Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Floyd woke up to the sun shining in his face. He did not want to get up, but he knew Grandma wouldn't be happy with him sleeping in. So he reluctantly got up.

His room was quite spacious, it had two beds, one pink and the other blue, posters all over the wall, albums in the drawers, pictures on the shelfs and a lot of drawings all over the floor. He smiled softly at the drawing. The drawings that branch makes are always adorable, also ambitious. He really wants to make a bunker and has been sketching out ideas, but only he's seven. There was only so much he could do at the moment.

Well speaking of branch, he noticed that the blue troll was not in bed. Branch must have gotten up earlier. Wait, what time is it? He checked the clock on the wall.

9:30, he must have slept in.

He went to get changed to start his day. Putting on his pink vest and white pants, doing his makeup and fixing his hair. He was about finished when he accidentally bumped a photo off a shelf. He tried to catch it but it landed on the ground, with a crack.

“On no.” he said aloud. Grandma was going to kill him if he broke the frame. He quickly picked up the frame to see if it was damaged. To his horror there was. There were multiple cracks along the frame. He started to freak out about how he was going to fix this.

Should he glue it? Replace it and not tell Grandma? Tell Grandma?! What is he going to do!

He was on the verge of crying when he noticed who was in the photo, it had him, John Dory, Spruce, Clay and bitty b or branch. All in their iconic outfits at the time. The cracked lines splitting his three older brothers from each other, and him and Bitty b.

It was no secret that he and Branch miss their older brothers. But the argument they had caused all three of them to run away. With the cracked frame it seemed to mock that they were separated.

Floyd sighed, he was no better, he was thinking of doing the same thing, but when he looked at Branch he realized he couldn't leave. Branch would be all alone. Of course grandma would be there but he didn't want Branch to feel abandoned.

He felt himself start to tear up from the negative past. So he shook head trying to get rid of sad thoughts. It was all in the past, there was no need to dwell on it.

He put the photo back, planning on telling Grandma later, and headed out of the room.

Chapter Text

Floyd walked into the living in complete chaos. There was laundry everywhere, on the floor, on the couch and even on the Tv. He wasn't surprised by it though, this happens when Grandma Rosiepuff does laundry. He isn't sure why she does this, he has no intentions of knowing why, but at least she doesn't do this with the clean laundry.

Speaking of Grandma, she is in the center of the chaos, putting the dirty laundry into separate piles. One for his clothes, one for Branch and so on and so forth. Seeing that she was busy he decided to leave.

Guess he's not telling her about the broken picture frame yet. But that's alright he could look for Branch, maybe they could play a game together.

With this thought in mind he started looking for Branch. He checked the kitchen first, looking around he only saw the freshly baked cupcakes on the counter, and drawings strewn about on the table.

He was curious what the drawing had on them, so he stepped closer to take a closer look. But when he got there something had tackled him to the ground, and was hugging him tightly.

“Got you!” The person who tackled him said while giggling.

Floyd looked up to see who tackled him, only to see Branch on top of him giving him the biggest hug he ever got, while giggling.

That's so cute, he could cry. But he didn't do that, instead he wrapped his arms and legs around Branch, trapping him.

“No, I got you Bitty b!” He exclaimed. Branch made a noise of surprise and tried to get out of floyds grip, but Floyd had a strong grip on him.

“Floyd let me go!” Branch said, still giggling.

“Never!” Floyd said, in a not so scary voice.

Floyd kept Branch trapped until a voice from the kitchen entrance called out.

“Floyd let go of your brother.”

Floyd let Branch go out of surprise, and looked towards the entrance. There stood Grandma Rosiepuff, a laundry basket in her arms, and had a smile on her face. Oh, she must have done organizing.

“Hi Grandma!” Branch called out.

“Hey Grandma!” Floyd said sheepishly.

She laughed a little then said, “I have to do laundry, do you guys wanna come?”

Branch just said yes, while he nodded. He could help her clean and hang the laundry, and maybe tell Grandma about the broken frame.

Branch got off of him and went up to her, Floyd just behind him, and they all head towards the front door.

Chapter Text

They Were walking through the tree to get to the river, saying hello to their neighbors. Him and Branch were just chatting talking about the bunker Branch wants to build once they escape, while holding hands. Floyd would love it if they finished building those escape tunnels, but they wouldn't be done in weeks. Which is a little frustrating, he wants to go now, but he understands that there is only so much they could do. He just hopes its finished before trollstice, he doesn't want princess poppy to be eaten.

“Hello there, Rosiepuff!” 

He was snapped out of his thoughts when King Peppy greeted them. Isn't he usually busy? Grandma Rosiepuff turned around to greet him.

“Hello King Peppy!” She said happily. “What are you doing, this fine morning.”

“Just checking up on the village.” He said casually. “What about you Rosiepuff?”

She pointed at the laundry basket in her arms and said, “Just doing some laundry.”

“Well that's good!” He said, he then noticed him and Branch and started talking to them “Floyd, Branch it's good to see you! Helping your Grandma out?”

“Yeah!” Branch said excitedly, while Floyd hid behind Grandma a bit, nodding his head. He wasn't scared of King Peppy, he just finds him a bit much. 

King Peppy chuckled, amused by their antics, “You got sweet grandkids.”

She looked down towards them and smiled, “Yeah.” 

Branch looked up towards Grandma, smiled, and said “That's because Grandma is the best!” Floyd nodded his head in agreement. “She takes care of us and makes the best cupcakes!”

King Peppy smiled and said, “Well I better get going, got to do those king stuff!” He then walked away, but before he was gone, two heads popped out of his hair and waved at them. They waved back, smiling, and started walking again towards the river.

                       _______________

Branch and Floyd were playing in the lake, while Grandma was washing their clothes. Floyd helped in the beginning, but Branch got bored and distracted Floyd by splashing water towards him. Which prompted him to splash back, but Grandma didn't mind. 

When she was about done she called both him and Branch. They both quickly dried off and quickly followed their Grandma to hang the laundry on the line.

When they got there Floyd helped their Grandma put the laundry on the line, while Branch played nearby. It was quite peaceful, though they had to keep an eye out. You'd never know when the chief will come. 

It was quiet, except for Floyd and Grandma Rosiepuff hanging laundry, and Branch was getting bored. He didn't want to keep playing games. Branch stood there for a moment until he saw a red flower, he got an idea.

He picked the flower up but it up to his face then froze. He hadn't sang in a long time, not since John, Spruce and Clay left. He then looked at Grandma and Floyd, maybe he could sing for them. 

After quickly checking to see if there were any bergens nearby, he lifted the flower up to his face and began to sing.

Chapter Text

Floyd was putting the laundry on the line with Grandma when he heard singing behind him.

‘Every now and then I get a little bit lonely
And you're never coming around’

He was a bit surprised, he hadn't heard this voice before, but it also sounded familiar at the same time.

‘Turn around.

Every now and then, I get a little bit tired of listening to the sound of my tears.

Turn around’

He stopped what he was doing and turned around.

‘Every now and then, I get a little bit nervous that the best of all the years have gone by.

Turn around’

To see Branch singing and dancing his heart out, he hadn't beard Branch singing in a long time. Not sense….

‘Every now and then, I get a little bit terrified and then I see the look in your eyes.

Turn around, bright eyes.
Every now and then, I fall apart.
Turn around, bright eyes.
Every now and then, I fall apart.’

He wanted to join in but he wanted to hear his little brother's voice. It's been a long time since he heard it.

‘And I need you now tonight’

He was so entranced by Branches singing, he didn't hear the bergen coming.

‘And I need you more than ever.
And if you only hold me tight,
We'll be holding on forever.’

Until he heard his Grandma screaming.

“BRANCH WATCH OUT!”

he snapped out of it to see the chief reaching its hand towards Branch. Grandma running towards him, and all he could do was stand there.

‘And we'll only be making it right,’

Frozen with fear

“WATCH OUT BRANCH!”

As the Bergen reach out its hand

‘Cause we can never be wrong.

And captured Grandma, Branch falling to the ground. Both of them are screaming, he thinks he's screaming too.

Then the chief saw him, and reached out its other hand. He was too scared to move, he was crying. As it took hold of him and stuffed him into the bag, with Grandma.

Hearing the screams of his little brother calling out their names. As the Bergen took them away to the castle.

Chapter Text

Everyone in the troll tree heard screaming coming from the line. It shocked all of them, nobody heard multiple trolls screaming bloody murder, and they were too scared to check. But they were all pretty sure of what happened, a Bergen. 

Trolls have heard screams before when someone was taken. But these were different, their screams weren't ones of surprise or desperation. These were agonizing screams of pure horror, pure sadness. That even the King was shaking.

Nobody moved, nobody spoke until they heard the names of those poor trolls screaming.

“GRANDMA, FLOYD!”

That shook everyone out of their shock and the king started running towards the screams. Everyone else close behind him. When they got there it was heartbreaking.

The clothes lines were cut, a basket that used to be filled with clothes now spilled everywhere, and heartbreaking sods were coming from below the branch.

The King quickly followed the sobs, and found a trolling hiding in a bush, all gray. Everyone was in complete shock seeing the gray trolling, but the King was not paying attention to that. He was more focused on calming down the trolling, so the trolling can tell what exactly happened.

“Branch, look at me.” King Peppy said calmly. “It's going to be ok.”

It took a lot of effort to calm down the poor trolling, but the King managed to calm him down. 

“ Branch.” King Peppy said seriously. Putting his hand on his shoulder. Branch looked up with a fearful look. “What happened?”

He started to break down again, and that's when the king decided to not ask again. The King told everyone to go home while he resolved this issue. Then he focused all of his attention on Branch.

“ Hey buddy.” The king said quietly, “It's going to be ok.”

Both princess poked their heads out to see what was going on, after the commotion died down, and saw a sad troll. Feeling bad for him they both hoped out of their dads hair, and hugged him. 

After Branch calmed down King Peppy reached out his hand and said, “Let's get you home, ok?” 

Branch hesitated to take his hand, but not wanting to be alone, so he took it. King Peppy with Branch, holding his hand, started to walk back. 

____________

When they got to the laundry basket Branch froze. The King was surprised at first, holding Branch's hand and halting, he almost tripped. But he managed to catch himself, and turned towards Branch.

He sees the young trolling looking at the basket, or more specifically a green leaf vest. King Peppy has no idea why the gray trolling is looking at it, but it must be important. 

Letting go of Branch's hand, King Peppy went to pick up the leafy vest, to the surprise of Branch, and returned to give it to him.

“This is important to you right?” King Peppy said sadly, the hand with the vest reached out. Branch looked up to him and nodded sadly. “Then you don't want to lose this.”

Branch took the vest and put it on, hugging it. Then took the king's hand and they started walking again. Back to the now sad lonely pod.

Chapter Text

Floyd sat there in a cold cage, alone. Hugging himself as he cried, he wanted to go home. He wasn't sure where Grandma was though. They were put into separate cages, and then they took Grandma soon after. He's scared that something is happening to her. But he wasn't sure what to do.

He felt stupid for letting himself be caught like that. He should have ran or helped Branch get away, heck he should have paid attention and warned him. Now Branch is alone, Grandma is probably being eaten, and now he is probably next on the menu. And it's all his fault.

He felt himself start to cry harder. Yes this is his fault, all of it. He should have tried harder. He should have kept Branch close. He should have tried harder in the performances. He should have been able to keep his brothers from leaving. He should have done more.

He kept on crying for what felt like hours, minutes, days! Until he heard something unlock. Oh no, it's the Bergens! They're going to eat him!

He hugged himself tighter, not daring to look up. Waiting for them to grab him and eat him. But that didn't happen, instead he felt something touch his shoulder. He looked up only to see Grandma Rosiepuff.

“Grandma?” He whispered, his throat dry from crying so much. She nodded and opened her arms, he instantly hugged her.

“Grandma!” He sobbed, a bit loud, but he didn't care Grandma was ok, he wasn't sure how she escaped, but she did!

He clung to her to dear life as she whispered “It's ok.” and “I'm here.” in his ear, until his sobbing turned into whimpers, white turned into sniffles. But he still clung to her, hoping it would stay like this forever. But unfortunately Grandma pulled away.

“We have to go.” Grandma said urgently, grabbing his hand. “The chief will figure out soon that I escaped.”

He didn't need to be told twice, holding on to his Grandma's hand, they both left the cage and started heading towards the exit. Climbing up to the shelves to hide, and carefully made their way over to the exit.

While heading there, Floyd couldn't help but look around and noticed a few things. The first being that they were in a kitchen, he didn't notice this at first, because he was crying, but now that he did, his fear rose.

The second thing he noticed was that the Chief wasn't here. That confused him a bit, isn't the chief supposed to be here? Are they distracted by something else? But that didn't matter. They needed to go.

They managed to find a vent and climbed in. Traveling a safe distance from the kitchen before they stopped for a break. His Grandma's old age was getting to her, this is probably very stressful for her.

They sat there for a bit, taking in deep breaths. A question burning in his mind as they sat there.

“Grandma?” He said to her, she turned her head towards him. “Yes, sugar plum?”

“How did you escape the Chief?”

She smiled a bit and said, “Stole the key, from right under her big ugly nose!”

They both laughed a bit at that. Who knew it was that easy to steal from a Bergen. They sat there for a bit longer, and were about to leave when they heard an awful shriek.

They both froze and turned towards the direction it came from. It was coming from the kitchen.

Chapter Text

They listened as they heard the chief scream for the guards. Hearing Crashing noises coming from the kitchen, as if we were hiding in one of the shelves. Angry cries echo through the whole castle.

Once they felt the vents start to shake they took off, as quickly and quietly as they could. Following the vents as far as they go until they reach a dead end.

They had to backtrack a bit until they found a vent covering, and opened it. It led to a hallway with many chandeliers, red carpet on the ground and guards running around, searching for them.

He looked up to his Grandma concerned. She looks back at him with determination in her eyes. He didn't want to go down there, but there was no other cover they could find. And he doesn't want to go back to the kitchen, so he tightens his hand around Grandma's, and swings his hair and goes down.

They both land on a chandelier less than gracefully, but manage to not get the Bergens attention. They swung from chandelier to chandelier, waiting for when the guards weren't there, looking for an exit.

After a while they found themselves in an empty throne room. Is this where the Bergens king sits? It looks miserable. This is definitely not the right way.

“Grandma.” He whispers, getting her attention. “I think we're heading the wrong way.”

She looks around a bit, then looks back at him. “I think your right, we should head back to-”

Just then the door bursts open, startling them, and the King and Chief enter. Why does nothing want to go their way?

“How did you lose a couple of trolls Chef?!” The King said angrily, turning towards the chief. “I thought those things were to stupid to escape!”

Rude

“I don't know! I think one of them stole the key!” The chief said, sounding just as angry. “I doubt it's the loud one that cried the whole time though.”

I felt Grandma tighten her hand around myn, trying to hold back her anger. He would to if it was Branch they were talking about.

They kept on arguing all the way to the throne, saying a lot a things to each other, and when the King sat down on the throne, Floyd stopped paying attention to the conversation. He was looking around seeing if there were any open windows or something. Not noticing he was leaning in a bit to much, until he slipped.

His Grandmother held onto his hand desperately, trying to pull him up, but he was unable to hold on to Grandma's hand, and fell down.

“FLOYD!”

Screaming, he tried to grip the chandelier with his hair but he missed. He closed his eyes tightly as he falls, not wanting to see the ground. He's going to die, he's going to die hes going to die hes going HESGOINGTO-

“Got you!”

He felt a something grab him suddenly, and felt himself stop falling. He opened his eyes to see Grandma holding him, while dangling in mid air, in the middle of the room. He was happy for a moment he did not fall and die, but then he unfortunately relieses the King and the Chief were looking directly at them.

Eyes wide, mouth open as they started at them for a moment. Floyd and Grandma looking right back looking terrified. Nobody moved for a moment, until the Chief sprang forward, hand outstretched. That caused Grandma to let go of the chandelier, both of them landing on the floor roughly, as they watched the chief miss them and fall. They quickly dodged the falling Bergen and ran towards the doors.

This caused the king to scream for the guards causing them to open the door and see them. Floyd and Grandma ran the other way when they saw them, and the guards give chase to them.

The King gets right up from his throne and went for them, stepping on the chief On the way. She let a painful yelp as he stepped on her. Then quickly following the king to go after them.

They both panicked when they saw the King and Chief coming for them, and turned around to see the guards behind them. They quickly got surrounded by the four Bergens, Grandma stepping in front of Floyd to protect him.

“Well, well, look who dropped in.” The Chief said menacingly, getting closer to them. “A pair of small,” She was right above them “Helpless,” theBergen reached out her hand “Happy go lucky,” Grandma and Floyd ran up to her, connected their hairs and tripped her “Freee-!”.

The guards tried to catch her, but they accidentally stabbed her in the eye. The chief let out a blood curdling shriek, calling the guards fools. While they were distracted both Grandma and Floyd fled the scene. Managing to get out of the throne room and hide behind one of the huge vases in the hall.

They sat there for a moment, listening to the screaming in the throne room. Until they heard the doors open, hearing yelling and heavy footsteps and then silence.

After a moment of silence they both let out a sigh of relief, relaxing a bit. He hugged his Grandma, and started crying from relief. He thought they weren't going to make it. She hugged him back also relieved that they weren't dead.

Chapter Text

Branch sat there, curled up in bed with his brother's favorite vest on, trying to not cry. It's been a couple of hours since the Bergens had taken his family, and he misses them dearly. He wishes Floyd was here to hold him, to tell him that everything is going to be alright. He wishes that Grandma was here to make him cupcakes. He wishes that JD, Spruce and Clay were here so he wouldn't be alone. He wishes that he didn't mess everything up so they didn't leave! He wishes he didn't sing, then maybe Floyd and Grandma would be alive.

He should never sing again, that seems to hurt the trolls he cares about. His singing caused Brozone to split. Sing killed his Grandma and Brother. 

Branch felt tears fall down his face. 

He will never sing again, he chanted in his mind over and over again. Until he drifted off to sleep.

_______________

Floyd and Grandma Rosiepuff had managed to find a hole in the wall to rest in. He wasn't sure what time it was but he thinks it's night and they should probably sleep, but he feels too anxious to do that. The Bergens were lurking outside and he did not want to take his chances.

His Grandma on the other hand passed out the moment she laid down, and honestly he couldn't blame her. She ran around a whole lot, and saved his life twice. She must be utterly exhausted from all this. He hopes she could last until they get to the troll tree.

He leaned against the wall trying to think of a plan. He thought and he thought, only to realize that there were two problems. One, they don't know where the entrance of this castle is. Sure they could wander around until they could find it, but that would lead to one of the Bergens finding them and bringing them back to the chief. So he would rather find a map of this place or an open window. 

The second problem is that they have no way of getting back to the troll tree. The tree was surrounded by a glass dome with one entrance. They installed that after trolls kept escaping through the old metal gate. The only way to get inside was a key that the chief had with them. Great, absolutely perfect, they have to find the chief that they hurt and steal a key, just great. 

Sighing angrily, he scooted closer to Grandma and rested his head on her shoulder. It will not do him any good if he stays up all night thinking this way. He's clearly tired and needs sleep. But he still feels too nervous to sleep. Maybe he'll close his eyes and try to sleep that way. 

So that's what he did, he just sat there, leaning on Grandma, trying to go to sleep for what feels like hours. He kept fidgeting and moving around to make himself more comfortable. He gave up after a bit and opened his eyes, this is clearly not working. 

He could sing himself to sleep, but he doesn't want the Bergens to him. It could lead them right to us, so he would rather not. But he needs to sleep, if he doesn't he'll slow down and get caught. 

After weighing his options, he decided to hum himself to sleep. It will be quiet, and it will bring him right to sleep.

‘Hm hm hmmm hum’

He sung the lyrics in his head.

You are my sunshine,

‘Hmm hm hm hmm’

So he doesn't get lost in thought.

My only sunshine,

And so he could think about home.

You make me happy, when skies are gray

You'll never know dear, how much I love you

Please don't take my sunshine away

He hums the song until he closes his eyes going to sleep, not realizing someone else was listening.

Outside the little hidey hole, was a young maid Bergen listening in on the song. Trying to stay quiet until the song ends, and getting disappointed when the song ends. Then walks away not wanting to disturb whoever was singing. Huming a bit of the tone as she walks away.

Chapter Text

When they woke up the next morning, he and Grandma devised a plan on how to get out. At first they thought they could find a window to escape, because it's the easiest option, but they quickly realized that the whole time they were here there were hardly any windows. Even if there were any, none of them open and they would have to break them, and neither one of them are strong trolls to begin with. So that plan was a no go. 

The next plan they came up with was to just jump on one of the guards to escape. A much better plan but still has its flaws. For one they won't be able to get to the troll tree without a key, ignoring the fact they have to reach the handle to get to the keyhole, and that's what's stopping them from getting out of here. They can't leave Branch by himself, who knows what will happen, he's just a kid, he shouldn't be all alone in the world.

With this fact in mind they came up with a plan to go to the kitchen, and see if the chief was there or the keys preferably. Then steal it from right under her nose, and get out of here. All they need to do is to get there.

___________________

They walked for what feels like forever, how did he not notice how far they traveled.

“Are we there yet?” He can't help but ask. He knows they're in danger but he is tired.

“I think we're about there.” Grandma said without turning around. 

Sure enough right there in front of him was the kitchen, door wide open. He mentally slaps himself in the face. How is he not noticing these things, he's not old, he's like thirteen. 

They both entered the kitchen with weariness, not sure if there's anyone in there or not. After checking if the coast was clear, they looked around. It didn't take long to find the key. There on one of the hooks was a key labeled “Troll Tree”. 

They walked up to the key, and used their hair to get up to it, then grab it. He smiled at his Grandma holding the key, they could finally go home. All of that shatters when he hears the door slam shut.

They both turned towards the door quickly only to see the Chief, with one eye covered in bandages.

“Well, well, well….” 

She slowly approaches them with a look of anger, and a hint of smugness.

“Look what the little troll dragged in.” 

She knew they were coming! How did she know they were coming?!

They slowly backed away from the chief as she came closer. Their backs hit the wall as they see the Chief reach out her hand to grab them. As the hand got closer Floyd noticed a shoot going down. He isn't sure if it was safe but it's probably their only exit.

He quickly pointed it out to his Grandma. She nodded her head seeing it, and they both ran. They both went in separate directions trying to get to the shoot. 

The chief was surprised by this sudden action, but quickly recovered and followed them. More specifically she chased after Floyd. He didn't notice this at first, but when he did, he ran faster than he ever did when he was late for a show. 

He ran and ran getting closer to the shoot. Until he was right there ready to jump down when the chief caught him. He let out a surprised screech as the chief brought him closer to her face.

“Got you” the chief said menacingly, smiling in a twisted way. “Now let's put you back-”

“FLOYD!”

His Grandma came out of nowhere and punched the chief, with her hair, in the back of her head. Causing the chief to stumble forwards and letting me go, directly above the shoot.

He managed to reach out his hair and catch the edge, and pulled himself up. But he lost the key while he was falling. Hearing a bit of a fight happening as he did. Once he managed to get to the top, he saw his Grandma and chief fighting.

His Grandma used her hair to throw things at the chief, while the chief desperately dodged and threw things right back. It was quite a showdown that he couldn't help but watch while he dangled off the edge of the shoot. 

This went on for several minutes, until the chief got the upper hand on Grandma, and managed to grab her and throw her near the shoot. He snapped out of the trance he was in and called out.

“GRANDMA!”

She didn't respond.

The chief walked closer to her, as he tried desperately to pull himself up, but he kept slipping. He watched the Bergen reach out to grab his Grandma, but at that moment he used his hair to pull her closer to him. But unfortunately the chief was quick and grabbed his Grandma. They both pulled hard as they held onto Grandma. 

He started to lose his strength and started to slip. But he held on not wanting to lose her. 

“Floyd.” He heard softly, and looked up to see his Grandma smiling softly at him. “Let go.”

He felt tears start to well up as he continued to hold on. “No!”

She moved her hands towards his hair and started loosening them up. His eyes widening as she does this. “What are you-”

She managed to make him let go but he grabbed hold of her hand. “Grandma?”

She looked at him with tears in her eyes. “I'm sorry.”

She pried her hand out of his hair and he started to fall down the shoot.

“GRANDMA!”

Chapter Text

He keeps falling and falling and falling. Screaming at the top of his lungs, trying to slow himself down. Desperately trying to grab something, anything to stop himself from falling. Except he was falling too fast, and both his hands and hair kept slipping. He kept hurting himself doing it too. Leaving burns and cuts as he descends.

He needs to get back up there! He needs to save Grandma!

But he keeps falling and there is nothing he can do. And eventually he fell on a pile of dishes, and started to tumble down wards.

He tried and tried and tried to stop himself but he was going out of control, and everything was starting to spin. Because of this he didn't notice a particularly sharp fork he was heading towards.

As he fell he got a nasty cut on his arm as he tried to grab something. He cried out and tried even harder to stop himself.

But as he tumbled into the air, he finally noticed the fork, but it was too late. 

*Cruch*

He landed face first onto the fork. He was stunned for a moment. Laying there for a moment trying to process what just happened. But he just couldn't, all he saw was red. All he feels is numbness. His ears are ringing, he sees blood pooling.

He can't feel anything, he can't see through his left eye. He sees the darkness creeping in. He feels his eyes getting heavy.

Is he dieing?

The last thing he sees before everything goes black, was a hand coming towards him.

_______________

Branch woke up the next morning miserable. He wasn't sure what to do any more. It's been two days since Grandma and Floyd have been taken by Bergens. He doesn't feel safe anymore. He just wanted to run far away from here and build the bunker, but the walls enclosing the tree were made of glass. Very, very very hard glass. 

He wants to stay in bed, lock himself in his room and stay there forever. But he knows Grandma would be sad if he gave up. She wanted a happy life for both him and Floyd. It was just him now.

Reluctantly he got up and out of bed and started heading out. Trying to not look at Floyd's side of the room.

He quickly walked all the way to the front door to open it. Only to see King Peppy at the doorway, looking ready to knock but quickly put his hand away.

“Branch!” King Peppy said, looking surprised then quickly putting on a smile. “How have you been!”

Branch just gave him a look saying ‘what do you think’ then started to shut the door again. Nope, he was not dealing with this right now. But unfortunately for him the King stopped him and continued talking.

“Ok, how about you come over to my house! We can have a happy dinner!”

No he would rather not be happy right now or ever at the moment. “No.”

King Peppy looks surprised, again. “Would you want to blah blah blah blah blah blah-”

Branch stopped paying attention and just started walking away. He does not want to be bothered, and here is the king inviting him to dinner. Why does he care! He's just a gray miserable trolling that brings bad luck and kills his family. 

He walked into the main part of the troll tree trying to get to the lines. Fortunately trolls moved out of his way, unfortunately they started whispering about him. It might have been two days since the Bergens took his family, but trolls have been whispering about him. But he honestly doesn't care, Floyd taught him how to not let mean words get to him. So he ignored it all until he was out of hearing range from them.

He continues walking until he reaches his destination. Looking around he found the abandoned laundry basket his Grandma dropped saving him. 

Wasn't Floyd here when he was taken?

He walked up to it and picked up all the laundry that dropped, and unhooked the ones hanging on a line. He didn't want to leave these here for other trolls to take. He doesn't need a reminder of what he has lost.

Once he was done he started walking back to the pod. Ignoring other trolls whispers again and makes it back home safely. He didn't see King Peppy at the front so Branch guesses that he left. 

He was dead wrong because when he entered the house, he see the two young princesses running around in the living room, King Peppy in the kitchen baking and a bunch of random toys all over the floor.

He put down the basket, walked past the living room fuming, got into the kitchen and screamed. “What are you doing here!”

The king, who was stirring batter, looked back and said. “Oh Branch your back! I'm making cookies, want some?”

Branch was a little baffled at that, does he? Before he gave an answer, princess Viva came around the corner, holding princess poppy and exclaimed “Cookies!”

“They're not ready yet.” The king said laughing, then turned completely towards Branch. “Would you like some?”

“Yes!”

Branch can't help but nod. Somehow time passes and the next thing he knows, there's a cookie in his hand and he's sitting at the dinner table.

“You enjoy the cookies?” The king asked.

Branch looked at him and nodded. This was nice actually, but he would like them to go soon.

After a while the King and the princess left, and Branch headed to bed feeling better. Not great but better. 

He went to sleep smiling as he held onto Floyd's vest.

Chapter Text

Bridget isn't sure what she is doing.

She was just cleaning the dishes when commotion started happening in the kitchen. She listened as she heard things being thrown and shattered. Hears the yelling and the screaming. She would have gone back to work but the commotion was happening right above the hatch that drops the dishes to her, and she's a little scared.

But she hummed the little tune she heard in the hallway. It made her feel less scared. 

The feeling quickly came back as she heard a blood curdling. It sounded like it said Grandma? But it was getting louder and louder until she realized that it's coming from the shoot. She quickly hid behind a pile of dishes as the person that screamed landed. She peeped around the corner to see a troll tumbling down another mountain of dishes.

Letting out yelps and screams until it stopped and landed on…oh no.

She quickly ran up to the poor troll and saw it landed face first into a fork. Surprisingly the troll was still awake, but looked like it was in pain.

“Castle maid!” Chef screamed randomly, startling her.“If you find a troll down there, you can eat them! That troll is too whiney for my tastes!” 

Bridget sat there for a moment dumbfounded. She never had a troll before, and Chef just let her have one. She looked at the troll for a moment, and noticed how helpless it looked. Laying there bleeding, looking like it's about to pass out. Should she?

“Castle maid!” Chef shouted again, starting her once again. “Can you also find the keys to the troll tree! The troll dropped it down there!”

Key to the troll tree? This troll stole it? She doubted that trolls wanted to go back to the tree where they'll be eaten. So why does this troll want too?

She got curious about the troll and she wants to know more about the troll. But she can't do that if they're dead. Making up her mind she picked up the troll, tore pieces of cloth off her apron, and started to bandage them up. 

It was a little hard at first trying to wrap the makeshift bandage on the trolls head, but she managed. She also bandaged the troll's left arm as it was looking worse for wear. 

Once she was finished she grabbed some scraps of cloth and some cotton, and made a makeshift bed. She then placed the bed on her nightstand and gently lay the troll on it. She then grabbed a bit more cloth and laid it gently on the troll.

She then got back back to work cleaning the dishes, and finding the key to the troll tree.

_____________

Chef is mad.

Not only did a couple of trolls escape, and ran around the castle. But they cause her to get stabbed in the eye and go blind in it. She really wanted to make them suffer for what they did. 

And she did

She took a hunch with the key and left it in plain sight and left the door open, and waited behind the door to see if they would come. She was right on the money.

She saw two trolls walk in carefully and watched them get excited seeing the key. They ran up to it and grabbed it, and that's when she decided to make a grand entrance.

She watched them get scared as she slammed the door and started speaking. Walking closer and closer to them until they started running. She went after the smaller redder one, because it has the key, and caught it. 

She hates this one, it was screaming and crying the whole time. Even after she put it in the cage. Maybe she can finally shut this one up.

“FLOYD!”

Unexpectedly the other troll came up to her and punched her in the face, with its hair. Causing her to drop the tiny one, and turn towards the other troll. 

Then the troll just started throwing stuff at her. She dodged and threw stuff right back. She is starting to hate this one more, crying was one thing, but this troll managed to hurt her not one but twice. She wants to shut it up.

She eventually got the upper hand on the troll and managed to catch it. The troll bit her hand, causing her to throw it. It hit the wall, and knocked out.

“GRANDMA!”

She heard the other troll say, but she ignored it. She did not want to waste an opportunity catching a troll. But it seems that the other troll had other ideas. It grabbed onto the troll it dragged, and started playing tug of war with it. She had no idea that a troll could be this strong, but eventually the troll lost its grip and fell down the shoot, screaming.

But Chef didn't pay attention to that, she was more focused on the troll in her hands. She smiled wickedly as the troll gave her a scared look. 

She wasn't sure if it's scared of her or scared for the other troll still screaming in the background. But she doesn't care about that. She is just hungry for more trolls. 

She opened her mouth, put the troll closer to her mouth, and…

Crunch

Took a bite of the troll, and slowly started eating away at the troll. Until there was nothing left, then quickly screamed at the Castle maid to look for the key and that she could have the troll that fell down there.

She'll let her have that other troll, it wasn't worth the effort to get it. Plus it's too whiney for her tastes. 

Chapter Text

Branch was on a stage for some reason. He doesn't know how he got there or why he is even here. He just knows it looks familiar, and he can't place a finger on why that is. It was like a distant memory, a bad memory.

He blinked and the next thing he saw was his brothers all tied up. Like….oh wait now he remembers. They were supposed to sing the perfect family harmony, and they failed.

Once his brothers were let down they walked into the changing room. John Dory isn't happy, he could tell by the way he marched into the room and spun around.

“See what happens when you don't follow my lead!” JD said angrily.

Spruce and Clay started to protest, saying things that he couldn't quite make out. The yelling got louder and louder until.

“I quit!” 

“Yeah, me too!”

Things started to go downhill now. Well more so than it already was. He thought it would be the same old argument, then they walked away and cooled down, but no. They all started walking away and saying that they were leaving, forever. Branch was going to call out to them, run up to them, tell them to stop. But he felt stuck in place as they walked away. 

“Guys wait! Stop!”

But whatever forces that was stopping Branch didn't stop Floyd. Isn't he dead? Taken? Eaten? He ran towards them telling them to stop. Floyd managed to grab hold of one of Spruce, only for him to push Floyd away, hard.

He watched his brother scream out in pain as he crashed into the desk. But none of them turned around to check to see if he's ok. They all just disappeared, never looking back. 

Branch finally felt like he could move again and ran up to Floyd. Checking to see if he was ok, but found nothing. Then Floyd started to cry, and started whispering things like “It's my fault” and “I'm sorry” over and over. 

Branch didn't want his use to be favorite brother to be sad. So he decided to hug him, catching Floyd off guard. After a few seconds he hugged back. 

After a few minutes they pulled away and Branch started to speak. “It isn't your fault Floyd. It's mine, I messed everything up.”

Wait, that isn't what he was going to say. Why does this feel like he lived through this before?

“No, Branch, it's not your fault!” Floyd said, startled. “You didn't mess anything up!”

“But I ruined everything!” Branch insisted sadly. “You got hurt because of me.”

Floyd shook his head almost in tears again. “You didn't, Branch! I…we…Spruce did…but …he didn't mean too…and…”

Floyd started to hyperventilate, and started to cry a lot.

“Floyd? Floyd!”

Out of nowhere Grandma came over looking panicked. “What happened!? Where are the rest of your brothers?!”

Branch froze, wait how is…Grandma? Isn't she dead? Now that he thought about it, isn't Floyd dead?

Branch started to slowly back away, something was wrong. Everything was starting to distort. Instead of seeing a crying Floyd and a worried Grandma. He saw a distorted, bloodied Floyd, missing an eye and missing an arm and a leg. Grandma looked like she was missing the top part of her head. 

Branch started ro run from them. Hearing voices in his head whisper your fault. Over and over and over and over. He hears the screams of Floyd and Grandma. He hears JD, Spruce and Clay screaming.

He just kept running until a hand grabbed him.

“Got you.”

______________

“AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!”

Branch woke up screaming, shooting up from bed, and then fell off to the side hitting a wall. Causing all the pictures on the shelf to tip over, one falling off the shelf, with a distinct cracking noise.

Hearing that he got up from the floor and ran towards the picture.

“No no no no…” he said frantically, picking up the picture frame, and turning it over. Hoping it's not bad, and that it could be fixed. Only to see many cracks on the glass. This is one of the few photos he has of all his family, when he's just an egg. Now it's ruined, because of him, like he ruined this family. 

Cracks spread across the picture, covering the faces of his parents and Grandma. Who were at the very back. The cracks went further along and made it split into four pieces around him and his brothers. The glass made it look like they were separated, which isn't far from the truth. 

John Dory and Spruce had clay on their shoulders in the picture. While he and Floyd were at the bottom of the picture. Floyd looks like he's showing him off looking proud. Surprisingly the cracks didn't affect them much in the photo. Only a line going over Floyds left eye…..

Like in his dream….

Branch sighed and put the photo back and started to fix the other photos. Making sure they stood up right one by one until he reached a photo of him and his brothers. It was cracked too, lines spread across separating them. 

Did this one break because it fell over? No, the other photos didn't look like that so what happened. Was it broken before? Was it…did Floyd break it?

Branch shook out of his thoughts and fixed the photo quickly. Then he walked out of his room and went outside to think.

He didn't break that photo, and Grandma would have asked them who broke it in less of a day. Was it broken the day they were…..

Floyd was probably going to tell Grandma later, after doing the laundry. That would make the most sense.

Why is he trying to figure out what happened to the photo? It doesn't matter now.

Branch looked up and looked at the stars. It's almost been four days since they were taken eaten.

He hopes they aren't suffering.

We all know that's a lie

He hopes his dream doesn't mean anything.

Chapter Text

Bridget is cleaning the dishes, while humming a little tune she heard, while simultaneously checking on the little troll. She is on day two of taking care of the little guy and she is getting worried. The troll hasn't woken up since it fell down here and got hurt. 

She hopes the little guy will make it. But all she can do right now is take care of them, and look for that key. She does not need an angry Chef yelling at her.

_____________

Floyd feels like he is flouting. His whole body feels numb.

Where is he?

All he remembers is that he fell after…..after Grandma……

Is he laying on something soft?

Floyd opens his eyes, and sees a stone roof. He also noticed that something was covering his left eye. 

His face feels numb….

He lifted his left hand to remove the thing covering his head, but he felt sharp pain when he did that. He put his arm quickly down, and lifted his head to see what was wrong. His arm was wrapped in some bandages, and had blood seeping through. That caused Floyd to sit up straight, and wince.

What happened?

He checked his body, removing the blanket, to see he has scraps and bruises, even long scratches along his body.

His eyes widened, what did he do? What happened? He tried to think for a moment, and started to remember bits and pieces.

He was captured by the Bergens, and escaped along with…..

“GRANDMA!” He said aloud, looking around frantically. That's when he noticed that he was in a large room with huge dishes. He's not….where is….he needs to….he needs to get to Branch!

“Oh you're awake!” A voice said out of nowhere. He looked towards the voice, only to see a Bergen. He got out of bed and backed away from them, terrified.

“Hey, hey it's ok! I won't hurt you!” The Bergen said. Floyd just backed away more than yelled, “Where is my Grandma!”

The Bergen looked at him confused, then their eyes widened. Then the Bergen nervously said, “Um, I don't know, you were the only one that fell down here….”

Floyd looked at them trying to see if they were lying, and to his surprise, he believed them.

“But your Grandma is probably eaten by now….it has been two days.” The Bergen said sadly.

Floyd looked down, eyes wide. She's gone? It all came back to him now, his Grandma was in the hands of the Chief, she looked angry, and he tried desperately to hold on, but his Grandma made him let go. 

Tears started to fall from his face, and he fell to his knees. Gone….she's gone……she's GONE!

He let out a strangled cry, and started hugging himself. Why is he such a failure, he can't do anything right!

He heard a gasp from the Bergen, “You're turning gray!”

He looked at his hand quickly, and noticed that indeed it looked darker. He wasn't gray per say, his tones just looked darker.

It shocked him, but he still felt the tears, even though his bandaged eye. He saw a finger getting closer to him, and he backed away a bit.

“Do you need a hug?” The Bergen said gently, surprising him. “I'm Bridget by the way….” he looked up at her confused “Sorry you don't haft to hug me, and i probably shouldn't have-”

Floyd quickly hugged her finger, and sobbed into it. He isn't sure if he could trust this Bergen- no Bridget. But judging by the bandages on him, and the fact she hadn't eaten him yet, he feels like he could trust her.

After a few minutes of him crying he calmed down, but he still clung to her finger. 

“I'm Floyd.”

Chapter Text

A day had passed since the troll, Floyd, had woken up. Bridget talked to Floyd a lot during that time, getting to know him, and also changing his bandages. The wound on his arm is looking better so far, the bleeding has stopped, and seemed less painful for him to use. Though she thinks it will scar when it eventually heals. His eye on the other hand…..it's not looking so good.

It looked terrible when she changed the bandage. There was a scar starting from his forehead to his eye. The eye itself is gone, just an empty socket. She isn't sure how to tell him, but she did say it was bad when he asked.

“So favorite color?” Floyd asked.

Right now they are just asking each other questions while she cleans, looking for the darn key.

“Pink!” She said enthusiastically. “Yours?”

“Oh um, it's pink as well.” Floyd said happily.

“No way! Twins!” She said looking back at him on the makeshift bed, waving her fingers. Floyd smiled and laughed a little. “Yeah…twins.” He said softly.

They continued with the questions, and had tons of fun getting to know each other. They even styled each other's hair, but it was a bit difficult. Floyd had a hard time doing it with an injured arm, and she had a hard time because he was so tiny, but they managed to.

Though they had to stop when they heard the Chef yelling from the kitchen.

“Castle MAID!” Chef said angrily.

“Yes!” She yelled back.

“Did you find the Troll Key yet!”

She looked at Floyd nervously and then yelled back “No!”

“Well hurry up! Trollstice is in two weeks!”

What is she going to do! If she doesn't find that key soon, Chef will get so mad!

“Bridget?”

She'll be kicked out of the castle!

“Bridget!”

She'll be kicked of Bergen town or worse Chef would-

She felt something shake her hand. Confused, she looked down and saw Floyd looking up at her, concerned.

“You ok?” He asked with worry in his voice. She shook her head and said. “I need to find the key or else Chef will….”

Floyd looked like he was thinking for a moment, then looked up at her and said. “I could help!”

She looked at him with surprise. “Really!”

“Yeah!” He said enthusiastically. “You helped me so far, so I wanna help you!”

He then looked down sheepishly. “Besides it was my fault the key fell down here.”

Huh, she figured it fell down here somehow, but she didn't know Floyd dropped it. The two began to look through the pile of dishes, trying to figure out where the key fell.

After a while a thought came to Bridget's head. Why did Floyd have the key? Was he trying to get back to the troll tree? She thought any troll would run away given the chance. Should she ask?

“Floyd?” She asked nervously, turning towards him. She saw him putting his hand away from his hair.

Floyd paused on what he was and turned towards her and said, “Yeah?”

“Why did you steal the key?” She asked. Floyd froze when she said that. Maybe she shouldn't have asked, she's going to lose her only friend and-

“I was trying to get back to my brother.” He said sadly. His brother? He was trying to get back to his brother? He must be very important to him.

“Why?” She decided to ask. Floyd walked up to her and jumped to her shoulder, landing a bit awkwardly, she had to catch him a bit. Once he was able to balance himself, he sat down and began talking again.

“My little brother Branch is the most important troll in the world to me. And he is the most fun, and lovable trolling you'll ever meet!”

“Trolling?” She asked, is that what trolls call their kids?

“Oh you know, a young troll. He's seven.” He explained. Oh she was right, “And he's all alone.” Floyd added sadly.

“Don't you have parents?”

“No….they were eaten.” Floyd said sadly, looking ready to cry.

Oh, she felt bad, she shouldn't have asked, “Sorry.” She said solemnly.

“No it's ok, it's not your fault.” He hurriedly said. “It was a long time ago.”

Bridget thought for a moment, she likes having Floyd around. He was her first friend she ever had, and wants him to stay but….He seems so sad. Him turning a darker color startled her. She didn't know trolls could do that! Now that she thinks about it, maybe this is why they are happy all the time. So they don't lose their color, and she doesn't want her new friend to lose his colors.

“I want to help you!” She said determined.

“What?!” Floyd said, startled.

“I want to help you get back home!”

Floyd looked at her with surprise then shook his head, “I don't want you to get in trouble.”

“No, it's fine! You are the first friend I ever had, and I want to help you!”

Floyd just started at her for a moment, as if trying to see something, then smiled. “Thank you.” He said softly, and then hugged her cheek. She hugged back smiling, she felt happy.

They stayed like this for what felt like hours until Floyd pulled away and said, “Oh yeah I almost forgot!” He reached his non-injured hand into his hair and pulled out-

“The key!”

“Yeah! I was about to call out to you when I found it, but you beat me to it!”

She is so happy! She isn't going to be thrown out of Bergen Town!

She hugged Floyd again and spun around, laughing at the top of her lungs. Floyd laughed along with her.

After a minute they broke apart and Bridget then said, “All right what's the plan!”

Chapter Text

Floyd sat there in Bridget's aprons pocket, waiting in anticipation, as she sneaks out in the dead of night. He's scared at the moment, he hopes Bridget doesn't get caught. They spent the past hour coming up with it. All they had to do was wait for night time, so less people would be around, and sneak their way through. But they decided just in case he hides in her pocket. It's a very basic plan, but it should work. He hopes-

“You ok?” 

Floyd looked up, startled, seeing a worried Bridget looking down at him. “Yeah….just nervous.”

“Don't worry, no one suspects a thing.” She said confidently.

Floyd also wasn't just worried about getting caught, he's worried about the consequences. Bridget would take the brunt of it if they were caught. “But…what if you get caught? They'll hurt you…wouldn't they?”

She looked down at him with a sad smile and said, “Don't worry about me…I'm used to it.”

Floyd looked at her with wide eyes and started to tear up. “You don't deserve that!” He sobbed out.

Bridget froze and looked away, but put her hand in the pocket Floyd is in, and he hugged it. After a few seconds Floyd calmed down, and she continued walking, while still having her hand in her pocket. 

They walked in silence from that point, Floyd still clinging to her finger, until they reached the gate to the tree. She looked around, checking if anyone was near, seeing that there was no one around, she grabbed the key and unlocked the gate.

She walked up to a branch and paused and looked down into her pocket. “We're here.”

Floyd looked up at her and then clung to her finger harder. “Need a minute?”

He shook his head, he needed to let her get out of here as fast as possible. He let go of her finger after a second of hesitation, he let go. Allowing her to rotate her hand, and for him to climb on. 

She gently set Floyd on the branch, he looked up to her sadly. “I don't want to say goodbye.” 

She looked at him sadly for a moment then smiled, and reached into her pocket. “Here, take this.”

She handed him a poorly made pink bracelet, with a poorly sewed BFF, it was tiny for her but not for him. 

“I never got the chance to give it to you, you were unconscious.” She said, handing it to him.

Floyd smiled looking down at it, he never had a best friend before. He looked up at her with glossy eyes, “Thank you.” He softly said. 

She nodded, smiling, then started to turn away, but he quickly said, “Wait!”

She turned back around surprised as he quickly put his hand in his hair, searching for something, and once he found it he pulled it out. “Here!” He said holding out a magenta red hand crafted flower. It was made of yarn, and looked big in his hands. 

She smiled and took it saying, “I'll cherish this forever.” 

All of a sudden they hear glass yelling coming from one of the Bergen homes. 

“I got to go, bye!” Bridget said, quickly pocketing the yarn flower, and running out the glass cage, closing it and locking it. Before he even got the chance to say goodbye.

“Bye.” He softly said, putting on the bracelet, then turning around and running back home. 

_______________

Branch sat at the front porch looking up at the stars. Or at least as many as he could through the leaves. He had been looking out at the stars for a few hours now. He couldn't sleep not after that nightmare yesterday.

He couldn't stop thinking about it. The way it showed both Grandma and Floyd. It just makes him think that there is something happening right now. Something big, and he has to stay awake for it.

____________

Floyd dashed through the troll tree with speed. Bumping into a few pods along the way, accidentally waking the poor trolls in there to wake up. But he didn't care, he was so close. He was so close to Branch.

___________

Maybe he should ask King Peppy if they were willing to have dinner together again. It was pretty nice not living in a lonely pod…he still hasn't done anything with Floyd's side of the room. He feels like its wrong to get just, get rid of Floyd's stuff. 

He feels like it would be a wast of time…

Was Floyd alive? Branch randomly thought, is he trying to get to him at this very moment? 

___________

Floyd made it to the center of the tree, were there a bit of trolls out, and just kept running. Bumping into one troll but he didn't turn back to apologize. He could have sworn he heard someone say “Is that Floyd!” But he was going to fast. The voice did sound familiar, he just doesn't care at the moment. Branch is his main priority.

___________

No….could he?

That just impossible, but why does it feel right? Is something wrong with him? He just wants to cry right now. Why does he want ro cry? It's not like….

Floyd….

__________

Floyd saw the house up ahead, it brought him great joy seeing it. He's almost there. He pushed himself to run faster, getting closer and closer. Seeing a little trolling sitting on the front porch. Its Branch! Getting excited he called out, “Branch!”

___________

“Branch!” 

Branch heard his name called out, by a familiar voice and looked up. And he couldn't believe what he was seeing. A troll with a bandage over his eye, and left arm running towards him. Calling out to him. He didn't believe it first, he thought it was a random troll, but that voice its….

“Floyd!” He called out running towards him. 

The two ran up to each other, happyness on their faces, meeting each other in the middle, giving each other the biggest hug they had ever given.

Chapter Text

King Peppy woke up to someone banging on his door waking him up, surprisingly not waking his daughters up, and went to open the door hurriedly. Nobody wakes him up in the middle of the night, unless it's an emergency. Did someone get taken again?

He opened the door to see a troll that looked like he had seen the dead risen. “What's wrong!?” He said loudly, and worriedly. 

“There was…” The troll looked haunted for a moment again then said, “Someone was running into pods late at night, and woke the poor trolls in there up and-”

“So it's just a reckless troll?” Peppy said, a little annoyed. Why does he have to be awake for this?

“Um no…there's more to the story…” The troll said nervously. Fiddling with their hands a bit.

There's more? “Go on.”

The troll took a deep breath and started to speak, “You see we chased this troll around when it started a ruckus, but they were very fast and lost them a few times.” This still sounds like a trouble maker. “But we managed to track them down to the center of the troll tree, and we were able to identify them and…”

“You caught them?”

“No…we kinda froze up when we realized who it was.” 

Froze up? Who is this troll to cause such a shock?

“And who was it?” The king said curiously.

The troll started to stumble at their words, “It's……..Um someone we thought dead….and um….they are-” 

“Ok, calm down.” Peppy said patting their back looking calm, but on the inside was freaking out. Someone we thought was dead!? Who!? “How about you take me to them instead?”

“Right!” The troll said, started walking. The king follows, realizing he has no idea where they are going. “Oh by the way, where are we going?”

They froze up a bit, looking like they wanted to run, “To the Hospital.” the troll said In a shaky voice.

The king's eyes went wide, what happened to that poor troll?

_________

Floyd layed there in the hospital bed reading a book, with clean bandages wrapped around him. Branch sat next to him, holding on to his hand, the right one, looking at the book Floyd was reading.

It had been an hour since he was checked in to the hospital, after it turns out that he was being chased by other trolls. Guess running around the troll tree like a mad troll gets others attention. But he wasn't complaining, it got him to the hospital. 

Floyd turned his head towards Branch. His baby brother looks very gray, and sad. But he seems to be gaining color, but not much. Though his hair has indigo streaks in it. 

Branch turned his head towards his older brother, noticing that he was looking at him. His little brother had a concerned look on his face. “Are you ok?” He asked.

Floyd smiled at him, like he wasn't injured and blind in one eye, “Better with you around.”

Branch smiled a little and snuggled up to his older brother. Floyd went back to reading his book pretending to read. 

It hit Floyd hard when they told him that he was blind in his left eye. Well not blind he's missing an eye. He wonders if Bridget knew, she said it was bad, but was never specific. Though to be fair to her, he was having a meltdown, and probably didn't want to stress him out more.

He looks towards the bracelet he still has on. I wonder if she's ok? Did she bring the key back to the Chief so she won't get in trouble? He hopes so otherwise-

Out of nowhere the hospital door to his room slams open. Startling both him and Branch, and both looked up towards it, and he couldn't believe his eyes.

There standing at the entrance to his hospital room was King Peppy looking very surprised and shouted,

“FLOYD!?”

“KING PEPPY?!” Both Branch and Floyd also shouted.

What is he doing here!?

Chapter Text

Peppy wasn't sure what he was expecting when he was told, someone we thought was dead came back, but he certainly didn't expect this. There in the hospital was Floyd in a hospital gown, bandages covering the left side of his body, holding a book, looking up at him in surprise. Branch right next to him also looked surprised. He couldn't help but shout,“FLOYD!?” when he saw him.

How is he alive!? Wasn't he taken by Bergens?!

“KING PEPPY!?” Both Floyd and Branch shouted back. Were they surprised to see him? He has every right to be surprised, a troll we all thought was eaten, just comes back out of nowhere, and thinks he won't come and check it out? He's the king, of course he would!

“What are you doing here?!” Branch yelled, not in anger surprisingly.

“Well you see,” He began calmly, “I got reports telling me that a troll was running around The Troll Tree like a mad troll waking everyone up.”

Floyd looked a bit guilty when he said that, and looked like he was going to say something, but Peppy continued,“And that the troll in question was someone thought dead.” he then gave Floyd a look “And that they were hospitalized for severe injuries.”

“And you're asking me, why am I here?” He finished, staring at the two young trolls.

“Um…” Floyd started but looked away.
Branch had his mouth open and then turned to Floyd. “You did that!?”

Floyd shrank away a bit, looking away and then said softly, “I just wanted to get back home.”

This place hasn't been a home for a long time. But there was something that was bothering him.

“Floyd?” He said softly, walking closer to the two siblings, catching the attention of Floyd. “How did you get back?”

He saw Floyd freeze up at the question, eye wide. Branch noticed this and came to Floyd's defense. “He doesn't have to answer that!” He said angrily.

Peppy just continued, “What happened to you?” He knows this is a bad idea, but he needs to know. This is the first time anyone has escaped from the chief.

“Stop it!” Branch said louder. He needs Floyd to open up or else he will explode.

“What happened to your Grandma?”

That question broke the silence that was coming from Floyd. His eyes started to water, and he just let it all out. Floyd was known as the sensitive one, but Peppy had never heard such a heartbreaking sob, so anguished from any troll, and he heard trolls cry.

His little brother just hugged him as he cried. King Peppy walked up to them, joining in, surprisingly with little resistance.

He knew that whatever Floyd went through was hard. He feels like he failed as a king to protect him, and all the other trolls that were eaten by Bergens. But they will escape, sooner rather than later.

That he promised.

There won't be another Trollstice.

Chapter Text

Branch sat there next to his brother holding his hand trying to sleep. Floyd had fallen asleep after he had a breakdown, and the king left soon after declaring “There will be no more Trollstice!” And left. Witch left him alone with a passed out Floyd. It gave him the chance to finally look at his brother. 

He looks different, not just the bandages that cover him, but he looks darker. Like the color is slowly draining from him. He almost looks…gray. Did nobody notice this? What happened to his brother?

Was this his fault? No of course it is! He sang and led the Bergens right to them. Now his brother is injured, and his Grandma is dead. At least he thinks she's dead, otherwise Floyd wouldn't come back alone. 

Wait….

He got closer to his brother looking at his bandage eye. Its weird Floyds wound reminds him of…his dream! 

He backed away from Floyd, how did…why is it! He took a deep breath, and started to think. 

Did he dream of Floyd's fate? But it looked a lot worse in his dream. He was missing more than that, but his eye it's…exactly the same wound as his dream, it's even the same eye! And his arm, maybe his dreams have truth to them. That means Grandma….is gone.

And that feeling he had today that something was happening and he needed to stay awake. Floyd came back. 

Branch jumped off the hospital bed, and went out of the room to find a nurse. He needs to write these down. It could help him in the future, and he's got a feeling…

that something big is going to happen…..

_________

It was the next day, and King Peppy had been running around the troll tree, trying to get out of here faster. After seeing Floyd, and seeing how badly he was affected by the Bergens. It became more than just getting his daughter out anymore, it's about everyone getting out. But there is a problem…

He's been asking trolls around to see if anyone else wants to help with the escape tunnels, but hardly anyone wants to help. The tunnels are a bit dangerous, and diggers almost died multiple times. But at least he got three more trolls to join. It needs to be faster though. He wants to get out of here at least the day before Trollstice. So to make this go fast he has to join the digging operation. 

Everyone was surprised that he joined the operation, he's supposed to lead everyone, but their shock quickly turned into eagerness. They were quick to volunteer after that, and it surprised him. Nobody wanted to do it before, was it because of him? I guess seeing your leader willingly go down in the tunnels makes them willing to dig too.

But of course there is one problem if he's going to dig. Who will look after Poppy and Viva. Most of the adults volunteered to dig, and the rest are running shops or looking after their trollings. So who could watch them, that has enough experience with trollings?

Wait, he's got an idea!

_________

Floyd woke up to a door banged open, making him shoot up from the bed, and get into a fighting position. Looking around frantically, trying to figure out who's there. Only to see it was King Peppy in a kicking position and then walked in.

“Floyd!” Peppy said joyfully. Holding his two daughters in his arms. “I need you to watch these two while I'm out digging in the tunnels!”

Floyd was about to say sure, but King Peppy was already shoving them in his arms. “You will, great!” and then ran off.

He just sat there for a moment, holding the two princesses in his arms close to his chest. Trying to process what just happened, then Branch walked in holding a notebook. Not paying attention to the world around him. Then he looked up.

“Hey Floyd glad that your-” he then noticed the two princesses in his arms, “What are they doing here? Where's King Peppy?” 

Floyd got out of his shock and looked towards Branch. “I think I'm babysitting them.”

Chapter Text

It's been a week since almost everyone started helping dinging the escape tunnels, and the main team said they were almost done! Just three more days of digging, then everyone can get out. Just the day before Trollstice too.

He will just dig a little bit more before he visits Branch and Floyd. The latter of which is watching his daughters. He wonders what they are doing at this very moment.

_________

Floyd sat there on a couch, holding a book and reading it aloud to a pink trolling, Poppy, on top of his head. To the right of him was another trolling with crazy blonde hair, Viva, leaning against his shoulder, trying to see the colorful pictures on the children's book. 

He was released from the hospital two days after he was checked in, and during those two days it got crazy. Almost everyone in the troll tree started digging escape tunnels. The King being one of them needed a babysitter, so he thought it was a brilliant idea to have him babysit them. Which probably wasn't the best idea considering that he was in the hospital, but he doesn't mind. It wasn't that hard to watch them, though the doctors said to not exert himself, and to not take off those bandages yet.

Currently he is in the living room of his pod, and is just reading a children's book to them, Branch sitting to the left of him writing down a lot of things in his notebook. He's been doing that a lot lately and it's concerning him.

Lately Branch has been waking up screaming. He would come in when this would happen, only to find him writing in his notebook. He assumes Branch writes them down as a coping mechanism, but he sometimes hears him mumble, something about Trollstice and it happening sooner? He isn't sure what's going on with his brother, but it's freaking both him and the princesses out. 

“The end.” Floyd said, finishing the last line of the book. He then quickly shut the book and said, “Time for bed!”

“Aww, but I don't wanna!” Viva said, pouting.

“Ya!” Poppy babbled agreeing. “No sweep!”

Floyd just sighed, “Want me to sing you to sleep?” 

Both the princesses and Branch perct up at that. Witched kinda surprised Floyd, he knew Branch loved it when he sang, but he thought nothing would bring his brother out of that book.

“Yeah!” Both Viva and Poppy said. 

“Well then you better get ready for bed so I can do it.” He said, smiling at how bright their eyes got. 

The princesses quickly got off the couch, or in Poppy's case got off of Floyd, to get ready, Branch following behind them. Floyd quickly stopped him before he got anywhere. “We need to talk.”

Branch looked at him with confusion, but complied and sat down. “What is it?” He asked.

Floyd to a deep breath, “I want to ask you…about your nightmares.”

Branch seemed stunned for a moment and quickly replaced it with a blank look. “What about them?”

He put a hand on his little brother's shoulder “You've been waking up screaming, bitty B, and I'm worried about you.”

Branch got very defensive and shrugged his hand off, “I'm fine, you don't have to worry about me.”

This made Floyd a little upset, “What do you mean your fine? You probably had a rough week since me and Grandma have been taken, and your acting like that never happened!”

Branch snapped back at him, “What about you!? You look like you have had a rough week too! You look like you fought your way back home, and you act like nothing happened!”

“I am just concerned for you! You never sang once since I got back, and you're gray!” Floyd shot back, getting more upset. “You hardly talk to me!”

“Shut up!” Branch said angrily, “You're no better! You look just as gray as me! Am I not allowed to be concerned for you!”

Floyd felt tears in the corner of his eyes, “Of course you can, I just wanna know what's wrong.”

Branch seemed to snap at that, “Wrong? Wrong! You wanna know what's wrong!” He got off from the coach and walked in front of him and shoved his notebook. “I have had dreams where Grandma was eaten and you were hurt before you showed back up!” He then opened the boom in his hands and pointed it at a page. “And now I'm getting dreams about the tunnels and them collapsing!”

He then shut the book before Floyd had the chance to process anything, “And my brother came back hurt, matching the wounds I had in my dreams!”

Tears started to spill from his face. What? Branch looked up to look Floyd in the eye and was about to say something else but then froze. “Floyd?”

He looked away from his little  brother for a moment, “I…”

He then looked up, “I…!”

He then got up and hugged him, shocking Branch, “I'm sorry!” He said sobbing, “I'm sorry you were alone! I'm sorry I couldn't save Grandma! I'm sorry I got hurt!” He kept saying sorry for all the things he did and should have done. Branch just standing there stunned. He had never seen his brother like this, and why is he apologizing? It's all my fault isn't it?

After a while Floyd started to slow down and eventually stop, but before he did he said his final apology, whispering, “I'm sorry I couldn't stop our brothers from leaving.” still crying. Branch let out a sob and hugged back. “It's not your fault.” He whispered softly.

At that moment Viva and Poppy came back ready for bed, and saw the scene. “Is it hug time!” They both ran up to the two, and hugged them. Not knowing what actually happened. 

If you look closely you could see a bit of color return to the saddened trolls.

_______

After both Floyd and Branch stopped crying, and got out of the hug they decided that they should go to bed. So he tucked in the two princesses, who were sleeping on a mat in their room, and went over to tuck Branch in. Then went over to his bed, and layed down.

“Are you going to sing no Floy?” Viva asked. Eagerly laying there waiting for the song. Poppy looking just as excited, snuggling up to her sister.

“Yes.” Floyd shifted a bit, then sat up and began to sing.

‘Blackbird singing in the dead of night’

‘Take these broken wings and learn to fly’

‘All your life’

‘You were only waiting for this moment to arise’

Branch looked towards him in shock, but Floyd was hardly paying attention.

‘Blackbird singing in the dead of night’

‘Take these sunken eyes and learn to see’

Floyd slightly flinched at that line, Branch noticed, but kept going.

‘All your life’

‘you were only waiting for this moment to be free’

Viva and Poppy started to drift off to sleep, Branch right behind them.

‘Blackbird fly’

‘Blackbird fly’

‘Into the night of the dark black night’

Floyd laid down after everyone went to sleep, but continued singing. 

‘Blackbird singing in the dead of night’

_______

Bridget looked up at Chef as she held the keys in her hand. “Thank you maid, it took you long enough.”

‘Take these broken wings and learn to fly’

Chef started Walking away, “But because it took you so long to find it, the date of Trollstice has been changed.”

Bridget sighed in relief, fidgeting with the magenta sewn flower she had in her hair.

‘All your life’

“It's going to be the day before!” Chef said cheerfully. Bridget gasped, no what about Floyd! “Isn't that wonderful!”

‘You were only waiting for this moment to arise’

Floyd!

_______

‘You were only waiting for this moment to arise’

Floyd started to drift off.

‘You were only waiting….for this moment to…arise…”

Floyd fell asleep, clutching his BFF bracelet around his arm.

Chapter Text

They managed to finish the escape tunnels early in the morning, the day before Trollstice. The king gave everyone 15 minutes to pack so it was quite hectic. Everyone wants to leave as soon as possible, so they all rushed to get it packed.

Floyd is actually packing right now. He was going to do it yesterday, but Poppy and Viva needed help. The king was supposed to do it, but king Peppy and everyone else was so tired after so much digging. They all just collapsed the moment they all got home.

He only packed a few things of his, earnings, clothes and a blanket. The rest was bandages, food and as many pictures he could fit in the bag. Once he finished he went to the living room to set up the fake trolls while Branch was still packing.

After a few minutes He finished setting them up and heard Branch say he was done. So he turned around to see his brother, only to get surprised by what he was wearing. 

Branch had on JD's old goggles on his head. Around his wrists were clays arm bands, and one of Spruce's old necklaces. He also wore a green leaf vest which was his. 

“Wow.” He couldn't help but exclaim. “So that's where my favorite vest has gone.”

He couldn't help but smile when he said that, Branch was blushing hard and said sheepishly, “You could have it back.”

“No, you can keep it.” He said laughing, “It looks better on you.”

Branch was about to protest, but he bet him to it. “Plus you can keep a part of me whenever you feel alone.”

Branch just looked at him with wide eyes, and then ran back to their room. It surprised him for a moment, but then Branch came back with a flower crown. Where did he get this?

He then held the crown up to him and said, “You can have a piece of me too.” 

He took it and put it on. “Thanks B.” he said while smiling.

Branch smiled back and said, “Thank Poppy and Viva they helped.”

They then walked out the door, held each  other's hands, and headed towards the escape tunnels.

_______

The Two made it to the escape tunnels where the other trolls were waiting. It was a bit loud, as trolls were excitedly chatting to each other. Floyd could tell they were nervous too, nobody knows what's beyond Bergen Town.

“Floyd! Branch!”

The two brothers turned towards the voice, not surprised to see it was Viva holding her sister. Just behind them was the King, looking very tired. 

“Viva! Poppy!” He said happily when they got closer. 

“Floy!” Poppy excitedly cheered, reaching out her hands, asking Floyd to hold her, and he obliged. They had gotten close while he was babysitting them, so he isn't surprised.

“How are you guys?” He said while putting Poppy in his hair.

“We've been good!” Viva said, then she pointed to her father, “Though dad has been kinda slow.” She then got closer and went up to his ear, going on her tiptoes to do it, whispering loudly, “Like an old man.”

King Peppy heard this and went up to her, and said in a not so serious voice “Old man you say?” He then picked her up and said, “Can an old man do this!”

He tossed her up in the air, and she laughed happily. He then put her down and asked, “Who's next?”

Poppy popped out of his hair and said, “Me! Me!”

The king went over to them and picked up Floyd and Branch, surprising them, and tossed them in the air. Floyd screamed at first, but started to laugh on the way down, Poppy joining him. Branch on the other hand screamed the whole way, and managed to grab hold of him.

The king caught them and put them down, Poppy exclaiming, “Again! Again!”

Branch shook his head saying scaredly, “Not again!”

Floyd just tried to hide his laughter so his brother would not notice, but was doing a terrible job at it. His brother gave him a glare.

“Sorry Poppy, I have to go now.” Peppy said giggling at her enthusiasm. 

“AAawww.” Poppy said disappointed.

The King couldn't stand the look on her face and quickly added, “But once I'm done leading everyone through the tunnels, I will happily do it all the time.”

“Yay!” Poppy said happily.

Peppy then looked down at Floyd, having a serious face on. “Will you watch my daughters while I lead?” Floyd nodded his head, “Good.”

The king then started to leave but Viva stopped him, “Wait dad! Let's take a picture!”

That confused both the brothers, but the king had a look of realization. “Oh right! How could I forget!.”

The King went up to the brothers and held out a camera, and asked someone nearby to take a picture. The king then stood behind Floyd and Branch, and wrapped his arms around them. Viva then stood in front of them. Poppy popping out of his hair again.

Before Branch or Floyd got the chance to ask what's happening. The troll holding the camera said, “Cheese!” and they all smiled. Floyd did not want to be rude.

Once the picture was taken, the photo came out, and the troll handed Peppy the photo. Viva started to bounce and said, “Let me see!”

The king handed her the photo and Viva squealed when she saw it. “It looks good!”

She then shoved it into Floyd's hands and said “Look!”

Floyd, finally able to think, got the photo closer to his face, Branch having to look over his shoulder, and saw all of them smiling happily. Peppy had a cherry smile on his face holding him and Branch close. Surprisingly both him and Branch looked good in the photo. Though it took a second to recognize himself, he never looked at a mirror after he got back, and he looks so dull. Poppy was sticking out of his hair smiling big, and Viva was standing front and center in a pose.

“Not a bad photo.” Was all he could say handing the photo back. Wait, where is the king? Did he already leave?

“No, you keep it!” Viva said, “I got a spare.” She said holding an identical photo. Where did it come from?

“Why do you need a photo?” Branch asked curiously.

“Oh, it's for my photo album!” Viva said while digging into her hair and pulled out a photo album. Flipping to a blank spot and starting gluing it in there. Branch went up to get a closer look at it then pointed to a few photos and said, “When did you take these?”

Floyd got curious on what Branch meant and got a closer look. Only to see pictures of him and Branch babysitting the two princesses. How did she manage to take these? She even got one of him and Branch hugging and crying after a fight, and the princesses joined in.

“A girl has her ways.” Was all she said.

Branch was going to press her for more answers, but the king started to speak. “Is everyone here!”

A lot of trolls cheered yes, but someone said they were missing someone. “Can someone go grab them?”

A troll raised their hand and went out to find them. Then Peppy started a speech, “While we wait, I would like to congratulate all the trolls who helped build the tunnels-”

Floyd stopped paying attention after that. He noticed Branch was looking anxious, it was probably the tunnels. He said he got nightmares about them. He should ask him more about them later.

“KING PEPPY!”

Someone shouted loudly, and everyone turned around. They saw the troll who volunteered to look for the missing troll, and the missing troll right next to them looking scared.

“What's wrong?” King Peppy asked concerned.

“The Bergens are starting Trollstice!”

Everything went into chaos.

Chapter Text

Bridget watched anxiously as everyone surrounded the troll tree, and waited for King Gristle Sr and Prince Gristle. Chef was waiting near the gate entrance wearing an eye patch. How did she get that?

Anyway, she was off to the side waiting for her cue to bring a pot that traps the trolls, so she can bring it to the castle for the final feast. She hopes Floyd doesn't get caught.

She reached up towards her hair to touch the yarn flower Floyd made for her. She made it into a hair clip. She hopes Floyd doesn't mind.

“Look, the king is coming!” Said a random Bergen excitedly. Oh no, she really hopes Floyd and his little brother would be ok.

________

Everyone around him starts to panic, and he's inclined to join them. But three little trollings clinging to him, stop him. He quickly tucks the photo in his bag, and starts trying to calm them down. While everyone else starts demanding questions from the poor troll that looks scared.

“ENOUGH!”

Everyone turned towards the king, who had a nervous but determined look. “If the Bergens are starting Trollstice early, that means we have to go now.”

Everyone seemed hesitant, but followed their king's orders. The king hopped in and everyone started following suit. He hopes nothing bad will happen, but the look on Branch's face tells him otherwise.

_______

Chef watched as the remaining Bergens gathered around, and the Royals came front and center. They don't normally celebrate Trollstice this early, but those trolls that tried  to escape infuriated her so much. She decided this was a special case, and the king agreed. Tonight is going to be an all out buffey. But first a little prince must taste their first troll.

She began the speech giving a grand spectacle, and then addressed the prince. Pointing her scepter at him, he started to ponce up and down excited. “Prince Gristle, your time has come.” The king placed him on her scepter and said a few words of encouragement. Then she took him up to the glass cage. 

“It is my sacred duty to initiate you in the true ways of happiness.” She said, smiling at the prince. She always enjoyed this part of the job. Even though she doesn't like the prince, seeing those wide eyes of young Bergens excited to eat their first troll, makes her melt. Mostly because she gets to watch trolls suffer.

She opened up the gate and guided the little prince into the troll tree. “I have chosen an extra special troll, just for you.”

She tapped the little pod and grabbed the troll inside. “The happiest, most positive, sweetest troll of all!” she started to hand the little princess to him. “And because a prince deserves a princess, I give you the one they call Princess Poppy!”

The young prince grabbed hold of the troll and whispered something and ate her. She waited in anticipation as the prince chewed, “How do you feel?” she asked, but unexpectedly he split out the troll and exclaimed, “That one's rotten!”

Confused, she got a closer look and only saw a wooden statue of a troll, “It's fake?” She said, confused.

“FAKE?!” Everyone else said, sacred and confused. 

“Fake!” The king said. She quickly kicked the tree and saw more fake trolls fall. How did they escape?!

The King started to demand where they are and she quickly deployed the other chiefs. They put their ears to the ground, and the prince said he heard something. They're underground! Oh those slimy trolls were trying to escape before Trollstice weren't they. Well it's a good thing they started early then.

“Start digging!” She demanded, and everyone started to grab a shovel and dig. She'll get revenge on these trolls, just you wait and see!

______

Floyd clutched Viva and Branch's hands as they ran forward in the tunnels. He was very scared right now and wasn't sure what to do. He was so confused on why they started Trollstice early, but that doesn't matter at the moment.

Because at this moment he started to hear digging noises, and he's pretty sure the Bergens figured out where they were. He isn't sure how but they did.

Out of nowhere a shovel came down behind them and they fell forward. He landed roughly, and blanked out for a moment, but he quickly gathered his bearings, and checked on the others.

Poppy was still safe inside his hair which was a relief, he looked around but he couldn't find Viva or Branch anywhere. 

“Branch! Viva!” He called out. There was no response. He quickly got up and went towards the area where the shovel dug, and found Branch passed out. “Branch!”

He ran up towards his brother and found that his leg was stuck under a rock. He tried moving it but it wouldn't budge. But he kept pushing even if it was futile. 

He did not notice the screams around him as the tunnels were clasping. He did not notice a hand reaching for him, until he heard a shout. “No troll left behind!”

King Peppy came out of nowhere and used his hair to wipe the hand away. Doing it over and over until it went away. He then went up to him and helped push the rock out of the way and picked up Branch. He then turned to him and asked with a concerned voice, “Where's Viva?”

Floyd just looked around and started to cry, “I don't know! The shovel came down..and…I saw Branch and…”

Peppy stopped him and picked him up, “No it's fine, I placed the responsibility of watching my daughters on to you without asking. You were also still healing and I'm sorry.”

He just looked at him with wide eyes as he started running. Poppy popped out and shouted, “Da da!” And tried to reach out for her father, but Peppy just gave her a smile and said in a gentle voice, “Not now sweetie.”

She looked disappointed and went back into her hair. The king continued to pick up injured and slow trolls as he ran. As Floyd watched more of the tunnels collapse, tears spilling from his eyes. What about Viva?

Then he saw a group of trolls coming from behind Viva leading them. He perked up and was about to call out, but a pick ax came crashing down. Making the tunnels collapse and cave in. He heard screams from the other trolls as he watched Viva give him a scared look and call out.

“FLOYD!”

“VIVA!” He said reaching out as the tunnels caved in. Watching as Viva and the other trolls behind her disappear in the wall of dirt.

Chapter Text

King Peppy made it to the entrance holding all of the injured trolls in hand. Everyone cheered when he made it through. He would normally give a big speech of no troll left behind, but he would be lying. Viva…he hopes she's ok.

He set all the injured trolls down except two passed out trollings in his arms. Floyd must have been exhausted for him to pass out in that mess. 

“Is everyone ok?” He called out, everyone started to nod their heads, but someone asked where Poppy was. “Don't worry she's safe.” She popped out of Floyd's hair and hopped into his.“Da!”exclaimed while hugging him. 

She then looked down at Branch and Floyd, giving them concerned looks, “Floy and Grumpy face hurt!”

Grumpy face? 

Everyone was awwing at her concerns, he had to admit it was adorable.

“Their fine Poppy, just tired.” He said, trying to hide the fact that at least Branch was injured. “Now come on quickly! We must go before we are discovered!”

Everyone started to run into the forest, not daring to look back.

________

Bridget stood there and watched as the king banished Chef. Her vowing to find the trolls and bring back happiness. She hopes that it will never be fulfilled. Once Chef was outside of Bergen Town she walked into the castle to finish cleaning the throne room.

When she entered, vacuum in hand, catching a conversation between King Gristle and his son.

“-I ever be happy?” The young prince asked, looking up expectantly at his father. She also looked up to him wondering what he would say. 

The King looked down at his son, picked him up and said sadly, “Nothing. Absolutely nothing. You will never ever, ever, ever, Ever be happy.”

“Never?” Young Gristle asked sadly. King Gristle just looked at him, “Ever.”

His son looked away heart broken, and hopped out of his father's lap, and walked out.

Bridget just stood there dumbfounded, they will never be happy? That doesn't sound right. She saw a troll, who are supposed to be the happiest beings in the world, cry and lose their color. So if a troll can be sad, can't a Bergen be happy?

She looked back at the door the prince left through, and she decided to follow him. Leaving the vacuum behind, she knows nobody will care at the moment, everyone being sad that the trolls are gone, so she won't get yelled at.

She followed the prince all the way to his room, and watched as he collapsed on his bed crying. She watched him for a few minutes before she knocked on the door. Gristle looked up at the door and saw her staring in the doorway. 

“Who are you?” He asked confused, tears stains on his face.

She walked up to him and got on his bed and said,“I'm Bridget.”

He looked at her up and down and said, “You're a scullery maid, what are you doing here?”

She then opened her arms and said, “I just thought you might need a hug.”

Gristle looked at her with wide eyes, like she said the weirdest thing he had ever heard. He has every right to be confused, it's unheard of for a Bergen to hug. We are the most miserable beings in the world.

But that look disappeared into sadness as he launched himself at her, and started crying again. The hug was a bit awkward, but she didn't mind. It was the first time that either of them had a hug, for her a hug of someone her size, so it was bound to be awkward.

After a little while he pulled away and said, “Thank you.”

She blushed a bit, saying “You're welcome.” Then started to get out of his room. She outstayed her welcome, and should really clean the throne room.

“Wait!” Gristle called out, she stopped and turned around. “Where are you going?”

She looked around nervously, what is she supposed to say, “Um…the throne room.”

“Why?” He asked, she nervously fidgeted with the flower and said, “I have to clean it.”

“Oh.” He said, Gristle looked down like he was thinking, then perked up. “Can you come by after that.”

She paused for a moment in thought, she can't come by later, she has to clean the portraits, and after that the dishes. She looked down sadly, “I can't, there is more cleaning I have to do.”

Gristle looked disappointed for a second but quickly perked up and grabbed a paper and pen. “Here!”

She looked at him confused, he noticed this and said, “We could write letters to each other!”

She smiled a little and said, “I can do that.” She then turned around and started to walk away, but before she left she heard Gristle say, “I like the flower in your hair! Makes you look pretty!”

She blushed hard when she heard this and quickly walked towards the throne room.

_______

King Peppy led his people a good distance away, while carrying Branch and Floyd, who were still out, from Bergen Town and decided they should make camp. Everyone got to work quickly, set up tents, and quickly fell asleep. He didn't blame them; it was stressful getting out, and having to walk a long distance after that. They are going to have to keep walkin tomorrow to find a place to stay. But first he has to take two trollings to the medical tent. 

He walked towards the now finished med tent, and walked in. When he walked in he was heartbroken. Trolls were laying on cots with broken bones, some had their face wrapped up and others had ice packs to their sides. It makes him wish he did more, but he can't think about that right now.

He waved over a doctor who was not busy, and handed Branch over so they could look over his leg. He watches them take him away, as he holds a sleeping Floyd, and waits. He wants to follow them, but he knows that they don't want distractions.

An hour has passed and a different doctor walked up to him, and asked if he could look over Floyd for a moment. He nodded his head, and carried Floyd to a cot and laid him down. He watched as they looked over Floyd, changing his bandages and saw the ugly scars on his eye. There was a line starting from his eye to his forehead, and his left arm looked mangled. He knew his injuries were bad, but he didn't expect this.

Once the doctor was done he told Peppy that he was fine, just tired. Which was a relief, he knows Floyd wasn't hurt in the escape, but confirming it made him feel better.

“What about Branch?” He asked, concerned. The doctor looked at him and said, “Which one is Branch?”

The king looked around a bit and spotted the gray trolling with another cot, with the doctor he handed him to, and pointed at them. The doctor next to him nodded and said, “I'll go ask.” And left.

Leaving king Peppy alone with Floyd and his cute daughter Poppy…

He hopes Viva is ok….

Chapter Text

Branch felt like he was flouting. The wind was blowing harshly against his body. His ears were ringing as he felt…wait he isn't flouting, he's falling! He opened his eyes wide at the realization, and gasped seeing that he was indeed falling. 

Falling in the middle of a dark blue sky, surrounded by white clouds. Not seeing the ground anywhere.

He was about to scream when he heard a screech. He turned towards it, only to see a fast black figure heading towards him.

_______

King Peppy sat down next to Floyd as the doctor finished explaining Branch's condition. Turns out the rock had broken his right leg badly when it landed on him. They said it was bad, and he might walk with a limp or worse. He couldn't handle it so he sat down.

“Is there a way to help him?” He asked, there has to be a way to make it easier for him. He doesn't want Branch to have a hard time getting around. How is he even going to tell him? Or Floyd!?

“For now, if he wakes up, make sure he doesn't walk on it, and make sure to go to us for check ups on it.” The doctor said he slumped a little in defeat. That was not an answer he wanted but will have to do. 

The doctor noticed this and apologized, “Sorry we can't do more. In the chaos of getting out we lost a bit of supplies, and it will probably be a long journey before we settle.”

He nodded in understanding, he knows they are doing their best in helping the injured. So he won't complain, it won't help. 

He then looked up at the doctor and asked, “When do you think they will be ready to move? I want us to move farther, but I don't want the injured to suffer more.”

The doctor thought for a moment then looked back at him. “I think maybe in two days we are able to move. It will be enough time to rest and to recuperate, and have time for everyone to prepare.”

Peppy thought for a moment, he doesn't want to push them but they have to get further away from Bergen Town. They could have longer rests once they are further out. This will have to do for now. He'll have to tell his people later once everything settles down.

“Thank you, I-” He began but was cut off by a scream. Everyone around him froze as they turned towards who screamed. He looked over as well to see who it was, and once he saw who it was he quickly ran over there.

To the little gray, who was looking around frantically, trying to get away from the doctors who were trying to calm him down.

_______

Branch frantically tries to get away from the trolls as they speak calmly to him. He isn't sure what is going on, all that he remembers is the tunnels and that dream and....where's Floyd!?

Looking around frantically he tried to find his brother, but his vision was blocked by the trolls so he tried to get up. Someone grabbed him as he tried to get up, but that made him start to struggle. Where is Floyd!?

He then felt someone put their arms on his shoulder, and started to say something. He couldn't quite hear them at first, but after a moment he hears a familiar voice. 

“Branch calm down!” It was Peppy, he was holding his shoulders trying to not make him move, and looked like he was taking deep breaths. He stopped struggling and started to copy the king so he could calm down. After a few minutes of this he calmed down. 

“You ok?” The king asked, Branch nodded his head not realizing he was shaking. Peppy still looked concerned but let go of Branch's shoulders. He then asked the king in a shaky voice, “Where's Floyd?”

Peppy smiled and pointed towards a cot a little ways away, laying there a passed out Floyd. Seeing this he looked at the king with concern, but the king just smiled and said, “He's ok, just tired.”

He nodded layed back down and noticed something was missing. He looked at the king and asked, “Where's Viva?”

Peppy's smile fell and looked down, and Branch's eyes widened. Tears start welling up in his eyes. He understood that look, it meant she didn't make it. He had dreams of the tunnels collapsing and screaming, but he never thought Viva would be the one….

The king went up to Branch and hugged him. Having tears of his own in his eyes. The trolls around them backed away letting them have their moment. Then Poppy popped out of her dads hair and saw them hugging and said excitedly, “Hug time!” and joined the hug.

After hugging for a while Branch pulled away and asked, “Can I be next to Floyd?” The king looked over at the closest troll and asked them something and the troll nodded their head, he then turned his head back to him and said softly, “Sure.”

With confirmation Branch tried to get up so he could stand up, but noticed a cast around his leg. Oh, this is probably why they tried to stop him. He turned to the king and asked, “Can you help me?”

The king smiled at him and nodded his head, Poppy climbed back into Peppy’s hair, and picked him up. As they walk to Floyd's cot, the trolls around them look at them with sympathy and sad smiles. They heard the conversation so it would make sense. 

When they got to the cot Peppy set him to the cot next to Floyd, and sat down next to him. “Do you need anything else?” Peppy asked.

He thought for a moment, and then asked, “Where are me and Floyd's bags?”

“Well a troll was carrying them while we were walking, since you and Floyd were out.” Peppy answer, looking a bit puzzled “Why do you ask?”

“I, um, have a notebook in my bag that I want to write in.” he said, he really wants to write down his dream, and talk about it with Floyd once he wakes up.

“Hmm, I'll go look for them.” Peppy got up and was about to go when Branch quickly asked, “Can you push the cot closer!”

Peppy turned back around and nodded. Once their cots were together the king left, leaving Branch alone with his thoughts.

What was that dream? What was that creature that came at him? Why was he falling in the sky? He groaned in frustration, Ahhhhhh too many questions!

He flopped onto the cot and reached out his hand to hold his brother's. He wishes he is awake right now, Floyd would know what to do. 

He just decided to lay there until the king gets back or Floyd wakes up.

Chapter Text

Peppy walked out of the medical tent searching for the troll he handed the bags to. He is pretty sure the troll was setting up a tent of their own, but he's not sure which. He might have to ask around to find them. Maybe they put them somewhere that is obvious?

He then began to ask around trying to figure out where the bags and the troll were, and after a while he managed to fund the troll.

“Oh there you are!” He said, walking up to the yellow skinned and blue haired troll. Who turned around holding a young trolling in their arms smiling. “Oh hello King Peppy, what do you need?”

“Just wondering where you put the bags I gave you.” He said, the female troll just nodded and said, “Oh! I put them in my tent so I didn't lose them. I can go get them real quick.”

He nodded, smiling, “That would be much appreciated.” 

The troll handed the little trolling in her arms to him and said, “Here hold Smidge, my hands will be full and I don't want her to get hurt.”

He took her and she walked off to get the bags. He then reached into his hair and said, “Poppy I have a new friend you could play with.”

Instead of finding Poppy in his hair or her popping out. He found nothing but air. This startled him and he looked around, “Poppy?”

________

Branch laid there bored out of his mind. He wasn't sure what to do. He can't go on walks because of his bum leg, and he can't talk to Floyd because he is still out. Peppy left 15 minutes ago or something looking for their bags. He hopes they aren't lost in the tunnels.

Sighing, he decided to move closer to Floyd and lean his head on him. He hopes King Peppy comes back soon. For a few minutes he just laid there next to Floyd listening to his breathing. When he suddenly hears, “Floy!”

He shot up from the cot and looked towards the voice. Only to see Princess Poppy running from the entrance to where he laid. Where's King Peppy!?

She ran all the way to them, and then tried to climb onto the cot. After a moment she managed to climb on, and crawled towards Floyd. But before she could reach him, he picked her up and sat her away from Floyd. He doesn't want Poppy to wake him.

She did not look happy and tried to reach him again, but he repeated what he did last time and said sternly, “Floyd needs sleep, Poppy.”

She didn't listen, instead she decided to hop onto Floyd without giving him the chance to catch her. He heard a painful grunt as his brother shot up. 

“POPPY!” He shouted angrily.

______

Floyd woke up painfully. Something or someone landed on his stomach causing him to sit up and grunt. He heard someone shout as he recovered from the pain.

“POPPY!”

Wait Poppy's here?

He looked down to his stomach to see Poppy, looking at him innocently, was the one who jumped on his stomach. To the right he could see Branch looking like he is about to explode. But Poppy was not paying attention to him, instead she raised her arms up and said, “Floy! Upsy!”

Floyd got a little mad, she jumped on him so she could be in his hair? Where's King Peppy? 

He was about to look around for him, but Poppy started to get anstey, and started to hit him.

He picked her up, her eyes beaming with excitement, and set her to the side. She got mad at that and started to scream. “Wanna ride Floy!” On the top of her lungs, Branch looked like he wanted to throw her. But before he got the chance Floyd scolded her. “No Poppy, I'm not letting you ride me.”

This startled her for a second, she never got scolded or saw Floyd angry before, but he ignored her delma and continued. “You jumped on me and I'm not gonna reward you for hurting me.”

Poppy deflated a little and said sadly, “Hurt Floy?”

He relaxed his face a bit, seeing that she didn't realize this. “Yes, and I was not happy when you did that.”

She looked up at him with tears in her eyes and said, “Sorry Floy.” 

He sighed, feeling a little guilty for scolding her and said. “It's ok, Poppy.” He then opened up his arms and said, “I forgive you.” without hesitation she hugged him.

“How did you do that?” someone asked in awe, he looked around and realized trolls were watching him. Did they watch the whole thing?

He just shrugged and continued to hug Poppy. He is not in the mood to answer any questions.

Suddenly Peppy entered with bags in his hands saying frantically, “Has anyone seen Poppy?!”

Branch just raised his hand yelling, “Over here.” And Peppy ran over. 

“There you are!” He said sweetly as Floyd handed Poppy over to him. “You scared me.”

“Da!” Poppy said, turning around to see her dad.

Peppy then dropped the two bags near them and started to walk off. Not paying attention to anything that was going on.

Once they're gone he just laid back down and took a deep breath. He thought of what happened in the tunnels, the chaos, the screaming, Viva. He started to tear up at the thought of Viva. He then looked towards Branch's leg. He couldn't help her or Branch when he was stuck.

“You ok?” Branch said, looking concerned. He just nodded. Branch did look like he believed him. “You're crying.” He just wiped his tears in response, sniffling.

Branch just sighed and said, “Can you hand me my bag? I need to talk to you about something.”

He looked at Branch for a moment, then did what he was asked. Branch then dug into his bag and pulled out his notebook. “Can we talk outside?”

He just nodded and picked their bags and then Branch, and went outside. Then he walked towards a tree and sat down.

“What is it?” He said tiredly, Branch looked guilty for a moment, but opened his book and said, “I had another dream before you woke up.”

And proceeded to tell him about the dream, and showed him what was inside his notebook.

Chapter Text

It's been a few days of rest when they started walking again into the forest. Branch was on his shoulders, since he can't walk around yet. He was also carrying both their bags. Other trolls had offered to help, but he declined them. He doesn't want to bother them or have them find Branch's journal.

Right, his journal, he still can't wrap his mind around it. When his little brother told him about his dreams and told him they all came true. He was surprised, sure he remembers him mentioning it when they had that argument but…

He isn't quite sure if he believes it. He's sure Branch wouldn't lie about this, but it just sounds like nightmares to him. But he doesn't want to risk trolls thinking Branch is crazy because of his dreams.

They continued along in the foliage, all being quiet to not attract predators. It was kinda weird to see everyone so quiet, he's used to the loud, bustling, eccentric trolls. But to be fair we don't want to be eaten.
Though there are a few that are chatting quietly.

“Floyd?” Branch whispered over his shoulder.

“Yes?” He whispers back, “What is it?”

Branch looked forward and said, “Where do you think we'll live?”

He just sighed, “I don't know B. Probably in a forest.”

Branch shook his head, “That doesn't sound right, i think-” Branch suddenly stopped talking.

He turned his head to look at his brother to see what was wrong, but saw something he didn't expect. Branch's eyes were glowing slightly and looked like there was a galaxy in his eyes. He had a distanced look. It startled him badly when he saw them, it made gasp. “Branch?” He said quietly, freaking out a little. He shook his brother a little, and started to panic when Branch wasn't snapping out of it.

“Branch!?” He said louder, shaking his brother in a panic. After a moment Branch came out of it and gasped. His galaxy eyes disappeared and his distant look was replaced with a scared and panicked look.

He sighed in relief that Branch was no longer in whatever state he was in. But his face quickly turned into worry. Branch looks like he's about to have a panic attack. He stepped out of the group and went out a bit into the forest, and set Branch down.

“Hey B, look at me.” he said, putting his hands on his shoulder.

Branch looked at him, desperately taking in breaths. “Copy my breathing.” he put a hand on his chest and took in, a slow breath in and slowly breathed out. Repeating the motions as Branch tried to copy his breathing. Eventually Branch calmed down, and hugged him tightly. “You ok B?”

Branch shook his head no and said, “Something is wrong.”

Confused and worried, he asked, “What's wrong?”

Branch looked up at him with tears in his eyes and said in a shaking voice, “They're hurting.”

“Who?” He said a little desperately, trying to figure out what's wrong. But he didn't get an answer, instead Branch started to mumble, face in his chest.

“Branch?” he said hesitantly, he isn't sure what to do. Branch is just speaking gibberish, and looking like he's about to panic again.

Suddenly, after a moment of silence Branch yelled, “Fire, there's a fire coming!” Then his eyes rolled into the back of his head and he passed out. He just held his brother closely after that. Fire? What did he mean?

“FLOYD! BRANCH!”

He jumped at the sudden voice and turned towards it. He saw at a distance two adult trolls calling out their names. How long were they gone?

He quickly got up, making sure his hold on his Branch is tight and called out, “We're over here!”

The two made their way over and he got a better look at them. One is a glitter troll, all white, and the other looks very fashionable. He's seen these trolls before.

“There you two are!” said the glitter troll, once they finally came up to them. The fancy looking troll looked at them and said, “You made the king very worried when he noticed your gone.”

He shrank a little at that. He didn't mean to make Peppy worry. But he needed to take care of Branch.

“Let's not scold the kids.” The glitter troll said, noticing the haunted look on his face. “What happened?”

“I…” he started, but he couldn't get the words out. What's he supposed to say? He started to tear up a bit, shaking a little. The older trolls look at him with concern.

“Branch…he…I…I…we!” He continued to try and explain what happened, but he was ao freaked out on what happened to his little brother. Tears of frustration and worry slipped down his face as he tried to explain.

Then the fancy looking troll put a hand on his shoulder, making him stop and look up in surprise, and said, “How about we head back to the others?”

He just nodded his head and rubbed his eye. They guided him back to the group, offering to carry Branch and the bags along the way but he refused. He can do this on his own.

After a while they made it to the rest of the group, ignored all the questions, and walked up to king Peppy.

“We found them.” The glitter troll said, looking concerned. Peppy just nodded, and turned to him. “You ok?”

“Can we just go.” he said, not answering Peppy's question, not looking at him. He didn't notice Peppy turned towards the two trolls that found them, and mouthing what happened. The two trolls just shrugged and mouthed back later.

Peppy just sighed and said, “Let's keep moving.” And they began to move.

He was about to move forward when Peppy put a shoulder on him and said, “Stick close to me.”

He just nodded, and stuck close to Peppy. He wasn't in the mood to argue. He's more concerned about his brother.

Chapter Text

Sapphire has been keeping a close eye on the trolling, Floyd if she remembers correctly, since she and Flare diamond brought him and his brother back. The boy has been acting weird, and she can’t she can’t figure out why. When they found them they didn’t look hurt, besides the old ones, poor kids, but Floyd had this haunted look on his face. His brother was asleep when they found them, did something happen to him? She should have checked or brought the kid to the doctor. But she doubted Floyd would let her, he’s been carrying the trolling the whole time and refused to let anyone else carry him. In fact the kid refused to let anyone carry their bags. It worried her that the boy would tire himself out before they made camp again. She needs to talk to the king about this, but she’ll have to wait. Peppy is having the two stay near him, and she doesn't want to talk about it infront of them.

“Mom! Mom!”

Two cheery voices broke her out of her thoughts and made her look down at her two little girls. 

“What is it my little Gems?” She asked, a little startled.

“When are we going to stop walking!” Chenille complained. “I’m super tired!’

“Yeah!” Satin said, agreeing with her. 

She smiled tiredly at them and said, “I don’t know Gems, I can go ask.” she started to walk towards the king, signaling the girls to follow, and tapped him on the shoulder, and said “Peppy.” 

He jumped a bi,startled,and turned towards her saying, “UAh um, oh, sorry you startled me.” He cleared his throat,”What do you need, Sapphire?” 

She sighed a little aggravated and said, “When are we going to stop Peppy?” 

Peppy looked up at the sky, started to think then said, “It’s almost sundown.” 

She raised a brow, “What about sundown?” 

Her girls and Floyd looked at Peppy as well confused, glad she isn’t the only one confused. He shook his head, and said,”Nothing just tired.” He then walked ahead and said, “I’ll go find a place to rest.” and went to talk to some trolls, Floyd and his little brother following.

“Wonder what that was about?” Chenille said, having a confused look on her face, Satin nodded. 

“I have no idea.”

________

After a bit more walking, they managed to find a cave they could set up camp at. Though it wasn't the first one that they found, well sorta, turns out that was a creature disguised as a cave, we nearly died to it. But everyone made out ok, no deaths. 

He was finishing setting up camp for him and his son, when Sapphire went up to him looking very bothered. He smiled and waved at her and said, “Hey Sapph what's up?”

“I need your help, Flare.” Sapphire said, not even bothering to return the greeting, looking very serious. He dropped his smile, “What is it?”

She sighed and said, “I need help talking to the king.” Talking to the king? Isn’t he an easy guy to talk to? He must have made a face because Sapphire continued sharply, “About what happened in the forest with those two kids.”

His eyes widened a bit, and said “Floyd and Branch?” Why on earth does she need help talking about those two? He gave her a confused look and said, “Why?”

“I want to talk about what happened back there, but he won’t let those two out of his sight.” She said a little annoyed. That makes more sense, he also wanted to talk about what happened, but Peppy was busy. 

“So what do you want me to do?” 

She smiled, “I need you to watch the two.”

That threw him off guard, “Watch them?” he asked, trying to see if he heard her right. She nodded her head, confirming what she was saying, “Yep watch them.”

“Why do I need to watch them?” He asked, confused. She just looked irritated, pinching the bridge of her nose, when he said that. Though he thinks she is not mad at him specifically. 

“Peppy will use an excuse like he’s watching the boys and Poppy, and I don’t want that. So you are going to watch them while I talk to him.” 

That actually makes sense, but wait, “What about our kids?” 

“Oh, you’ll watch them too.”

“WHAT!?” 

Watching seven trollings?! He’ll go insane!

Sapphire ignored his cry and said, “You’ll be fine, now!” She grabbed his “Let’s go talk to him. Guy Diamond!”

His son's head popped out of the entrance of the tent and called out, “Yeah!”

“Can you go get Satin and Chenille, and meet us at King Peppys tent!” She yelled getting further from his camp. 

“Uh, ok!” Guy said, a little confused. Then he watched him run to where Sapphire set up camp, getting the two girls.

 He’s not ready for this.

Chapter Text

Floyd sat there in the king's tent, fidgeting with the friendship bracelet, with a now awake Branch and Poppy who was fast asleep in his hair. He is really tired and really wants to join Poppy, but he can’t go to sleep. He needs to talk to Branch about what happened, but there is a slight problem. Peppy was right outside the tent talking to some trolls, and he doesn’t want anyone to eavesdrop. 

He can tell Branch wants to talk too, he’s been giving him desperate looks and seems very tired still. They might have to sneak out at night to be able to talk, otherwise he thinks both of them wouldn't get any sleep. 

“Floyd?” Branch said quietly, looking nervous. 

He turned his head towards his brother. “Yeah?” he whispered back.

“Who is Peppy talking to?”

Floyd looked out the tent entrance and saw the same trolls that found them in the woods. What are they doing here, and who are those trollings with them?

“Those are the trolls that found us in the woods.” he answered, Branch looked confused. Right he passed out before they came. He probably doesn’t remember him running into the woods. “I’ll tell you later, outside of camp.” Branch just nodded, looking like he’s trying to figure out what happened.

He focused back to the trolls outside, the fancy looking troll looking mad at Peppy. What did he do to make the troll so mad? The glitter troll is even holding them back. After a few more minutes of back and forth, the troll calmed down, and Peppy looked defeated. What just happened?

They started to head inside the tent that he and Branch were in, Peppy looking like he wanted to run, and once they were there headed inside. 

“Hey Floyd.” Peppy said, once he was inside. He then noticed Branch awake and said quickly, “Branch.”

“Hey.” he said back, giving them a slight wave. Branch didn’t say anything, he just waved. He can already tell this will be awkward.

“Where's Poppy?” Peppy asks concerned. He just points to his hair, and at the same time she pops out, looking like she just woke up. Peppy relaxes a bit and then he gestures to the two trolls. “I’m going to talk to Sapphire here for a bit and Flare is going to watch you three while I’m gone.”

Branch immediately got mad and said, “Why are we being watched! We don’t need a babysitter!” 

He cringed a little when his little brother said that. He would agree with him that they didn’t need to be watched usually, but after the little...incident happened he isn’t sure Peppy would let them. 

“Not after running off to the woods you're not.” Peppy said, snapping a bit, confirming what he thought might happen. He saw his little brother flinch a little, and looked down. Not in shame though, he looked more confused. He feels guilty for running in the woods, but what happened to Branch freaked him out. 

Poppy got out of her sleepiness when Peppy snapped and said, “Dada ok?”

Peppy calmed down a bit and said, “I’m ok pumpkin.”

“Let’s go.” the fancy- Sapphire said nervously, dragging the king out. Once they were gone, the glitter troll or uh Flare sighed and called out saying gentilly, “You can come in you three.”

Three trollings, another glitter troll and two trolls with hair that looked attached to each other, they looked like twins, came in.

“Hey dad!” one of the twins said, looking over they noticed us, the other twin said curiously. “Who’s that?”

Flare just smiled and said, “This is Floyd and Branch, and you know Poppy right?”

They all nodded and waved at them, Poppy waved at them then went back into his hair, then one of the twins said, “I like what you did with your hair!” she said pointing at Branch’s stips of purplish blue hair. Branch just looked at her, not even bothering to answer her, she ignored this and continued saying, “I’m Chenille by the way,” she then gestured to her look alike,”and that's my sister Satin.” 

The two then walked closer to them saying, “What do you do with your hair? Do you dye it?” 

Branch just shook his head grumpily and said, “I don’t do anything, can you leave me alone.”

But the two didn't let up, they kept asking questions, and Branch looked at him for help. He would just shrug his shoulders and smile, Branch gave him a betrayed look as the girls decided to put makeup on him. He just laughed in return, Flare just looks at this exchange with a smile chuckling a little as well. Maybe this wouldn’t be as bad as he thought.

The glitter that was also there came up to him and cleared his throat, catching Floyds attention and causing him to calm himself down. But that took a few minutes, because he kept looking over at B who is looking more like a grumpy model than his brother. He managed to calm himself down though and the trolling finally got to speak, “Floyd right?” he just nodded his head still chuckling, “I’m Guy Diamond.” he raised his hand to shake it. 

Still smiling, he took Guy's hand and said, “Nice to meet you Guy.”

_______

Peppy was dragged away from his tent, by a determined Sapphire, and towards what he assumes is her and Flares tent, and was put inside. Once inside she forced him to sit down and just stood over him saying, “We need to talk about what happened.”

He just sighed, “I know.” doesn’t mean he's prepared for it. He wants to know what happened, but the look on Floyd’s face when he came back. He can tell something happened, something bad, and he thinks it has something to do with Branch. He knew Branch was awake on the trek and would not sleep, even with his brother there. So seeing him out and Floyds look told him something was wrong. 

He shook his head.

 “What happened?” He asked, trying to get out of his thoughts. 

Sapphire’s face fell and she sighed, “I’m not sure, when you sent us to look for them, we just looked around, and tried to listen for any movement. When suddenly we heard a shout.”

He looked up at her with surprise. Pop trolls have good hearing. He's surprised that he didn’t hear anything, and he’s sure nobody else did either. Maybe they were too anxious to notice?

“Couldn’t make out much of the shout, but I heard fire.” Sapphire continued, looking more disturbed. “Flare thought it was the boys so he called out their names. I wanted to hit him. ” she mumbled a little at the end looking a bit irritated, but he could still hear it. Also fire? There was no fire?

She quickly continued,“But anyway it worked, we heard the older one call back and found them, but….” she trailed off.

“Floyd was not talking and Branch was out?” He finished for her. She just nodded her head, “Yeah, something like that.”

That wasn’t as bad as he thought, but still concerning. Though there are a million questions going through his head, the main one he has is, “Why would Floyd run into the forest?”

Sapphire looked over at him startled, was also deep in thought, saying, “What do you mean?”

“When someone first told me two trollings were in the forest, I thought it was just trollings being adventures.” He said, looking confused. “But when I found out it was Floyd and Branch I was....concerned, but also confused.”

Sapphire sat next to him and asked, “Why would that be confusing?”

He snapped his head towards her, “Floyd would never run off into the woods unless something bad was happening.”

She backed away for a moment when he snapped his head towards her, but then she looked deep in thought thinking about his words, “Something bad happening....like his brother.” She finished mumbling looking at Peppy releasing something.

She suddenly stood up shouting “Something bad happened to Branch!”

He looked up at her surprised, then his eyes widened when he realized what he meant. Floyd ran in the forest because something happened to branch? What could have happened?

“Why would he run in the forest instead of getting help?” he said, confused. This doesn't make sense, Floyd is smart he would usually get help if something happened. Let someone else take care of it if he didn’t know how.

“I don’t know.” Sapphire said, looking concerned. “But the kid has been acting differently since the chief….you know.”

She…has a point, he didn’t pay much attention to Floyd while he was digging the tunnels, but he’s been more independent. He was always independent in a way, but he just never lets anyone help him. Even when he babysits his two….even when he babysits Poppy. Never complained or anything, just did it. 

Now that he thinks about it Floyd is actually darker in color, not gray like Branch used to be before he came back, just darker. How did he not notice this before?

What did the chief do to him?

Chapter Text

When Sapphire dragged him into babysitting the two brothers and Poppy, along with their kids, he thought it would be chaotic and miserable. Not because he’s watching so many of them, but because of who he is watching. Princess Poppy was known to drive trolls that are watching her crazy, and that the two brothers are...the saddest trolls he had ever met. He’s not saying being sad is a bad thing, it's just that he isn’t sure how his kids will react to them. The two have seen things that no trolling should see. Have gotten severe injuries, and the horrible rumors about them. 

Floyd especially….

But to his surprise everything is going surprisingly well. Poppy was surprisingly calm and just stayed in Floyd’s hair, while he talked to Guy. Occasionally the two would look over to their younger siblings and laugh. Satin and Chenille were still putting makeup on poor Branch who looked unhappy. 

“Are you done yet?” Branch asked impatiently, while giving Floyd death glares. If looks can kill.

“Nope!” Chenille said, focusing on her work. “We still need to add some eye liner.”

“And blush.” Satin added.

“And blush.” Chenille said, agreeing.

The poor boy had been trying to get away from his little artists, not getting far because of his hurt leg, but they kept stopping him. He felt bad for him, but there is no way he could help him without the girls dragging him into a similar fate. 

Besides the makeup this is the calmest babysitting he had ever seen in troll history, and that’s saying something with Poppy around. Is it because of Floyd? What does he do to make her so calm? Did he learn a trick while-

What was that?

He turned his head towards the entrance of the tent trying to listen closer, and heard a soft humming coming towards the tent. Are they back? No it doesn't sound like them, Sapphire's voice is softer and Peppy’s voice is more gruff. Did someone need the king?

He got up from the cot and went closer to the front, catching the attention of the kids, and listened more closely. 

“What did you hear?” Guy asked curiously, Floyd right behind him, also trying to listen. It's not the first time he got up when he heard someone or something coming. It’s pretty normal for trolls to stop what they are doing and try to listen closer to a sound they heard. 

“Just trying to figure out who’s coming over.” he answered, not bothering to turn around. Guy nodded a little excited, he loves to guess whose footsteps are whose. Floyd joins in listening in on who’s coming, Poppy popping out of his hair to listen. Even Satin and Chenille stopped their work to listen as well, much to Branch’s relief.

The humming got closer, soft pattering of feet matching the beat. The voice sounds familiar to him though, and he can’t believe he didn’t recognize it earlier. It's “Felicia!” he said excitedly, startling the kids. The humming also stopped and a yelp of surprise came from her. Oops.

“Dad! Don’t do that!” Chenille said angrily. He sheepishly turned to them saying, “Sorry.” He was a bit excited, Felicia is his and Sapphire's best friend. Though his kids do not look impressed with his apology. Floyd, Branch and Poppy just look very confused.

“I’ll just go and talk to Felicia!” He said quickly as he went outside embarrassed. It's not the first time he did it when he realizes it's Felicia coming over. 

“That’s one way to get my attention.” Felicia said amused when she reached the front of the tent. He just groaned covering his face blushing really hard, she just laughed as she guided him away from the tent, he didn’t notice at first trying to cover his blushing face. Once they were a good distance away she made a serious face. “Where’s Peppy?”

This can’t be good.

“He’s with Sapphire…Why?” 

“I want to talk to him about the boys.”

He took a breath, why does everyone want to talk about them? 

“Why do you want to talk about Floyd and Branch?”

“It’s about the rumors and…”

“And?”

“How it might be hard for them to make friends.”

He eyes widen, “Why would-”

She gave him a sharp glare, cutting him off saying, “Because those rumors can affect how others preserve them and others associated with them!” 

He shook a little at her outburst. She then took a deep breath calming herself down, ”Sorry, I just don’t want them to suffer from those rumors.”

He still trembled a little, he never thought about it before but he understood what she was saying. He gave a timid smile “It’s ok, I want to help.”

She gave him a grateful look saying, “Thank you.”

“What do you have in mind?” He said he wants a proper plan before they tell the king anything.

“Well…”

_______

“Who’s Felicia?” Branch asked after Flare (he thinks that’s his name?) left. Chenille just groaned, “It’s just dads and moms best friend. She comes over a lot, with Smidge.”

“Smidge?” he repeated, why do trolls keep coming to them.

“Her daughter.” Guy answered with a shrug, “They are both fun to hang out with.”

He doesn't care if they are fun to hang out with. He just wants to get away from the twins.

“Anyways!” Satin suddenly said, “Let’s finish up with Branch and move on to his brother.”

Floyd looked a little startled at those words, and as much as he wants revenge for Floyd not saving him, he doesn’t think Floyd’s injuries have healed yet. “I don’t think-” he tried to say something but Chenille cut him off. “Oh great idea!”

“No, not a great idea.” Guy quickly said, looking unimpressed as he stepped in front of Floyd. The two just looked confused at him, “Why not?”

“I don’t think makeup will help a face injury.” Guy said plainly. Satin and Chenille only seem to take that as a challenge. “We’ll see about that.” They said before working on him again, but unexpectedly Guy picked him up before they got the chance. He yelped in surprise.

“What!?”

“Hey!”

“If you don't respect their boundaries I won’t respect yours.” Guy said simply before walking towards the entrance of the tent, carrying him bridle style. The twins looked furious, “We’re not done! Get back herer!”

Floyd tried to stop Guy from leaving with him and while also trying to make sure there was distance between Guy and Satin and Chenille, Poppy just watched looking very worried. Reminds him of when Floyd tried to break up a fight between John Dory, Spruce and Clay. “Guy you don’t have to-”

Floyd didn’t get the chance to finish before Guy slipped by and made it through the front entrance of the tent.

_______

“That could work, let’s ask them tomorrow after we tell Peppy.” Flare said, once they finally have a plan.

“I hope they agree.” Felicia said concerned. 

“Me too.” He said, also concerned. This plan really depends on their friends agreeing. He really hopes that they don’t believe in those rumors. He was about to ask if their friends didn’t agree when suddenly they heard shouts coming from the king's tent.

“Guy you don’t have to-”

They turned towards the tent and saw Guy running out with a scared Branch heading towards them. 

When he got closer he tried to ask Guy what he was doing “Guy what are-” but he ran past them. Falica looked at him asking, “What was that about?”

“I don’t know but I should go get-” he tried to answer but a shout stopped him.

“GET BACK HERE!”

Satin and Chenille ran past them not noticing them and chased after Guy. Oh that’s why he was running. “I think that’s your answer Felicia.”

 “Huh.”

“Wait! Guys! Stop!”

Floyd came running after them but stopped when he noticed him and Felicia. He didn’t get the chance to talk before Floyd shoved Poppy into his arms half haphazardly, and continued running.

“Floy!” Poppy shouted after him.

He and Felicia looked at eachother, she pointed at the kids as if saying,’Should we go after them?’

He nodded his head, and then they both started running. He thought he could leave them alone for a few minutes. Apparently he is wrong, so much for the calmest babysitting.

Chapter Text

Peppy walked out of the tent with glossy eyes and a dejected look. Sapphire just behind him as they came out. They talk a lot about what could have possibly happened to Floyd and Branch in the forest, and the fire that apparently happened. But also the changes of personality of both boys. It was quite revealing to say the least, Sapphire isn't sure what to do about it.

What the two went through was traumatic, she couldn't imagine what it would be like to see your remaining family being taken by Bergens. Or what it's like to escape said Bergens by yourself, seeing that Rosiepuff is….she's still surprised Floyd managed to escape. 

When they discussed the changes of the brothers it was pretty jarring. She never knew them personally until recently so she can't really tell, but king Peppy knew them longer. He described them as sweet boys that are a little sassy. Floyd being the responsible older brother and Branch being the mischievous one. She thought the king was lying at first. It was really hard for her to imagine them as these sweet kids. 

Floyd apparently was a bit shy around other trolls, but still talked to them. He does things on his own most of the time, bringing Branch with him though. 

Branch on the other hand was reckless and has gotten into trouble. He loved messing with other trolls and usually they knew it was him (That would actually explain that one time she found herself and her family faces colored on). Loves to talk to trolls when he can, but not for a long time for Floyd sakes. Just a very happy troll in general.

But now…

Floyd doesn't talk much to anyone, even to his brother now. Is very secretive about things that happened. And refuses any help from anyone.

Branch can get very angry and lashes out at anyone (As she saw in the tent) and like his brother refuses any help (Peppy said he managed to help him a few times). He is also very paranoid about his brother's safety (She doesn't blame him).

Peppy started to cry the more they talked about it. She decided to stop for his sake, and they would talk more about it later and make a plan. She knows how much he cares about them. 

For now they decided to head back to the tent, and find a new home. They walked in silence as they were both deep in thought. Ignoring the other trolls as they walk by. Surprisingly they didn't try to bother them though, they probably noticed the expression on their faces. 

This continued until Peppy broke it, “Do you think they get their color back.” turning his head towards her, eyes still glossy. 

The question caused her to pause in her tracks, Peppy stopping right after her. A little surprised by her actions. He then looked away dejected. “Can I even help them?”

 She didn't immediately answer him, thinking long and hard about it. She had seen Branch gray, everyone has, but she has noticed his colors getting brighter, same with Floyd. 

She looked at the king and smiled, “I think you don't have to worry. Their colors are getting brighter. They trust you right?”

Peppy shrugged, “A little I think.”

“You help them?”

He nodded.

“Do they expect it?”

“Sometimes.”

She put her hand on his shoulder, “Then you are a step closer to getting their colors back.”

His eyes widened, then he smiled, “Thank you.”

He then pulled her into a hug, “You're welcome.” she said softly, and hugged back. “I'll help whatever way I can.”

They remained that way for a bit, until they heard yelling.

“GET BACK HERE GUY!”

She knew who was yelling, it was Chenille, she sounded angry at Guy. They pulled out of the hug quickly, and turned to see what's happening. Only to see Guy carrying Branch, with an angry Satin and Chenille behind them. What did he do?

They ran past them, not noticing it was their mom and the king they ran past. Before she had time to think a blur ran past them, calling out. 

“Please calm down!”

Was that Floyd? He runs fast! Also what is happening?! Isn't Flare supposed to watch them!? 

She was so shocked by the whole thing. She didn't move for a while, Peppy didn't move ethier, he's just as shocked as she was, neither of them snapped out of it until she suddenly heard Flare call out to her holding Poppy, “Sapphire!”

“Da!” Poppy said, noticing her dad and reaching out her hand.

When they got closer she yelled at her husband “Flare, what happened! You were supposed to watch them!?” 

Flare handed Poppy to her father, trying to come up with an answer. He instead of answering started to stutter “I…don't-” he looks extremely stressed. 

Flare gave up after a couple seconds of nothing and looked towards Felicia? 

“What are you doing here?” she can't help but ask.

Felicia gave her a deadpan look, “Now is not the tIme for questions Sapph.” She then pointed at the direction the kids went. “We got to go!”

She then started running again, and went after the kids. Flare looked back towards her, and sighed. Then went after Felicia.

She groans in frustration, pinching her nose. How did this happen?

“Want Floy Da!” Poppy said suddenly, pulling at Peppy's vest.

Peppy looked towards her, “Sapphire?” as if he's asking her to do what the princess asked.

She glared at them, this has been an emotionally draining day. She does not want to do more right now, but she doesn't want her little Gems to kill their brother.

 “Let's get this over with.”

______

Floyd wasn't sure what caused this chase. The girls wanted to do makeup on him, Guy trying to stop them, him not helping Branch when he did not want the girls to do makeup on him. All he knows is that it resulted in a chase, and he doesn't think the girls will spare Guy and Branch. He's pretty sure he's next after they're done with them.

Now normally he doesn't mind makeup, he's put it on before, but he doesn't feel comfortable with anyone near his face at the moment. Guy must have seen it in his face to try and stop his sisters.

Ugh, what led up to this doesn't matter, he has stop Satin, Chenille and Guy before they accidentally hurt Branch.

“Please calm down you two!” he tried calling out, again. They just ignored him, it's starting to get frustrating. Ok, yelling after them won't work.

Maybe he should try catching them. He's getting closer to the twins, so maybe if he stops the twins, Guy will stop? It's worth a shot.

He ran closer to Satin and Chenille reaching out his arms, and tried to grab them, only to miss. Well he missed Chenille, but he managed to grab Satin's arm. Causing her to look over at him, her eyes widened in shock. 

But he wasn't paying any attention to her as he stopped his running, causing Satin to stop and Chenille to let out a surprised yelp as she was pulled backwards to them. Landing on her back and Satin falling on top of her as Floyd let go of her arm. Knocking the wind out of Chenille, but they both stayed there after that.

He let out a sigh of relief that he managed to stop Satin and Chenille, but his head looked around anxiously, trying to find Branch and Guy, as the twins let out groans of pain. Is Guy still running?

He suddenly heard footsteps to his left, and he turned his head slightly to see a wide-eyed Guy, and a confused Branch walking towards them. Relief went through his body. He smiled and jogged up to them.

“What did you do to my sisters?” Guy asked curiously, looking over at his sisters who are now sitting up, dazed. He just shrugged in response, and took Branch from Guy's arms. Guy gave him a strange look as he handed over his B, but he didn't pay much mind to it. 

Branch once in his brother's arms started to wipe the makeup off his face, only smearing it more on his face. Guy went over to his sisters to check on them.

“Need help?” He asked, chuckling a little. Branch just rubbed his face harder. “No.”

He just rolls his eyes, “Let's go-

“KIDS!”

All five kids jumped and turned towards the voice. It was Flare, who looked stressed, running towards them, ahead of him, Felicia. They must have followed them. Wait, where's Poppy?

“Floy!”

His eyes traveled to beyond the pair, and saw Sapphire and Peppy, who's holding Poppy, also running towards them. When did they get back? 

Chapter Text

Peppy walked with a smiling Poppy in his hair, a relieved but concerned Branch in his arms, and an angry/tired Floyd who was over his shoulder trying to wiggle out of his grip, slowing down from exhaustion as they got closer to the tent. 

He felt bad for holding Floyd like this, but the kid was tired, and tried to carry Branch all the way back to the tent on wobbly feet. So he had to quickly stop the teen before he collapsed.

Sapphire did a similar thing with the twins, when they gathered their bearings, trying to attack Guy. Who was hiding behind his father. After a few minutes of struggling, they went back to their tent. Probably getting scolded, Sapphire was pretty tired.

“Why is Floy so grumpy?” Poppy said curiously, as she watched the teen struggle.

“I don't know?” Felicia said teasing him, oh right he forgot about her, “He must be very tired.”

Poppy just giggled, “Silly Floy! You need a nap!”

Floyd had stopped moving at this point, exhausted from struggling, but he apparently had enough strength to lift his head from his shoulder to glare at them. Offended by their comments. But it only lasted for a second, his head back on his shoulder, eyes closed. This caused Branch to look over at his brother with deeper concern.

Poppy just laughed thinking he's being silly, then yawned. “Tired?” He asked, teasing her, Poppy shook her head. “No no, not tired.” she said with another yawn escaping her. He just laughed. Wishing he could reach up and ruffle her hair. “Of course not.” 

_____

Dear Bridget,

I hoep hope you are doing good! Dad has been very unhappy. I tried cheering him up, but he doesn't seem to notice me.

But anyways I was wondering if we could hang out sometime. When you are not busy.

From Gristle!

She couldn't help but feel excited (excited?) as she read the letter, dancing around her room. They had been sneakily sending letters to each other for a few days now, and it was…different. Not a bad difference, it was just…nice. The prince wants to spend time with her. She feels like she could fly!

Oh she should write back.

She quickly ran to her night stand and pulled out a piece of paper and a pencil. And was going to start writing when she paused. 

The other Bergens, are they going to do something about this? Would they…care enough to punish her for talking to the prince? Would they…even if Chef isn't…

She needs to be careful.

Dear Gristle,

I could hang out tomorrow. Order some food so I can deliver it. Don't want you to get hungry while we hang out.

From Bridget

_____

Peppy puts Floyd into the cot, who is sound asleep, watching as the teen shivers slightly. He quickly puts a blanket over him, who immediately stops shivering, and goes to check on Branch. Who is letting out noises of frustration. As he wipes his face with a towel.

The poor boy has been struggling to get the makeup off his face. He couldn't help but feel sorry for him. Not wanting the boy to suffer any longer, he quickly went up to Branch and helped him wipe off the makeup with ease. 

He got a lot of practice from Viva…

Surprisingly Branch didn't complain much as he usually did. Only looked slightly annoyed, its progress at least.

When he finished, Branch grabbed something from his bag, while he put the towel away and felt a tug in his hair. It was Poppy, he looked up at her and saw she was pointing towards Floyd.

“Floy.”

He let out a sigh, and then a soft smile spread across his face as he walked back to the sleeping teen, and set her next to him. Pulling the blanket over her as she snuggled up to him.

He will never get why she always wants to be near him.

He turned back to Branch, who had pulled out a journal and started writing on it, and asked, “Going to bed soon?”

“Yeah, in a bit.” Branch said distractedly, never looking up. 

“Hm, ok.” He said then looked at the tent entrance. “I'll be right back.” Then walked out, seeing an amused Felicia. “What?”

“If I didn't know any better.” She giggled, “I would have thought they were your kids.”

He blushed really hard, causing Felicia to laugh. The two boys as his kids? That's…he isn't sure what to make of it. “Didn't you want to talk about something?” he said, a little embarrassed.

She giggled for a few seconds then quickly cleared her throat, “Right.” looking serious now.

“We need to talk about the rumors.”

Chapter Text

It was the next morning, and everyone was already packing up. Unlike the last time they camped they are not waiting around. Nobody knows if the Bergens are still looking for them. However packing is the last thing Peppy's worried about apparently, he seems more concerned about getting him and Floyd getting a check up with a doctor. He didn't get the chance to put on Floyd's vest.

Branch didn't need a big check up. Which frustrated him a bit, but he got a crutch from the visit. A makeshift one but at least he doesn't have to be carried everywhere. Plus Floyd was with him during the check up so it wasn't so bad.

Floyd also had a quick checkup, explaining his injuries and all that. He got the bandage around his arm removed.  The doctors changed the one wrapped around his face. Branch covered his eyes when they did it, he bare to see what was done.

He didn't notice the hurt but concerned look from Floyd when he did it.

After the check ups were done they left to go pack. He wished they had done it earlier, they're one of the last to finish packing. Though Branch isn't complaining, he got the chance to put on JD's goggles, Floyd's vest and Clay's wristbands. He hesitated when he grabbed Spruce's necklace. He looked at it hard for a few seconds, then decided not to wear it. He tucked Spruce's necklace inside his journal, and put it in his bag.

He just doesn't want to….he doesn't want to lose it.

Branch looked over at Floyd and saw him holding a flower crown. Floyd was looking at it with deep sadness, before quickly putting it in his bag. He didn't ask.

After everyone finished packing, they went back on the road. Peppy was in front of course leading everyone, Branch and Floyd sticking close by him. Peppy was never letting them out of his sight.

He seriously needs to ask Floyd what happened. Peppy is watching them like a hawk. It was annoying, but Peppy wasn't the only nuisance.

Guy Diamond and the twins are with them, along with their parents. The latter of which is talking to Peppy, as they hold on to the twins. He isn’t sure what they are talking about, and he doesn’t care. Branch just hopes this won't be like last night.

____

“Your brother is a weird kid.” Guy said suddenly, causing Floyd to give him a funny look. Guy put his hands up defensively, quickly saying. “Not in a bad way!” Floyd raised his brow.

“Sorry it's just…” He paused for a moment, putting his hands down, thinking his next words carefully, then he continued in a somber tone, “How do you handle seeing your brother?”

The question only confused Floyd. What does Guy mean, handle it? His confusion must be evident on his face as Guy quickly clarified. “How do you handle your brother being…different from everyone else?”

Floyd was immediately mad when he heard the question. He was about to retort then the words got stuck in his throat and his anger turned to panic. He didn't want to cause a scene, so instead he took a breath in, and breathed out.

“Branch isn't d-different.” He stuttered, looking over at Branch. Who was not paying attention at all. He smiled fondly, “He's my b-brother.”

Guy looked over at Branch then at his sisters, then had a look of understanding. “I see.”

Guy turned back to Floyd and said in a guilty voice, “Sorry for asking.” Floyd just patted on his back and smiled.

Guy giggled, “You are not much of a talker, huh? You were just as quiet yesterday, I did most of the talking.” Floyd laughed back and nodded. Guy wrapped his arm around him, “That's fine, I can do all the talking so you don't have to. We're friends after all, right?”

Floyd's eye went wide in surprise, Guy considers him as a friend? He never had someone, other than Bridget, say they are friends. Is this what friends with other trolls is like? 

He couldn't help but smile widened.

“Wow, guess you don't mind huh.” Guy said, noticing his smile. He couldn't help but smile back at the shy teen. “So, do you like anyone?”

Floyd stuttered and blushed from embarrassment as he looked at Guy with shock. Guy only laughed in response as Floyd shook his head no very fast.

They continued to talk as Satin and Chenille looked back and watched. 

The two were in trouble for causing a scene, and they felt sorry for it. They wanted to apologize but they couldn't figure out how. They aren't great with words, and they don't want to make the two brothers uncomfortable again. Maybe they should take Guy's advice. He seems to always know what trolls need.

Satin and Chenille both looked at eachother, thinking the same thing.

“Satin! Chenille!” Poppy suddenly said, interrupting their thoughts waving her hands in front of their face getting their attention. “What?”

Poppy pointed at other adult trolls with their trollings walking towards them. Is that Smidge and her moms with them? 

“Let's play!” she said while dragging the two girls over. 

“W-wait we can-

“Poppy-

They tried to protest being dragged, but Poppy didn't listen. Is this how Branch felt?

_____

Branch was looking around as his ear twitched to hear what sounds like voices singing songs to each other. It didn't sound like trolls, these voices were a lot louder, and everyone was too on edge to sing.

“All the birds of a feather 

Do what they love most of all

We are the best at rhythm and laughter

That's why we love carnival”

He tried to look around, trying to find the voices. But only sees hill's and the forest up ahead.

“Possibly we can sing too (la-ia, la-la ia)

Sun and beaches, they coo (la-la ia, la-la ia)

Dance to the music, passion and love (la-la ia, la-la ia)

Show us the best you can do (la-la ia, la-la ia)”

Actually it sounds like it's coming from the forest, very deep in the forest. Whoever is singing is crazy for singing that loud, he can hear them from here.

“Everyone here is on fire (la-ia, la-ia)

Get up and join in the fun (la-la ia, la-la ia)

Dance with a stranger, romance and danger

Magic could happen for real in Rio”

He looked towards Floyd to see if he noticed the voices. But his brother was talking to Guy, not looking bothered. In fact Floyd seems like he doesn't hear it at all. 

“All by itself, itself, you can't see it coming

You can't find it anywhere else, anywhere else

It's real in Rio, know something else, something else

You can feel it happen, you can feel it all by yourself”

In fact everyone else seems to not notice as well. Is he crazy? No wait, now it's coming closer.

“All the birds of a feather (oh, oh, oh)

Do what they love most of all (oh, oh, oh)

Moon and the stars, sun and guitars (oh, oh, oh)

That's why we love Canada (E ai meu Rio?)”

Suddenly from the forest birds burst from trees and into the sky. It startled everyone, and ran into the forest in a panic. Hiding in bushes, to not be seen. 

To not be eaten…

Floyd had picked him up, and hid in the bushes like everyone else. Holding him close out of fear. He didn't mind, but he still hears singing.

“Loving our life in the jungle (la-ia, la-ia)

Everything's wild and free (la-la ia, la-la ia)

Never alone 'cause this is our home

Magic can happen for real in Rio

All by itself (by itself), you can't see it coming

You can't find it anywhere else”

He looked towards the birds, and realized. Are the birds singing?

“I'm a kako wero kinga, kinga, kinga, kinga (kinga)

Birds like me 'cause I'm a hot winga

There's your hot winga (ah-ha)”

He squinted and saw them moving their beaks. It is them! He never saw birds before, only in books. He thought they make chirping noises, like the book says? Not sing like there is no tomorrow.

“Here everybody loves samba (I like the samba)

Rhythm you feel in your heart (I'm the samba master)

Beauty and love, what more could you want?

Everything can be for real in Rio

Here's something else (something else)

You just feel it happening

You won't find it anywhere else”

The birds got farther away, the singing quieting down. Trolls started to get out of hiding.

“Is everyone ok?” Peppy asked quietly. Checking on everyone. Trolls nodded confirming nobody was hurt. Peppy let out a sigh. Then grabbed a hold of Poppy and put her in his hair. Then grabbed him and Floyd and put them over his shoulder.

They didn't complain much, other trolls were doing the same with their trollings. 

What no one realized was that a young raven with stars on his wings was flying behind them keeping his distance from the trolls, he had noticed before the trolls scattered that someone heard them singing. 

Chapter Text

Travel for the next few days was tense. Trolls keep jumping at the slightest sounds of the forest, and checking behind their back. Floyd also found himself looking behind his back often. It feels like someone or something is watching them, ever since they entered the forest. 

It was quite stressful, trollings are kept close to adults and don't wander far. Peppy at least let him go, but poor Poppy and Branch are still being carried. Peppy trusts him to stay close. But it wasn't ideal, he wants to hang out with Guy more. He normally wouldn't mind sticking close to Peppy. But Guy is his first friend and he wants to get to know him.

He really doubts Peppy will really let him go. Not with all the hovering he has been doing, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

He shook Peppy's arm, grabbing his attention. Then pointed at the direction Guy is at.

“What is it?” Peppy asked, confused. Trying to see what he is pointing at. “Did you see something?”

He shook his head and pointed at Guy again, furrowing his eyebrows. This confused Peppy a bit until he finally saw what he was pointing at. “I see Guy Diamond, yes. What about him?”

He started to get a bit frustrated, and pointed at him more aggressively. Peppy got more confused until Branch came to his rescue. “He's asking if he can hang out with Guy.” Branch said nonchalantly.

Peppy looked at him to confirm Branch's word, he nodded, and made a series of faces. Reluctance. Sadness. Relief? Before sighing and turning in their direction. He was confused about what he was doing until he shouted quietly, “Flare! Sapphire!” waving his hands a bit, catching their attention. They looked confused, he was as well, then Peppy waved them over. 

Then he realized what Peppy was doing and blushed a little. He didn't have to do that.

They came to Guy's parents and started chatting, wondering what the king needed. But Guy walked over to him not paying attention to the conversation.

“Hey pinkster.” Guy said, waving. He waved back, not bothering to question the name. He's still blushing a little from embarrassment. Guy noticed unfortunately “You ok?”

He nodded, putting his hands over his face and tried to calm down. He really wished he had longer bangs. Guy just patted his back, laughing. “If you say so.” He hit Guy's arm away in response.

Guy laughed a bit more, taking no offense, before asking, “Do you know why the King called us over? Cause that came out of nowhere.”

He just groaned in response, hiding his face deeper into his hands, trying so hard not to notice the heat coming over his face. 

“You know I said pinkster as a joke, you don't have to literally become pink.” Guy said teasingly. He parted his fingers and glared at him.

“Oh, that's because he asked Peppy if he could hang out with you. And got embarrassed that it turned out differently.” Branch said out of nowhere, still over Peppy's shoulder. Startling both Guy and him. 

Branch probably getting a kick out of it honestly.

“Jeez! Don't do that!” Guy said startled before quickly recovering, raising his brow, he asked, “What do you mean embarrassed? Floyd?” Looking towards him, but he wasn't really looking at him, instead he conveniently found interest in the grass.

It's a fair question, trolls aren't usually embarrassed by things like this. They probably would get excited and start playing. But he never really experienced…

“Oh, that's because…. ” Branch paused for a second then winced, he couldn't help but grab ahold of his friendship bracelet. There was an awkward pause with Guy looking between the two of them, and tried to encourage them to continue. But the silence continues as neither he or Branch want to say it. That he was….

Eventually the adults noticed and stopped chatting and asked what's wrong.

“Is everything all right?” Peppy asked them gently. He couldn't help but shrink into himself. 

“Branch?”

Branch looked anywhere but them. Even as Peppy held him closer to his face. His brother even tried to wiggle away just to avoid eye contact. Eventually to the point that Sapphire got tired of waiting and asked Guy what happened.

“I don't know.” Guy said worryingly, “I just asked a question and then they got quiet.”

It didn't take long for them to connect some dots. They quickly decided to drop it and decided to talk about something else. And he couldn't be more thankful that they didn't push. 

Branch soon tilts his head to the sky hearing something break off in the distance. “What was that?”

Other trolls started to look around and listen. The raven hid because it landed on the wrong branch. 

“I don't…know…” Peppy said worriedly. Everyone started to look panicked. “Let's move more cautiously.” Then sent a signal to some trolls to listen more closely.

Everyone moved more cautiously. Even the trollings.

________

“Peppy this is concerning.” Flare said as he came into the king's tent, as said king paces. “Something is following us.”

Peppy stopped pacing, “I know.” he said swiftly, looked at Flare saying sternly, “But what does it want?”

Good question, Sapphire thought. Everyone has noticed something watching them. Trying to listen out as they walk, the aftermath of living imprisoned by with Bergens, but didn't pay much attention to it. Figuring it would get boring at some point. But it's still here, and after hearing a branch snap very close to them, she's wondering if it wants something.

“Well because we don't know if it's just messing with us or just curious.” She began, “I say we just leave it be for now.”

The two of them looked at her like she was crazy. “What? It's not like it's going to eat us. It had plenty of chances.”

Peppy only sighed, “It's the only thing we can do at the moment.”

She gave a smug grin, “Exactly!” The King looked at her then left to mostly likely check on the kids. She only waved.

 Flare however gave her an unimpressed look. “Really Sapph?”

She raised a brow, “What?” 

“Did you really have to say it like that?” 

She only gave a cheeky grin, “You know kingy, he is a worry wart.”

Flare looked like he wanted to kick her, “Yes, but you didn't have to rub it in.”

“He's not gonna take it personally!” She said light heartedly. “We've been friends for years!”

Flare gave a complicated face then sighed, she knows that he knows it's true. “Yes but that doesn't mean he's not going to be mad.”

“He'll get over it.”

“Why are you acting like this right now?”

She got up from where she sat and walked over to him, Then said softly “Because…” she kissed his lips then resting her head on his shoulder. Dropping her little act. “Someone has to be the level headed one when everyone else panics.”

She felt his arms wrapped around her, hearing his soft voice say, “Sapp, look at me.” She did, and saw those wide soft worried eyes. She started to feel guilty.

“I..” She began, but Flare shushed her. “Let's go rest. It's been a stressful few weeks.”

She was about to object but gave up as her eyelids drooped. “Ok…”

Chapter Text

Quiet laughs fill the wary camp as trollings run around, draw, play and even a bit of singing. But Floyd only sat by a tree with his little brother, Branch, beside him. Sitting so still and quiet.

It was concerning to watch such young trolls look so….sad. Depressed even. But it's not a mystery why. Everyone knows the story, but has never seen it. Only the aftermath of it. 

Watching more she noticed Guy Diamond walk up to the two brothers, and started talking to the elder of the two. What a lovely scene to watch. Glad they have friends, she doesn't have to intervene. Maybe Felicia will stop bugging her about helping her late friend Asteri chi-

“Hey Droplet, how are the boys?”

Her thoughts were cut off by her beloved Felicia, Smidge in her hair. “They are so far talking to Guy Diamond.” 

“That's good.” Felicia said, Gazing at the scene as Poppy ran back with two trollings, looking different from one another. The first one was a big trolling, skin color blue, and the other mostly fluff and green hair. Biggie and Fuzzbert believed their names were.

“Do you think they'll get better?” Felicia said after watching them get introduced. She took a moment to think. What a loaded question, the two have shown gaining color after seeing each other, the younger one more then the older one, but there wasn't much progress after that. 

But…

“They made some progress, they will make more in due time.”

If only their older brothers are here.

Felicia sighed, “If you say so.” Then started playing with Smidge.

But who knows if they might just complicate things more. 

After all, they are a complicated family. Always with those mysteries.

_______

“King Pappy, are we nearly there?” A tired troll asked, dragging their feet as they walked.

“No, we have to get as far as we can.” He responded just as tiredly. The troll only grumbled back saying we traveled far enough. He only sighed at the comment. It's been weeks since they escaped, but they haven't found a place to stay. It's getting both tiring and annoying. They sometimes think they found a safe place only to find something terrifying trying to eat them. To the where they made weapons and a bit of armor, name and designs inspired by the Bergens.

He really needs to work on organizing a group of trolls that can protect them. But for now every adult has a weapon. Himself included.

“Dad?”

“Hm? Yes Poppy?”

“When will we find our new home?”

He paused for a second, only a second. Before continuing, Floyd following right behind him. 

He picked Poppy out of hair and looked deep into her eyes, filled with innocence and worry. “I don't know. We are still searching.”

He watched as Poppy frowned and said, “Will Vivi be there?”

He almost choked on his breath, Viva…oh his little girl. He felt Branch stiffened on his shoulders and Floyd gripped his arm. “I don't know.”

She's gone, Poppy, he wanted to say. 

She's gone.

_______

Heavy breaths escaped her mouth as she ran. Fire blazed all around her as she ran, dropping what's in her hands. Watching as others get claimed by falling trees or being taken by the fire. 

Why is this happening?!

Where are the leaders!?

Wait, who are those trolls? They don't look like rock trolls. Wait, it can't be!? Its-

She felt something hit her head as her mind went blank.

…….

Branch woke up gasping for air.

Chapter Text

Branch was writing in his journal when he heard someone close by. He looked up to see Floyd coming towards him. Slipping a little from the steep climb. He leaned his head back when Floyd came closer, feeling the bark tickle him as he did.

Floyd eyed him up and down, noticing Branch's journal, scrunching his eyebrows and gave a concerned look. 

“Another vision?”

He nodded his head, causing Floyd to sigh and give a defeated look. “What happened?”

Straight to the point I guess. “It was another fire one…..but….” he hesitated to finish. Floyd raised his brow, tilted his head and gestured with his hands as if saying ‘go on’. His brother has been doing that a lot lately. Ever since he escaped from…the Bergens. Don't get him wrong Floyd has always been quiet, but he would talk a lot more around him and….Grandma.

He shook his head and sighed, let's not think about that right now.

“But…it was different,” he continued, after realizing he didn't say anything, “I was- it was like I was looking through someone else's eyes.”

Floyd's brow shoot up surprised, “How so?”

He just handed his journal to him to read. He is not explaining that right now. Floyd grabbed it a little clumsy, then started reading. He watched as his brother's face changed to different expressions, before it settled on a mix of sadness and worry.

When it looked like he was finished he said, “I don't know who it was but I don't think they are from the tree.”

Floyd jumped then turned towards him, whoops he must have been thinking. “But whatever, let's go back. I don't want Peppy getting a heart attack when he doesn't find us.”

Floyd laughed and nodded his head, then pointed to the sky, looking a little excited. He didn't need to figure out what that meant.

“Yeah we can stargaze together later.”

_______

The trolls came through a clearing as it has been a few days of traveling, they set up a few tents and got a fire going. It was very silent as they set up. Only the sounds of laughter of trollings playing nearby with Floyd watching them.

A young bird couple were watching the trolls with the raven, “Are those trolls crazy!? They are near the old dead oak tree.”

The raven turned to look at the couple, “That's true but so long as they put the fire out before the wind kicks in, and it sh-” The raven paused for a moment, thinking for a moment, then finished nervously “It should be fine.” 

The birds turned to look back as Branch was looking at them, but more specifically he's looking at the raven and their peculiar markings on his wings. 

The raven flew down and landed right in front of Branch. “Greetings Young Starlight.”

Branch fell backwards, surprised that the raven got closer, and looked up at them, “How can you talk?!”

The raven gave a little bow, “My name is Dabih Young Starlight, and you're the only troll who can hear me because of your star sign.”

“Star sign?” Branch mumble, “What's that?”

“it's the constellation you were born under. We ravens have been loyal to the star watchers of the past.”

“Aren't I a troll?”

Dabih smiled, “You're a star watcher, a troll who was born under the new moon, and the stars were shining bright.”

Branch looked a little confused, makes sense if the little star was never told. 

“What about Floyd?” Branch asked Dabih. Dabih gave a thrilled shriek, “If you have siblings they have star signs as well! But they are different from yours.”

Branch's eyes widened, “Really! How!” the little star can't help but ask. How adorable.

“It's by blood, like my family had always been born with these marks that look like the stars above. The same is in your family.”

“What! That's so cool!” Branch said excitedly. Dabih gave a small smile with his beak when the fire embers leaped at the dead oak tree. The dead tree started to light up. Dabih picked up Branch in a panic, and put him on his back before flying as Branch saw the growing fire. 

“Fire, there's a FIRE!” Branch called out as another troll came over and saw the fire before yelling for other trolls to come help put out the fast growing fire. 

“Tell the other trolls it is too late there is a river close by we need to get over there to make sure no one else is burned.” Dabih told Branch.

He nodded and Dabih flew close as one troll saw Branch on him. “Branch, what are you doing on that bird!?”

Branch looked at Dabih then Branch shouted “Not now, Peppy! We need to cross the river! It's too dangerous to put it out!”

Peppy was about to argue when another troll came up with some young trolls, “King Peppy, it's best that we head to the river now, we can ask Branch questions later!”

Branch nodded, “Thanks Floyd!” Dabih gave a shrill and took off flying as the trolls ran. While some of the faster trolls including Floyd took to finding any stragglers. Dabih flew and the ones that followed him and Branch were at the river edge. Thankfully there were stones that were safe to cross.

Branch got off and waited at the water edge, when King Peppy came up to the little star. “Branch!”

Branch turned to the older troll, “Yes Peppy?”

“What were you doing on that bird?!”

The little star only rolled their eyes, “Let's worry about the fire Peppy, then we talk about bird. Now is not the time to only worry about me, I need to help.” 

What a sarcastic but caring little Starlight. 

“No Branch is too dangerous! What if you get hurt more than you already are!”

I wonder if this King Peppy is their guardian? The King doesn't seem to be happy with the little star, like a mamma bird to her chick. 

Little Star sees that the king won't let him go and continues to speak,“We gotta help King Peppy, trolls need our help. Your subjects need your help.”

The King got visibly startled, then tried to say a few words before slouching in defeat. “You're right.” Little star looks surprised. “I need to think more about what's best for my subjects. Not just you or Floyd and Poppy.”

Little star Smiled and thanked him when Floyd and one troll came with some trolls coughing from the smoke. A younger troll ran up in shock "Where is my mom and dad?!”

The older trolls looked at the distressed trolling, as Felicia walked up to the young troll, “Creek…I am sure your parents will be here soon.”

Creek smiled, “Okay Miss Felicia!”

The fire wasn't stopping anytime soon as the trolls watch Poppy and a few of the younger troll were playing with Creek. Morning rose and smoke was laying overhead.

Chapter Text

Branch was on back Dhabi as they flew looking at the damage the fire caused and looking for survivors. Floyd was running with some other trolls looking for survivors. Branch was calming himself down by humming a song that Floyd sings to him.

Branch had Dhabi fly down into a clearing seeing what looked like a huge sand-coloured bird, with a white head, neck and ruff. The primary and tail feathers were black.

The bird opened its eyes and looked at Branch with a slightly shocked look but as Branch eyes widened it was a trolling she was laying with an egg close by, Branch took some hesitant steps only to get almost bitten by the huge bird. 

“What are you doing Troll!” The bird let out a huge call and it spread its wings making itself look bigger. 

“We mean you no harm. I am wanting to check on the trolling you're protecting.”

The bird was closer blocking Branch with its wing, “nice try I will not let anyone close to the trolling or the egg.”

“I swear on the seers above Flamewing please let the young Starlight see the trolling!” Dhabi asked as Flamewing blinked, “A star watcher?!”

Branch nodded and Flamewing covered Branch with their wings, Branch was checking the trolling as he was unaware what Flamewing and Dhabi were talking about but heard something about the voids.

The troll looked up and blinked at Branch, “Who are you?”

“My name is Branch, you and your little sibling will be okay soon, what's your name?”

“Little sibling? No I don't have a younger sibling and my name is-” She started then paused, “I'm...I…my name is…I…I!” The trolling started, looking around wildly. “My name is!?” Tears start to well up in her eyes. Then burst out crying, catching Branch off guard, latching on to the closest thing, which would be Branch.

He felt worried by the trolling as he held her close as he felt her tears soaked his shoulder. A hint of iron hit his nose as he pressed his chin on the troll. 

Concerned, he lifted up his head and checked her for any injuries, and found a trickle of blood coming from the back of her head. The trolling had fallen asleep after she calmed down. Branch felt something moved around his foot as the trolling slept.

Flamewing had moved their wings letting Branch hear Guy Diamond calling him.

Branch got up and Dhabi was waiting and also seeming to keep an eye on him and

the trolling as the glitter troll came out looking at Branch and the two birds. When Branch went to greet he trip as he looked around his not injured foot was a tail that the trolling had. 

Guy Diamond looked at the trollings and Floyd came over with some of the adult trolls and the tribe. One of the healers came forth seeing the birds glaring at him as she saw the trolling has a tail so she carefully unwrapped the tail from Branch's leg. 

Branch nodded to the healer  a thanks before making his way back to floyd as the trolling woke up again and she looked around as the healer smiled, “Hello little one My name is Dr. Ann.”

“Hello…” the young trolling said, while another healer checked on the egg. 

King Peppy was talking to Branch and Floyd while Poppy was playing with some of the other trolls.

While playing one of the trollings looked up, and their eyes widened.

King Peppy looked at the brothers as he whispered softly that the other pop trolls couldn't hear, “at this rate we will not survive.”

“King Peppy look!”

Before Peppy could look up everyone heard the frightening sounds of birds screeching. The birds flew down and Branch's eyes widen as they were singing once again, “the island in the sky” some of the birds landed one of them was a beautiful dove. 

“What do we have here, Dhabi~?” The dove asked. Dhabi gave her an annoyed look. Why her of all birds must be here? He'd prefer Noctis over her any day when it comes to the starlights.

 “Aw~, what's with the long face?” The dove got closer and noticed the trolls. “Oh?” She said looking at them curiously. “What cute little friends we have here Dhabi~. Did they catch your interest?” She leaned down to get a closer look at them. Causing the trolls  to freak out.

“Stop it with your teasing Petunia!” Dhabi said, pecking her head. He does not want her to scare them more. “There are more serious matters than your stupid scares!”

Petunia rolled her eyes when Branch spoke up. “Are you guys going to help us?” 

“Yes, we are. You would need flight to reach the island.”

Branch nodded, “Everyone get on a bird and hold on tight, we are going to fly towards the island in the sky.”

The birds took off as they flew to the island in the sky. As the trolls were getting closer on the birds some water spray them as the clouds part showing a waterfall fall from the sky. The birds laugh softly, as one the younger birds took flight and flew into the water.

Branch coughed at some water got onto him. Dhabi smiled, “No need to worry star-watcher, everything is fine.”

Flamewing came over with Dr. Ann and The young trolling, “Dhabi we should have a little contest for the new fliers.”

Branch looked at Dr. Ann as she was talking to herself about the possible name of the trolling. Branch gave a smile but saw something that he was confused by. He heard mysterious singing and saw a bird skull before a wing flew over him. 

Peppy held onto his hawk while Poppy was clapping her hands excitedly.

As they moved passed the waterfalls, the trolls gasped at the beauty of the sky and forest below as the birds flew threw the trees.

They arrived at the center and Peppy saw the perfect clearing, “We need to land, I found the best place for our new home!” 

The hawk lands as Peppy yelled for everyone on the birds minus Branch to come down, Peppy sets down his cape with a walking stick. “Right here will be our new home, Fresh air and clean water around us.” 

Everyone cheered!

Chapter Text

Bridget was writing another letter to the prince. She was humming as she wrote it. She started signing it with her pen name Lady Glittersparkles. 

Dear my special prince Gristle,

I know it is getting closer to being a year since the Trolls escaped.

How are you feeling since you never got the chance to eat a troll? 

From Lady Glittersparkles.

She smiles happily as she finishes. Folding the letter and putting it in an envelope, before skipping happily towards Gristles room. Bridget sets the letter at Gristle's door, before she goes to clean. The old castle creaks as she walks the dusty halls filled with old paintings of past rulers of Bergen town. Looking as old and grimy as she always knew them to be. So she began to clean, Bridget's mind began to wonder as she can’t help but fantasize her and Gristle kissing. Missing a few spots but nobody cares, not anymore, not sense the trolls and Chief left. Bridget doesn't notice she is getting closer to said Bergans room. 

Her daydream comes to a stop when she hears a voice. But it wasn’t chatter that stopped, it was singing.

‘Please, please forgive me

But I won't be home again

Maybe someday you'll look up

And, barely conscious, you'll say to no one

"Isn't something missing?"’

‘You won't cry for my absence, I know

You forgot me long ago

Am I that unimportant?

Am I so insignificant?’

‘Isn't something missing?

Isn't someone missing me?’

Bridget looked around, could it be a troll that was in here but why would Chief keep the troll here. 

‘Even though I'm the sacrifice

You won't try for me, not now

Though I'd die to know you love me

I'm all alone

Isn't someone missing me?’

‘Can you stop the fire? (Please, please)

Can you stand to fight her? (Please, please)

You can't stop the fire (please, please)

You won't say the words (please, please)’

She thought at first it was Floyd Grandma's but then listen carefully and realized it was a male troll voice.

‘Please, please forgive me

But I won't be home again

I know what you do to yourself

I breathe deep and cry out

"Isn't something missing?

Isn't someone missing me?"’

She caught a glimpse of a troll in a cage and it seemed to be starring off in the distance.

‘Even though I'm the sacrifice

You won't try for me, not now

Though I'd die to know you love me

I'm all alone

Isn't someone missing me?’

‘And if I bleed, I'll bleed

Knowing you don't care

And if I sleep just to dream of you

I'll wake without you there

Isn't something missing?

Isn't something?’

Bridget started tearing up. It sounds like this troll has been through a lot.

‘Even though I'm the sacrifice

You won't try for me, not now

Though I'd die to know you love me

I'm all alone

Isn't something missing?

Isn't someone missing me?’

Bridget started to clap as a gasp was heard in a cage that was overlooking a window towards the troll tree was a young adult around his 30s and he seemed to have a transparent look to him.

“Who are you and what are you doing here!?” 

“I'm Bridget, I just didn't realize a troll was still here. What's your name?”

The troll looked back at the tree “Evrima, but my friends call me Fern.”

“Oh well it's nice to meet you Evrima, how about it get you out…”

“No!” Evrima panicked as a sharp knife came and hit the wall close to Bridget, allowing her to stare at Evrima who was shaking. 

“She bound me to this cage and I can't leave even if I wanted to.”

“Who did?” Bridget asked only to see Evrima shake his head no he wasn't going to give out anything else. 

Briget closed her eyes before she opened them again, “how about I move your cage then to my room, at least then you would have someone to talk to.”

Evrima looked around, scared as if he was going to be hurt, but kept his gaze to an open book when she saw a piece of paper and notes.

Briget's eyes widened with shock as she read it. 

“I have found a way to trap these Star trolls, I got to trap one but something with the ritual and the troll is now trapped….”

Briget shivered “I see, I am not like other Bergens, I haven't even eaten a troll before.” 

Evrima's eyes widened, “That's perfect I believe the ruins would have allowed all Bergens to see me but because of it being botched I think it's now only the one to trap me and those that haven't eaten a troll.”

Bridget smiled and after getting instructed how to remove the cage she took him back to her room with the book. 

A few days later….

Gristle grumbles as he was wanting to talk to Bridget, he fell into the room and saw a cage inside was a slightly transparent troll or what he thinks is a troll. Gristle awoke slightly disoriented after 3 minutes. Bridget was kneeling down right by him “Prince Gristle are you okay?!” 

“Are you an angel?”

Bridget blushed “No I'm not an angel but you got knocked out by Evrima.”

Gristle looked at her, “Who is Evrima?!”

Evrima spoke up, waving from his cage, “I am Evrima. It is nice to meet you, Prince Gristle.”

Gristle and Bridget looked at Evrima when Gristle whispered to Bridget, “did I hit my head too hard or is there a troll in a cage in your room.”

Bridget looked at Gristle “Yes, I have a ghost troll in my room.” 

Gristle looks back at Evrima, “Then how can we see him?” 

Bridget looks down, “We haven't eaten a troll before, that is why we can see him.” 

Gristle nods. In a lower whisper Bridget said to Gristle, “It was done by Chief.”

Gristle eyes widened when he looked at Evrima who waved at him before going back to writing something. “I thought all trolls sing and dance.” Evrima's ear twitched upon hearing that.

"You think all we do is sing and dance?" Evrina said, looking shocked at this new information. "Just because we are the happiest creatures doesn't mean we don't feel anything else."

Grestle looked at him nodding, “Well yes that is what I heard unless you know something Evrima?”

Evrima smiled, “Yes We can like poetry like myself, there is also cooking, knitting, yoga, some would like quiet and” he trailed off and closed his eyes after a while before looking back up to the ceiling.

Gristle looked at him, “And what?” Bridget asked, looking at Evrima, saying what Gristle and her were thinking.

“Well according to my wife there were trolls who loved to map out the stars of the past.” Evrina said after a while.

Bridget and Gristle gasped with shock.

Evrima looked away from the Bergens, not wanting to talk for a while. 

_____

It's been a year and things have changed. Well not in Bergen town but in the castle itself. Bridget and Gristle got Evrima to warm up to them and finally talk more. He also  is teaching them some poetry, and right now Evrima was helping Gristle with making some poems for Bridget. The lines in it are cheesy but it brought joy to them when they read them.

Gristle was focused on his work when his father came in, looking pissed. 

Evrima hid close to the prince as King Gristle looked at the Poems that Gristle had out, “What are those?” 

Gristle jumped in shock, “Oh, hi dad I was wanting to try something new to spark something besides gloominess.” He showed one of the poems. King Gristle looked at the poem.

He read before throwing it into the fire. Gristle looked on in horror and Evrima had glared at the king as he slapped Gristle.

Gristle eyes widened, as he looked at his father, “It's nothing more than words son you will never be able to feel anything.” The King said with a slight hint of anger.

He turned to leave only to find Bridget with a letter in her hand. 

The King's eyes widened and he grabbed Bridget. Gristle shouts out, “Dad what are you doing!?” 

“I'm kicking her out of the castle. She could be a spy, my son.”

Soon Bridget found herself out of the castle and Gristle was left with Evrima who was upset, “Your father is wrong.”