Here's chapter 8!
Enjoy!
Warning: There will be some sad scenes so be prepared.
TheSnackPack - Yes, he will be honored and remembered. Thanks! I'm glad that you've enjoyed the last chapter.
Reby Montana - Yes, Guy's grandfather is one of the bravest trolls that ever lived. There ain't greater sacrifice than laying your life for another. May he rest in peace and be remembered always.
Black Raider - Well, you didn't deserve to get your heart broken, but I did warned you that it will be sad. At least, I'm pleased with how many were saddened by the chapter. It means that my chapter was a success.
SkyZoneKiller - Sooner or later, there will be more. This story will be bring sadness, comfort, and tender moments eventually.
funnystorytime127 - I'm pleased to hear that my chapter was a success by my peers. I'll try to work hard on the others.
InBetweenWithAFadingDream - I warned you. Yeah, but only Chef is considered the most evil one of all. Yeah, when you're living in such scary times, one must hope and believe that someone will bring a new light in their life.
mlpfanceline1 - Well, that's close enough. The family will mourn but will have to live on as best they could. At least, they aren't alone.
A Blue Angel Born From Love
Chapter 8: Surviving Trollstice
-In the Present-
Guy Diamond listened well and became shocked and saddened by what truly happened to Beryl, his late grandfather whom he never knew. Tears streamed down from his face, knowing how brave was Beryl during his cruel fate.
Branch hated telling this to his best friend, but he deserves to know the truth, no matter how sad or terrible it may sound. "Your grandfather gave his life to save your father. He is one of the bravest trolls that ever lived."
"I knew that he was taken by the Bergens," Guy Diamond sadly said. He sniffed and then bursts out crying. "I didn't know that's how my grandfather died! It's not fair!"
Poppy and Branch, feeling the pain he's feeling right now, walked towards him and hugged him for comfort. Guy Diamond accepted the hug and he continued crying. "There, there, Guy. It's alright now," Poppy patted his back while keeping her forming tears from shedding in front of him.
"No one is going to let you get hurt by anyone," Branch said.
"But why didn't my father tell me what really happened to Grandfather?" Guy Diamond asked, wiping his tears.
"I think even you know the answer, Guy," Branch replied. "It's hard, but I believed it was even harder for your father. He must have felt guilty and didn't want you to know that such a fate had happened to Beryl. Just know that there's no greater love than he who laid his life for his family."
The three trolls huddled together a few seconds longer until Guy Diamond could finish crying. When he did, he separated from the two and felt a little better, though still upset. "I'm glad that I'm not alone to hear this. I guess, in a way, I do owe my grandfather my life. Looks like I have a hero in the family."
"Everyone does, Guy," Poppy added. "My father, and your grandfather, and even Branch's family are heroes. They risked everything to make sure we survive."
"That's true," Guy nodded. "So, what happened? Did everyone escaped the horrible day of Trollstice?"
Branch then continued. "Trollstice did came, but as usual, there was at least one troll who has been taken that day. But that Trollstice was one of the greatest tragedies that ever occurred and it's something that can never be forgotten no matter how hard you try."
-In the past-
There's no denying it. Today has come, the day that all trolls feared: Trollstice. Bergens will come for them and won't leave til they get at least one troll in their clutches. The trolls sadly know that but they hoped that their numbers won't drastically deplete.
A couple of trolls are currently on top of a tree, watching the Bergens forming in front of the Bergen Town entrance as they're getting ready for the harvest. Chef was in front, giving her annual speech of their holiday and their rewards.
"They're up to something," the male yellow troll with green hair whispered to his female companion.
The female, a blue green troll with fuchsia hair, nodded in agreement. "Aren't they always? According to Ripple, their numbers are growing faster. It's only a matter of time."
"We better get back to the others. At least this time, we're ahead of the danger." The two trolls jumped across the branches towards the village.
Back in the village, it was getting quiet, even too quiet for the village. Many trolls are locked inside their pods, including King Peppy and Queen Joy. Some are still outside getting some supplies or some things to protect themselves, but won't be out for long.
In his pod, Wood was planning ahead with his mother. "Do you remember our favorite family spot, back before Dad was taken?"
"You mean the one with the waterfall?" Rosiepuff guessed.
"Yes. That's the one. I want you to go towards it and stay there," Wood said, giving her a small knapsack with some supplies.
"But what about you?" She asked worriedly.
"I'll stay here for a while in case any troll needs help. I'll find my way back to you when it's over," Wood assured her.
Rosiepuff looked out her window. "I don't like this. Even though we were warned of this day earlier, I still have a sinking feeling that this Trollstice might bring horrible consequences."
"Which is why I'll be happy knowing that you're hidden away from here," Wood insisted. "I have to make sure my friends survive. I am their loyal friend and I must help."
"You're also my son and I don't want to lose you just like your father," Rosiepuff said with a worried look and hugged her son. They savored the moment, in case they won't survive this.
"I promise, Mom. You won't lose me today," Wood assured her with a smile. "Now go. They'll be here anytime. Don't come out until I return or until the Bergens actually leave."
Rosiepuff nodded silently and kissed his temple before heading out the door, leaving Wood alone. He came to the window to see if any Bergens are sighted. Luckily, there isn't any sign, but that doesn't mean they won't come. Wood then walked towards his closet where he believes he would be safe. He locked the door and hid between the clothes, praying he wont be discovered.
He waited for what seems like 5 minutes, then 10 minutes... Any time now the Bergens would attack. He put his ear by the door. Not a sound was heard. Wood knows better than to leave his safe spot, but curiosity got the best of him. He unlocked the door and quietly sneaked out of the closet and checked the window again. No sign of Bergens anywhere. Why haven't they attacked yet? He left his pod, moving quickly and out of sight until he reached the Royal Pod. He quickly knocked rapidly on the door.
"Your majesties! King Peppy, it's me, Wood! Open up!" He cried.
The door quickly opened, revealing Peppy who was surprised to see the green troll and lets him in. "Wood, what are you doing here? It's dangerous out there in the open."
"I know, but I was worried. And this is one of the most secure places to hide during Trollstice," Wood replied.
"And Rosiepuff?" Peppy wondered.
"She's safe. She's hidden away in one of our secret spots. She'll be fine. But I wonder why the Bergens haven't attacked yet. Did the scouts report anything lately?"
"Not since they've returned a while back. It's strange. They're taking their sweet time waiting for us, aren't they?" Peppy assumed.
"Maybe," Wood said. But then, he caught scent of a smell. He sniffed in the air and he guessed what the smell is.
"What's the matter?" Peppy asked worriedly.
"Smoke. And it's not too far from us!" Wood realized.
Peppy smelled the air as well and caught the smoke scent. "The smoke's coming from the north of us and that's near our the village entrance! I bet it's the Bergens who are behind this, but I didn't think that they were going with a plan of burning us into crisps!"
"The north? That's where Primrose lives and some of my friends too!" Wood gasped. He looked out the window and caught a glimpse of a small fire forming a barrier about a quarter mile from the entrance. "I think I know what they're up to. These Bergens are creatures of habit. They try to block the exits and then attack from the other sides and lead us into a trap!"
"The trolls will be safe if they stay hidden in their pods," Peppy said. "Fires can kill, but we'll be alright if we're sensible."
"That may be true, but not every troll could handle the smell of smoke. The moment they smell the fire, they'll panic."
Suddenly, screams can be heard from the south side of the royal pod as well as the sounds of pods being dropped from the branches. The king and Wood heard them and realized that it has begun. Joy came to Peppy and hugged him, shaking fearfully.
"Your majesties! You must hide now!" One of the guards insisted. The King and his queen proceeded to hide, only for Peppy to glance at Wood heading towards the door.
"Wood, where are you going?"
"I have to find Primrose and my friends. If they're near the fire, they'll be engulfed by the smoke and flames. Peppy, you and Joy try to stay hidden and try to shelter any trolls coming near you, I'll gather some trolls and meet at the waterfall by the pond!"
"Be careful, Wood, and good luck!" Joy added before the two were escorted to safety.
Wood bursts out of door and what he saw was disastrous. Bergens came stomping from the south side of the village. They swatted the pods hanging from the branches to see if the trolls would make a sound from them and knocking some of the pods down to the ground, scaring the trolls out of their homes and into their clutches.
The trolls were running around in the village in panic and were terrified upon seeing the giants before them. To Wood's horror, he saw some Bergens put their hands into the pods and snatched some trolls, whether they're young or old, and put them into their fanny packs. He turned at the sound of a familiar scream. He gasped when there was a Bergen searching a blue and red pod.
"Primrose!" He gasped and sprinted into a dashing run towards her pod.
The Bergen moved his arm in the pod, searching for the troll inside. "Gotcha!" He grabbed someone and pulled his arm back, clutching Primrose in his hand. She's struggling in his grip, but he held her tight. "A feisty little one, aren't you? Might be a little bitter for my taste."
Wood saw his girlfriend in trouble and knew he had to do something and fast. He looked around, hoping to find something that might help. "Ah-ha!" He saw a small burning branch lit from the sparks of the flame. He ran to hit and snapped a piece off. He then ran behind the Bergen and lifted the burning stick into his behind, setting it on fire.
The Bergen sniffed. "Hey, it is getting hot in here or that's just me?"
Primrose stopped struggling and smirked, stroking her chin. "I would say...both actually."
The Bergen was confused until he felt warmth coming from his rear. He turned his head around and yelped when he saw his burning butt. "FIRE! I'm on fire!" In the panic, he suddenly released his grip on Primrose, letting her fall. Luckily for her, Wood was below her and used his hair to create a slide for her to slide down right into his arms.
"I've got you." He tenderly said. He carried her away from the Bergen and hid behind some stones. "Are you alright, Prim?"
"I am now, thanks to you," Primrose said, wrapping her arms around him which he did returned. They stopped hugging when they heard screams around them. The two of them saw Bergens setting a few pods on fire, making the trolls leave their homes in terror and being snatched by the Bergens.
"That's it. Grab as many as you can. A few more and we're done," Chef ordered her minions.
The thick smoke began to spread around the village, making it harder for the trolls to see. "Primrose, listen to me. I want to go to the east of the village. Keep running until you see a creek, follow it, and you'll reach a waterfall by a pond. There, you will find my mother. She'll protect you."
"But what about you?" Primrose showed concern for his safety.
"I'll see if I can help the others. Stay out of sight and bring some trolls on your way over there. I'll be back! Go!"
"Okay, be careful, Wood!" She ran ahead, shielding her eyes from the smoke.
Wood ran to the village in search for his friends. He tried to search for any troll who needs help. He managed to push an elderly troll away from a falling burning branch. He helped him get up. "Go! Hurry! Meet on the east pond! The rest of you, blend in or take cover under the roots! GO! HURRY!" Wood cried out to any troll who was near. Many trolls headed his order and ran to safety.
Wood heard a baby's cry and ran towards a flaming pod and burst through the door, knocking it down. He found a baby troll crying in a crib. Grabbing a blanket, he covered the baby and both escaped from the pod before the pod's vine could break. Once outside, the baby's father came and Wood passed the infant to its parent. "Thank you!" He nodded to Wood before leaving for cover.
"HELP! HELP US, PLEASE!"
Wood heard the cry and ran towards a fallen pink and violet pod near the flames. He charges in and saw two trolls inside whom he recognized as one of Primrose and Queen Joy's friends. "Feather! Silkie!"
Feather is a male troll who is light blue with dark blue eyes and has blue/pale lavender hair and wore a black shirt, a red vest, purple long pants, and a blue tipped feather necklace around his neck. He also has a dream-catcher tattoo on his right arm. Silk, or Silkie as her friends call her, is a female troll with violet eyes, violet skin and orchid hair. She wore a white shirt, a turquoise leather jacket, and an orchid skirt with blue specks and teal stripes. She also has silver ear piercings in both of her ears.
Silkie was pinned by some furniture. Feather came to help her and refused to leave her, despite the danger. Seeing his loyalty for her reminded Wood of himself and Primrose. "Wood! I'm glad you're here! Silkie needs help!"
Wood came to them and together with Feather, with all their might, lifted the furniture enough to free Silkie. Feather used his hair and pulled her out before they dropped the furniture. "Oh, thank you, Feather! Wood!"
"Yes, thank you!" Feather agreed.
"You're welcome. Now, hurry before the flames come. Get some cover!" Wood ordered and escaped the pod before the ignited flames could reach them.
Primrose managed to see two terrified trollings out in the open. "This way, children. You'll be safe!" She gently pushed them away from the danger.
"Primrose!"
She turned to see Shiningstar with Coral and Starlight. They had some blankets on them to help them breath through the heat and smoke. "You're okay!" He happily said.
"Yes, but we got to hurry! Follow me where it's safe!" Shiningstar nodded as he and his family followed Primrose and the young ones.
In the village, Thorn and Ivy were escaping the danger when they heard a family of trolls running away from a Bergen. The Bergen reached for the four trolls, but at the last minute, the two parents pushed their kids away before they were grabbed by the Bergen. The children saw their parents being snatched by the giant, but before they could go back after them, Thorn and Ivy grabbed the children by their shoulders.
"Thorn! Gather the kids and get away from here!" The kids' father pleaded before they were put into the fanny pack.
"Quickly! Follow us or we'll be next!" Thorn picked up the younger yellow one with marigold hair into his arms while pulling his wife by her arm as she held the older child's hand as they ran away. When they headed towards the exit, the flames blocked the exit. "We can't get through! We'll have to head to the east side, it's our only chance!"
Thorn lead the three through the burning area with nervousness but also bravery. His wife and unborn child are in dire need of his help and he must protect the others no matter how hopeless it may seem. The flames and smoke are everywhere and the heat is making things worse for them. Ivy and the children were coughing and getting tired of running.
"We're tiring, Thorn!" Ivy cried out.
"Don't lose heart. We'll be out soon!" But as soon as he saw the entrance, he halted as a burning pod blocked their only escape.
"Fire on all sides! We're trapped!" Ivy gasped and coughed.
"Ivy, I'm scared!" The older red child with dark red hair whimpered.
"Hush, little one. Be brave," Ivy softly said, even though it's unlikely for them to escape. They huddled together, hoping that miracle might save them from their fiery deaths.
"Thorn! Over here!"
Thorn and Ivy saw Wood on top of a tall plant. Below him was Big Bash, Rhythm, Olivia, and DJ Sonic and all of them pushed down the plant on top of the flames, creating a bridge for them to cross over. "Hurry, this way!"
"Let's go!" Thorn ordered and the four of them ran across the plant before it could burn. Once they landed in front of Wood, Thorn glanced at his rival. "I never thought I'd say this but I'm glad to see your face, Wood."
"Likewise. Listen, we've got to get you all to the creek. Follow me and stick close!" Wood ordered. Olivia and Rhythm carried one child while Big Bash carried Ivy and the group followed Wood out of the fire and away from the village.
Through the thick smoke and flames, they ran and ran until they've reached a ledge where the pond was located below them. Big Bash saw a vine and tied it around Ivy and hoisted her down the ledge gently into safe ground. Once she's safe, Big Bash jumped into the water below, followed by DJ Sonic, Olivia, and Rhythm with the two orphans. Wood saw his friends resurfacing and swam towards the waterfall where his mother, Primrose, Shiningstar and his family, and some other trolls were waiting after they appeared from behind the waterfall.
"What are you waiting for, Thorn? Jump!" Wood ordered.
"But...I...I can't! It's too high!" Thorn stuttered.
"What?! Thorn, this is a matter of life and death! Just jump!"
"I can't! Just go ahead without me!"
"Oh, I will and you're coming with me!" Wood grabbed Thorn from the waist and both trolls jumped into the water below as Thorn screamed while they fell. Luckily, they survived the fall and reached the surface for air. The trolls cheered for their jump for survival as Wood and Thorn swam to the edge.
"You've made it!" Shiningstar cheered. "We were worried!"
Primrose and Rosiepuff ran to Wood and tackled him with their hug. "Oh, I thought I've never see you again!" Rosiepuff cried tears of joy and relief for her son. Wood enjoyed the embrace and accepted Primrose's hug and kisses from her.
"I'm fine, mother. And what about the others?"
"We've managed to get our friends and some others to safety. At least, all our friends are here now." Rosiepuff turned to the other trolls including their friends with a caring face. "What about King Peppy and Queen Joy? Are they safe?"
"I'm sure they are. I've managed to help the other trolls escape, including Feather and Silk. I just hope this day's over soon," Wood added.
"We are all very lucky," Rosiepuff commented.
"Lucky?!" Thorn snapped. "How can you say we are lucky when our village burns?" He said, watching the smoke coming from their homes. Wood was about to come forward, but Rosiepuff shook her head. Thorn didn't mean to be rude, but they understand that he's upset about all what has happened. "We lost so many trolls and soon, we'll all be without a home. All is lost."
"All is not lost, my dear," Rosiepuff consoled the indigo troll. "You still have Ivy and you are still here, able to care for her and your child."
Ivy then came to his side as they shared loving looks. Thorn realized that Rosiepuff has a point and said with a sigh. "You are right. Thank you, Wood and everyone."
Wood nodded, feeling appreciated and relief that he did right. His friends and loved ones joined together in a group hug.
Just then, thunder clapped and lightning flashed through the now darkened sky. Dark rain clouds huddled together in the sky and then started to pour heavily over them. All the trolls cheered for the rain knowing that the water will douse the flames before more damage can be done. They enjoyed being drenched by water drops and danced outside in the rain.
Primrose and Wood were happy not only because the rain had came but that they managed to survive together with their friends and families. They stared at each other's eyes before they enveloped themselves into a kiss, relieved to have each other for comfort.
When the rain began to ease up and the Bergens have left, Wood and the others were able to return to the village. However, the home they returned to wasn't the same. Fire and the Bergens have destroyed much of their homes. They were saddened but became relieved when they went to the Troll Tree where King Peppy, Queen Joy, and many trolls gathered. Even Ripple and his scouts brought the surviving trolls that hid in the forest, including Feather and Silk.
The trolls were happy to be reunited with their friends that survived the disaster. But the cost was too great. King Peppy and the scouts calculated that about fifty trolls were taken from them. Some of them were even children, elders, parents, and siblings. Trollings became orphans, such as the orphans that Thorn and Ivy protected, and parents lost their offsprings. Families torn apart by the cruel holiday of Trollstice. It was a tragedy to behold for any troll.
King Peppy stood upon a mushroom as he spoke to his trolls. "Today, we have managed to survive this storm and live another day. But I regret to inform you of the losses we've received from this event. Houses destroyed, plants being burnt, and especially, lives lost to us." Many trolls looked down sadly for their friends who were taken. Some of them shed tears or even sought comfort from others. Wood even saw Rosiepuff comforting some children who were crying and trembling. "We will never forget our friends who were taken from us. Sunflower, Frost, Arrow, Willie, Ellie, Milly, Dewey, Flint, Minty, Pepper, Crystal, Sparkles, Lark, Indigo, Otto, and so many others. Let us remember not how they died, but how they lived. We give thanks for the lives of our companions for they have lived with happiness and love despite of the upcoming Trollstice each year. Tonight, they'll sit with our friends among the stars. As you all remember, as tradition, we'll have a party where we celebrate with those that still live on, but tonight, we'll mourn and honor our lost friends. May they rest in peace and free from any suffering and also, may they watch over us all for years to come." The trolls bowed down to have a moment of silence in respect of the dead, remembering fond memories shared with them.
But instead of giving in to despair, the trolls divided into separate groups to repair all the damage and help the injured. Feather, Silk, and Joy led the cleanup crew where they clean up the burnt items and broken homes. Rosiepuff, Olivia, Big Bash, and Primrose helped tending the young children and orphans, hoping to find some surviving members of their families and even comforting them with their songs. Rhythm, DJ Sonic, Ripple and Ivy helped tend the injured. King Peppy oversaw that every troll should have a new home soon enough. Wood, Shiningstar, and Thorn helped find some spots and area where food still grow and where it hasn't been burned or destroyed by the Bergens.
In a way, even if it's hard to believe, Trollstice may have been the most fearful day for the trolls, but in the end, it brought everyone together, binded by unity, hope, and love. At least that's what King Peppy believed when he saw his people helping each other. Wood and Primrose believes it too. At least they have one more year to enjoy before the next Trollstice.
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