A/N: I know you have waited patiently, so here it is! Branch's past!

Chapter Eight – Failed Escape

In the time between her initiation and the day of the plan, Poppy received training from the other tank members on how to use her hair and use her crutches to her advantage. Though none of them had disabilities like hers (except for Branch), they had unique skills that helped her overcome obstacles formerly impossible due to her amputated leg.

First off, Satin and Chenille crafted a boot of sorts that was padded on the inside and hard like a turtle shell on the outside. They fashioned a round disc made of similar materials to create a kneepad for Poppy's other leg. This way, if Poppy didn't have her crutches, she could walk on her knee and leg stump without being hurt. The rest of the Tank Trolls taught Poppy how to better use her hair: stretching, grabbing, whipping, and more. Fuzzbert, being entirely hair, was especially helpful. The one troll who was most helpful was Branch. Being crippled himself, he took Poppy under his wing and taught her how to adapt to missing half her limb. Poppy learned more in two days with Branch than she did in ten years with her father.

While learning new things was fun, Poppy did spend a lot of time thinking about and missing her father. She would stare out the window quietly, wishing she were home. Above all else, she wished she hadn't said such hurtful things to her father. Poppy didn't know why she said those things. In that moment, she wanted to be as far away from her father as possible.

Now that she had her wish, she realized how true regret felt. As Poppy sat on a rock and stared out the window one night, she wondered if her father stared at the same stars she saw.

Poppy heard footsteps, and she saw Branch approaching her. He nodded to the spot next to Poppy, requesting to join her. Poppy scooted over, and Branch sat next to the pink troll.

"Miss your dad, huh?" Branch guessed. Poppy just nodded. "Consider yourself lucky. You've got someone out there looking for you."

Poppy sighed. "My dad's not looking for me. He's scared of the forest. Too scared to come find me."

Branch patted Poppy's shoulder. "I doubt that."

Poppy sniffled, tears coming to her eyes. "I told him I hated him. I didn't mean it. But why would he come after a daughter who said she hated him?"

Branch gently brushed her tears away. "Sometimes, we say things because we're mad. But I'm sure your dad knows you don't hate him."

Though rough on the outside, Branch was truly a troll who cared, and Poppy appreciated that. "So, what about Creek and Smidge and everyone else? Do they have a family looking for them?"

"Nah." Branch said. "The only family any of us have is right in here. We have Gristle Jr. to thank for that. He saved all of us. It's a nice place to stay and all, but we belong in the forest. That's why we're trying to escape. I hope Gris doesn't take it too hard."

Poppy liked Gristle Jr. too, especially when she realized his and his father's good intentions by bringing her to the pet shop. "So how did Gristle find everyone?"

"Everyone has their own story about how Gristle saved them." Branch said. "Creek, Satin, and Chenille are brother and sisters, and lived with their family in the streets. Their parents were killed getting run over by a carriage. They spent a couple years barely surviving before Gris found them. He gave them a home and new names: Zen, Twin 1, and Twin 2." Branch chuckled when Poppy giggled. "Yeah, we respond to Gristle's names, but we like our original ones better. Fuzzbert came from a pretty bad place. It was a rundown old pet shop where the owner smoked a lot. That's why Fuzzbert talks like he does. His lungs are damaged from the smoke. That shop soon went out of business, and Gris bought Fuzzbert to nurse him back to health. Gris calls Fuzzbert 'Tuffy.'

"Biggie's story is an interesting one. He lived in a small zoo that was overcrowded. I'm glad standards and rules have changed in recent years regarding pet shops and zoos. Anyway, it was so crowded that Biggie and some other troll kids lived in the glowworm habitat. The glowworms were nice, at least. They adopted those kids. Mr. Dinkles is more like a brother to Biggie than a pet. One day, the zoo caught fire. A lot of the animals were killed. Biggie barely made it out with Mr. Dinkles. The rest of the trolls were killed. Gristle Sr. took the remaining animals. A few had to be euthanized. Some could be released. The rest were taken to a nicer zoo. But nobody wanted Biggie and Mr. Dinkles. So Gristle Jr. named them Big Ben and Little John, and he brought them home.

"Then came Suki. She was a pet in a classroom, and a couple kids took her out of her cage and tried to play with her. Threw her in deep water, tossed her in a box and shook her, and even hung her on a string and used her as a cat toy. She managed to escape and hid in Gristle's backpack. He gave her a safe home and started calling her DJ. That's the closest he's ever gotten to one of our names. After Suki was Guy Diamond. He was part of a little circus. Gristle bought him for cheap because the circus owner didn't want him anymore. Gris called Guy 'Sparkler.'

"Finally, we got Smidge. She was born in an illegal breeding facility, where animals and creatures like trolls are forced to breed so their offspring can be sold as pets. Her parents died from the poor living conditions. The breeder considered her a runt and got rid of her. Gristle Sr. found her and helped get the breeder shut down. The trolls were released or set up in a good-quality zoo. Gristle Sr. gave Smidge to his son, and Gris called her 'Tiny But Mighty.' We all went through hard lives before we were brought here. But Gris and his dad gave us a good home. He loves us so much that he can't bear to part with us, even if he knows being free might be what's best for us."

Poppy nodded slowly. "And what about you? How and when did you get here?"

Branch rubbed his scarred arm. "I was one of the first. I'm from the forest, like you. Gris calls me 'Ash.'"

"Did you have a family?" Poppy asked.

"Just my grandma." Branch said. "She's the only one I really remember. We were just out in the forest one day, and a bergen kid came stomping through, knocking down bird nests and trampling stuff. He caught me in a glass jar, and Grandma tried to save me. But the bergen threw a rock at her, and it…" Branch swallowed, his eyes becoming glassy. Poppy gave his hand a comforting squeeze. Branch cleared his throat. "She didn't move. I knew she was gone. That's when I turned grey. The bergen kid who took me used me as a toy, and didn't take good care of me. Gristle Jr. saved me after that kid buried me in some snow and left me there."

Poppy hugged Branch comfortingly. The two of them were quiet for a long moment. "Even if my dad isn't looking for me, do you think he's still alive?"

"Of course." Branch nodded. "Gristle Sr. and his son would never harm another creature." He hugged Poppy one more time. "You should get some rest. We have a big day tomorrow."

Poppy nodded, following Branch through the tank. Tomorrow, they would put their plan into action, and hopefully take their first step closer to freedom. Poppy let Branch help her into her hammock, and she settled down to sleep.

"Branch?"

"Hmm?"

"I know you said you would take care of the Tank Trolls after you escape; but, if you want, you can come live with me. You can make a home in the same tree where I live. You'll be happy there."

Branch smiled gently. "Thank you, Poppy. You're very kind. Now get some sleep."

Poppy yawned. "Goodnight, Branch."

"Goodnight, Princess."

The next day was Friday. Gristle Sr. closed the shop for the day. Around lunchtime, he would take his son to Bridget's party at the pizza place down the road. Then the two of them would be off to see some friends in another town, and wouldn't be back until Sunday afternoon. By then, the effects of the broken heater would be clearly seen.

Poppy and Branch sat on a rock near the glass wall facing the window. Branch ran through the plan again while the rest of the Tank Trolls waited for the moment to begin their plan. That moment would be when Gristle Sr. disappeared into his office to do paperwork while Gristle Jr. took the watchdog Lucifer for a walk.

"Why don't we just push the tank over while Gris and his dad are gone?" Poppy wondered. "Or we could just go through the hole and out the window."

"Well, the tank is actually screwed to the counter, specifically so we can't push it off or so it won't get knocked off the counter." Branch explained. "And Gristle Sr. is pretty good at locking up everything. Even if we could reach it, the latches are rusted and get stuck easily."

Poppy nodded in understanding. "I won't let you down."

Branch looked to Creek as he passed them. "Any movement?"

"No, but Lucifer is getting excited." Creek said. "It has to be soon."

"Good. Keep monitoring the shop." Branch said as Creek jogged off.

Poppy glanced to Branch, her eyes lingering on his scars. They just looked like jagged lines darker than Branch's skin color. She could only imagine how painful they must've been. Though she wanted to ask how Branch got hurt, she never had the courage to do it.

Branch noticed Poppy's staring, and she quickly averted her gaze. "It's okay. Go ahead and stare. I have to live with it." He rubbed his limp arm. "These are my reminder to never give up on trying to get everyone out of here. These are my motivation." He paused, briefly contemplating whether or not he'd say this next part. "This is what happens to Chef gets her hands on you."

Poppy stared at Branch in shock. "You lived with her?"

"She had convinced Gristle Sr. to sell me to her while Junior was at summer camp." Branch said. "I think he thought Gris wanted to sell me to a new home. There have been other trolls before and after me who were taken. The last gal who was taken—a troll named Willow—only lasted a few hours when she was returned. She died quickly from her experience. I'm the only troll who has come back and survived. Chef saw me as a sort of mutation because I was grey instead of colorful. When she realized there was nothing really special about me, she called me an 'imperfect specimen' and just flat-out tortured me. She cut up my face and body, and then did this." Branch moved his arm and vest, and Poppy gasped quietly. Apparently, Chef had taken a knife and carved the word "Freak" into Branch's chest. Branch pointed to a dot below the word. "She would electrocute me by inserting a needle here. She did it until I passed out and couldn't take it anymore. That's why I can't use this arm. I can twitch a finger and hold light things now and then, but my nerves and muscles are shot."

Poppy looked down sadly. "I'm sorry."

"No, it's okay." Branch said. "It was the Tank Trolls who kept me going. I fought to live, and I became stronger. I know I'll be able to take care of them once we escape." Branch pointed to a moose passing outside. "See those animals? The moose and the horses and especially the cows. They get to go out and graze in the land near Bergen Town. Riding one of those is a one-way ticket straight back to the forest. I promise, Princess, we're getting out of here."

Poppy finally smiled and hugged Branch. Though Branch was not as touchy-feely as the other trolls, he didn't mind hugging Poppy.

"Code Glitter! Code Glitter!" Guy Diamond called, drawing everyone to the tank wall facing the interior of the shop.

"Gristle Sr. left for paperwork two minutes ago!" Suki reported. "Gristle Jr. and Lucifer have left the building! We official have fifteen-point-six minutes!"

"That's our cue, Princess!" Branch said. "Ready?"

"I'm ready!" Poppy nodded.

The Tank Trolls gathered around the hole to wish Poppy good luck. While some looked anxious, they still had faith in Poppy's abilities. Poppy carefully carried the cutting saw Branch gave her in her teeth, and she lowered herself down into the hole by wrapping her hair around Branch's hand. Once she stood on solid ground, Poppy hobbled her way to the cabinet door. She pushed it open with all her strength, giving herself just enough space to stretch out her hair to grab the handle of the other cabinet door. She swung herself out, and the cabinet door snapped shut behind her.

"That's okay!" Branch's muffled voice came from the tank, sitting above her. "We'll let you back in. Now swing yourself onto that stack of litterboxes, and you'll be able to climb up to the counter easily."

Poppy began swinging, giving herself as much momentum as she could muster, and then launched herself in the air. Her heart shot into her throat as she hung in the air for a moment. She landed on the top litterbox and panted softly.

"Branch, is this such a good idea?" Biggie asked.

"Yes, she'll be fine." Branch assured.

After catching her breath, Poppy used one of her crutches like a sort of ladder and climbed up to the counter. She pulled the crutch up with her and hobbled over to the cord. There was a small ledge of sorts just below the outlet. Poppy used her crutch like a ladder again, and she climbed up to this ledge. She had to press her back to the wall, but she could reach the cord at last. She gripped the rubber handle of the saw and stretched her arm as far as she could to reach the cord. She began cutting.

"She's doing it!" Satin breathed.

"She's really doing it!" Chenille cheered.

"That's it, Princess." Branch smiled broadly. "You almost got it."

Then, to the Tank Trolls' horror, the bell at the front of the shop rung to indicate someone coming through the door. "Hey Dad!" Gristle Jr. called. "Where do we keep the pooper-scooper bags?"

"Abort, Princess!" Smidge shouted. "Abort!"

Too late. Lucifer noticed Poppy on the counter, and her instincts kicked in. She barked and galloped right towards Poppy. She went so fast that she jerked her leash free from Gristle Jr.'s grip.

"Lucifer! Lucy!" Gristle Jr. yelped, shutting the pet shop door. "Bad dog!"

"Run, Poppy!" Creek shouted.

Poppy dropped the saw Branch gave her and hobbled away as fast as she could. But Lucifer jumped up on the counter and knocked Poppy to the floor.

"Princess!" the Tank Trolls shouted in fear.

"All of you, stay here!" Branch ordered. He slipped out through the hole and burst out of the cabinet, running for Poppy. The pink troll scrambled to get away from Lucifer, but the watchdog only stopped when Branch jumped up and grabbed her tail. Lucifer twisted around, snapping at the troll on her tail, while Poppy made another mad dash away from the dog. Lucifer flicked her tail and sent Branch flying. He hit a shelf and just managed to catch the edge before he fell off. Lucifer went back to chasing Poppy around the store while Gristle Jr. chased Lucifer. Gristle Sr.'s heavy footsteps sounded from the stairs in the back, indicating he was running down to investigate the chaos. Branch looked around and saw a couple potted plants Gristle Sr. sold for the terrariums. When Lucifer came by again, Branch pushed over a pot and it landed right on the watchdog's head.

Finally, Gristle Jr. caught Lucifer and pulled her into her kennel in the corner. "Bad dog, Lucy! I told you to stop chasing the animals like that when they escape. You always make a mess what you do that."

Branch climbed/jumped to the floor. "Princess! Poppy, where are you?" He jumped when Poppy suddenly came up and tackled him in a hug. He wrapped his good arm around her and held her close. "It's okay. You're okay, I've got you."

"Gristle!" Gristle Sr. had arrived. "What on earth happened?"

"Pinkie and Ash somehow found their way out of the tank." Gristle Jr. said, gently scooping up the two aforementioned trolls. "Can you find the tools so I can fix the lid? Or at least find some rocks or something? I need to make sure Pinkie and Ash are all right."

"Of course." Gristle Sr. nodded. "When you're done, make sure you have all you need for the weekend. We'll leave for Bridget's party soon."

Gristle Jr. nodded. He brought Poppy and Branch to the counter by the front door, and he pulled out a first aid kit. Branch was unharmed, but Poppy had a cut on her arm from some broken glass. Gristle Jr. pulled out a magnifying glass to better see what he was doing, and he delicately cleaned and bandaged the wound. Branch let Gristle do his work, knowing the bergen teen could be trusted.

"There. All better." Gristle Jr. lifted up Poppy and Branch and brought them back to the tank. "Ash, take good care of her this weekend, okay? I promise I'll be back soon, you guys." He lowered Branch and Poppy into the tank, and then placed some rocks on top of the lid so it wouldn't move again.

The Tank Trolls gathered around worriedly, but Branch barked at them, "Get back! Let her breathe!" He knelt to Poppy's eye level. "Princess, are you okay?"

Poppy had put on a brave face until then. She burst into tears, hugging Branch and burying her face in his chest.

"No, no, no, it's okay." Branch shushed her comfortingly. He hugged her tightly, as though he were the anchor holding her to the ground. "It's okay. I've got you. You're all right. You're safe now, I've got you."

Several of the Tank Trolls looked like they could collapse from pure relief. That had been one of the scariest moment of their lives. "Branch." Creek said, struggling to hold back his own emotions. "Branch, please don't send her back out there."

It suddenly dawned on Branch the true weight of today's events. Because of his plan, because he made Poppy go out there, they almost lost one of their family members. This was all his fault. He almost killed Poppy.

"No." Branch shook his head. "No, no, never again. We're done." He held Poppy a little tighter. "We're done."

Poppy sniffled and continued to sob fearfully, her tears making Branch's vest damp. The other Tank Trolls gathered around for a gentle group hug.