A/N: You guys make me laugh. I had so many people cussing in their reviews, which clearly conveyed how much I shocked people with that last twist. Yay! I shocked you all! :D I love writing.
Frozen Tinkerbell Potter-Lover15 – If you hardly ever use the F-bomb, then I must've really shocked you this time. Wow. I had to really stifle my laughter so my mom wouldn't stare at me strangely.
Jpbake – You know, I thought about PMing you and asking what word you actually used, but I think I'm afraid to ask.
Born On The Break Of Dawn – Huh, I never noticed that trend with the princes before. I think, subconsciously, I'm just showing my love and fascination with the monarchy and some of the crazy things that happen, especially in the British monarchy.
TAPDANCING GIRAF – Yeah, I don't think they were fully prepared either. :D
Guest – I made you gasp and stop reading? That's how much I shocked you? Yikes, maybe I'm too good. :D
Chapter Twenty-Six – The Love of a King
Rosiepuff awoke that morning with a smile on her face and newfound energy. She speedily donned her dress and coat and went out to start the day. The dance and song last night replayed in her mind, over and over again. She hummed to herself, her smile unwavering. It was a pleasant surprise to find herself falling in love with Peppy. When they were young, she never saw any sign that he wanted to marry her. Then again, she was also being courted by Oaken at the time, and she spent an equal amount of time dodging Malcolm's advances.
Poor Malcolm. He was head-over-heels for her. Despite her attempts, Rosiepuff couldn't dissuade him from pursuing her. It was nothing against Malcolm. There were certain things about his personality that Rosiepuff felt didn't fit with her own. He shared similarities with his father, unfortunately. She just didn't think they fit well as anything more than friends. Yet, even though she tried to explain this to him, Malcolm continued to propose any time he got her alone. It was a bit creepy.
I wonder what life might have been like if Peppy had proposed to me, and I agreed. Rosiepuff wondered. Might have been much different compared to life now. Although, I guess Poppy and Branch wouldn't have been born. And we may never have become friends with the Bergens. I'm quite certain I wouldn't have found some of the friends I lost, like Symphony.
Speaking of which, Rosiepuff glanced up at the sound of a bird cry, and she saw Symphony fly overhead. Symphony landed before Rosiepuff, Branch astride the phoenix's back.
"Hey Grandma!" Branch greeted.
"How are the skies today?" Rosiepuff asked, petting Symphony's head when the bird nuzzled her.
"Clear and calm." Branch said, sliding off Symphony. "You and I should go flying sometime. It's quite an experience."
"Believe me, I know." Rosiepuff said. "I had the pleasure of riding Symphony before. She certainly knows how to make the ride interesting."
Branch laughed, remembering the aerial tricks Symphony treated him to this morning. "By the way, did Peppy check up on you last night?"
"Yes, thank you for sending him over." Rosiepuff said. "I'm sorry if I worried you."
"I'm just glad you're feeling better." Branch said. Symphony nudged him, wanting attention, and he stroked her head. "You two seem to be getting along, hmm?"
Rosiepuff crossed her arms and smirked. "You were spying on us, weren't you?"
Branch shrugged innocently. "Maybe."
"You haven't changed a bit. When you were a boy, you would spy on your grandfather and I during our anniversary, and giggle like a madman when we started singing together. You even used to sneak into your grandfather's armor and play with his sword all the time." Rosiepuff laughed. "I thought for sure you would cut a limb off."
"Well, at least watching you fall in love with King Peppy is less life-threatening." Branch said.
Rosiepuff tousled his hair. She looked a little sheepish now. "You don't mind, do you? That he and I are falling in love? It doesn't mean I love your grandfather any less and I'm not trying to forget him."
"Of course not." Branch said. "Grandma, if being with him makes you happy, then do it. I just want you to be happy, whatever you do."
Rosiepuff smiled and hugged her grandson. "That's my sweet little angel."
"Grandma." Branch whined a little, sounding like how he did as a toddler.
"Hey, I'm your grandma, I'm allowed to embarrass you no matter what age you are." Rosiepuff said, even pinching Branch's cheek for good measure. She laughed when he pouted a little, rubbing his cheek even as a smile tugged at his lips.
"Hey Branch!" Poppy called as she jogged towards him, cradling baby Ash in her arms. "Oh, hello Rosiepuff!"
"Hello." Rosiepuff nodded in greeting. She tousled Ash's hair.
"What's up, Pop?" Branch asked.
"Have either of you seen my dad?" Poppy asked. "He seems to be missing."
"I haven't seen him since last night." Rosiepuff said.
"Now that I think about it, I don't think I saw him at all while I was flying Symphony." Branch mused. "Did you check his house?"
"Yeah, and he wasn't there." Poppy said. "In fact, I don't think he even had breakfast."
"That's a bit odd." Rosiepuff murmured.
"I'm sure he's just helping out around the kingdom." Branch said. "Let's ask around."
The trio of trolls, followed by Symphony, journeyed to the park first. Peppy knew the trollings loved to hear his stories, and he often visited to park to talk to them.
"Hey Daffodil!" Poppy waved to a yellow troll with golden yellow hair as they approached the park. "Have you seen my dad at all today?"
"No, I haven't." Daffodil said. "Quite a shame. The trollings were hoping he would come by and tell them stories today."
"Well, thanks anyway." Poppy looked a bit dejected as she walked off with Branch, Rosiepuff, and Symphony.
"He's gotta be around here somewhere." Rosiepuff said. "Maybe he's—"
"King Branch! Queen Poppy!"
The trolls paused and turned as a little troll girl with bright red curly hair ran up to them. "Hey there, Tulip." Branch greeted, going down on one knee as the child approached.
"When is King Peppy coming back from his trip?" Tulip asked.
"What trip?" Poppy asked.
"I saw him today." Tulip said. "He said he was gonna help in the painting class. But that's not until tomorrow. And then I saw him go to the gate."
"What gate?" Rosiepuff asked. Tulip pointed to the front gate to Bergen Town and Troll Grove.
"Why was he going that way?" Branch wondered.
"He said he was gonna see a friend of his." Tulip said. "Will he be back tomorrow?"
"Uh, yeah." Branch nodded. "I think he will."
"Yippee!" Tulip cheered as she skipped off.
Branch stood and turned to Poppy. "There aren't any other troll tribes in the forest, are there?"
"Only the one or two that we know about." Poppy answered. "But they're miles away. One tribe lives up in the mountains far north of here, and the other tribe we haven't heard from in decades. If Dad was going to see them, he would've told me."
"So what would he be doing heading in that direction?" Branch wondered, staring at the front gate. Ash fussed and whined a little, and Poppy bounced him soothingly.
"Hey Poppy! Branch! Rosiepuff!" This time it was Cooper who called out to them, and the entire Snack Pack—Creek included—came running up to them.
"Have you seen Rosie?" Creek asked.
"Uh, her other friends are asking too, not just him." Cooper piped up.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever." Branch huffed. He paused. "Wait, Rosie's missing too?"
"Too?" Suki repeated.
"Who else is missing?" Smidge asked.
"My dad." Poppy said. "I haven't seen him all day."
"We haven't seen Rosie all day either." Biggie said.
"And we can't find Bliss." Satin added.
"You understand our concern, considering what happened last time they disappeared like this." Chenille guessed.
"Last time…" Branch glanced back to the front gate. "Blackwood wouldn't pull the same move twice, would he?"
"He might. Just to throw us off. See if we'd fall for it again." Creek said.
"Let's not panic." Poppy said. "Maybe they're just somewhere around Bergen Town and forgot to tell us."
"Maybe." Branch took Ash and handed the baby off to Rosiepuff. "Grandma, I want you to take Ash and go to Cybil's house. Stay there until we get back. Biggie, Smidge, stay with them. I don't want to take any chances in case it really is Blackwood's doing. The rest of us will fly on Symphony up to Gristle and Bridget and ask them about Peppy, Rosie, and Bliss. If that doesn't bring any answers, we'll head to the forest."
Rosiepuff reluctantly nodded and walked off with Biggie and Smidge. Ash continued to whine fretfully, and Rosiepuff shushed him softly. "What's eating him?" Smidge asked.
"Babies fuss when they sense tension." Rosiepuff said. Or when they feel something bad is going to happen. Ash feels something.
"Let's just get to Cybil's and wait for Branch's all-clear." Biggie urged.
"Good evening, Baby Brother."
"Hello, Malcolm. It's been a long time."
Blackwood/Malcolm shut his book. "Come. Take a seat. Have a drink."
"Thank you." Peppy said, sitting in the spare chair at the table.
"Why don't you join us, girls?" Malcolm snapped his fingers. Before Rosie or Bliss could react, two more chairs scooted up from behind them, scooped up the girls, and pulled them right up to the table.
Rosie chuckled nervously. "Hey Grandad."
"Hi King Peppy." Bliss waved a little.
"Good evening, girls." Peppy said. "You were not supposed to follow me."
"Sorry." The girls chorused in monotone voices.
Malcolm snapped his fingers again. Four glass goblets and a bottle of wine floated through the doors and settled on the table. The wine bottle poured drinks for all four trolls before settling on the table. The cups slid to the four trolls. Malcolm and Peppy each took a drink. But when Bliss and Rosie tried to do the same, they gagged and spit the wine back out as quietly as they could.
"Not bad." Peppy mused.
"My own private reserve." Malcolm said. "Only the best for you, Brother."
"I'm honored." Peppy said. "Though I'm assuming you don't have drinking company very often."
"Well, Rosiepuff never accepted my offer, and I certainly wasn't going to drink with that rat Creek." Malcolm shrugged. "And let's face it: I just can't have a drink with Reaper. Then I'd be called the 'Crazy Bird Man.'" He and Peppy chuckled amusedly.
"Your home appears mostly fixed." Peppy noted. "Not much damage left."
"It's a miracle I got it to this point with how busy I've been." Malcolm said. "That fire did a lot of damage, and it took quite a bit of work to get it done. I mean, every door in this place is custom-made. You can't replace those things."
"Sounds like the old royal pod." Peppy mused. "What was that one thing Father insisted on having in every room? A fireplace?"
"And a library." Malcolm added.
"Now, I can completely understand the library part." Peppy said. "But the fireplace? He wanted such an ornate mantle, each one different. I appreciate the warmth in the winter, but that just seemed like too much."
"I'll say." Malcolm chuckled. "Remember the silk bedspreads? Freezing cold in the winter."
"I had to beg Taylor for some wool pajamas." Peppy laughed. "I swear I was going to bed with mittens, earmuffs, and my winter boots." The brothers laughed at the memories, continuing to sip their drinks.
"Rosie." Bliss whispered.
"Yeah?" Rosie asked.
"This is awkward."
"Yeah, but I think just for us."
"What was that?" Malcolm asked.
"Nothing!" Rosie quickly grabbed her cup and took a few sips of her wine.
"Rosebud, my dear, you don't have to drink this." Peppy said. "In fact, I would prefer if you didn't. You're underage."
Rosie spit the wine back into her cup and pushed the goblet away from her. "Thanks, Grandad."
Malcolm chuckled. "Oh do calm yourself, Princess. I have no intention of harming you or your friend."
"Uh, no offense, Mr. Blackwood," Bliss piped up timidly. "I have a little trouble believing that."
Malcolm seemed to ponder this for a moment, and then shrugged. "All right, Peppy, I'm assuming you didn't just come here for a drink and to exchange pleasantries."
"Afraid not. But it was good to talk to you." Peppy said.
Malcolm hummed in disbelief. "Let me guess: you want me to leave your family alone."
"I want you to stop hurting all the trolls in my kingdom, including my family." Peppy corrected.
"Your kingdom." Malcolm scoffed, swirling around the wine in his glass.
"Yes, my kingdom." Peppy affirmed. "Because I was the king of the Troll Tree, not you."
Rosie and Bliss jumped when Malcolm's glass shattered in his tight grip. "I am the prince of the Troll Tree."
"Who was taken by Bergens—"
"You banished me without reason."
"—and never heard from again." Peppy finished as though Malcolm did not speak. "So Father had to pass the crown to me and solely to me. The kingdom was mine to protect. I still hold power, and therefore I still have the responsibility to protect my people from threats." His eyes settled into a soft glare, which he directed at Malcolm. "Any threats."
"And you thought you could come here and convince me to just leave the Troll Tree alone?" Malcolm scoffed.
"I know you, Brother." Peppy said. "I know how you are. You like to make deals. I know very well that what I am asking for comes at a hefty price."
"Indeed it does." Malcolm smirked, leaning back in his chair. He snapped his fingers, and Rosie's wine glass scooted across the table and into Malcolm's hand. Malcolm tossed the wine inside into the fire and then refilled the cup. "I'll indulge you, Peppy. What exactly do you have to offer in return for my cease and desist?" He took a sip of his drink.
Peppy stared at the flames of the fireplace. "Me."
Malcolm spewed his drink. Rosie and Bliss stared at Peppy with shock in their wide eyes. "Grandad, what are you doing?" Rosie whispered.
Peppy ignored Rosie. "What do you say, Malcolm? Me in exchange for the kingdom?"
Malcolm wiped his mouth on his sleeve. "Exactly how would that give me any satisfaction? How is that the best you can offer?"
"Well, let me walk you through it." Peppy said, standing from his chair. He slowly made his way to his brother. "You want the kingdom. Technically, the kingdom is not mine. It belongs to Branch and Poppy because I retired. So I can't give you the kingdom. I do not own Rosiepuff in any way, shape, or form. She has free will and can do as she pleases. So I can't give you her. You've already done away with Oaken." Malcolm opened his mouth, but Peppy spoke before he could. "Don't even try to deny it. I know about your trading with Chef. Oaken was taken on Trollstice. You can't tell me you didn't take him as part of that trade agreement. That just leaves me, the prince who got the throne and the brother who banished you without remorse. The trolls adore and revere me, Malcolm. I am their greatest king." He stood in front of Malcolm now, who hadn't moved from his chair. "Imagine how much pain and misery you will cause the kingdom by killing me."
"It wouldn't be that much." Bliss blurted out. "I mean, he was an okay king, I guess, but losing him wouldn't hurt that much."
"Ignore her. You know she's lying." Peppy said. "Think about it. You can figure out how to get Rosiepuff on your own. But if you can't have the kingdom, shouldn't they be punished for denying their prince?"
Malcolm stared at Peppy thoughtfully. "I like the way you talk, Brother."
Before Malcolm could raise his hand, Peppy slapped his cane onto the grey troll's wrist. "It has to be a Blood Oath, Malcolm. A Magic Blood Oath."
Malcolm rolled his eyes. "Oh, you know about those."
"I did my research." Peppy said. "Make it a Magic Blood Oath, and I die without a fight."
"Let me get this straight: you will sacrifice yourself willingly, and I won't get to harm any troll of the Troll Tree Kingdom; but, at the same time, I'll get the pleasure of ridding myself of you."
"That about sums it up." Peppy nodded.
Malcolm didn't say anything for a moment. "Under normal circumstances, I would not fall for such a ploy. But the thought of finally getting rid of you is just too good of an opportunity to pass up. I accept."
Peppy released Malcolm, and the sorcerer stood from his chair and headed for the door. "Come along, girls." Peppy told Rosie and Bliss. "We'll need witnesses for this."
"Are you crazy?" Bliss hissed as they followed Peppy and Malcolm out the door.
Rosie stood close to her grandfather and whispered so Malcolm wouldn't hear. "Grandad, I'm not doing this. I won't watch you…" She couldn't finish the sentence.
"Rosie, I need you to trust me." Peppy whispered back to her.
"But—"
"It'll be okay." Peppy wrapped an arm round her and kissed her head. "It's going to be all right."
They arrived at the spellcasting chambers, where Malcolm pulled down a thick book and set it up on a podium. He flipped through it until he came to the right page. "'The Magic Blood Oath requires the shedding of blood from all parties involved. Each party states their terms. Providing none of the terms conflict, the parties involved must openly state that they agree to the terms. Except in special circumstance cases, the Magic Blood Oath is in effect immediately after terms are accepted by all parties involved.' Seems straightforward. Shall we continue?"
"No." Rosie said, standing protectively in front of Peppy. "I'm not going to let you do this." With a simple flick of his wrist, Malcolm sent Rosie and Bliss across the room and crashing into the wall. Sticks shot up from the floor and created a cage around the two girls.
"Malcolm…..." Peppy growled.
"The deal is not in effect yet. They are simply witnesses, and witnesses are silent." Malcolm growled that last word at Rosie and Bliss.
Rosie banged her shoulder against the stick bars. "Bliss, get us out of here!" She said in a hushed voice.
"My lock pick won't work on wooden bars!" Bliss protested.
Malcolm picked up a dagger from the desk, and he sliced open his palm. He tossed the blade to Peppy, who did the same to his own hand. Malcolm returned the dagger to his desk, and he and Peppy gripped each other's wrists as though in a handshake.
"Magisk Blod Ed." Once Malcolm spoke the enchantment, what looked like glowing thread appeared to wrap around his and Peppy's interlocked arms. "My terms are these: as long as you live, I can do what I please to the trolls. Your surrender to me means I kill you in any way I see fit. I will not harm the trolls, but I must be allowed to see Rosiepuff when I please."
"Very well." Peppy said after careful consideration. "My terms are these: you will not harm a single citizen in the Troll Tree or Bergen Kingdoms. In exchange, my life is yours for the taking. But if you physically harm anyone—troll or Bergen—your punishment is instant death."
Malcolm narrowed his eyes. "Very well. I accept the terms of this agreement."
"I, too, accept the terms." Peppy said. The glowing thread disappeared, leaving behind dark lines on the trolls' skin where it once lay.
Rosie rammed her shoulder into the cage again. "Grandad, no!"
"Shut up!" Malcolm snapped.
"You made the deal, so just kill me already and get it over with." Peppy practically ordered.
Malcolm sighed and shook his head. "Oh, Peppy, I'm afraid I will not be granting you the mercy of a swift demise."
Bliss involuntarily let out a scream when Malcolm's blast of magic sent Peppy into the wall. Rosie punched at the bars of the cage. "Leave him alone!" She yelled.
Malcolm ignored the girls as he marched up to his brother. He grabbed Peppy by the throat and hoisted him into the hair, slamming him against the wall. "You know, it's funny. All of my magic I possess, and I still prefer to strangle people when I want to kill them."
Peppy choked and gasped, clawing at Malcolm's fingers. "It suits you." He growled out.
Malcolm chuckled. "It's just so much more satisfying. So much more personal. I literally have your life in my hands." He pushed harder against Peppy's throat. "And I decide how much longer you get to live." Peppy could hardly get a breath in now, his eyes rolling back in their sockets. "I'm not going to kill you yet, Brother. There are just a few more things I want to do first."
In seconds, everything changed. First, the doors flew open. Then, an arrow whizzed through the air and impaled Malcolm's arm. He screamed in pain, releasing Peppy so he could hold his wounded arm. Someone came up and smashed a book into Malcolm's face, sending him reeling.
Peppy gasped and coughed as air rushed back into his lungs. He looked up to see who saved him, and his eyes widened in horror. "Poppy…"
The pink troll had never looked so angry. "Get away from him." She snarled at Malcolm.
"You messed with the wrong family, Blackwood." Branch said, readying fireballs in both palms. Creek drew another arrow and loaded it into his bow. The Snack Pack members who tagged along hurried to Rosie and Bliss to break them out of their cage.
"And I am so sick and tired of you!" Malcolm launched a few magic blasts to Branch and Creek, who ducked out of the way. Branch threw the fire in his palms. Creek fired another arrow. Malcolm deflected both of them.
"Stop!" Peppy shouted, quickly standing. "Stop!"
"What?" Creek gawked a little. "What do you mean, 'stop'?"
"None of you are supposed to be here." Peppy said.
"We knew something was up when you went missing." Poppy said, putting herself between Malcolm and her father. "I'm glad I listened to my gut."
"You thought you could get away with murdering him?" Branch growled at Malcolm.
"It's not murder. It's just a little business deal." Malcolm said.
"What deal?" Creek demanded.
"The deal I willingly made with him." Peppy answered. "To protect all of you."
"By letting him kill you?" Branch scoffed. "No way. Not on my watch."
Malcolm grinned at Peppy maliciously. "Well, Peppy, since the deal isn't in effect yet…" He launched a barrage of magical blasts towards Branch and Creek. Branch deflected the blows while Creek fired more arrows. Malcolm obliterated every shot fired, and he sent a tidal wave of lightning towards his opponents. Branch created a shield in front of him and Creek. By then, Rosie and Bliss were finally free. When Malcolm directed lightning towards the Snack Pack, Rosie, and Bliss, Branch had to create another shield to protect them. The battle came to a stalemate then as the sorcerers put all their energy to attacking/defending.
"Poppy, you must get out of here." Peppy urged.
"I'm not leaving you here to die. No troll left behind." Poppy said with determination.
"You can't help me, Poppy. Not this time." Peppy said. "I'm doing this to protect you. To protect everyone."
"Things change." Poppy refused to move. She gasped when Peppy grabbed her by the shoulders and spun her around to face him. He had a look of pure distraught on his face.
"I didn't want you to see this." Peppy breathed. "You shouldn't have to watch this. I can only hope you understand why I'm doing it."
"Dad, you think it's the best way to protect the kingdom, but it's not." Poppy said. "You don't have to do this."
Peppy smiled, tears coming to his eyes. "I do. As a king, and as a father, I do." He hugged Poppy tightly. "I love you."
Poppy returned the embrace, desperate to not let go. "Dad—"
Suddenly, Peppy shoved her aside, and Poppy hit the ground hard. She heard a crackle of electricity, and the sickening thud of a body hitting the wall and then the floor. Poppy looked up to see her father in front of her, smoke curling off his body.
"DAD!" Poppy screamed.
Branch let out a shout of pure fury, and he threw his strongest magical blast towards Malcolm. The sorcerer dodged the attack and even ducked when Creek threw his dagger. Malcolm hopped onto the windowsill and leaped out into the cool night air. Reaper was there to catch him, taking the sorcerer far away from the tree.
"Damn it!" Branch slammed his fist into the wall.
"Dad!" Poppy rolled Peppy onto his back. He lay completely still and silent, a scorch mark on his chest from where Malcolm's magic hit. Poppy desperately tried to shake him awake. "No, no, no, don't do this to me." She still didn't get a response from Peppy. "Creek! The crystal!"
"Right, right!" Creek knelt beside Peppy and activated the Phoenix Tear Crystal.
"Symphony!" Branch whistled for his phoenix steed. Rosie and Bliss tried to step towards Peppy, but Cooper, Suki, Satin, Chenille, Guy Diamond, and Fuzzbert held them back.
Creek tried to press the glowing crystal to Peppy's chest. But soon after he did, the light went out. "Come on, come on!" Creek tried again, only to be met with the same results.
"Here, try this!" Branch arrived, holding a vial of Symphony's tears. He gently poured the healing liquid onto the wound. Again, nothing seemed to happen. "Why isn't is working?"
Once more, Creek tried the Phoenix Tear Crystal. It went out yet again. "Why is it doing that?" Poppy demanded. "Why won't it work?"
"Because it doesn't work on someone who's…." Creek swallowed, his hands clenching into fists. "…who's….already….dead…."
Poppy blanched. "No. No! He can't be…..he's…" She tried shaking Peppy again. "Dad, wake up! Get up, Dad, please! Please don't leave me!" Tears welled up in her eyes. "Please, please don't leave me, Dad." Reality hit her like a sledgehammer to the heart, and she collapsed into sobs. She hugged her father, crying into his chest.
It was silent in the tree except for Poppy's sobs. Rosie leaned on Cooper for support, and the llama troll held her close. Satin and Chenille both hugged Bliss tightly. Suki, Guy Diamond, and Fuzzbert wouldn't look towards Poppy or Peppy. Creek clipped the Phoenix Tear Crystal around his neck, his hands shaking. He and Branch stood and stepped away from Poppy to let her grieve. Even Symphony did not make a sound from her perch on the tree limb outside the window.
After a few minutes, Creek gulped down the lump in his throat. "Branch, we can't stay here." He whispered. "Blackwood may be gone, but the Western Woods are still dangerous."
Branch nodded slowly. He stared at Peppy. "Let's get him home."
The trolls rode Symphony in silence. The phoenix gently carried Peppy's body in her talons, ever-so-careful with the transport. When they arrived at the Troll Tree, many trolls and Bergens anxiously waited for them, including Bridget and Gristle. Tulip pointed out Symphony, and the trolls gathered around. Symphony willowy swooped down and lay Peppy on the ground before landing a short distance away. It didn't take long for the trolls to figure out their revered former king was dead. Cybil, Rosiepuff, Biggie, and Smidge arrived on the scene. Cybil cradled Ash in one arm while her free hand flew to her mouth in horror. Rosiepuff collapsed to her knees, in complete shock. Biggie and Smidge were speechless. The trolls riding Symphony slowly slid off her back. A couple trolls fetched a stretcher, and Branch and Creek worked together to bring Peppy to the royal pod. The king was placed on the bed in a guest room, his body covered with a sheet out of respect for the dead. Branch guided Poppy from the room, the pink queen still crying mournfully.
Rosie and Bliss were still in shock as they sat in the drawing room with Branch, Poppy, Cybil, Rosiepuff, and the Snack Pack. Cybil poured everyone some tea, but nobody really drank any.
"Girls, this is not your fault." Branch told Rosie and Bliss. "We just need to know what happened."
Rosie didn't speak, so Bliss outlined everything that happened from earlier that day, when she and Rosie were practicing music on the wall. She told them about how they followed Peppy into the forest, the discovery that Blackwood was really the former prince Malcolm, and the Magic Blood Oath Peppy made with Malcolm to protect the kingdom.
"He knew exactly what to say to get under Black—uh, Malcolm's skin." Bliss said. "He knew how to get Malcolm to do what he wanted. He did it all to protect us."
Rosiepuff set her teacup aside and rose from her seat. She left the room, completely silent. Cybil quickly followed her. Poppy also left, and Branch trailed after her. Satin and Chenille pulled their surrogate daughter into another hug.
"You two were so brave." Satin said.
"You did the right thing by following him." Chenille agreed.
"So why couldn't we save him?" Rosie murmured.
Cooper nuzzled his head against Rosie's skull. "There was nothing you could do. At least we have answers for the rest of the kingdom."
Rosie pulled off her hat, staring at it for a long moment. "I should've done something." She accepted Cooper's invitation to hug, and the rest of the Snack Pack gathered around for a group hug.
Creek noticed something change about Rosie. His eyes widened when he saw her hair develop more black streaks, and her pretty purple skin color faded. Oh no…
Cybil followed Rosiepuff out of the royal pod and onto the branches of the dead-silent Troll Tree. "Rosiepuff, wait!" The purple troll paused, and Cybil stopped behind her. "Did you know? Did you know that he was really…."
Rosiepuff slowly turned to face Cybil. "Yes. When he first took me all those years ago. I could recognize him even when grey."
"And you didn't tell anyone?" Cybil asked, sounding surprised.
"Because I wanted to keep believing Malcolm was dead!" Rosiepuff snapped. "He and I didn't have the best relationship by the time he was taken at Trollstice. It's a horrible thing to say, but it was almost a relief to hear he was taken. And then I have to run into him again and find out he's even crazier than I remember! And now he's…." Rosiepuff swallowed thickly, trying to keep her tears back.
Cybil slowly came closer and put her hand on Rosiepuff's shoulder. "This isn't your fault."
"I know it's not my fault." Rosiepuff sighed. "I didn't do anything to lead him on or make him think I was interested. But I was still his target. I'm the one he was obsessed with. What if I could've done something to prevent this?"
"Like what?" Cybil asked calmly.
"Like anything! I would've given anything to keep this from happening!" Rosiepuff turned away from Cybil, tears once more streaming down her cheeks. Cybil shushed her softly, pulling her into a comforting embrace.
Branch followed Poppy back into the room where they placed her father's body. Poppy stared at the bed, fresh tears in her eyes. When Branch touched her shoulder, Poppy spun around and buried her face into the crook of his shoulder. Branch held her close, rubbing her back soothingly.
"I can't do it, Branch." Poppy's voice was muffled as she spoke into Branch's neck. "I can't…...I can't…..b-b—" Her cries drowned out her voice.
It clicked in Branch's head. Burn him. A troll funeral involved burning the body of the deceased. It was the right of the family to burn the body, and Poppy was Peppy's only living blood family besides Malcolm or Rosie. This wouldn't be easy for her, but Branch wouldn't dare take away that right which belonged solely to Poppy.
Branch looked down in thought. "Maybe I can fix that."
After a few days, the Troll Tree Kingdom gathered for King Peppy's funeral. Gristle, Bridget, and the entire population of Bergen Town also came to mourn. Peppy's body was placed in a glass coffin, his cane resting beside him. After closing the lid to the coffin, Branch looked to the spell book Rosiepuff held out to him. He carefully recited the words from the book, his hands held out with his palms facing the coffin. A sparkly gold dust materialized in the air and settled over the coffin. When Branch finished, he looked exhausted, but satisfied. Remnants of the gold dust sparkled on the lid of the coffin.
"Now, as long as the lid remains shut, even time can't hurt him." Branch told Poppy. "It'll look like he's just sleeping."
Poppy gave a watery grin and nodded in thanks. She glanced out to the masses of trolls. She, Branch, Rosie, Cooper, and Rosiepuff stood up on a mushroom to address the kingdoms. "Can…um….can you start it?" Poppy requested to Branch. "I'm not quite ready."
"Of course." Branch kissed her cheek and approached the front of the stage. He stared out at the trolls. Several of them had faded colors and gray tips in their hair from their intense sadness. Branch cleared his throat. "Today we acknowledge a really terrible loss. King Peppy was, as you all know, one of the greatest kings in our history. He was brave and strong, and exceptionally kind. He did things that even his own father wouldn't dream of doing. He managed to run an entire kingdom and raise his daughter as a single parent at the same time. That's pretty incredible, and that only accounts for a few of the amazing things he did.
"King Peppy was, arguably, the greatest King of the Trolls who ever lived. Therefore, I think you have the right to know exactly how he died." Branch's fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white. "King Peppy was murdered by his brother, the former prince Malcolm." Just as he expected, Branch heard several gasps from the older trolls in the crowd. "Prince Malcolm was banished for crimes against the crown, and he returned as the sorcerer we know as Blackwood. Now, I'm not certain King Peppy would've wanted me to tell you this, but I think not to do so would be an insult to his memory."
Branch glanced back to his grandmother. Rosiepuff nodded minutely, indicating she agreed with his decision to tell the trolls the full truth. Branch took a moment to compose himself and calm his anger. "Now, the pain we feel from this horrible loss should remind us that even though we're all different colors, different personalities, different trolls, we're still one kingdom and our hearts beat as one. We unite together during times of sadness. I see the faded colors and grey tones in all of you, which is why we need to stick together now more than ever. Do that, and King Peppy will not have died in vain. Remember the bonds you have, be they bonds of family or friendship or just love in general. Remember that, and we will celebrate the life of a king who loved all of us so much that he was willing to give his life for us."
Looking back to his wife, Branch saw Poppy standing a little taller, more confident. He stepped aside and wrapped an arm around his daughter in a side-hug. Poppy stepped forward, and she inhaled and exhaled slowly. "My dad was and still is my hero. Growing up, I learned how to be a leader from him. Every day, I wondered if I would ever be as great of a ruler as him. Even today, I wonder that. After all, look at all the great things my dad did. But the memories I cherish the most are the ones when he was just my dad and not a king." Poppy smiled fondly. "The nights he would tell me stories and sing me lullabies. Those walks we took in the forest, when he kept pulling me back from every hole I wanted to crawl into. He wasn't afraid to let me explore, but he was always there to watch and make sure I didn't hurt myself. He was the best dad in the entire world." Tears came to Poppy's eyes again. She shut her eyes and took a few deep breaths. When she opened her eyes, her gaze went skyward. "I miss you, Dad. I knew that I would be leading the kingdom without you someday. But I didn't want you to go….especially not like this….."
Poppy sniffled, wiping her tears away. Branch, Rosie, Cooper, and Rosiepuff came up to envelope her in a group hug. Branch began to sing.
I've climbed mountains that touch the sky
Crossed the valleys and plains
Swam the swiftest rivers
And went dancing in the rain
Poppy sighed softly. She gathered her strength and took up the next verse.
I followed my heart
Every now and then I roam
But no matter where I go
I'll always come home
Rosie, Rosiepuff, and Cooper took up the next few lines. The rest of the trolls slowly started to join the chorus. Branch kept Poppy's eyes on him, willing his strength to become hers.
This is where we belong
It's the place we call home
It's where my family waits
And where my true colors shone
The entire Troll Tree Kingdom sang now: one, big, harmonious choir of melodious voices blending together in honor of their deceased king. Gristle, Bridget, and the rest of the Bergens were in awe. None of them wanted to try and sing with them, in fear of ruining the beautiful yet sorrowful scene.
No matter where I go
How far I may roam
This is my place
The place I call home
A/N: Whew. That was…actually really hard to write…
Harry Potter fans will recognize parts of that speech from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The song at the end is a poem by me. Not my best work, though.
If this chapter was much too depressing and not a great way to start the weekend, go back and read Chapter Five of Kung Fu Troll!