a pair of maracas while Chef looked absolutely pleased with herself has she followed the king out of the dining room but not before turning and addressing the maid.

“Idget, lock these Trolls in your room and guard them with your life.”

Then she threw the wooden spoon at the maid’s head, who then stood up in attention.

“Yes, Chef.”

Then they left.

Poppy couldn’t believe what she just saw and she won’t believe it. “We have to go save him!” She couldn’t imagine how scared Creek must be right now, she might have not been the biggest fan of him and barely tolerate him but no one, not even Creek, deserves to be eaten.

The princess was about to jump down and go rescue him but was then stopped by Floyd and Spruce.

“Poppy, no, we can’t.”

“I don’t think we can save him from the king’s stomach, princess.”

“We didn’t see him chew, we didn’t see him swallow!”

Poppy argued, she knows that Creek has to be alive, he has to be, but then Clay joined in.

“We have to face reality, Poppy. Once a Bergen eats a troll, they’re gone and we can’t do anything about it.”

Then John Dory added.

“And besides, if we go after Creek right this minute, we’ll be as good as eaten.”

Poppy’s face contorted into disbelief and despair has she turns away from the brothers.

“We’re sorry, Poppy. There’s nothing we can do.”

She clenched her fists tightly. She couldn’t believe it, not even ten minutes inside the castle and she already failed to save one of her subjects from being devoured. Shame, anger and worthlessness mixed together inside her. Another reason as to why she’ll never be able to live up to her father and sister’s legacy.

She looked down and then saw the maid carrying the cage away. Her face became stern has she immediately jumped off the chandelier. Determination crashed through her has she made her way towards the maid. She may haven’t been able to save Creek but she wasn’t going to fail the rest, she wasn’t going to fail Branch.

“Poppy!”

The brothers called out to her has they watched her made her way towards the maid. Poppy jumped on a spoon and used the momentum to propel herself towards the edge of the table then jumped and landed on an apron loop. The guys looked at each other and nodded as they also jumped down and made their way towards Poppy.

Soon they made it to her side, Floyd landed on the second loop next to her while Clay, Spruce and John Dory held onto the apron ties. Fortunately for them, nobody was able to spot them which is a miracle by itself.

Soon they reached the maid’s room then they jumped off and hid beneath a cart has they watched her placed the cage on the table right next to her bed. A rumbling sound was heard and before they knew it, a pile of dirty pots and pans fell right on top of her and they couldn’t help but wince.

“Scullery Maid! Wash these pots and pans for Trollstice! The king’s inviting everyone.” Then Chef cruelly added. “Except you.”

Then a silver spoon fell on top of her head and that was when the dam broke. She cries has fat tears streamed down her face. She clamored out of the pile then threw herself onto her bed face down, crying into her pillow.

Floyd and Poppy couldn’t help but feel bad for her. Poppy knows what it feels like to be an outcast and can remember all the times she cried when the pressure and the villagers’ taunts became too much while Floyd’s heart aches for the poor girl. The magenta haired troll can almost feel tears coming to his eyes when he saw the state of her room.

Nobody should be treated like this – Bergen or not.

After the maid stopped crying, she took out a magazine with a picture of Gristle and gazed onto it with longing. A longing that Clay understands and to their surprise, she began to sing.

I've been alone with you inside my mind

And in my dreams I've kissed your lips

A thousand times

I sometimes see you pass outside my door

Hello!

Is it me you're looking for?

I can see it in your eyes

I can see it in your smile

You're all I've ever wanted

And my arms are open wide

'Cause you know just what to say

And you know just what to do

And I want to tell you so much

I love you

She whispered onto the picture of Gristle’s face that was taped onto her pillow then hugged it has she cried again then immediately fell asleep, tired after washing all of those pots and pans. Poppy and the brothers slowly came out of the shadows and stared at the sleeping girl, Poppy couldn’t help but think that maybe, in some way, not all Bergens are the same.

She spotted something and squinted her eyes and saw it was a piece of paper with a name on it.

Bridget.

‘Huh, such a lovely name.’ She turns back towards the maid, Bridget, and it was obvious that she’s in love with the king. Although to be completely honest, she doesn’t understand why but maybe there is more to the king than meets the eye. Clay on the other hand, completely understood her. He knew what it feels like to be in love with someone that you know is out of your reach – in Clay’s case, quite literal – so he understands what she is going through.

“Come on, let’s go.”

Everyone snapped out of it when John Dory spoke and soon followed him towards the cage. Meanwhile in the cage, everyone was still shaken up by what just happened has the reality of their situation finally sunk in.

Smidge turned her head towards Branch and he noticed that he was picking the lock with his hair. “Branch, what are you doing?” Everyone turned towards Branch whilst the blue troll was focused on opening the lock.

“Getting us out of here.” He stated has he continues to pick the lock. “We’ve already lost Creek, I’m not about to lose any more of my friends.”

At that statement, everyone felt a wave of appreciation and adoration towards the superstar. Branch always goes out of his way to help anyone in need and one of the reasons he was part of the Militia along with his brothers, to help people.

They all looked at each other and nodded then made their way towards Branch, who was still struggling to get the lock opened. Branch grunted has he tries to unlock the lock but every time he tries it would move and he had to start all over again.

Eventually he spotted two hands holding the lock still and he looked around to see DJ Suki and Guy Diamond holding the lock still then he noticed Cooper has the four-legged troll stuck out his head and stared at the lock.

“There’s the problem, the keyhole is rusted all over.” Then he turns to Branch. “No wonder you have trouble opening it.”

Cooper let out a laugh has he retracts his head back in. Then Fuzzbert came closed and made some grunt noises before bending down and a bottle of oil fell out. Biggie took the bottle and opened it then gave it to Mr. Dinkles, who then poured it over the keyhole.

“Try it now, Branch.”

Biggie said and Branch blinked at him before a smile graced his lips and he nodded. He tried it again as DJ Suki and Guy Diamond held the lock steady and this time, it worked. Branch retracted his hair and Smidge came over and carefully lifted the lock out of the bar handles and the twins used their hair to gently set it down in the cage.

Branch turned to his friends and he couldn’t help but smile at them. “Thanks for the help guys.” They all grinned and Cooper. “No problem, man it’s what friends do.” Then Satin spoke up. “Even when you worry us to no need when you overwork yourself, accidentally or intentionally.”

“Hey!”

Everyone laughed and Branch sighed in halfhearted exasperation has he smiles and lets out a chuckle. Then his ears picked up something, his ears flicked around and he can hear footsteps coming towards them and before he knew it, the cloth around the cage dropped and Branch immediately went on a fighting stance, determined to give his friends a head start until he saw who it was.

He gasped when he saw it was Poppy and his older brothers, looking at him with relief in their eyes.

“Branch!”

Branch swung the gate open then barreled into his brothers, who pulled him into a tight hug. Branch didn't care about anything else has he hugged his brothers. The blue haired troll immediately melted into their embrace, feeling the stress and fear leaving him has warmth and safety filled him. Spruce and John Dory were checking him over for any injuries while Clay was nuzzling his hair and Floyd had tears in his eyes has he pulls Branch much closer to him and places a kiss onto his head.

“Oh Branch, we were so worried.”

“We thought we’ve lost you, B.”

“You’re not leaving our sight again.”

“When we get home, you’re on pod-arrest.”

“John, I’m an adult.”

“Adults can still go into pod-arrest and you’re getting one when this is over.”

Branch halfheartedly rolled his eyes and sighed, the fight leaving him, then John Dory remembered something. He pulled away for a bit and reached into his jacket then pulled out Branch's necklace. Branch looked up when he felt someone touching his shoulder and his eyes widen in disbelief when he saw his oldest brother holding his necklace.

"I thought I lost that..." John Dory chuckled. "Somehow, I managed to grab your necklace. Here, let me put it back on you." Branch smiled has he tilted his head up and his big brother placed the necklace back on him. Branch looked down and held the necklace has he stares at it with a soft smile then he turns to John Dory and wrapped his arms around him. John Dory chuckled, the fear and anxiety of never seeing him again fading has he hugged his baby brother back and they were soon joined with their other brothers.

Meanwhile, Poppy let out a small smile has she watches Branch reunite with his brothers. She was happy for the Brozone brothers but a small part of her was jealous, despite them losing their grandmother and their parents, they still had each other to get through the bad times while she, she had no one. Poppy immediately shook her head, trying to get rid of the depressing thoughts then she turns to glance at the open cage door has the Snack Pack exit the cage.

“How did-“

“We picked the lock.”

Cooper responded and Poppy sighed and shook her head in amusement. Yeah, she should’ve known that Branch would try and find a way for them to escape.

Speaking of Branch...

She walks towards them and Branch stepped out of the hug when he noticed the gray princess heading towards them. She had a stern expression on her face which made him gulp, already knowing what's going to happen and is mentally preparing himself for scolding of the century. Poppy was standing in front of him then she smacked Branch upside the head.

“Ow! Poppy what in the-“

“Never do that again, you hear me? You made me so worried and I was scared that I lose one of the only few friends I have!” Poppy exclaimed has she looks at Branch with a sad expression has tears clung to the corners of her eyes.

“So don’t go making me that worried again, idiot.”

She wiped the tears from her eyes and Branch felt guilty for making her so upset. He didn’t mean to, he just wanted to keep her safe, wanted to keep his best friend safe. He gives her an apologetic smile.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to but I couldn’t let my best friend get hurt.”

For the first time, ever since she turned gray, Poppy initiated a hug when she pulled Branch towards her and wrap her arms around him. Branch’s eyes widen before smiling softly has he hugs her back. Everyone watched with smiles on their faces and soon they separated. Branch then turned to the others with a serious expression.

“Alright, the sooner we get out of here and out of Bergen Town-“

“The sooner I’ll go rescue Creek.”

The princess said with full confidence which made all Brozone brothers snapped their heads towards her.

“WHAT?!”

Then Bridget shot up from her bed, making everyone gasp. “Hello?” Everyone stilled, not making a sound and she starts to fall right back to sleep. “Is it me, you’re looking for?” She soon fell back onto her bed, asleep, and everyone let out a sigh of relief.

“Poppy, while I admire your confidence but girl, we have to face facts here. Creek’s been eaten.” Clay bluntly said and the others agreed.

“They put him in a taco.” Biggie held Mr. Dinkles close has he sought comfort has DJ Suki rubbed his arm while Cooper stood near Branch has he shuddered. “It was horrible.” Floyd placed a soothing hand on his back then Guy Diamond placed his hand on Poppy’s shoulder, giving her a sad and sympathetic look. “Sorry Poppy. Creek’s gone.” Then he moved towards Satin and Chenille and the twins patted him on the back.

 Branch then slowly approached the princess. “Poppy, how could you possibly think that Creek is still alive?”

“I don’t think he is alive but I hope that he is alive and that is good enough for me.” She firmly stated. Spruce placed a hand over his eyes has he shook his head. “Out of all the times to be an optimist, why now?”

Poppy’s face had a stern and determined expression on her face has she turns towards John Dory. “My father once said; “No Troll Left Behind”. My father and sister took that to heart, leaving no troll behind, even at the cost of their lives, to save our kind and that determination and drive is what is gonna help me save Creek.”

Everyone stared at her in awe and felt stumped at her bravery, here she was planning to face certain death just to save a troll from being eaten while the brothers felt a wave of pride has they watched the young girl that they have come to love has a little sister becoming the queen that they knew she could be.

They glanced at each other and shared a look and before they could say something, a bright light shone upon them.

“Hey! Where do you think you’re going?!”

“Scatter!”

John Dory yelled and they all scattered but Guy Diamond took this chance and shoot glitter in her face, making her shout has glitter got into her eyes. Branch and Guy Diamond high fived and they try to quickly escape from the maid.

Bridget managed to get the glitter off and was trying to catch them. “No! Get back in your cage!” But the trolls were much faster and more agile than her and she was starting to panic. “Chef’s gonna be so mad.” Her mind kept running a mile has thoughts of what Chef, and more importantly King Gristle, will do to her if they found out that she let the trolls escape.

“No!”

Bridget kept chasing them around the room, causing various pots, pans and dishes to topple over causing a ruckus. Poppy watched the chaos and knew she needed to stop this before someone hears and comes down here. She spotted Branch and gestured for him to follow her.

They reached the headboard and saw John Dory pointing his machete at Bridget while Spruce used a fork and Bridget held up a frying pan then all three let out battle cries.

Okay, now might be the perfect time to intervene.

“BRIDGET STOP!”

Everyone stopped has Poppy yelled and the maid turned towards her.

“You’re in love with King Gristle.”

The gray princess accused which made Bridget gasp while Branch looked at her with a look of shock and disbelief.

“She is?”

“Um, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Bridget tried to lie with an embarrassed blush on her cheeks but Poppy just turned around and opened the curtain to reveal a collage of the Bergen king plastered onto her wall. Branch’s eyes went wide while Bridget dropped the pan and quickly ran over. “Uh, excuse me!” She quickly closed it and turned to Poppy and Branch with an anxious look. “That’s not mine.”

Branch raised an eyebrow has he gave her an unimpressed look. “Oh really?” He walked over and lifted the curtain back a bit to reveal a cut out of a couple but with cut outs of Gristle and Bridget’s faces on it.

Bridget looks at them before sighing in defeat. “What does it matter? It’s not like he even knows I’m alive.”

“Man, that’s harsh.”

Branch commented wincing a bit while Poppy looks at Bridget for a bit before an idea struck at her. It’s a risky gamble but it’s the only plan she’s got.

“Bridget, we can help you!” Poppy exclaimed. “What if, there is a way that we both get what we want?” Branch turns to the princess with a look saying that she was insane.

“Poppy, what are you talking about?”

Poppy shushed Branch but then they both jumped when the pink haired Bergen lunged at them while John Dory had to be held back by Floyd, Spruce and Clay. Different scenarios ran in their heads but what they didn’t expect was…

“You love Gristle, too?”

What?

Wait, what?

“You better back off, girlfriend.” Bridget threatened in a sassy manner has she hissed at them but in reality she was as adorable as a cuddlepup who was trying to look scary but failed.

All of the trolls stared at her varying looks of awe, flabbergast and mystified. The image of Poppy in love with the Bergen king send Branch into hysterics has he tried to hold them back. Poppy flushed in embarrassment and send a halfhearted glare at Branch then cleared her throat.

“No. Bridget, no.” She quickly clarified then cleared her throat again. “That troll that King Gristle put in his mouth, his name is Creek and I want to save him but the only problem is, we can’t get near the king without him trying to eat us.” The princess explained then gave the Bergen girl a confident smile.

“But you can.” Which got Bridget excited. “You can walk right up to him and tell him how you feel.” Then got a skeptical look from the maid. “As if. I can’t just walk right up to the king.” Bridget reasoned.

“His Royal Awesomeness would never talk to a scullery maid like me.”

Bridget looked down with a disheartened expression and Poppy was trying to come up with an idea to reel her back in but then a voice joined in.

“What if he didn’t know?”

She turned around to see Spruce, Floyd, Clay and John Dory. Spruce gave Poppy a wink then he turns towards Bridget, who wore a confused expression.

“What do you mean?”

“What if, hear me out, he didn’t know that you were a ‘scullery maid’?” Spruce wore a smirk has he continues. “What if instead of a scullery maid, he thought you were this 'total babe'?”

That got the gears working in the trolls’ minds while Bridget still looked unconvinced has he gestured to all of herself. “What kind of total babe dresses like a scullery maid?” Then she gave herself a whiff. “I smell like gravy.”

Then Floyd joined in.

“Then what about a new outfit? The first step to bettering yourself is to start fresh with a new look.” He turns towards Satin and Chenille. “What about it girls?” Satin and Chenille critically eyed Bridget then nodded.

“We can absolutely make this work.” Satin said has Chenille nodded in agreement. “Indeed and I’m thinking-“ Both twins gasp in excitement has they exclaimed. “Jumpsuit!”

Poppy blinked and was pleasantly surprised that they were all going along with her out of the blue plan.

“What’s the point of a jumping suit if I still have this hair?” Bridget said, still unconvinced has she became self-conscious of her hair. “We can fix that as well.” Poppy turned to see Branch and he gave her a wink just like his brother, telling her he was onboard.

Knowing that Branch was supporting made Poppy feel warm and confident and the feeling grew has she saw everyone agreeing. All they needed was for Bridget to be onboard.

“What’s the point of a new outfit and new hair if I don’t even know what a total babe would ever say?”

This time Clay spoke up. “Don’t worry about that girl, we can help with that too!”

Bridget’s eyes seem to sparkle has she leans towards them with a smile on her face. “Really?” Poppy smiled has she nodded, she was almost there, they just need that one more push.

“What do you say, Bridget? You get us Creek, and we’ll get you a date with the king.”

Bridget looked hesitant for a moment before she touched the collage she made of Gristle then turned towards them.

“Let’s do it?”

Everyone cheered while John Dory was watching this with a look of disbelief on his face has he face palmed.

‘How in the Troll Tree did we get here?’

Chapter Text

John Dory couldn’t believe his ears at what he was hearing.

They were gonna help a Bergen, who is their worst enemy, for the notion to save someone who is most certainly already dead.

He admires the princess’s tenacity, and despite being gray, her tremendous hope but many things could go wrong here, and even though he trusts her, he doesn’t trust Bridget. I mean, he feels bad for her but she was still a Bergen, a being that has already taken most of his family from him and his brothers.

Because of them, their grandmother is gone, because of them, Branch never had the chance to get to know their parents, because of them, his family would’ve been whole and they wouldn’t have to live in constant fear, because of them, they had to leave their beautiful home and let it rot, because of them, many lives and families were lost.

All because of them.

He was snapped out of his thoughts by a voice, making flinch in surprise.

“Wait! Why isn’t that one singing?”

John Dory tensed up when all eyes landed on him and his brothers gave each other worried looks while the green haired troll had a wary and skeptical look on his face.

“John?” Spruce walked up to his older brother. “Is everything okay, bro?”

“Ya’ll can’t be serious, right?” John sighed and Spruce blinked his eyes has the oldest brother continues. “Are we really considering helping a Bergen, who I remind you is our worst enemy and is working for that damn chef!” Spruce scratched the back of his head has he sighed. “JD, I understand how you feel, believe me this is highly weird for me as well, but come on man, we should at least help the poor girl out.”

John Dory sighed. “Look, I feel bad for her too okay, but there is a high chance that this plan is going to slap us in the face!” Then he turns to Poppy. “Poppy, I trust you and I completely admire you for being so hopeful and determined but we also have to face the truth, because I won’t be able to handle seeing the little girl I watch grow up to have her hopes crushed and for my little brothers to be someone's dinner.”

Poppy looked down and bit her lip then Clay joined in. “John, I can see where you’re coming from and I know you’re worried but I believe we should help, it’s the right thing to do.” Clay said, hoping it would convince his brother but John Dory just sighed has he shook his head with a somber expression.

He’s never seen his brother looks so down and it breaks his heart, seeing his normally headstrong big brother looks so vulnerable. “I-I’m sorry but I can’t…” John Dory said in a low voice, almost a whisper has he turns around and starts to walk away. “I just can’t.”

Poppy looked up and felt guilt rising in her chest, knowing that she must’ve pressed on a sensitive spot in the older man, and it makes her feel even worse because she did it without even realizing it. The four younger brothers watched their older brother with worried faces and proceeded to follow him.

Branch and Floyd looked back to Poppy and gave her reassuring smiles and squeezed her hand and shoulder, like they were trying to say it wasn’t her fault before joining their brothers then Poppy heard whimpering and she turned to see Bridget with tears in her eyes.

“He’s right. This idea is stupid, King Gristle will never love me!”

Bridget fell down onto her bed and started crying into her pillow again and the Snack Pack were quick to comfort her.

“Come on. Hey, hey. What’s all this?”

“That’s right, Bridget. Just let it all out.”

“Bridget, let it go. Just have a good cry. Go girl!”

Biggie encouraged her which made Bridget let out a loud wail.

“Okay, now bring it back in. Now reel it in.”

Poppy felt torn with guilt at what her actions did and felt all the confidence she felt from earlier wane has self-doubt started to takeover. Her ears perked up when she hears voices coming from above and knew it was Branch and his brothers talking. She knew she should’ve just left them alone but she felt like she owed John Dory an apology and she didn’t mean to eavesdrop onto their conversation.

“Hey man, what’s going on?”

“John, what’s wrong?”

There Poppy watched has the brothers sat around the eldest, Spruce and Branch sat at his sides while the latter rested his head against his shoulder, and Clay was sitting in front of him while Floyd decided to take residence between John Dory’s legs and hugged him by the waist with the older male’s arms wrapped around the younger male.

John Dory was silent for a moment before sighing and looked out of the window with a melancholic expression. “John?” Spruce called out to him, had a feeling what this was about but he needed confirmation first. He exchanged a glance with Clay then turn to John Dory has they wait for him to speak.

The eldest brother sighed again has his ears drooped. “It’s today, isn’t it?” John Dory spoke in a soft whisper. All of them were confused at first before their ears drooped in sadness when the realization of what today was sank in.

It was their parents’ anniversary.

The brothers held each other close. Branch glanced up at John Dory, he knew how close he was with them, being the eldest child and all, and he knew how much their death had affected him and the others. Spruce rubbed John Dory’s back, Clay held his hand in a reassuring hold while Floyd held him even closer.

“Yeah, it is.”

Spruce misses their parents too and their grandmother as well, and he always wished that things were different but he knew that he can’t change the past. Clay and Floyd glanced at each other with sad expressions on their faces, they also miss their parents. Branch on the other hand, looks at his brothers sadly, he may not remember their parents that much but he does remember the important parts.

He took a deep breath and started to sing in a soft voice, singing a song that they all know by heart.

(Branch)

Come stop your crying

It will be alright

Just take my hand

Hold it tight

I will protect you

From all around you

I will be here

Don't you cry

John Dory, Spruce, Clay and Floyd looked towards Branch with wide eyes but didn't dare say a word has they let their youngest brother sing. The song flowed around them has memories of their parents singing the song to them filled their minds.

For one so small, you seem so strong

My arms will hold you, keep you safe and warm

This bond between us

Can't be broken

I will be here

Don't you cry

Then Spruce, Clay and Floyd joined in, harmonizing with him, has they sang together.

(Branch, Floyd, Clay & Spruce)

'Cause you'll be in my heart

Yes, you'll be in my heart

From this day on

Now and forever more

You'll be in my heart

No matter what they say

You'll be here in my heart always

(Spruce)

Why can't they understand the way we feel?

They just don't trust what they can't explain

(Clay)

I know we're different but deep inside us

We're not that different at all

(Branch, Floyd, Clay & Spruce)

And you'll be in my heart

Yes, you'll be in my heart

From this day on

Now and forever more

Has John Dory listens to his brothers sing, tears start to cling onto the corners of his eyes and memories of their parents rushed into him has the song continued.

(Floyd)

Don't listen to them

'Cause what do they know

(Spruce & Clay)

(What do they know?)

(Floyd)

We need each other

To have, to hold.

They'll see in time

I know

(Branch)

When destiny calls you

You must be strong

(Spruce & Clay)

(You gotta be strong)

(Branch)

I may not be with you

But you've got to hold on

They'll see in time

I know

This time, John Dory joins in.

(Brozone)

We'll show them together

'Cause you'll be in my heart

Believe me, you'll be in my heart

I'll be there, from this day on,

Now and forever more

Oh, you'll be in my heart

(Floyd)

(You'll be here in my heart)

(Brozone)

No matter what they say

(Spruce)

(I'll be with you)

(Brozone)

You'll be here in my heart

(Clay)

(I'll be there)

(Branch)

Always

(Brozone)

Always

I'll be with you

I'll be there for you always

Always and always

Just look over your shoulder

Just look over your shoulder

Just look over your shoulder

I'll be there

Always.

Once the song ended, John Dory wipes the tears from his eyes with his sleeve and gave his brothers a thankful smile. “Thanks guys, especially you B.” He turns to Branch and gives him a kiss on his head.

“I didn’t think you would remember…”

Branch smiled at his brother. “I may not remember about mom and dad that much or got to know them like you guys but I’ll always cherished the moments I have with them.” John Dory smiled then he ruffled his baby brother’s hair with a chuckle. “When did my baby brother got so wise?”

“He had great brothers, that’s why.”

That comment made all of his brothers smile at him then Clay snickered. “Careful Bitty B, you might stroke his ego and we don’t need his head getting bigger than Rhonda.” John Dory dramatically gasped. “How rude!” All of them laughed and John Dory couldn’t help but smile.

He couldn’t believe he almost walked out on this, and he was so glad that he decided to stay because he would’ve missed out on having four great little brothers right by his side. He glanced up and saw Poppy, the Snack Pack and Bridget looking at them.

Guilt struck his heart has he remembered his earlier actions. He didn’t mean to cause a scene or make Poppy doubt herself even more or did he meant to hurt the poor Bergen girl’s feelings. He sighed has he moved to stand up, motioning his brothers to stand up as well has the princess approached them.

Poppy took in a deep breath and bowed her head towards the older troll. “I’m so sorry John Dory, I didn’t mean to force you to go along with my crazy plan and I should’ve considered your feelings as well. I’m sorry.” Poppy sighed, if she was to be a good Queen, she needed to take regard of what her people think and feel, a good ruler should always put their people first, and she just failed.

The Militia Captain stared at Poppy then towards Bridget then back to Poppy and he sighed has he rubbed the back of his head. “I know your heart’s in the right place, princess and I’m also sorry… to both of you,” He glanced at Bridget, giving her a small smile, then looks at Poppy with a playful smirk.

“And besides, who better to help a gal get ready for a last minute date than Brozone themselves.”

Poppy looked up at the green haired troll with wide eyes, not believing what she just heard. “But didn’t you say?” John Dory smiled at her has he chuckled, making her blush slightly. “I may not be a fan of this plan and I may think that it’s a big risk but I support you Poppy seed, no matter what.” He gave her an encouraging smile has he winked.

Poppy stared at him then looked towards the other brothers and they all also have smiles on their faces which made her feel all warm inside again has a small smile graced her lips. John Dory clapped his hands, getting their attention has they got into position.

“Okay trolls, hair we go!”

(Snack Pack & Brozone)

You

You

You

You

You

(Floyd)

You gotta let it show

(Snack Pack & Brozone)

I'm Coming

I'm

Coming

(Cooper)

(Alright)

(Snack Pack & Brozone)

Out

I'm coming

I'm

Coming

Out

I'm coming

(Bridget)

Yo, I'm comin' out like the sun after rain

Ready to shine, no time to be playin'

Feeling good, gonna get, get what I, what I want

Gonna show ev'ry, everybody how I, how I flaunt

Look at me now, my confidence is soaring

Dudes be impressed with the points I'm scoring like

(Random Male Bergens)

(That ain't boring)

(Bridget)

And it just don't quit

Watch the king drop his jaw when I'm shaking my hips, I'm saying

(Snack Pack & Brozone)

She's coming out

(Biggie)

(She's coming)

(Snack Pack & Brozone)

It's time to take a stand

(Bridget)

And show the world that I'm coming out

(Branch)

(She's coming out)

Poppy smiled has she sat between Branch and Floyd then sighed has she fiddle with her bangs. One of the disadvantages of being gray, she couldn’t change her hair color like everyone else which proves to be quite a liability especially if she’s trying to hide from predators.

Poppy was highly impressed on how the fashion twins managed to put together the jumpsuit at short noticed and was also impressed with the makeup Floyd and Spruce gave her. Earlier, Poppy was worried because she thought that they would completely change her into somebody else which made her feel guilty but it turns out that she was worried for nothing.

All they did was give her a simple yet all natural look, only really highlighting her best features, gave her new clothes and hair which gave the girl some self-confidence. Poppy knew that Bridget was already a beautiful person, and it seems that she wasn’t the only one.

Now all they have to do is find King Gristle.

“No, no, no. It’s all wrong! I’m the king that’s bringing back Trollstice. I need a bib to match.”

‘Bingo!’

She stood up and parted the hair a bit to see the king inside a shop full of bibs reprimanding a tall and skinny Bergen which made her roll her eyes. Wouldn’t it kill him to be a bit nicer?

She heard a scoff behind her and she turns around to see Branch standing there with crossed arms and scowl on his face. “I still don’t see what she sees in him, she can do much better than the man-child.”

His brothers snorted at his comment while Poppy gave him a scolding look. “Branch, you can’t judge someone you’ve only met for a short time, I mean who knows, maybe there’s more to Gristle than meets the eye.”

Branch raised his hands in surrender. “All I’m saying is that she could’ve done better.”

“Better than a king?”

“With someone that has a much more decent personality.”

Poppy rolled her eyes exasperatedly has she shook her head and continued to watch as Bridget approached the shop, where Gristle was still scolding, more like demanding, the shopkeeper and she can hear Branch scoff again but luckily, he didn’t say anything.

“Oh, he’s so beautiful.”

Bridget gushed, her cheeks turning a pink and Poppy couldn’t help but chuckle. If the girl didn’t look like she was hopelessly in love before, she was now.

“And so are you.” She spoke with confidence because Bridget is beautiful, even if the Bergen didn’t think so.

“Oh, he’ll know that I’m just a scullery maid!”

“No, no, no!”

“Argh, I got to get out of here!”

Bridget was panicking and Poppy was trying to calm her down. Floyd couldn’t really blame Bridget for being nervous, she has never done this before and this was all new territory for her but he knew he couldn’t let her get cold feet, not after she managed to gain the courage to even try.

He walked up in front and slightly popped his head out to look at Bridget. “Bridget relaxed, everything is going to be fine. We’ll be right here with you.” Floyd reassured her which made Bridget calm down and Poppy sent him a grateful smile towards the second youngest which he responded with a smile.

“You’ll tell me what to say, right?” The Bergen questioned and both Poppy and Floyd nodded. “Of course we will.”

“Of course we will.”

Bridget imitated in a deep ‘diva’ voice which John Dory quoted would make her look ‘exotic’ or whatever. She really doesn’t understand these kinds of things. Floyd laughed nervously. “Just wait until we get inside.” After that, Poppy and Floyd hid back into the hair has Bridget enters the shop.

“Oh your majesty! Look at you! Such a big, big boy.”

“I love it.”

The shopkeeper and the guards clapped their hands while Gristle posed in front of the mirror with a smug smile which made John Dory roll his eyes. “Tell him he looks fat.” He whispered which made the others look at him with deadpan expressions.

“Really dude?”

“What? It’s not like she’s really gonna say it.”

“I think you look fat.”

…

…

…

John Dory sweat drops and laughs nervously when the others gave him scolding glares.

“Seriously John?”

“How was I supposed to know that she would literally say it?!”

“Guys, quick say something! He looks angry!”

“On it!” The twins exclaimed.

“P-h, phat.” Chenille instructed.

“Then strike a pose.” Then Satin directed.

“P-h, phat!” Bridget clarified using her diva voice again has she struck a pose.

“That isn’t going to work.” Branch whispered to Guy Diamond.

“Hot lunch! Total honesty from a total babe.” Gristle practically floated towards her with a flirty grin on his face.

“Spoke too soon, Branch.” Guy Diamond whispered back while Branch was trying to process how the Bergen king fell for that. ‘Oh I forgot, he’s an idiot.’ Then he felt John Dory shoulder-bumped him.

“Told you the ‘diva voice’ would work!”

"Sure JD."

The disguised maid chuckled nervously. She has never been this close to the king before, more precisely never had his attention before and she can feel her palms feeling sweaty has he took her hand.

“And who might you be?”

“Uh…eh…”

“Your name is uh… um…”

Poppy turns towards the others for help since she was at a loss. Out of all the things to forget, they forgot to give her a fake name, although the princess couldn’t see the purpose of it. Why couldn’t Bridget just use her real name?

“Lady!”

“Glitter?”

“Sparkles!”

Biggie, Guy Diamond and Smidge contributed equally while Poppy and the Brozone brothers looked at them in disbelief has they whisper-shouted.

“Seriously?!”

‘Out of all the ridiculous names they could’ve come up with, why that?’ John Dory thought, hoping that the girl would be able to come up with a better name or just used her real name. Who knows, maybe the name ‘Bridget’ is quite common here.

“My name is Lady Glittersparkles, seriously.”

…

…

…

Poppy and Floyd sighed, Clay and Spruce let out nervous chuckles, Branch’s eye was twitching and the others went silent while John Dory slapped his forehead has he muttered.

“We’re doomed.”

But then…

“Well, Milady Glittersparkles,” Gristle bowed to her then stood back up looking nervous, something that Bridget has never seen before. “Would you care to join me for an evening at Captain Starfunkle’s Roller rink and Arcade?”

The trolls fainted in sheer disbelief.

‘ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!’

Gristle shot her a nervous smile which made her heart pound faster with excitement and nervousness. “Would I!” She exclaimed in excitement since she never been there before but then became uncertain.

“Would I?”

Branch was the first to stand back up and answer her. “Yes, you’d be delighted.” He whispered to her, hoping to any deity that the girl won’t repeat it but it seems no god answered him has she once again, repeated their words.

“Yes, you’d be delighted.”

Branch shot his hands up in the air in exasperation and Floyd patted his little brother’s back to calm him down before he bursts a blood vessel while he anxiously smiled but on the inside he was deeply worried for the girl’s intelligence.

‘Did they even teach her anything when she was a child?!’

“Huh, indeed. I would.”

‘Did the bergens teach their children anything?!”

His inner teacher was crying out for the children’s lack of education!

“So, when are we going to ask him about Creek? Because we need to be discreet about it or else he’ll think it’s suspicious and find out.”

“I highly doubt the last one, Clay but he’s right, Poppy, what’s the plan?”

Poppy smirks slyly at Branch and Clay. “Well, we need to warm him up first. Don’t you two know anything about romance?” She teased them and the brothers rolled their eyes.

“Of course!”

“We’re passionate about it!”

They both sarcastically muttered which made Poppy giggle.

“And I’ll take one of everything, Bibbly!” They heard Gristle exclaimed towards the shopkeeper, Bibbly, has he offer his arm to Bridget, who takes it, as they exit the shop.

“Things are gonna get messy.”

…

…

…

“Is it just me or did that just sounded way wrong.”

“Yep.”

Now it was Spruce’s turn to be stressing out.

They were at the roller rink and arcade and the waiter threw the pizza, which made it slosh around due to too much grease and along with the state of the establishment, was giving the chef of the Brozone family an aneurysm, between the two Bergens.

“Enjoy your pizza. Here’s your tokens.”

The waiter threw the gold tokens onto the table next to the pizza – “That monstrosity isn’t a pizza! That doesn't even look healthy!” “Spruce, let it go man.” “Never!” – Then he shuffled away.

“Ooh, so fancy.”

That comment just made Poppy, Biggie and Floyd’s hearts break a little for the maid. She mustn’t have never been somewhere else besides the palace or the hole she calls a room if she thought this was fancy.

“Good thing I brought my appetite.”

She said has she reached for a slice but Gristle also reached out for the same slice and their hands touched. They looked at each other, gazing into each other’s eyes and the princess thought it was sweet before Bridget slapped the king’s hand away and grabbed the slice and immediately started gobbling down the pizza.

Which made everyone looked nervously, especially five brothers.

“Don’t they feed her?”

“Judging by how she’s inhaling that pizza, I’m guessing it’s a no.”

“Guys, don’t you think you’re overreacting a little bit here?”

“I don’t know Floyd, first time I saw her, and comparing her to the man-child, she looked a bit on the malnourished side.”

"Really Branch?"

“Oh boy.”

The princess tried to pushed away those thoughts away, thinking that Floyd was right and they’re just overreacting, right?

“You’re fantastic!” The king complimented her, seeing no wrong with her actions or seeing the obvious red flags of neglect.

Poppy doesn’t know if she should smack him or not.

“Bridget, compliment him back.”

“I like your back.”

‘Seriously?!’

“I mean, say something nice about him!”

“But I do like his back.”

Bridget innocently said, looking genuinely confused. The older brothers smiled at that, ever since they met her, not once has she shown no interest in eating them or shown any signs of malice or cruelty which got John Dory thinking that maybe, not all bergens are the same.

“Huh?” Gristle looked at her quizzically has he held a slice a pizza and the disguised maid froze. “…Um.”

“Poppy!”

“Uh… your eyes… um…. Guys, a little help!” She tried but she couldn’t think of anything relatively nice or sweet to compliment him with, so she turned to the others for help.

“Try his nose!”

“Or maybe his skin?”

“How about his neck?”

“Dude, does he even have a neck?”

It was all starting to go downhill and what makes it worse is that Bridget’s repeating everything they’re saying. Gristle looked at her weirdly.

“Are you okay?”

"What about his teeth?"

"His clothes?"

"His height?"

"Really dude?"

The others kept trying to find ways to compliment him while Bridget keeps on repeating what they are saying.

“What’s going on? Are you making fun of me?!”

Gristle fumed has he got up with an angry expression on his face. Poppy didn’t know what to do has she tries to come up with a way to salvage this – oh, who is she kidding? They’re done for, they’re going to get eaten, John Dory was right, this was a stupid idea and they’re going to be eaten all because of-

“Your eyes!”

‘Wait, huh?’

“They’re like two pools so deep, I fear that if I dive in, I might never come up for air.”

Poppy looks around and sees Clay kneeling and whispering to Bridget has she repeats every word. Poppy couldn’t help but stare at him. She would’ve thought Spruce or Floyd would say something like that but she never thought that Clay to be such a poetic person.

“And your smile, the sun itself turns jealous and refuses to come out from behind the clouds, knowing it cannot shine as bright.”

This made Poppy wonder on who’s the lucky troll, who managed to garner Rosie Diner’s (the name of Spruce’s restaurant) bookkeeper and the village’s resident licensed CPA’s heart but for the brothers, they know who it is as they glanced at each other.

They know how Floyd managed to get Clay to write poems on how he feels for Viva throughout the years and let’s just say he’s got a single shelf lining of books filled with poems in them.

They see Gristle sat back down with a look of awe and a blush on his face. “I kinda do have a nice smile, don’t I?” He asked sheepishly has he shyly smiles and Clay softly snorts.

“Yes, you do.”

Clay sighs then he feels a hand on his shoulder and sees Floyd smiling at him and he smiles back.

“I can’t believe I’m about to say this.” Bridget began has she looks down, hesitance written on her face. “Guys, she’s going rogue!”

“Shh!”

“Sorry!”

“But being here with you today, makes me realize that true happiness is possible.”

Everyone was completely gobsmacked. All of them couldn’t believe what they just heard, for all of their lives, bergens were beings incapable of happiness, that’s why they eat trolls, to make them feel happy but now, this one Bergen was contradicting everything that they have been taught or experienced.

That maybe, just maybe, everything could change for the better…

For both Trolls and Bergens.

“Whoa.”

Poppy and Branch looked at each other and smiled as they went back to watch while the others smiled and hugging each other or patting each other on the back.

“It is! True happiness is a lot closer than you think.”

Gristle eagerly agreed has he slid towards her and presented her with a green emerald and gold locket. “It’s right here.”

Branch rolled his eyes. Leave it to the spoiled man-child to ruin such a lovely moment. He heard a slap and a grumble and he doesn't need to turn around to know that it was Spruce, cursing under his breath.

“Hmmm, that’s pretty, I guess.” Another reason Bridget is so far, and only, Branch’s favorite Bergen because she wasn’t moved by material objects which was a win in his book. The king could really learn from this girl.

If everything works out…

“What do you think now?” Unperturbed by her disinterest has he opens it and reveals-

“Creek?”

Branch spoke in disbelief has his widen seeing his long-time friend alive. A bit dirty and looking rough around the edges but there was no mistaking it, it was definitely the purple troll. Floyd had a hand over his mouth, Clay, Spruce and John Dory jaws dropped while the others silently cheered.

“I knew he was alive!”

Poppy couldn’t help but feel relief washed over her at the sight of the purple troll. She hadn’t failed yet, she could still save him, they could still all go home, she could get everyone home.  

“Mr. Dinkles, he’s alive!”

“Oh snap.”

Everyone gasped in shock and surprise has they stared at Biggie’s pet worm.

“You just talked.”

“Mew.”

“What the what?” All the brothers exchanged glances, not really knowing how to make out this situation but they all snapped out of it when they heard Gristle talking.

“I’ve been savoring this little guy.”

Gristle looked pleased with himself while Bridget looked at Creek and felt pity for the poor troll, who looks to be scared for life.

“Help!”

Creek yelped before he was shoved back into the locket. “Mercy!” Bridget couldn’t help but feel something in her chest that makes her feel bad but she doesn’t know what that is.

“Tell me milady, will I be seeing you at the Trollstice feast?” Gristle asked her casually with a charming smile.

“Well duh, I’ll be working.”

Which Spruce immediately jumped in to correct it.

“It! Working it!”

“It!” Bridget immediately obeyed, hoping to cover her slip-up. “You know, working it.” She got up and swayed her hips which made Poppy giggle while the brothers chuckled.

The maid was so endearing.

“Yeah! You’re not kidding, you will!” Gristle laughed with an awed expression has he thought it was cute. “Because you’re gonna be there as my plus one.”

“Really?” Bridget asked in shock and surprise which made Gristle backtrack and nervously shuffle his feet. “Assuming you’ll say yes?”

It wasn’t even a hard choice has she immediately knew what her answer was.

“Yes!”

“Yes!”

Both Gristle and Trolls in hiding cheered while Poppy just smiled in triumph. She turned towards Branch and he looked back towards her and smiled which she returned.

“In the meantime, maybe we should find a way to…” Gristle snapped the waistband of his shirt has he gave a flirty look towards Bridget. “Work up an appetite.”

“Oh yeah? What do you have in mind?” Which she didn’t mind giving him a flirty look back.

…

…

…

“Seriously?”

“Either this is unintentional or this is how Bergens court each other.”

“Ew…”

“Let’s just hope whatever it is, it isn’t bad.”

I walked over, got this sunlight

Ain't got time to listen to any shade

Yeah

Luckily for everyone’s sanity, the two bergens went roller skating and okay, they have to admit, for bergens, they got moves. Sure it needs polishing, lots, but it was promising and they look to have fun with each other as they skated.

The wind on my pony, top-down, alright

Ain't got time to let them darken my day

That's right

Eventually, Gristle spun Bridget to much that it dislodged the trolls. Poppy and John Dory managed to grab onto her ponytails and grabbed hold of Branch and Floyd, respectively while the others formed a human chain to keep themselves from blowing away.

So light the fireworks

Sing like no one's heard

Dance, it's us against the world

… Oh, oh, oh

Bridget noticed and she saw the king was about to turn around but then she got an idea and spun him around. With the king distracted, Poppy and John Dory took this chance to pull everyone back and they all landed back on her head with Branch and Floyd in Poppy and John Dory’s arms.

Bridget stopped Gristle from spinning and he smiled at her while she discreetly looked at her head, seeing that her fake rainbow wig was back in place, she smiled at Gristle and lifted him up and spun him around again.

(Ooohh Heeeeyyy)

They don't know, they don't know, they don't know, they don't know about us

They don't know, they don't know, they don't know about what we do

That it's true

Thinking of all this but I'm good, if I've got you

They don't know, they don't know, they don't know, they don't know about us

Everyone was on the edge of their seats has they watched Gristle drew closer towards Bridget and Poppy couldn’t help but feel happy for the maid but then a familiar and unwelcomed voice appeared.

“Your majesty.”

Chapter Text

“Your majesty.”

The music stopped has Bridget and Gristle turned their heads and there they saw Chef skating her way towards them with a perplexed expression.

“You seem to be having… fun.”

The older Bergen stated with a look of disgust and confusion across her face but Gristle and Bridget didn’t notice has they fully turned towards her. Gristle smiled at her. “Oh, I am! Meet the lovely Lady Glittersparkles.” Gristle introduces her with a soft and love struck gaze but the king was completely unaware of internal panic and fear that the disguised maid was experiencing.

Chef hummed suspiciously has inspected the girl up and down, the girl was wearing a funny looking outfit but what truly perplexed her was her rainbow hair, she has never seen a Bergen with hair like that then she noticed that her knees were shaking.

“You remind me of someone…”

She mused has she gave the girl another once-over. She definitely reminds her of somebody but she couldn’t quite place her finger on it.

Meanwhile, the Snack Pack and Poppy were shaking in fear but Poppy was ready to jump into action in case anything happened while John Dory pulled Branch behind him and Floyd was immediately by his side and held Branch’s hand to comfort him while Spruce and Clay flanked the two youngest on each side.

The four of them all have one thought.

They’re not losing their little brother again.

Everyone was silent has the older Bergen kept staring, not noticing that their nervousness was making the fake hair shake as well. The tension was broken when Gristle spoke.

“She’s gonna be my plus one.”

He spoke with such conviction, completely oblivious of the tension between them.

“Oh, I see. For a moment there I was concerned you were changing the plan.”

Chef said which made Poppy frown in confusion. Why would the king change the plan but more importantly, what is their plan?

The princess felt something was coming, something bad, and she wasn’t the only one. John Dory, Spruce and Clay exchanged worried looks while Floyd pulled Branch closer and Branch squeezed Floyd’s hand to reassure him. They heard Gristle laugh and Bridget let out a nervous laugh which, for some unknown reason, prompt Cooper to laugh as well and he would too, if it weren’t for multiple hands covering his mouth and shushing him.

“Well, this won’t be a problem at all, your highness. I’ll just get my worthless scullery maid to get another place setting for the lovely Lady Glittersparkles.” Chef smirked, unknowingly insulting her and the brothers furrow their eyes.

“Bridget’s not worthless.”

Branch said in a hush tone has he glares at the older Bergen, wanting nothing more than to smack her with his hair.

“We need to get out of here.” John Dory kneeled down has he whispered to Bridget. “Bridget, once she turns away, I need you to slowly move away and don’t make a sound.”

Bridget obeyed and moved quietly towards the exit when Chef’s attention was back towards Gristle.

“Put her place next to mine, I want her right by my side-hey!” Gristle exclaimed in surprise when he saw that his date wasn’t there anymore.

“Lady Glittersparkles? Lady Glittersparkles!” The Bergen king called out has he skated out of the rink, the sun already rising. He looked around until he spotted her disappear into a corner.

“I’ll see you at Trollstice, yeah?”

Gristle called out again, hoping that she could hear him before he let out a gasp when he saw that she left her roller skate on the steps. Ignoring the sense of déjà vu, he rolled towards it and picked it up with a love struck smile on his face has he spun one of the wheels.

“I miss you already.”

He tried to kiss it but let out a pain-filled yelp when he placed the kiss on the still spinning wheel.

Meanwhile, Bridget, with only one roller skate, managed to sneak back into her room. She spun around before jumping onto her bed. The trolls retracted their hair and changed it back to normal has they also jumped off and landed safely on the bed.

“I think the king really likes us.”

“I know, right?”

Cooper and Biggie laughed and Branch shook his head amusedly at his friends’ silliness while Floyd let out a chuckle.

“I think it was Bridget he likes more than us.”

Spruce commented which made Clay and John Dory chuckle.

“That was the greatest day of my life!” Bridget exclaimed happily then she turns onto her stomach and smiles at the trolls. “Thanks Poppy! Thanks to all of you!”

They all smiled at her has she continues. “I just never thought something like this could happen to me!” Then she lies on her back again. “And it just did! I’m so excited, I could just scream!” She looked so happy and everyone couldn’t help but smile wider when they heard her quiet scream.

It was so cute!

Poppy also felt like she could scream as well, she felt so overwhelmed with emotions that she thought she might burst. She felt like she was on top of the world right now and that nothing is going to slow her roll. She’s going to save Creek, get them all home and everyone will be safe again.

She can feel her father and sister smiling down at her, proud of what she has accomplished.

John Dory laughed then jumped up to his feet and he walked towards Poppy. “Gotta admit princess, I wasn’t sure at first but now you got me believing.” He grinned at her and Poppy smiled. Spruce then ruffled her hair and smiled at her.

“Great job, kiddo.”

“Way to go, Popstar!”

“Well done, Poppy.”

Clay and Floyd smiled at her and Poppy blushed at their comments. She has always looked up to them and she always gets a tingly feeling in her chest every time they compliment her or tell her she did a great job.

“Hey Poppy,” She looked up and saw Branch walking towards her with his hand held up in the air. “Up top.” Poppy smiled and lifted her hand to high five Branch, only for him to move it away at the last second. “Too slow.”

Branch laughed and Poppy chuckled with a smile while the older Brozone brothers glanced at each other has a memory of the crazy cloud appeared in their heads.

Yeah, they are not letting Branch meet the cloud-who-must-not-be-named.

Ever.

Wait, did they even get his actual name?

The others were also cheering, happy that their friend is alive, then Poppy turned towards the others with a determined smile on her face.

“Okay everybody, let’s go save Creek.”

They all jumped off of the bed and run towards the door that was wide open, intending to rescue their friend and fellow troll until Bridget skated over and slammed door behind her, blocking the door.

“No! No! You can’t leave! Lady Glittersparkles is gonna be the king’s plus one at dinner.”

“You mean the dinner where they’re serving troll? Which happens to be us?” John Dory gestured to all of them then Clay added. “Yeah, no offense but we gonna have to skip that one.”

Everyone was watching with apprehensive expressions. Bridget wouldn’t want to eat trolls after they just help her get a date with her crush, right?

“No! No, you have to help me be Lady Glittersparkles! I need you!”

The young Bergen pleaded has she kowtowed, looking at them with a desperate look which made their hearts shudder with guilt. Floyd stepped up with Branch beside him. “You don’t want to pretend to be someone you’re not forever!”

“Then how about just for tomorrow?”

Bridget tried to compromise but Branch furrowed his eyes and frowned sadly at her. “Bridget, we can’t do that, you know we can’t.” Branch tried to reason with her in a soft voice. Bridget stuttered trying to come up with something and Branch and Floyd exchanged looks has they noticed that she was on the verge of tears.

“Bridget, you don’t need us anymore.” Poppy tried to reassure the disheartened girl. “You and the king can make each other happy.”

She has seen it. She may not know what happiness feels like but she can see it. She saw it plain as day and she knows that they can make each other happy.

But unfortunately, Bridget didn’t seem to agree.

“That’s impossible! Only eating a troll can make you happy.” Everybody tensed up and John Dory stood in front of his younger brothers, ready to protect them if worse comes to shove.

“Everybody knows that!” Bridget cried out has she ran towards her collage. “I wish I’d never gone on this stupid date!” She ripped the pictures apart and fell to her knees. She hunched over has she cried, clutching the torn up pictures in her fists.

“Bridget…”

Poppy tried to walk over to her to calm her down but Bridget wasn’t having it has she shouted at her.

“Just go! Get out of my room! Leave me alone!”

“Bridget, please listen-“

Poppy tried to reason with her but she was then cut off when Chef’s voice echoed through the pipe.

“BRIDGET!!”

Branch and Floyd walked over to Poppy and Branch gently grabbed her hand while Floyd used his arm to pull her away from the distraught Bergen maid.

“Poppy, we’ve gotta go.”

“Come on, Poppy.”

 “Bridget…”

Poppy called out has she was led out by Branch and Floyd. How did everything go so wrong so fast?

“WHAT’S GOING ON DOWN THERE?! BRIDGET, SCRUB THAT DISH! THE KING’S BRINGING A PLUS ONE!”

Soon a plate fell down through the pipe and fell on top of Bridget’s head, the poor girl just kept crying.

“Yes chef.”

Floyd felt his heart break for the poor girl then he looks at Branch and his little brother shook his head sadly. Clay also looks back towards Bridget and sighed then turns towards Poppy, who was between his younger brothers. He walks up to her and gives her shoulder a gentle and reassuring squeeze and gives her a comforting smile.

Poppy looks at Clay then turns away with a somber expression and she lets out a sad sigh has she lets them escort her away.

The trip was silent has everyone felt guilty for giving the girl such high hopes only for it to be shot down. Soon, they managed to find the king’s chambers. It apparently didn’t take them too long to find it has they heard sounds coming from that room. They opened the door and luckily, Gristle was busy on his treadmill and they saw that he was wearing headphones, that would mean he won’t hear them which was a huge relief but they still need to be careful. They looked around until Poppy spotted his cape on the bed.

“There it is!”

They quickly and quietly made their way across the room and towards the bed, they crawled under the blanket and Branch was the first to emerge and ran towards the locket.

“Don’t worry Creek, we’ll have you out of there in a second.”

Branch whispered has he tries to open the locket. “Guys, help me!” John Dory and Spruce were immediately by his side and they tried to open the locket but it was sealed shut.

“Hurry!”

Biggie whispered anxiously has he looks around worriedly.

“It’s stuck!”

Spruce grumbled then gasped when he notices Gristle’s pet on the gem’s reflection, snarling menacingly at them. John Dory and Branch also noticed and the three of them turned around and saw the alligator growling at them, snapping its jaws at them.

“Run!”

Poppy yelled and the trolls screamed has they scatter across the bed, trying to get away from the alligator, while Branch, John Dory and Spruce carried the locket. The alligator followed them around, trying to catch them, completely disregarding all of the damage it was doing while Gristle was still busy exercising and was completely unaware of the chaos behind him.

“How is he not hearing any of this?!”

“Stop complaining and just run!”

Branch looked back towards the alligator and an idea came into his head then he turned towards John Dory and Spruce.

“Hey, remember that incident with the glitter gators?”

“Uh B, no offense, but why are you bringing it up now?”

“Remember how we got away from them?”

Realization hit them and John Dory has a wild grin spreads across his face. “B, you’re a flipping genius!” They quickly hand over the locket to Poppy and Floyd and without any explanation, ran towards the alligator.

“Alright boys, let’s bro!”

John Dory exclaimed has he puts on his goggles then starts waving his arms, trying to get the alligator’s attention.

“Hey, over here!”

The alligator started to advance towards him but then Branch caught its attention. “No, over here! I’m right here!” Then it was Spruce’s turn. “Over here big guy! Let’s see what you got!”

Floyd and Clay realized what they were doing and with a nod from Floyd, Clay joined the others. “Right here ugly, I’m the one you want!”

“No, this way!”

“Over here you stinking lizard!”

With the alligator’s attention on them, the others quickly managed to get away. “Hey guys! Over here!” Cooper called out to them from Bridget’s missing roller skate.

“Everyone, get in!”

“Let’s go!”

They ran towards it and quickly climbed on. Floyd gave the locket to Poppy. “I’m going to help my brothers!” Then ran towards them, ignoring the princess calling out to him.

“Floyd!”

“We’ll be right behind you, just go!” Then he waved his arms, trying to get its attention. “Hey, right here!”

The alligator was getting fed up with them has it didn’t know which one it should attack but little did it know that John Dory managed to sneak up behind it with a lasso in hand. The alligator growled and was about to pounced on them before all four of them shouted.

“JOHN NOW!”

John threw the lasso around the alligator’s muzzle and quickly jumped on its back. The alligator began to trash around, trying to break the lasso and get the green haired troll off its back.

“Yeehaw! Ride ‘em gator! Woohoo!”

John Dory cheered has he rides the gator like an adorabull. The alligator tries to buck John Dory off but the troll kept a locked grip on the rope but unfortunately, the movement caused the roller skate to go flying but luckily enough, through the open door and with Poppy and the Snack Pack inside it.

“Alright, let’s get out of here!” John helped his brothers up then using the rope, they ride the gator out of the room. They managed to spot Poppy and the others.

“Poppy!”

“Branch!”

When they got closed enough, Branch jumped off and onto the roller skate then soon the others followed all except John Dory, who was trying to keep the alligator in control.

“John!”

“Guy Diamond, glitter him!”

Poppy commanded and Guy Diamond nodded has he used a one of the shoelaces. “Eat glitter, boy!” He held onto the shoelace has he sat on top of the spinning wheel and shot glitter directly to its eyes which gave John Dory the opportunity to jump off.

Spruce and Clay managed to catch him and pull him up while the alligator stumbled around then they saw the wet floor sign. “Hold on!” Poppy shouted has they used it has a ramp but the bump caused the locket to slip out of Poppy’s grasp and flew straight into the alligator’s open mouth.

“Creek!”

Branch cried out as they flew out of the window. Right behind them, the alligator was choking on the locket and it ran into the window which caused it to cough up the locket sending it flying towards them.

Branch’s face frowned in determination has he jumped off the roller skate and grabbed the locket.

“Spruce!”

Branch shouted has he extended his hair and his brother quickly extended his as well and wrapped it around Branch’s hair and quickly pulled Branch back to safety.

“Don’t worry Branch, we got you!”

Poppy and others managed to catch Branch just in time has they headed straight into a closed window. They all screamed has they went smashing through the window, then a lamp, through the floor, the chandelier, a bust statue of Gristle then a blanket which was covering one of the Bergen guards, who was getting his portrait done and lastly into a wooden floor until they all fell out of the roller skate and came crashing onto the floor, the locket went flying again until Poppy and Branch caught it.

“Gotcha!”

They gently set it down and with a smile, Poppy clicked open the hatch and flipped it over only to find nothing.

The locket was empty.

“What?”

They all stared at the locket in confusion and a thought came to them and they fear that they might have been too late. Branch stared at the empty locket with a despondent expression, knowing that he had failed to save his friend, Floyd wrapped an arm around Branch, giving him a side hug.

“No… no, he can’t be gone.”

Poppy shook her head in denial. Creek was supposed to be right here! Where did he go?

“I’m sorry Poppy but we’re too late.”

John Dory said then turned towards his youngest brother, knowing that the loss of Creek would hit him hardest. He may not like Creek that much, always feeling something off about him, but he was his baby brother’s childhood friend. John Dory was about to walk towards him, to comfort him but froze when he heard that familiar voice.

“Actually…”

All of them look up and their eyes widen when they saw Chef in front of them.

“Your timing is perfect!”

Then she brought down the cage onto them and it didn’t take long for the older Bergen to put them in another cage, one much more secure than the one she trapped them with earlier. She gave them a smug smirk has she set them down onto the table.

Biggie was whimpering and had a panicked and fear-stricken expression. The poor thing was close to having a panic attack and Floyd was trying his best to keep him calm.

“Sorry, but I can’t have you leaving before tomorrow’s dinner.” Chef stated in a smug tone and the brothers just glared at her while the others were looking at her in fear has she continued. “A dinner to which you are all invited, and when I say all…” She bends to their height and her smirk widens. “I mean every troll in Troll Village.”

She then turned away and Poppy growled has she yelled. “You’ll never be able to find them so just forget about it!”

But it didn’t deter Chef has she just continues to smirk. “Oh, you’re right. I couldn’t find them.” The Brozone brothers exchange concerned looks, a sinking feeling formed in the pits of their stomachs at the Bergen’s calmness and happy tone.

She then turns back to them and walks over to them with a malicious smirk. “But I could with someone they know, someone they trust…”

“Forget it! I know what you’re doing and there is no way any of us are going to help you! No troll is that selfish or stupid enough to make that deal, so don’t even try it!” Spruce proclaimed has he grabbed the bars of the cage and glared up at the Chef with hate-filled eyes but the all Bergen did was smirked at them with a malicious glint in her eyes.

“Oh, you mean someone like…” She opens her fanny pack and reached inside. “This guy?” She pulled her hand out and there they saw him. Purple skin, yellow pants, two-toned hair and was in a meditation pose. It was-

“Creek?”

Branch spoke breathlessly in shock and surprise while the others cheered at seeing their friend was alive.

“Creek! You’re alive!”

Poppy felt relief flow through her at the sight of the purple skinned troll but there was a sinking feeling in her stomach that something wasn’t right, that something is going on right underneath her nose but she shook it off. John Dory and the others just stared at Creek, shocked but there was an underlining feeling of suspicion has they kept staring at the blue-green haired troll has Chef set him down on the table just a couple of feet away from them with a serene smile on his face.

Floyd frowned has he observes Creek, looking for any signs of fear in his body language or on his face. He always had this uncanny ability to see through a person’s character, able to gauge their emotions through body language and facial expressions alone.

It always helps him and his brothers out, especially when it comes to their much more obsessed fans.

Floyd tries to find any signs of terror or fear but all he could sense was a serene calmness around him, no signs of fear at all, only an eerie calmness, and it didn’t take a genius to figure out why that was.

His face soon twisted into one of cold rage and he lets out an angry growl. “You little bastard…”

“Floyd-“

“HE’S SELLING US OUT!!”

He whipped his hair and wrapped it around Creek’s throat, strangling him or snapped his neck, whichever comes first, Floyd’s not picky.

“Floyd, no!”

“Wait, stop!”

“Floyd wait!”

Poppy and the Snack Pack were trying to stop the older troll from killing him has Floyd starts to shout out profanities towards Creek.

They were all shocked and terrified at the pink haired troll’s outburst. They have never seen him act like this and it downright terrified them, Floyd was always so mild-mannered, so gentle, kind, polite and slow to anger, the best anyone could do is annoy him and that was just it.

This Floyd, however, was like a caged beast ready to pounce at any given minute. That icy glare chilled them to the bone and his face, so full of rage that he looked like a vicious animal ready to tear them apart.

Meanwhile, his brothers just stood at the side, not helping with stopping Floyd whatsoever. I mean, why would they when they got much more important things to do then stop their younger brother from killing that backstabbing snake?

They were all busy comforting Branch, the poor thing was in shock at the realization, Spruce was whispering reassurances into his ear, John Dory was hugging him and Clay rubbed his back while occasionally giving Creek a death glare.

Then his eyes went to Floyd and couldn’t help the smirk spreading across his lips, everyone always misjudges Floyd because of his soft and sensitive nature but his brothers knew better, they knew Floyd can be vicious, if given the right incentive.

And apparently, betraying their baby brother, his friends and the entire village to be eaten just to save his sorry hide was definitely the right way to make Floyd snap.

And they thought John Dory was the scary brother?

Please, it’s always the quiet ones.

“Woah, woah! Floyd wait! I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation. At least give him a chance!”

Poppy pleaded, trying with all her might to get Floyd to stop. She doesn’t know what’s going on but she was sure that there has to be a reason. She was sure that Creek had a good reason for why he was doing this but they won’t know if Floyd doesn’t light up.

When in The Crazy Town did Floyd get so strong?!

She was sure that Floyd wasn’t this strong before, by Linkin even Smidge is having a hard time getting Floyd to back off and John Dory and the others aren’t even helping. Poppy glances towards Creek, she can see how his face is turning a paler purple from the lack of oxygen and is just getting paler by the minute if they don’t stop Floyd.

“Let him go, Floyd.”

They all froze when they heard Branch’s soft voice, easily cutting through all of the screaming and shouting. They all turned back to see Branch standing up and walked towards them. Poppy couldn’t read the expression on his face and it makes her worried because she has never seen Branch this subdued before. He reaches Floyd and stood beside him while their three older brothers were standing just behind them.

“Let him go.”

“Branch-“

Branch gives him a look and Floyd stares back. Everyone stared at the two brothers while anxiously glancing at each other nervously. What felt like hours but was actually only a few seconds, Floyd huffed sharply before retracting his hair back, completely ignoring how Creek fell to his knees and was gulping huge amounts of air.

Poppy and the Snack Pack have seen this one too many times and it always amazed them on how close Branch and his brothers were that they can have full conversations with each other just by staring.

Poppy would always wander that if Viva were still alive, would they also be able to talk to the other just by eye contact and they would understand one another? Would they have that close bond like Branch and his brothers have?

She can feel the twinges of jealously making their way into her head until she harshly shut it down. Poppy would always berate herself whenever she gets jealous of Branch, especially when it wasn’t his fault that he had family that loves him to death. Sure she has Miss Mags, but it doesn’t fill the void that her father and sister left behind when they died, doesn’t fill the missing piece that died along with them.

Her ears twitched and she turns her head to see Creek, still looking slightly pale, but looked better than earlier. “Thank you, Branch.” Creek thanked the blue haired troll, who stared at him with a neutral expression. “Don’t thank me yet, I want explanation Creek. Now.”

Branch demanded in a calm and hard tone of voice, has his face didn’t give anything away but Poppy could see the storm of emotions in his bright sapphire blue eyes and how his fists clenched tightly. She felt her heart break and she knew.

Branch was hurting, deeply.

Creek cleared his throat and took a deep breath. “As I was about to accept my fate, I had what I can only describe as a spiritual awakening.” The princess’s ears twitched when she heard a scoff and turned to Clay, who was glaring daggers at Creek while the two oldest brothers were holding Floyd back, who looked ready to pounce towards Creek and tear him to shreds.

“More like freaking out, because yeah, I get it, I would freak out too about being eaten but not to the point where I would sell out all of my friends and family!” Clay shouted and if looks could kill, Creek would be six-feet under right now.

Creek narrowed his eyes towards Clay in anger. “You don’t know anything; you haven’t experience what I’ve been through. I had to do whatever it takes to survive.”

“By stabbing us in the back!” Clay fired back. “I would rather die than betray my love ones!”

Creek was about to say something else until someone cut him off.

“You know, I never liked you.”

He turned his attention towards John Dory, who stared at him with a blank expression and spoke in a calm tone. “I didn’t know why at first, until you revealed your true colors.” His gaze burning with rage has he gripped Floyd’s shoulder tightly, trying to ground himself from attacking the troll himself. He was about to say something else until he heard Branch speak and what he heard made his anger towards the purple skinned troll intensify.

“Did our friendship meant nothing to you? Were you even my friend or were you just using me just for your own gain?”

Branch sounded so heartbroken, Spruce didn’t say anything because he was trying so hard to hold himself back from breaking out of this cage and beat the traitor within an inch of his life.

How dare he hurt Branch?

Nobody messes with the baby of the family and gets away with it.

Then he remembers something and his rage doubles. After all the effort Poppy put into trying to rescue his sorry ass, this is the thanks she gets?

The poor girl was already suffering from self-worth and this troll stomps on what little she had, she was already insecure about being a good queen and this bastard crushed any confidence she managed to build up on this journey.

Creek didn’t just hurt his little brother but also hurt the girl that he viewed has a little sister!

Once he gets out of this cage…

He’s going to die.

Poppy, meanwhile, couldn’t believe what she just heard, she couldn’t believe that Creek made a deal with Chef, all for the sake of saving himself. All she wanted to do in that moment is to strangle Creek with her hair.

How could he just betray everyone like that?

How could he just stand there with a smile knowing that he just sent everyone that he ever cared about to their deaths?!

Doesn’t he care at all?

Grief, anger and hurt swirled within her has she stared at Creek with utter betrayal and hurt across her face.

“No! Creek, please don’t do this.” She begged but all he did was stare at her with an indifferent expression before turning towards Branch with a strange smile that she couldn’t quite place.

“But we can come up with a compromise.”

“What compromise?”

Branch asked, voice laced with distrust and suspicion and the smile that Creek was giving him was setting off alarms in his brain and made his skin crawl.

“You know mate, I’ve always wanted what’s best for you. Ever since we’ve met.” He started walking towards the cage. “I’m only doing this because I care and want what’s best for you.” He stood in front of Branch and reached out and touched Branch’s cheek only for the blue haired troll to recoil away and shot him a hateful glare.

“What’s ‘best for me’?”

He hissed, thinking back to all the times that Creek shot him down and undermine his choices, some of those choices always ending up hurting somebody he loved. He didn’t realize it when he was a kid but has he grew up; Branch was starting to see Creek’s toxic behavior but always finding an excuse because he was afraid of losing his childhood friend.

Well, not anymore.

“If you really cared about me, then you wouldn’t be doing this, wouldn’t sell us out just to save your worthless ass!”

Branch then whipped his hair around Creek’s neck, pulling him closer to the cage and nobody was able to stop him from delivering a vicious right hook to his cheek. His friends gasped in shock, Poppy was a cross between shock and proud while his brothers wore vicious proud smirks on their faces.

“You’re a spineless, pathetic troll and you haven’t got a clue!”

Branch shouted at him has he watched Creek stumble onto the floor and groaned and hissed has he spit out red glittery blood. Branch can see a nasty bruise forming and he normally would’ve felt guilty and ashamed but right now it felt completely justified in his actions.

Creek stood up and stared at Branch with a look of disappointment which Branch scoffed at. Creek sighed and shook his head then looked at Branch again like he was scolding a child. “Sooner or later, you’ll come to your senses.”

“I doubt that.”

Creek sighed again has he walks over to Poppy and reached into Poppy’s hair and took her cowbell.

“No!”

She tried to snatched it back but Creek quickly stepped away. “Give that back to me!” Poppy cried out has she tries to reach for it. It was one of the only things she had left of her father. Creek only smiled has he chuckled.

“You know, if you were happy, we’ve would’ve been great friends, love. Boop.”

He booped her nose with the cowbell stick and turned away and was lifted back into Chef’s fanny pack, but not before looking at them with a cruel smile on his face.

“Goodbye my friends.”

Then he and the chef left.

The moment they left, Branch collapsed onto the ground and let out a heartbreaking sob. His brothers and his friends quickly surround him, trying in vain to comfort the distraught troll.

Poppy was at a lost has she stared at Branch, everything was going great until it all came crashing down.

And it was all her fault.

They were all in this mess because of her.

Bridget was heartbroken because of her.

Branch was crying because of her.

It was all her fault.

“I’m sorry.”

It was all she could say and Branch looked at her has tears kept flowing down his cheeks, his voice hoarse has he spoke in a soft tone.

“You know the saddest thing about betrayal?”

She looks at him and her heart breaks at the complete heartbreak all across his face and his bright eyes dimmed with despair.

“Is that it never comes from your enemies.”

He cries again and leans into Floyd, and his brother wraps his arms around him which was soon followed with the others.

Poppy looks at them one more time before pulling her legs towards her chest and hides her face on her knees and a single tear fells down her eyes.

‘I’m sorry dad, I’m sorry, Viva… please forgive me.’

Chapter Text

Back at the village, everyone was in the shelters waiting for their princess and the others to return while the Militia were on guard, in case anything happened. Before John Dory and the others left, he instructed the Militia to protect the village and the citizens until they came back and ordered some to search for a new home, one more secluded and far away.

“Heard anything from the scouts?”

“No. What about the squadron stationed at the village?”

“Nothing yet.”

The troll sighed then turned towards another troll. “Any sign of the Captain and the others?” The troll shook their head but then one of the Militia trolls heard a sound, it sounded like a bell ringing.

“Did you hear that?”

“Yeah, what do you think it is?”

“I don’t know but let’s go find out.”

“Right.”

The group followed the sound until they stopped in their tracks when they spotted a familiar troll, holding a familiar cowbell that they haven’t seen or heard for twenty years.

“Creek?”

Creek was standing on top of a mushroom above them has he gaze down towards them. The group looked around hoping to see their captain, princess and the others but they weren’t and they looked towards Creek with confused faces. The purple skinned troll said nothing has he simply dropped the cowbell and shrugged his shoulders with a smile and assumed his usual meditation pose before a large dark purple skinned hand picked him up gently by the hair and placed him onto their shoulders.

They all gasped when they saw who it was and noticed that they didn’t come alone, then their eyes wandered towards the fanny packs and noticed movement within them and heard muffled voices inside them.

“Go! Warn everybody while we hold them off!”

The Squad leader ordered one of his squad men and the troll immediately ran back towards the shelters while they try to hold Chef and her brigade before they were overpowered and soon were shoved into their fanny packs along with their fellow Militia. Meanwhile, the Militia troll managed to reached the shelters and warned everyone but before anyone could act, the Bergens and Creek arrived with malicious grins on their faces has they capture them one by one.

In Bergen Town, all of the Bergens were making their way towards the castle, faces filled with joy at the thought of the big feast that was happening there tonight and after so many years, they are finally getting to taste happiness again. As they walked into the castle, Gristle was stood at the entrance, holding the bright yellow roller skate and kept looking around in hopes to see her again, but to no avail.

Meanwhile in the kitchens, Poppy, the Snack Pack and Brozone just sat in their prison. They were transferred into a huge pot, a special pot the Bergens used only on Trollstice, by one of Chef’s associates and they have been sitting there in complete silence ever since.

Branch was passed out and was lying on Floyd with their brothers beside them. All of them looked at the sleeping troll with worry and sympathy. The chase, the rescue, the betrayal, this entire situation along with the adrenaline and emotions that followed were just too much that his body had shut down.

It scared the life out of his brothers when he suddenly passed out.

John Dory could’ve sworn that his heart almost gave out.

The eldest brother gently caressed Branch’s hair then his ears twitched when he heard him groan. He took his hand away when Branch started moving, indicating that he’s awake.

“Hey Bitty B, how you feeling bud?”

Branch didn’t respond to him has he just drowsily blinked and curled himself up further into Floyd’s chest. The brothers looked at each other with worry then looked up to see his friends also looking at Branch with worried faces.

“Is he alright?”

DJ Suki spoke up, worry evident in her voice and the brothers glanced at each other then moved their gazes down towards their little brother, who looked so vulnerable, lost and confused.

Just like how he was when their grandmother died and it scared them.

It scared them to see their normally sweet and full of life baby brother looked so dull and lifeless that they were almost convinced that if they took their eyes off him, he’ll disappear.

Spruce stared at his little brother and saw his normally shining sapphire eyes looked dull and blank that he almost cried but then his anger risen to the surface once more when he remembered what had cause this.

How dare that selfish bastard broke his baby brother’s heart?

Branch may deny this but everybody knows how big Branch’s heart is, always so caring, always so kind, always ready to lend a hand, always ready to help and always puts others first before himself.

That’s why everybody loves him.

It’s the reason why he’s the Heart of the family.

And that traitorous snake just destroyed it, reducing his brother to how he was when their grandmother got taken. He sighed then his eyes moved towards the other side of the pot and spotted Poppy, sitting there with her head propped on her knees, ears folded down and a devastated expression on her face.

Sorrow and guilt stabbed at his heart at the sight, he wanted to go comfort her but he also doesn’t want to leave Branch. He felt conflicted on what to do but then he felt someone touch his hand, it was so feather-light that he almost didn’t felt it. He looked down and saw Branch looking at him then his eyes flitted towards Poppy then back to him.

He couldn’t help but huff in astonishment. Here was his baby brother having the worst day of his life and yet, he wanted to make sure that his friend was alright. This kid really did have a heart made of gold.

What did he do in his past life to deserve such a kindhearted kid?

That’s a mystery he and their brothers will never be able to solve.

After making sure that Branch would be alright, he got up and made his way towards Poppy. He stood in front of her and gave her a soft smile has he spoke softly at her. “Hey, mind if I sit here?” She glanced at him and it took a moment before she slowly nodded her head. He took a seat right next to her and the two of them sat in silence.

Poppy glances over to Spruce then looks towards where Branch and the others are, she was confused has to why Spruce would be here with her instead of with Branch and the others, especially when Branch needs him.

“Why are you here Spruce?”

Spruce glances at her and shrugs. “Looked like you needed some company.” The princess huffs and pulls her legs closer. “Thanks but I’m alright. Go back to Branch.” Spruce looks at her then towards Branch, not moving from his spot. “Nah I’m good, and besides, the others are already making sure that Branch is fine.”

Poppy bit her lip and didn’t say a word has she only looks down. They sat in silence but the air around them was comfortable and Spruce was giving off a reassuring aura which puts Poppy at ease.

“Hey,” The purple haired troll called out and she turns to look at him. “If you want to get something off your chest, I’m right here.” Spruce stated in a soft and reassuring tone, a comforting smile on his face, which fills Poppy’s heart with guilt.

She appreciates what Spruce is doing but she’ll be fine, she dealt with this before and she can do it again. Spruce doesn’t need her to dump any unwanted feelings onto him and besides, they wouldn’t even be in this mess if it weren’t for her, Branch wouldn’t been hurt if it wasn’t for her, they would’ve been back at home already if only she listened to them instead of trying to save Cr-

“Poppy.”

She jerked back in surprise and snapped her head towards Spruce, who was looking at her with a compassionate smile. “Hey, it’s okay.” He placed a hand on her shoulder and gave her an assuring squeeze. She stares at him before she let out a long sigh and drops her head onto her knees.

Spruce gives her a concern look but didn’t push because he knows how much all of this was hard on her, he understood to some degree, he and John Dory were the oldest, it was their job to protect and make sure that their little brothers were okay, especially after the loss of their parents, that’s why they couldn’t afford to make mistakes. It’s the reason why John Dory was so obsessed with being perfect, why Spruce was so brutal in training, not for the abs – though it was a sweet bonus – but he wanted to become strong for his brothers, because with every mistake, it feels like their letting his little brothers down. Then their grandmother was gone the same way and John Dory almost went back to how he was before if it weren’t for Spruce kicking some sense into him.

So yeah, he understands what Poppy is going through and he wants to show her that she’s not alone, that he understands her. He looks back towards his brothers and sees them looking at him, knowing what they were asking, he sighed and shook his head. He looks towards Poppy again and was about to say something until he heard a commotion.

He immediately stood up and walked towards the edge of the pot and placed his ear against the metal wall. John Dory and Poppy were right by his side.

“What is it? What’s going on?”

Poppy asked in a frantic voice and John Dory placed a calming hand on her shoulder then turned to Spruce. He glanced at him then went back to listening and felt his heart drop. He recognized the sounds of plates, pots and pans clinking, the smell of spices in the air, the heat, recognizes it. He looks towards his older brother and they share a worried look then all of a sudden, everything was shaking as they felt the pot being lifted then stumbled when the pot was slammed down.

Poppy almost fell if it weren’t for John Dory catching her, then they heard Chef. “Now, let’s prepare the main course.” Dread filled their hearts has they watched the lid opened and saw Chef and her goons.

“The Trolls!”

Their eyes widen in despair has they watched trolls fell out of the fanny packs and into the pot, every single one. When the last troll fell into the pot and with a maniacal laugh, Chef closed the pot and locked it into place, ensuring that no troll escapes this time and sealing their fate.

Poppy looks around completely devastated.

‘This is all my fault.’

The words keep repeating in her head and she feels completely numb, her limbs felt heavy like she’s drowning in water and everything around her becomes white noise. She was so lost in her grief that she couldn’t hear her old caretaker calling her.

“Poppy? Poppy! Thank goodness, you’re alright!”

 Mags Gumdrop exclaimed happily has she rushes to her and gives her a tight hug then let go to smile at her but then frowned when she noticed Poppy’s gloomy expression.

“Poppy?”

She called out to her but she didn’t respond, still lost in her own head. Mags frowns with worry and tries again.

“Poppy, is everything alright, sweetie?”

She asked again and this time Poppy looked at her and the elderly troll felt her heart break when she saw the absolute grief on her face and the pain in her eyes.

“I’m doing great! I got everyone thrown in a pot. Thanks for asking.”

The princess grumbled sarcastically has she turns away from her caretaker, who had been like a mother to her, and moved away from her. The other trolls staring at her, looking lost has they never heard her talk like that before.

Jon Dory and Spruce glanced at each other as they stood behind Mags. The Snack Pack also glanced at each other in worry and Biggie spoke up.

“Poppy? Are you being… Sarcastic?”

“YES!”

All of the trolls gasp and Smidge exclaimed with a shocked face. “Oh my god!” They never heard her talk like that and they know it is ridiculous but despite being gray, the princess has never talked like that, whenever she talks, she was either being polite or scolding them, but never sarcastic.

Poppy panted after that outburst then sighed. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I thought I could save you. All I wanted to do was keep everyone safe like what my father and sister did but I couldn’t.”

Everyone was silent has they stared at the princess, not knowing how to respond. The older generation understood her but the younger generation were gobsmacked. They didn’t know how much she compared herself to the late king and princess, they never know how much she tries her best to be just like them and looking back on it, they never took it into consideration how much she did for them and regretted the times they made fun of her or never supporting her.

The brothers looked at Poppy with sadness while Branch only stared at the distance with blank eyes, like he wasn’t fully there.

“Poppy…”

Floyd walked towards her, trying to reassure her. “I know everything seems bleak right now, but as long as we have hope, we can find a way out of this.”

“But there isn’t.”

Everyone then turned their heads towards Branch in shocked.

“Branch?”

Instead of blank and dull eyes, Branch’s eyes were stormy with emotion but his expression showed complete hopelessness has he looks towards Poppy and Floyd.

“I understand what you’re doing here Floyd, but face it, it’s over.”

Floyd’s eyes went wide in disbelief, the same goes for the others has they stared at the blue haired troll with wide eyes.

Was Branch giving up?

Branch, the same troll who practically invented the phrase: “Never give up”, the same stubborn troll who never turned away from the face of danger, the same stubborn troll who stuck to his beliefs even when wrong, the same troll whose ready to give his all, is giving up?

“Branch, you can’t give up. There’s always hope.”

Clay stepped up, trying to persuade his little brother that there is still hope, that there is still a chance. Seeing his little brother like this, hurts Clay and he wants nothing more than to comfort him, telling him everything is going to be alright, that everything will work out.

He tried to reach his hand out to him, in hopes to give him comfort but Branch slapped it away, making everyone gasp, and Clay’s heart cries out when he sees the angry and scared expression on his face but his eyes showed pain and hurt.

“Don’t you get it! There is no hope! Because the world isn’t all cupcakes and rainbows! Bad things happened and there is nothing we can do about it!”

Branch shouted angrily and everyone stared at him with wide eyes and gaping mouths in pure shock, like they couldn’t believe that he just slapped and shouted at his brother. Poppy couldn’t believe it either as she stares at Branch then John Dory stepped up and stood beside Clay.

“Branch, that’s not true, we can still do something!”

“Like what?!” Branch snapped, both John Dory and Clay flinched. “Escape? Find a new home? Only for it to be discovered again and destroyed?! All we would be doing is delay the inevitable!”

“Branch…”

Spruce called out in a soft voice has he also stepped forward. Branch panted slightly then shot a glare towards Spruce. “Can it Spruce! There’s nothing we can do, nothing!” Then he lets out a shaky sigh and turns his back to them has he walks away from them.

“Branch.”

John Dory calls out to him but Branch didn’t turn around. Everyone made way for him has he walks towards the center then sat down onto the floor and hugged his legs close to his chest. Floyd looks towards his brothers then to Branch then made his way towards him, everyone making way for him. Everyone watches as he stops and kneels in front of him, hoping that he can get through to Branch. Floyd places his hand on his check and gently turn his head to look at him.

“Branch, don’t give up. It’s not too late, there is still hope.”

Floyd has to blink away tears has he stares into his little brother’s eyes, so dull and full of despair, a great contrast to his usual bright and shining blue eyes. Branch stares at him and sighs has he turns away again, ears drooping, has he whispers but it sounded so loud in the quiet pot.

“I tried but I can’t anymore. I’m sorry Floyd.”

Then his colors started to fade.

“No…”

Floyd said, tears falling down from his eyes and John Dory, Spruce and Clay rushed towards them.

“Branch, please!”

“B, please snap out of it!”

“Come on, Branch. Don’t do this man.”

They pleaded and begged, trying all they can to snap Branch out of it. Everyone watched in despair has Branch’s gorgeous blues turn into a dull gray, his hair was pitch black and his shining crystal blue eyes, a dull gray.

“Branch, no…”

Poppy whispers as she watches Branch become gray right before her very eyes. She glances towards his brothers and all of them had a look of despair and hopelessness spread across their faces, tears streaming down their eyes has they stared at their youngest. Floyd crawls towards Branch and puts their foreheads together. He looks into Branch’s eyes one more time, tears streaming from his eyes, then he closes them and let’s despair envelope his heart as he starts to go gray as well.

“Floyd!”

Clay exclaimed in despair has he hopelessly watches his two little brothers become gray right in front of him. He rushes to hug them has he cries then Spruce and John Dory watched in horror has Clay starts to become gray, matching their brothers.

They failed.

They failed to protect their little brothers and now they are going to get eaten.

Seems Branch was right, there is no hope.

They looked at each other then towards their little brothers. They move towards them and hugged them then whispered. “We’re sorry.” Then they became gray as well.

Seeing the brothers becoming gray, everyone truly realized how dire and hopeless their situation is, parents hug their children comforting them for the last time while friends huddled together spending their last moments together has they all gave into grief and despair.

Poppy watched helplessly has everyone slowly become gray. She watched with wide eyes has everyone she ever knew gave into the same despair she did, watched has the only family she’s ever known give up all hope. She feels like she couldn’t breathe and her heart was beating so fast and loud that it threatened to rip through her chest and ears.

What was she going to do?

She couldn’t handle this; she couldn’t do this alone, she couldn’t!

She doesn’t want to be alone again…

She doesn’t want to be alone…

She slowly backed away until her back hit the metal wall of the pot. She slid down onto the floor and pulled her legs towards her chest. She can feel the tears at the corners of her eyes and she breaths out a shaky breath before dropping her head onto her knees and silently cried.

Poppy doesn’t know how long it has been or how much time has passed inside the dark pot. She looks up and looks towards Branch and his brothers, hopelessness and sorrow almost completely consumed her until she was suddenly hit with an onslaught of memories.

“That’s it, Poppy seed! Knew you can do it!” John Dory laughed has he cheered when Poppy managed to take her first steps.

“Food always tastes better when you’re with the people you love.” A young adult Spruce said to a child Poppy with a soft smile on his face has they ate together with his brothers and Mags on Funsgiving.  

“Forget what those jerks said because someday, they are all going to see how amazing you are and they are going to eat their words.” Clay reassured a crying teenage Poppy and on the next day, she was crying again but at the same time, laughing has she watched Clay and his brothers viciously pranked her bullies.

“Our loved ones maybe gone, but they’re never truly gone if we remember them.” Floyd said to a now adult Poppy, as they stood in front her father and sister’s statue, wiping away her tears.

“It’s up to you how far you go. If you don’t try, you’ll never know.” Branch smiles at her has they watch the sunset on top of a tree.

“Even in our darkest moments, there’s light where you least expect it.” Mags Gumdrop said to her with a smile has she gives her a hug and she hugs back.

She blinks and wipes her tears away then she looks up towards the brothers again and instead of sadness, she felt a wave of determination fill her. They’ve been with her throughout her entire life, they’ve been there for every good and bad day, always there to support her and cheer her on, always there to cheer her up and always there to be a shoulder to cry on.

They were her family and they never gave up on her, so why should she gave up on them?

She stood up and inhaled then exhaled has she looks towards them. She knows what she must do, and for them, she’ll do it. She took a deep breath and sang.

You with the sad eyes

The brothers’ ears perked up at the familiar song, it was Branch’s song, has an unfamiliar voice broke through the silence has it echoed around the pot. The trolls glanced at each other, looking for the person who sang until their eyes fell on Poppy.

Don't be discouraged

It shocked everyone to see the princess singing has they never heard her sing before. The brothers turned to her in disbelief but turned away in sadness. Poppy slowly walks towards them then kneels in front of them. John Dory and Spruce looked at her with confused sad eyes, Clay and Floyd only glanced at her before turning away while Branch didn’t look at her. She reached out a hand and gently lifted his chin to face her, making the other two also look at her, has she continued to sing.

(Poppy)

Oh, I realize

It's hard to take courage

In a world full of people

You can lose sight of it all

The darkness inside you

Can make you feel so small

Then Branch’s Hug Time bracelet chimed and Poppy opened her arms to offer him a hug but Branch turned his head away and covered his bracelet with his hand while his brothers shook their heads and also turned away.

Soon, the others’ bracelets also went off, one by one, echoing around the pot in a melodious melody. Outside the pot, Bridget can hear the soft melody coming from inside the pot and memories of the previous day flowed in her mind and she felt a wave of guilt and regret, knowing that she’ll never see her friends again.

“What are you doing?” She gasped in surprise when Chef snuck up on her and spoke directly to her ear. “The king is waiting! Get those Trolls out there!” She ordered her harshly, pointing towards the banquet hall with a wooden spoon.

“Sorry, chef.” Bridget apologized has she quickly turned around. “Oh, you are sorry.” The older Bergen grumbled has she watched the young maid push the trolley with the pot sitting on top down the hallway.

Back inside the pot, Poppy reached out and took Floyd and Branch’s hands and gently stood up, pulling them up with her then she did the same thing to Clay, Spruce and John Dory.

Show me a smile then

Don't be unhappy

Can't remember when

Poppy continued to sing even has they don’t look at her. She then lifted Floyd’s chin to smile at him, memories of how he would always comfort her whenever she was troubled, Floyd looks at her and gives her a small smile then she looks towards Clay has she tries to get him to laugh, like how he does every time she gets upset.

I last saw you laughing

This world makes you crazy

It somehow worked because she can hear him chuckle then she turns to John Dory and Spruce and held their hands into her own and looks at them with a grateful smile, remembering all the times they always reassure her, always there whenever she needs them.

And you've taken all you can bear

Just, call me up

'Cause I will always be there

Then she turns towards Branch, the troll who had by her side ever since she could remember, the troll who had always been the first one to support her, to lift her up whenever she felt down and the troll who never gave up on her. She smiles at him and a genuine smile starts to form on his lips.

After all that waiting, it finally paid off, he finally got to hear her sing and it was beautiful. Branch couldn’t believe that she did this for him and his brothers, facing her fears and insecurities, to sing a song that he wrote for her, just to make them happy and his heart warms at the thought and fills his chest with indescribable glee has he watches her continue to sing.

And I see your true colors

Shinin’ through

Has Poppy sang, a bright blue glow started to appear at Branch’s feet and began to spread upwards. Everyone watched in shock and amazement has Branch’s colors started to return and his brothers stared at him and it fills them with unimaginable happiness seeing his colors returning.

I see your true colors

And that's why I love you

Branch’s colors fully returned then he turns towards Poppy with a smile and walks towards her has he begins to sing along with her.

(Branch)

So don't be afraid

He lifts his palm towards her and she places her palm against his.

(Branch & Poppy)

To let them show

Your true colors

True colors are beautiful

As they sung together, a bright pink glow emitted from Poppy’s hand, the one against Branch’s palm, then started to spread all around her. Poppy’s gray skin becoming a brilliant pink and her hair shimmered into a darker pink has it swayed gently, leaving tiny sparkles.

Everyone watched in amazement has their princess’s colors finally returned and it fills them with joy at seeing both Branch and Poppy’s colors returning. Branch then turns to Floyd, gently taking his hands has he pulls him to dance. Floyd laughs and dances with Branch has his colors started to return and he sings along with them.

(Branch)

I see your true colors

Shinin’ through

Floyd

(True colors)

Then Floyd, Branch and Poppy then pulled Clay, John Dory and Spruce to dance with them and all three of them laugh has they dance with them, their colors also returning.

(Branch, Floyd & Poppy)

I see your true colors

And that's why I love you

So don't be afraid to let them show

Your true colors

True colors are beautiful

(Branch)

Like a rainbow

(Poppy & Floyd)

Oh, like a rainbow

Then Spruce, Clay and John Dory joined in as all six of them danced around the center.

(Spruce)

Ooh can't remember when

I last saw you laughing

(Clay)

Ooh oh oh oh

This world makes you crazy

(John Dory)

And you've taken all you can bear

Just call me up

(Brozone)

'Cause I will always be there

(Brozone & Poppy)

And I see your true colors

Shining through

I see your true colors

And that's why I love you

(Branch)

That’s why I love you

As they danced, the trolls around them can feel hope stirring in their hearts filling them with joy and their colors started to return to them as they continue to watch them.

(Brozone & Poppy)

So don't be afraid

(Floyd)

(Don't be afraid)

(Brozone & Poppy)

To let them show your true colors

True colors are beautiful

(Spruce)

(You're beautiful, oh)

(Brozone & Poppy)

Like a rainbow

Oh oh oh oh oh like a rainbow

They stopped dancing, with all of them holding hands, as the song came to an end with Cooper showing up playing the harmonica playing the last notes of the song as everyone gathered around them, with all of the colors returned.

All of the trolls hugged each other while Brozone hugged Poppy, and she hugged them back.

“Thank you, Poppy.” Poppy pulled away and smiled at them and the boys couldn’t help but smile back at her. “No, thank you.” Poppy shook her head has she thanked them with a pure genuine smile gracing her lips.

The brothers turned to each other in confusion. “What do you mean? For what?” Floyd asked and Poppy only smiled at them.

“For showing me how to be… Happy.”

She confessed and the boys couldn’t help but feel so happy and so proud of her. After all these years, she was finally happy, she was ready to move on and they felt so proud of their honorary sister.

“About time.” Clay laughed has he playfully nudged her shoulder and he grinned when he heard her laugh sheepishly. The others also laughed and Branch couldn’t help but smile widely, feeling so proud of Poppy has he takes her hands into his.

“Happiness was already inside you, inside of all of us,” He gestured all around him then turned back to her. “You just need someone to help you find it.” Branch smirked and Poppy couldn’t help but laugh.

The brothers looked at them and smiled then Floyd felt a tug on his vest and saw one of the children looking up at him with an unsure expression.

“What’s going to happen now, Mr. Floyd?”

Floyd looks at the child and smiles softly then felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned around to see Poppy, looking at him with a smile and smiled back as he stepped back, allowing her space. She kneels down on one knee to look at the child with a gentle and reassuring smile.

“Princess Poppy, what’s going to happen to us?”

The child asks her, still looking unsure and scared, Poppy gives her a soft and reassuring smile. “I don’t know but as long as we have hope, we will never give up.”

Poppy then stood back up and turns to smile at the brothers and they all smile back but then they felt a rumble has a loud sound echoed across the pot.

“Militia! Formed a protective circle around everyone. Archers, front and center, now!”

John Dory ordered and all of the Militia trolls followed his command has they formed a protective ring around the citizens while John Dory and his brothers stood in front of Poppy and the Snack Pack.

Everyone huddled closely together and murmured in fear has they looked up and watch as the lid began to slowly open.

“Archers, fire when ready!”

Soon archers took out their bows and arrows, standing ready, waiting for their Captain’s command. Everyone watched in anticipation has the lid lifted up more and the bright light began to fade away.

“Ready…”

The archers draw their arrows back, ready to take aim at any Bergen that comes close. Everyone was tensed as the light fades away.

"Aim..."

But then a familiar voice and face appeared in front of them.

“Poppy!”

Chapter Text

Poppy had to blink her eyes then twice then thrice to fully comprehend what is happening as she stared shell shocked at the Bergen maid.

“Bridget?”

Out of all the things to expect, Poppy did not expect this.

She saw how the archers were about to shoot at her and she didn’t think twice as she immediately rushed to the front and brought her hands up to try and stop the archers from firing.

“Wait, wait! Stop!”

“Everyone, cease fire!”

John Dory let out a quick order and the archers, even though hesitant, lowered their arrows but were still stood apprehensive and tense as they all eyed the Bergen with wary eyes, not letting their guard down. Poppy sighed in relief and smiled gratefully at the green haired troll then turned towards Bridget.

All of the trolls stood anxious as they stared at the Bergen with fearful and anxious expressions. They can hear the faint chants of the Bergens coming from within the palace. Poppy looked up and noticed the dark sky and moon.

They were outside.

Poppy then looked towards Bridget. “What are you doing?” She asked as Bridget lowered her hand and she climbed onto it. The princess noticed the anxious expression on her face as she lifted her up in front of her face to look at her as she spoke. “I can’t let them eat you.” Then she looks down towards the brothers. “I can’t let them eat all of you.”

The brothers glanced at each other then looked towards Bridget, faces a mix of gratitude, concern and worry. What Bridget is doing is the most selfless and courageous thing they have ever seen and the boys couldn’t help but feel proud of her but they also felt concern and worry because they know what would happen to her if the other Bergens found out. Meanwhile, Poppy was at a loss for words, she couldn’t believe that Bridget was throwing her life away for people that she didn’t knew, people that had been tormented by hers for years. She didn’t understand why she would be doing this, why she would risk everything she ever knew. She tried to speak but Bridget cut her off.

“Come on! You gotta go!”

Bridget tipped over the pot, facing towards the stairs. “Hurry! Go, go, go! Get out of here!” She exclaimed as the trolls jumped out of the pot. “Quickly everyone, move!” John Dory motioned them to keep going while his brothers were helping some of the children and elderly get down, then John Dory ordered the Militia to lead everyone to the Troll Tree and into the tunnels.

Branch handed the child back to their parents then jumped down from the pot. He looks towards Poppy and Bridget and went towards them, his brothers not far behind him. Bridget lowered Poppy to the ground and gently placed her down on the ground.

“No! Bridget, if you go in there without us, you know what they’ll do.” Poppy tried to reason with her, fearing for her life. Branch and his brothers stood by her side and looked towards Bridget with the same pleading expression. “Poppy’s right Bridget, if you go in there without any of us now, they’re going to blame you and will hurt you.” Branch looked at the Bergen maid with a pleading face, trying to make the girl see reason that this was a bad idea.

But all Bridget did was smile at them, as if she already knew and already accepted it. “I know.” She stated with a knowing expression on her face as she stood and began to walk back into the castle.

“But Bridget…”

“It’s okay.” She cut Clay off. “It’s okay, guys.”

Bridget walked towards them then she kneeled down and brought her face down to their level. “You showed me what it feels like to be happy. I never would’ve known if it wasn’t for you,” Then she gave them a sad smile.

“And I love you guys for that.”

Poppy and the brothers felt guilt and sadness stab at their hearts at the confession but they powered through it as they gave her a small smile, to give her some comfort.

“We love you too, Bridget.”

Spruce admitted, knowing all of his brothers felt the same way as well, that in a short span of time, they have all come to love Bridget as a sister, the same way that they felt towards Poppy. It saddened them that they couldn’t do anything for her, that they couldn’t do anything to help her and it frustrates them to no end.

Poppy felt like her heart was being torn into pieces. It started off as asking for help, a deal that benefited both of them, but just within the span of a day, they’ve bonded, have become friends. It’s just not fair, her people are free but at the cost of her friend’s life, it was just not fair.

Soon they were interrupted when they heard Chef screaming Bridget’s name. Bridget immediately stood up and glanced at the door with a terrified expression. She gasped as the shouting persisted and she rushed back towards the door, Poppy, Branch and the others following.

“Go on, now. You guys have to hurry!”

“Come with us.”

Floyd offered, hoping that Bridget would take the offer and come with them. Bridget deserves to be safe, deserves to be free, deserves to be happy and to be loved, she deserves so much than the hand that was given to her. It would be difficult but they’ll managed, maybe find someplace where she could be herself, to be free and thrive. Unfortunately, Bridget didn’t think so as she shook her head in refusal.

“And make it easier for them to find you? No way! You have to go, now!” Bridget insisted as she went inside and was about to close the door until Poppy stood in the way.

“BRIDGET!”

Poppy looked up at her with a pleading and desperate expression as she held the door back from closing. Bridget looked at her with a sad expression then using her finger, gently push Poppy away from the door and before she could pull her finger away, John Dory placed his hand on it. Bridget was surprised and stared at the green haired troll, John Dory looked at her with a sad look as he pleaded. “Bridget please, come with us. You deserve so much than this.” Bridget stared at him then smiled as she spoke in a soft voice. “You know, I always wanted to have siblings,” She looks towards the brothers. “You guys are so lucky to have each other.” Tears gathered in the brothers’ eyes and Bridget slowly pulls her finger back and looks at them with a smile and tears in her eyes.

“Goodbye.”

Then she shuts the door and Poppy and the brothers stood there with saddened expressions.

Back inside the palace, all of the Bergens were all seated at the table wearing bibs as they continued to chant in excitement.

“Trolls! Trolls! Trolls!”

They all cheered as they watched Bridget pushed the pot, the now empty pot, down aisle. Bridget looked around nervously and saw the smiles on their faces as they eyed the pot and continued to chant. She felt her heart raced, she knew what will happen to her once they found out but she didn’t regret a single thing.

She didn’t regret saving them, the only people that she had come to love. She felt so guilty for the way she treated them earlier and regretted her actions. When she found out that Chef managed to capture all of the Trolls, she knew what she had to do and she didn’t regret it not for a single bit.

As long as her friends are safe, she didn’t care what will happen to her.

Gristle looked around, still noticing that Lady Glittersparkles has still not arrive. “Wait! Chef, shouldn’t we wait for Lady Glittersparkles?” Gristle asked as he held up the bright yellow roller skate. Bridget peeked out from behind the pot and let out a quiet gasp when she saw her roller skate. She hid behind the pot again with her head down as she inhaled deeply, trying to will her eyes not to tear up.

‘I’m so sorry My King, maybe in another life we could’ve been together. I’m sorry.’

“Oh, you are absolutely right.”

Bridget heard Chef speak as she gives Gristle a fake and mocking smile then she turns around to face the crowd. “Now, everyone, there will be no Trolls until the king’s plus one has arrived.” Chef announced and everyone let out angry shouts, they have waited for two decades to feel happiness again, they are done waiting.

Chef secretly smiled at their reactions then glanced over her shoulder and sees the conflicted expression on the young king’s face. ‘Exactly what I wanted.’ She mentally smirked while on the outside she had a calm façade as she spoke.

“Unless…” She started and Gristle turned to her with a nervous expression, doubt filling his mind as he continues to hear his subjects angry and annoyed voices. “Unless what?” Chef turns to face him. “Well, unless she doesn’t come at all but that’s crazy talk. Who wouldn’t wanna be with you?” She said with a reassuring smile but her tone was condescending and mocking.

Bridget frowned at what the older Bergen said. She wanted nothing else but to walk up to her and tell her straight to her face that somebody does love him and she’s standing right there. She saw how devastated he looked and it also didn’t help when the townsfolk starting whispering amongst each other.

Couldn’t they mind their own business?

Eventually the peer pressure got to Gristle as he puts down the roller skate with a disappointed look on his face as he sighed. “Yeah… Maybe… Maybe we should start.” Everyone cheered and Bridget felt her heart raced again as she eyed the pot.

Meanwhile at the old Troll Tree, the trolls were using the old tunnels to escape once more, the Militia trolls were tasked to leading everyone out of the tunnels while Brozone, Poppy and some of the Militia trolls stayed behind to make sure everyone got in and that no one was left behind.

“Go! Come on, hurry.”

“Easy now.”

“Come on, everybody let’s go.”

“No Troll left behind!”

“Watch your step.”

After the last troll jumped in, John Dory went towards Clay, knowing he was keeping count. “Was that everybody?” Clay turned to his older brother and nodded. “Yeah, that’s all of them. We should also get going as well.” Everyone agreed and started to jump down into the tunnels but Poppy’s attention was elsewhere. She turned around and walked away from them as she looked towards the palace.

Guilt was eating her alive at the thought of abandoning Bridget to her fate, it didn’t sit right with her.

As the last of the remaining Militia trolls went into tunnels, Branch noticed Poppy wasn’t near them and he turned around to see her looking towards the castle. He felt guilty for leaving Bridget behind and he wished that there was something that they could do to change her fate, and he wasn’t the only one.

The others are already felt guilty for leaving the Bergen girl and it constantly stabs at their heart knowing that this might be the last time they’ll ever see Bridget ever again. Floyd turns towards the princess and calls out to her.

“Poppy?”

Poppy turns around and face them. “Bridget just ruined her life to save ours. It’s not right!” Then her face becomes determined as resolution filled her entire body. “She deserves to be happy as much as we do.” She’s going to save her then a thought came to her as she turns back towards the castle.

“They all do!”

Everyone in Bergen Town deserves to be happy, not just them or Bridget, all of them deserved to be happy.

The brothers looked at each other and smiles of determination spread across their faces. Branch walked towards Poppy and stood by her side and placed a hand on her shoulder, she turns to look at him and sees the determined grin on his face.

“And we’re with you all the way.”

Soon the others stood by her side as well with smiles on their faces and Poppy smiled back at them. John Dory then smirked as he crossed his arms.

“Alright gang, let’s come up with a game plan.”

Back inside the castle, the townsfolk kept chanting excitedly and it didn’t help as Chef riled them up further and Bridget pushing the pot towards the older Bergen.

“Al right, everybody. Who’s ready to eat trolls?”

Everyone cheered excitedly while Bridget’s nerves were through the roof and Gristle was in low-spirits due to his crush not coming then he jumps slightly in surprise when Chef addressed him.

“King Gristle, there is only one thing that will ever make you happy and only one Bergen who can provide it.” Chef stated with a large grin on her face as she walks back towards the pot and unfastens the locks. Bridget looks on in fear as she watches Chef lift the lid up in the air.

“Bon Appetite!”

Chef exclaimed but instead of screams and cheers filling her ears, she was met with silence. She was confused but then she gasped as rage and horror filled her when she looked down and understood why.

“They’re gone?”

She muttered in horror, hoping that everyone in the room didn’t hear but unfortunately for her, they did.

“Gone?!”

“They’re gone?”

The townsfolk and Gristle exclaimed in surprise and shock as they all looked towards Chef for an explanation.

Chef stared at the empty pot in horror, giving her a dreadful sense of déjà vu. Her perfect plan was now ruined and she knew this time, she wouldn’t be getting a simple banishment. She was racking her brain for ways to get out of this situation, to shift the blame of this catastrophe onto someone else. Her eyes then landed on Bridget and she internally smirked.

She now has her scapegoat.

“Idget!”

Bridget flinched then turned towards Chef with fearful eyes as the older Bergen glared at her, she has never seen Chef that mad as she slammed the lid on top of the pot. “What did you do? You ate them! You greedy, greedy pig!” Chef started accusing her, as she advanced towards her and pointing her finger at her, knowing full well that the blame will be shift towards the poor, unsuspecting maid.

“No, I…”

Bridget tried to protest as she backs away from Chef but her voice was drowned out by the townsfolk angry yells and shouts.

“She ruined Trollstice!”

“Banish her!”

“She ruined everything!”

“Guards, lock her up!”

Chef ordered the guards that appeared in front of Gristle, who was glaring at Bridget, as if she was their queen. The guards obeyed and pointed their spears at her and advanced towards her. Bridget closed her eyes, waiting for the inevitable to happen but then the sound of glass breaking made everyone stop and look up.

Poppy and the Brozone brothers, who were riding on the other roller skate, smashed through the window. They rolled across the floor with Poppy and Branch using the laces to steer, they used Gristle’s pet alligator as a ramp that send them flying in the air towards the direction of Bridget. Everything was in slow motion as the trolls jumped off the roller skate, over Chef, and landed perfectly on top of Bridget’s head while the roller skate somehow managed to slip on Bridget’s foot and making her spin around.

As they spun around, the trolls extended their hair and realizing what was going on, Bridget smiled widely as the hair grew and changed until she stopped spinning and the rainbow troll hair wig fell on top of her head, making her look like somebody a certain Bergen king knows.

Everyone stared at her in shock while Gristle gasped in shock and surprise. Bridget glanced at him before looking away feeling anxious and scared as her secret was now exposed. Gristle disappeared under the table then reappeared right in front of Bridget with an awestruck expression.

“Lady Glittersparkles?”

The scullery maid was the bodacious babe, Lady Glittersparkles?

Chef was also flabbergast; she did not expect this. “What?” She said in a confused tone of voice as she watches the maid roll over towards Gristle.

"But how? Why?! Why did you do this?”

Gristle asked confused and shocked. A million questions running in his mind, all jumbled up in his head and he couldn’t understand why she would do this. He watches her as the wig retracted back and changing, the trolls climb onto her hands then she gently places them onto the table. Bridget stayed silent as she couldn’t directly look Gristle in the eye, she was trying to find the words to say but she was tongue-tied. Fortunately, Clay came to her rescue as he spoke.

“It’s because she didn’t think you would want someone like her.” Clay answered as he stares directly at the king with crossed arms as he walked onto the table. “I mean, hello? Is it me you’re looking for? I don’t think so.” Bridget sighed despondently as she stared down at the ground with a hopeless expression. Clay placed his hand on her shoulder and gives her a reassuring smile.

“She knew she didn’t stand a chance to be with you or was there a chance that you felt the same way, so she kept her feelings to herself and thought that loving you from afar will be enough until we came along and convinced her to take that shot.” Then he turns towards Gristle. “So don’t you dare blame her.” Then Poppy chimed in. “Clay’s right, don’t blame Bridget, blame us. We were the ones who convinced her to do this, so if you want to be angry at somebody then be angry at us, not Bridget.”

Gristle stared back and forth between Bridget and the trolls, feeling a mix of emotions swirling in his head. He was angry at being deceived, yes, but at the same time, he also felt a strange feeling fill his entire being at the thought that someone cared for him enough to even love him.

Chef stared at the scene in complete fury and disgust. ‘No, no, they are ruining everything!’ She pushed one of the guards to snap them out of this foolishness as she angrily let out an order. “Guards, finish her!”

Bridget let out a scared gasp as the guards closed in despite Gristle’s attempts to stop them but then one of the guards let out a yelp as something hit his hand, hard, causing the guard to drop the spear. John Dory, seeing the guards pointing their spears at Bridget, he whipped his hair at the nearest guard then pulling back to glare at them.

“I wouldn’t point those spears if I were you, boneheads!” Clay chimed in as he stood beside his brother, glaring at the guards as well. “Yeah, you mess with her, you mess with us.” Then Branch added. “And besides, why are you taking orders from her,” He gestured towards Chef. “When Gristle is your king?” He gestured towards Gristle, who jumped in surprise when he was called out, then he turns back to look at them with a raised eyebrow, waiting for an answer. The guards looked to each other not knowing how to answer, feeling conflicted, which in turn, made everyone whisper to each other and some giving Chef dirty looks.

Chef looked around and felt that everything was falling apart as rage continued to build up inside her. Poppy looked around and took this opportunity to step in, she cleared her throat which got her everyone’s attention, it was nerve wracking to have so many Bergen eyes stare at her and she can feel the fear and anxiety bubbling to the surface. She felt a hand on her shoulder and she saw Floyd, looking at her with a reassuring and encouraging smile, she took a deep breath and smiled at him before turning back towards Gristle.

“King Gristle, when you were with Bridget, you were feeling something, weren’t you?” She asked and smiled when Gristle nodded as he casually shrugged. “Yeah, I was. I just thought it was too much pizza.” His answer made Bridget giggle, which made the king blush. “Me too!” Bridget agreed as she smiled at him and Gristle couldn’t help but think she was cute.

Poppy smiled softly at Bridget and chuckled before turning back towards the Bergen king. “That feeling? That was happiness.” Poppy’s words made every Bergen, except Chef, gasped in disbelief.

“But you need to eat a troll to be happy, everybody knows that.” The bib shop owner, Bibbly, stated. “Don’t you?” His face then morphed in uncertainty and confusion as he glanced around the room, hoping someone would back him up or agree since it was common knowledge, a well-known fact but when nobody spoke up, he started doubting if it was true or not.

“Oh yeah?” Spruce spoke with a raised eyebrow. “Let me remind you that King Gristle has never eaten a troll in his life.” Spruce pointed out as he gestured towards Gristle as he stared at everyone, daring them to deny it but nobody did. The young king nodded in agreement. “No, I haven’t…” Then he looked towards Bridget like she was the most beautiful girl he as ever seen. “And yet here I am,” He smiled at her as he got down on one knee and lifted the missing roller skate and presented it to Bridget.

“My belly empty and my heart full.”

Gristle confessed as he easily slipped the roller skate onto Bridget’s foot and it was a perfect fit. Bridget smiled joyfully at Gristle as he stood up and took Bridget’s hands into his as they stare into each other’s eyes with love-struck expressions.

Everyone looked at them in awe at they watch the scene before them, it makes them feel like they are watching a fairytale unfold and usually, fairytales end with a kiss but this isn’t your typical fairytale.

Since they haven’t defeated the wicked witch yet.

Chef took in the scene before her and she decided that she had enough. “DON’T LISTEN TO THEM!” Chef bellowed angrily as she advances towards them. Everything was according to plan, she was on her way to gain everything that she deserves but those pesky little creatures just had to ruin everything for her again, well no more.

The Bergens gasped in shock and surprise and a twinge of fear, they have never seen Chef so angry while the Poppy and the brothers looked at her in fear. John Dory, Spruce and Clay immediately pulled Poppy, Branch and Floyd to stand behind them, to shield them from her, as she continues to make her way towards them.

“There is only one way to be happy. My way!”

She stated as she pushed Gristle and Bridget away from one another as she continues to marched towards the Poppy and the brothers. Gristle stumbled onto the table with a gasp while Bridget protested with a look of fear etched across her face. The trolls backed away as she continues to advanced towards them.

“With me in charge,” John Dory pushed his brothers and sister further away as Chef continued then she slammed her fist onto the table and the force of the impact cause John Dory, the closest troll, to go flying up into the air, his machete falling out of his hair and dropped onto the table.

“JOHN!!”

Poppy and his brothers shouted in worry and fear as they saw Chef caught him. John Dory struggled against her grip, trying to break free.

“No, leave him alone!”

Bridget tried to save him but Chef used her arm to pushed the girl away which made her stumble until Gristle managed to catch her. Poppy, Branch and his older brothers stared at Chef with fear in their eyes, not for them but for their brother, as she continues her assault with a crazed look in her eyes.

She was going insane.

Chef then turned towards Gristle as she continues her speech with a manic expression. “I’ll serve you troll every day of the year!” She grabbed Gristle and pulled him away from Bridget, Bridget tried to stop her but Chef pushed her again but this time, making her fall to the ground, hard, making everyone gasp in worry.

Gristle looked at Bridget in worry as he was forced to sit down then felt a hand grab his head and aggressively slammed his head down onto the table. He struggled against her grip as she continues to force him to open his mouth.

“With me as Queen! Life will be a never-ending feast of happiness!”

Once she managed, open his mouth and placed John Dory in front of Gristle’s opened mouth while Poppy and his brothers looked on in fear. John Dory tried to get away but his path was blocked when Chef slammed a knife in front of him. Floyd, Clay and Poppy screamed when they saw the knife while Branch and Spruce kept staring at the scene with unadulterated fear as they watch their eldest brother backing away from the knife, only to stumble onto Gristle’s tongue.

Chef wore a crazed wide grin on her face then she glared at Gristle as she ordered him, still holding his head in place. “Come on, eat! Eat!” She gripped his head harder as she forced him to eat which made him wince due to the pain and the way her claws are sinking into his head.

John Dory stared in horror has he tries to back away as the gaping mouth grew closer. Branch’s eyes went wide then images from when his grandmother was taken flashed before his eyes and felt a fire burning deep within his chest as he narrowed his eyes and his face was set in determination.

This monster isn’t taking any more of his love ones from him.

He immediately sprinted towards them, ignoring the shouts from Poppy and his brothers. He spotted his brother’s machete and grabbed it then threw it towards her eye, the same eye that John Dory scarred. The machete impaled her eye and at the same time, Branch jumped and grabbed his brother and roll them away to safety.

Chef screamed as blood ran down her eye which caused her to let go of Gristle as she stumbled away while caressing her eye. Everyone gasped at the sudden turn of events, Bridget went to Gristle’s side while Poppy and the others rushed towards John Dory and Branch.

Floyd went to hug John Dory and Clay looked him over to see if he had any injuries, that knife was too close for comfort, while Spruce checked Branch over and at the same time, scolding him, and Poppy was both checking them for injuries while also feeling relieved that they are both okay.

She swears that these boys are going to be the cause of her death someday.

Those two may preach about safety, especially Branch, but they are some of the most reckless idiots she has ever met.

Then she turns around and stood up as she faced the Bergens, who were looking at them with shocked expressions. She took a deep breath before speaking. “Happiness isn’t something you put inside because it was already there.” Everyone was looking at her and she continues. “You don’t need to eat trolls to be happy, happiness is already inside. Sometimes, you just need someone to help you find it.” Poppy proclaimed, trying to persuade them, make them see reason because the truth is already in front of them and it was in the form of a king and maid.

And it seems it didn’t take long.

“Can I really be happy?”

“I want to be happy!”

“And me!”

“Sign me up!”

“And what about me?”

One by one, every Bergen asked questions left to right, their voices intermingling with each other’s as excitement filled the air. Poppy and Brozone couldn’t help but smile as they watched the Bergen’s eager faces.

“Do you really think I can be happy?” Bibbly asked, looking uncertain, and Poppy smiled reassuringly at him. “Of course! It’s inside you, it’s inside of all of us!” Poppy exclaimed happily as she can feel the joy and excitement fill her soul like electricity, powering her that she couldn’t help but want to sing it out loud.

(Poppy)

I got this feelin' inside my bones

It goes electric wavy when I turn it on

The lights above them turn off and a pink light illuminated above them, putting Poppy and Brozone in the spotlight. The brothers looked up and saw the Snack Pack messing around with the lights and DJ Suki with her wooferbug, starting to play a familiar and catchy beat. They smile at them and gave them a thumbs up. John Dory and Spruce laughed, Clay grinned, Floyd snickered while Branch smiled widely at them then turned towards Poppy and went to join her.

(Branch)

And if you want it inside your soul

(Branch & Poppy)

Just open up your heart, let music take control

I got that sunshine in my pocket

Got that good soul in my feet

I feel that hot blood in my body when it drops

Branch and Poppy sang together and Floyd and their brothers soon joined in as they all danced and sang together.

(Brozone)

Ooh

(Branch & Poppy)

I can't take my eyes up off it, movin' so phenomenally

Room on lock the way we rock it, so don't stop

(Brozone & Poppy)

And under the lights when everything goes

Nowhere to hide when I'm gettin' you close

(Clay)

(Can't stop, won't stop)

(Brozone & Poppy)

When we move, well, you already know

(John Dory)

(Let's go, let's work)

(Brozone & Poppy)

So just imagine, just imagine, just imagine

In that moment, all of the trolls jumped down from their hiding spots and joined in. Hundreds of trolls began to dance to the beat of the song then two glitter trolls hugged each other and lights danced across the room once the light hit them. Only a few trolls landed on the Bergens’ shoulders or on top of their heads, trying to get them to dance along with them.

(Brozone)

Nothin' I can see but you when you dance, dance, dance

Feel good, good, creepin' up on you

So just dance, dance, dance, come on

All those things I shouldn't do

But you dance, dance, dance

And ain't nobody leavin' soon, so keep dancin'

Soon the Bergens were starting to get into the groove but none of them were still dancing until Poppy used her hair to grab hold of a Bergen’s finger then with all her strength, she spun him around which cause the Bergen to bump into another and to his shock, he was starting to dance. The Bergen he bumped into bumped into another and another, causing them to do a few dance poses.

(Brozone)

I can't stop the feeling!

So just dance, dance, dance

Then Clay went to another Bergen and lifted his finger then pushed back down which cause the Bergens to move their arms like waves. Branch, Floyd, Spruce and John Dory were on the last Bergen’s arm and they jumped in the air then they landed perfectly on the table and Clay soon joined his brothers as they all danced, both Bergens and trolls.

(Brozone)

I can't stop the feeling!

So just dance, dance, dance, come on

Soon, all of the Bergens cheered as they threw their bibs up in the air. In the corner, Chef pulled the machete out of her eye and threw it away, not caring for the blood dripping out from her damaged eye, she set her sights on Poppy and Brozone with cold, murderous rage while at the same time, a certain two-toned haired troll jumped out of Chef’s fanny pack and slipped through the dancing trolls and Bergens until he finally reached his destination.

Creek didn’t waste any time as he used his hair to grab Branch and steal him away and at that time, Chef was already storming her way through the dance floor and towards them. It didn’t take long for Floyd to noticed Branch was missing and alerted John Dory, Spruce and Clay immediately.

They scanned the area until they heard Branch’s voice. They looked around until they spotted Branch tied up by a certain purple skinned troll’s hair and leaving the room. Rage filled them as they went after them.

If that backstabbing traitor thought he could get away with kidnapping their baby brother, then he’s got another thing coming!

Chapter Text

Soon after Floyd and his brothers left, Chef reached the table and with a furious shout, pulled out two large knives, ready to rid herself of the menaces that foiled her plans for the last time. Poppy’s eyes went wide as she gasped in fear. Bridget saw it and couldn’t let Chef hurt her, she spotted a wooden spoon, grabbed it then threw it towards Chef. The spoon hit her in the head causing her jump in surprise which allowed DJ Suki and Smidge to squirt lemon juice into her eyes which aggravated not just her eyes but also her injury causing her to scream in pain.

She stumbled backwards and Satin and Chenille saw the pot and nodded. “Let’s do it!” Satin and Chenille used their conjoined hair to trip her, making her fall backwards and fall into the pot. The momentum caused it to move forward and start rolling down hall. On her way out, Cooper lit up a match and threw it towards Chef which set her on fire as she rolls out of the dining room with screams of pain.

Meanwhile that was going on, Creek managed to push open the door a bit and walked outside with Branch, tied up in his hair. Branch struggled against its hold, trying to break free from Creek’s hair while Creek was pulling him further away from the door.

“You’re going to thank me for this later, Branch.”

“Yeah, right!”

Branch growled as he kept on struggling which made Creek rolled his eyes and shook his head. “I don’t understand why you keep on fighting me, Branch. I’m just trying to save you.” Branch scoffed as he continues to break free from his bonds. “Save me? Yeah, sure, putting me inside a large pot that was meant to serve trolls to their death is a great way for saving me.” Branch hissed spitefully at Creek which made his eye twitch in annoyance when he heard him sigh.

“You weren’t supposed to be in that pot.”

“So you would’ve had me lock up in a cage like some animal or a prize pet?”

“If it meant to keep you out of harm’s way then yes.”

Creek didn’t even hesitate to answer and Branch couldn’t help but look at Creek with revulsion as he glared at him with pure hatred but then gave way to sadness as he whispers.

“Why are you doing this?”

It has been boggling his mind ever since he found out Creek betrayed them. Why would he betray his own kind?

What would he gain from all of this?

The question made Creek paused and they stood there in silence. Branch stopped struggling and stared at the purple skinned troll, it took a few minutes before Creek spoke in a calm but empty voice that made Branch uneasy.

“Remember when I told you that I lost my parents during the escape?”

Branch raised an eyebrow in confusion as he nodded. He remembers once asking Creek what happened to his parents and Creek wore this emotionless expression on his face and the look in his eyes made him uncomfortable and scared that he didn’t ask again. Creek didn’t turn to him but he continued to speak in that eerie calm voice. “It was when the Bergens found out we’ve escaped, my father died saving me and my mother and he got sliced in half by a Bergen’s shovel then pickaxe severely injured my mother. I tried calling for help but none of the other trolls came to help, because they were too busy saving themselves…” Branch could hear the malice in his words, making his ears droop.

He can’t imagine what Creek must’ve went through at the time, having your parent killed right in front of you and the other one injured so badly that you’re scared that you might lose them too. He understood what it was like to lose the people you love and he understood the fear of being alone, he always had nightmares of what would happen if his brothers did leave that night after the failed concert, he couldn’t imagine what would happen to him and he thanks his lucky stars that it didn’t happen but Creek wasn’t as lucky.

His brothers shielded him from seeing their grandmother get taken even though he remembers the screams, that he’ll never forget and haunts his dreams and he had his brothers with him when they escaped but Creek watched his father die in the most gruesome way ever and his mother…

“Creek, what happened to your mother?”

Branch asked and Creek took a deep breath and he can hear the sadness in his voice, a sadness that only came from a broken heart. “My mother kept telling me to go but I couldn’t, I wouldn’t, how I could I leave the only family I have left?! Doesn’t she care?!” He fumed which made his hair tighten and Branch let out a whimper from the tightness. Creek took a deep breath again and his hair loosen a bit but still held a tight grip on Branch. Branch sighed then turned to Creek, who seem to be reigning his anger in. “Just as I was getting desperate, King Peppy arrived.” Branch had to wince when he heard the pure resentment in his voice when he spoke the late king’s name. “I thought he was there to save both me and my mother, to bring us to safety and freedom. After all, ‘No Troll Left Behind’. Ha! What a joke.” He can feel a menacing aura around Creek which made him wary and anxious as he continues to speak. “With all his preaching, he couldn’t live up to his promise and those idiots worship him like a hero.” That made Branch narrowed his eyes at him. He might not remember King Peppy all that much, but his brothers did and they told him that King Peppy was selfless, although a bit goofy and cautious, he was a good man and he saved them all and gave them their freedom.

“King Peppy saved us, he gave us our freedom back. He was the only troll brave enough to do the impossible, he saved our lives.”

“Then why did he leave her?!”

Creek yelled, cutting him off, as he finally turned around to face him. Creek wore a furious and hate-filled expression and his eyes were filled with so much hatred that Branch couldn’t help but flinch under his gaze.

“He left her there to die! He could’ve save her but he didn’t!” Creek continued to bellow, letting out all of the anger and resentment he held for the fallen king. “Why save me while he left her there in that hole to die like some common lowlife?! He saved the trolls, yes, but what about the others, those that were too wounded, too young or old, did he leave them there to rot as well?!”

Creek growled, his expression looked so menacing that he looked like a feral animal and Branch stared at him with wide fearful eyes as he tries to back away. He has never seen Creek act like this and it terrifies him. Creek looked at Branch and sees his terrified face then immediately calms down. He took several deep breaths then rubbed his face with his hand and smooth his hair, he looks at Branch with an impassive face and tries to reign in his anger as he spoke again.

“I hate him. I hate him because he left my mother to die and when he died, nobody seemed to care for the other lives lost. All of them too focused on his death, they lost friends and family and yet, they only let their grief out just to mourn him even after all these years.” Creek venomously hissed and Branch stared at him with a sympathetic look.

“Creek, that’s not true...”

His words only made Creek let out a scoff as he began to walk again, while also pulling Branch to follow him. Branch struggled against him but it seems that the troll did much more than yoga. Branch looked towards Creek with an annoyed and confused expression. “There’s still something I don’t get.”

“And what’s that?” Creek glanced over his shoulder.

“Why save me?”

Creek stopped walking and turned to look at him and Branch continues. “You hated King Peppy and the village for what they did to you and you wanted them to feel the same way you felt, but let me ask you, why through the trouble of sparing me?”

Creek stares at the blue haired troll while Branch waited for an answer. It felt like hours but was only a minute before his lips twisted into a smile and it brought chills down Branch’s spine. Creek used his hair to pull Branch towards him, he struggles, wanting to get away but Branch was soon face-to-face with Creek. Creek looked at him before he lifted his hand and used his thumb and index finger to hold his chin softly as he gives him what seems to be a loving gaze.

Wait, what?

“It’s really simple, my sweet little Bluebell.” Creek chuckles and Branch felt his skin crawl.

‘Oh hell no!’

Branch tried to get away but Creek had a tight hold on him. “Out of all of those trolls, you were the only one that truly paid attention. You’re the reason why I’m not gray and ugly like Peppy’s little brat,” That comment made Branch’s eye twitch in anger. “Always wanted to stay by my side even when the trolls you call brothers take you away,” Another eye twitch. “Always trying to make me happy.” Creek finished in a loving voice and a wide obsessed love struck smile which made Branch’s skin crawl in disgust and revulsion as Creek moved his hand from his chin to hold his cheek in a loving gesture.

‘This feels so wrong on SO many levels!’

Branch wants to get away, far, far away from Creek and take a long shower to wash away the feeling of his touch that felt like slimy and so wrong.

Creek’s expression then turned apologetic as he used his thumb to caress his cheek. “I didn’t mean for things to go in such an ugly way, I did not mean to make you sad, Bluebell. I just wanted to make you happy.” Creek smiled creepily which made Branch shiver.

‘I’ll be happy once you get the hell away from me!’ Branch thought as he glared and growled at Creek, to get him to back off, but it didn’t seem to have any effect as Creek only chuckled, as if it was funny, and smile lovingly at him. “But not to worry, I’ll make you the happiest troll alive and once we leave this dreadful place, you’ll never had to feel those ugly and negative emotions again.” Then he leans towards him and he turned away but he shivered when he felt his breath hover over his ear as he whispered “I’ll make you happy for the rest of our lives, my Bluebell.”

‘He’s crazy!’

Branch’s mind screamed as he felt Creek’s breath ghost over his ear then he gasped when he felt lips mouthing the tip of his ear. He tried to push him away but his arms are still tied up along with the rest of him. Branch can feel tears gather in his eyes as he felt completely helpless as Creek continues to nip at his ear. He wanted nothing more than to hide and get away from him, back to the safety of his friends and family.

How had he never noticed the way Creek looks and behaves towards him was beyond him, it was even more terrifying that he managed to hide this side from Floyd.

Wait, is that why he makes excuses not to hang out with him and the others when Floyd was around?

Before any of them could react, a fist went flying towards Creek and punched him, hard, making Creek lose his hold over Branch as he was sent flying and he hit the ground hard then a familiar voice yelled.

“KEEP YOUR FILTHY HANDS OFF MY LITTLE BROTHER, YOU PIECE OF BERGEN SHIT!”

‘Speak of the devil and he shall come.’

Branch snapped his head and relief flooded all over his system, there his brothers stood, glaring at Creek with pure murderous rage. Branch had never felt so relieved in all of his life as he quickly ran towards them. John Dory spotted Branch and he didn’t waste a second to open his arms and his baby brother jumped into his arms. He wrapped his arms around Branch’s shaking form as Branch clutched his vest jacket in a tight grip and nestled his face against his neck then John Dory felt something wet fall down his neck.

John Dory had to reign in his anger because as much as he would want to cut Creek with his machete into an unrecognizable pile of limbs, his baby needed him. He rubbed Branch’s back in a soothing manner and whispered reassurances into his ear.

Branch melted into his brother’s embrace, feeling completely safe, then he felt a hand combing through his hair, he tensed a bit before relaxing and leaning into the touch when he realized that it was Clay. While the eldest and middle brothers were busy comforting their youngest, Spruce and Floyd stood above Creek’s fallen form.

Creek groaned as he spat out blood then sat up, rubbing his cheek with a hiss then looked up and glared at the pink and purple haired trolls. Creek always hated and envied them, they were always the ones to make his Bluebell let out his brightest smiles and laughs and whenever he sees one of them or interacts with them, he had a look of complete adoration on his face and Creek wanted it. He wanted those looks and be the only one that can make him laugh and smile so brightly but he could never make him happy like they can, so he wanted them out of the picture, that way, his Bluebell will be all his. Unfortunately, things went south so he had to take things into his hands.

Floyd, Spruce, Clay and John Dory saw and heard everything, and they snapped when Creek started to harassed their little brother. All of them had an inkling that there was something not right about him ever since Branch first introduced them to him, they thought it was because of the trauma but it was something much darker.

Spruce and Floyd glared at him with hatred burning in their eyes. Spruce wore a menacing and vicious smirk as he cracked his knuckles. “If you think you’re going to get away with what you did then you got another thing coming, you worthless piece of shit!”

Spruce punched him across the cheek then tackled him. “YOU DARE HURT MY LITTLE BROTHER! I’M GOING TO MAKE YOUR LAST MOMENTS IN THIS WORLD A LIVING HELL!” He shouted as he starts to beat the living daylights out of the purple skinned troll, who was trying his best to block the attacks but were useless as Spruce kept attacking him. Floyd kept silent as he glared at Creek coldly but in reality, he was actually picking out the best method to end Creek’s pathetic life. Back to the others, Branch managed to calm down enough and Clay held his face with both hands as he looks over him for any injuries.

“You okay, B? We saw what happened and came to help as fast as we could.”

Clay said with worry laced in his voice. When he saw how terrified his little brother was, he wanted nothing more than to get him away from that deranged lunatic but then his anger exploded when that psychopath started harassing his baby brother. Branch on the other hand, sighed in relief as leaned into his big brother’s comforting touch and let out a small purr.

“Traumatized but with a session with a good therapist and I’ll be fine.”

Branch mutters and John Dory and Clay looked at him with concern then glared heatedly at Creek, who was at Spruce’s mercy as the purple haired troll kept beating him. Clay, after making sure Branch was alright, walked over to them and placed a hand on Spruce’s shoulder. Spruce stopped his assault as he turns to look up at Clay, who had a dark look on his face.

“My turn.”

Spruce grinned as he got up, his fists were bloody but he doesn’t care, and gestured towards Creek with a smirk.

“All yours, bro.”

Clay didn’t waste a single second as he pounced on Creek and raised his fist. “THIS IS FOR TOUCHING MY BABY BROTHER, YOU PSYCHO!” Clay punched Creek squared in the face and continued punching him until he got up and started kicking. “I’LL MAKE YOU REGRET EVER TOUCHING HIM!” Clay kept up his attacks and Creek couldn’t defend himself, still weak after the beating Spruce gave him.

Spruce watched but then he hears footsteps and he turned around to see his brothers walking towards them with John Dory’s hand in Branch’s. He quickly walked over to them and started to fussed over Branch which made the younger troll grumble halfheartedly but let his brother continue to fuss over him. Afterwards, Branch moved towards Floyd and took his hand. Floyd squeezed the hand in his reassuringly then he turns around to check Branch for any injuries while at the same time, making sure he’s out of Creek’s line of sight.

Soon, Clay stopped and he panted from exertion as he glared at Creek’s bruised and beat up body. John Dory walked over and patted Clay on the arm. “Good job, Clay. I’ll take it from here.” John Dory stated in a low voice as he puts on his goggles. He walked over then grabbed Creek by the neck and hoisted him up in the air, his goggles glinted menacingly in the light. He was about to take out his other machete until his ears picked up noises coming from the castle and closing in. Chef came bursting out of the door, screaming as the fire keeps burning her and she tries in vain to put it out as she begins to roll down the stairs. An idea popped into their heads and the brothers looked at each other and smirked wickedly.

“Bastards like you deserve to burn in hell.”

John Dory stated as they wrapped their hair around Creek’s injured body and lifted him up in the air. Seeing what’s going to happen, in a last ditch attempt, Creek looked towards Branch with a fearful and pleading look on his face.

“Bluebell, please don’t do this!”

Branch looked up and glared at Creek with hate and disgust. Did he really think he can persuade him after he harassed him?

Branch grinned wickedly towards Creek as he gave his brothers the signal.

“Not a chance. GOODBYE FOREVER, ASSHOLE!!”

The brothers, with all of their combined strength, threw Creek towards the flaming chef.

He landed and held on for dear life as he screamed in fear and pain as the fire licked him and his broken bones protesting with every movement. They watched as they rolled down the stairs then onto the streets. Soon, Poppy and the Snack Pack arrived and they all watched as both Creek and Chef rolled down the streets, their screams echoing as they went flying out of town.

The brothers cheered as they high fived each other then Branch turned to Poppy, who was looking at him with concern and worry but he gave her a reassuring smile to calm her down. Branch, feeling the adrenaline coursing through his veins, couldn’t help but continue to sing as he dragged Poppy to dance with him, his brothers and friends easily joining in.

(Branch)

I can't stop the, I can't stop the

I can't stop the, I can't stop the

 (I can't stop the feeling!)

The dark atmosphere changed as blue skies and the sun shining brightly illuminated the once gloomy town as everybody danced across the streets towards the old troll tree.

(Branch)

Nothin' I can see but you when you dance, dance, dance

(Floyd)

(I can't stop the feeling!)

(Branch)

Feel good, good, creepin' up on you

So just dance, dance, dance, come on

(Spruce)

(I can't stop the feeling!)

(Branch)

All those things I shouldn't do

But you dance, dance, dance

(John Dory)

(I can't stop the feeling!)

(Branch)

And ain't nobody leavin' soon, so keep dancin'

I can't stop the feeling!

(Clay)

Everybody sing!

As the streets of Bergen Town began to light up with vibrant colors, as joyful music filled the air. The tree, as if happy, began to glow and the surrounding vegetation began to grow back as well as the tree became more vibrant than before as pods also grew back with the revival of the tree.

(Brozone)

Got this feeling in my body

(I can't stop the feeling!)

Got this feeling in my body

(I can't stop the feeling!)

Wanna see you move your body

(I can't stop the feeling!)

Got this feeling in my body

Break it down

Got this feeling in my body

Can't stop the feeling

Got this feeling in my body, come on

They all danced around the old troll tree. Poppy couldn’t help but laugh and smile as she danced with Branch and Floyd. The Snack Pack, Brozone and Poppy were on top of a large mushroom as they danced. Poppy stopped dancing for a bit to look around and couldn’t help the smile on her face.

She looked up towards the sunny blue sky and for the first time in her life, she finally felt that she was worth it. Finally felt herself worthy of, well, herself. She can feel her father and sister are smiling down at her, happy for her that she’s happy.

Like they always wanted.

She felt a tap on her shoulder and turned around to see Mags Gumdrop with John Dory, Branch, Floyd, Spruce and Clay standing behind her. She was carrying a crown intricately and beautifully woven using leaves and flowers.

Her eyes went wide then she snapped back towards them as they all looked at her with a smile. She looked at the crown again and smiled as she bowed her head down slightly so Mags could place the crown gently on top of her head. She straightened up and smiled at her family. John Dory walked up beside her and took her hand and lifted it up in the air.

“Our new queen!”

John Dory announced, pride coursing through his veins, and everybody cheered. Poppy smiled as she looked around and her smile widened when she saw Bridget and Gristle standing next to each other and she can hear Bridget congratulating her. Branch walked up to her and looked around and smiled.

“Looks like the beginning of new era and it’s all thanks to you.” He turns to Poppy and the now crowned queen couldn’t help but smile. “Yeah, well, I wouldn’t be where I am now if it weren’t for you guys.” Branch smiled at her then she playfully smirked as she added. “Even when you boys drive me crazy.” Branch playfully bumped her shoulder which caused her to giggle.

“I know you don’t do hugs most of the time, but…” Branch opened his arms with a dorky grin on his face and Poppy couldn’t help but chuckle then cleared her throat as she playfully made an announcement. “Now that I am queen, I decree that Hug time,” Then she opened her arms and smiled at Branch with a soft gaze. “Is all the time.”

They hugged which was then joined by Spruce, Clay, Floyd and John Dory as they all laughed and hugged each other until they felt another pair of arms snaked around them. They turned around and saw Cloud Guy standing there.

“Up high.”

He said with a lazy grin as he held both his hands up towards them. Branch raised an eyebrow, looking highly confused and suspicious of the strange cloud while John Dory looked livid as hell as he pulls out his other machete out of nowhere which cause the cloud to run away, screaming as John Dory started to chased him, shouting threats.

“Ugh, who was that?”

“Nobody important, Branch.”

“But-“

“Don’t worry about it.”

Poppy laughed then pulled Branch and the others back and smiled at them. “Hey, how about a performance to celebrate this new age of freedom?” Poppy smiled looking at them hopefully and the boys couldn’t help but smile back as they nodded.

“If the queen commands it, then so shall it be!” Branch playfully bows which made Poppy giggle then he turned towards his brothers. “Let’s give everyone a show, guys!” They all cheered and went to get John Dory.

“Ladies and Gentlemen! Trolls and Bergens of all ages, get ready for Brozone!”

Everyone cheered as the lights shined towards the mushroom stage. Branch appeared solo on stage with his back turned away from the audience. He gestured towards the flowers which let out trumpet like sounds which signaled DJ Suki to start playing. Then Branch turned around to face the cheering crowd and started singing.

(Branch)

Do you remember

The 21st night of September?

Love was changin' the minds of pretenders

While chasing the clouds away

Then Floyd appeared as the both of them harmonized on the last note.

(Floyd)

Our hearts were ringin'

In the key that our souls were singin'

As we danced in the night

Remember how the stars stole the night away

Then Clay, Spruce and John Dory appeared and all five brothers began to sing and dance in harmony.

(Brozone)

Ba de ya - say do you remember

Ba de ya - dancin' in September

Ba de ya - never was a cloudy day

Ba duda, ba duda, ba duda, badu

Ba duda, badu, ba duda, badu

Ba duda, badu, ba duda

(Clay)

My thoughts are with you

Holdin' hands with your heart to see you

Only blue talk and love

Remember how we knew love was here to stay

(Spruce)

Now December found the love we shared in September

Only blue talk and love

Remember, the true love we share today

(Brozone)

Ba de ya - say do you remember

Ba de ya - dancin' in September

Ba de ya - never was a cloudy day

And we say

Ba de ya - say do you remember

Ba de ya - dancin' in September

Ba de ya - never was a cloudy day

(John Dory)

The bell was ringin', aha

Our souls were singin'

Do you remember

Never was a cloudy day

(Brozone)

Ba de ya - say do you remember

Ba de ya - dancin' in September

Ba de ya - never was a cloudy day

Ba de ya - say do you remember

Ba de ya - dancin' in September

Ba de ya - never was a cloudy day

(Clay)

Break it down for me

(Branch)

(Say do you remember)

Dancin' in September

(Brozone)

Ba de ya

Say do you remember

(Floyd)

Do you remember?

(Brozone)

Ba de ya - dancin' in September

(Spruce)

(We're dancin' in September)

(Brozone)

Ba de ya - never was a cloudy day

(Brozone)

Uh huh! (Bring it back now)

Dancin' in September

Uh huh!

All the way down to the summer

The song ends when all they did their poses and fireworks flew up into the sky, bathing the sky in bright colorful lights.

Poppy clapped her hands and cheered for her favorite group of brothers with Rhonda beside her, as she let out a happy bellow. Poppy couldn’t help but laugh. She couldn’t wait for comes next and she feels confident that whatever it is, she’ll be able to face it.

Then she turns to look at the brothers.

That they can handle it.

After all, it was a new era.

“WHO’S READY TO ROCK?!”

TO BE CONTINUED…