A/N: Glad you guys seemed to like the first chapter! I had several people asking about whether Ash will get his colors. After some thought, I decided to write his story.

Chapter Two – Family Advice

The bergens and the trolls had been neighbors for a few decades. Long enough for the youngest generation of children to have grown up constantly interacting with the other species. King Gristle Jr. and his lovely Queen Bridget took every opportunity for their children to hang out with the trolls and bergens of their combined communities.

The eleven-year-old royal bergen twins were named Gristle III (who often went by Gris) and Sparkler (named after Bridget's Lady Glittersparkles persona). Gris had pale pink hair and grey skin like his mother, with his father's reddish-brown eyes. Sparklers inherited her mother's eyes, and had bright green hair and dark grey skin like her father. Bridget hand-sewed her children's clothes from when they were infants to their adolescent years. Sparkler wore a white tank top, magenta jacket, an indigo mini skirt, pink sandals, and a glittery gem-encrusted rainbow headband, a la Lady Gilttersparkles fashion. Gris dressed more like his father: a long-sleeved maroon sweater vest with a pale blue shirt, blue pants, sneakers, and a red cap with a crown design stitched around the edge. He also dyed his bangs rainbow colors.

The twins shared a room in the castle. While they slept on a bunk bed in the middle of the room, the bedroom itself was split evenly down the middle, and each side decorated to match the respective twin. Sparkler had the top bunk, with fairy lights set up on a frame above her so it looked like she stared at the night sky. Gris preferred the bottom bunk, where he had curtains drawn all around and he could crawl into the darkness like a bear in a cave.

A knock sounded at the door, and Chad and Todd appeared. "Your Majesties, your parents request your presence in the throne room."

"Coming!" Sparkler set down her fairytale book and hopped off the top bunk of the bed. "Come on, Gris!"

"Right behind you!" Gris finished his drawing, stood from his desk on his side of the room, and joined his sister as they jogged down to the throne room.

"Hey guys!" Bridget waved from a table and chairs set up next to the window. "Join us for tea and scones! We have to talk to you about something." Gris handed her his drawing, and she gushed. "Oh! Daisies! My favorite! Thank you, Gris."

The twins sat with their parents and helped themselves. "My darling daughter and super-awesome son," Gristle began, his words indicating another fatherly speech akin to Gristle Sr.'s. "I want you to look out this window and tell me what you see."

The twins looked. "Bergen Town!" Gris answered.

"And Troll Grove." Sparkler added. "Our home and our neighbors."

"Yes, indeed!" Gristle nodded proudly. "Your birthright, your kingdom, your allies, your responsibility one day, and it's about time you invested some time in the bank of your future."

Gris and Sparkler shared a look of confusion. "Huh?"

Bridget giggled. "Your father means to say that you two are the heirs to the Bergen Town Kingdom, and we think you're ready to start exercising your royal duties. We'd like you two to join us during our royal errands. You know, visiting the kingdom, talking to our subjects, solving problems, all that stuff."

"This way, you'll get a head start on leadership practice, so you'll be ready when you take over." Gristle explained. "Bergen royalty usually take the throne after the death of the current king, but I like the troll tradition of the king getting the option to retire."

Bridget sighed blissfully. "Just think, Grissy: you and me on a beach somewhere."

"What do you guys say?" Gristle asked the twins. "Ready for some more royal responsibilities?"

"Totally!" Sparkler squealed.

"Uh….." Gris looked at his plate.

Everyone looked to the male twin. "What's wrong, bro?" Sparkler asked.

"I've just been thinking, and I guess this is as good a time as ever to say it…" Gris stirred his tea absent-mindedly. "I know I was born into this role and I'll be a king someday. But is it truly my destiny to just be half of a whole? You've told me and Sparkler how we will both lead Bergen Town someday. I want that, I do. But who am I when I'm not with my twin?"

"You're Prince Gris." Sparkler said. "I know what you're feeling, bro. I understand feeling like part of a set rather than an individual. But you can still be your own bergen."

"In the meantime, you should accept your princely role." Bridget said.

"This is the role you were literally made for." Gristle added. "You're destined to be a king, and lucky to have a sister alongside you as a queen."

"When you grow up, of course." Bridget finished. "And, if you two decide to marry, your spouses will join you in your royal duties."

"But how can I grow if I stay in the kingdom my entire life?" Gris asked. "I want to see what's beyond the walls of the kingdom. Shouldn't I get more 'worldly' experience before I take control of an entire kingdom? And shouldn't I do it now, while I'm young and eager to learn?"

"Do you think you won't be eager when you're older?" Bridget asked.

"I want to travel, too." Sparkler said. "I want to see things and visit our allies and all that jazz. But I'd rather wait until I'm a little older. I love being a princess."

"I love being a prince, of course." Gris assured. "But what if I run out of time to travel like I want? I want to go now, act on this hunger I have to see more."

Gristle and Bridget looked to each other, sharing a silent conversation. Finally, Gristle looked to his son. "We'll find a way to make it happen, son, if that's what will make you happy. But, for now, are you ready for more princely duties?"

"You promise?" Gris asked.

"We promise." Bridget assured. "We'll get you out there, somehow, someday. For now, will you accept your role and lend us a hand?"

Gris finally smiled. "Yeah. I will."

Once he was certain his parents and brother slept, Ash crawled out of bed and tiptoed out of the royal pod. He snuck past Symphony and Ebony, climbing to a branch far from the other pods, where he wouldn't wake anyone. The grove was quiet, with few pods lit up and their occupants still awake.

"Nonna? You there?" Ash asked the darkness.

"Your guardian angel is never too far, my dear."

The spirit of Eclipse appeared in front of Ash. She had her same pale blue skin, purple hair, and amethyst-colored eyes. She dressed in a modest purple gown. The only things that indicated her ghostliness were the slight transparency and glowing aura that changed color with her mood. Right now, the aura was a calm green.

"I take it you already know what's up?" Ash said.

"My dear, I'm saddened to see you so upset about your colors." Eclipse sighed. "But be at peace and remember that no troll is born grey and remains that way. You will find your colors, but only when you find yourself."

"But I want my colors now." Ash complained. "I should have them by now, right? I'm going to be a teenager soon. About to hit puberty and all that. Shouldn't my colors have appeared? My eyes are already colored."

"Ash, what would you like me to tell you?" Eclipse asked calmly. "Magic cannot give you your true colors. You cannot force it. Patience is key. Going out and finding yourself will let you find your colors."

"So, if I decide I want to go out into the forest and go on an adventure to find my colors, would you say that's okay?" Ash asked.

"Yes." Eclipse nodded. "If you think that is the step you need to take, then take it. Just make sure you tell your family."

Ash sighed in relief. "That's actually exactly what I needed to hear. Thanks."

"On that note, why don't you spend some time talking with your family about what makes them happy?" Eclipse suggested.

"I'll have to try that." Ash agreed. "Thanks."

"Always available for a chat." Eclipse said. "Now go back to bed."

Ash chuckled. "Okay. Love you."

"Love you, my child." Eclipse kissed Ash's head.

"I take it you've already talked to your parents about this." Peppy said as he, Ash, and Prowlus sat in the living room in his home. Ash and Prowlus started their "true colors family talks" with brunch at the grandparents' house.

"That's right." Ash nodded.

'The next logical step was to go to you, Grandpa.' Prowlus signed.

Rosiepuff reappeared with a tray of tea and cakes. "I made fluffleberry cupcakes to have with the tea."

"Yum!" Ash immediately grabbed one. "Thanks!" Prowlus also took a cupcake and some tea.

"Just like your father. He adores this dessert." Rosiepuff said as she sat next to Peppy. "Poppy was never a fan."

"Neither is Rosie." Ash said. "So do you guys think grey is my true color?"

"No, of course not." Rosiepuff said. "No rainbow troll stays grey forever. Your father set the record, and nobody will ever break that record."

"Once you find who you are and truly accept it, you will find your true colors." Peppy said.

'What brings out your true colors?' Prowlus asked.

"Just being myself." Peppy shrugged.

"Your goofy, crafty self." Rosiepuff added.

"I am not crafty." Peppy scoffed.

"I'm referring to your hair crafts." Rosiepuff said. Ash and Prowlus looked around and took note of the hair pottery, hair quilts, and hair-igami projects scattered about the house.

"I love hair-crafting." Peppy shrugged.

"What about you, Grandma?" Ash asked.

"My happiness comes from my family. Being with you two and Branch and Poppy and Peppy. I'm happy with my family, and so I have my colors." Rosiepuff said.

"Then why doesn't that bring out my colors?" Ash wondered. "I love my family, after all."

"Your true happiness is essentially the core of your joy." Rosiepuff explained. "Talk to the rest of your family members. Learn the cores of their happiness, and maybe you'll find your own."

"We're on it!" Ash nodded, finishing his third cupcake and grabbing two more. "Thanks Grandma! Thanks Grandpa! Love you! Bye!" He darted out the door, and Prowlus quickly grabbed a cupcake and chased after him.

Peppy hummed in thought as his and Rosiepuff's Hug Time Bracelets went off. "Shortest brunch ever."

First stop was Smidge and Milton. At the moment, Smidge weightlifted a large wooden box overflowing with blankets and linen. Milton sat on top of the box, counting out her reps.

"That's a no-brainer!" Smidge answered Ash's question. "Lifting weights and doing things for my friends make me happy. I take pride in being the strongest troll in the kingdom. It's who I am."

"And who I am is the troll who is best with critters." Milton said. "I love all critters of all shapes and sizes, no matter how dangerous."

"I'll say." Smidge laughed. "Remember the time you tried to bring home a tarantapuff baby to raise?"

Prowlus raised his hand like a student in class. 'I have a question: how did you two end up getting married? You are so different.'

"Our differences make us stronger." Smidge explained. "Milton calms me down when I'm losing my temper or getting aggressive."

"And Smidge taught me to stand up for myself." Milton said. "She is my rock."

"And he is my cuddle buddy." Smidge said.

"Cuddle buddy?" Ash raised an eyebrow.

"And you're my little snuggle bunny." Milton cooed.

Smidge tossed the box and Milton up into the air. The box landed hard on the floor, shaking the pod. Milton landed in Smidge's arms. "You're my mighty lion who's as soft as a kitten."

"You're my super-troll with incredible strength." Milton nuzzled noses with Smidge. She giggled and pulled Milton into a kiss. They broke apart quickly. "Oh, sorry you guys!"

"Yeah, I bet you don't want to see—" Milton blinked a few times.

Ash and Prowlus already left.

"Well, now that they're gone….." Smidge kissed her husband again.

Next up was Guy Diamond and his wife, Ruby. Ruby was a glitter troll with red skin, dark blue eyes, and rose-gold colored hair that had sparkles in it. She wore dresses that sparkled just as much as she did. Today, it was a navy dress with white glitter stars.

"My colors come from my glitter!" Guy Diamond said. "I love all things glitter and glittery, including me!"

"And me." Ruby bumped her hip against her husband playfully. "My love of dancing is probably what brings out my colors. It's a key part of who I am. Like how glitter is a key to Guy Diamond."

"What if you lost your glitter?" Ash asked. "Would you lose your colors?"

"No, that happened before." Guy Diamond explained. "My pride blinded me, and I accidentally scrubbed all the glitter off me in an attempt to be shinier. Your mom, Smidge, and I went to the mystical Fountain of Glitter to get it back, and I learned to balance my pride with my modesty."

"That also became an important part of who he is." Ruby added. "In fact, some of the magic from the fountain carried into Glint."

As if on cue, Glint appeared from his room and headed for the kitchen. He paused when he saw the visitors. "Oh, Prince Ash. Prince Prowlus. What brings you here?"

"Talking with your parents about true colors." Ash said simply.

'What brings out your colors?' Prowlus asked.

"What did S—" Glint cleared his throat. "What did the prince say?"

Ash knew what Glint almost said. When Prowlus had moved to Troll Tree, plenty of the trolls couldn't understand Sign Language. Glint, however, decided to not bother learning it at all, and even dubbed Prowlus "Silent Sven." He mocked Prowlus now and then for being mute. It wasn't until a few years later did Glint go through a humbling transformation, and he still had some work to do to rebuild himself into a better troll. The Fountain of Glitter's magic did indeed affect Glint, as his skin would shine less when he was mean, and would only return to its normal sheen when he was kind.

"He wanted to know what brings out your true colors. Is it the dancing and glitter, like your parents? Or is it bullying other trolls like Aunt Belle?" Ash asked coolly. He hadn't forgiven Glint for his mistreatment of those Glint considered "beneath" him.

Glint snorted. "Aunt Belle?"

"Glint!" Guy Diamond snapped sternly. Glint averted his gaze from his father, and he scurried away into the kitchen.

"Please forgive our son." Ruby said. "He's doing his best. But on that note, why don't you visit Biggie and Belle next? They should be having lunch by now."

"Thanks, Aunt Ruby." Ash said. "Thanks, Uncle Diamond."

Just as Ruby said, Biggie and Belle were having lunch when Ash and Prowlus arrived, and they invited the princes to join them. Belle was a petite troll, twice as tall as Smidge but just as thin. She had spring green eyes and hair, and grass green skin. She wore a yellow sundress and had a butterfly clip in her hair. Her pet companion was a serpent swallow named Miss Daisy. The serpent swallows were feather-covered snakes with bird wings. Miss Daisy had green scales and yellow feathers.

"Belle is my one and only partner, but Mr. Dinkles has been my best friend all my life. He has brought out my true colors anytime I lose them." Biggie said.

"I found my true colors when your dad helped me become my true self." Belle said. "I had my colors before, but I always felt something was missing. I felt so trapped, and your dad set me free. I've never been happier."

"That's great, but can that work for me?" Ash asked.

"Well, do you have an animal companion who completes your life?" Biggie asked.

Ash shook his head. "I mean, I love Steve and all, but if he was supposed to bring out my colors, he would have by now."

"Do you feel trapped, as I did?" Belle asked.

Ash nearly choked on his sandwich. "No, no! Definitely not. Don't get me wrong, Aunt Belle. I'm sorry that you felt like a girl trapped in a boy's body for so long and I'm happy Dad could use his magic to transform you into a girl. But I don't think I have that same problem."

"Well, don't give up." Biggie encouraged. "You'll find you answer. Won't he, Mr. Dinkles?"

"Meep." Mr. Dinkles said.

Satin and Chenille, being conjoined twins, lived together no matter what. This even applied after they married. The twins fell in love with a pair of friends from New Moonlight Kingdom, who decided they wanted to move to Troll Tree upon marrying the twins. Satin's husband was Flint, a troll with hazel eyes, bronze-colored hair, and yellow skin. He wore dark green pants and a bright green vest with flower designs. Flint's best friend and Chenille's husband was Mica, a troll with emerald green eyes, bright green hair, and bronze-yellow skin. He wore black pants that had silver sparkles on them. Flint and Mica specialized in making jewelry, which made them good matches for the Fashion Twins.

"Everyone keeps telling me the thing that brings out their colors is just something they enjoy." Ash said. "But I already know what I'm going to do when I grow up. I'm going to be a king someday."

"It's more than just doing what we love or what we do for a living." Satin said.

"Yeah, our colors come from the cores of who we are." Chenille said.

"What makes me and Mica who we are is our expert ability for making jewelry." Flint explained.

"And the twins are all about fashion and making clothes." Mica added. "So we all work well together. Creating clothes and jewelry to make trolls feel good."

'Shouldn't trolls just be happy about who they are rather than what they wear?' Prowlus asked.

"Of course." Mica chuckled. "But why can't your outside look just as great as your insides?"

"That's why we make what we do." Chenille said.

"To make trolls smile." Flint said.

"And make them super stylish." Satin finished.

"Is there anyone in the village who doesn't have a specific core?" Ash asked. "Someone just happy to be alive?"

"Oh, I think we know just the guys." Mica chuckled.

"Why wouldn't I be happy?" Cooper asked as he, Ash, Prowlus, Fuzzbert, and Fuzzbert's wife bounced on a trampoline. "The sun is shining, I'm perfectly healthy, and I'm bouncing on a trampoline!"

Fuzzbert garbled, which translated to, "Bouncing is fun!" His wife nodded in agreement. Fuzzbert married Carol five years ago. She was a fuzzling with sky blue legs, violet hair with pink streaks, and a blue ribbon in her hair.

"I'm having fun. So why don't I have my colors?" Ash asked.

"You ain't having fun if you're frowning like that!" Cooper laughed. Everyone paused in their bouncing and soon settled on the trampoline. "Ash, turning grey is a weird, complicated thing. We do it when we lose our happiness and hope. We turn grey because something really bad or sad happens to us."

"Your case is different, sweetie." Carol hummed.

"You were born that way." Fuzzbert reminded him.

Ash sighed. "I know. I just wish I knew how to fix it. I'm not supposed to be this way."

"You've been asking everyone what makes them happy?" Cooper guessed, and Ash nodded. "I don't know how much help that'll be. Sounds like it'll just make you jealous. But if that's what works, okay then! Why don't you go see Keith? He's getting all suited up at Nova Swift's place."

Keith stood perfectly still, which wasn't normal for him. He only did this when being fitted for a new costume. His love for storytelling carried into adulthood, and he became known throughout the kingdoms for his minstrel abilities. Keith's closet was full of the fancy outfits he would wear to his performances. Bliss and Aka were his personal designers. Bliss worked as Nova Swift's apprentice, with her New Moonlight Kingdom girlfriend Aka assisting. Nova Swift and her partner Laru Laru worked right out of their house, and always welcomed guests as long as they didn't mind being dressed up.

"Being a storyteller is all that I am." Keith said as Bliss pinned the fabric in place. "It's all I want to do for the rest of my life. That's why my colors shine."

"I've always loved making my own clothes." Bliss shrugged. "I can't recall ever losing my colors, though. Sorry."

"That's okay." Ash assured. He stood behind a screen to change into an outfit Laru Laru chose for him. He stepped out to show off a royal jacket and a crown.

Laru Laru hummed in thought. "Good, but we need more emeralds. As for you….." She looked to Prowlus as she pinned a furry cape around his shoulders. "Willow branches. Definitely."

"I got fluffleberry lattes!" Nova Swift announced as she entered the room.

"Hey, Aka." Ash piped up. "You're from Moonlight Kingdom? You guys were grey longer than Dad was, right?"

"Not me and my generation, specifically, but my parents' generation." Aka explained. "Yeah, they were grey for almost as long as King Branch. They were purposefully kept from being happy."

"But you have your colors now." Ash said. "So what level of happiness brings colors?"

"Ash, have you considered exploring yourself and what makes you happy as opposed to what makes others happy?" Bliss suggested.

"You look fabulous in that outfit regardless of your colors." Nova said. "And Prowlus! A king of the forest if I ever saw one!"

Prowlus smiled sheepishly at his furry cape and crown designed like tree branches. 'Thank you.'

"Thanks." Ash said as he pulled off the jacket and crown. "I'm going to find Gris. Maybe he can help."

"I don't see how a bergen can help with something like turning grey." Aka pointed out.

"Gotta try something." Ash shrugged. "Thanks for your help, guys."

"We'll keep tinkering with these outfits." Laru Laru offered, taking the cape and crown from Prowlus.

"You'll be looking fabulous in these!" Nova assured.

"Best of luck to you, Ash." Bliss said.

With Prowlus on Ebony and Ash on Steve, the princes reached the castle in no time, and Bridget directed them to Gris and Sparkler's bedroom. Sparkler played with her toys while Gris sat at his desk, reading books about traveling.

"Wish I could help, guys." Gris said. "But Bliss has a point. I don't know much about troll colors and all that jazz."

"I think you look nice with grey skin and black hair." Sparkler said. "I've done some awesome charcoal drawings of you."

Ash sighed. "But I'm not supposed to be this way. Rainbow troll. Not grey troll. If I ever want to fit in, I have to get my colors."

"Speaking from the perspective of a twin, sometimes standing out is a good thing." Gris said.

"As much as I love my brother, I agree." Sparkler said. "Can you imagine what might've happened if he and I were born identical? It would make standing out so much harder."

"I don't want to stand out like this." Ash pointed to his head and hair. "People stare at me. I don't want to be stared at like I'm a freak. I want people to stare with admiration for their royalty."

"Sounds a little pretentious." Gris pointed out.

'I think he just means he does not want people thinking he is a freak.' Prowlus clarified.

"Exactly." Ash confirmed.

"So tell us how we can help." Gris said.

Ash groaned and fell backwards onto one of Gris's thicker books. "I want my colors."

As it grew darker, Ash and Prowlus headed back home. Ash dreaded getting to Troll Grove. The bergens didn't stare at him like the trolls did.

'It'll be okay, Little Brother.' Prowlus assured. 'I will help how I can.'

"Nobody was any help today." Ash said. "I thought that I could find my colors by learning how everyone else found theirs. But I just feel more lost."

'Remember they did not find their colors. They were born with them.' Prowlus explained. 'You were born grey, but you are still a rainbow troll. You will get your colors someday.'

Ash stared skyward. The sun began to set beyond the horizon.

Who am I?
They keep telling me "someday"
Who am I?
Wasn't born the right way
I know I'm just not like the others
They don't know what I went through
If I never get to be like them
What am I supposed to do?

A/N: Hope you guys liked the new OCs and cameos of familiar characters! Can't say we'll see a lot of them, unfortunately, but here they are!

While this story is not a collaboration writing-wise, I did get some help from neomoon585, specifically Gris's outfit and the creation of Fuzzbert's wife Carol.