A/N: And thus, the journey begins! Glad to see you guys like this story already! I know you guys all have your theories on who the rebels' children are. I'd love to hear your theories in your reviews, see if you were right!
Neomoon585 – Yes, I thought it would be funny to see Bliss coping with sweets. And I am absolutely watching the animated series! Love it!
Cupcake – Of course, Crimson can't watch over the kingdom forever. But keep in mind that he was only nineteen when Stella put him in charge.
Patt – I am curious as to what you are thinking. :D
Chapter Two – The Rebel Children
As happy and laid-back as Peppy could be, every troll knew that to be summoned by the king was an important matter. When Moxie, Suki, and Cooper were called to visit Peppy, they were equal parts excited and nervous.
"Do you think he wants to talk about a song and dance performance for a party?" Suki asked, knocking on the door to the king's pod.
"Doesn't Queen Poppy usually ask us about that?" Moxie pointed out.
"Well, Peppy said it was important." Cooper said. "When he says it's important, it's super important."
The door opened, and Peppy smiled. "Thank you all for coming. Come right in and sit down. We need to talk."
"Talk about what?" Cooper asked as they all took their seats in the living room. A duo of boxes and an envelope sat on the table.
"First, a question: what do you know of your parents and grandparents?" Peppy asked. The trio of trolls exchanged surprised looks.
"Well, my dad's parents were Trollstice trolls. And Dad says my mom gave me these headphones." Suki said, pointing at the headphones she currently wore. "I don't know much about my mom's family."
"Same for me, except for my grandma." Moxie said. "Mom tells me her mom died when I was just a baby."
"And I don't remember any family besides you and Poppy, King Peppy." Cooper said.
Peppy nodded. "Well, your families are very interesting, you three. Suki's mother, Cooper's father, and Moxie's grandmother are not from this kingdom. They're from the kingdom of Branch's mother: Moonlight Kingdom."
The three trolls stared in shock. "Wait, so we're half-breeds or something?" Suki asked.
"Yes and no." Peppy said. "The Moonlight Kingdom trolls are not so different from us. The biggest differences are how they were raised and their customs. Your family members were part of a rebellion led by Branch's mother called The Flame of Happiness. They had intended to return to Moonlight Kingdom with Branch, but passed away before they could. But they did leave behind something for each of you. Something to remind you of their legacy." Peppy handed the oblong box on the table to Moxie. A picture taped to the lid of the box depicted Lily the day Moxie was born. "Moxie, your Grandma Lily was the most skilled archer in the entire rebellion. She died of Frigii Flu when you were very young, but she prayed you would have the keen eye and confidence she had. That same confidence allowed her to never miss a shot."
Moxie opened the box, and she discovered a bow and a quiver of arrows. The arrows had obsidian arrowheads and feather fletches. The bow was dark brown and glossy from polishing. There was even an arm guard and finger tab for safe firing. "Wow. Why did my parents never tell me?"
"I'm not sure your grandmother told them." Peppy said. "Or, if she did tell her daughter, she didn't see any need to tell you because you never asked."
"This is amazing." Moxie breathed, running her hand down the length of the bow.
Peppy handed Suki the envelope. "DJ Suki, your mother, Fern, was a phoenix trainer. She certainly knew her way with a Wooferbug, just as you do. Soon after we arrived in our new home, Fern died defending the kingdom from Growl Beasts. Those headphones you wear now once belonged to her. She also left you a phoenix named DJ, who is waiting for you in Moonlight Kingdom."
Suki opened the envelope and found a picture inside. The image depicted Suki's mother, whom she recognized from numerous photos she had. Fern rode a phoenix that was the same color as her and Suki's hair. On the back of the photo was a message from Fern, which Suki read aloud. "'Dearest DJ Suki. Don't be offended, but the DJ part of your name was from this beloved bird in the picture. This is my phoenix friend, my most loyal steed. He's waiting patiently for you in my hometown of Moonlight Kingdom. Whether you choose to stay there or remain in the troll village, please go find him and be his friend, as I was. Lots of love, Mom. P.S…'" Suki blinked a few times to keep her eyes clear. "'Your heartbeat was always my favorite song to hear.'" She smiled warmly, fondly remembering her mother and staring in awe at the picture of DJ the phoenix.
"Cooper, your parentage is very unique." Peppy said. "Your father was Clove. Goofy and fun-loving, but a skilled warrior as well. He died saving you during a terrible storm." Peppy handed Cooper the small square box, which had a picture of Clove taped to the top.
Cooper was surprised to see his father had the same hair he did, and his father also had a scar over one eye. "That's my dad?" Peppy nodded, and Cooper opened the box. Inside rested a bone bead necklace with a wooden pendant that had the Flame of Happiness seal on it, similar to Branch's mother's pendant that he wore to this day. "So, if my dad was a normal troll, why am I a freaky freak of nature?"
"You are not a freak of nature, Cooper." Suki insisted.
"She's right." Peppy said. "But I think it's about time you know how you came to be, Cooper."
Cooper looked uncomfortable. "You mean….The Talk?"
"No!" Peppy laughed. "Well, yes and no. See, when Clove, Fern, and Lily left for the Troll Tree, Stella gave each of them a special gift: a wishing star. You remember when Branch explained those? Branch's grandfather trained Clove to be a royal guard, and Clove became a dear friend to me and guardian of the royal family. As a thanks for me and Joy accepting the Moonlight Kingdom trolls, Clove wanted to create a creature with the resilience and cuddly nature of a llama, but with the intelligence and happiness of a troll. This creature's sole purpose would be to protect the royal family, to be like a pet and a personal bodyguard to Poppy. Clove used the power of that wishing star, plus hairs from himself and a female llama, to create you. After he died, I adopted you as my own. So, in a way, you did fulfill your father's desire."
Cooper stared at the necklace and picture of his father. He frowned sadly. "I feel like the monster of Franken-troll."
"Cooper, that is not what your father would want you to think." Peppy assured. "Your dad loved you, and he simply wanted you to follow in his footsteps. In a way, you did. You've become Poppy's closest friend and guardian. You're her brother." This caused Cooper to smile again. "Now, I would've told you all this sooner, except I wasn't sure if it mattered. Plus, I had thought Lily and Fern or their spouses would tell you. Branch is planning to go back to Moonlight Kingdom to learn more about his mother's family. He agrees that you should have the chance to discover your own origins, if you wish to go."
Moxie, Cooper, and Suki exchanged looks, clearly thinking the same thing. "Do you think I'll meet someone in Moonlight Kingdom who can teach me how to use this thing?" Moxie asked, holding up her grandmother's bow.
"And I'll really get to meet DJ?" Suki added.
"And I'll learn more about my dad?" Cooper finished.
"Absolutely." Peppy said.
"Then we want to go!" Suki said.
"If King Branch will let us." Moxie said.
"When do we leave?" Cooper asked.
"Tomorrow." Peppy answered.
Even with so many trolls tagging along for the trip, Symphony and Shadow were strong enough to carry all of them and their backpacks. Branch, Poppy, Ash, and the Snack Pack rode on Symphony. Rosiepuff, Creek, Moxie, and Rosie rode Shadow. Creek insisted on coming along to support and protect Rosie, no matter what they encounter in the strange new land. The kingdom came out to bid them farewell and good luck. Even Gristle and Bridget came by with the twins.
Peppy hugged Rosiepuff, hoping to ease her discomfort. "It'll be okay. I'm sure."
"I'm not." Rosiepuff admitted. "I have no idea if Crimson was successful in making the kingdom happier since Stella left. That part of the forest is so dangerous. But Branch deserves to see his mother's home."
"Just keep reminding yourself that. And don't forget that you have friends in Moonlight Kingdom." Peppy said. Rosiepuff smiled, thankful for the support and enthusiasm.
"My dad will take care of things until we get back!" Poppy called out to the kingdom. "Take care, everyone!"
"Bye Queen Poppy! Bye King Branch!" the trolls, Bridget, and Gristle waved as Symphony and Shadow took off, flying over the wall of Bergen Town and heading in the direction of the Western Woods.
"I'm still not sure about going into the Western Woods." Poppy admitted.
"Well, Rosie and I can protect everyone. That is, if Symphony and Shadow can't." Branch said. "With magic on our side, we'll be fine."
"Still, that place gives me the creeps." Poppy shuddered. Branch patted her shoulder comfortingly.
Rosiepuff watched the two trolls, noticing the warm and confident smile on Branch's face. She still felt uneasy about all this. Moonlight Kingdom held too many bad memories for her: losing rebels in fights, Titan's threats to kill her, seeing her friend treated so horribly. Moonlight Kingdom seemed like a trap to Rosiepuff, drawing in trolls but never letting them go. That's what happened to Eclipse, and Rosiepuff didn't want that to happen to Branch. Nonetheless, she also believed it was important for Branch to learn about both sides of his family. He needed to know about Stella and learn of the goodness of Eclipse. So, Rosiepuff would just have to swallow her fears like a pill and accept whatever happened.
It didn't take long for the travelers to reach the edge of the Western Woods. Upon reaching the edge of the darkened trees, Symphony and Shadow stopped and hovered in midair. The phoenixes hissed at the dark forest.
"Easy, girl." Branch soothed, petting Symphony's bristled feathers. "I know you don't like this part of the forest, but we're on our way to Moonlight Kingdom. That has to be worth going through here, right?"
Symphony clapped her beak. 'Only because we are going home.' The phoenix began flying again, and Shadow followed her.
Rosie noticed Creek tensing up, and his eyes locked on something below them. She looked down to see the charred, hollow remains of Malcolm's tree home. Rosie gave Creek's hand a squeeze, startling him out of his trance.
"Sorry." Creek said. "I just thought I'd never see that place again. I still get nightmares about it."
"That part of your life is behind you." Rosie assured. "No one will ever hurt you like Malcolm did." Creek smiled, thankful for Rosie's support.
Though Branch worried about Symphony and Shadow getting tired, the two birds didn't dare stop at any watering holes they found in the Western Woods. Symphony insisted on flying throughout the day. Branch was firm, though, on making sure they all rested for the night when it grew dark. A bird could only fly so fast. By the time the sun touched the horizon, they still had at least half a day's journey to go. Still, Branch and Rosie took some time to explore a large tree and ensure that nothing lived in it. Symphony and Shadow landed, and the trolls prepared for bed.
Rosiepuff checked the map again. "We've made some good progress. Depending on when we leave tomorrow morning, we could be in Moonlight Kingdom by lunchtime."
"I hope they serve good food there." Cooper said.
"We will be fed there, right?" Biggie asked.
"Of course! Branch is the one in charge, so he'll make sure we're fed." Guy Diamond said. "Right, Branch?"
"I'm sure they'll be welcoming and we'll be fed." Branch said. "But I'm not sure I'll be in charge."
"But your mom was their empress. So you're their prince." Suki pointed out.
Satin sighed blissfully. "A lost prince returning home."
"Such a touching story." Chenille agreed.
Fuzzbert garbled something, which Smidge translated. "Yeah, you gotta be excited, Branch."
"Honestly, I'm not sure what to expect." Branch said. "I've never been to Moonlight Kingdom, nor have I ever heard of it."
"What about you, Grandma?" Rosie asked Rosiepuff. "You lived there for a while."
"Yes, while the kingdom was in the middle of a war." Rosiepuff reminded her. "Not exactly a fun place at the time."
"So, after Branch's mom left, who was running the place?" Smidge asked.
"Stella's right-hand troll, Crimson." Rosiepuff said. "If I know him, he did everything in his power to make the kingdom bright and beautiful. I'm sure Moonlight Kingdom will be wonderful."
"I can't wait to see it!" Rosie said excitedly. "To think I might have aunts or uncles or cousins or grandparents or great-aunts or great-uncles or second cousins—" Rosie took in a replenishing breath. "—that I never even knew about!"
"I wouldn't get too excited, baby girl." Branch said. "I'm not entirely sure my mom had any siblings, and the only one she did have died years ago. I'm really just not sure what to expect."
"I'll tell you what to expect: a whole kingdom of trolls very happy to see you." Poppy said. "They'll be thrilled."
Branch held onto his mother's pendant, rubbing it with his thumb. "I hope so."
"I hope they have good food at this place. This stuff you made us pack is gross." Cooper complained.
"They're called rations." Branch said. "The kind of food that gives you energy to travel."
"I still say cookies would've worked just as well." Cooper wrinkled his nose at the granola bar he held, and he tossed it over his shoulder. The granola bar hit Symphony's side as she preened her feathers.
"Hey!"
The trolls froze and spun around at the yelp. Symphony suddenly stood, crossing her wings in front of her like a bat. Branch narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Symphony, what are you hiding?"
'Nothing!' Symphony chirped.
Branch marched up to Symphony, tapping his foot. "Symphony, drop it." The phoenix chittered in a sort of pouting manner. "Drop it." Branch intoned. Symphony slumped in defeat, and she opened her wings. Now that he had a better look, Branch saw that a patch of Symphony's feathers looked more like hair. "Whoever you are, drop down from the phoenix."
"Aw man." The patch of hair dropped to the tree branch. The hair retracted and returned to its normal color to reveal a sheepish Bliss.
"Bliss!" Satin and Chenille gasped.
Rosie ran over to hug her. "What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to come with you." Bliss said.
"Why did you think that would be a good idea?" Branch demanded. "And why did you let her hide in your feathers, Symphony?"
'She needed a change of scenery.' Symphony chirped.
"Change of scenery?" Branch repeated.
"And I wanted to get as far away from Glint as possible." Bliss said. "I thought a little adventure might be good for me."
"I agree!" Rosie said. "She can come, right, Dad?"
"Well, she's going to have to." Branch said. "We're too far away to turn back now. But so help me, Bliss, if you get yourself into trouble or do anything stupid on this journey, I will literally strap you to Symphony's leg until we return home. Got it?"
"Yes sir!" Bliss nodded. "Thank you, King Branch!"
Branch sighed and returned to sit with Poppy, rubbing his temples. Poppy kissed his cheek, smiling comfortingly. Bliss, Moxie, Creek, and Rosie sat with Shadow, petting the dark phoenix's feathers.
"You must be pretty ticked at Glint to sneak onto Symphony like that." Moxie noted to Bliss.
"Well, I also want to be there for Rosie, if she needs me." Bliss said. "And, yes, I am super mad at Glint for what he did."
"We're glad you're here." Rosie said. "I'll bet Moonlight Kingdom will be fun!"
As the talking tapered off due to sleepiness, Branch insisted that they sleep in shifts so that someone was always awake to keep an eye out for danger. He took the first watch with Creek joining him. The trolls got as comfortable as they could, staying close to Symphony or Shadow. Symphony even herded Rosiepuff onto her back, and Rosiepuff used the phoenix's feathers as a bed.
Glancing to one of the higher branches, Rosiepuff watched her grandson create a magical ring around the traveling party that would alert him to any dangers. I hope I'm making the right choice, here. Rosiepuff sighed, snuggling deeper in the soft feathers. For some reason, I don't feel right doing this.
Why Eclipse chose to make her kingdom in the Western Woods, Rosiepuff would never know nor understand. Maybe she thought the dangers of the forest would protect her kingdom. That was Rosiepuff's best guess. She figured that, after a while, Moonlight Kingdom would appear like a light in the darkness of the forest. But she walked for some time, and she didn't see anything.
Then again, she also couldn't see the rest of her traveling party. "Oh. Of course. This is a dream." She realized. After spending so much time plagued by nightmares of Malcolm, she quickly learned when she was dreaming and when she was actually awake. She soon stopped walking, not seeing any reason to.
Rosiepuff jumped when she heard something. At least, she thought she did. "Hello?"
"Back."
Rosiepuff looked all around her. Just dark trees. "Is someone there?"
"Go….."
"Go…go where?" Rosiepuff called. She wished she could see whoever whispered to her.
"Back….go…..back….."
"Go back?" Rosiepuff asked. "Come out! Who are you?"
"Go back. Go back."
Rosiepuff listened closely to the voice. It sounded so familiar. "Go back. To Moonlight Kingdom? We are!"
"Go back!" The voice became fervent now. "Go back!"
"We're trying! Will you help us?"
"Go back!"
"I don't understand."
"Go back!"
"Back where?"
"GO BACK!"
"Eclipse?"
Suddenly, it was silent. Rosiepuff looked all around her. "Eclipse?" She turned and jumped when she saw another troll a short distance away. She slowly stepped up to the troll, reaching towards her. "Eclipse."
The troll spun around, revealing its ghostliness. "Go back."
Rosiepuff gasped and bolted upright. She panted quietly, Eclipse's voice seeming to echo in her ears. She hadn't had a nightmare like that since Malcolm's torment upon her and the Troll Tree. She was certain that was Eclipse she saw. But what did she mean? Go back? Go back to Moonlight Kingdom? Surely, that's what she meant. But then why come now, when they were almost there?
"Eclipse." Rosiepuff sighed sadly. She missed her friend dearly.
The sound of footsteps made Rosiepuff's ears twitch, and she looked down to the forest floor. She noticed a familiar llama troll strolling about on the ground. "Cooper!" Rosiepuff hissed, not wanting to wake anyone. "What are you doing down there?" Cooper didn't hear or didn't listen, and started walking deeper into the forest. "Cooper! Get back here!" Rosiepuff quickly climbed/swung down the tree and jogged after the llama troll. "Cooper, I will not tell you again, young man!" Rosiepuff scolded.
Cooper disappeared behind a tree. Rosiepuff darted around the tree and made a grab for Cooper. "Why are you ignoring me?" Rosiepuff demanded.
But when she grabbed Cooper, she realized with a start that she instead snatched a few sticks and leaves that looked like Cooper. Rosiepuff recoiled as the sticks and leaves fell to the ground. She looked around, but saw nothing. Now very creeped out, Rosiepuff started heading back to the tree.
Something moved in the bushes. Rosiepuff paused, but then continued at a steady pace. When she heard another rustle, the hairs on the back of her neck tingled. Another bit of rustling in the grass, and Rosiepuff got the sinking feeling an animal stalked her for a midnight snack.
Don't run. Do not run. Rosiepuff told herself. She scanned her surroundings and listened closely as she tiptoed in the direction of the others. Remember what Oaken said. If you run, it'll only excite the predator more, and it'll chase you. Rosiepuff tried to keep very calm. She saw the tree where everyone else slept a short distance away.
Suddenly, something's claws caught Rosiepuff's hair, jerking her bun loose. She felt her scalp for any scratches, and then something pushed her to the ground. Rosiepuff dismissed worrying about the predator and took off running. She jumped when she felt something whoosh past her head. Was it a bird? Why couldn't she hear the wings?
A shadow darted in front of her, and Rosiepuff skidded to a halt. She turned and tried another direction, but the shadow appeared again. Rosiepuff tried to identify the creature stalking her. She wasn't sure what on earth it could be. What could move with such speed and silence?
Rosiepuff had to stop once more when something landed in front of her. Her eyes widened.
It wasn't any creature. It was a shadow. A shadowy blob of something that was wispy and ghost-like in form.
The shadow let out a growling hiss, lunging for Rosiepuff. She managed to jump to one side to avoid it, and then scrambled to get away. She heard the hissing of the shadow as it chased her. She felt something like claws catching her side, and she took a hard tumble to the ground. When Rosiepuff tried to push herself to her feet, one of her arms buckled and radiated with pain. She looked to her arm and saw scratches. The shadow was closing in on her. She backed up and hit the base of a tree, staring at the shadow fearfully as it circled her.
"Help…" Rosiepuff's voice was only a whisper.
The shadow lunged, and Rosiepuff covered her face with her arms.
Then, there was a great flash of light. Rosiepuff didn't feel anything hit her. Slowly, she lowered her arms and opened her eyes. The shadow had disappeared completely, leaving no trace of it, or whoever or whatever saved Rosiepuff. The scratches on Rosiepuff's arm and her damaged hair were the only indication that the attack truly happened, and it wasn't a dream. Shakily, Rosiepuff stood and leaned on the tree for support.
"Grandma?"
Rosiepuff screamed and swung a fist towards the voice. Luckily, Branch managed to catch her wrist before she could punch him in the nose. "Oh!" Rosiepuff gasped. "I'm so sorry, angel."
"No, it's okay." Branch assured. "But what are you doing down here? And what happened?!" He immediately tended to the scratches on Rosiepuff's arm, using his magic to heal them.
"I thought I saw Cooper down here, but it wasn't him, and then this…thing…..attacked me." Rosiepuff said.
"I don't know what you saw, but Cooper and everyone else is sound asleep in the tree." Branch said. "Are you hurt anywhere else? Did you see what attacked you?"
Rosiepuff saw that shadowy creature clear as day. That didn't mean she had any idea who or what attacked her. "I don't know. I think it was just a predator. I'm not hurt anymore. Really, I'm fine." She pulled some ribbon from her hair to tie her hair up again.
"Are you sure?" Branch asked as they climbed back up into the tree. "You tend to ramble and repeat yourself when you're shaken."
"Branch, don't worry about me." Rosiepuff assured. "I'm all right. I am shaken, but I'll be all right." Rosiepuff settled back into Symphony's feathers, forcing herself to sleep again. Branch watched her for a moment, and then walked over to where his daughter slept.
"Rosie? Baby girl?" Branch gently shook the fifteen-year-old awake.
"Yeah?" Rosie asked.
"I need your help keeping watch." Branch said. "Your magic will help."
Rosie bolted upright, rubbing her eyes. "Okay! Sure! I got it!"
Rosiepuff heard this, and she smiled gently. Branch knew exactly what to do to keep her calm after quite a scare. Having an extra magician to keep watch would make this whole night safer. Knowing Rosie would be a great help, Rosiepuff could fall asleep easier.
In the morning, there was no trace of the shadowy creature who attacked Rosiepuff. She still hadn't told anyone what happened, and asked Branch to not mention her scratches either. It was nerve-wracking enough to be in the Western Woods. Knowing that someone was attacked last night would only make the rest of the trip more anxiety-inducing.
Rosiepuff and Cooper switched birds, and he supervised the kids on Shadow while Rosiepuff rode next to Branch on Symphony. Branch kept glancing to his grandmother, noticing the tension in her posture.
"Everything's going to be okay." Branch assured.
Rosiepuff jumped, jolted from her thoughts. "I'm fine!"
"I didn't ask if you were." Branch said.
Rosiepuff face-palmed. "I'm sorry. I don't have the best memories of your mother's kingdom. Don't get me wrong, I made many new friends, and I was able to reunite with Eclipse. That was great. But there is a lot I don't like to remember. Especially some of the rather unsavory characters."
"Like that captain of the guards you were telling me about?" Branch asked.
"Titan." Rosiepuff spat. "A truly despicable troll."
"Well, he tried to kill you." Branch said. "I already hate him."
"Don't worry. He was killed a long time ago." Rosiepuff said. "But some of his hatred may have remained. There were several guards who followed him. Guards who were also cruel and harmed the other trolls. I have no idea if they've been reformed or if they're still unkind or if Crimson has done something to help them. I have no idea what to expect."
"Neither do I." Branch said. "But, based on what you and Peppy told me, it sounds like everyone there will be expecting me to be their leader. What if they expect me to fix any problems they have? What if they just start relying on me immediately after I get there? What if I can't deliver?"
"Those are legitimate worries, but I would've thought you went through those after marrying Poppy." Rosiepuff pointed out.
"I guess I'm not worried too much about it." Branch said. "But I am worried about how the trolls of the kingdom will see me. How will they judge me? Am I enough like my mom that they'll approve of me?"
"Yes. You are so much like your mother." Rosiepuff said. "Trust me when I say that everyone will be thrilled to know Stella left behind an heir, a bit of hope for the kingdom. She was very much loved by the trolls of Moonlight Kingdom."
Branch smiled. "Thanks. I'm at least a little excited for this. I want to learn as much as I can about my mother."
Rosiepuff grinned back. "You're going to love learning about her. So many of her friends are going to like seeing you."
Branch kept smiling as he watched Symphony's flight path. For the first time since they left the Troll Tree, Rosiepuff felt sure of her decision to take Branch back to Moonlight Kingdom. She looked forward to seeing everyone's reaction at the sight of their long-lost prince.
Symphony and Shadow landed around lunchtime, and the trolls had a picnic while Rosiepuff took another look at the map. It had gotten to the point where she had to look at landmarks on the ground as opposed to the air in order to find the path to Moonlight Kingdom.
Rosiepuff was so focused on the map that she forgot to eat, and Creek had to tap her on the shoulder a few times to get her to pick up her food. "Uh, Rosiepuff?" Creek piped up quietly, in case his next question alarmed anyone. "Do you know where we're going?"
"Yes, but it's been quite some time since I was back here." Rosiepuff said. "I just need to spend some time looking around at the scenery. I'm sure we're almost there."
Creek nodded slowly. He hated the Western Woods due to his experience in Malcolm's home. Being this deep in the dark forest frayed his nerves. His aura senses were on the fritz with all the dark energy around him. In fact, he could feel a powerful dark aura in the distance.
Turning away from the group and staring the trees, Creek realized that dark aura wasn't nearly as far away as he thought. He silently stood, lifting his bow and loading an arrow into it. He started walking, opening his senses.
"How much farther until we get there?" Moxie asked Rosiepuff.
Rosiepuff studied her map and then her surroundings. "Maybe an hour or two? It'll take some trial and error. Of course, if any of you see a troll or a clue to civilization, speak up."
"I'll bet the kingdom is beautiful." Poppy sighed, feeding Ash his bottle.
"I can't wait to see the local fashion." Chenille said.
"And add the designs to our patterns scrapbook." Satin added.
"I want to meet the bakers in your kingdom, Branch." Biggie said. "I have all sorts of cupcake and cookie recipes to share with them."
"I want to hear their music, maybe make a few remixes." Suki said.
"And I want to know what their dancing is like!" Moxie said.
"Me too!" Guy Diamond agreed. "Are there other glitter trolls?"
"Do they do weightlifting?" Smidge asked.
Fuzzbert garbled something, which translated to, "Do they kazoo?"
"Okay, calm down, you guys." Branch said. "I don't know what we're going to find when we get there. We have to be prepared that it won't be all we hope it to be."
"Branch is right." Rosiepuff said. "The trolls of Moonlight Kingdom are the same type of troll we are, but they have very different customs. Life in Moonlight Kingdom is not like life in Troll Grove."
"But the kingdom will be nice, right?" Rosie asked. "And we'll make lots of friends."
"Yes, I'm sure of that." Poppy said. "We're going to love Moonlight Kingdom and they're going to love us. I'll bet it's colorful and oh so beautiful."
"Hey trolls!"
Everyone turned to see Creek up on a nearby hill. He had a look of surprise on his face.
"Creek?" Rosie called. "What's wrong?"
"Well, I found….that is, I think it's…..I saw…." Creek stumbled over his words.
"Spit it out." Branch urged. "What did you find?"
Creek glanced back over his shoulder. "I think you all need to see this. Branch and Rosiepuff, you two especially."