The Poppy and Branch Picture Show
Chronos checked his watch, snapping his fingers, saying it was time to go, he had to check on another universe and could not leave the two alone for an extended period of time, opening his book.
"But what about their quest for the Pop String? Will they find it," Poppy asked, not wanting to leave so soon as Chronos explained these events would end, saying they didn't find the string but discovered the music was in them the whole time.
"It's basic fairy tale stuff," Chronos said scrolling through his book, opening another portal for the trio to travel through. he instructed them to say goodbye to this universe as it disappeared behind them only from them to arrive in the woods, a heavy rain drenching them as Chronos checked his book.
"They should be coming along at any moment," he said, sitting on a rock and another version of Poppy and Branch were walking through the woods, it was another version of Poppy and Branch, soaked and trudging along the muddy ground.
"I Can't believe you," Branch said, forming his hair into an umbrella as Poppy was doing the same as she crossed her arm, stating she never asked Branch to come along, despite being the reason he was driven out of his bunker.
"Our Friends are in danger Branch, we have to go to Burgentown to save them" The Princess stated Branch snapped back, saying they were 'her' friends and Branch didn't care what happened to them.
"Weird" I don't remember this part" Branch said, concluding they were at the night of Poppy's 18th birthday when she threw a huge celebration drawing a Burgen who scooped up her friends.
"Some events change, and this is where their journey splits from yours, It's a journey they'll remember for a long time," Chronos said as the two alt versions kept trudging through the rainy woods. Branch took a glance rubbing his eyes. Poppy, do you see that'' Branch said, the rain blurring his vision as Poppy squinted seeing what resembled an old castle about Troll size.
"Maybe we could stay there for the night," The princess said, wiping her forehead as Branch looked at her, asking if she really wanted to stay at a stranger's place as she held her hand out feeling the rain.
"Cold Rain, Warm Castle, maybe they'll let us stay for the night," Poppy said in her optimistic tone which Branch found annoying as the main versions watched over them, heading uphill to a huge metal door. Branch had a bad feeling as Poppy pushed the doorbell as a long gong was heard.
"They're probably not home" Branch mentioned as the door opened, standing across from them was a troll with pale green skin, long blond hair, and spiked ears, wearing a tuxedo, looking at the two.
"May I help you" He spoke in a somewhat off putting tone as Branch pulled on Poppy's arm as she spoke to the troll inviting them in, she explained that they were on a journey to rescue their friends and needed a place to stay the night.
"I see, you're both freezing and soaked, you don't want to catch a bug," the Troll said inviting them in, their muddy feet trailing the floor as they walked around he led them through the maze-like castle.
"Let's see about getting you out of those muddy clothes," he said leading them down a hall as Poppy was the first the pick up on faint music coming from down the hall, asking if there was a party going on, the princess had a sixth sense when it came to parties as the green troll nodded.
"You arrived on a special night, Master is known for his exotic affairs," The green Troll said, opening a pair of double doors, revealing said party. in a huge room was an ensemble of trolls wearing exotic and colorful outfits, some nude but they were all wearing white masks, music coming from a band in the corner. a few trolls carrying silver trays with exotic foods resting on them, the song and dance-filled the room.
"Jump to the left" a troll yelled out as the dancer did the jump into the dance they were performing, followed by a step to right, hands on their hips, bringing their knees in tight, and giving a pelvic thrust.
"Let's... do... the Time...Warp...Again" the troll led as the group continued the dance
"It's certainly strange" Branch commented about throwing a party in this weather, referring to the storm outside. the green butler troll, snapped his finger as two masked trolls circled the Princess and Hermit, drying them off with a towel.
"Oh thank you very, hey-hey-hey," Poppy said, her gratitude changed to shock as they removed the two's clothes. Poppy and Branch stood in front of the partygoers in their birthday suits. Nudity wasn't that big a deal in Troll culture but still. the two using their hair to cover up.
"Easy, It's not a job to be rushed," another troll complemented, a young Glitter Troll female with pink skin wearing a gold suit and top hat said as she scooped up their clothes, handing them to another masked servant to wash and dry.
"Please, Enjoy the party in the meantime," a servant said, handing them each a white face mask. The two just looked confused as the dancing and music resumed and a server approached them, offering a crème-filled cake as Poppy was not one to turn down a gesture of kindness, easier to get in the partying mood than Branch.
"First she drags me along to save her friends, now she's having a party, that is so her" Branch spoke to herself as the princess joined the dancers, participating in the Time Warp, almost forgetting she was naked due to the fun she was having.
"Would you like to partake?' a masked server asked, holding a tray of baked goods as Branch's stomach growled for the long walk in the rain, he wasn't one to accept food from a stranger but he was starving plus everyone was eating so it's not like the pastries were tampered with as he took one off the plate biting into it.
Branch did not enjoy sweet food but admitted it hit the spot to soothe his hunger as the main cast was watching from the hallways as Main Poppy asked if they could partake in the party in which Chronos denied, saying they must not draw attention to themselves.
"Come on, birds need to fly, fish need to swim, Trolls need to party" Poppy rebutted as Chronos sighed, he froze time for a few seconds, walking to the table picking up some of the white masks.
"here, if you must party, wear these and do not, I repeat do not engage in conversation, stay in the background and most certainly do not make conversation with or alert your other versions to your true identities," Chronos said as Main Poppy slapped her mask on, changing her hair a different color and Branch sighed, doing the same.
"Someone better keep an eye on her" Branch said, realizing while Poppy was strange to put a pin in he liked her for it. The party resumed for a while as Alt Branch walked at Alt Poppy, suggesting it was time they left.
"Branch, it's cold and raining outside and we have no clothes" Poppy defended, pointing out the true fact but also not wanting to leave the party. Branch just told her that he could not shake the feeling something was off about this place until a door opened behind him and a figure walked past him.
He was another troll wearing a hooded robe and a white mask with a demonic appearance, including sunken eyes, curved teeth, and horn as Branch jumped back.
"And now for your host, the brilliant, the fashionable, the unashamedly queer Dr. Frank N. Furter," an announcer said as the partygoers, Poppy included clapped as the hooded figure walked through the crowd, shaking hands.
"A pleasure to meet you, Dr. Furter," a masked Troll said as they shared greetings. he approached the stage, dropping his robe, wearing a corset and garter belt, pulling off his mask, and tossing it aside.
"Greetings and welcome to my extravagant home for the annual convention, old faces, new faces. enjoy the party and remember there is no crime in giving in to pleasure" Frank said as the partygoers clapped, applauding the Doctor.
Chronos opened his book, reading through the events of this world.
"Let's see, Poppy and Branch leave to rescue their friend, end up at Franks castle and spend the night... whoa, Yeah I don't think we'll be staying," Chronos said, pressing the watch, freezing the room as approached Main Poppy and Branch.
"I'm sorry but I've read ahead it's probably best we go," Chronos said, opening a portal as Poppy pouted.
"Fine, just let me get a few crème cakes before we leave," The queen said picking a few desserts of the tray as they vanished
(The chapter is a reference to Rocky Horror Picture show, the greatest cult film of all time. Highly recommend it)