Trollex hovered just outside of the room in which Sheo, Vespa, and Myla were being cared for. He held Fluffy, the Guardians smaller form, gently in his arms. He ran his fingers through Fluffy's soft fur, staring out the window across the hall from them.

He had wanted to be inside, but Lily had insisted that he wait outside. He had to admire her determination though. She couldn't even stand on her own right now, instead taking up Barb's offer to give her a wheel chair and have one of the staff help her about.

He perked up when he heard footsteps coming down the hall, and he glanced over. It was Branch! "Branch? What are you doing over here?" He watched as the king of Pop sat on the bench across the hall from him, Fluffy leaping out of his arms and running to Branch, rubbing against his leg.

Branch chuckled softly, patting his lap to invite Fluffy up, which they happily did. "Not allowed to visit my friend? Trollex I know you're used to being up here, but you really should get checked out! It's been a week; your body would still have problems with the transition."

Trollex did feel terrible, and had been spacing out a lot since he returned. He felt lethargic and cold, but he didn't really think it was worth checking into. He waved a hand to dismiss Branch's worries. "I'll be fine, Branch." He grinned mischievously. "After all, I did punch the big bad guy in the face."

He went silent for a moment, his hand stilling in Fluffy's fur. "You… did what to the who now?"

The king of Techno chuckled, and began to tell Branch the story of what happened between the Abyss and the surface. As expected, Branch was on the edge of his seat, listening with rapt attention. Once Trollex concluded, Branch leaned back in his seat, staring at the floor between them as he sorted through the story in his mind.

He was willing to give Branch time to think, but as silence spread longer and longer between them, Trollex couldn't help but break the silence. "Something on your mind, Branch?"

A small nod was the only response for a few more moments, before Branch lifted his head and looked at Trollex. "What do you think it meant? When it said 'you don't know a trolls voice'? You said it looked a little like a troll, but skeletal… Was it a troll before, do you think?"

He perked up a bit at the thought. "I… honestly hadn't put much thought into that… But I think whatever it was; it was definitely a troll before…" He hugged his arms, shivering a bit. "At one point, when it was getting into my head and under my scales, I… I had a moment where I thought 'the same as him'…" He looked away. "I just thought it was my mind playing tricks on me…"

Branch hummed in thought. "I don't think so… but I think I might have an idea… it's just an idea, mind, so I wouldn't put TO much stock into it…" At the curious look Trollex gave him, he continued. "Well… we know that whatever the Darkness was, it was connected to you, and to the Rainbow troll in the story… Do you think that maybe, that WAS the troll from the story…?"

"I… actually think you're right, Branch. I can't really explain it, but… that feels right." He glanced at the green crystal at the tip of the staff. "It would explain a lot about the Dark Ambient trolls, and why they were singled out and sealed. The rainbow troll from the story was a part of their tribe, and angered the clouds. They sealed him, or… I guess used HIM to seal their race…?"

Trollex and Branch nearly leapt out of their skin when the door opened to the room, and Lily was wheeled out by a rock troll. She looked back at the troll, and gave a small bow of her head. "Thank you, leave me here and go take a break." The rock troll nodded, smiling as she made her way to the nearest break room.

Lily looked between the two royals. "You're not entirely wrong. But there is a bit missing." She looked at Trollex. "Do you remember the eruption that broke the continent? I'm sure King Sheo told you." He gave a small nod, and she continued. "That was caused to destroy the Dark Ambient trolls, to punish the rainbow ancestor. He sacrificed himself to protect the rest, but it was a warped punishment… he became the darkness that sealed us, and so for generations, we hated him." She sighed and shook her head. "It drove him mad… and he sought to punish other rainbow trolls as he had been."

Trollex rubbed at his arms, feeling a shiver crawl through his scales. "Yikes…" His ears drooped a bit. "I could have ended up like him…" He hugged himself a bit, unable to get the chill to leave.

That seemed to catch Lily's attention. "Trollex, have you been checked yet?"

He shook his head a bit, smiling nervously. "N-Nah, but I'm fine! Just kinda freaked out…" He looked down at her, but found it a bit difficult to focus.

She harrumphed, and looked over at Branch. "Can you do me a favor…? Grab him by the tail fins and follow me." She began wheeling herself down the hall, Branch leaping up and grabbing onto Trollex before he can make a fuss. After a few moments of struggles, he relented and allowed himself to be pulled through the air by a chuckling Branch.

It wasn't long after that the two had him set down in a bed, Lily giving him a checkup. All three paused as they heard trolls coming down the hall, and it was clear they were running. Branch leapt to his feet and faced the door; taking up a defensive stance should he need to fight.

He blinked in surprise when he saw Poppy rip the door open, panting. "I…I found him!" She ran into the room and next to his bed, trying to catch her breath.

A moment later, the room was filled with the other leaders, all trying to talk to him at once. He was having trouble choosing who to answer first, before Lily slammed her fist on a nearby table, and glared at all the additional trolls in the room. "Out."

They left as quickly as they had appeared, though it was clear they were waiting just outside, based on the chatter he was still hearing. He looked over to Lily, about to thank her, when he saw her clutching her chest and panting a bit. He sat up in the bed. "Lily, are you ok?"

She sighed, shaking herself out a bit. "Scary…! Ooh, I hate crowds…" He was a bit shocked to hear that.

"Wait, really…? But you're a doctor; don't you deal with crowds all the time?"

She shook her head. "Hm… not really, I'm more of a one patient one helper kind of doctor… to many people and it becomes difficult to help…" She moved back to his bedside, rubbing her lower right wrist. "Though I think I might need a pain killer after that…"

He chuckled softly, allowing her to gently push him back down to the bed. "Now rest, King Trollex. I'll tell them they can come see you once I leave, but you should be alright. Your body is just coming down from an adrenalin high, so you'll be a bit weak and tired." She made her way out of the room, and looked back at him, offering a small smile. "And… thank you. For saving us all."

Once Lily left, Trollex had a moment of quiet. He knew it wouldn't last long, and he didn't mind that at all. He'd missed all his family and friends, and was glad he could see them again. He closed his eyes and rested his head back, letting himself relax.

After a few moments, Cooper poked his head in. Trollex opened his eyes and smiled. "Cooper! Been a while, huh? Come on in."

The Funk prince did, his ears pointed down as he gave Trollex a worried look. "Branch filled us in a bit. Are you ok? That all sounded SUPER scary…" He approached the bedside and sat on a stool, resting his head on Trollex's lap.

He smiled, and gave Cooper a light hug around the neck. "Yeah, I'm fine Cooper. I'm just a little tired is all. What about everyone? I figured you'd all come in at once."

Cooper laughed nervously. "Well, dad's outside calming mom, Trollzart is trying to calm Delta, and my brother is guarding the door to make sure no one storms in…"

Trollex gulped a bit, and perked his ears. Sure enough, he could hear arguing from outside, though they were doing an admirable job of keeping it down. He smiled nervously at Cooper. "How much more trouble would I be in if I snuck out?" He felt the pressure increase on his lap, and earned a half-hearted glare from Cooper. "Ok, ok, I was just kidding."

A moment later, Cooper sighed. "Everyone's been so messed up man. We've all been worried sick! Even mum and dad have been in a terrible funk…" He closed his eyes. "You're going to stop doing this kind of stuff, right? I don't think the older trolls can handle the strain… I think Trollzart nearly lost all his hair!"

He couldn't help but chuckle at the mental image that brought to mind, and smiled. "I'm done Cooper. I have a feeling my biggest problem from here on out will be finding a place to help the Dark Ambient troll settle down."

"Wait, really?" Cooper lifted his head and looked at him, his usual cheer returned as his ears perked up. "Pop village! We have a lot of territory there that is just sitting empty! There's even a grove with really thick trees that stays dark and cool, even during the day!" He laughed, springing to his feet. "I'll go ask Poppy what she thinks!"

He bolted for the door, and a moment later Trollex heard a crashing sound. He grinned, figuring that was the sound of Cooper colliding with Prince D just outside the door.

Next it was time for him to face the wrath of Essence and Delta, who stepped into the room, looming over him. He gulped, sinking into the bed a bit. "Uhhh… Hi aunty Delta, hi, aunty Essence…"

Essence perked up a bit, but Delta elbowed her lightly. "Stay strong…!" Though it was clear Delta was having just as hard a time as Essence was at keeping her angry composure.

Trollex smiled nervously, tugging the blankets a little closer as he sunk slowly into hiding under them. "Uhhh… Did you guys need… something…?"

Delta nodded, stamping a hoof. "Yer darn tootin' we do! We need you to stop bein' a reckless fool!"

Essence stepped forward, using her height to her advantage. "Trollex, you keep disappearing, and when next we hear from you, either you're hurt, sick, or trapped in an inescapable bubble under the ocean! How does that even happen?"

He looked down at the blanket, gripping them slightly. He sighed softly and looked at the two of them. "I'm sorry. I really am. But to be honest? I don't regret any of what I did. I helped trolls that needed me, both my trolls, and the Dark Ambient trolls." He smiled at them. "But don't worry; I'm done being a crazy kid now."

The two elder trolls looked at each other, stunned into absolute silence. "I… uh, we weren't 'sepcting THAT kinda answer…We kinda figured you'd charm us, like usual." Delta was clearly having issues in figuring out how to deal with the unexpected reaction.

Essence nodded. "We're happy for you, Trollex, but… you've changed so much! You seem so mature now…" She sniffled a bit, stepping forward and hugging him gently. "My baby boy, all grown up…!"

He laughed, hugging Essence back as well. Delta smiled as she watched the two, but perked up when she heard the door slide open behind her. She glanced over and saw Trollzart and Quincy poking their heads inside. Delta waved them in, but nearly laughed when he saw that when they poked their heads inside, Trollzart was clinging to Quincy's neck.

Trollzart lifted himself off of Quincy's neck, hovering in the air. "Trollex…! I'm glad you've returned safely… we heard what happened in that terribly dark place. Are you sure you are alright?"

Quincy nodded vigorously, his glasses falling askew, which earned a laugh from him. "Guys, guys! I keep saying, I'm fine! I'd get up and show you, but I have a feeling you'd all be mad."

They all nodded at that. He laughed again, holding his stomach. He loved all of these trolls. They were all precious to him, and he knew they all loved him. It's the reason they were so worried for him. He felt a stinging in his eyes, and heard a small gasp from Essence as he felt his cheeks grow wet. "Trollex, are you sure you're alright…?"

He nodded, rubbing his eyes with his wrist. "Yeah, I just…" He smiled at them all, though it had a bit of sadness. "Just… thank you. All of you." He reached a hand into his hair and pulled out his shell, looking down at it. It had lost its glow, but it was still beautiful.

Essence looked at it, then at him. "Your shell... Branch said it was important, but… why?"

He looked up at her, then to the other leaders present, Poppy and branch having now joined in with Cooper and Prince D. "It was the last thing my dad ever gave my mom, and the only thing that survived the shark attack. I think, cause of that, it just… became a link between me and them. When I was trapped in that darkness, it showed me my parents… and you guys, too. Same with the other friends I had made…"

Poppy looked down at the shell, humming in thought. "And you've been keeping it in your hair?"

He nodded, but rubbed at his shoulder absently. "Yeah, but that's not the best place to keep it…"

She closed her eyes, tapping at her chin. "Hmm… I wonder…" She reached a hand up to her hair, and plucked a strand, wincing slightly as she did. She stepped over to Trollex, holding the hair in her hand. "Maybe we can make a necklace instead!"

Branch stepped forward, having pulled out a strand of his own hair as well. "We can make a thicker cord with more hair. That'll keep it from breaking."

A look passed between the gathered trolls, before they all plucked a strand of hair as well. Trollex watched in stunned silence as Poppy gathered the strands, using her artistic skills to quickly weave a strong looking cord, which looked woven of rainbows. She then held out her hand, smiling brightly. "May I?"

He nodded, setting the shell in her open palm. He tilted his head curiously as she fiddled with it a moment, tying a few nots and crossing the cord over itself a few times before she held it up at both ends, and Trollex gasped.

The cord was now wrapped gently around the heart shaped shell, holding it in a way that looked nearly unbreakable. He reached out, and Poppy gently set it in his hand. As he turned it over, he admired the fact that the cord of braided hair had a faint sparkle to it. He tied it around his neck, and let it hang. It fell into position right over his heart, and he grinned at them, tears threatening to spill again. "You guys… thank you…!"

He felt so warm and happy right now, he didn't notice the sound of approaching footsteps. By the time he registered someone's approach, they were already opening the door. When he saw who it was, his ear fins wiggled a bit. "Dryya?!"

The dark ambient troll stepped into the room, looking…. Only slightly less terrifying without her helmet and claw blades. She stepped up to Trollex's bedside, and he was reminded distinctly of Delta when she loomed over him. "Uh, hey there Dryya, what has you up and about? Shouldn't you be resting…?"

Dryya did look terrible tired, and still nauseous, but clearly the warrior wasn't letting that stop her. Still, what she did next, he hadn't expected. She knelt, hanging her head. "King Trollex, we thank you. I thank you. For generations, we lived in fear and isolation… but now, we are free." She looked up at him, a rare smile tugging at her stiff features. "Thank you." She stood again, her wings spreading slightly to help her keep her balance.

Trollex REALLY wasn't sure how to respond to this, but he luckily didn't have to break the tension himself. That was accomplished beautifully by Trollzart, who seemed to have noticed her torn wing, and let out a falsetto shriek that could crack glass.

Every troll present covered their ears, but it was a lucky thing that Trollzart had been hovering over Branch of all trolls. As soon as the scream cut off, Branch was able to catch Trollzart as he fell from the sky. "What in the name of music just happened…?"

Quincy glanced at Trollzart, then at Dryya, and winced slightly. "Yikes… might be that wing of yours, miss."

Dryya glanced back at her torn wing, then back to the king of Funk, her tough demeanor returned to her. "I'm part Country; I'm not going to let a torn wing stop me."

Delta perked up at that, stepping forward. "What'cha mean, part Country? Ain't ya a Dark Ambient?"

She nodded. "Yes, but my mother was a Country troll. She was brought to the Abyss after nearly drowning in her home, apparently."

"Did this mum of yers happen to look anythin' like me? Brown hair…?" Delta dared not get her hopes up, but… "Goes by the name 'Aloe Vera'?"

With a nod, Dryya set a hand on her hip, her tail lashing slightly. She didn't like her mom being brought up, but she was curious how this Country troll knew her mum. Had they met?

Delta looked faint, holding her head a bit. "I… She survived…she…" Delta shook her head, stepped forward, and held out her hand. "I'm Delta Dawn, leader of the Country trolls, and by the sounds of it… Yer mum was my sister."

The two stared at each other for a while, the tension growing once more within the room. That's when Clampers poked her head out of Delta's hair, looking about. "What's goin' on, Aunty?"

The difference was nearly night and day with Dryya, as she smiled brightly at Clampers. "Oh my, well aren't you a cutie?" She returned her attention to Delta, the tension successfully devoured by Clampers perfectly timed entrance. "Sounds like you're my aunt, as well. It's nice to meet more family."

As the two shook hands, Delta and Dryya began their own discussion, talking about Aloe as they tried to learn more about her life both before, and after her disappearance.

Trollex smiled, but soon tried to stifle a yawn. Quincy noticed, and smiled down at the young king. "Maybe we should go. You seem tired, Trollex."

His ear fins perked up at that, sounding oh so familiar… He smiled, and nodded. "I want to get a bit of rest… but first, I have to ask everyone…" When he saw everyone was paying attention, save of course for Trollzart, he continued. "Um, someone will have to fill Trollzart in later, but… The Dark Ambient trolls need somewhere to live… They need help up here, but… I'm just one troll; I'm not sure where to go from here…"

Poppy laughed, clapping her hands together. "Trollex, would you just relax? We'll take care of this. We have plenty of room in Pop troll forest!"

"We got some empty houses in Lonesome flats, if'n there're any of the Dark Ambient trolls that wanna live there."

"Same with Vibe city. All are welcome in our home." Quincy nuzzled Essence, who nodded in agreement. Even Cooper and D seemed excited at the prospect of new trolls coming to hang out.

Branch looked down at Trollzart and smiled. "Trollex, I think even Trollzart will want to help where he can. I think you know we're not going to let you do this alone."

Trollex smiled brightly, a hand resting over the shell. "Thanks, you guys…" He yawned again, which everyone present took as their cue to take their leave. Each in turn saying goodbye to Trollex as he lay down on the bed, sighing softly. As he drifted off to sleep, he couldn't help but feel proud of how far all the trolls had come since the strings had divided them.

A few days later, and Trollex was back on his fins and helping to organize joint classes with the Classical trolls to teach the Dark Ambient trolls to better handle flight in the upper world. He spent a lot of times with Myla, Vespa, and Sheo, who were constantly wandering off, usually following after some glow bug or other colorful or bright critter.

He couldn't entirely blame them; he was nearly the same with everything new and wonderful when he came to the surface. Since he had returned, he'd spent nearly no time in Techno reef, acting as an Ambassador between the Dark Ambient trolls and the other tribes.

Beat always followed Trollex, never leaving his side unless absolutely needed. He had MORE than enough of Trollex sneaking off to get into trouble, and no amount of assurance from the mischievous king could quell his worry.

There was still much to be done, but Trollex knew he'd never have to do it alone. Not anymore. He smiled brightly to himself as he held onto the shell.

It had been beaten, worn out, cracked, and to anyone else would have seemed broken. But he knew better.

He was better. He'd be just fine.

…..

This is it… it's done. Faded Rainbows main story has finally been concluded! I hope you all enjoyed this wild ride, and I can't thank you all enough. You all have given me the courage to pursue things outside of my comfort zone, so to all of you who stuck with me to the end, you all helped shaped this story. Your reactions, your comments, your art, videos… everything. You all gave me the energy and courage I needed to get through a dark place in my life.

So to all my readers, past, present and future, you all are fantastic! Stick around, cause I'm not done just yet! Next up, the SU crossover!