Chapter Twenty-Seven – Spirits of Our Family

"I'll tell you what, Branch." Malcolm called. "Surrender now, and you and your allies will live. Instead of executing you, I will simply imprison you for life. That must be a good deal, yes?"

"Any deal from you is a rotten one!" Peppy shouted.

"Why doesn't Branch say that?" Malcolm suggested. "Come on, Branch! Emperor of Moonlight Kingdom! What is your decree?"

"That little rat!" Rosiepuff lunged for Malcolm, but Eclipse held her back.

"Branch needs to finish this on his own." Eclipse said.

"Does he look like he can right now?" Rosiepuff demanded, pointing to Branch. The blue troll hadn't moved, still cradling Poppy in his arms.

"Malcolm has challenged him directly, so Branch must answer." Eclipse said. "But there is a way we can help."

"How?" Rosiepuff asked, listening closely for instructions.

"Do you remember the spell? The one, most important spell I have ever taught you?" Eclipse asked.

Rosiepuff thought for a moment. It took the entirety of that moment for her to remember that one, very special spell Eclipse taught her so long ago. "Say it with me?"

Eclipse nodded, and she and Rosiepuff spoke in unity.

Uanset hvor jeg går, ser de over mig

Jeg ønsker dem at være her nu

At lede mig

At holde mig

At elske mig

Kom til mig, jeg har brug for dig nu

For jeg kan ikke gøre det alene

Once the spellcasters finished their chant, lights appeared on the ground and illuminated the faces of the trolls. Smoky trails of light snaked up from the ground. The smoky lights took new forms, to the awe of everyone around them. Every light turned into a troll who glowed with a bright blue aura. Queen Joy appeared beside Peppy. Oaken materialized next to Rosiepuff. Larch, Zelenia, and Stellaluna took form beside Branch. Amber and Aurora went to Crimson. Even King Wolfrick showed up and stood by Peppy. Long-deceased members of the Flame of Happiness rebellion stood with their old comrades-in-arms. A small army of ghosts had been summoned thanks to Rosiepuff and Eclipse's spell.

"What now?" Poppy murmured. "Are they going to help us fight?"

"No. They can't." Rosie said. "Zelenia and Stellaluna said they can't help us fight. They said they'd just be watching us like they always do."

Branch scanned the crowd, and he suddenly remembered something he read in one of Eclipse's journals.

Their strength is mine. That alone makes me stronger. My family is my strength. As long as they stand behind me, I can do anything.

"Are they going to help at all?" Poppy wondered, starting to sit up.

Branch smiled softly. "They already have." He moved Poppy to let her kneel on her own, and he stood. "Rosie, Poppy, stay here."

"Dad?" Rosie piped up worriedly.

"Stay with your mother." Branch ordered calmly. He stepped towards Malcolm.

The dark spirit scoffed. "Come for another round? After you just lost so badly? Don't you see it? You can never defeat me. You're weak!" Malcolm lunged, punching Branch hard enough to send him flying backwards. Branch tumbled across the ground, coming to rest just a short distance from his family. He held up a hand to stop anyone from helping him. Shaking, Branch stood and faced Malcolm again.

"I'm not afraid of you, Malcolm." Branch said.

"Is that why you choose to face me alone?" Malcolm asked. "Rather unwise, don't you think?"

"Even if I am alone in the fight, my friends are always with me. Alive or in spirit, they are with me." Branch declared. "I will never truly be alone or weak! My friends are my power!"

"What power do you have to defeat me?" Malcolm demanded.

"Look around you, Malcolm!" Branch shouted. "Look at all these souls standing behind me! All of them trust me and believe in me. They support me in my fight! I have something to fight for. I fight for them. But you are completely alone. There is no one to stand with you! You know why? Because you don't care about anyone! You only care about yourself and a crown. Any crown, as long as it's yours." Branch paused. "Any crown…" He lifted the obsidian crown off his head and stared at it. The magic "scent" it once gave off suddenly became clear. "You put your soul into this, didn't you?"

A very brief look flashed in Malcolm's eyes, just slow enough for Branch to see he was right. "I'm not that predictable, Branch."

"Actually, I wouldn't have figured it out if I didn't know you well enough." Branch explained. "You always wanted a crown and a kingdom to run, ever since Peppy banished you. But taking the Troll Tree wasn't going to happen, especially after we beat you the first time. So you needed a backup option. Another kingdom you could control if the Troll Tree couldn't be taken. I didn't think there was another option until I read Eclipse's journal. You have a connection here. This is a kingdom you want."

"What do you think you're going to do, Branch?" Malcolm demanded.

"That's easy to answer." Branch shrugged, still rolling the crown around in his hands. "I'm going to destroy this and then you."

"You don't want to do that, Branch." Malcolm warned. "That crown is a symbol of your leadership and royalty. You can't destroy it."

"That's the difference between you and me, Malcolm. All these trolls know and respect me as their emperor. I don't need a crown to show it. Still, this is something that belonged to my grandmother and mother. I have so few things to remember them by." Branch rubbed the obsidian with his thumb. "Which will make this so much harder for me."

Using his magic, Branch shattered the obsidian crown. Malcolm gasped, holding his chest like he was having a heart attack. He didn't look so strong anymore. "Uh, Branch? Let's not be hasty."

Branch reached Malcolm in less than a second, and his magic-fueled punch sent Malcolm flying straight up into the air. Branch whistled, and Symphony flew up to pluck Branch off the ground and toss him onto her back. Then she grabbed Malcolm, and she flew off into the forest.

"Come on!" Poppy urged. "Let's go help him!"

"No." Eclipse ordered. "This is Branch's battle to finish himself. He doesn't need our help."

"But he needs you, Eclipse." Oaken said. "Go to him. He needs to know the truth."

Eclipse stared at Oaken, and then nodded. She transformed into a ghostly sphere and flew off.

Symphony carried Malcolm past the spiderweb wall and into the Western Woods. She landed right on top of him before hopping off and letting Branch approach the spirit. Branch didn't even need to use magic. He hit Malcolm with a right hook, and then a kick to the stomach. Malcolm was too weak to stop the attacks. Branch grabbed Malcolm with his hair and slammed him on the ground and into trees. He tossed the spirit to Symphony, who shook Malcolm around like a dog with a toy.

Branch watched for a moment. "Symphony, time to drop him."

Symphony stopped in her play. 'Aw, really?'

"Drop it, Symphony." Branch requested.

Symphony made a noise that Branch swore was a grumble. 'Fine. All yours.' She dropped Malcolm, and Branch marched up to him.

"Now, Branch, let's talk about this like gentlemen, shall we?" Malcolm suggested pathetically, rising to his knees. "There's no need to be rash."

"Oh, this isn't rash." Branch assured. "I've been waiting to do this for a long time."

Malcolm gasped as Branch thrust his glowing hand into the spirit's chest. Branch wrapped his fingers around something, as he hoped, and he pulled out a luminescent red sphere. If Branch's readings in Eclipse's library were correct, this was the other part of the soul attachment spell. This allowed Malcolm's spirit to take form. All Branch had to do now was break it.

"Branch, wait!" Malcolm pleaded. "Don't do it. There's something you need to know: I'm your grandfather."

Branch stared at him. "Oh?"

"I know you may not believe me, but it's true!" Malcolm insisted. "After I was banished, I went to Eclipse and her kingdom. She and I had a fling, and it resulted in your mother and aunt! I swear to you, Branch, I am your grandfather."

Branch glared at Malcolm. "I know."

"I never intended to kill you, Branch. I never would've killed you or even Rosie." Malcolm said. "You're my blood. I could never destroy someone who shared my blood. That seems to be something we have in common, yes? After all, it was my own brother who murdered me. You wouldn't do that."

Branch stared at Malcolm's soul in his hand. This was the one thing that bothered him the most. He knew this would be Malcolm's scapegoat. Family meant so much to Branch. He had been without one for so long that he became willing to take whatever family he could find. It made him believe one should always accept their family, despite any flaws they may have. Malcolm, however, had quite a few flaws himself. Did that mean Branch could throw away one of his most sacred beliefs and destroy him?

"Branch, please." Malcolm begged. "We're family, aren't we?"

Branch stared at Malcolm. "No." He crushed the orb in his hand before Malcolm could move or protest. Malcolm gasped, as though he was the one being choked. His form dissolved like sugar under hot water. This time, he didn't come back.

Symphony nuzzled Branch. 'I know that must've hurt a little. He was family, after all.'

"My grandfather Malcolm died when King Peppy stabbed him." Branch said. "This was a monster that we finally defeated." He and Symphony looked up as a ghostly light approached them. The light materialized into Eclipse's form, and the ghostly empress wore a proud smile. "Good to see you again, Nonna." Branch said.

Eclipse chuckled softly. "How lovely to see you, too. I'm so very proud of you, Branch."

"Thank you." Branch said. "I'm so glad to see you."

"I'm sorry for not introducing myself sooner." Eclipse chuckled. "But I've been watching you, Branch. Thank you for coming all this way, and for saving my kingdom from Malcolm."

Branch looked to where Malcolm knelt before him. He ran his hands through his hair. "He was my grandfather. I can't believe he was actually related to me all this time. I just hope I don't end up like him at all."

Eclipse looked down. "Branch, Malcolm was many things. But he was not your grandfather."

Branch stared at her incredulously. "What? Really?"

"Of course not." Eclipse said. "Malcolm was infertile. He couldn't conceive children even if he wanted to."

Branch laughed in his relief. "Oh my hair that's such great news!" He looked down thoughtfully. "But then who is my mother's father? And why did you let Malcolm believe he was the father?"

"When I recruited Malcolm to help me with my revenge, my goal was to bring Rosiepuff to Moonlight Kingdom where she would be safe." Eclipse explained. "I wanted my closest friends to be with me here. I had thought that Malcolm would be a strong troll to sire an heir. It took far too long for me to realize he had no way of doing that. I let him believe he was the father of my children so I could control him. Get him to bring Rosiepuff, Joy, and Cybil here. But, as soon as he found out I was pregnant, he ran off."

Branch still looked relieved. "So, then, who is my grandfather?"

"Him, you have already met." Eclipse said. "I took some hairs from Finn, the Master Hunter, to magically conceive my daughters on my own. Similarly to how your friend Cooper was created."

"Finn? Finn is Stella's birth father?" Thinking back on it, Branch did notice some similarities between himself and Finn. Some of those traits even carried into Rosie. "That's…..that's so great! That is such a relief!"

Eclipse smiled. "I'm glad you think so. Feel free to tell Finn, if you'd like. He never knew he fathered my daughters."

"Why don't you tell him yourself?" Branch suggested.

"Oh, I don't think I'll be coming back." Eclipse said. "The rest of the spirits and I must go back to where we belong, watching over you from above. I just have one more thing to ask from you, though I know I do not deserve it."

"What's that?" Branch asked.

"Your forgiveness." Eclipse said. "For all the horrible things I've done."

Branch understood. "Eclipse, you did make some mistakes, but I don't blame you for that. I know your story from multiple sides, including the side told from your journals. There's nothing to forgive."

Eclipse sighed. "There is something I have done to you, Branch, that cannot be forgiven. Something you would not find in my journals."

"Can't be all that bad." Branch shrugged with a smile.

Eclipse stared at Branch. "I tried to kill you."

Branch blinked a few times. "Okay, that's a little bad. Care to explain?"

"Well, after Rosiepuff asked me to come back, I saw an opportunity to start anew." Eclipse began the story. "But being murdered got in the way of that. When Zelenia left for the Troll Tree, I followed her to keep her safe. I watched over her, watched you grow, and I was so excited to hear you and her were doing well. But then came the complications. Something was going wrong. I feared that Zelenia would not survive, and I decided that she could have another child but I couldn't lose my other daughter. So, I made the decision to kill you in order to save Zelenia's life. Perhaps you were told of your complicated birth?"

"I was told that some kind of strange crystallization happened to my birthing pod." Branch said. "That Grandma had to basically cut me out."

"That crystallization was my fault, Branch." Eclipse said. "I tried to kill you so that my daughter would live. But I did not expect Zelenia to put so much power into saving you. I tried to kill my grandson and killed my daughter instead." She got a faraway look in her eyes. She felt like she was back in that room, watching Rosiepuff help Zelenia give birth to Branch. "When you came out, I could feel the power radiating off you like heat from a candle. So much power and potential, and I nearly destroyed you. I became filled with pride when I saw you. You inherited the wonderful power that has been in my family for centuries. As you can probably imagine, I was so remorseful because I tried to destroy such a beautiful descendent of my clan. I was touched to hear Rosiepuff speak so fondly of me to you. It made me so happy to hear my friend trying to keep my memory alive. You were so beautiful, Branch. I have regretted for years trying to kill you."

Branch has listened carefully to the story, and he smiled. "It was a bad situation. If things had worked out better, you would've been alive to help me with the magic. In a perfect world, Mom and Dad would still be here. But that's all in the past. At least you didn't try to kill me after I was born."

"No. In fact, I swore I would keep you safe, especially from the horrors of Moonlight Kingdom." Eclipse said. "So when I heard Zelenia say she wanted you to return here and take the throne, I knew I had to do something. I had to make sure you never experienced the horrors of this kingdom."

"It's not that bad." Branch said with an encouraging smile.

"Oh yes it is." Eclipse said. "That's why I came back as a spirit to drive the trolls away so they would be safe. I had hoped to scare the trolls away and force them to move Moonlight Kingdom elsewhere. After Malcolm died, his spirit came to Moonlight Kingdom and began causing more damage." She shook her head. "My plans went a little haywire after that. Then you came along and….."

"I'm glad I came back." Branch said. "I'm glad that I came to help Moonlight Kingdom return to its former glory."

"Glory." Eclipse scoffed.

"Nonna," Branch noticed Eclipse's mouth twitch with a smile at hearing that. "I'm happy to have learned your story, to be the leader of the kingdom you created. Please don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Also, though you do not need to ask for forgiveness, you have mine if that is what you want. I want you to be free to do as you choose and not feel trapped in this world. Be free, Eclipse, and remember that there are quite a few trolls who love you."

Eclipse smiled, and she hugged Branch. "I love you so much, Branch. You have done such amazing things, and I am very proud."

"I love you, too." Branch sighed, tears coming to his eyes. He had spent so long wishing he had a family. It took a while, but he finally had it. He had his wife and daughter; he had Peppy; he had his grandmother; and he had the spirits of his family always watching over him.

"Branch, I have just one more request before we part ways for now." Eclipse said.

"Anything." Branch said.

"Let Moonlight Kingdom die." Eclipse expected Branch's surprised reaction. "Abandon this place."

"But it's your home. It's the place you and Mom left for me." Branch protested. "Don't you want to save it?"

"No. This place is flawed and broken." Eclipse said. "I made a mistake by creating this kingdom, especially in a place as horrible as the Western Woods. Take your people, Branch, and leave this kingdom to die."

Branch looked down. "If that's what you want, then I'll do it."

Eclipse kissed his head. "Go back to your family and friends, Branch."

Branch nodded and climbed onto Symphony's back. "I'll see you around, Nonna."

Eclipse smiled warmly. "I certainly hope so." She watched Branch and Symphony take off, still smiling the whole way. "A long life to you, my grandson."


While Branch dealt with Malcolm and talked with Eclipse, the trolls in Moonlight Kingdom spent some time with their deceased loved ones. It was a joyous occasion, and many happy tears were shed. The old rebellion members reconnected with their friends, and some of the old members even led the Moonlight Kingdom residents back into the village.

Amber hugged and kissed David and Aka. "Look at you two! You've grown up beautifully! I bet you make your parents awfully proud."

"I hope we make you proud as well." Aka said.

"Very proud, my darling." Amber looked to Crimson, who couldn't stop crying happily. "Thank you, Crimson, for finding a new family. Thank you for letting yourself be happy."

Crimson rubbed the back of his head. "Well, it took a while, but Jasmine was a great help."

Jasmine chuckled, cradling the ghostly baby Aurora in her arms. "I am happy to help."

"You've been good to my husband. Thank you." Amber said.

Moxie was approached by an older troll who looked much like herself. "Grandma?"

"My Moxie!" Lily cooed, pulling her granddaughter into a hug. "You were great! You did it! I'm so proud of you!"

"You should've seen her out there!" Cooper cheered as he and Suki came up behind the teen.

"Cooper, I did see her out there." Lily reminded him gently. "I saw you and Suki, too. And guess who else saw you?" She looked to the crowd of ghosts, and two of them walked up to them. DJ recognized one of the ghosts and chirped happily, nuzzling the female troll.

"Mom?" Suki guessed.

"Well done, Suki." Fern hugged her daughter. "You found DJ, and the two of you fit like puzzle pieces. Great job, sweetheart."

Suki wiped away her happy tears. "Thanks, Mom. I love you."

Cooper stared at the third ghost who had approached. This troll had dreadlocks like his. "Dad?"

Clove chuckled and tousled Cooper's hair. "Go back to wearing the green hat, kiddo. It suits you. Though I am loving the beads in the hair and that cut over your eye. Yeah, that's gonna scar real good!"

"Clove!" Lily scolded. "Don't scare the boy."

"I ain't scared!" Cooper said. "And thanks, Dad. Did I do good?"

"Good? You were great." Clove hugged his son. "I created you for a purpose, and I wish I could've been around longer to be the father you needed. But I'm so proud of who you have become."

Cooper smiled broadly. "Love ya, Dad."

Rosie hugged Larch, Zelenia, and Stellaluna. "Thanks for keeping an eye on us."

"Our pleasure!" Stellaluna said.

Poppy smiled at the ghosts. "So you're Branch's parents and aunt. Nice to meet you at last."

"You've treated our son quite well, Queen Poppy. Thank you." Zelenia said.

Larch looked to his mother. "All those years I worried you. Was worrying me during this fight some sort of payback?"

"You could say that." Rosiepuff shrugged with a grin.

"Thanks, Mom." Larch sighed.

"Yeah, thanks for almost dying on us." Oaken laughed, hugging Rosiepuff.

"I'll have you know I had everything perfectly under control." Rosiepuff said, rubbing her throat.

Peppy looked up at Joy walked to him, and he hugged her tightly. "It's been a long time, Peppy." Joy said. "You seem to be doing well."

"I've missed you." Peppy said.

"Mom!" Poppy came up to hug her mother. She couldn't stop crying happily. "How am I doing with this whole Queen thing? Am I doing okay? Is there something I can do better? Have I—"

Joy shushed her daughter. "You're amazing just the way you are, my flower."

"Told you so." Peppy said, hugging Poppy.

"And hey!" Oaken laughed. "Good on you for keeping your promise, Rose."

"What promise?" Rosiepuff asked.

"Oh, you know." Oaken winked at Joy, and the two ghosts pushed Peppy and Rosiepuff together. The older trolls blushed, chuckling.

Someone cleared his throat. The trolls looked up to see Wolfrick coming up now. The old king of the Troll Tree stared at each of them in turn. His eyes settled on Rosiepuff, who stared back at him resolutely.

"I still don't like you." Wolfrick told her.

"The feeling is mutual." Rosiepuff assured.

"Rosiepuff." Peppy groaned. He noticed Wolfrick stepping closer to him, and he instinctively straightened up in front of his father.

Wolfrick stared at Peppy for a long minute. So many things to say. Things he hadn't said before he died, and new things he wanted to say after watching his family for so long. But there was one thing he absolutely needed to say right now.

Placing his hands on Peppy's shoulders, Wolfrick smiled the smallest of smiles. "I am proud of you, Peppy."

Such a simple sentence, but it meant the world to Peppy. This was the closest Wolfrick ever came to hugging his son or even saying "I love you." Peppy lost his nerve and hugged Wolfrick. The ghost king sighed, patting his son on the head. Wolfrick was never one for open displays of affection, but he would let this slide after what happened.

Oaken looked up. "It's time for us to go."

"Will we ever see you again?" Rosie asked.

"Some of you always see us." Oaken reminded her. "No matter what, we're always watching over you."

The ghosts all began fading away, turning into comets of light that flew away and disappeared. As the last of the comets faded away, Symphony appeared with Branch on her back. She landed in a clear spot and Branch slid off her. He was immediately tackled in a group hug by his family members.

"How is everyone?" Branch asked.

Crimson walked up to answer that question. "We are bruised, but alive. Miraculously, we lost no one."

"I'll bet Malcolm wanted to keep us alive so he actually had trolls to boss around." Rosie said. "Is Malcolm gone?"

"He's not going to bother us again." Branch assured. He scanned the area around him. "This place is trashed."

"We will rebuild, as we always have." Crimson said. "We've done it before."

Rosiepuff raised an eyebrow. "You want to rebuild? Look around you, Crimson. There's hardly a building left standing apart from the castle."

"Nothing we can't fix." Crimson said.

Branch remembered Eclipse's words. "I have a better idea." He gestured for Symphony to help him, and she helped the troll climb onto her back. Branch called out to his people, catching everyone's attention. "Everyone! I cannot believe that you would really continue to live here. The shadow spirit is gone, yes. But the Western Woods are forbidden where I am from, and for good reason. This forest is not safe. We should leave while we have a chance."

"A lovely notion, Your Majesty." Electra said. "But how can we travel safely?"

"I will guide you. I will protect you." Branch vowed. "Eclipse was originally the one who tried to drive you from Moonlight Kingdom. Not out of spite, but to protect you. To encourage you to leave for a better life. This is not a home for you. This is not a place where you can be yourselves. You will always live in fear as long as you stay here. Your children can't play safely. Don't you want to live somewhere you can be happy? I have enjoyed being your emperor, and I always will be your emperor. But I have made my decision." Branch hopped off Symphony. He wrapped one arm around Poppy's shoulders and hugged Rosie with his free arm. "I'm going back to the Troll Tree with my family. I promise to guide you to a safe home and ensure your happiness and sanctuary. If you choose to come and join the Troll Tree Kingdom, I will make sure everyone makes it there safe and sound. If you decide to stay here, then I will name Crimson your leader and protector, since he seemed to do quite well before."

"I'm afraid you can't do that, Emperor Branch." Crimson said, earning looks of surprise not just from Branch but from many other trolls as well. Crimson held Jasmine close. "I wish to go with you and make a new life for my family. This land has been harsh, and I want my children to continue their lives in a happier place."

"I want to go with you as well." Hawk said.

"Our entire family will go." Eagle added as Tyto and Kessie stood with the rebel members.

"Us, too." Amethyst piped up. Many more trolls voiced their agreements, and it spread like ripples in water. Every Moonlight Kingdom troll agreed that they wanted a new life and a new home.

"I guess it's settled." Poppy said.

"There's just one problem, Your Majesty." Fire said. "If possible, can we not live in the Troll Tree?" The other trolls nodded.

"No offense to Queen Poppy's home, but we really don't feel comfortable with bergens." Finn said. More agreements from the Moonlight Kingdom trolls.

"They have a point, Branch." Rosiepuff said. "Speaking from experience of living with these trolls, they aren't going to be very happy living next to bergens. Not after all they've been through."

Branch hummed in thought. "I hadn't thought about that. Where else can they go?"

"Branch," Peppy lit up. "I think I have an idea." He pulled Branch aside, and the two kings spoke in hushed tones. Peppy tended to talk with his hands, and would become more animated the more excited he became. Evidently, he had what he believed was a grand idea. Branch had a thoughtful look on his face, which then developed to a bright smile.

"That's genius!" Branch said loud enough for the other trolls to hear. He and Peppy hurried back, and Branch looked out to his kingdom. "Everyone, listen up! We have a plan!"


A/N: There you go! Hope you enjoyed the final fight! Sadly, we're coming on our final chapter. Stay tuned!

BTW, this quote: "Even if I am alone in the fight, my friends are always with me. Alive or in spirit, they are with me." Branch declared. "I will never truly be alone or weak! My friends are my power!" was courtesy of neomoon585. Thanks!