Chapter 4: True Friends.

Branch, DJ Suki and Storm finally know what Circe is and what she can do. But are still unsure entirely why? If Charen are in their nature good. Then what exactly does she want revenge on the trolls for? Does that mean she has a history with them? We'll get to that soon.

Reby Montana – Yeah Circe makes a great villain. But she's not a sorceress, she's a Charen. Sorceresses practice magic, the magic in a Charen's song is a part of them. They're very similar to Sirens. Circe is a magical creature. Sorry I already have the story figured out and I don't plan on bringing Cloud Guy in.

WildChicken – Thank you!

Enjoy

"*Yawn* Oh! I needed that!" Storm yawned like a lion. Getting up from her rest, she lightly set DJ down for her to wake up herself. Storm then proceeded to stretch by bowing then stretched her hind legs. "Ah yeah that's the stuff! Hey Suki you can get up now! We've got work to do." Storm said lightly nudging her still sleeping friend with her tail.

"Huh what year is it?" DJ Suki snorted as she bolt her head up.

"We're still in the library DJ." Branch said walking over after putting the book they found in his hair. "Bout time you guys woke up!"

"You know me Branch. I'm a Tragon that needs her rest." Storm stated. Like DJ she did like to take naps from time to time.

"Eh true. And I have known you for a long time." Branch replied. "Anyway now that I know what Circe is and what Circe is up too I've got to tell the others!"

"But if Circe really has put some kind of spell on them. Do you really think they'll listen?" Storm asked Branch who she felt was getting a little cocky.

"Yeah the book said the more happiness a charen eats the stronger their song will be. Which will probably means her spell too. Maybe we should come up with a plan first." DJ agreed. Branch just looked at both of them with uncertainty.

"I guess you guys have a point." Branch sighed lowering his head. Then walked out of the library.

"Is something wrong with him?" DJ Suki turned and asked Storm.

"He's just worried." Storm answered. Knowing their friends are in danger, it's hard not to be worried.

"Oh. Yeah I can understand that." DJ said.

Storm just looked out where Branch went. She didn't like to see her friend down. Even in their time in the bunker she tried her best to bring both their spirits up. Storm knew Branch was just as determined as she was to save their friends and their home. She needs to remind him what he has and what he's fighting for.

"Let me go talk to him?" Storm asked DJ walking to where Branch was.

Branch was sitting on the side of a tall hill overlooking a part of Troll Village. In truth, Branch wasn't sure what to do. He'd never faced a charen before. But most of all he was worried what might happen to Poppy and his other friends, Storm and DJ included. Even though those two are safe from Circe's song. He wondered if having their help was worth possibly putting them in danger. From what they've read Circe is a dangerous foe. He just didn't know what to do.

"Hey Branch!" Branch was snapped back from his thoughts. Looking over his shoulder to find Storm walking up to him than sitting down next to him.

"Oh hey Storm." Branch sighed looking back toward the village.

"Look Branch I know you're worried. I am too! But we can't just sit around and wait for Circe to take over. We gotta do something now while we still have the time!" Storm said trying to motivate Branch.

"I know! I wanna save them more than anything. I just wish there was some way I could stop her without risking you or DJ." Branch said still in turmoil. Storm appreciated his concern but knew this wasn't the time.

"Branch me and Suki know there are risks and we're willing to take them. If there's a chance we can stop her and save the others we have to take it! We're the only ones immune to her music. So we need to stick together on this." Storm tried to reassure him.

Branch smiled slightly at her courage.

"It's just, you and Poppy are the bestest friends I've ever had." Branch looked back down. Then felt Storm's claw lay on his back.

"I know. But if we don't do this together we'll both lose Poppy. Besides you can't get rid of me that easily. After I lost my parents then my color. I thought it was over for me. But I decided to push on and wait for something worth living for. Then you trolls moved here and I got to meet you. Tragons maybe a lot like trolls but we still have a dragon's strength, courage and heart!" Storm put her arm around Branch. "And if there's one thing I value most, it's my friends." Storm could see Branch was starting to feel better. But out of the troll side of her instincts. She brought her guitar out and decided to finish reassuring Branch with a song.

Storm strummed her guitar then started singing. Branch just smirked and of course allowed it and watched.

Storm: We sign our cards and letters BFF
You've got a million ways to make me laugh
You're lookin' out for me; you've got my back
It's so good to have you around

Storm sang as she nuzzled Branch a bit, then got up.

You know the secrets I could never tell
And when I'm quiet you break through my shell
Don't feel the need to do a rebel yell
'Cause you keep my feet on the ground

Nearby critters then came out and sang along.

Storm and Critters: You're a true friend
You're here 'til the end
You pull me aside
When something ain't right
Talk with me now and into the night
'Til it's alright again
You're a true friend

Storm then picked up Branch to his feet and pulled him to follow her.

You don't get angry when I change the plans
Somehow you're never out of second chances
Won't say "I told you" when I'm wrong again
I'm so lucky that I've found

As they walked through the forest more critters came out to song.

A true friend
You're here 'til the end
You pull me aside
When something ain't right
Talk with me now and into the night
'Til it's alright again

Storm stopped walking and turned toward Branch.

True friends will go to the end of the earth
'Til they find the things you need
Friends hang on through the ups and the downs
'Cause they've got someone to believe in

Storm then walked up to Branch comforting him. Then encouraged him to dance with her and the critters. Which he smiled a gladly started to do.

A true friend
You're here 'til the end
You pull me aside
When something ain't right
Talk with me now and into the night
No need to pretend
(You're a true friend)

Branch at this point couldn't resist to join his friends in the song.

Storm, Branch and Critters: You're a true friend
You're here 'til the end (You're here 'til the end)
You pull me aside
When something ain't right
Talk with me now and into the night
'Til it's alright again

Starting to finish up the song. They continued walking till they reached the bunker.

Storm: You're a true friend
You're a true friend
You're a true friend

Finishing up her song Storm could see her song gave Branch back his confidence. So she put down her guitar and the two friends conclude the song with a hug.

"You're right." Branch said breaking from the hug. "If we're going to do this, we're going to do it together."

"There's the Branch I know!" Storm said lightly punching his shoulder, happy she cheered him up.

"Hey guys there you are!" Storm and Branch looked over to see DJ rushing toward them. "I've got something!"

In the Bunker.

The three sat at a table in the bunker as DJ Suki explained what she found out.

"I knew when I heard Circe's song. That there was some kind of negativity in it." DJ was explaining. "That might just be the evil spell part of it."

"So you're saying we just need some positive music to stop it? Well that sounds pretty easy! We're all about positivity." Storm said in response.

"I don't think it's that simple." DJ recoiled. "One other thing that makes a song more compelling is how catchy it is. And it doesn't even matter if you don't like a song, if it's catchy it'll get stuck in your head anyway."

"Oh I get it!" Storm understood. "That happens when I sing 'It's a Small World' around Branch." Storm said pointing at Branch who gave her a panicked look.

"Please don't start singing that again!" Branch pleaded then turned toward DJ. "So you're saying we need a catchy song that makes everyone happy."

"I'd say so yeah. It's the only idea we have to stopping her." DJ said referring to Circe.

"Well you know about every song there ever was. Let's just go confront her!" Branch suggested as he stood up.

"No wait!" Storm said stopping Branch. "If we're gonna do this, we gotta do it right."

"I say we find out when Circe's next show is gonna be, then crash it with our music." Storm suggested.

"Nice, I like it! It'll be showier that way." DJ agreed to her friend's suggestion.

"Seriously?" Branch questioned.

"Come on we need to make this more dramatic." Storm explained.

"Yeah the more epic we make it, the more awesome it'll be." DJ added

"Fine. Come on lets go ask someone." Branch sighed in defeat knowing there's no way talking them out of this. Making his way out of the bunker as the others followed.

In Troll Village.

Troll Village was buzzing. Especially after Circe announced she was going to put on another show and sing her song again. Blissfully unaware of her true intensions. Some of the Snack Pack were in conversation on the subject.

"Oh I can't wait for Circe's next show." Satin said.

"I know right. Her song was great the first time. I bet it'll be even better the next!" Chenille continued excited.

"Why can't time move faster!?" Smidge impatiently and intensely questioned.

"Come on guys. Circe will sing when she's good and ready." Poppy said trying to calm their inpatients. Just then she looked to see Branch, DJ and Storm heading their way. "Hey guys! Come to see the show?"

"You could say that." Storm replied to her question.

"Aww I knew you guys would warm up to her!" Poppy said happily. But unbeknownst to her wasn't all that true.

"Uh yeah, so what time is the show exactly?" Branch said trying not to make their plan obvious. But before any could answer.

"Why hello everyone!" Circe greeted walking up to the group.

"Hi Circe!" the Twins said in unison.

"Hey Circe. How have you been doing?" Poppy asked turning toward the Charen.

"Excellent actually. Thank you for asking. And what are you all up too?" Circe asked

"Branch, DJ and Storm just wanted to know when your next show is." Smidge answered.

"Do they now?" Circe glanced at them with piercing eyes.

"Branch, could I have a word with you row quick?" Circe asked with a disapproving look.

"I don't think s-" Branch was about to deny but saw Poppy looking at him questionly. He needed to keep up the act otherwise they might not let them anywhere near Circe. He looked back towered DJ and Storm. They both nodded indicating they approved hoping he could get enough information out of her. "I mean, sure." Circe then gesture him to follow just out of earshot.

With Circe and Branch.

"Don't think I don't know what you three are up too." Circe said. Her back facing Branch.

"Huh!" Branch said out of shock. Guess he should've figured she'd figure as much.

"You three want to crash my big show, with your own inferior music." Circe said turning her head. "I figured you'd find me out eventually. You three seemed to be the only ones who weren't taken with my song. Though that Tragon came as no surprise."

"Ok fine you found us out." Branch said coming to terms with her realization. "So what are you going to do? Make the others lock us up or something?

"On the contrary, I'll tell you when my next show is." Circe said turning toward him.

"Wait What?!" Branch said surprise and beyond confused. "Why the heck would you tell us?"

"Because it's quite entertaining how sure of yourselves you three are in your quest to stop me." Circe said with a smirk. "It'll be nice to show everyone just how inferior all songs are compared to mine. And all beings are compared to me. We'll do battle a bit with our songs and after I've had all my fun, I'll crush you three and your hopes of saving your precious village.

"That's not going to happen! We'll beat you!" Branch yelled determined.

"*Sigh* I must admit you are strong and determined Branch." Circe sighed coming down to eye level with him.

"Just like you Father."

To be continued.

I am definitely getting better at this! My chapters are having a nice steady length.

Song:

True Friend by Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus.

Wait what!? Circe knew Branch's dad? How can that be? Does he have something to do with her lust for revenge or is it for another reason? You'll have to wait till next time to find out.