A/N: Sorry for the long hiatus guys, life's been insane. This one is going to be a whopper of a chapter, the longest I've written, but I hope you all enjoy. I'll try my best to post a chapter a week from now on, so stay tuned!
The next day Branch showed back up to the clinic, to an uproar by his adoptive family. After a few minutes of crying and hugging, mostly done by Spruce, Branch got right into his lesson. So the pattern would continue. Branch would show up and spend half a day learning how to read and write from either Ash, Spruce or Plum depending on who has a free day, then the next day he would go through the forest near his home, collecting items to build furniture in a way the brothers taunt him.
Occasionally, he'd meet up with his friends to play, but it became rarer and rarer as the weeks began to pass. They got pretty sad he wasn't coming around to often, but are happy when he would play with them again. They had even recently added a new member, a older boy named Guy Diamond who had apparently been helping his mom set up shop for the first month before finding friends.
In a blink of an eye two months had passed. Branch began to feel like his new house was becoming his home. He'd found a small creek next to his home, and was beginning the work of creating an irrigation canal, based off ideas from his father's books, but other than that, he'd already decked out the place with all the furniture he could need. He loves the calm and quiet of his home, away from the rambunxious trolls who seem to hold a party every other day nowadays.
For being so close to the bergens they sure act as if there isn't anything to be afraid of. At least, that's what Branch has been beginning to think. His encounters with the bergens had never really set in until he had spent all this time alone. He isn't just scared of the burgens, but of the idea they could still be looking for the trolls. That thought haunts him every night, and becomes more and more intrusive over time, which is hy he also likes spending time in the village when it's calm.
Speaking of the village, today's a very special day for Branch. He heads to the village for lessons and something else, something special.
Before he leaves, he applies his security measures. He's been getting good at reading his father's old journals, and following blueprints and designs from within. Now before he heads out, he closes the large rock on his from door, then places a small branch rigged to a net trap in front of the door, so if anyone tries to enter, they'll be trapped in a net and have to wait for Branch to find them. It's something that relieves his anxiety, at least a little, plus it's fun to setup each time.
Off Branch heads, ready for his lesson. He's made his own little path in the grass and dirt leading to the village. It's small enough a predator can't really distinguish it, but familiar enough to feel like a part of Branch's home, even to trolls who don't know him well.
Once Branch is in the opening of the village, he walks towards the clinic. Trolls talk among themselves, giving Branch a smile or nod as he passes. He's never going to outgrow his reputation as the Gray troll, but he doesn't have to. Trolls don't talk about him in as much of a bad light as they used to, and that's fine by Branch. As he approaches the underside of the clinic, a thunderous amount of footsteps approach him.
Branch holds his breath and let's three trollings to pounce on his back. Branch falls forwards. When he hits the ground, the airs is pushed out of his lungs, but it doesn't hurt.
"B-R-A!" Chenniles cheerful voice yells into Branch's ear.
"N-C-H!" Satin also yells.
"What's that spell?" Creek yells, jumping on Branch's back.
"Branch." Branch sighs out as he pushes up, knocking the trollings off his back.
He stands and leans back, cracking his back, before looking over to the young trolls. Satin and Chenille giggle as they try to untangle themselves from each other, while Creek quickly jumps up and hugs Branch.
In all honesty, Branch hasn't really liked hugs. They always were given at unwanted times, or forced onto him, but Creeks hug is different. Branch can feel the genuine love of his friend each time they hug. It's comforting, almost like Spruce's and Ash's.
"How's your mom doing Creek?" Branch asks, gently pushing away the purple troll.
"Still as pregnant as ever." Creek sighs," Honestly I don't know if my little sis will be born, or pop out in frustration."
"If she's anything like you, I know she's waiting for dramatic timing." Branch laughs.
"Do you have lessons again today, Branch?" Satin asks, successfully jumping out of her hair knot.
"Yep, but I think I'll stay a little longer today. " He replies.
"Oh, and why would that be?" Satin asks, now trying to untie her sister.
"Well, today's a good day. I might as well play with my friends for a while. Speaking of friends, where are the others?"
Satin and Chenille freeze for a second before frantically looking between each other and Branch. He wants to ask them what's wrong but Creek quickly steps between them.
"Biggie went out with his brothers and sisters to learn about the local fauna around here. Smidge, Suki and Poppy are having a tea party right now, and you know how deathly serious Smidge is about her tea parties. Guy is helping out his mom in her mirror shop and we were just playing when we saw you." Creek says in a calm tone with a large smile.
"O...oh, so everyone's doing their own thing today." Branch says with a small laugh," Well thanks for calling out. I'll play later, alright?"
"See you after lessons!" Chenille pipes up, almost free from her hairy prison.
"See ya!"
Branch looks up and breathes deeply before whipping his head back and forth, then launching it up next to the clinics entrance. He pulls himself up, and swings in through the doors of the clinic. He looks around, but there doesn't seem to be anyone around, which is strange. Normally there's at least two or three injuries a day, it's never completely empty.
"Dad!" Branch yells out, which is Stoll weird to him but he forces himself until he can get used to saying it normally," Uncle? Auntie?"
He wanders around slowly before looking through the rooms. Not in the kitchen, nor the two bedrooms, or even the bathroom. He's starting to get a little freaked out, but he sees a small slip of paper on the check in desk near the front.
'Branch, today we've closed the clinic for the purpose of allowing our supplies to get restocked. If you are reading this, we are most likely at Cybil's tea shop.'
Branch carefully folds up the paper into a small square and places it in a small pocket inside his vest. He attaches his hair and drops down onto the ground, next to where Creek and the twins play. the girls laugh a little before covering each others mouths.
"Branch, that was a quick lesson." Creek says in a confused tone.
"They weren't there." Branch sighs," I guess I should go home."
"Waitwaitwaitwaitwait!" the twins shout in unison, before Creek slams his hand on their mouths.
"Certainly they'd want to see you, and you came all this way to see your dad. Didn't they leave a note or anything?" Creek asks with a shaky laugh.
"They said they'd be at Cybil's ship, but I don't want to interrupt their work." Branch says taking out the note.
"Mom's shop? Well I'll take you there. You haven't been there yet right? I know which way we need to go!"
Creek grasps Branch's hand without waiting for a response. Branch just sighs and let's his best friend drag him along, they haven't spent much time together, so he's probably thinking up excuses to keep him here longer.
After a bit of walking Creek opens the door to a small shop made of Sea green hair. Inside it smells heavily of spices and tea mixtures, so much so, it's pretty hard to breath. Branch and the twins have to cough a little to get used to it while Creek releases Branch's hand.
"Mom, you're here aren't you?" Creek says to an opening behind the counter.
A small jingle rings in the air, like small bells and small metal pieces clinking together. Then she walks out. Cybil, the health guru of trolls village. Her long hair going from a blue to foamy green, attaching to her purple head. She has five piercings on her left ear, four on her right, a nose ring and a small split on her lip. She has her eyes closed, but opens them softly to smile at Creek and the group. She's truly a beautiful troll. Her stomach pops out from her fitted robes, ripe to pop with a small troll within.
"Ah, Creek." Cybil says with a large smile," I see you've brought your little friends. How may I help you all today?"
"Mom, Branch is looking for his dad, had been here today?" Creek asks ducking under the counter to give a hug to his birth mother.
"Branch's father?" Cybil asks, looking Branch up and down, with a confused look that hurts Branch slightly, before she perks up," Oh, the Spruce boy! Yes, he was here earlier, but he's already left. He's left a note in case you come by."
"A note?" Branch asks.
Cybil nods, then leaves to the back only to come back within seconds. She holds out eh paper to Branch, who eagerly takes the paper.
'Branch, sorry but it seems you've just missed us. We've decided to get some more robes for the clinic. We'll be at the tailor's if you'd like to see us again.' The note reads.
"Ah, they've gone to mommy and daddy's!" The twins says excitedly.
"Then I guess we'll go there next?" Branch asks with a small smile.
"Absolutely." Creek smiles, as he jumps the counter to Branch's side.
"Ah, before you go, I've got something for you." Cybil says as she looks to the counter behind her, grabbing a small jar full of leaves and herbs," This is my own blend of teas and spices that will align your chakras and fix your auras. I want you to feel better, and I think this'll help you."
"Oh, thanks." Branch says, taking the jar," I'll make sure to make some when I get home."
"Be safe out there children." Cybil smiles.
"Bye mom!" Creek says as he pushes everyone out of the room.
They quickly walk out of the room, and into the village again. Creek leads the way, singing happily while the twins provide backup. Branch smiles as he's lead away from the spice shop. Soon they're in front of a large shop covered in glitter and glamorous colors. Without any sign, Branch already knows what it is.
"Mother, Father." Satin and Chenille yell as they burst into the shop. A loud thud of bass explodes and a blur of trolls suddenly appear before the trollings.
"Satin!" The blinding male troll says loudly.
"Chenille!" The glittery female troll says with a loud yell.
"Välkommen hem!" the two yell as they scoop up the twins in a hug.
"Bra att vara hemma!" The twins yell happily.
"Um, hello?" Branch says breaking the awed silence between the group.
"Ăh är det dina vänner?" The male asks, removing his shimmering sunglasses and walking away from his daughters.
"Ja!" Chenille says happily as she jumps over to her friends.
"De är Creek och Branch!" Satin says happily as she pats Creek and Branch on the head.
"Ah! Hello!" The female says clapping to turn off the lights.
"What's up with your parents?" Creek asks the twins in a whisper.
"Oh, they're from a distant troll tribe that immigrated to the troll tree a generation ago." Stain says.
"Yeah, it was a huge coincidence. They were traveling on Bagabonds to a new home, but a stray gust of wind knocked off our grandparents onto the troll tree, where they were stuck until they were chosen for trollstice." Chenille sighs out," Mom and dad met and fell in love instantly. Now they run the clothing store here."
"Wow, what a well thought out explanation." Branch says with a smile.
"Yeah, we're proud of our history, but no one asks." Satin laughs.
"I am Silk." The female trolls says, drawing in the boys for individual hugs.
Silk Fabrics, the small business owner of the local clothing store. She's a pale pink troll with cotton candy blue hair, full of glitter and three glittering accessories. Her eyes are sapphire blue, and seem to glow due to her sparkling blue jumpsuit that reflects even the smallest sliver of light beautifully.
"I am Jute." The male troll says with a hearty laugh as he hugs the boys as well.
Jute Fabrics, the main sewster and designer of the tailor shop. Almost the exact opposite of his wife, Jute is a cotton candy blue troll with a swirl of fluffy pink hair on his head, as well as a bushy pink beard and mustache. His eyes shimmer with a rose color, amplified by his shimmering pink jumpsuit.
"Yes, hello, I am Branch." Branch says with a smile, extending his hand out in greeting. The two smile and shake hands with the youngster.
"I'm Creek." Creek says loudly jumping in front of the two tailors," And namaste."
"Ah, namaste." The parents smile and giggle.
"Picking up traits from your mother, are you?" Branch giggles.
"Yep!" Creek beams," I'm the one who'll take over the store when mom's away. I have to practice every day."
"That's nice." branch smiles.
"Speaking of parents." Silk says, drawing attention to her," I believe Spruce has just left. However he mentioned something about new portraits of the doctors for present purposes."
"Oh, alright. I guess I'll get going then." Branch says with a smile.
"Ah, but first, I wanted to show you a little something, small tree." Jute says with a smile grabbing Branch and leading him into a different room.
"Wait, wait, I'm not here for…" Branch tries to protest, but suddenly fabric spins around him at dizzing speeds.
Flashes of greens, blues, and browns fill his vision. He can't focus and falls into a daze, only to be snapped awake by Jute smilking with a mirror in front of Branch. He looks into the mirror to see himself, with a brown long sleeve shirt, a vest made of new green leaves, and a new pair of brown pants, with black patterns along the sides to make it look like a stump. All together, he looks like a little tree, and he can't help but smile at the ridiculous little expression.
"I call it 'Closer to Nature'." Jute says with a smile," You really look like a little tree now."
"Thanks, do you need me to take it off?" Branch asks.
"Nah, keep it." Jute says with a smile.
"We can let a few outfits go without any repercussions." Silk says walking into the room," Now head on out. I'm sure you'll find your father in the next location."
"Thanks!" Branch says with a large smile.
"Let's go!" The twins says, grabbing Branch's hands and pulling him out of the shop.
"De är söta barn." Silk says with a smile as Jute squeezes her shoulder.
"Jag hoppas att den gråa har en bra födelsedag." Jute says with a smile.
"Ja." Silk says before closing the door behind her.
In a matter of minutes, the group of four make it to the local photographer shop. They walk in quickly, only for the shop owner to look over and smile a sad smile.
"Before you say it, they're gone again aren't they?" Branch sighs out.
"Sorry, hun." The larger female troll says from behind the counter.
"Alright." Branch sighs," I think I'll head home."
"Oh deary, before you leave, how about I photograph you?" The troll says with a smile," I'll do it for free, so why don't you stay for a little bit."
Branch looks over to the girls and Creek, who smile and motion for him to move over to the counter. Branch sighs and smiles. Hes honestly not used to all this, he's pretty tired form the running and attention, but he feel loved by his friends. Once in a while isn't to bad for this.
"Just follow me honey." The troll says, guiding Branch to the back.
This large troll has deep blue skin, with light blue hair on top. She can't help but remind Branch of Biggie, but he's not going to bring that up. After about ten minutes the photoshoot is done. The pictures print and then are given to Branch, who accepts them with a sigh, placing next to the jar of tea.
"Let's go to the next place." Creek says, starting to tug Branch's new shirt.
"Yeah, let's go!" The twins say in unison.
The three lead Branch out of the shop, but as soon as their about a foot and a half away from the shop, Branch shakes Creek off. The three stop quickly and turn to Branch. Branch smiles a small but sad smile before looking at his friends.
"I'm gonna call it a day guys. I mean, I've been here longer than my lesson was even supposed to go." Branch says in a quiet tone," Dad's busy today. I'll come back tomorrow anyways. I need to go and check on my home, It's pretty far out so there might be an animal or something that's done something. It's not safe for me to be this far away for long periods of time."
Even Branch knows he's beginning to ramble, but he can't help it. Even with his everyday encounters with others nowadays, he still hasn't been much of a talker. He hates talking about himself or coming up with reasons to leave when he feels he doesn't fit in. But, now's not the time to think about that, he needs to have some alone time.
"Can we at least walk you home?" Satin asks, walking up and gently taking Branch's hand.
"I've always been curious as to what your home looks like." Chenille smiles," We can end today when we drop you off."
"I don't know, it's a bit far for kids to go." Branch says with a shy smile.
"You're a kid yourself, don't lecture us about that." Creek laughs," Besides, there's three of us, nothing will attack a group."
"I guess you're right." Branch says with a sigh, before smiling to his small group," But stay close, I don't want you to wander and get lost."
"Yessir!" The three laugh as they follow behind Branch.
Branch moves at a walking pace, making sure that the trollings behind him can keep up and stay at a safe distance. He knows the areas near his house like the back of his hand by now, and he knows there's certain creatures who wouldn't mind having candy colored trolls as a quick snack, even if they are in a group. He makes sure they stay in the shadows, avoiding any obstacles that could indicate their location, until they are about three feet from the rocks. Branch stops everyone and hurries them into the shadows, covering their mouths to keep them from talking to loud. Something's wrong, but Branch can't quite seem to place it yet.
"What's wrong?" Creek asks quietly, moving Branch's hand.
"I'm going to check something out." Branch whispers," Stay down and out of site until I come back."
The trollings nod, looking up with scared expressions. Branch gently pats each of their heads, before turing and sprinting to a tree nearby. With a floating grace, he jumps and propels himself forwards off of various branches, all while not rustling a single leaf. Once he reaches the branch of his choice, he attaches his hair to stop his momentum, landing on the branch quietly. He scampers along the moss on the branch as to not break the bark, until he's at the end.
He looks to his home, focusing as hard as he can to see anything out of the ordinary, and sure enough he sees it. The net for catching intruders has been activated, and the stone door left slightly ajar. Something's in his house, who or what it is, Branch has no idea. He does know that there has to be at least something in the net though, so he looks to the tree where his trap has been laid and takes a deep breath. He gets to his feet and jumps forwards, extending his hair towards the branch holding his net, until it attaches, and he launches himself towards it.
He lands safely, and right above the net, which rustles and shakes slightly. It's completely black and covered, making it nearly impossible to make out the shape inside. It could be as harmless as a baby catterbug, or something as dangerous as an adult jaggerfox. Whatever it is, Branch doesn't want to take a chance with his friend so close.
He pulls out a small sharp rock he's been using as a knife, and sticks it between his teeth. He crawls down the ropes suspending the net, watching the net swish and twitch violently. Branch breaths in and out deeply, wrapping his legs around the rope tightly and carefully releases his hands, making sure he can keep up with his own strength and balance. After a few unsteady second he sighs and takes out the knife. In one fell swoop, he slices the rope, and the net goes hurtling towards the earth, with a loud and shrill scream. A scream that could only come from a troll, one Branch know's pretty well.
Branch throws his hair down and catches the net ten seconds before it hit the ground. He slowly releases his hair and gently places the net down, before dropping down and catching himself next to the net. He rips it open to find Biggie shivering and crying inside the net. They lock eyes and Biggie quickly runs and attaches himself to Branch, while sobbing uncontrollably.
"What are you doing out here? Why were you in the net?" Branch says angrily to Biggie, while also hugging him and gently patting his back to calm Biggie down.
"I...I…" Biggie tries to speak but just sobs again.
Branch sighs and uses all his strength to pick up Biggie and move him out of the light. He rushes over and sets the shaken troll next to the others. Biggie sees the twins and Creek and sobs louder and he curls up with them. He still shakes and trembles, and Branch can't seem to calm him down. The twins try to talk to him and Creek begins to chant some sort of prayer, but Biggie doesn't calm down.
Branch quickly looks around, and he spots a small group of mewnipillars, small docile bugs that meow like kittens. Branch quickly rushes over and picks up the smallest one, before running back and grabbing Biggies attention.
"Hey, hey Biggie." Branch says, causing the blue troll to look," I have a present for you." Branch presents the small mewnipillar," It's name is, uh, Mr. um…"
"Mr. Dinkles!" Creek says quickly patting Biggie on the back.
"Yes, yes, Mr. Dinkles." Branch says, winking to Creek," He's here to make you feel better and tell you everything's alright! Here, tell him Dinkles."
"Mew." The mewnipillar squeak, and Biggie just stares at it.
Biggie gets up slowly and takes the small bug away from Branch. They look into each other's eyes, everyone is silent. Biggie smiles and the small bug mews. Biggie hugs it and laughs. Everyone sighs and looks around before patting Biggie on the back.
"Biggie, what were you doing out here?" Branch asks in a calm tone.
"I was here to...um…" Biggie says, as he begins to blush and look away from Branch's eyes. Whatever it was, Biggie seems embarrassed.
"Come on, let's go inside. We can all talk." Branch sighs.
He takes Creek and Biggie by the hands, who then take Satin and Chenille's hands. The twins hold Branch's presents. Branch walks up to his door and moves it away ushering the kids in until he himself goes in. He closes the door quickly and sighs. He turns around and his heart nearly stops.
"Surprise!" Every troll in the room yells, and there's a lot of trolls.
Spruce and Ash pop little firecrackers, Poppy, Smidge and Suki all cheerfully blow into little air horns, Peppy laughs heartily as he claps, Plum hoots and hollers while Cybil and Silk smile and laugh quietly to themselves. Guy Diamond, Glitter Diamond, Creek, the twins, Jute, Biggie and the troll from the photo shop all laugh loudly and applaud as Branch looks around in a stunned silence.
"What is going on?" Branch yells in alarm. Everyone looks around and smiles to each other.
"Happy Birthday Branch!" Everyone yells making Branch fall against the wall.
"We wanted to surprise you." Suki yells out.
"You did a great job of it." Branch says, not losing his fearful expression.
"Now, now, I believe we need to let the boy have some space." Peppy says with a smile as he approaches and gives Branch a hug.
"We all came because you mean a lot to us Branch." Plum says, giving Branch a party hat and pat on the head.
Without anymore words to say, Branch smiles a large smile, and the party continues. Branch is ushered around to everyone, he says hi, and they give him assorted presents. After an hour, every one decides to wrap it up. Branch thanks everyone as they exit. Finally it's just Branch, Peppy, Ash and Poppy left.
"Were you surprised?" Peppy asks with a smile.
"More than you think." Branch says with a small laugh," thanks for all of this."
"You may be far out from the village, but know you're not alone Branch. " Peppy smiles," Let's go Poppy, it's almost bedtime."
"Oh…" Poppy says quietly, she's been speaking more and more nowadays," Can't I stay here? I wanna sleep."
"Honey, we can't impose on Branch any further. " Peppy sighs.
"But I wanna!" Poppy cries, shaking off Peppy and hugging Branch's side. Peppy and Ash look to Branch, who just puts up a hand with a smile. Branch gets on his knees to look Poppy in the eyes.
"Poppy, I really like hanging out with you too, but there's monsters around here. It's be dangerous for you to stay here." Branch says in a calm tone.
"But, what if the monsters get you?" Poppy sobs, tears flowing," You're all alone."
"I'm not alone Poppy." Branch says with a smile," Besides, I'm a monster fighter! I can take down any monster, they won't hurt me."
"Then I can stay?" Poppy asks with a smile.
"Poppy…" Branch says with a sigh.
"Branch's bedtime is in ten minutes, would you be able to go to sleep that quickly, princess?" Ash asks, pulling her away from Branch and into Peppy's arms.
"Yeah!" Poppy says.
"Prove it." Ash says with a smile.
Poppy smiles and closes her eyes. After a few minutes, she breathes deeply, fast asleep. Peppy laughs, and bids Ash and Branch goodnight, before taking Poppy back home. Ash smiles down to Branch, rustling his hair.
"Now, for your final present." Ash says, reaching into his own hair and pulling out a neatly wrapped box with a large green bow," Here ya are."
Branch takes it and looks to Ash. Ash smiles and Branch quickly opens the present. He can't believe his eyes. Inside the box is a knife, the blade as large as his palm, and the hilt the same. It's black, with silver outlining the sharp part of the blade. The grip is cushioned, yet sturdy with a reliable lightness. Branch wraps his fingers around the grip and slowly moves the blade side to side, there's little to no weight at all.
"Do you like it?" Ash asks with a chuckle.
"Uncle Ash…" Branch says, small tears in his eyes," I love it. How did you get dad to agree to this?"
"Oh, I didn't tell him." Ash smiles," Your overprotective dad wouldn't even let you look at this blade, let alone keep it. But any survivalist needs a sturdy knife to rely on, isn't that right?"
"Yeah." Branch says with a large smile.
Branch sets down the knife and gives Ash a large hug. Ash smiles and wraps his arms around the small troll. For a second, it seems as if Branch's hair flickers from black to the navy blue Ash remembered, but it fades so quickly, Ash doesn't acknowledge it. It still makes him happy, to know there's a chance Branch is getting happier, a chance his color may return.
"Are you sure your fine by yourself tonight?" Ash asks in a more serious tone," Spruce and I are more than willing to stay here for you."
"I've survived fine so far." Branch says in a light tone," Go back to the clinic, you're needed more there."
Ash and Branch step away from each other. Ash smiles as he leans down and gives Branch a kiss on the forehead. He steps a foot out of the door before looking back to Branch.
"Goodnight, I'll see you tomorrow."
"See you then." Branch replies with a smile.
The door closes behind Ash, and Branch is left alone. He stretches, then walks over to the small hole leading to the lower level. He jumps down and walks to the farthest edge of the cavern, where he's been working on going down farther into the earth. On a table near the hole, are the pictures of his family. He smiles, before taking out the sharp rock he'd been using, and putting on the table.
"I had a good birthday." He says to the pictures," I'll have more good birthdays from here on out as well. You don't have to worry. Night mom, dad, grandpa and grandma."
He makes his way back up into the main cavern, lighting a small candle to reflect off the geode crystals. He cozies up in his bed and stares at his stars. With a large smile on his face, Branch drifts to sleep.