'Birds of a Feather' Part 7 - Everything I Need Is On The Ground

It was those words that made Jazzy upset.

"C'mon!" said Poppy. "Here in TrollsTopia, we all share our differences and have the freedom with what we want. We need to respect each other's wishes and work together to have a strong kingdom. You can't leave everybody out of this! Don't you want to share your music with many people as you can? Show them that they can be good like all of us with everlasting happiness? To inspire them to find the same feelings that you brought here in the first place? TrollsTopia should be a place where everybody is happy with who they are and not needing to survive for themselves. I know you feel that way too. Right, Finn? You enjoy it here?"

Jazzy knew that Finn wasn't going to agree right there. And him saying 'yes' would be a lie. Why pressure somebody to make them say what you want them to say? Why try to make everybody the same in TrollsTopia?

"You really think that you can get a guy who only been here for a few weeks to agree with you?" said Jazzy. "He hasn't actually go around this town for so long!"

"But TrollsTopia can change you to be a better person!" said Poppy optimistically. "And I know that you want to be a better person! You don't need to hurt anyone."

That didn't calm Jazzy down. "Look, Poppy. Do you think any of us here moved to this town to find happiness and never needing to worry, especially outside? I mean, Finn hasn't talked to anyone else and it is clear that it's going to take long for him to enjoy his stay. He isn't so passionate about reuniting all the Trolls. As for me, I can't change people; people don't change. They just get more skilled at hiding their true nature. And the more we try to change them, the more we try to get them to realize fail to sink in. It gets worse with little indication of those PEASANTS slowing down."

She placed her hands on her hips, clearly agitated by this point. "Sorry, but you're the only one who wants to get everybody together instead of focusing on adapting to certain things you would even want to avoid. And us bounty hunters already know the experience. It's not worth having those scumbags live here or anywhere in the world. I know that you and Branch are the leaders of Pop Trolls – I am aware that you want to change because of your tribe's sins – but you should really consider what is really safe for everybody."

Finn sucked his breath in. With every harsh word, this wasn't going to be well for tonight. But judging by the atmosphere and the mood, it wasn't going to be violent. It was more bleak. Poppy was clearly taken aback by Jazzy's words. Branch didn't even like it, already closing his eyes.

Poppy looked like she was accepting it. However, the glimpses of optimism were still there. She was more hurt by how Jazzy degraded her and how sociopathic the Chess Master really was.

"As Queen of the Pop Trolls," she hissed. "I have to do what is right and all the leaders agree with me. You might have chosen too many choices, but maybe that is because you are looking at the outside instead of what is beneath them! That is one of the problems for the Pop Trolls; we tend to try to change everything instead about caring about what is important to others and I don't want that same conflict to happen!"

Jazzy growled, crossing her arms.

"To be honest, I don't know what I am going to do with this whole criminal situation."

"We need to find what is their plan and when they are going to strike," said Branch. "Any threats that are nearby."

"For now, I don't think we should be able to go anywhere until you calm down instead of assuming too quickly."

"What?!" said Jazzy. "I'm not assuming! I'm just trying to get all the questions solved immediately. Isn't that less painful than letting the pain take over for a while?"

"You killed several lives without even questioning their motives or the people who assigned you to do so."

"I rather rip the limbs off rather than let them hurt innocent people in TrollsTopia."

"But you are really impatient here! Always wanting to jump in when there are better ways instead of taking a heavier toll on you. What if you do something you are going to regret?"

"I live though this already! I will get over my kills eventually. You don't need to treat me like I'm made of glass, Poppy!"

"But you're going to kill only half of the problem. You would be destroying hints that might be helpful for us!"

Branch nodded. "Yeah. I have to agree with Poppy. She has a point. Being a murderer is not going to solve the problem."

Jazzy shook her head. "I might be as bad as the Bergans, but at least I know what is morally right!"

"I think you shouldn't help out right now. Not at least until you cool down and try to control yourself from losing your patience."

This was something Jazzy doesn't want to hear. "WHAT?!"

"You heard me right. I think you should take a week or two weeks off from your job. We can't do this job if you can't process properly. And if you don't take your mind off murder, this is going to destroy our society. And if you can't learn how to take care of your temper, then you can't be with us."

Jazzy gritted her teeth, her skin nearly looked like it was BOILING at that point. She marched over the light blue Troll, trying to get in his face.

"I'm not going to take a break…" she said firmly. "Just because you guys won't accept that there are people who are too evil for this world due to you are being too stupid to see that they can't really change."

Now, that did it. Poppy's ear twitched a little.

"You're suspended," she said quietly.

Jazzy whipped her head to her. "What?!"

"You're suspended for two weeks now! You're out of the leader circle and you have to stop right now!"

Jazzy was really losing it. "No way you can do this without me."

"You know what? We can continue our project soon and I already send the invites to sub tribes. I'll let you know, but we have to wait until you take the time to think. Otherwise, I would have to fire you."

"No," said Jazzy.

"No?!"

"You can't just decide that! Look, you're even extending the problem even more! And if I am that hot-headed, then be it because it helped me set things fair for everyone in the blink of an eye!"

Branch groaned, taking Poppy's hand. "I don't have time for this. Goodbye, Jazzy. Finn, get some rest for tonight."

"C'mon!" said Jazzy, her British accent noticeably nearly gone at that point. "We still have to act! Not take breaks! Somebody can die of an injury due to that Classical dolt now! Finn, you have a headache, don't you?"

Finn stayed quiet. The only headache he was having was Jazzy's insistence on working.

"This is bullcrap! I am telling you! My actions have reasons behind them! Especially for other people's reasons!"

"Go along now, Jazzy," pleaded Poppy softly, not making eye contact. "Please."

Finn didn't want to choose a side, but he felt that Poppy is right. Jazzy was overthinking and not right in the head. And if she kept going like that, she was going to crash immediately. Without a second thought, he hovered towards Finn and grabbed Jazzy's hand.

"C'mon, Jazzy," he said gently. "Let's go."

Jazzy turned to him, nearly betrayed by him siding with Poppy and Branch. But she saw the look in his eyes. He didn't want this and he wanted to be out of this intense moment. He just wanted to rest already and forget about everything for a while. It was like she was killing him. And Finn was still not well. While they didn't know if he already recovered, Finn might fall ill again.

The pressure and arguing wouldn't really help his mood.

In defeat, Jazzy hung her head as Finn dragged her away. However, she looked back at Poppy and Branch, giving them one last reminder.

"This isn't over you know," she said. "This isn't over by a long shot!"

Branch and Poppy could only watch in silence as the Chess Master and the Trap Techno Troll went through the thick bushes. They exchanged worried glances with each other. They didn't approve her criticism, but she had a point that there were still bad people out there. But it wouldn't be worth killing them if they don't know what is troubling them.

For now, they will have to keep it low. See the odds and try to fix them. Poppy wanted nothing to do but peace. And peace seemed to be the only right thing for her. Yet, justice can be sweeter at times.

Branch muttered something and took Poppy by the hand. They left the crime scene, not bothering to clean up the traps.

Finn manages to get Jazzy away from the two Pop Trolls. They are close to the edge of the small mountains that sit right in front of the town of TrollsTopia. The colorful lights and the stalls below should bring a sense of peace. Seeing the people around, talking to each other and sharing their music, should make one feel welcome. The music is gentle to keep everybody calm and safe. A supportive environment for all Trolls.

However, the sight doesn't calm Jazzy down. Not even a few seconds after her minor breakdown. She suddenly swings around violently, nearly slapping Finn in the face. Her hand callously rips his bandanna off.

"Don't do this, Jazzy," snarled Finn, wiping his mouth.

"Y-You don't get it," said Jazzy, stepping away as if trying to keep her distance from anyone.

"You have to face reality!"

Jazzy was getting confused. "What do you mean 'reality'?"

"The reality that you're ruining your life!" shouted Finn, getting up to her face. "That you're not even HERE anymore! What happened to the Chess Master I saw at the party on that stage with me?! What happened to you suddenly running out of the party?! And you just trying to force those leaders to do what you want, it's like you are trying to push me as well!"

Jazzy wasn't happy about this. "Oh really? Do you honestly think that I can keep my mind 24/7 on taking a freaking break for once?! Do you?! You think the Chess Master ever rest?!"

"You weren't even THINKING when you chewed Poppy out. I may not like her that much, but I agree with what she said; you ARE a murderer! And you nearly harmed one of us! Poppy could have fired you on the spot if you attacked her back."

"I was trying to get them by the balls so that I could make my point! You're supporting a princess who endangers her tribe twice? I am trying to knock sense into her!"

"But you didn't know how much your actions can even harm this society! I am not comfortable if somebody died!" Finn banged his fist at his heart, gesturing to himself. "I nearly DIED yesterday. And you saved me. I-I-I don't really think t-t-that anyone would notice it, but…a death in the town is still a tragedy. Even we Techno Trolls mourn for our lost ones instead of trying to forget them. You didn't know what you were proposing to do if you decide to get into danger any more than us."

Jazzy's temper reached the top. "Do you have any idea what it's like to live through such a moment where everything is LITERALLY crumbling down around you with so much pressure and jobs you have to take to survive?!"

Finn flinched. "That never happens to any of us."

"It does for hell's sake! How every day I scream to the world to help my parents! And I feel their worry, back when their lives were ruined when I was younger. Can you imagine the pain they faced through when their jobs were declining, their friends killed and their industries were shutting down?! How every day they pleaded the mayor to do something to save them! Here I am, trying to support every Troll from going through that same damn experience!"

The Trap Techno Troll was bewildered. "What?"

"You might have been a loner for so long, but I got bigger problems than you do! It's hard for me to get over the loss of my tribe's cherished possessions when they were wiped away in a tornado! This is the problem with every carefree Troll out there; they think that we are still mopey over our losses and it is bringing everyone down." Jazzy's voice was already cracking, with her voice rising up and lowering down in frustration. "You might have moved on from the World Tour and its damages, but I never moved on from what my town had to go through! And maybe I will always do! We were nearly bankrupt that I felt that it was my fault for causing the tornado! So DON'T tell me that everything is OK!"

Jazzy took a step back, bending down and placing her hands on her knees. She needed a moment to breath. All that venting didn't do any good to her unlike a Rock Troll. It didn't feel right for her. And the more her skin glowed, the more she felt the need to collapse and rust on the ground. She wanted to stop. She ACTUALLY wanted to stop.

The Chess Master wouldn't want to stop.

"Why haven't you ever told us this happened?" said Finn.

"Our lives are more stable these days," grumbled Jazzy. "And every day, we enjoyed the sunshine and frowned upon those who are still in the dark. Think that we are the dumb ones."

The flood gates went open as she began to shed tears. She angrily wiped them away, trying to rid herself of the ongoing grief and worry of her parents.

"I-I'm sorry. I shouldn't shout. It's just…I hate myself for letting Bruce get away."

Finn tried to stay cool, but Jazzy was breaking in front of him. It was like they had switch places again.

"Everywhere I go," admitted Jazzy. "The whole world is expecting me to still be the Chess Master. And I want to be that. I never want to stop until I can find everlasting peace. And I don't know if I will. It's going to drown me."

"I didn't really see you as the Chess Master," said Finn.

"But you didn't know me as a bounty hunter before."

"All I saw was you. No assassin, no mercenary. Just somebody who wanted to help."

Jazzy froze in the middle of her swarming thoughts. "What?"

"I feel threatened by you sometimes, but it's because of the toughness you are trying to wear. You don't make me feel weak now that you showed me who you are. It feels…" Finn hesitated, but used up all of his confidence to say this. "…nice being around you."

Jazzy was confused. "That's different."

"How is my thought different to everyone's?"

"I don't know! You're just…Electro Ray."

"Everybody's opinion matters and mine don't inspire you?"

"O-Of course it matters! It's just-I don't know!" Jazzy wasn't sure why Finn's opinion count. It might have something to do with Finn being a grump and this skewed his sense of what counts as right. But however, she felt…much better when he said it to her. She just didn't want to admit it.

"Face the facts, Chess Master," said Finn. "I shouldn't even calling you the Chess Master, but you're letting yourself eat up that title. That title is really out of league for all of you. You might not even be the Chess Master. Nobody could be the Chess Master. I tried being DJ Electro Ray. Crikey, I was a mess."

Jazzy stayed silent, deciding to listen instead of insisting like she always did.

"I-I want to be something. I want to feel happy. Trollex recommends this place for me because there are more people out there. I don't believe him at first and coming here doesn't change a lot. I might have made some good friendships with the Trolls around, but it won't take long until they understand the real me. The real me that I…try to hide. But…I feel more safe around you."

He hovered towards her, rubbing his hands nervously.

"I like you for the way you are. I understand your view on the world and I want to help as well. I want to do anything to make you feel happy like how you did the same for me."

Jazzy raised an eyebrow. "I did?"

"I owe you a lot. Encouraging me to get out of my room, cleaning my clothes and keeping me calm when I nearly lost my mind at the party. I have no idea what is going on and how we can stop Bruce and any of his allies from taking over TrollsTopia. Fair dinkum, NONE OF US will ever know how to stop them. It's something we can't really control or stop. It's going to continue non-stop and following it all the time is going to wear us out. I don't wish to be a part of that because…I don't want a life that is so…like a war."

Jazzy nodded. She desperately wanted to stop, but she didn't think she has a good reason to stop trying to keep all the Trolls safe. She really wanted to have a reason. She thought back to Poppy. Her joy of her helping out yet seeing her overwhelmed with all the responsibilities. While she wasn't able to live up to being a queen, Jazzy was almost as 'bad' as Poppy is.

Perhaps there are people wanting to do the same, but they are struggling to take the huge step.

"I know it's silly to step away from your job just for a week, but you are pushing yourself too far, Jazzy. You might even end up killing yourself! Like I did! Any kind of addiction – no matter how sympathetic they are – can cost a life. Do you want that to happen or do you think that your life doesn't matter to everyone?"

Finn knew that was stupid to ask that question, but he realizes that Jazzy wasn't thinking about her own health when she protested she needed to keep on working. The latter blinked, shocked at his question. She never…heard anyone telling her that her life should matter.

"I don't want everyone to be in pain anymore," whimpered Jazzy.

"Maybe everyone is in the same pain as you are," said Finn, placing his hands on her shoulders. "And this pain isn't going to drown you if you decide to really give in. You need to take care of yourself as well, Jazzy. You can't always be the Chess Master and I can't always be the same person I always am when talking to other people. Please…"

The next few words that he said would have changed everything.

"…be kind to yourself like I want to be kind to you."

Jazzy stood there, unable to talk. She had been working non-stop to get what she wants. She didn't want to let anything to stop her. However, it was already taken a toll and every day had been making her a worse person than she even thought she was. And her near murder of Bruce would have cost her job. Poppy had already given her a break, even if it was suspension, and this wasn't because the Pop Queen wanted to push her away.

She had been too much of a workaholic.

The Chess Master continued to cry, but ashamedly tried to wipe the tears away. She sniffed, rubbing her nose. Her red-pink eyes were already red.

"I-I see what you mean," she said. "I just…want to make things right."

"I'm sure you will do," reassured Finn. "But nothing will be alright if you can't love yourself."

Jazzy nodded, shaking. A warm feeling fluttered in her stomach. The same feeling when she first met Finn. Mysterious and dark yet he was a nice guy to hang around with. He wasn't that bad from the others. She felt that she could relate to him. The interest slowly grew into passion and passion became a desire. A desire to make her feel safe from everything.

Finn started to feel the same way to. He could hear his heart beating loudly, pumping faster. Something he thought wouldn't be possible.

A chime rang throughout town. The two looked over to see two Pop Trolls randomly hugging. Then, more Trolls began to hug each other. This included those Trolls who weren't from the Pop Tribe. Colorful lights glow around the market. It was nearly confusing, but Jazzy realized what is going on.

"Hug time?" she said.

Finn shivered a little. He wasn't looking forward to that.

Jazzy turned to him. "So…uh…you think if we can…?"

Finn turned to her. "Why's that?"

"I just…need one."

Finn thought that he wouldn't want a hug from anyone. However, he needed one after his freak outs, his tempers and his moodiness. He wanted someone to hold him close.

He nodded, wrapping his arms around Jazzy. The latter did the same. The two stumbled a bit awkwardly, but they manage to stand right and wrap each other closely. The two stayed there in a relieving and nearly-sobbing hug. They had been at their worst tonight. They had been causing more problems to themselves, but for now, they wanted to be with each other. They wanted to leave all the work and bad times aside and have each other for their own comfort.

Tonight had been a good one in fact. Relieving and venting out all of their problems helped them to find a solution to make them feel better for once. A new beginning for their lives in TrollsTopia because it has officially started. A chance to start over for a better and beautiful life. And they believe they want to spend it with each other.

Two Trolls together, birds of a feather.

5 months later…

There had been so many controversies, resources required, and expectations needed to be met before TrollsTopia can encourage all the new tribes to come over. Jazzy had decided to work less, but Poppy was able to make the other leaders happy about this decision as they prepared for some modifications to TrollsTopia and its society. Poppy and Branch are both nervous on what the future will hold, and they never forget Bruce's warning to them. Any criminals can waltz right into their home easily. With a few of their friends' help, they went around to develop law systems, enforcers and some new rules to keep TrollsTopia secure. The shooting star must have given them their wish, because everybody agreed with their rules.

However, law enforcers were kind of short, so they were hoping that some of the Trolls could step up to protect the town.

In the meantime, Jazzy made the decision to stay in TrollsTopia. She still loved her fellow Swing Trolls and her family, but she wanted to make a new life as the Chess Master. Maybe she might like the place more if she hangs around longer. She declared that as long as she is helping all of the Trolls, she wouldn't want to miss out on any of the fun.

Finn reported back to King Trollex about his decision. He wanted to stay in TrollsTopia. While he still hasn't grown adjusted to the colorful town, he wanted to give it a shot and perhaps make some new friends. But the main reason was that he wants to be with Jazzy. He thought there is more for them.

In fact, there was indeed more for them. With them living together as roommates, they started to grow close and hang around more. They really enjoyed each other's company and there wouldn't be no chat between them every day. In fact, everybody was seeing them as a couple.

However, they didn't know if they are boyfriend and girlfriend already. While Jazzy had already start kissing Finn on the cheek or forehead, they hadn't tried it out. There was no fancy date with candle lights, but they kept it simple for them to have a pleasant conversation. They may be right that they like each other; one to love each other than the others do.

It is a nice feeling and hopefully, it will stay that way. Love never fails they say.

Yet, both of them are REALLY awkward, so any chances of them being an official couple are most likely to fly out of the window.

At the moment now, they had received news that three new subtribes and two familiar subtribes are going to visit TrollsTopia. A Swing Troll named Bebop had sent a letter over to them to announce his upcoming arrival for Jazzy. To them, it was a surprise they didn't expect at first. It would be a whole new level if there are Swing Trolls willing to stay at TrollsTopia.

"Dear, Jazzy the one and talented Chess Master," read Jazzy as she held the letter up high for her and Finn to read. "It is my pleasure to enter the new world of TrollsTopia with my band of Swing Trolls who are looking for a new place to stay in. Mayor Goodman has made the decision to let us buy new homes there and make full great use of it. Tomorrow, we will be arriving at TrollsTopia and check out the magnificent Queen Poppy with what she has to offer to us! I really can't wait to see what you have right there because it is going to be a hell of a time! Gonna be tremendous, splendid! Something, something like your mum's spaghettis! And I heard you will be performing at Chez Dante, so I will want to see what you will bring to the table! Don't blow us up with sauce! Must keep your rose up when wearing it on your head, Bebop…"

Jazzy let the paper fell down onto her lap as Finn stared at her with a disgusted look.

"That dramatic, huh?" said the Trap Techno Troll.

"I never met this Bebop fellow," said Jazzy. "He's one of Goodman's friends, but I don't know him too well. He prefers to work at home, so I see that TrollsTopia is giving him an opportunity to work with others without being in the background."

"More weirdos. Great, just great."

"Gonna get used to it. And I hope you might keep up with any of the Swing Trolls. They are really good tap dancers."

"You know I don't use my fins for walking that much. I fly."

"I know that, Finn. You always like to be literally high all the time."

"Wait, what do you mean by that?" said Finn, raising his eyebrow.

Jazzy smirked to herself. "You have so much energy at times."

Because of their time together, Jazzy and Finn had become comfortable talking to each other. They still made sarcastic quips to each other, but they are much friendlier than before. Finn also allowed Jazzy to call him by his legal name, no longer telling her off for not calling him his nickname.

Jazzy sighed, sitting back on a chair. "This is going to be a long day tomorrow."

"Yeah," muttered Finn. "A lot of new people and more genres. Who knows what they are going to bring here?"

"Poppy has been taking care of everything so far. She has been researching on all of their cultures, traditions and needs. She has to try to look through everything, but now, this is her chance to get all the Trolls reunited. All of the tribes that weren't at the World Tour."

"You think that any one of them will try to harm the peace?"

Jazzy shook her head, kissing Finn on the forehead. "Don't worry too much now. We will stop whoever tries to disrupt the peace."

"Sorry. It's still hard to believe that there will be new Trolls coming in. A lot of new unnecessary…talks."

"You know you don't have to talk with them. Just like say 'hi' or something."

"I know that. But what about you? You're still worried about any new criminals coming? It's been a while since we met that Classical criminal. We don't know where he is and he might strike back."

Jazzy hummed to herself. Ever since that night, she had been thinking about what Bruce said. She got worried. Since they are opening TrollsTopia very soon, this might allow mob gangs and mercenaries to stay, and cause chaos. They may not accept Poppy's welcome warmly. There may be someone who did a treacherous act and then only learn they do not have to be afraid of being different, but what if somebody doesn't care about everybody? That was one thing that pondered on her mind.

"I-I-I'm not exactly sure," she said. "It's been a long time…we didn't see anything happening, so…nothing bad will happen I guess."

"I just have to make sure that you are well to do your job," said Finn. "I don't want you to overburn again."

"I promise I won't."

The two of them shared a kiss with each other. Both faces went red as they separate. They had been trying out kissing each other, but it was a new sensation that it left them flustered. They had to get used to it if they love each other.

"I know you well, Jazzy," said Finn, placing his hands on his hips. "I know that you will stress out whenever we have to do something like this."

"Silly, little finny," said Jazzy, booping his invisible nose. "I am OK. Besides, tomorrow we are just doing a performance. I don't need to help Poppy with anything. It's not like she needs me now."

"But she might need you for an emergency. An occasion you have to do. I mean, it doesn't get eventful than this."

Jazzy shrugged. As the Chess Master, she believed that everything was in her hands. She needed to play her chess pieces right, always used the aces and roll the dice for a higher number. She needed to make sure that she patiently waited to win and get the upper hand. That was still her method when helping Poppy and Branch out. But little does she knew, she has a feeling that Finn might know more than she assumes. He meant it, so he isn't wrong.

"Yeah…" said Jazzy. "I guess. Don't trouble me that much."

"S-Sorry," said Finn, rubbing his head. "Just saying. I feel the need to do so."

"OK then, dummy. Let's get back to some serious business. You finished editing the song we are creating?"

Finn smiled. "Yep. It is all ready to go. I have to add in extra effects to fit the real style and tone of the Chess Master. I know how dangerous and crazy you are at times."

Jazzy smirked. "Oh, I'm depending on that."

Finn shared the same smirk as he went over to his DJ set and placed in a new DVD with the recorded song. He pressed 'play' and let it take him on a journey. Both he and Jazzy sat together to listen to their track, ready to know how to sing it on stage. The music started to play, connected to a nearby boombox. It went loud, but Finn didn't mind that much as before. Especially when he was close to Jazzy.

At first, Jazzy thought of using the original song, but they decided to revamp it and make it their own to fit both Swing and Trap. With Finn on the instrumental and Jazzy on the vocals, nothing can go wrong. It all depends on if they hit the beat hard.

And Finn was sure that everybody will like it. If his fellow Techno Trolls back home can hear it, he would love them to.

"Diamonds are a girl's best friend
Di-Diamonds are a girl's best friend…"

Meanwhile…

In a dark makeshift hut not far from TrollsTopia, Bruce Ritardando rested against a table as he dug into his ears. Earwax occasionally. His nose was a little sniffly due to getting himself sick a few days ago. But that was OK; he stole some medicine to help him recover and he might be back on feet soon. Well, wings that is. His hands had been feeling sweaty and dirty, but he will have to take a bath later. He had to deal with one thing.

And this one thing was waiting for his boss to call him. He got a phone with him and there was another criminal wanting to talk with him. At 6:30 pm straight with nobody around. He made sure that he was away from the colorful town and in an area where there is at least some reception. No one to interfere with him. But lord, how long is this person gonna pick up the call now? When? Just when?

Bruce was about to go off, but that was when his phone rang. The image of a grey-colored picture filled the entire screen with a large question mark in the middle. So that must be the caller; mysterious and never reveal their name or else somebody might find out.

He pressed the green button and lifted his phone near his ear.

"Grunge," he said. "Took you long enough."

"Don't patronize me," growled a deep voice on the other side. "I am a busy mercenary and you know that. I had two predators on my tail and I nearly lost my own head."

"Wow. You nearly lost your head. Somebody as numb-skulled as you should learn that I don't really want to work for an upper-class criminal."

"Focus, Ritardando! The plan is still going down tomorrow night and I need more than one number to help me carry this mission out. And don't forget why I called you; you needed the money, don't you?"

"I only gave into the money because it might help, but it's not enough to make you shut my mouth."

"Oh, you're saying that we do things your way?"

"I told you before, Grunge. Me and my crew just want to do whatever we want in TrollsTopia. The town is filled with riches and luxury, but in the end, it is a candy store for bad guys like us. Remember, we just go in and take what we want."

"But we have competition, Ritardando. The stakes will be high once the Pop Queen allows all of us to move in freely. Your first priority is execution of the Gulf Diggers. Anything you want to do can wait until AFTER that and before your next mission. You hear me? I don't want any distractions because if you want to work with me as a team, then you must keep your ears wide straight. I swear, if you disregard whatever I want you to comply to, I will kill you!"

Bruce rolled his eyes. "Wow. Some nice motivation right there, captain."

He had to keep his phone away from his ear as 'Grunge' began screaming.

"YOU BETTER NOT FALL BEHIND ON MY ORDERS! IF YOU REALLY WANT TO RULE OVER THAT SOON-TO-BE BLOODSTAINED AND FREELANCE VILLAGE, THEN YOU HAVE TO FOLLOW MY PLANS TO SUCCEED! I SWEAR, I WILL GO OVER YOUR OWN BODY, RIP OUT ALL YOUR HEAD AND THEN CUT OFF YOUR OWN D-!"

"Are you down now?" interrupted Bruce, nonchalantly.

'Grunge' groaned at his sarcastic nature. "You better not screw over me. Or I'm going to hand you into the leaders. Wouldn't want to see the disappointed look on Trollzart's face, wouldn't you?"

Bruce froze, remaining silent for once. He thought about it before sighing in agreement.

"Yeah," he said. "I-I guess."

"Good. Now get some rest. You're gonna need it when you wake up in the early morning."

"Affirmative, boss."

Bruce decided to turn off his phone first, not willing to hear another venom word from the mob boss. He didn't need someone to tell him to shape up to be a really serious person. He wanted to ride through ruined streets, but he knew that it would be stupid of him if he didn't have a real plan. He had to admit that Grunge's idea was great, but he was feeling impatient.

He had to wait until tomorrow he guess.

"Hey, sir," said a voice.

Bruce turned his eyes to a black Techno Troll who was waiting nearby, leaning against the door frame. His sharp blue eyes glowed sinisterly.

"You think it is a good idea to follow that 'Grunge' fellow?" he said. "We do not know who he or she really is. And everybody knows them to be a really dangerous person."

Bruce snorted. "Relax. They can't do anything to us since we got the upper hand. We are the Midnight Hawks; a team of four can beat down one of their own. They even needs assistance in their mission tomorrow!"

"So, what do you think we should do with Grunge when we win?"

An evil smirk appeared over Bruce's face. "We'll smash their head in. No one will stop us from there."

The Techno Troll chuckled to himself. He hovered away, leaving Bruce by himself. The Classical Troll decided to leave his phone in the room and flew towards the light switch.

"Better be ready, TrollsTopia," he said. "Your harmony is going to waste…chaos rules."

He chuckled to himself as he turned off the light, his glowing brown eyes as the only source of illumination.

AN: Ooh. It looks like Bruno is working for someone and it seems that he is in a team. What is he going to do to TrollsTopia? What trouble is he going to cause? How will it go out for our heroes? When do I stop asking questions I already know to myself?

The emotional scene where Jazzy vents and argues take inspirations from 'Doki Doki Literature Club', 'Carrie (2013)', 'Lion' and 'Spider Man: Far From Home'. Here, I want to illustrate her more cynical side and the pressure of being the Chess Master. She has a somewhat toxic, ill-ridden and dysfunctional lifestyle of being the mercenary everybody knows, going off to judge people and doing more harm than she intends to do. And she is aware of this, but she can't help it and she feels that it should be the right thing to do. Unsurprisingly, she is suspended for her job for her rather rude words towards both Poppy and Branch, especially when she calls them 'too stupid'.

That would place Jazzy in the 'Scrappy' trope here.

While Jazzy may show that she has been pressing against moral codes slowly, it is Finn who tames her and tells her that she doesn't need to try to be so hard on herself. I decided to have this scene because I want to make this the perfect time for them for their friendship to properly occur. The time when they trust each other and care for each other. Look how it develops in one day, but we know that may be too quick.

And here, they become a wacky couple...erm...not really. I know that there are some people who are going to be worried about how I illustrate this relationship, but please do not fear! I'll make sure that it will go out well and to not create too high tension, Jazzy and Finn will only start of as a shaky couple; not close to a falling relationship but one where they treat each other like an equal. Though, I don't think I will go into their romance for the most part of the story since I have something planned for the two of them...individually.

Alright! So far, we reached '671' views for this story and I like to thank I. M. Rally, MasterClass60, Mover18, TheWriterOnTheMoon21, xjesterkingx and Gogotomago99 for following this story. Even though this is the pilot, it goes out with how I want this story to go and I am hoping that I can be able to make more in the future. I am really happy of how the pilot will turn out and hopefully, it will get better soon with new ideas!

So, in the next chapter, we start our very main story in the very first episode of Voice of Rebels! Next time, we will turn to the lives of Bastille and Charleston so far and their arrival at TrollsTopia. I hope that you guys are all excited for them as they will be making their return here.

Thanks for reading this chapter! If you enjoy this story, be sure to follow or favorite this story, so you can get updates about this story. Make sure to review this chapter on what you think about this chapter. I'm OK of hearing improvements from you (please no flames). Because this is a free-form story, updates may be slow at times, so any further questions can also be asked through PM with me.

Until next time, keep on rocking!