Here's chapter 18!
Okay, everyone, I know that I've been unable to rapidly update, but the main reason is because not only I was on vacation, but I was highly busy with my move. I finally have my very own place to live! I'm finally on my own (not that it's always good to be alone, but it's a huge step for me, believe me.) I'll probably be even busier with my new life with work, chores, cooking, and so on.
Anyway, hope you enjoy this new chapter.
Warning: Future dark, sad scenes will appear in this chapter.
Again, enjoy!
Reby Montana - You're lucky. I have a sister, sometimes she can be difficult, but I still love her. It must be nice to have a brother. Cherish him everyday and never let him forget how much you care for him.
kibaschick - Thanks, friend.
Purple-Eyes - Yeah, this story's been through a lot this past year. If you mean Snack Pack member coming to hear the story, that's a negative. And if you mean coming in the flashback, it depends whom you're wondering. And there's 11 of them, not 12.
Black Raider - Thanks. I don't know how I'm doing it exactly. Most of my stories always have a tragic death scenes to push the main characters forward or to transform them into the people we see today.
mlpfanceline1 - Losing a brother is like losing half of yourself. Rhythm definitely felt the emptiness, but at least she still has DJ Sonic and her friends to comfort her. You'll see how they survived this year's Trollstice.
Stephanie Silverfield - Yeah, it's hard. And I'm sorry for any loss you've endured with that loss. At least you're coping well.
A Blue Angel Born From Love
Chapter 18: Still Standing
-In the Present-
The three trolls only stayed silent as they took in that part of the story. Poppy held her arms, feeling sad for what had happened to Tempo, who was also her best friend DJ Suki's uncle. To think that another family member of the Snack Pack was a victim of Trollstice's eve.
"Branch, does DJ Suki...know of what has happened to Tempo?" Poppy softly asked.
Branch knew that it's hard to talk about these trolls' deaths, but it's even harder knowing how they truly died and having to personally tell the others about it. "Like Guy Diamond, she does know that he was taken at Trollstice, but not how he truly died. It was a huge blow for her parents most of all. Rhythm for losing her brother after he had saved her and DJ Sonic for not having to save him when he and Wood tried to rescue him."
"First my grandfather Beryl, now it's DJ Suki's uncle Tempo," Guy Diamond said, wiping his tears with his fist. "Why do so many families must lose their members that way? They don't deserve this. DJ Suki doesn't deserve this. Nobody should have to experience this!" He cried while punching the ground.
Branch understood that the glitter troll was right about that. None of them wanted to know which of their members was a victim to Chef's horrific holiday and methods. "Yes, Guy. It's true that nobody deserves this suffering. Before Trollstice was terminated, the Bergens, followed by Chef's cruel ways, have taken many things from us. They had taken away our home, our food, and our freedom. They had taken away parents, siblings, and children from us. In fact, in just one day, they had taken away many lives."
Guy Diamond and Poppy sadly lower their heads, listening to Branch's words of reality. How many trolls had become orphans because of Trollstice? How many trolls had suffered when they've experienced so many losses? There's just no way to survive that.
"But there are some things that Chef or the Bergens haven't taken away from us: our happiness, our beliefs, our faiths, and most of all, our love," Branch kindly stated with a smile, placing both hands onto Poppy and Guy Diamond's shoulders, forcing them to look up to him. "We're alive because of these heroic trolls' sacrifices and to honor them, we must live to the fullest so that their sacrifices shall not be in vain."
Poppy and Guy Diamond nodded in agreement and felt better thanks to Branch. "Are you going to tell DJ about her uncle?" Guy Diamond asked Branch.
"I might, but I believe it's better that she hears it from either her parents or from any of you two," Branch admitted. "You're her best friend, Poppy. She might need a friend to comfort her. And Guy...I know that you and Suki are close. She might also need you for support and comfort as well. Either way, I have no place to tell her that, even if I do know the sad truth."
"I guess you're right, Branch," Poppy sighed.
"One thing's for sure, I'm just glad Trollstice is over and the Bergens are good now," Guy Diamond said.
"Can you blame the Bergens? All they wanted was to have happiness just like we do. They just didn't realize it until recently," Poppy explained. "Besides, the Bergens weren't bad. They don't mean to be cruel. It's because of Chef that they did harmful things without considering the pain they're giving. Only she was the evil one."
"Yes, Poppy. But now she can't hurt any of us anymore. We've avenged our fallen and liberated the ones whom are living with us now," Branch said with a deep thought. He recalled of his last adventure when he and Poppy saved their tribe from being eaten and regained what he had lost.
"So, what happened next? Was that Trollstice just as bad as last time or was it...worse?" Poppy asked.
With a silent sigh, Branch resumed his tale, though the next topic was anything but heartwarming. "Knowing that Trollstice was imminent, the trolls did all they could to find cover or plan an escape route. Many trolls mourned for Tempo, but not as much as Rhythm and DJ Sonic. His death impacted them greatly, but they made sure that it didn't cloud their focus when preparing for this year's Trollstice. This event only brings disaster and terror and that year was no different. As for Trollstice, it was just as bad as the previous year and many trolls were lost as well. However, my parents and their friends managed to survive that yet again."
-In the Past-
The morning was quiet. Too quiet. The kind of quiet that would put ice in your veins and make your heart stop. This is a sign of danger. The danger that a deadly predator would bring to its prey.
The village was still and the trolls were avoiding themselves from being seen out in the open. They feared this day, but they could do nothing to prevent it from coming, no matter how hard they wished. Trollstice had arrived once again and they know it.
In the Royal Pod, most of the guards were securing the area as King Peppy seriously stared through the window which over look the village. He breathed out through his nose, feeling frustration and anger. How could he stand by and hide while his home be invaded and its people's lives taken shamefully by the enemy? "This can't go on forever, can it? We can't live like this!"
"Peppy?" Peppy turned to see his queen looking worriedly. "Has it started yet?"
"No," he answered solemnly. "But as much as I hate to admit it, it will commence as planned by them."
"Are the scouts keeping watch?" Joy asked.
"They have to be. They'll notify us at the first sign of these Bergens," Peppy replied. "Come, Joy. We must get ourselves into our shelter. The village can't risk itself being without its leaders."
"I suppose you're right about that," Joy softly agreed. "I just pray that all our friends are okay. After the loss of Tempo, Rhythm and DJ Sonic were devastated. I don't know how they'd bared it. Not to mention Primrose too. In her current state, I'm not sure how she would able to run away from her captors!"
"You would be surprised the lengths a mother would take to protect her unborn offspring. Besides, she has her husband and friends to take care of her. She and her baby will be safe from harm," King Peppy assured her wrapping his arm around her shoulders in comfort. No pregnant trolls should be able to experience this horrible holiday. "As for DJ Sonic and Rhythm, they'll be okay as well. They have a future to look forward together, I mean, once they tied the knot. These trolls are young and strong and will bring great things for our village whether it is by their gifts or by their children. Do not worry, Joy. Everyone will do all they can to survive."
"I hope so, my dear," Joy said. Both royals smiled and shared a loving kiss, hoping that this isn't their last kiss. Then King Peppy gently led her away from the walls and towards their shelter.
"HELP! BER-"
A giant hand grabbed a scared troll, one of the scouts, from the ground. His Bergen captor silenced his cry for help and placed him in his fanny pack, zipping it closed. "Caught one."
"Why stop there when we could have an all you can eat buffet?" Chef chuckled evilly. "I like to begin our Trollstice with a little fun. Come on! Let's go play with our food, shall we?" She grinned when she pulled out a small laser pointer.
Meanwhile, in the troll village, the area was calm and quiet despite the morning being sunny and clear. All the trolls were inside their pods and those that are not are on full alert when getting some things from outside. Sometimes, bird cries and animal noises can be heard in the area which startled the trolls, but they quickly relaxed when they see that there was nothing to worry about.
One blue-green fuzzling troll was strolling along by the village when something caught his attention: a small, bright red circle on the grass. He curiously walked towards it and then carefully stepped on it. Suddenly, the red light moved away a few inches from him. The fuzzling began to chase after it. Every time he thinks he'd caught the light, it reappears right next to him.
The red light led the troll deep into the forest and away from the village. The fuzzling analyzed the area and caught sight of the light on a tree bark. He comes in close proximity and playfully touched the light, causing it to move onto a rock that was in front of some tall trees. When the troll attempts to reach it, he heard some rustling. He looked up and noticed that some of these trees slightly moved. For some reason, he saw that they don't look like tree trunks. He then managed to see a couple drops of wet stuff fall on the rock. At first, he thought that it might be rain, but seeing the clear weather, that thought vanished. His heart dropped when these drop are not water drops: they're saliva. The trolling nervously looked up and found the source of the drops and of the light: The light came from a laser pointer...at the hands of Bergens.
In an instant, the fuzzling dashed out of the forest in a panic. His mumbled cries alerted some trolls who looked from their windows. They saw the fuzzling running towards the village and began to wonder what was wrong when suddenly...
WHOOSH!
A bright white orb flew into air and exploded in a sparkling blinding light, illuminating the area. Wood, Primrose, their friends, and the other trolls heard the sounds and began to panic. Some shielded their eyes from the light while others held protectively their children. The rest started to run out of their homes.
"By all that is troll-y, what is that?" Shiningstar cried while protecting his eyes. He suddenly heard a crashing noise, like some trees being knocked over. Though blinded by the light, he caught sight of a horrific scene: Bergens crashing through the forest and charging towards them. The Bergens attacked the trolls with opened fanny packs and sling shots which they used to shoot out the same light from before.
"RUN!" A troll cried out in alarm.
The whole village was already in a panicked frenzy, running around disorientated as the Bergens took a moment to see the sight before them.
"Whoa! Look at them scramble!" A male Bergen commented, amused by the scattered trolls running away.
"And that's just how I like them: Scrambled..." Chef grinned as she grabbed one troll while licking her lips, "...and a little bit runny," she added as she placed the troll into her pack.
The trolls panicked while the Bergens fired more blind flares, causing the trolls to stop short in order to protect their vision. This caused some trolls to be captured by their enemies. The other Bergens came to the pods and swatted them, hoping to knock out some of their prizes. In the ensuring chaos, Wood, Primrose, and Rosiepuff ran out of their pod and caught glimpse of the catastrophe in front of them.
"It's happening: Trollstice!" Rosiepuff gasped at the scene, her hands covering her gawked mouth. "If we stay here, they'll find us for sure!"
"Hurry, both of you get to cover and keep your heads low!" Wood ordered.
"What about you?" Primrose worriedly asked.
"I'm going to make sure that you get a safe path and see if there are other trolls that need my help! I'll meet you again soon!"
"Okay. Be careful, Wood."
Wood nodded and then shared a kiss with Primrose, hoping it won't be his last. "It is you who must be careful. There's another life who's depending on you." He made his point by placing his hand gently on her belly. Primrose understood and nodded in agreement. "Now, go! Stay clear!"
"Come now, dear," Rosiepuff said, pulling her hand as they ran away together.
Wood waited until his family was out of view. He turned to the other direction and ran into the dangerous area. When he arrived, screams of terror and fear can be heard from everywhere. Children calling to their parents, parents crying for their kids, and other trolls screaming for their lives.
He then picked up a near desperate cry for help and saw a knocked down pod on the ground under a thick branch. He heard the trapped trolls inside, trying to desperately to escape since their only door was trapped on the ground, blocking their escape. Suddenly, he felt the ground starting to shake and gasped as he noticed a Bergen stomping his way towards them, probably chasing some poor troll on the way. Without thinking, he grabs a sharp stick and jumps straight through the window. Seconds later, using his stick, Wood sliced open the pod and escaped through the opening while holding a baby on one arm and a small child on another. The children's parents quickly came out as well. And just in time too for as soon as they all ran clear of the pod, the Bergen ran past them, crushing the pod on the way, leaving nothing behind.
"Thank you so much," the father gratefully said while grabbing the trolling into his arms. His wife took the baby with her, relieved to find her children unharmed.
Wood nodded. "I'm glad to help, but you guys must get away from here as soon as possible. Get to safety, quickly!" The family agreed and ran off, leaving Wood behind. "I just hope Primrose and Mom are okay."
"Hurry, Primrose!" Rosiepuff urged her daughter-in law on.
Primrose panted and stopped short, catching her breath. "I'm trying, Rosiepuff, but I'm almost out of breath."
"I know and I hate to push you, but if not for me, then do it for your baby," Rosiepuff added. Primrose exhaled deeply and those words added more hope for her. Rosie sighed in relief and they continued forward, not once looking back.
"MAMA!"
Primrose suddenly halts once she heard a trolling's cry. She quickly follows the voice. "Primrose, wait!" Rosiepuff shouted out to her, but seeing she's not responding, the elder troll chased after her.
Primrose ran through the bushes and caught sight of the child. His foot was stuck under a root and struggled to pull it free. She calmly came over to help him and pulled him free. However, the child's horrified cry alerted the females. Wondering why he yelled, Primrose and Rosiepuff looked up and froze in place.
A giant foot stomps in front of them and gaze up to see none other than the fearsome Bergen Chef before them. Seeing the trolls paralyzed with fear, she grinned. "Well, well. Lookie here. Looks like I hit the jackpot. It's time to put an end to your happiness." She then attempts to grab them, but when she was close to reach them...
"NO!"
A pair of familiar trolls dashed right into Chef's face, distracting her from grabbing Primrose and the others. "Leave them alone, you big, ugly witch!"
"Rhythm! DJ!" Primrose gasped when she saw Rhythm and DJ Sonic attacking Chef in the face, either slapping her or punching her nose and eyes.
"Don't stay here, Primrose! RUN!" Rhythm shouted.
Primrose didn't want to leave them to face the Bergen alone. Rosiepuff quickly takes her arm and leads her away. "Rosiepuff, we can't leave them! We have to help them!"
"And risk your life and the life of your unborn child? Not a chance!" Rosiepuff argued. "They're risking their lives so that we may live. There's nothing we can do now!"
Primrose didn't want to admit it, but deep down, she knew that Rosiepuff was right. Without a second opinion, she held the child protectively and let Rosiepuff take them to safety.
Meanwhile, Wood managed to get out of harm's way when he helped the last troll. While recovering his energy, he heard Rhythm's cry, including the mention of his wife's name.
"Primrose!" Wood gasped and quickly dashed towards them, hoping to reach them in time.
Rhythm and DJ Sonic did all they could to keep Chef busy, despite the danger they're in. "This is for my brother!" Rhythm shouted as she kicked Chef's nose while DJ punched her eyes.
Chef angrily tried shaking them off, but they both hang onto her nose. She shook her head left and right repeatedly, but the trolls stubbornly held on. "If there's one thing I hate, is trolls who think that they can win!" She managed to grab them off of her face and held them tightly. The poor trolls struggled in her grip, but it was futile. "Don't fight against your fate! You want to meet your brother? I'll let you meet him...in the afterlife!"
"No!" DJ Sonic gasped as she attempts to put them inside her pack. But as soon as she unzipped her fanny pack, a glitter bomb hits her in the face.
"Ah! My eyes!" Chef yelled as another glitter bomb splattered to her face again, releasing her grip on the couple.
Rhythm and DJ Sonic landed on the ground unharmed. They both heard laughter above them. Up on a branch, Shiningstar and his sister Starlight laughed at Chef's misfortune.
"You're a great shot, big bro!" Starlight said, handing over another glitterball.
"Thanks, sis!" Shiningstar threw it onto Chef again. "Take that, you mean, old Bergen!"
Chef growled at their fun. She forgot about DJ Sonic and Rhythm and pursued the glitter trolls instead. Rhythm and DJ Sonic took this diversion as a chance to escape from Chef and ran off to Primrose's direction. Chef then went after the glitter siblings and attempts to grab them. "Come over here, my little morsels!"
Shiningstar blew a raspberry at her and then butt cheek at her.
"You wouldn't dare!" Chef snarled.
"Talk to the butt!" Shiningstar then took out two fingers to Starlight. "Double fingers. Do it!"
Starlight nodded and pulled her brother's fingers hard, causing him to pull the biggest glitter fart he'd ever did...right onto Chef's shocked face.
"Ahhh! My mouth was open!" Chef spat out the glitter and tried to rubbed them of her face.
"I can't believe you just did that, brother," Starlight commented.
"Let's go!" Shiningstar swung down from the branch and Starlight followed.
Chef recovered her sight, but it was still blurry due to the glitter on her face. However, as soon as she saw the run away trolls, she resumed her chase after them.
Shiningstar and Starlight quickly hid behind a tree, catching their breaths. "What are we gonna do now?" Starlight wondered.
Shiningstar looked around and saw a far slope behind them, indicating that they're on a hilltop. He then noticed some vines on the ground as the rest were tied around the trees which gave him a crazy idea. "I got an idea. Sis, go to the other side and grab a vine." Starlight dashed ahead and did what she was told. They heard Chef coming their way.
"Come out. Come out wherever you are," she taunted.
They both gulped nervously and hoped this plan worked. Before he could start, Shiningstar head a sharp whistle above him. He looked up and smiled when he saw Wood on top of a branch, holding a vine. "Wood!"
"You two, hold on to the trees with your hairs and get ready to pull!" The glitter trolls nodded. Wood gripped the vine and braced himself to jump. With an exhale, he jumps and swung with the vine. "Hey, Bergen!" Chef heard Wood and looked up with a surprised look. "No dessert for you!" He then let his feet came in contact with her face. The force caused her to stumble back to the vines. "NOW!"
Hearing the signal, the glitter trolls pulled with all their might and felt Chef's feet pushing the vines. However, her weight went against her and tripped over the vines and she stumbled down, down the steep slope.
"And down she goes!" Shiningstar whopped happily. The trolls looked on as she hit the bottom with a groan.
"Great job, guys. Now let's get away before she climbs up here," Wood suggested which his friends had no problem in agreeing. "Where's Primrose?"
"She and Rosiepuff ran to safety when DJ Sonic and Rhythm stalled Chef before we came along," Starlight answered and pointed ahead. "They went that way."
Wood nodded. "Good. I just hope they're safe."
Deep in the roots of the troll tree, the royal family and their guards hid in their safety bunker, hidden away from the Bergens in sight. Some trolls managed to reach them before the Bergens could and Peppy and Joy kept them safe. While in hiding, all they could do was stay hidden as they listened to the yells of the innocent trolls being picked one by one.
Among those hidden, Rosiepuff and Primrose stayed close to one another, praying that Wood and the others are safe. DJ Sonic managed to reach there as well with his fiance, wrapping his arms protectively around her. Joy helped a couple of injured trolls tend their cuts and scrapes given during their escape while Amethyst, now showing her pregnant belly, comforted the children by giving reassuring words to them and hugging them as well.
"How long will this last?" Primrose worriedly asked.
"Hopefully, it will over soon," Rosiepuff replied, though she wasn't sure. "At least we're safe here."
"It's not me I'm worried about," Primrose said, looking out beyond them.
"I know. But all we could do now is wait and hope for the best."
The two were soon joined by Queen Joy and Amethyst, both sharing concerned looks. "How are you all doing?" Joy asked kindly.
"Happy that we're here, but sad that they're out there," Primrose answered.
"I understand. Shiningstar is out there too," Amethyst added. "It's so surprising that Shiningstar is risking his life out there to ensure our safety. Both mine and our son's."
"Well, it makes sense considering that he had lost his dad last year. He didn't want to lose another loved one so soon," Joy said.
The females understood the pain their loved ones had to go through, but at least they didn't go through it alone. They continued to wait a little longer while keeping each other company. Sometimes they would hear the Bergens pass by and they prepare themselves to blend in if necessary. Luckily for them, the Bergens didn't bother to search for them where they were or at least, they're just to dumb to try. A while had passed and all was quiet and still.
"Do you think they're gone?" Amethyst whispered.
"I'm not sure," Primrose said.
Suddenly, they heard rustling and movement coming into the roots. The trolls gasped and backed away quietly, not wanting to alert the enemy of their location. Holding their breaths, they've ready to defend or run away should the worst come.
Just then, something tumbled down and rolled towards the trolls. They gasped as the figure moved and stood up, grabbing his head. He coughed and shook off the dust on his clothes. "Next time, I'll bring a pillow for a soft landing."
"Wood?" Primrose gasped, recognizing the voice.
"Prim?" The dust cleared up, revealing the bright green skin troll that Primrose recognized.
Primrose happily wrapped her arms to her husband and Wood returned the hug, relieved to be reunited at last. "Oh my hair, Wood! I was so worried! I thought that something happened to you! I thought that..."
"Shh. It's okay now. I'm here. We're safe," Wood said, comforting his wife. Rosiepuff came to them, giving a hug to her son as well as kissing his forehead repeatedly. "Mom, you're kissing me in public."
"I'm your mother and old. I get to do what I want," Rosiepuff said with a smirk.
Behind them, Shiningstar slid down unharmed until Starlight crashed into him in a glitter dog pile. "Ugh. I can see now why men invented the 'ladies first' method."
"Shiningstar!" Amethyst cried, tackling him in a hug.
"Easy, Amy! No need for rash hugs. The little guy might get a concussion!" Shiningstar groaned, thinking of his unborn offspring.
Amethyst broke her hug and sternly pointed to Shiningstar. "Don't you ever leave me alone again, especially on Trollstice of all days!"
"I know. I'm sorry. I just had to help others and keep all my family safe," he apologized.
"At least you're with us now," King Peppy said. "Come now, let's wait a little longer before we step out in the open. I pray that many others are safely hidden away."
The trolls nodded and huddled together where they stayed until they were sure that it's safe to walk out.
It was noon by the time the Bergens had left with their prizes which means that Trollstice was over...at least until next year. King Peppy took everyone out of their shelter. They all cautiously walked out, examining all the destruction the Bergens did to their homes.
Joy, alongside Wood, Primrose, Rosiepuff, Amethyst, Shiningstar, Starlight, DJ Sonic, and Rhythm, followed behind the king. They were upset to see the results of this year's Trollstice. Sure, it wasn't as bad as the fire destruction last year, but even so, many trolls were still lost. Then other trolls came out of the forests and hiding places to join the other survivors.
Wood and Primrose caught sight of Coral, Big Bash, Olivia, and their son, Biggie arriving to the village. Thorn, Ivy, and Creek were with him as well. Primrose held the child that she saved tenderly until the boy caught sight of his mom and happily ran up to her, relieved that they're together again.
Peppy even saw his top scout Ripple bringing other trolls, including Feather, Silkie, and Chester and his family too. At least their friends were all safe once again.
"What's the count, Ripple?" The king seriously asked.
Ripple exhaled a heavy sigh. "27 are gone. 20 adults, 3 elders,... and 4 trollings. Here, I made a list." He gave the king the list of names that were lost to them.
The king analyzed the list and sighed solemnly. Rolling the paper, he went on and stood upon a mushroom where he could overlook his people. "My fellow trolls, I am pleased to see that we're all still here after another dreadful day like Trollstice. It truly warms my heart knowing that our village can still thrive." Murmurs of agreement can be heard amongst the trolls. "But, it saddens me to say that there were still many trolls that had been taken. We are thankful that the numbers were not as devastating as last years, but still, a life taken on this day is the worst news we should ever hear. These trolls were our family and friends and it would be selfish of us if we give into despair after they made their sacrifices for our survival." Many trolls became saddened by this. Others began to shed tears and cry while being comforted by others. "Let us pay our respects for our lost friends and honor them by continuing sharing our happiness with all our loved ones. May they live in peace and live on in our hearts."
The trolls bowed their heads in silence to mourn for their lost friends. Another Trollstice, many lives were still lost. For how long will this go on? But they shouldn't have this on their minds right now. They believed that if there ever was a chance or way to escape, their King will surely won't hesitate to take it. For the strength of their village is their king and the strength of the king is the people.
After Trollstice came the traditional day to celebrate their survival with everyone else. Like last year, the surviving trolls had a night party at the Royal pod which everyone attended. DJ Sonic played his stereo and DJ system on his Wooferbug, Shiningstar had his drum set, and Feather played the keys.
There was a celebration, and after their close call yesterday, they deserved a night like this 'cause there's always something to celebrate.
At that moment, the beloved King Peppy arrived to the stage, holding a microphone in his hand. Facing the trolls with a smile, he shouted out, "Okay, trolls! Who's up for a little karaoke?" He received his answer in a wave of cheers and hollers. He took that as a yes. "That's music to my ears. So, to get this party going, a dear friend you all know has offered to sing us a song to not only to honor our lost ones, but also to remind us how we're still alive today. Ladies, this one's for you. Give it up for Wood!"
Every troll cheered on loudly as Wood climbed upstage. Primrose and Rosiepuff clapped eagerly for Wood. It is a joyful opportunity to hear a handsome voice such as Wood's.
"Hello, everyone!" Wood cried out. "This song is dedicated to all of our friends here, but also to the ones we've lost. However, they risk their lives to make sure we would survive. Let this song remind you of them." He then turned to DJ Sonic, motioning him to start the music. Once he did, Shiningstar dimmed the lights except for the center one where Wood stood. Feeling the rhythm in his rhythm and listening to the beat, he began to let his voice soar to the song.
You could never know what it's like
Your blood like winter freezes just like ice
And there's a cold lonely light that shines from you
You'll wind up like the wreck you hide behind that mask you use
He then walked to the edge of the stage, staring into the eyes of Primrose as he continued the next verse while dancing a few upbeat steps.
And did you think this fool could never win
Well, look at me, I'm a-coming back again
I got a taste of love in a simple way
And if you need to know while I'm still standing you just fade away
Primrose couldn't resist a smile followed by a chuckle by her husband's cute dance routine. When he's not being protective or serious, there's a fun side of him that reminds her of a child. In a way, he is young at heart. Rosiepuff seems to think so as well, not taking her eyes off of her son.
Don't you know I'm still standing better than I ever did
Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid
And I'm still standing after all this time
Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind
I'm still standing
Yeah, yeah, yeah
The audience joined along in the chorus, waving their arms in the air while Shiningstar made the colorful lights shine brightly with each burst of emotion heard in the song. Even he and their friends couldn't resist in singing along.
I'm still standing
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Wood enjoyed this song and listening to the lyrics, there was a moment where he remembered all the hardships he had to go through such as the loss of his father and all the Trollstices he and his family had went through and survived. Even after all that, he knew one thing for sure: he won't give up especially now since he has so many precious people depending on him to protect them.
Once I never could hope to win
You're starting down the road leaving me again
The threats you made were meant to cut me down
And if our love was just a circus you'd be a clown by now
By now, all the crowd were dancing to the beat, waving their arms crazily in the air. Others instead were shaking their heads rhythmically and stomping their feet.
You know I'm still standing better than I ever did
Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid
I'm still standing after all this time
Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind
I'm still standing
Yeah, yeah, yeah
I'm still standing
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Feather then tossed him an electric guitar and Wood then began to play it like a pro rock star, making everyone cheer wildly for his talented playing. Wood swayed his hair back and forth and was having the time of his life.
Don't you know that I'm still standing better than I ever did
Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid
And I'm still standing after all this time
Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind
I'm still standing
Yeah, yeah, yeah
By then, every troll joined in the chorus. Children were jumping up and down each lyric they hear. Even King Peppy and Joy chanted the lyric and swayed to the music. Hey, even royalty deserves to have some fun once in awhile.
I'm still standing
Yeah, yeah, yeah
I'm still standing
Yeah, yeah, yeah
I'm still standing
Yeah, yeah, yeah
With a final strum of the guitar, he posed his finale. The lights returned to its original brightness and all the trolls applauded for Wood. Rosiepuff whooped loudly with Primrose besides her.
"That's my son!" Rosiepuff gleefully shouted.
King Peppy arrived to the stage with a proud grin. "How about that? Huh? Give it up for Wood, folks!"
Wood was breathless from all the fun and was amazed by all the applause he's receiving. He then saw Joy motioning him to take a bow which he immediately did before leaving the stage.
"Wood, you rock!" Shiningstar shouted out.
The green troll chuckled and then was greeted by his love and mother as they embrace him in a hug. "You were wonderful out there," Primrose said.
"You really are my talented boy!" Rosiepuff said as well and kissed his forehead.
"Thank you, all of you. It brings me great joy to participate this event, but even greater joy knowing that you're all still with me, standing by my side," Wood added.
"Where else would we be?" Primrose asked playfully.
"Don't answer that," Wood shook his head. He couldn't bare the thought of being without them not for one second. "All that matters is that we're still here."
"I agree. I dare say that even our little Branch enjoyed your show. I felt him moving him around as if he was dancing," Primrose said, tapping her belly gently.
"Did he now?" Wood said as he felt the baby inside. "Did you like your daddy singing?" He then felt a little kick, making him chuckle. "Looks like you did. But I bet you enjoy your mother's singing more. She is a better singer than I am."
"Are you saying that so I can give you anything you want tonight?" Primrose asked with a smirk.
"No, but if you're willing to..." Wood grinned which Primrose playfully shoves his head. They both laughed until they shared a loving kiss.
Rosiepuff sighed lovingly at those two. It warms her heart to see them so close and happy together. "The baby's lucky to have both of you as his parents. I'm not surprised that he enjoyed the music. He is his father's son after all."
"Maybe. But I hope that he would inherit something from his mother as well. Maybe either her colors or angelic voice," Wood hoped as he gave a small peck on her cheek.
"Whatever he inherits from us, I'm sure he'll be the most beautiful baby of all," Primrose said happily. "I can't wait to meet him."
"Neither can we," Wood agreed as well as Rosiepuff.
They were a happy family and will be even happier once their little angel is born. Until then, they just keep on enjoying each other's company and the rest of their happy life as long as they're still standing.
Hope you like it!
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A/N: Song Credit:
"I'm Still Standing" by Elton John
Neomoon585