Chapter 1: Old friend, New Adventure.
Now I've had the idea of this fanfiction for a while, quite a while. Finally I've gotten to it and I hope you all like it!
Enjoy!
Many years ago
"Are you sure about this?" A brightly colored troll resembling a king was in conversation with another figure. Who was in the action of gathering his things. "There has to be another way."
"As much as I wish there was, this is the only way to assure the safety of both our people." The figure answered having packed all his things and swung the bag over his shoulder. "For now at least, we all must part ways. We're too big a target with you so me and my people will have to go into isolation. It's for the best." The figure was obviously saddened by his decision but felt he had no choice.
"But you're our friends, you swore to protect us and the-!" The troll was hesitant to finish. The figure would obviously know what he's talking about but was sworn to secrecy. "-you knows." The troll was desperately trying to talk his friend out of his decision of leaving.
"We did. We're not leaving without giving you means of protection in our absence." The figure said with a faint smile placing his hand on the trolls shoulder. "We taught you our art of defense and at least one of us with be assigned as guardians to protect each of your tribes and the artifacts."
"Isn't your art sacred? Are you certain we should know it?" The troll asked.
"I' am." He answered. "We trust you with it. It'll also be up to you to teach future guardians."
"Well if you're so sure." The troll placed his hand over his friend's.
"There's something else I must ask of you my friend." The figure said taking his hand away with a serious face.
"Anything!" The troll said ready to see whatever request through.
"Keep the origin of our art secret." The figure requested.
"What?" The troll asked taken aback by his request. "Why?"
"Besides the guardians it's better that we just disappear." The figure answered with a hint of sadness to his voice. "Use our art to defend yourselves, make it your own. However long it takes of separation you can even call it yours. But above all else keep the artifacts a secret."
"Why keep them secret?" The troll asked confused why he'd ask such a thing.
"If the trolls knew where it actually came from they'd probably seek us out and endanger themselves." The figure answered. His biggest concern is the safety of the trolls and his people. Hiding from the world will allow it to calm down until it is safe to return. "As for the artifacts, they're too powerful. If anyone knew of their capabilities it could spell disaster for both our people. I wish I didn't have to ask this of you my friend but the artifacts and the existence of other tribes are secrets only the leaders and guardians can know. But the existence of my tribe must be forgotten altogether, at least until we return in the future."
"I don't want the trolls to forget you." The troll said with great sadness.
"You won't truly forget us." The figure said with reassurance. "You'll just forget our tribe, but the guardian and our art will always be there to maintain the connection our people share."
"I can't believe you're doing this." The troll snickered.
"It's what must be done. But remember the artifacts, the tribes these are secrets only the leaders can know and only tell your successors when you deem them ready." The figure said approaching the exit of his former home. The troll gave one last sad look at his friend's departure.
"No one can know."
Present time: Troll Village
"Alrighty Troll Village we've got a big day today and an important party to prepare." Poppy said standing on top of the mushroom in the center of the village where she makes announcements. The trolls in attendance all cheered and were excited for the occasion.
"Uh Poppy." Poppy turned to see Branch walking up to her side. "Aren't we missing someone? Someone important for said occasion."
"I know Branch." Poppy answered. "Storm won't be surprised if she was here to hear about it."
"I don't think she'll be surprised regardless." Branch said
"Hey this is the one surprise birthday party that'll be surprising!" Poppy said with confidence. "You told me that all her birthdays prior you guys never made a big deal about it and you guys never told me what day your guys' birthday was till you came guys came out of the bunker more often."
"Alright with pretty solid logic like that I'll admit this actually might work." Branch said understanding Poppy's party plan.
"Of course it will and with this being Storm's first birthday out and about it's gotta be big!" Poppy said. While Storm was more open during that time then Branch she never shared big details about herself. Which is why this'll be a great change.
"Understood." Branch said with a nod.
"And you're going to help plan it." Poppy continued.
"Not understood." Branch said stopping to give her a confused look.
"Come on Branch you know her better than anyone." Poppy said. While as queen she knew everything to know about anyone. Storm hasn't shared enough about her to put all into a big party. But since Branch is the one troll she's spent the most time with living in the bunker with him, he should know plenty for the party. "All I've got is she's the only tragon in town, she loves playing her guitar and she likes things all trolls love, we need something more personal.
"Well yeah but party planning isn't my thing." Branch said
"And it doesn't have to be." Poppy reassured him. "You just tell me what you know and I'll factor it into the party."
"But-"Branch was about to say before Poppy cut him off.
"She's our friend, it's her birthday and I'm queen so I can make you." Poppy said in both a guilt trip and putting her foot down tone.
"Oh… fine." Branch said in defeat. Poppy sure does have her ways of getting Branch to do want she wants.
"Good know let's get started!" Poppy said readying a list to write down important facts for the party.
In the Bunker.
Storm loves to sleep in and when she has nothing to do, nap. Storm was sleeping curled in the bedroom in front of Branch's bed where she sleeps having a weird dream. She was at the foot of a waterfall and when she approached the waterfall parted somehow revealing a pathway. Out of curiosity she walk pashed the waterfall unto the path. As Storm walked down the world was getting a lot more dream like. From a cavern path through a waterfall the path took her to what seemed to be a void. While the path was still there all that was left around her was inky blackness. Finally for what felt like forever she reach the end of the trail. But the end was simply the path cut off into the blackness.
"Alright so I walk down what seemed to have been an inter-dimensional waterfall cavern path. Only to find diddly squat." Storm said to herself looking around in disappointment. "Well this was anti-climactic.
Before she decided to turn around she took one last look around to see if there was anything. Finally she spot something in the darkness, but it was either small or just really far away in perspective. She couldn't tell in the slightest what it was, all she could tell was that it was pink. So to get a better look at it Storm stretched out her wings and flew towards it into the blackness. But the closer she got to it the brighter it started to glow. Once she got to a certain distance it flashed in its light forcing her to shield her eyes.
Next thing she knew she was still flying in a void but the path she flew from was gone and the blackness that was around her was a bunch of different colors. At first Storm was intrigued the 6 colors she was surrounded by were a good change from endless black. Storm looked to see if the object she saw was still there but when she turned she saw what was defiantly not what she was looking for. Floating in front of her was a guitar, but it wasn't like any guitar she'd ever seen. It didn't look like her guitar, it was way too edgy and dark. With nothing else to do Storm decided to grab it. But when she reached for it the whole place filled with a loud shrilling sound forcing her to cover her ears. She looked at the guitar again seeing it was making the noise and was now glowing. Then she saw that the colors around her were all changing all the way to the point she was surrounded by nothing but red. It wasn't long till she couldn't take the sound anymore, then nothing.
"Woah!" Storm bolted her head up waking up from her sleep to find herself back in the bunker. Her whole body was tingling from the thrill of her dream and after a quick yawn she was able to gather herself. "Now what was that all about?" Nothing in that dream made sense, none of it was familiar. After getting up and stretching she looked around and everything seemed normal, she got over the tingling feeling in her body. "Maybe I will take Cybil up on her dreamcatcher offer." Storm said to herself before leaving the bedroom. Storm went to the bathroom to freshen up when she heard someone coming down the elevator.
"Storm!? You up yet?" She heard Branch's voice and went out to greet him.
"Yep! What up Branch?" Storm said strolling into the room.
"We will." Branch answered reaching the floor. "We need your help topside. Poppy wants to start a fire for a barbecue party but the lighters and… fire plants won't work."
"Really? They only don't work if they got wet." Storm said confused. "Did it rain while I was out?"
"Yes and no." Branch answered with a slight annoyed look. At first Storm was confused at his response but then realized.
"Cloud Guy?" She asked.
"Cloud Guy." Branch answered.
"Alright I love fire roasting food anyway." Storm said getting onto the elevator.
"Perfect let's go." Branch said with a smile pulling the level to make the elevator go up.
Troll Village.
"Okay everything seems ready!" Poppy said looking around everything was prepare to what Branch said Storm likes. Plus for some praise for Storm on her birthday Poppy had Sky Toronto make novelty tragon wings and tie on tails. Taking a checklist she then started walking through the party site to see if everyone was prepared. Passing by DJ Suki and her wooferbug.
"DJ you good on music?" Poppy asked.
"Yep, got a bunch of songs Storm loves." DJ said twirling a record on her finger then placing it on the spin table. "All set!"
"Great!" Poppy said happily checking that off her list and moving on to Guy Diamond. "Guy you ready with the Glitter?"
"You ask like I wouldn't be Poppy." Guy said in a prideful tone. "Oh and Meadow gathered all the flowers Storm likes."
"A twofer, excellent!" Poppy checked the two from her list. Then moved to Satin and Chenille. "Satin, Chenille you guys got the birthday cape and crown?"
"Sure do!" Satin said the two walk into the brush and pulled out a manikin.
"They're right here." Chenille continued. Poppy stepped forward to get a good look at them.
"They look amazing guys, awesome!" Poppy commented checking that off her checklist.
"Thanks." Satin said. "It's a lot less trial and error when we have a specific request." She said referring to the brutal idea process the twins go through. Just then Fuzzbert came running up to Poppy muttering in fuzzling.
"Everyone places Branch is coming with Storm!" Poppy said altering everyone allowing them all to get into their hiding spots. As she did hers hearing them talking as they approached.
"I still think that chicken tastes better grilled then smoked." Storm's voice came up.
"You sure?" Branch's voice was heard more clearly as they got closer. "It gets that nice smoky flavor to it."
"True but agree to disagree." Storm said as they came to the clearing. "So where's this barbecue? I'm hungry."
"SURPRISE!" Everyone busted out of their hiding spots to cheer. Giving Storm a surprised happy smile.
"Happy Birthday Storm!" Poppy said running up giving her furry tragon friend a hug, which she gladly returned.
"Ya know in hindsight I really should've seen this coming." Storm said breaking from the hug.
"I know right?" Branch said in understanding.
"Well since you told me when it was I've been planning." Poppy said in response. "How come you didn't tell me before anyway?"
"Well all these years I've never really made a big deal about it." Storm answered. "Usually I just get a cupcake in town. I don't know I want you guys making a fuss over me."
"You want us to leave?" Branch asked with a smirk.
"No way, fuss on!" Storm shouted to Poppy and the crowd who cheered in response. Satin and Chenille then ran up with the birthday cape and crown which Storm allowed them to put on her. Storm then looked around the crowd to see if a certain someone was there, it didn't seem so. So she moved on starting the party.
Few hours later.
Throughout the party everyone was having a great time. Storm loves testing her strength and tracking skills winning an arm wrestling tournament, a scavenger hunt and hide and seek when she was the seeker. She lost couple times when she was a hider and had a blast dancing. They did also get actually have a barbeque from which Storm enjoyed her grilled chicken.
"So was the whole Cloud Guy making the flower plants not work just a cover to get me over here?" Storm asked Branch sitting by her at the fire.
"No actually that really happened." Branch answered. Storm simply nodded not all that surprised at that at all. After more time of singing together, dancing, playing and eating. Poppy had Biggie and the others bring out the birthday cake covered in purple frosting decorated with stars and the moon on top. The trolls all got together singing happy birthday to her and once they were done she blew them out.
"So what'd you wish for Storm?" Cooper asked with his usual enthusiasm.
"Isn't there a rule against telling others a birthday wish?" Storm asked back at his question.
"Storm I'm certain there's many birthday wishes you've kept secret to this point." Poppy said remarked at her not celebrating her birthday all that much. "Just this one won't hurt."
"Ok fair point." Storm said with a sigh figuring she should give them this much not telling them about her birthday sooner. "I wish-"
"I believe I know what she wished for."
Everyone turned their heads following the sudden voice only to be surprised at the sight of another tragon. While everyone but Storm and Branch was surprised and confused, Storm's face brightened up with joy. Running up to give the tragon a hug.
"Thunder!" She cheered giving the tragon a big squeeze. "I've missed you!"
"I missed you too little sis." The tragon revealed to be named Thunder said returning the hug. The Snack Pack approached the tragon pair.
"Uh Storm?" Poppy said walking up. "Who is this?" The tragons broke their hug and turned toward the group.
"Oh right sorry!" Storm realized they'd never met. "Poppy, guys this is my older brother Thunder."
"Wait hold on a sec!" Smidge started taken aback by the introduction. "You're telling us that you have a brother and you never told us?"
"Smidge, I haven't told you guys lots of stuff." Storm answered. "Thunder is just one of the things I haven't gotten to till now."
"So you and Branch finally went of your way to commune with the village huh?" Thunder asked looking at the two in question.
"Yeah well a lot has happened this time around since you've been gone." Branch said in a slightly annoyed tone.
"Branch actually helped plan the party." Storm pointed out to her brother. Which gave Thunder a look of disbelief.
"Oh really?" Thunder said giving Branch a smirk. "No fun worrywart Branch helped planned a party?"
"Like I said things have change a bit since last time." Branch continued walking up to Thunder. "Maybe you'd know that if you came around more often instead of constantly putting yourself in danger." Branch and Thunder were face to face with each other going on about each other like that. While the Snack Pack were watching silently confused, Storm just stood there, her arms crossed with a not surprised or even upset look on her face.
"Uh Storm what's happening?" Biggie whispered to Storm.
"Oh Branch and Thunder have always had a bit of a rivalry going on for years." Storm answered explaining their argument.
"If Thunder is your brother how come he doesn't live with you?" Guy Diamond asked.
"Thunder is always going on adventures." Storm answered. "He doesn't like staying in one place so he goes of exploring all the time. He always comes back every couple months give or take. But he defiantly always comes back on my birthday. Why you guys haven't met him is cause he usually just passes by the village and goes straight to the bunker. Those two have always had differ opinions and philosophies. An argument like this is inevitable during his visits. It's better to let them get it out of their system." Storm finished gesturing to the two still arguing.
"Well ya know what?" Thunder said to Branch. "I face a lot of dangerous things every day but I'm still here. I'm still standing." Saying that gave Thunder an idea he then looked over at DJ Suki on her wooferbug. "Hey you DJ!"
"Yeah what up?" DJ asked having her bug walk up to him.
"You take requests?" Thunder asked her.
"Sure totally!" DJ gladly answered. "Whatdya want?" he motioned her closer so he can whisper. She leaned over hearing his request. "No problem!" She to a disk out readying the music for him. Thunder turned towards Storm.
"Storm you mind giving me a hand?" asked his sister.
"Sure thing." Storm answered cracking her knuckles not seeming surprised like she saw this coming. Thunder turned toward Branch.
"Get a load of this." Thunder said with a smirk. Branch just stood there with an annoyed half lid look on his face with his arms crossed. DJ then began spinning the music record for Storm and Thunder who began dancing once the music started.
Bold for action and to tell whose singing.
Storm:
You could never know what it's like
Your blood like a 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
Thunder came up and circled around Branch.
Thunder:
And did you think this fool could never win
Then he stopped and struck a pose.
Well look at me, I'm not coming back again
I got a taste of love in a simple way
But if you need to know while I'm still standing
You just fade away
Thunder turned towards Storm and they started dancing and singing together.
Storm and Thunder:
Don't you know I'm still standing better than I ever did
Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid
The two danced with their backs up to each other's hold holding hands.
I'm still standing after all this time
Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind
Besides Branch all the other trolls watching were really enjoying their duet
I'm still standing yeah yeah yeah
I'm still standing yeah yeah yeah
Storm pretend to look dramatic facing Thunder.
Storm:
Once I never could hope to win
You starting down the road leaving me again
Thunder put his arm around Storm.
Thunder:
The threats you made were meant to cut me down
And if our love was just a circus
Thunder looked at the trolls watching encouraging them to sing this line with him.
Thunder and chorus:
You'd be a clown by now
Storm and Thunder:
Don't 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
Storm (Thunder):
Don't you know, I'm still standing (Ooooh)
Better than I ever did
Storm and Thunder:
Looking like a true survivor
Storm (Thunder):
Feeling like a little kid
(I'm still standing) I'm still standing
Storm and Thunder (Thunder):
After all this time (Standing)
Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind
I'm still standing
Yeah! yeah! yeah! (Yeah!)
By this point the whole party was swinging to their song dancing.
Storm (Thunder):
I'm still standing (Standing)
Yeah! yeah! yeah! (Whoa uh oh)
Storm and Thunder:
I'm still standing
Storm (Thunder):
Yeah! yeah! yeah! (Yeahhh eh eh eh eh eh)
Storm and Thunder (Thunder):
I'm still standing
Yeah! yeah! yeah! (Oh oh...)
I'm still standing
Yeah! yeah! yeah! (Yeah yeah yeah yeah!)
I'm still standing
Storm (Thunder):
Yeah! yeah! yeah! (I'm still standing, I'm still standing)
Finally the two finished their song with their arms crossed and backs up against each other's.
Storm and Thunder:
I'm still standing
The trolls all watching cheered at their song. While Branch looked like he deflated and loosened up a little during the song. Branch approached the two slow clapping.
"Don't you think that was overkill making your point Thunder?" Branch asked
"Eh overkills underrated." Thunder answered shrugging his shoulders. At this point Branch was over the argument.
"Whatever." Branch said having lost the strength to keep the argument going.
"So you helped Thunder roast Branch." Poppy asked Storm who got a drink of water after singing and dancing.
"I'm always a neutral party when it comes to other people's fights." Storm answered. "If I can't talk them out of it, I assist in any reasonable sorts to help them get over it. Well depending on how crazy it is. Like when it comes to you and Branch it's better not to get involved and have you guys learn your lesson the hard way."
"By the way Storm." Thunder walked up to his sister. "For your birthday and as a means for spending some time together. I found something interesting on my recent travels that I'm more then certain will lead to an even bigger awesome quest." Storm and the Snack Pack were all intrigued with what he was proposing.
"Really what did you find?" Storm asked. The others were very attentive to this conversation.
"It's this really old bunch of hieroglyphs from some ancient civilization." Thunder described. Storm and the others were really amazed with the news. "But that's not even the coolest part." That add on got them even more interested. "I bet this'll be especially interesting news to you guys." Thunder said looking at the Snack Pack. "They have a lot of different written on them but I'm pretty sure this one glyph leads to the birth place of hair-jitsu." That last part got gasps and wide eyes.
"You mean that fighting style Poppy, Branch and Storm know?" DJ Suki asked.
"And I know as well, yes." Thunder answered.
"That's so cool!" Poppy commented.
"You're pretty sure?" Branch added. "If it's from some ancient civilization how could you read it? For what we know it could lead to a bottomless pit!"
"Well for one we have wings." Thunder started. "And two I've picked up a thing or two on my adventures and I can read a good amount of languages, this one included." Thunder decided to officially ask. "So whatdya say Storm wanna come with this time?" At first Storm was hesitant. While Storm loves the idea of going on an adventure with her brother, she wasn't sure she was willing to leave her friends. There was no telling how long it'd take and how much she'd miss. Poppy saw her hesitation.
"It's okay Storm you should totally go!" Poppy encouraged.
"Really?" Storm asked.
"Sure! Go spend some time with your brother." Poppy continued.
"I don't know." Storm said still uncertain. "It wouldn't be as fun without you or the others."
"Well heck if that's how you feel bring her along." Thunder said gesturing toward Poppy. Surprising the two and Branch.
"Really, you want me to come along?" Poppy asked
"Well sure!" Thunder answered. "You and Storm seem pretty tight, I'd love to get to know you."
"Well that sounds amazing!" Poppy commented. "I'd love too." Her answer got Branch very concerned.
"Now hold on, wait, wait!" Branch interrupted to talk to Poppy. "Now Poppy I know Thunder and he tends to get into every sticky, hairy and deadly situations. It's ok for them, they're tragons." Branch said pointing at the two. "They're strong, breath fire, know hair-jitsu and can fly. I can't guarantee how it would go for trolls."
"Branch I'm sure it'll be fine." Poppy remarked. "They're awesome, even if I can't protect myself I'm certain they can." Poppy finished walking over to the tragons leaving Branch with a still worried expression.
"Alright that's it!" Branch shout gaining their attention. "If you guys are so keen on going on some hair brain adventure to who knows where, I'm going too." Poppy and Storm seemed satisfied with his attendance while Thunder just raised his eyebrow.
"Okay." Thunder said. "If you want to come along I won't stop you." Turned around and then whispered under his breath. "And honestly don't think I can." Then he turned back towards them. "Well we better stock up on supplies we might be gone for a while."
"Alight we're going on an adventure!" Poppy yelled in excitement. Then her and Storm excitedly started chanting 'adventure' while Thunder and Branch were giving each over stink eyes.
To be continued.
Songs: I'm Still Standing by Glee
If you guys need reference to what Storm and Thunder look like. Go to DeviantArt and search for Storm the Tragon and Thunder the Tragon under the profile name DaydreamShimmer2875.
Well that was the first chapter and I'm very pleased with its length and how it turned out! I've personally been interested in the concept of Hair-Jitsu and thought of putting some deeper lore into its creation. An origin that'll set Poppy, Branch, Storm and Thunder on a thrilling adventure, with new friends, astonishing secrets and amazing discoveries. Which we'll see in future chapters.
Leave a review to let me know what you think!
Purple-Eyes Out!