Here's chapter 10!

Enjoy!

Black Raider - Yes, the whole bonding scene with Branch and Aura is based on one of my favorite films, which is Flicka. Well, that certain pink troll will have to teach this teal troll more than he knows, ain't that right? ;) Let this chapter show you.

shadowbelle - They will, one step at a time. Thanks! The unique ideas wasn't planned at first, but then I thought I should add my own personal touch. I'll try, but you know that I have a life and job to think about. However, stories like this won't go unfinished.

Reby Montana - I knew you would. Yeah, I thought they deserve a reunion and they did. That's one of my favorite songs and possibly the top fav of my parent's songs list. He'll work on her during the next few nights in the village.

atomochi -Aw! Thanks! I appreciate your thoughts about this story.

mlpfanceline1 - I'm glad to hear that my chapter managed to make some readers emotional. That's one of my top talents in handwriting. I agree with Branch meeting his mothers after so many years.

Branch: Troll of the Wildglades

Chapter 10: Getting to Know her World

The sun rose with the dawn the next morning and Branch still slept inside his tent. He slept peacefully after his reunion with his mother inside his dream, yet he wondered if he'll ever see her again. He heard birds chirping, telling him it was time to get up. He yawned and smacked his lips and opened his eyes, only to meet the face of Guy Diamond in front of him.

"AHH! Don't ever do that again!" Branch yelled and pushed Guy Diamond away.

"Good morning to you, too!" Guy greeted, despite Branch's attitude.

"Well, it was until you showed up and now it's over," Branch sighed as he stretched his arms.

"Did you know you talk in your sleep? You were mumbling on and on about your mom. At least, I believe it's your mom, isn't that right?" Guy Diamond wondered.

Branch slightly nodded without a word.

"Is she waiting for you back home?" Guy asked.

Branch glared. "I don't want to talk about it! What happened in my sleep, stays in my sleep. No one else should know about this."

"Okay. Sheesh! I was just asking. Someone sure woke up on the wrong side of the bed today."

Branch scoffed and then lied back down, covering himself with the blanket. "Would you please leave my tent? I want to be alone!"

Guy imitated a buzzer noise. "Sorry, dude. Can't let you do that! Better get ready because you have a big day ahead of you! Hurry up!" Guy Diamond took the blanket off of him. He then came in with some breakfast which were eggs sunny side up, a bacon strip, and a strawberry. All together it made a happy face. "Here's your breakfast and look! It's happy to see you!"

"Charming," Branch sarcastically commented.

"Hurry up and eat! Poppy and Gristle are waiting for you," Guy Diamond said as he left the tent.

As Branch went to eat his breakfast, he began to ponder to what his hosts had planned for him. "I know one thing for sure: whatever they have in mind, I'm sure that I'm not going to like it."

A few minutes later...

"I seriously don't like this one bit," Branch muttered, showing a deadpanned look on his face. A rope was tied around his waist and that was bad enough, but it got worse when the rope was connected to Poppy's waist.

Gristle was making sure that Poppy's rope was tight, but not too tight for her. After seeing the way Poppy stood against Branch, he thought that if anyone could teach Branch a thing or two, it will be her.

"Okay, Poppy, let's see if you can teach this grumpy troll some manners," Gristle said. Poppy giggled silently as Branch only scoffed, crossing his arms with a pout.

"Shouldn't you be playing with your pet unicorn?" Branch asked Poppy.

"Fireworks isn't my pet. He's family. Besides, he's currently occupied," Poppy pointed to the corral.

Branch looked to her direction and was surprised to see Fireworks tied alongside with Aura, who had the same expression as Branch does know. Like him, she didn't enjoy the company of a high spirited, active creature beside her. "You and me both, Aura. You and me both."

Guy Diamond made sure that their ropes were tied and as he walked to the gate, he opened it for them to run. Aura became surprised but immediately turned to joy as she ran ahead with Fireworks behind her.

"Well, I guess they're eager to run. Now it's your turn," Gristle commented. "Want to follow their example?"

Branch was curious, but seeing that this was his chance to leave, he quickly took off, tugging Poppy behind him. She quickly ran behind him. Both trolls ran past Gristle and then passed a few Bergens and trolls along the way as they watched them run.

Running in a bursting speed, Branch eagerly headed towards the trees at the edge of a meadow where he could mountains beyond that. That is the way where he would continue on his way home. Every step brings him closer to his goal, especially when the trees seemed to zoom in view.

"This is it. I'm going home!" Branch panted. However, he was so focused on his freedom that he was taken back by a sudden lurch he felt by Poppy. "Hey! What's the big idea?!"

"You're going the wrong way," Poppy said, bringing her wrist to her hip.

"Really? Because I have somewhere else to be and you're kind of...preventing me from leaving."

"Well, the village is that way and that's where we have to go," Poppy then tugged slightly the rope. "Let's go."

"We?" Branch arched an eyebrow. He looked to the north and then back to Poppy with a glare. "Uh..no. Sorry, but this troll flies solo. Now, if you don't mind, I'll be leaving!" Branch then started pulling on the rope, dragging Poppy as she tried resisting the pull.

"Hey! That is no way to treat a lady!" Poppy exclaimed.

Branch scoffed. "A lady? Please! You're not a lady! You're nothing but a crazy, silly minded troll who thinks everything is all cupcakes and rainbows which, news flash, it's not! I should now 'cause I've seen the sour part of life and let me tell you: it's not fun! And if you're not going to let me go, I'll drag you along if I have to!"

Poppy glared back and planted her feet to the ground, but Branch was stronger than her. She then thought of an idea. As Branch pulled, he heard a thud and saw that Poppy sat down with her arms and legs crossed, looking away innocently. "Oops, did I do that? Don't mind me. Carry on."

Branch growled and tried his best to move, but Poppy stubbornly stayed in place. Branch stomped on the ground like a kid throwing a tantrum. "Oh, that's it! I'm taking matters into my own hands!" He then tried reaching back where he carried his quiver, only to find it empty.

"If you're looking for your arrows, don't bother. I've managed to take them when you weren't looking. They're right here with me." She showed him an arrow tucked inside her hair where the rest of them were and put it back with the others.

"Look, girl! Poppy, is it?" He saw her nod. "You are messing with the wrong troll here. And besides, I have no business in being here with you and your friends. I am well enough, fit, and ready to leave!"

Poppy stood up and had a calm look on her face. "Well, that's too bad. Because I was starting to like the idea of us...hanging more often," she said while beginning to walk beside him in a circle. "You know what are my favorite qualities I want in the troll I'm looking for?" Branch shook his head though he was becoming distracted by her graceful walk. "Loyalty, strength, compassion, bravery, honesty, sensitivity, and kind."

"I believe I can be good in all of those," Branch replied with a grin. He was completely mesmerized by her magenta eyes boring into his sky blue ones and swore that he just fell into a deep pool, fearing that he dived in, he might never come up for air.

Poppy chuckled. "I guess I just have to see. But first, give me a chance to apologize."

"For what?" He asked distractedly.

"This!" She then pulled on the rope and before he knew it, Branch was flipped on his back. Completely shocked by this stunt, he couldn't find the words for it as he gazed upon a smirking Poppy. "By the way, if you can be easily distracted by a 'crazy, silly-minded troll', what chance do you have of getting back home in the wild?"

Branch huffed as he rose on his feet again, frowning at her.

"Come on," Poppy motioned her head to the opposite direction as she began walking.

Branch managed to make a small smile. He spun his eyes and gave in to her command as they headed back to her home.

Not far from them, they managed to get a glimpse of both Fireworks leading Aura back to the same direction they were going. "It seems that Fireworks has managed to put Aura in her place. Great minds think alike, I'd say," Poppy commented.

Branch couldn't deny it, but for some reason, these unicorns are more alike to them than he thought. The unicorns aren't the only creatures that amazed him. Poppy sure knows how to outsmart him. That's something hardly anyone can do.

"Okay, I admit it. She was charming. In a stubborn, irritating kind of way. So, I let her show me her world."

A while later, Poppy led Branch in the heart of her village. It wasn't that much different from his village back home. The people were content with living in wide opened spaces, fresh natural resources for them to eat and drink, and of course, the people themselves are kind and happy.

Branch was amazed by how many different creatures can all live in one place and was even more surprised by how well they get along. The Bergens seemed like ugly giants, but they're playful and sweeter than the ogres. Their friendship with the trolls are shown quite vividly. They would greet each other, play together, and even share a hug every now and then.

As they walked, Branch managed to see a Bergen boy playing with toy swords with a Troll child, having the time of their lives. Some adults were tending their crops and livestocks and a couple of Bergens were chatting and laughing together. The two trolls even managed to halt in order to let a young girl troll, who was chasing two playful Cuddle Pups, pass.

"I admit it. This is quite similar to my home," Branch told Poppy. "The only difference is the people in it. Not the trolls, mind you. The Bergens, though different in size and antics, are similar to the trolls than I thought."

"See? This place can be fun once you get used to it and get to know everyone here," Poppy said. A great big smile formed on her face once she saw her friends. "Hey, guys!"

Branch turned and saw DJ Suki, Guy Diamond, Smidge, and Creek with their unicorns. "Poppy, what's up?" DJ Suki waved back. "How's our guest treating you?"

"Nothing I couldn't handle," Poppy said with a smirk. Branch shook his head with a sigh.

Smidge then came while holding two small bowls of paint. "Hey, Poppy, which is better: Robin egg blue or Crimson red? I believe it's time for Bullet to have his own markings."

Poppy thought as she looked at Smidge's unicorn. Her unicorn, Bullet, was smaller than the rest of the unicorns, a little scrawny, but quick and clever. His pelt was purple, his mane and tail were blonde, and has brown eyes. He was called Bullet for his speed and like a bullet, he may be small, but at the same time, he's fast and packs a wallop. "I would say Crimson red."

"Crimson red it is!" Smidge eagerly agreed. "Okay, Bullet, Mama Smidge is going to give you a new makeover!"

"What is she going to do?" Branch wondered.

"Oh, she is going to paint her unicorn," Poppy explained. "It's a way for us to tell our unicorns apart. Other ways include adding accessories or braiding hairs. I painted some symbols on Fireworks myself. Now, everyone knows who he is and whom he belongs to."

"Hey, Branch, we have introduced ourselves to you, but you haven't met our unicorns, did you?" Guy Diamond asked.

"I guess not," Branch shrugged.

"Well, you already met Fireworks. So, here are the rest. This is my girl, Star," Guy Diamond said, holding Star's head as he nuzzled her. "One night, when I was younger, I got lost in the woods and couldn't find my way back to the village. Then Star, as a young filly, appeared to me and with her horn, she lighted the way and returned home. Since then, we've been inseparable. It's obvious to see why she's named Star."

Branch knows it too because of her star mark on her forehead. "She's sweet, probably even more gentle than Aura."

"Who's Aura?" Guy asked.

"Oh, that's the pinto mare. The one that tried to kill you before I saved you."

"You named her? Wow, you must have liked her or she likes you!" Guy was impressed.

"I don't know about that. I just felt like we're connected, though I don't know how," Branch said. He did know why, but he didn't want to reveal it to them yet.

"Well, I wish you plenty of luck with her," DJ Suki commented and then presented her unicorn to Branch. "This big boy is Echo. A few years ago, I was playing music by myself when suddenly, a pack of eninac came out of nowhere and chased after me. Echo came galloping in and fought against those animals. He saved me and we became partners. He even enjoys music just as I do."

Creek was brushing River's mane and then turned to Branch. "River's story was a sad one. Apparently, he ran away from a very abusive owner. When I found him, he was practically skin and bones with some scratches on him. It wasn't easy for him to trust me, but I assure him that I meant no harm. Slowly and steadily, I tended him and eventually, came to trust me and the other trolls. Kindness is all he wanted after all." Creek implied, while petting his snout which River responded with a happy nicker.

"I can say that he trusts you with his life. I can't think of a better partner than the one he has now," Branch said. "He's lucky to have a friend like you."

"Thanks, mate. I think so too."

"And finally, Bullet," Smidge presented his small unicorn. "Don't let his size fool you. He's as fast as a speeding train and hard as a rock. Before coming here, he was captured by some rustlers. Lucky for him, I saw him in a cage and helped him escape. Plus, we taught those rustlers a thing or two." She demonstrated by cracking her knuckles. "We're a team and nobody messes with the Speeding Bullet and Mama Smidge." She then held the paint bowl and painted red tiger-like stripes all over Bullet. "There. You look fierce, Bullet!"

Bullet snorted, blowing some of his hair from his face. The other unicorns neighed in agreement. They all liked Bullet's new look, even the trolls.

Branch sighed at their unique activities, even though it looked interesting. Poppy then resumed their tour. On the way, Branch was curious and became intrigued with the village life here, but still, he wondered if he ever truly belonged here.

"Something on your mind, Branch?" Poppy interrupted his thoughts.

He shook his head. "No, it's nothing. Say, Poppy. I know I met Fireworks when we first met but how did you two met?"

Poppy looked around before then turning to Branch. She recalled a time in her youth when her unicorn came to her village. "When I was younger, there was a stormy day. I was on my way home when my father brought Fireworks in his arms. By then, he was just a foal, barely a year old. My dad told me that me that a purma attacked his herd and that his mom didn't make it."

"That's terrible!" Branch said, feeling sorry. He understood the pain of being without a mother.

"Yeah," She agreed. "We've brought him inside a small stable to keep him dry from the storm. Being alone in the strange new place made him so scared that he couldn't sleep. So, I came to him and comforted him. Feeding him milk, giving lots of love, and even singing to him. Over time, he got used to the place and when he became old enough, he let me ride him. After that, I've painted him his signature marking on his pelt which matched his personality hence his name."

"Those are amazing stories. It would seem that each unicorn chose their partners. And believe me, not every unicorn would come to anyone, no matter how friendly they are," Branch stated.

"And how do you know so much about unicorns?" Poppy crossed her arms with a curious look.

"Personally, not much. It was my mother who was the expert back home. She used to had one before she set him free," Branch revealed. "Now, I hope to at least follow in her footsteps with Aura."

"Well, I see that you two are quite similar. You're both equally stubborn, rash, and uncontrollable."

"Hey!" Branch cried out which Poppy giggled.

"What? You know I'm right about that. Don't deny it." Poppy smirked. Branch could do nothing but roll his eyes and walked along.

By the time Branch returned from his tour with Poppy, it was well after sunset. He was tired, but still clearly remembered all that he had learned and seen today. The people were kind and the place was full of happiness and laughter, which reminded him of his village. But all he wanted now was to rest and then, he lied down to sleep.

After an hour or two of sleeping, he was awaken by Aura's neighs. Branch rose and took a peek from the tent's entrance. He could hear Aura sounding restless and still acting wildly inside the corral.

"She doesn't know when to quit," Branch exhaled through his nose. "Well, neither do I."

Later on, Branch was inside the corral with Aura. When the mare saw the troll, she stopped galloping, but remained cautious. Branch just knew the cure for that and sang the song once more.

You're never alone you know
Just think of your friends
The ones who care
They all will be waiting there
With love to share
And your heart will lead you home

"Hey, girl," Branch said softly as he kept his distance. "Are you doing okay?" The mare whinnied softly, almost like a purr. "I have something for you." Branch then took out an apple from behind him and offered it. Aura's ears snapped upwards as she stared curiously. "You want it? Well, you're gonna to have to come and get it. But you have to trust me to do that, won't you?"

Aura didn't move an inch, but her eyes showed eagerness for the apple. Branch bounced the apple in his hand. Aura snorted and turned her head away. Seeing that she needed a push, Branch then took a bite from the apple. "Mmm. Sure you don't want some?" He offered it again.

The mare hesitated it at first. However, the fruit does look delicious and the troll seems friendly to her. Then, she began to take a few steps forwards which earned a smile from Branch. She continued on until she had reached him.

"It's all right. I'm not going to hurt you." Branch soothed her as she began to reach for the apple. Once she touched the fruit, she happily ate it, enjoying its sweet taste. Branch took this moment to gently pet her forehead. "There you go. I guess you needed that."

Aura swallowed the apple and then sniffed into Branch's vest, hoping to find more apples on him. "Oh, that's enough for tonight." He chuckled as he petted her once again. "I understand your struggles, but I'll tell you what. I know that you have troubles making friends with the unicorns here as I do with the other trolls, so I believe that we should start with just us two." Aura snorted in disagreement. "I know, but we're stuck here, so we might as well make the best of it. Okay?" He gently petted her again. "See ya tomorrow."

Branch walked out of the corral and when he was about to enter his tent, he gazed upon Aura who returned his gaze. He was happy that she had grown to trust him. In a way, the more he kept trying to tame her, the closer he gets in becoming like his mother: bonded with an animal through their hearts and enjoying the sheer thought of freedom through his body. He smiled at her and then gazed at the sky. He wondered if his mother was looking out for not only him but for everyone else at the village in the Wildglades.

"I hope I'm making you proud, Mom, and that you're watching over me. I just wish everyone back home were here with me or I'm with them. I want to tell them how much I'm trying to return to them and that I miss them." He sighed deeply which was then replaced by a yawn. Tomorrow's a new day and hopefully, it might turn out to be a fun one at that. That's what was on his mind before going into his tent for a well-deserved rest.

Meanwhile, back in Branch's home, all was quiet and pleasant as all the trolls were in their beds fast asleep. Another day had gone by without trouble, but it was also another day without Branch.

There were a few trolls whom believed that their leader might not return at all, but Branch's friends made sure to keep their hopes up, reminding them of all the things that Branch had done for them. He's done so much for them and the least they could do is keep on hoping that he'll return to them.

Every night, at least one member from the Snack Pack offered to stay on night watch in case Branch ever returned. So far, there was no sign, but they won't give up. This night, it was the twins' turn. Satin and Chenille looked out from a thick branch which overlooked the whole village.

"Any sign of him?" Satin asked her sister.

"No," she sighed sadly. "I hope that he comes back soon."

"If he ever does come back."

"Don't say that! Branch will come to us," Chenille answered with determination. "He has to. This is his home and we're his family."

"Speaking of which, how are Rosiepuff and Wood?" Satin wondered as she gazed upon their pod. "Are they going to be okay?"

"Rosiepuff is well. It's Wood that I'm worried about," Chenille said. "He's just never been the same since Branch was captured."

"How could he not? He lost his father, his wife, and now his son! That can practically kill any troll! If I lost that much family members or you so soon, I would be grey and glum, and believe me, that is not a fashion friend," Satin pointed out.

"I know, sis, but there's nothing more we can do for him but reassure him that Branch is fine, somewhere out there," Chenille replied sadly. Her eyes becoming misty.

"It's just...I miss him so much! He's like a brother to us." Satin began to cry which Chenille noticed and comforted her, even though she was shedding some tears of her own.

Inside Wood's home, both Rosiepuff and Wood were in their beds, however, Wood struggled in his sleep. He's been having trouble sleeping lately. The thoughts of Branch's capture and the scene where he was forced to leave him was heartbreaking and had been replaying over in these last few days.

Despite all these thoughts in his head, he couldn't bother to stay awake and drifted off to a deep sleep.

Wood felt a breeze. Opening his eyes, he gasped when he finds himself in a flower meadow. There were flowers of all types and colors, like being in a rainbow. He walked forward and caught a glimpse of some blue roses. He recalled these flowers when he gave them to his wife as anniversary gifts and when she had them in a bouquet for their wedding. He turned to his right and saw beautiful primroses, his mate's favorites.

He gently picked one and held it tenderly. Touching its petals, he reminisced the times he shared with Primrose. How they laughed together, sang, hugged, and even rode on Phoenix. All these memories will always be dear to him.

"Wood."

Wood suddenly heard a soft voice calling him. "Who's there? Hello?" When no answer came, he quickly turned around and saw what looked like a figure being accompanied by a unicorn coming towards him. He noticed that the stranger had teal skin. Thinking that it's Branch, he happily walked towards the figure. "Branch, you came back! You've returned!"

But then, he suddenly stopped as he saw what he thought was Branch was not his son, but a beautiful teal troll with pink hair, someone whom he never thought to meet again. The unicorn was also familiar for he had seen him before in his childhood. He gasped as the stranger smiled lovingly at him.

"Primrose? Is that you?" Wood managed to say.

"Hello, Wood," The troll calmly said to him with a smile. "It's good to see you again after all these years."

It was Primrose and Phoenix! They were here right in front of him, either it's a dream or a miracle to behold, he doesn't care. He smiled and then, unable to control his emotions, he joyfully ran towards his love. "You're here! You're actually here!" He shouted as he hugged her tightly, not wanting to let her go. The two of them shared this peaceful moment to be together for a while.

Breaking his hug, his shaky hands lifted and cupped her face in his palms, almost afraid that she might disappear. "Primrose..." He breathed out, his eyes shining with love. He bent down and gently brushed his lips against hers in a soft kiss, something he had been yearning to do for years. He pulled back shortly after, his lips still tingling from their kiss. He took his time to study her. His eyes darted all over her face, her body, taking in every detail about her. She was wearing a pure white dress that made her look angelic, with her pink hair flowing from the breeze and he could swear that there was some sort of glow coming from her.

She smiled up at him, her hands on his chest, her sky blue-colored eyes looking up at him with the same love he had known. "I've missed you, Wood," she whispered.

"I... have missed you too, my love." He couldn't believe his eyes. She was right there, right in front of him. The love of his life had come back to him. It was like a dream. "How..." He managed to say, though his voice slightly hoarse.

A soft laugh escaped her and he realized just how much he had actually missed her. "It doesn't matter now. All that matters is that I'm here, isn't it?"

Wood nodded and resumed their hug. "I missed you so much."

"I know, my love. I'm sorry for leaving the responsibility of raising Branch alone but forever grateful for raising him into a fine young troll and leader."

Wood shook his head. "No, it was no trouble. Mom helped along as well."

"I watched over you, Branch and everyone else the whole time," Primrose continued on the embrace as Wood silently shed the happy tears he had.

"Yeah, I know you have," Wood said with confidence.

"You have done a good job raising our son," Primrose said while praising her husband. Wood shook as he disagreed with that logic with a chuckle.

"Don't lie. I have messed up a bunch of times that I lost count."

"I mean it, Wood. You know I never lie, my love. Branch has grown up fine."

"No, you're wrong because..." Wood stopped and while leaving the embrace, he opened his eyes as he remembered all of that happened lately. "Primrose...I'm afraid I have to tell you something I regret. Our son was taken from us. He's lost. I wanted to help him but he told us to escape. I have to find him!" He looked around the field, hoping to at least see any sign of Branch.

"Branch?" He called out to him.

"Branch is fine, trust me," Primrose spoke while calmly looking at Wood, to reason with him.

"But he.."

"He is an adult. He can take care of himself. I visited him just as I am doing with you now. He's healthy and he's with friends."

Wood was surprised, but relieved to hear that his son is safe. "He is?"

"Yes, but I assure you that he's determined to return. I don't know when and I don't know how, but he will return home. He loves his home and he loves you. You and the others are the reason he's fighting to make it back home," Primrose said with wisdom in her voice. "It's time for you to return now, Wood. To be with your loved ones and to live on for all who are watching you from above," She said, though she was sad to leave her mate behind. "Remember, Wood, you are never alone no matter what."

He didn't want her to go. Not yet. He still had so many things to tell her. "I love you." He managed to say and a smile appeared on her lips.

"I love you, too," She answered. "Always have and always will. And I promise you, I'll always be here, watching you both from above." One of her hands came where his heart was and her smile grew when she felt it beating beneath her palm. "I love you!" She repeated, tears filling her eyes.

"I... I love you." He whispered and bent down, brushing his lips against hers in one last kiss, a single tear rolling down his cheek at the thought of letting her go. He pulled back and looked down at her, both their eyes regretful. It wasn't easy to watch her leave once again and his heart ached with the thought of having her by his side again. She got on Phoenix and as he walked, she closed her eyes and silent tears rolled down her cheeks. Then they both galloped away with Wood watching sadly as he waved them goodbye.

Wood awoke with a start and sat up abruptly, panting, his heart pounding fast and loud into his ears.

He blew out a sigh and lifted one of his hands up and touched his cheek, his eyes widening slightly when he realized he'd been crying. Primrose's words rang in his mind and he couldn't bring himself to shake the feeling of sadness off. Swallowing hard, he took a deep breath to calm himself down and wiped away his tears. He couldn't afford being weak, not when everyone else depended on him until Branch returns home.

He wasn't going to disappoint her. He would always be there for his... their son, even at even though they're apart. "Branch, if you're okay, know that we're waiting for you and know that each and every one of us loves you."

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