A/N: Who wants another chapter? (loyal and crazy Fanfiction fans shout in the distance: Me! Me! Me!) Well here you go! Sorry (but not sorry) for leaving you on that cliffhanger in the last chapter. You all ought to know what happens, though, if you've seen the movie.
Mlpfanceline1 – Thank you!
NerdAlert8910 – I just had to leave the last chapter off there! It builds suspense for this chapter!
Neomoon585 – I love the speech scene too. Here, especially, I tried to make Branch appear more powerful, even though he was hiding his nervousness.
LivvyLeopard – Hope you like this chapter!
BornOnTheBreakOfDawn – I feel like you might hate me by the end of this chapter.
Jpbake – Site is working again! Yay!
AnimationFan15 – Your hope is appreciated. I'm sure Branch appreciates it very much.
Enjoy this next chapter!
Chapter Eleven – Dragon Maelstrom
Branch and Poppy heard shouting, and they hurried to the window. Branch broke the glass, but the narrow space wouldn't allow him to jump out. He and Poppy stared out into the dying storm as the trolls from the four clans mounted their steeds, readied their weapons, and galloped off into the woods to find and kill the dragon they believe killed the queen.
"Grandma!" Branch screamed. "No…no…" He turned from the window and sank down into the couch below it, his body shaking with sobs. Poppy knelt down beside him, her head hung. Branch buried his face in his hands, letting his tears flow. Poppy tried to put a hand on his shoulder, but he slapped her hand away and fell over to lay on the pillows of the couch, sobbing into one of the pillows. He never felt so lost before. It was like he was a child again. He needed someone to guide him. Someone to comfort him and tell him everything would be all right.
Branch's fingers brushed something smooth under the pillows. Tears still trickling down his cheeks, Branch shakily sat up and moved the pillows. His eyes widened at the sight of two bows: the charred remains of his old one and a new bow. The designs on the new bow looked unfinished, but they matched the ones of Branch's old bow. Branch stared at the two bows, understanding at once who was responsible. He looked to the tapestry, frowned in determination, and rubbed his eyes dry on his arm.
"Poppy, help me get the tapestry!" Branch ordered as he jumped to his feet. "We're not giving up!"
"That's what I like to hear!" Poppy cheered, helping Branch grab the tapestry and yank on the cloth. With the two of them working together, they pulled the bar and nails out of the wall and also sent both of them to the ground. The tapestry fell over them.
"Okay, needle and thread!" Branch urged. "Hurry!"
"Wait, wait!" Poppy pushed the tapestry off them. "How do we get out of here?"
"Uh….." Branch gasped. "Fuzzbert!" He scrambled to his feet and jumped up to poke his head out the little window in the door. "Fuzzbert! I need you! Now!"
"Your Grandad would've ordered Fuzzbert to keep us in here." Poppy reminded him. "How do we get the key?"
Branch was about to answer until he heard the small pitter-patter of feet on the ground. He looked down the darkened hallway and gasped when three juvenile dragons emerged into the light. How the young dragons made it into the castle, Branch had no idea. Then he noticed that each dragon wore a nightgown, the sleeves and backs torn. Branch suddenly remembered that he left what remained of the witch's spell in the kitchen. Those nightgowns looked suspiciously familiar.
"Oh no." Branch groaned.
"What?" Poppy asked, trying to get a look. "What is it?"
Branch hit his head lightly against the door. "My sisters." He looked up again. "Fuzzbert!"
The butler had finally arrived. But when he saw the trio of juvenile dragons, Fuzzbert yelped and pressed himself against the wall in terror. The key Oaken tossed to him could be seen jutting out of the lime green hair.
Branch smirked and looked to his sisters. "Get the key."
The three dragons nodded and set their sights on Fuzzbert. The troll butler looked at each of them in turn and then pulled the key into his hair to hide it.
Suki, Satin, and Chenille made their scariest faces and most frightening of noises.
Fuzzbert screamed as he took off running.
The biting cold of the rain would've stopped any traveler. But it did nothing to stop Rosiepuff as she fled for her life. She could hear the pounding of hooves and snarls of crocodiles as the trolls chased her, ready to kill her. Rosiepuff prayed Branch would be able to fix the tapestry in time. Meanwhile, she had to hide somewhere. Not only for her safety, but for the safety of her family.
Oaken spurred his crocodile to go faster, keeping his eyes peeled for flashes of scales in the dark foliage. Several of the trolls carried torches to light the way.
The beast won't get away. Oaken promised. I'll kill it if it's the last thing I do.
"Needle and thread." Branch muttered, scouring the room. "Where the heck does Grandma keep that stuff?!"
"Just keep looking!" Poppy urged, opening every drawer in a nearby dresser.
Meanwhile, Fuzzbert continued to scream as he ran from the juvenile dragons. He should've known by now that nobody could escape the princesses. They knew the royal home better than anyone else.
While the trolls made sure their steeds remained a steady gallop, Oaken's hunting dogs barked as they darted ahead to catch the dragon's scent.
Rosiepuff's labored breathing made her lungs burn as much as her legs did. Flying would do her no good. Even if she could get off the ground, there was just too much foliage in her way.
Barking caught her attention. Oh no. Not the dogs! She knew all too well how good those dogs were at hunting. If she didn't throw them off soon, she was a goner for sure. She jumped when several arrows almost hit her feet, tail, and wings. She turned and tried going down another path.
Branch, where are you?
Branch threw open a small chest and dug around through balls of yarn and knitting needles before finding a sewing needle. "Yes! Found it!"
"I found the thread!" Poppy announced, holding up a large spool of it. "Let's get to work!"
Fuzzbert managed to hurry down to the kitchen, only to see the shadows of the dragons coming his way. He darted into the kitchen itself, barricading the door with a barrel, a sack of flour, and a broom. He panted like a dog, hoping he had lost those beasts for sure.
The troll paused and turned to see two of the dragons—Satin and Chenille—standing on the table. The girls crossed their arms and tapped their feet, their claws scratching the wood. Fuzzbert quickly grabbed a frying pan to defend himself.
Wait a minute…one…..two…where was Suki?
Fuzzbert heard a growl, and he slowly turned to see the third musketeer dragon standing by the fireplace with a rope. Suki waved cheekily and pulled said rope. Fuzzbert looked down in time to see a net pop up out of nowhere and ensnare him. Suki gave the rope a few tugs, which shook the net and ergo Fuzzbert. Suki continued to shake the poor butler until the key fell out.
Branch and Poppy heard small roars, and they saw Suki at the window in the door with the key. In no time at all, they were all out of the drawing room and dragging the tapestry after them. Branch made sure he had a bow and arrows with him. He might need them if the other trolls caught up with Rosiepuff already. Poppy helped Branch's sisters climb onto Barnabas and Branch pulled the tapestry on after him. The crocodile took off at Branch's urging. The storm already passed, but dark clouds remained overhead.
"Suki, hold this!" Branch ordered, passing the young dragon a lantern. "Poppy, you guide Barnabas! I have to fix this thing!" He let Poppy climb in front of him and then resumed his sewing, determined to finish and find his grandmother before Oaken did.
"There it goes!" Oaken shouted when the torchlight caught a dragon tail slipping away over a ridge.
Rosiepuff desperately willed her feet to move faster. But the more desperate she became, the more she began to slip and slide on the dirt and wet grass. It wasn't long before she hit a patch of mud and slid to the ground. She panted heavily, her eyes widening when she saw herself in that same strange circle of stones she and Branch came to twice before. The stones surely had some sort of magic in them, or else she wouldn't be drawn to them while in this spell-induced dragon form.
The trolls were coming!
Rosiepuff shot to her feet and tried to run, only to skid to a halt when Oaken's dogs appeared. She tried another way, but the trolls caught up and surrounded her. All around her were sharp weapons, bright torches, and trolls with a desire for her blood.
"Steady, Barnabas!" Poppy called in as soothing tone as she could muster. Barnabas growled in acknowledgement, even when he had to jump over a log in their path.
Branch grabbed Suki before she could fall off. "Satin, Chenille, help Suki! Poppy, do you see Grandma?"
"It's too dark to see anything at all!" Poppy said.
"Well look for clues! Any sign that she came through here!" Branch urged. "I'm almost done!"
Rosiepuff backed away until her tail hit one of the tall stones. She was completely surrounded by the trolls. She tried calling to them, but they only heard roars of a dragon. What can I do to get you to understand? Rosiepuff whimpered a little. Please just stop!
A couple trolls threw ropes, looping them around the dragon's neck and legs and wings. No amount of thrashing on Rosiepuff's part would get them to let go. She didn't even have room to swing her tail. Not that she wanted to hurt any of the trolls. She fought desperately to break free, but there were just too many trolls pulling on ropes and therefore her. Despite her best efforts to stay on her feet, the troll warriors managed to pull her legs towards each other so that they crossed, forcing Rosiepuff to fall and hit her chin on the ground.
Now, she was completely vulnerable.
Branch looped a couple more stitches through the fabric to make sure the tear was completely connected once more. He bit through the thread to break it, laughing triumphantly.
"Done!" He announced.
Barnabas suddenly yelped and skidded to a halt, almost throwing his riders to the ground. Branch, Poppy, and the girls looked ahead.
A will-o'-the-wisp stood in their path. Instead of the usual "come here" gesture, the wisp seemed to be pointing in another direction. A trail of wisps appeared, leading to the circle of stones just up the hill. A glow from torchlight and shouts of trolls echoed from over the small ridge.
"Let's go, Barney!" Branch spurred the crocodile forward.
A creature in the shadows watched them leave, snarling softly.
Oaken dismounted from his crocodile and locked a vehement glare onto the dragon the warriors had caught. Nobody dared to harm the creature, knowing the honor of killing it belonged to the High King.
Rosiepuff did not like that look in her husband's eyes. Oaken! Oaken, stop!
Oaken drew his sword, the steel blade glinting in the torchlight. He stepped up to the dragon's head and raised his sword high.
Rosiepuff stared up at him, shaking fearfully. Oaken…..please… She braced herself for steel.
Instead, right as Oaken swung the sword down, an arrow flew in and ricocheted off the blade. The blow knocked the blade off-course and it narrowly missed the dragon's ear. Oaken jumped back, everyone spinning around to see Branch and Poppy riding up on Barnabas.
"If any of you harm her, I'll take your eye out!" Branch ordered, jumping off Barnabas and notching another arrow into his bow. He put himself between Rosiepuff and Oaken, still aiming the arrow at the other trolls.
"Are you out of your mind, lad?" Oaken gawked.
Branch looked to Rosiepuff. "Grandma? You hurt?"
I could be better. Rosiepuff let out a breath she didn't know she held.
Oaken decided his grandson definitely lost his marbles, and he shoved the younger troll aside. Guy Diamond used a spear to hold Branch against him, keeping him in place. But Branch would have none of it. He furiously flipped Guy Diamond over his shoulder and to the ground. Then he knocked a sword out of a nearby soldier's hand, caught it, and blocked Oaken's strike intended for Rosiepuff.
"Branch?!" Oaken gasped. He didn't get a chance to really defend himself before Branch shoved him back and knocked him off-balance. Branch swung his leg and swiped Oaken's legs from under him, sending the king to the ground.
Branch stood firmly in front of Rosiepuff, oblivious to the looks of shock and awe from the other trolls. "I won't let you kill her." Branch growled.
Oaken stared at Branch, slack-jawed, and yelped when three small dragons suddenly tackled him. "Hey! Hey! What the—? Get 'em off!"
"Girls!" Branch scolded.
Suki, Satin, and Chenille perked up, not realizing they probably gave their poor grandfather quite a fright. They quickly got off him.
Oaken raised an eyebrow. "Girls? What in the hair is going on, Branch?"
Before Branch could answer, Poppy suddenly screamed.
A loud THUD of heavy footsteps forced everyone to turn to the source, and nobody could believe their eyes at first.
"Kerec!" Branch gasped.
The great dragon had indeed found them, and he stood on his hind legs and roared at the trolls.
"Kill it!" Oaken ordered.
The trolls that didn't hold Rosiepuff down charged in with swords and spears drawn and their battle cries loud and strong. But with only a few swipes of his claws and tail, Kerec knocked aside every warrior that came at him. He shot fireballs at the crocodiles and horses, causing the animals to flee for their lives.
Kerec scanned the area. Where was that little troll he wanted so badly? A rock-hard fist suddenly punched him in the snout, and he saw Oaken appeared to do battle once more.
Oaken remembered well what happened the last time he fought Kerec. But things would be different this time. "You want a piece of me? Bring it on!"
Kerec snarled and swiped his claws, almost taking Oaken's head off. Oaken managed to duck past Kerec and stab his dagger deep into Kerec's side. The dragon roared in pain. Quite suddenly, he rammed into Oaken and slammed the troll king into one of the rocks. Oaken shouted, punching the dragon's head. When Kerec let Oaken down, he only did it so he could swipe at Oaken and send him to the ground.
Branch loaded his bow and shot two arrows at Kerec, both of them piercing the dragon's neck. Kerec turned and locked his blood red eyes onto Branch, stalking towards him with the clear intent to kill. Branch tried to walk backwards and shot another arrow, but it still had no effect.
"Branch!" Poppy yelled, running towards him. But one flick of Kerec's tail and Poppy tumbled aside.
Seeing Poppy hurt distracted Branch, and Kerec knocked the bow and arrow out of his hands. Branch stumbled and hit the ground, desperately crawling backwards to get away from the monstrous dragon. Kerec snarled and lunged, landing with one paw on either one of Branch's arms and pinning him to the ground. The dragon snarled in the young troll's face, and Branch could see the start of a fireball in the back of Kerec's deep, black maw.
Out of pure terror, Branch let out a scream.
And in that moment, Rosiepuff's protective instincts came forth to blend rather well with the dragon side of her.
BRANCH! The dragon grandmother roared and suddenly shot upright, pulling the trolls holding the ropes off their feet as she finally broke free. But instead of attacking them like the trolls expected, Rosiepuff galloped forward and tackled Kerec off her grandson. She bit the monstrous dragon twice in the neck, causing Kerec to growl in pain. Kerec swung a paw and his claws scraped Rosiepuff's face and snout. She backed off, but still snarled at him. Kerec looked past Rosiepuff and started for Branch again. Rosiepuff quickly put herself between her family and the monster, and she let out her most ferocious of roars. Kerec, seeing this other dragon would not give up without a fight, decided to accept the challenge.
The two dragons lunged for each other, and the battle was on.
Kerec snapped his teeth, and Rosiepuff slashed her claws across his face. Kerec shot a fireball, forcing Rosiepuff to duck before it could hit her. She tackled Kerec, and the two dragons became a mess of tangled limbs as they wrestled and clawed and bit each other. Kerec grabbed Rosiepuff by her wings and threw her into the ground. But she rolled to her feet and darted back into the fight before Kerec could turn back to Branch.
Nobody really knew what to make of the fight. It was so…so vicious. One of the dragons was clearly Kerec. But the other one, nobody knew who that was except Poppy, Branch, and his sisters. None of the trolls could understand why this dragon protected them. No, not them; protect Branch. Oaken stared at the less demon-like dragon with the green eyes. He had to admit those eyes looked frighteningly similar to Rosiepuff's eyes. But this dragon couldn't be his wife. Could it? Suki, Satin, and Chenille cowered behind a rock. Even when they were dragons themselves, there was no way they could help their grandmother. Besides, they were just too scared to get into the fight. They never imagined Rosiepuff could be so fearsome, even as a dragon.
Branch watched the fight with wide eyes. He knew that if he got in the middle of it, he would be killed. Rosiepuff did all of this to protect him. He just had to hope she could fight back well enough to beat Kerec.
Rosiepuff lunged with her teeth bared. She missed Kerec's neck and instead bit his leg. Kerec snarled in annoyance and reached around to bite Rosiepuff's shoulder and arm. Before Rosiepuff could jump back for another attack, Kerec dug his claws into his opponent and kept a vice-like grip. He spread his wings and flapped them, the powerful movement pulling Kerec and Rosiepuff into the air. Rosiepuff tried to ignore the claws and snapped her teeth at Kerec.
Branch scanned the clouds where Rosiepuff and Kerec disappeared. Poppy came to stand beside him and searched the clouds too. "Do you see her?"
"No." Branch shook his head. "Where is she?"
Kerec kept flying, even when Rosiepuff clawed and bit him relentlessly. When he felt he reached a good enough height, Kerec scratched Rosiepuff across the cheek and then bit hard into her neck and shoulder. Rosiepuff let out a high-pitched roar from the white-hot pain.
Oaken froze when he heard the scream-like roar. "Rose….."
Branch's eyes widened. "Grandma. No!"
Kerec kept his teeth clamped firmly onto his opponent. He threw his head back and did a flip, folding in his wings so that he fell headfirst towards the ground. Rosiepuff thrashed and fought, but Kerec kept a tight grip on her.
Two dark shapes emerged from the clouds. Oaken narrowed his eyes and at first was confused when he saw Kerec holding Rosiepuff close as the two dragons fell. It suddenly came rushing back as he recognized the move Kerec was about to pull.
"Move!" Oaken ordered, grabbing Branch and Poppy by the backs of their clothes. He dragged them away just before Kerec and Rosiepuff crashed to the ground and kicked up dust.
Branch, Poppy, and Oaken stared at the spot where Rosiepuff and Kerec landed. The three kings and their warriors stood outside the circle of stones, staring at the fight with horror. Everything was still and silent as the dust settled. When it did, a horrible sight greeted the onlookers of the scuffle.
Rosiepuff lie limply on the ground, Kerec standing over her.
"Grandma!" Branch screamed as Kerec roared in triumph.
A/N: Oh I am expecting a storm of reviews with people begging me to bring on the next chapter and end the torture of this cliffhanger. Or I'm just going to dream of angry Fanfiction readers coming after me for writing such a torturous cliffhanger.
Tell you what: if you guys REALLY want me to update sooner, I will try posting the next chapter tomorrow instead of on Monday.