A/N: I'm back! Again, thanks for the follows, favs and reviews. So, here's a new one of all of you. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I only own the laptop and phone, that I used to make this story.
I lay on the ground with my eyes closed. I could feel the grass and earth touch my skin. Have I been asleep for a while now? I'm not even sure. There is something that I need to do…something important, but I can't remember. Then, maybe it's not so important after all because I forgot about it. I felt the wind brush against my skin, calming every part of me. It feels great, I could just stay like this forever. Maybe I could sleep for a little more. I've never been this relaxed before, not even at home.
"Go away!" I heard a voice call from somewhere. I wanted to get up and investigate, but I needed to sleep a little more. "I said go away, Poppy!" Poppy? Was that voice pertaining to me? Why do I have to go away? Why is the voice sending me away?
"Branchy!" another voice called. She sounded very happy and excited. Wait, Branchy? Branch? I rose from the ground and scanned my surroundings. I know this part of the forest. I'm…home. It leads to the Troll Village. I rubbed the sleepiness off of my eyes and stood. "Let's see. The village is supposed to be…there! Make a left and go straight ahead."
I arrived at the clearing where the village is. Strange, something is different—no! Everything is different! I scanned the whole place and saw a fewer pods hanging overhead. Where are the other pods? Why does it look like the Trolls have just moved in to this place? Where's dad? "Did you see Rosiepuff's grandson?" I heard someone say.
"Yeah, the poor kid went grey. His grandma's been missing too." The other Troll replied. I felt pity to whoever that kid was. I hope he'd gain his colors back soon and find his grandma. I hope he doesn't end up sad and miserable like Branch. What if I go help him? Maybe a hug could cheer him up. Yeah, I could probably help him be happy again! I snapped out of my thoughts and looked for the two Trolls I've seen earlier.
They're gone. Everybody's gone! Where did they all suddenly go? "Hello? Everybody?" I called. To my dismay, no one responded. The village was deserted. I saw no sign of any Troll around. Where are they? Suddenly, I heard the bushes rustle. I turned and went to where the sound came from. "Hello? Is somebody there?"
The bushes rustled again as I went closer. I took a deep breath and gathered all the courage I have in me. What if it's one of those creatures Branch has been warning us all about aside from the Bergens? I circled the shrub and looked for whoever it is behind. "Please come out." I felt really nervous. The moment I reached the other side of the bush, a grey creature ran from it. Wait, that's a Troll. A little grey Troll! That's gotta be the child the Trolls from earlier were talking about.
"Hey! Wait!" I said while I chased him down the path that led to Branch's Bunker. Oh no, he'll surely yell at that poor kid. "Don't go there!" I said running as fast as my feet could.
He's gone. Where did he go? That's strange, where is Branch's bunker? Even Branch is not here, where is everybody? What is going on with this place? I need to talk with someone…anyone! Just to get things clear inside my head.
"Hello? Are you alright?" I heard a voice call from behind me. Finally! Someone to answer my questions. I turned and saw a purple Troll with mint green hair, wearing a cream dress and a red coat with pink hearts all over it. She's old, probably the same age as Dad.
"Yes! I'm fine. It's just that where is everybody?" I asked. "And have you seen a little grey Troll pass by? I need to talk to him."
"What Troll?" she asked with a confused look.
"I was running after this little grey Troll earlier. I heard that he just turned grey and I wanted to talk to him. Maybe I could cheer him up" I said.
"I didn't see anyone go this way. I'm sorry" she replied.
"Hmm, I hope he doesn't get into trouble. There's another grey Troll, who lives in this part of the forest, I just hope the little kid won't run into him." I sighed. I was hoping to help that kid, and now he's gone.
"Another Grey Troll?" she asked curiously.
"Yup, a grouchy Troll who loves to stay hidden inside his bunker." I rolled my eyes. "I don't know why he is grouchy and grey all the time. I tried asking my Dad about him, but he won't tell me anything."
"Why do you want to know the reason why he's grouchy or even grey?" she asked.
I have no idea who this Troll is, but something inside tells me that I could trust her. Who knows maybe she could help me. "Well, how do I start. You see, I've known him since I was five, I think. So, I wanted to be friends with him because I wanted everyone to be my friend. I tried inviting him to my parties, all of them, but he'll always either throw my invitations away or crush it in front of me. Seriously, I worked hard for those invitations and made it special just for him and then—"
"You like him, don't you?" The place suddenly went warm. No, it's not the place…it's my cheeks. My cheeks are warm. Am I blushing?
"Of course not!" I quickly denied, but I could still feel my blood rushing inside me. I cleared my throat and started my story again, "So, as I was saying, there's this grouchy grey Troll, whom I don't like…well, I like him as a friend, and not in some other way, ugh! You get the point." I sighed. "The bottom line is…I want him to be happy like most Trolls are. I don't want him to be grey or miserable all his life. I just wish that I could talk to him more, I want him to know that he can trust me."
"Hmm. Sounds a lot like my grandson." Grandson? Is this Troll the missing grandma of the little grey Troll I've seen earlier.
"Grandson? Are you the little grey Troll's grandma?" I asked. "Quick, we must look for him!"
"I'm sorry, sweetheart, but I think I'm not his grandma. My only grandson's all grown up now." She gave me a weak smile. "And like that friend of yours, he's always sad and miserable. He won't sing or dance or even hug other Trolls. I shouldn't have left him."
Another sad Troll? I better make a list of all the Trolls in the Kingdom that are sad, so I could help them to be happy again. Right now, I've got three: Branch, the little grey Troll from earlier and her grandson. "Wait, why did you left him anyway?"
"How could I say this in a simple way?" She thought of something for a few minutes before she took a deep breath. "Sweatheart, there will come a time when you have to face the world on your own. That time came for him. So, whether I like it or not, I had no other choice. I had to leave him." She gave me a forced smile.
"But…isn't that a bit unfair?" I raised my brow. "I mean, why don't you just come back and help him get his happiness back, so he won't be sad and miserable anymore? And probably get him to sing again?"
"Easy as it may sound, but I can't." She sighed. I could feel her sadness, I don't even know why. Maybe because Branch and her grandson are somewhat in the same situation, so technically, we're in the same situation. She wants her grandson happy, and I want Branch to be happy…I want all Trolls to be happy. "Happiness is inside all of us. Sometimes, we just need someone to help us find it. But…I'm not the one that my grandson needs to help him find it."
"You're her family, why can't you be the one to help him?" I asked.
"There is someone else destined to help him, and that's not me." She looked at me and gave me a warm smile. "Like that friend of yours, it could be you who'd be able to help him. No one really knows. The world is a big place, sweetheart. One day, it may be all cupcakes and rainbows, then dark and gloomy the next. But always keep in mind that if it knocks you down, you just have to—"
"Get back up again!" I felt a sudden jolt in my chest. Everything went dark and I felt like I was being pulled somewhere with great force.
Great, Poppy was almost eaten by those spiders. I had to fend off those creatures first before I could even help her. The pan didn't work, have I used it the wrong way? Probably. Anyway, she's okay now…by okay, I meant bugging me again. It's good that she's well and safe. The moment I saw those spiders creeping slowly to her, I moved as fast as I could to save her. And when I saw her unconscious, I felt really scared. What if she didn't make it? How could I ever tell everyone that their princess died on her way to save her friends? Good thing that I've learned the things that are supposed to be done when a Troll loses consciousness.
Hey! I'm not giving up today
There's nothing getting in my way
She's been singing the same song for half an hour already. I thought after almost being lunch to those spiders she'd be smarter and stop being loud. She said that she sings when she's in a good mood. Why does she always have to be in a good mood!? She could attract another predator with what she's doing. I tried tricking her that there's a Bergen, so she'd stop talking; but I guess she's not so naïve after all. Well, at least, the scrapbooking's been taken care of. Her song was kinda catchy at first, as a matter of fact, I had to stop myself from humming the tune; however, after I while, I started to be annoyed with her song.
And if you knock, knock me over
I will get back up again!
After that last chorus, she fell silent. Was she done singing? I hope so. "Finally!" I said; although, I hate starting a conversation. However, she did not reply, so I looked back to see if she's still behind me. Apparently, she is, but she stopped walking and was just staring at her right. "Hey, Poppy. You okay?" she nodded. "Let's go, we better reach Bergen Town as fast as we can, so I could go back to my bunker…are you even listening to me?"
"Branch, look!" she said grabbing my hand. I felt tense at her touch all of a sudden. "Look at those flowers!" she said. I smiled at how excited she instantly became. She has that smile…that same smile when we were young, when she gets excited over her new discoveries. I snapped out of my reverie, before I do something foolish like hug her. Anyway, the view was indeed beautiful. A field of flowers that stretched over the far end of the horizon. A field of yellow, purple, blue and crimson under the orange and pink sky. The wind blew slowly, making the flowers sway to the direction it blows. The field looked like water flowing in unison and grace. The last time I saw a field this great was when King Peppy and I wandered around the forest after we finished digging the tunnel. Then that means…we're almost there. We're almost back to the place where I lost everything.
"Poppy, let's—" I said before realizing that she already ran to the flowers and indulged herself. She checked and marveled every single flower that she saw. Sniffing into each of them to get the aroma into her senses. She looked kinda cute. Poppy can't do anything without being cute. I smiled at how childish she was. For some odd reason, seeing her happy makes me…a bit happy. I hid my smile when she looked my way. I need to keep in mind that I have to stop myself from getting too close to her.
After this mission, I'd make sure that things will be back the way it's supposed to be. I'd avoid her, shut her off more because if I ever get close to her she could...she could end up like Grandma. By that time, she'd have her friends back—if they're lucky enough not to get eaten by the Bergens—and she could have all the parties and fun she wanted because no one would crash and ruin everything anymore. No one would crush and throw her invitations away anymore, and make her upset. For sure King Peppy would get everyone to move out of the village and look for a new one. A safer one, where the Bergens would never find the Troll Kingdom ever again. A place where there will be no grey Troll around, I'll make sure of that because…I'll stay behind.
"Poppy, we better get moving." I said to her. "The sun is almost setting, we need to find a place to set up a camp.
"Ooh, we're going camping? I love camping!" I rolled my eyes to her nonsense. "We're gonna start a campfire and sing campfire songs…and tell scary stories." She made an I think is supposed to be an evil laugh, but she failed…big time.
"Yes, we're gonna make a fire, but NO! We're not singing or do anything that you think is fun." I snapped. She rolled her eyes. "I saw that!"
We spent the next hour walking, searching for a place to stay for the night. The sun was almost behind the mountains when we saw a clearing in the forest where it was safe to stay. As usual, Poppy found the place a bit enchanting. I don't even know why. All I could see are some vines that hang from the trees. Some fireflies that flew around the place and I could also hear some crickets from the trees. I got no time to marvel at what she thinks is pretty. We need to start a fire before the darkness comes.
"I'll start the fire!" she said. Here we go again. I rolled my eyes and watched her as she grabbed two stones and started rubbing them together. I'd give her ten minutes before I show her how to start a fire, the right way. "Just a little more…and…we'll have a fire." I could see that she's starting to get tired, that's good because she'll fall asleep faster. "Maybe these rocks aren't for making fire." Finally, she gave up she threw the rocks aside and looked around, "Ahh! I know another way to start a fire!" What is she up to this time? She grabbed two sticks and started rubbing them together like the rocks. The ten minutes I gave her was almost over. As much as I want her to keep up and look silly, we need fire as soon as possible because the sun is almost nowhere to be seen.
"Poppy" I called. She took a quick glance at me before she returned her attention to the sticks. I groaned, why is she so stubborn? "Here, how about we try this?" I took the sticks away from her hands and tossed it aside. I dug a small hole and placed some dry grass and some bark in it. I took the flint and a piece of steel from by pocket and some char cloth from my bag. I placed the cloth over my tinder nest before I struck the metal on my flint. Sparks started to form from the friction between the two objects. I struck the flint a few more times until small embers started to form. I fanned the flames, so it will grow bigger. "And there, we have a nice roaring fire."
"I would've been able to start one if you just let me finish." She pouted. I smirked, she does look cute. I would surely miss her when they move to another village. I'd miss a lot of things about her. Her smile, her invitations, her voice. The next few days would probably be the last days that I'd see her because I have no plans on moving to another place with them. "Now that the fire's ready…we should set up our tents—"
"We don't have a tent" I said. I took a mat and a blanket from my bag and laid it over the ground. "Here take this sleeping bag and knock yourself out. Just be up first thing in the morning."
"But we haven't sing any campfire songs yet, and haven't told any scary stories too!" she said.
"This is not a camping trip, okay? Now go to sleep!" I said.
"But I haven't even eaten dinner yet. You could at least give me some food!" Oh right, food! She's probably starving after a whole day of walking. I, myself felt kinda hungry too. Is this what happens when I get too caught up with her? I sighed and took my bag.
"Here, it's all that there is left in my bunker." I handed her share of food and the two of us ate in silence.
"Thanks…and uh, sorry about the mess in your bunker. I'd help you clean when we get back home." She broke the silence.
"Thanks, but no thanks. I'd rather do things myself." I grumbled. I'd stick to the plan. I must not get too close to her.
"But—" she tried to say, but I cut her off in an instant. "Fine…"
I finished my food and fixed my things. After that, I took some of the sticks I gathered earlier and tossed it in the fire. Suddenly, I heard the sound of strings being plucked. She brought a guitar?
"After a long day of camping, it's nice to unwind with a nice campfire song." She strummed her guitar a bit more. I looked at her with great exasperation. "I call this one the Campfire Song Song"
Let's gather around the campfire
And sing our campfire song
Our C-A-M-P-F-I-R-E S-O-N-G song
And if you don't think that we can sing it faster then you're wrong
But it'll help if you just sing along
She sat next to me and stated nudging my side. When will her good mood be over?
Bum Bum Bum...
C-A-M-P-F-I-R-E S-O-N-G song
C-A-M-P-F-I-R-E S-O-N-G song
And if you dont think that we can sing it faster then you're wrong
But it'll help if you just sing along
C-A-M-P-F-I-R-E S-O-N-G song
Branch!
I raised my brow. I won't sing, not on your life.
Good!
It'll help
It'll help
If you just sing along!
O Yea!
I had to cover her mouth before she gets any louder. Her noise would surely get the both of us into a lot of trouble. "Uhm, Branch" she said. I looked at her and realized that I was kinda hugging her. One of my arms is around her while the other is firmly holding unto her arm. I immediately let go of her upon realization. The place became uncomfortable all of a sudden. Is it too hot in here?
"I, uh, better go get some more firewood. You better go get some sleep." I said. I left my spot and looked for some sticks to feed the fire. That was so reckless of me! Stick to the plan! I told myself. Be grumpier! I grabbed a bunch of dried wood before I headed back to the camp. I tossed a few on the fire again to make it burn brighter. Poppy's already settled in the sleeping bag I gave her, so I went to my mat and laid down.
"Good night, Cooper. Good night, Smidge. Good night, Fuzzbert. Good night, Satin. Good night, Chenille…" I heard her talk again. Saying good night to a frame with her friends' pictures. "Good night, Biggie. Good night, DJ. Good night, Guy Diamond…" Is she done yet? "Good night, Creek. Boop." And that just made my blood boil inside me.
"And good night, Poppy!" I said.
Stars shining bright above you…
Really? Seriously? More singing? She said singing helps her relax. I thought she only sings when she's in a good mood? Oh yeah, she sings all the time! I don't like singing as well as relaxing. That's the way I am and I like it. I also like a little silence. I thought she'd finally leave me be after what I did. I need to shut her off as hard as I could, so she'd choose to stay away from me. It's for her own good. I hear her strumming her guitar again. Another campfire song?
Hello darkness, my old friend
I've come to talk with you again
Because a vision softly creeping
Left its seeds while I was sleeping
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of silence
"May I?" I asked. She handed me her guitar and I smiled at her. I tossed it in the fire, immediately before I laid on the ground. I heard her sigh before I she settled herself up back to her sleeping bag. I closed my eyes and went to sleep.
"Look at that kid. He's grey" a Troll said
"Whatever happened to him?" another asked. All the Trolls whispered and talked about the little grey Troll sitting over the rock at the outskirts of the new Troll Village. The boy tried to ignore them, but their whispers started to grow louder. Their voices echoed inside his head making him squeeze his eyes shut and cover his ears. If only his grandma was there to help him, to protect him. She's the only one who'd understand, but she's gone...all because of him.
"Branchy!" he heard a little voice call in front of him. He opened his eyes and met her gaze. She made him feel relaxed. Like his Grandma, she made him feel safe. The little pink Troll hugged him and everything went bright and beautiful again. All his fears were washed away when she ran to him and held him in a tight embrace. "It's okay Branch. It's just a bad dream" she said.
A/N: Okay, I added the Campfire Song Song from Spongebob Squarepants. I don't know, my cousins were watching the episode when I was writing this chapter, and since the it's in the campfire scene, might as well add it to the story. Also, I've reviewed the story line I made before I wrote this, and it turns out that the next chapter would be the last chapter, but I'm planning to add another character's dream or nightmare. So, I hope you liked this one. Got something in mind? Please do tell me!