The Other Side Of The Storm Chapter 4: Con Calma Part 1, a trolls fanfic

("Con Calma" by Daddy Yankee & Snow)

The group's arrival was in the late afternoon when a party was already in full swing. Poppy saw the similarities between past-time Latin City and present-day Latin City. While the latter was modernized as the years went on, the former seemed to stick with its retro outlook to great success. Beyond that, they were essentially one and the one same with a few discernible differences. Much like the citizens in the real world, the citizens in the mirror world sported the colors of the rainbow and beyond, from red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple to onyx, azure, malachite, crimson, amethyst, and chartreuese. They also wore similar risque and sensual fashion that displayed the full power of sex appeal to their full extent. The men either wore button-up, collared shirts or nothing at all, exposing their muscular chests and abs either way; The women either wore two-piece skirts or sleeveless midriff tops that resembled bras and denim shorts, exposing their buxoms and rumps either way.

Oh boy... Poppy could not fight back a heavy blush as she fought to find the words to describe her current situation, This is a little...hotter than I remember.

Suddenly, the music suddenly shifted from Salsa music to a blend of Reggaeton and Dancehall, causing the crowd to crazily cheer and clap. Poppy and the Lost Trolls followed the Tribe Leaders to a shortcut around the crowd that led to the stage where a Latin Troll, specifically one belonging to Reggaeton, took the spotlight. He had red skin, hazel eyes, and green/yellow/blue/purple hair stylized in dreadlocks; he wore a black suit jacket with matching trousers and dress shoes, a purple long-sleeve button-up collared shirt, a red necktie, and a pair of gold shades with black tinted lenses.

Huh... Poppy thought as she caught a glimpse of him, He could pass off as a default Tresillo...

[Intro: Daddy Yankee]
(Wep, wep, wep, wep)
(Wep, wep, wep, wep) D-D-D-D-Y
Play N' Skillz
Run!

As the Reggaeton Troll prepared to sing, he was accompanied by a sextet of scantily-clad Samba Trolls donning extravagant blue, bird-like costumes with attention to detail towards the feathers and sequins that served as the main highlights. They surrounded the Reggaeton Troll in a circle before immediately parting ways for him to pop out in a showstopping manner.

Watching with her group from afar, Poppy's burning sensation in her cheeks returned with her vengeance as it spread throughout her entire body.

[Pre-Chorus: Daddy Yankee]
¿Cómo te llamas, baby? [What's your name, baby?]
Desde que te vi supe que eras pa' mí [Ever since I saw you, I knew you were for me]
Dile a tus amigas que andamo' ready [Go tell your friends that we're ready]
Esto lo seguimo' en el after party [We follow this at the after party]

The Reggaeton Troll playfully flirted with each of the Samba Trolls, who giggled in delight and purposefully provoked him as he sung the pre-chorus for a second time.

Poppy was surprised at the substantial size of seductiveness on full display by the Latin Trolls. But not too surprised, though, for she remembered that her world's Latin City had the same lack of reservations.

¿Cómo te llamas, baby? [What's your name, baby?] (Brr, Brr)
Desde que te vi supe que eras pa' mí [Ever since I saw you, I knew you were for me]
Dile a tus amigas que andamo' ready [Go tell your friends that we're ready] (¡Sube!)
Esto lo seguimo' en el after party [We follow this at the after party] (Su-Su, Hey!)

The Reggaeton Troll signaled for a single spotlight to shine upon him as he proceeded to sing the actual chorus.

Poppy had only a single sneak peek of Reggaeton the first time she and her group arrived at Latin City, so she considered it somewhat of a honor to experience it first-hand.

[Chorus: Daddy Yankee]
Con calma, yo quiero ver cómo ella lo menea [Calmly, I want to see how she shakes it]
Mueve ese poom-poom, girl [Move that poom-poom, girl] (Sub-Up)
Es un asesina, cuando baila quiere que to' el mundo la vea [She's a killer; When she dances, she wants the world to see her]
I like your poom-poom, girl (Sube, sube)

Much like the pre-chorus before it, the Reggaeton Troll sung the chorus for a second time before making a smooth transition to the first verse.

Poppy wanted to dance along to the best of the music, but taking notice of the complexities of the dance itself, she decided to lightly bob her head and sway her hips to the beat.

Con calma, yo quiero ver cómo ella lo menea [Calmly, I want to see how she shakes it]
Mueve ese poom-poom, girl [Move that poom-poom, girl]
Tiene adrenalina, en medio 'e la pista, vente, hazme lo que sea [She has adrenaline in the middle of the track; Come, do whatever you want to me]
I like your poom-poom, girl (¡Hey!)

As he did, the six Samba Trolls magically transformed that their blue costumes into red variants while they performed a choreographed samba dance alongside him.

Costumes that change color and composition? Poppy awed at the sight, Satin and Chenille would like that...

[Verse 1: Daddy Yankee]
Ya vi que estás solita, acompáñame [I saw that you are alone, come and join me]
La noche es de nosotros, tú lo sabe' [The night is ours and you know it] (You know)
Que ganas me dan-dan-dan [I really wanna-wanna-wanna]
De guayarte, mami, ese ram-pam-pam, yeah [Grind on you girl, that rum-pum-pum, yeah]

One-Step...

Esa criminal como lo mueve e' un delito [The way that girl moves is a crime] (Oh)
Tengo que arrestarte, porque empiezo y no me quito [I have to arrest her because I start and can't stop] (Eh)
Tienes criminality, pero te doy fatality [You have criminality, but I'll give you a fatality]
Vívete la película, flotando en mi gravity [Play the role, floating in my gravity]

Two-Step...

Daddy pone las regla', tiene' que obedecer [Daddy makes the rules, you have to obey]
Mami, no tiene pausa, ¿qué e' lo que vas a hacer? [Mami, there are no pauses; What are you gonna do?]
Échale, échale, échale pa'trás [Move it, move it, move it back]
Échale, échale, pa'lante y pa'trás [Move it, move it, move it forward and back] (Eh, ey-ey-ey)

Three-Step, Four...

[Chorus: Daddy Yankee]
Con calma, yo quiero ver cómo ella lo menea [Calmly, I want to see how she shakes it]
Mueve ese poom-poom, girl [Move that poom-poom, girl] (Girl)
Es un asesina, cuando baila quiere que to' el mundo la vea [She's a killer; When she dances, she wants the world to see her]
I like your poom-poom, girl

Singing the chorus for a second time was a pattern the Reggaeton Troll would repeat throughout the song as he led the sextet into their seductive swaying, seducing the males and females of the Latin Tribe.

Remembering what Tresillo had said in regards to romantic relationships in Latin City, Poppy had to wonder how Pop Village could so far behind. Possibly due to her ancestors, no doubt...

Con calma, yo quiero ver cómo ella lo menea [Calmly, I want to see how she shakes it] (Con calma)
Mueve ese poom-poom, girl [Move that poom-poom, girl]
Tiene adrenalina, en medio 'e la pista, vente, hazme lo que sea [She has adrenaline in the middle of the track; Come, do whatever you want to me]
I like your poom-poom, girl

Making another smooth transition to the second verse, the sextet made another magical costume change from red to black-and-white, following the Reggaeton Troll into another, more intense choreographed dance.

Peony had noticed that Poppy had lost herself to the beat of the song with amusement.

[Verse 2: Daddy Yankee]
Tú tiene' candela y yo tengo la vela [You have the flame and I have the candle]
Llama el nueve, once, se están quemando las suela' [Call 911, the soles are burning]
Me daña cuando la faldita esa me la modela [It hurts me when she models that skirt for me]
Mami, estás enferma, pero tu show no lo cancela' [Sweetheart, you're sick, but they don't cancel your show]

Four-Step...

Te llaman a ti la reina del party [They call you the Queen of the Party]
Mucha sandunga tiene ese body [Her body has got a lot of moves]
Tírate un paso, no-no-no pare, ¡wow!, dale, dale [Do the move, don't-don't-don't stop; Wow! Give it, give it] (Yo')

Five-Step...

Somos dos bandido' entre la rumba y romance [We're two outlaws in between rumba and romance]
Y zúmbale DJ, otra ve' pa' que dance [And bump it again DJ, so she can dance]
Échale, échale, échale pa'trás [Move it, move it, move it back]
Échale, échale, pa'lante y pa'trás [Move it, move it, move it forward and back] (Ey, eh, ey)

Six-Step, Seven...

[Chorus: Daddy Yankee]
Con calma, yo quiero ver cómo ella lo menea [Calmly, I want to see how she shakes it] (Con calma)
Mueve ese poom-poom, girl [Move that poom-poom, girl] (Girl)
Es un asesina, cuando baila quiere que to' el mundo la vea [She's a killer; When she dances, she wants the world to see her]
I like your poom-poom, girl

The third time was the charm as the Reggaeton Troll repeated the chorus for a third time as the Samba Trolls led the crowd on.

Watching said crowd dance and cheer, Poppy's head-bopping and hip-swaying increased their tempo, and some of the Lost Trolls ended up joining her, even if their attempts were half-hearted at best.

At that moment, a Troll vaguely resembling that of Pop used his hair to float down to the stage and join them. He had orange skin, blue eyes, and red hair with yellow streaks; he wore a red checkered shearling coat, black jeans, and black sneakers. The "Pop" Troll took the Reggaeton Troll's side and rapped his verse as he provided back-up vocals.

Why does he look familiar? Poppy tilted her head as she continued adjusting to the beat, Too familiar...?

[Verse 3: Snow & Daddy Yankee]
Come with a nice young lady (What?)
Intelligent, yes she gentle and irie (¡Fuego!)
Everywhere me go me never left her at all (Dile)
Yes, Daddy, Snow me are the rom dance man-a (Snow)

Like his Reggaeton partner, the "Pop" Troll flirted with the Samba Trolls as he peformed his guest verse.

Rom between-a dancin' in-a in-a nation-a
You never know say Daddy, me Snow me
Are the boom shakata (¿Qué-qué-qué-qué?)
Me never lay-a down flat in-a one cardboard box-a (¡Sube, sube!)
Yes-a Daddy Yankee me-a go reachin' out da top (What?)

Afterwards, the two Trolls took turns sharing the final chorus that served as the song's outro.

[Chrous/Outro: Daddy Yankee & Snow]
Con calma, yo quiero ver cómo ella lo menea [Calmly, I want to see how she shakes it]
Mueve ese poom-poom, girl [Move that poom-poom, girl] (Girl)
Es un asesina, cuando baila quiere que to' el mundo la vea [She's a killer; When she dances, she wants the world to see her]
I like your poom-poom, girl

Poppy blushed despite herself as the "Pop" Troll seemed to sing specifically to her, something Amy did not take too kindly to.

Con calma, ya' no say Daddy me Snow me I go blame
I like your poom-poom, girl
'Tective man a say, say Daddy me snow me stop a girl down the lane
I love your poom-poom, girl

With that, the song ended as the crowd erupted into applause and pushed the feeling of the party onward. The Reggaeton Troll, the "Pop" Troll, and the Samba Trolls exited the stage to let another one of their own take the limelight, making their way to the former Tribe Leaders.

"¡Bienvenidos, Majestades!" The Reggaeton Troll greeted the group, "¿A qué debemos el placer?"

"Besides tearing us a new asshole after the last time we hosted a party in Your Majesty's Kingdom?" The "Pop" Troll snarked, prompting an elbow nudge from his partner.

"You would think that you would have learned your lesson the first time around," Will chuckled, which in turn prompted James to step in.

"Let's focus, people. We're here because we have business to discuss with your Tribe Leaders."

The group of Latin Trolls exchanged looks of concern before the Reggaeton Troll reverted to a more professional demeanor.

"¿La reunión es para discutir la posibilidad de la guerra?"

"Unfortunately, yes," Queen Peony nodded sorrowfully, "Perhaps we should move this discussion inside?"

"Claro que si."

As the party continued, the Latin Trolls led the group towards and inside the high castle, which harbored the color scheme of gold, blue, white, and red in each and every one of the rooms they passed by. Statues, chalices, and additional memorabilia were placed on full display for any potential visitors to gaze in awe at, much like Poppy was at the moment. She wanted to say that the alternate-universe Latin City was miles high above the real-world Latin City, but out of courtesy, she decided against it.

The group eventually reached the room of the Grand Council, where a total of five Latin Trolls were engaged in conversation. Knocking on the door, the Reggaeton Troll cleared his throat and called out.

"Your Majesties? It is I, Enrique! The former Tribe Leaders have paid us a visit."

. . .

After a moment, the doors opened and granted them entry to the room. The five Latin Trolls knitted their eyebrows together at the sheer amount of guests they had to accommodate. Most were familiar, but some was unfamiliar. One of the unfamiliars was very nearly the spitting image of their most trusted associate Queen Peony, possibly a relative or even her daughter; the only discernible differences were that this Peony lookalike was younger and shorter...not that there was anything wrong with that.

One of the older Trolls; a light blue male with gold hair, hazel eyes, and a navy blue military jacket with shoulder epaulettes; stood up and approached Peony, taking her hand in a warm handshake.

"Bienvenido de nuevo a Ciudad Latina, Reina Peonía."

"Gracias, Rey Reyes," Peony nodded, shook the King's hand, and replied back in Spanish, "Sinceramente me disculpo por llegar a un momento tan incómodo."

"No, claro que no. Supongo que su llegada es de urgente urgencia."

"Me temo que sí."

Another of the older Trolls; a light purple female with silver hair, brown eyes, and a pink dress with puffed sleeves and black elbow-length gloves; stood up and approached Peony for a light embrace and soft peck on the cheeks.

"To what do we owe the pleasure of your presence...as well as that of our dear friends?"

Rey Alejandro and Reina Carolina smiled as they approached and offered their friendly greetings as well, "Reina Ophelia. We apologize again for arriving on such short notice."

"Nonsense," The female Queen waved their worries away, "Any friend of Queen Peony and you two is a friend of ours, and we will gladly come to your aid."

"Even though those friends belong to Pop," One of the non-council members, presumably a bodyguard, snarked to her partner.

"Alita!" Another elder Troll; a yellow-skinned male with blue hair, brown eyes, and a dark yellow military jacket with shoulder epaulettes; harshly whispered to the bodyguard in question, "Please stay pleasant for the sake of our guests. Is this task difficult for you to accomplish?"

"No, Your Majesty," The female bodyguard sighed regretfully.

"It's not your fault, Miss Alita," Poppy unexpectedly stepped forward and did her best to look as professional as the other members of royalty in the room, "I... I would like to personally apologize on behalf of the Pop Trolls and everything or anything we have done to cause your kind pain and suffering."

King Reyes and Queen Ophelia exchanged looks of confusion before facing an expectant Poppy.

"We...humbly accept your apology," The former eventually replied.

"But what is the reasoning towards us?" The latter tilted her head, "You specifically have done nothing wrong to us."

"But as the current Queen of the Pop Trolls, it is my duty to right the wrongs Pop has committed against the other tribes, past or present."

The yellow-skinned male Troll's eyes widened in shock, "Current queen?"

"My name is Queen Poppy," The Peony lookalike curtsied, "and I am the daughter of Queen Peony and the current Queen of the Pop Trolls. It is a honor to be here in Latin City."

An orange-skinned male with hazelnut eyes and black hair with a grey streak (resembling that of a skunk's) stood up and returned the gesture.

"Well, the honor is ours, Queen Poppy. How may we lend our assistance to the daughter of the Space Between's high ruler?"

"It's a long story," Poppy guiltily grinned.

"We have time, dear," King Reyes smiled in reassurance.

A Night Prior. . .

Branch could not sleep.

Branch would not sleep.

Branch should not sleep.

Except...working overtime to finish the tunnels all by himself was not exactly the ideal way to go about it.

Branch had no idea how long the Tribes were residing in the bunker, but he knew that they could not stay down here any longer. His guilt over not having protecting Poppy hard enough was outweighed by his anger and determination to do better, but his well-meaning intentions were unfortunately and equally outweighed by his lack of mental stability following his failure. He did not eat, he did not drink, and he did not rest. Not once did he take a break, let alone have the thought occur to him.

He had other thoughts plaguing his psyche.

Branch managed to finish five tunnels in five hours as the others were presumably asleep. His head was pounding, his vision was blurring, and his chest was beating faster and faster.

He could not give up...

He could not give...

He could not...

He could...

He...

. . .

He...

He could...

He could not...

He could not give...

He could not give up...

. . .

CLANG!

. . .

CLANG!

. . .

CLANG!

Branch suddenly fell through a hole out of the tunnel he had dug, thankfully only falling a few inches from where it was. Coughing and brushing the dirt off his clothes, he stood up and drew his two-tone Glock 17. In the months between the end of Barb's World Tour and the beginning of TrollsTopia, he brushed up on his weapons training with Delta Dawn, Hickory, and the rest of the Country Trolls whenever either party got the chance to visit. From shotguns to lever-action rifles to combat knifes, no stone was left unturned in terms of armament tuition. It was something he kept secret from Poppy and, by extension, the rest of the Pop Trolls out of necessity; his instructions would interfere with the inception of the institution and he did not want that on Poppy's mind then.

And he most certainly did not want that on his mind now.

BUZZ!

. . .

BUZZ!

. . .

BUZZ!

Branch looked up and reached into his vest for his phone, which he answered after a moment.

"Hello?"

"Branch. Branch, are you there?"

"Tresillo?"

"Oh, amigo. Thank Goodness you called. Listen, something had happened just now."

"Something good? Something bad? A bit of both?"

"A bit of both. It's probably the best way to describe it. We couldn't find Poppy yet, but we did find...somebody else. A Troll, I think, but she doesn't belong with any of the main Tribes...or even the Subcultures for that matter."

"What does she look like?"

"Well... Think a younger Poppy but with Classical Troll wings and pointed ears. Hickory said her name is Flutterina, but how he knew that is anybody's guess."

. . .

"Okay. Where are you now?"

"We're trying to find our way back to the bunker, but...we lost the trail."

"All right. Stay there; I'll come to you."

("Journeys Begin" by Theodore Shapiro)

[0:00 - 0:25]

Hanging up, Branch jettisoned his nearby surroundings for rocks, sticks, and well, branches to leave his own trail of breadcrumbs. As he did, his own mind trailed off.

Flutterina...

I don't know a Flutterina...

...but I should ask some questions just in came she just happens to be a Party Crasher in disguise.

. . .

Great. My paranoid side is starting to show again, the last thing I need at the moment.

Be strong, Branch. If Poppy didn't give up on you then, then you can't give up on her now.

[0:25 - 0:30]

Nodding in reaffirmed determination, Branch broke into a sprint as he rushed to join the others.

[0:30 - 1:10]

Back in Branch's bunker, DJ and Trollex both woke up in unison to get ready for their days-long journey to Latin City. Having set their silent alarms simultaneously, the couple quickly but carefully snuck out of their respective rooms while minding the amount of people inside the shelter with them. Eventually meeting up with each other, they both worked together to quietly move her Wooferbug to the platform, which moved them upward once he pulled the lever. Slowly, they went upward.

[1:10 - 1:30]

"Flashlights?"

"Check."

"Headlamps?"

"Check."

"Knives?"

"Check."

"Shovels?"

"Check."

"Pickaxes?"

"Check."

"Trollex?"

"Check."

. . .

"Wait, yes?"

"Are you ready?"

"Nope. Are you?"

"Not in the slightest."

"All right then. Let's do this."

[1:30 - 1:50]

The both of them exchanging resolute nods, DJ and Trollex then took off into the unknown.

"Aunt DJ!"

"Whoa-ho-ho!"

As a result of the fright, DJ slipped off her seat and unintentionally dragged Trollex down with her. The Techno Troll ended up breaking the fall of the Pop Troll with his body, but in doing so, they both fell and ended up into a rather compromising position. This did not go unnoticed by the couple involved, who fought hard and failed harder to fight back a heavy blush that darkened their respective skin complexion.

"Uh, hehe..."

"Hello there..."

"Um, hello here."

DJ and Trollex turned to their supposed snatchers standing in the moonlight: A group of young children, led by a Pop Troll with a purple skin complexion, blue eyes, teal hair and nose, a grey top, pale yellow pants, a large purple-and-yellow pearl necklace, and a green wishstone. All of whom (with the exception of two) were giggling like, well, little children when they happened upon the rather risque sight.

"CJ?!" DJ pushed herself up and off from Trollex, whom she pulled up while confronting the group, "What are you doing here?! With...Keith? And Priscilla? And Gemma? And Coral? And Clampers? And Vega Swift? And Tiny Diamond...? Okay, what is going on?! Why are all of you here?"

"We're coming with you, Aunt DJ," CJ crossed her arms, "We want to help."

"And we're going whether or not you appreciate it!" Keith nodded in agreement.

"Aw... You know what I was going to say..."

"Because I know you better than anyone else..."

"Besides me?" Priscilla rolled her eyes at the sickenly-sweet, somewhat saccharine showing of adolescent affection. In the few months between the end of Barb's World Tour and the establishment of TrollsTopia, CJ and Keith took it upon themselves to further develop their "relationship" and experiment with the concept of young love. For the most part, with the exception of a few trivial disagreements, they lasted nearly as long. Priscilla felt nothing but happiness for the newfound couple, but even happiness had its limits. As such, it was one of the reasons why she would often visit Barb to give her musical lessons, the other being her perceived position as a third wheel to CJ and Keith.

"Miss DJ, I did try to prevent CJ from partaking in this perceived perilous passage, but the possibility of personal perusal of the potentially past and present Troll Tribes personally prevented me from doing so."

Clampers blinked in bewilderment at Priscilla's added alliterative appeal, but the child prodigy Troll carried on regardless.

"Which is why I insisted on going. Plus, she's my best friend."

DJ and Trollex then turned to Tiny Diamond, Clampers, and Coral, who all smiled guiltily as much as CJ and Keith did.

"And your reasons for being here are...?"

"The action!" Clampers exclaimed.

"The adventure!" Tiny Diamond proclaimed.

"Yeah!" Coral Blush and Vega Swift excitedly cheered them both on.

. . .

"What they all said," Gemma shrugged, "Including the yeahs."

Exchanging amused if somewhat concerned looks at each other, DJ and Trollex sighed in unison as they knelt down to their level.

"Kids," Trollex smiled, "We appreciate your assistance and concern, but I think DJ and I got this."

"Besides," DJ attempted to explain to them, "We don't want you guys to become liabilities."

"Hey!" CJ crossed her arms in crossness, "We're not going to be hostilities!"

"We embarked on that World Tour to stop Queen Barb, right?" Keith shrugged.

"Yes, but it was on such short notice," Trollex frowned, "Plus, you guys survived based on sheer dumb luck. We don't want to repeat that same process again."

"What if you two had a sitter-for-hire?"

The group turned to find Melody all dressed up to join them on their journey. Of course, she wore the exact same outfit when she and the other Rock Troll Ambassadors arrived to TrollsTopia, but a few differences included her red shirt with the rainbow-colored music note being replaced with a plain black long-sleeved one, her rainbow tie-dye sneakers being replaced with simple black hiking boots, and her necklace with her embroidered name being nowhere to be seen. In addition, she held a jet black recurve bow by her left side and two leather quivers of arrows on the right; she was carrying a backpack full of equipment on, well, her back already.

"Melody?" DJ stood back up followed by Trollex, "What are you doing here?"

"Disappointing my cousin, apparently," Melody shrugged as she approached them, "Believe me, Val won't appreciate me sneaking away from underneath her nose, out of sight and out of mind. But you're going to need my help and the kids are going to need my protection."

"You can fight?" Trollex was taken aback at the thought of a Troll younger than him being more adept at advanced combat.

"A little," Melody made a so-so gesture with her hands, "When my dad died, my mom requested Val and a few friends to watch over me. One of the friends decided that it would be best for me to undergo martial arts and weapons training. So I know most, but not all."

"Where is your friend?"

"Back home at Volcano Rock City. If we're going on a trip that requires fighting and survival tactics, then she'll usually the Troll to go to. And don't worry, she's usually a very reasonable person...on her better days."

Despite Melody's reassurance, DJ and Trollex exchanged looks of worry regardless. It was already concerning enough that a group of young kids would be tagging along, complicating their already complicated plan, but the thought of none of them being battle ready slipped their mind. So...what other options did they have?

"Alright. Who is your friend?"

KNOCK-KNOCK!

"Yo, P! You alright, baby?"

KNOCK-KNOCK!

"Yeah, yeah, yeah! I'm alright, babe!"

KNOCK-KNOCK!

"You don't sound alright, bae!"

KNOCK-KNOCK!

"Guilty...as charged, hon!"

KNOCK-KNOCK!

"Now...quit your knocking! You've already knocked me up!"

. . .

"Yeah... Fair point. I'll leave you be then."

. . .

"That's what I thought..."

Truth be told, as she laid on the bed, Petra felt like vomiting all night. It was bad enough Val had to travel all the way to Pop Village for the time being, but she just had to bring Melody along for the ride. Demo and Blaze she could understand, but why Val and Mal? Her husband was always the comforting one, but because of the numerous concert he would host following Queen Barb's accompanying journey to Pop Village, he would not be always around to provide said comfort.

"Are you okay, Mommy?"

Fortunately, Petra had other shoulders to cry on in times of need, and one of those moseyed on in the room. A young Rock Troll with muddy-red skin, reddish-pink eyes, and dark red hair with a matching, slightly tattered dress, the child tilted her head in concern for her mother, who managed a reassuring smile in spite of her sickness.

"Of course, sweetie. It's just a mild migraine. Sometimes, even Rock Trolls need an off day. In the meantime, though..."

Petra stood up and noogied her little grace, who giggled with joy and tried to noogie her back.

"Momma's got rock what she's got, right?"

"Yeah! Go rock the world and prove them wrong!"

"That's my girl..."

Picking her up, Petra carried her little bundle of joy to the auditorium, where the eager crowd was awaiting her. As they did, the child produced a packaged meal with a bottle of medicine; the meal was essentially microwavable mac-and-cheese with bacon bits.

"In case the migraine gets worse, take two pills after when you finished eating."

"Aw! Thanks, sweetie..."

Taking both items from her, Petra then produced a mini blowtorch and used it to heat up her meal, which immediately was devoured in one bite before popping a pair of pills.

"Let's rock..."

Handing off her child to a muscular stagehand, Petra cracked her knuckles and then her neck (both sides) and joined the band onstage as the crowd cheered and the song started.

("Burn It To The Ground" by Nickelback)

Petra strutted onstage in a style that seeped sexiness and self-confidence with every single step taken towards the band. Bad Hair Day consisted of two lead guitarists, a bass guitarist, and a drummer, all of whom were male. So imagine her surprise when the lead singer personally asked her to join them with no catch...if one did not count the 666 dates they went out on before being considered as husband and wife.

[Verse 1: Chad Kroeger]
Well, it's midnight, damn right
We're wound up too tight
I've got a fist full of whiskey
The bottle just bit me

After singing his part of the first verse, Billy Reverb briefly handed things over to his dearly beloved.

[Verse 2: Avril Lavigne]
Oh, that shit makes me bat shit crazy
We've got no fear, no doubt
All in, balls out

After singing her part of the first verse, Petra briefly handed things back over to her dearly beloved.

[Chorus: Both]
We're going off tonight! (Hey!)
To kick out every light! (Hey!)
Take anything we want! (Hey!)
Drink everything in sight! (Hey!)
We're going till the world stops turning
While we burn it to the ground tonight!

Petra and Billy gazed lovingly into each other's eyes as they oohed and awed with the crowd.

Ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh

Petra sang her part of the second verse first this time...

[Verse 2: Avril Lavigne]
We're screaming like demons
Swinging from the ceiling
I got a fist full of fifties
Tequila just hit me

...before letting Billy sing his part of the second verse next time.

[Verse 2: Chad Kroeger]
Oh, we got no class, no taste
No shirt, and shit faced
We got it lined up, shot down
Firing back straight crown

They both sang the chorus a second time, leading the enthusiastic audience on.

Billy and Petra gazed into each other's eyes lovingly again as the audience (including Petra's daughter) cheered on.

Ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh

Petra and Billy sang from the chorus to the bridge.

[Bridge: Chad Kroeger]
Ticking like a time bomb
Drinking till the nights gone

The bridge switched from Billy to Petra...

[Bridge: Avril Lavigne]
Well, get your hands off of this glass
Last call, my ass
Well, no chain, no lock
And this train won't stop

...just as the bridge switched back from Petra to Billy.

[Bridge: Chad Kroeger]
We got no fear, no doubt
All in, balls out

The couple then united again for the outro.

Adrenaline flowing through both of their veins now, the couple increased their tempo as they practically screamed the final lines with pumped-up energy.

Ooh, ooh, ooh...!

[Outro: Both]
We're going off tonight! (Hey!)
To kick out every light! (Hey!)
Take anything we want! (Hey!)
Drink everything in sight! (Hey!)
We're going till the world stops turning
While we burn it to the ground tonight!

The crowd cheered them on as Bad Hair Day finished the song and thanked them for tuning in.

"Hey, hon!" Billy called above the cheering crowd, "Go get some rest! Me and the boys will take it from here!"

"I thought you'd never ask!" Petra threw her husband the Devil's horns and chuckled to herself as Billy crowd-surfed over the audience members. She turned tail and headed toward the special space reserved for those who were especially special to her, specifically her daughter...who was not there.

Her eyes widening in fear and horror, Petra immediately drew her sidearm, a SIG-Sauer P226R, and went on the hunt. She was not only going to kill the Troll who was dumb enough to kidnap her daughter, but also the Troll who was tasked with watching her.

Making her way to the underground bunkers (which was where most of their living quarters were established), Petra slowed down upon hearing her daughter playfully laugh, accompanied by a subsequent one after.

A Party Crasher? Or worse...a Changeling?

Careful not to let her guard down even for a split second, Petra approached the room that the laughs originated from in an equally careful manner. After the aforemention split second, she closed her eyes, kicked down the door, and took aim at the intruder.

"Back up from my daughter, Heathen!"

. . .

"Heathen? Is that any way to greet an old friend?"

Her ears perking up and her eyes opening wide, Petra took a careful and closer look at the "intruder" now. There stood little Mal, but with a few differences aside from the fact that she was all grown up. These included her red shirt with the rainbow-colored music note being replaced with a plain black long-sleeved one, her rainbow tie-dye sneakers being replaced with simple black hiking boots, and her necklace with her embroidered name being nowhere to be seen. In addition, she held a jet black recurve bow by her left side and two leather quivers of arrows on the right; she was carrying a backpack full of equipment on, well, her back already.

"Mal?" Petra gawked at her old friend in shock before chuckling in pleased surprise and realizing what she had done, "Uh..."

Tucking the gun in her waistband, Petra laughed off the awkwardness away before rushing forward and hoisting a now laughing Melody high in the air.

"Mal! How are you doing, kid? Do you decide that Pop Village was too boring, too safety-minded, and too poppy for your own good?"

"Um, no..." Melody smirked, "I did leave Pop Village, but not for that reason. Pop Village was attacked by the Party Crashers and Queen Poppy... Well, she's been presumed dead..."

Taken back by her friend's response, Petra felt the awkwardness of the situation arrive back full force as she winced and scratched the back of her head.

"Oh... Uh, sorry, Mal. I don't know what to say."

"It's not your fault. But...it's why I'm here tonight. Why we're here tonight."

"Of course. Anything you need, I'm your girl..."

. . .

"Wait. We?"

The Present Day. . .

. . .

"So...that's why I'm here..."

The Latin Troll Grand Council had listened attentively to Queen Poppy's tale and took every minute to process the information told. Needless to say, shock and surprise became slowly plastered on their faces. While many of the events that unfold in her adventure against time to prevent Queen Barb of the Hard Rock Trolls from achieving world domination, the happening that served as the main bombshell was the fact that Poppy herself had died to save the world but became resurrected with the power of the Strings imbued within her no less. It would be considered a miracle for someone to have survive an attempt on their life, but in case, it was considered terrifying and horrifying all at once...

...and there was nothing more horrifying...than a miracle.

Drinking down her seventh cup of Licuado / Batido (a beverage of milk, fresh fruit, and ice), Poppy was on edge once more.

"It's crazy, right?"

The orange-skinned male Troll with hazelnut eyes and black hair with a grey skunk-like streak known as Diego nodded in agreement as he drank down his cup of Atole, a thick beverage of milk, corn, and water.

"Absolutely, but it's nothing we can solve with a little help with...you-know-who."

Diego turned to King Reyes and Queen Ophelia as he said this, the both of them in turn exchanging amused smiles at each other.

"Um..." Poppy glanced between them both in turn, "I don't know who..."

"Our Chancellor means Paul, our wizard-in-training, sweetie," Queen Ophelia clarified, "Now, Diego, I know Paul's methods of magic are miniature and mental from your mindset..."

"You say mental, I think mystical," Diego elaborated, "With all due respect, Your Majesties, Paul is quite young, around Queen Poppy's age. Are you sure you wish to entrust such a large responsibility on the child? I don not wish for it to become a burden on his shoulders."

Reyes and Ophelia exchanged looks again, this time those of pride and admiration. Diego had most certainly changed for the better over the past few years.

"Of course not," King Reyes spoke this time, "but Paul's track record is solid thus far. And his mentor, the former High Wizard Radius, is currently on vacation. This may be an opportunity for him to expand his boundaries."

"I suppose that's true, but judging by the levels of supposed magic Queen Poppy possesses, how far can those boundaries expand?"

"Hopefully enough for Poppy to maintain control of our powers before..."

Queen Peony had spoken up before catching herself, fear and uncertainty now plaguing her facial features. Little did everybody but a few people closest to her know, an eerily similar incident had occurred almost a decade ago, before Poppy had been born. A close friend of hers had unleashed unlimited power eerily similar to Poppy's when many of her loved ones were the victims of a war in-between the years the Tribes were separated. Unfortunately, the power the Troll proved too much for her and the rest of the war's participants to handle, and the majority of them perished as a result.

A major motivation for Peony partaking in the mission was wishing to not repeat the same mistake she made in the past. Passing through the past to fix the future was her way of coping with tragedy. Having failed her in life, she would not fail her in death.

Never again...

"Before what, Mom?"

Peony turned toward Poppy, who tilted her head in worry for her. She managed a sad smile before responded with,

"Before it's too late, my dear. Your Majesties, where is young Paul?"

"Well, knowing him," Enrique replied, "Paul would probably be holed up in his tall library with his ladyfriend instead of enjoying the party like the rest of us would."

"Good for him," The "Pop" Troll known as Wade snarked, "He's probably the only one out of all of us who could last more than a moment in a battle."

"Hey! Don't hate! I lasted two minutes with my fight with Peachy! And I still won!"

"Because you flat-out knocked him out with one punch, Ricky. That doesn't count as luck."

"I at least can punch. You just shoot-shoot and staby-stab with your guns and knives."

"Swords, doofus. There's a difference."

"Guys..." Will chuckled and he pinched his nose bridge in exasperation, "Now? Really?"

"Sorry about that," Enrique's apology was sincere.

"We get sidetracked once in a while. Deal with it," Wade's apology was sarcastic.

The Captain observed the deck from where she stood by the steering wheel. She saw two things in her crew: A group of brave yet troubled souls who had no home to go home to and were forced into their current lifestyle in order to survive...and a group of frightened bilge rats aboard a derelict ship who were only in it for the money. She honestly hoped her vision leaned toward the former instead of the latter.

Two of these crewmembers were a "married" Techno Troll couple by the names of Coral and Alon. The former was a female with light purple skin that shifted from lilac to honey (which was also the color of her eyes), a medium berry blue unibrow, green-and-yellow arm patterns, and a magenta fedora. The latter was a male with navy blue skin that shifted from cobalt to cerulean, a medium azure blue unibrow, lapis-and-teal arm patterns, and a black tailcoat. The both of them were deeply in love with each other, despite or perhaps because of their current profession as pirates/mercenaries for hire. Joined in unholy matrimony and in love with each other's carnage, they were practically a match made in heavenly hell.

Of course, the phrase "opposites attract" exists for a reason. Coral was the more bubbly, genki, happy-go-lucky one of the couple; Alon was the dark, brooding, no-nonsense other half. These contrasting personalities, however, neither deterred nor distracted them both from their relationship or responsibilities, with some (including the Captain) believing it made them stronger. Naturally, this love and affection radiating from each other earned them the ire and jealousy of many a scallywag (including the Captain again, but she would never admit it in front of them).

But it was all love...and what was wrong with that?

First, it was all love
Hands up, super star love
That you can have it, you can have it all, love
But then you took it, took it all, love, all love
Turn it up louder
Sing along, get the crowd up
But then you took it all, love
Then forgot all about us, but it's all love...

. . .

Wait, what? The hell are you thinking, Cap?

The Captain shook her head in disbelief to revert back to her original mindset as she strutted down the stairs to the deck. As the crewmembers (including Coral and Alon) turned to face her, the Captain stared back at them...before taking a devilish grin.

"That's right, boys and girls... Take it back..."

("Maneater" by Nelly Furtado)

Using a synthesizer keyboard, one of the Techno Trolls got the song going while a mixed group of Funk and Classical Trolls provided back-up vocals. Meanwhile, The Captain transformed from her usual pirate uniform into something more...provocative. That "something" was a black leather set that consisted of a zip-up bustier corset that very nearly exposed her midriff, a zip-up skirt with matching fingerless gloves, a pair of stockings held up by a garter belt, and a riding crop that she wielding menacingly. Her blue eyes were accompanied and accentuated by matching eyeshadow while her hair would swept to either side whenever she swayed.

And boy, did she sway a lot.

[Verse 1]
Everybody look at me, me
I walk in the door you start screaming
Come on everybody what you here for?
Move your body around like a nympho

The crewmembers (both male and female) oogled her with hunger glinting in their eyes and displayed in their body language.

Everybody except Coral and Alon...

Everybody get your necks to crack around
All you crazy people come on jump around
I want to see you all on your knees, knees
You either want to be with me, or be me!

"Come on now!" A Funk Troll catcalled at The Captain, who wriggled her eyebrows suggestively as the chorus sang.

[Chorus]
Maneater, make you work hard
Make you spend hard
Make you want all, of her love
She's a maneater
Make you buy cars
Make you cut cards
Make you fall, real hard in love
She's a Maneater, make you work hard
Make you spend hard
Make you want all, of her love
She's a maneater
Make you buy cars
Make you cut cards
Wish you never ever met her at all!

Strutting in a way that simply oozed sedectiveness and self-confidence at their finest, The Captain turned on her feel and blew kisses at her crew, who all swooned in solicitation.

Everbody except Coral and Alon...

[Verse 2]
And when she walks, she walks with passion
When she talks, she talks like she can handle it
When she asks for something, boy, she means it
Even if you never ever seen it

Everybody get your neck to crack around
All you crazy people come on jump around
You doing anything to keep her by your side
Because she says she love you, love you long time

"Come on now!" The same Funk Troll catcalled her again with the help of a Techno Troll this time before leading the chorus once again.

Her eyes suddenly reverting from blue to purple, The Captain led the bridge this time, if only for a brief moment.

[Bridge]
Aaaaa... (Oh Oh)
Aaaaa... (Oh Oh)
Aaaaa... (Oh Oh)
Aaaaa... (Yeaaah...)

"Come on now..." The Captain smirked and winked as the chorus sang once more.

At that moment, The Captain and her crew stopped at once for a moment's notice before the latter led the former.

Everybody except Coral and Alon...

[Post-Chorus 1]
No, never ever met her at all (What you sayin' girl?)
You wish you never ever met her at all (What you sayin' girl?)
You wish you never ever met her at all (What you sayin' girl?)
You wish you never ever met her at all (Come on!)

The Captain led her crew as they performed a highly choreographed dance routine, as per the course for a typical big-budget musical...except the usual Broadway number was replaced with a mid-2000's Pop/R&B hit.

[Post-Chorus 2]
You wish you never ever met her at all (What you sayin' girl?)
You wish you never ever met her at all (What you sayin' girl?)
You wish you never ever met her at all (What you sayin' girl?)
You wish you never ever met her at all (Break!)

As the crew slowly went back to work whilst repeating the outro, The Captain could rest assured that her dominance on them was steadfast...for now...

[Outro]
(I've been around the world, I ain't never meet a girl like this)
She's a maneater, a maneater
(I've been around the world, I ain't never meet a girl like this)
She's a maneater, a maneater
(I've been around the world, I ain't never meet a girl like this)

"I'm a maneater... A maneater..." The Captain sung to herself as they approached their destination.

(I've been around the world, I ain't never meet a girl like this)
Like this, like this, like this, like this, like this, like this...

Hello, hello... Volcano Rock City...

"Ugh. Damn it, Mal..."

Reading the letter Melody had left for her to read, Val groaned in exasperation as a result. She had raised her younger cousin since childhood because her mother had suffered a stroke or two following the trauma of having witnessed the death of her husband. Remaining bedridden for the majority of her life, Melody's mother had regretted not being there for her daughter for her when she needed her care and affection the most; Melody herself made it crystal clear that she held nothing against her and fully understood the trauma she was going through.

Of course, the trauma of losing a loved one can cause the remaining family members to react in vastly different ways. Melody had turned to music and mixed martial arts following the death of her father, building the persona of a bad girl gangster who did not tolerate tomfoolery in the slightest. Instead, she was more of a "take action first, ask questions never" kind of gal, which was the polar opposite of her actual self. The real Melody would ask questions first and take action later. As such, it seemed precarious that she was slowly slipping into her alternate persona.

"Is everything okay, Miss Val?"

Turning to the doorway, Val found Gust leaning against it. A Beretta 92FS was resting snug in his waistband holster, both of which were given to him by Hickory as he left with the Bounty Hunters in search of Poppy.

"No," Val huffed as she shook her head, "TrollsTopia was attacked, Queen Poppy is missing, we've been forced underground...and my little cousin's gone missing."

Approaching Val and taking the letter to read it, Gust rubbed his chin in contemplation.

"Well, at least she has company along with her, right?"

"That's not the point, Tumbleweed," Val narrowed her eyes at the Sheriff, "You don't know Melody like I do. My friend Petra and I... We trained her to defend herself whenever threats would arise. Threats like..."

"The Pop Trolls?" Gust raised one eyebrow, prompting Val to shoot him a single stank eye.

"The Party Crashers...and yes, the Pop Trolls. I can't help it, Tumbleweed. Okay? Prejudices don't automatically disappear overnight."

"I understand. Believe me, you're not the only one holding a grudge against those of Pop."

"You too?"

"Everybody does, Miss Val...or rather, they used to before the whole...celebratory concert and all that. Even after, I always find that one fella who would often display either their skepticism or downright refusal to believe that things have changed."

"Do you put them in their place?"

"Had to," Gust shrugged, "It's my job. I shared the position of Sheriff alongside Mayor Dawn whenever her duties as the town's high official conflicted with her duties as the town's top enforcer. Add to that, acting as a guardian to little Clampers, and much weariness was par for the course."

"I can only imagine..."

"I respectfully disagree, Miss Val. Ever since the...end of Queen Barb's World Tour and her conversation with her deceased loved ones, she's been...on edge lately."

"I mean...considering what's happened so far, you can't really blame her..."

"That's not what I'm implying. Mayor Dawn began to wonder...if Clampers' parents were in this place Poppy returned from, the Space Between... According to her... Queen Peony... it was the place where Trolls go when they die...no, ascend. They don't die but live forever in a sense..."

"So...like purgatory?"

"I guess. But...it drove Mayor Dawn crazy when she came to the conclusion that Clampers' parents had to be in the Space Between as well. To the point where...she stayed awake for a month trying to figure it out."

"A full month?"

"No food, no rest, no singing. It concerned us Country Trolls when she never bothered to exit her office."

"Did you convince her to...stop?"

"No, of course not. My duties at that time rested with the people. Hickory did with the help of Miss Holly's friends did: Annie, Haystack, and Slim. They persuaded her to take a break on the search to mend her bond with Clampers. I handled most of her responsibilities for the time being."

. . .

"And even though their bond was mended, Mayor Dawn's feeling down now that she's up and vanished..."

"Wait, Clampers is missing too?"

"And so is King Trollex..."

Val and Gust turned toward the doorway again to find Laguna standing in its place this time.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but it would appear that King Trollex is traveling to a place called Latin City with his significant other DJ Suki."

"Now?" Val groaned in exasperation, "At this time?"

"But why now?" Gust rubbed his chin again, "And why to Latin City?"

"Perhaps to gather reinforcements for the battle ahead," Laguna theorized, "and given that it was the first place mentioned, it is a location that King Trollex and Miss DJ are familiar with."

After a moment's contemplation, Val reached a conclusion herself.

"Gust...do you think Clampers is with DJ and Trollex?"

"Honestly, I sure hope so. That would mean your cousin is with them too."

"And by extension, Clampers' friends would be with them as well. CJ Suki, Keith, Priscilla, Coral Blush, and Tiny Diamond were proven to be missing as well when I performed a head count on the members of the Tribe, including the leaders."

"A head count?" Val raised an eyebrow, "Do you know how long that would take?"

"I require something of a challenge to pass the time," Laguna waved off Val's concerns.

"Well, wherever they are, I'm sure they're safe..." Gust reassured them.

"I sure hope so..." Val muttered under her breath.

Following Petra and Grace down a darkened tunnel and a dimly lit spiral staircase, the group had bigger problems to deal with other than aching feet and the possibility of a betrayal awaiting them. Melody was grafetul that Petra was much more understandable this time, though her jabs towards the other musical genres still shined through in her witty banter with her. Much like Barb and Val before, Petra had reservations about music other than Rock, but eventually softened up after the birth of little Grace.

"So she's here?"

"Just down this hall. Also, um... Should I keep this meeting private? Between the both of you only?"

"Yes, you should."

Petra nodded in respect as they eventually reached a room far from the others. Aside from the fact that the torches that provided illumination to the darkness were colored purple, the insignia of a lightning bolt was stylized on the door; it was colored magenta with a navy blue outline.

"Are you ready?" Petra turned to Melody, who shook her head.

"Nope, but hey, nobody is."

Stepping ahead of the group, Melody took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

. . .

"Who is it?"

"It's me... Melody..."

. . .

"I'm coming inside, okay?"

Slowly turning the knob and opening the door, Melody stood there in the doorway before slowly entering inside. The occupant of the room could only stare back at her in joyous surprise. The older woman had magenta skin, red eyes, and light blue hair with a curled tip; she currently wore a black robe while a fresh bowl of broccoli-and-cheese soup and cup of vanilla tea with honey rested atop the nighstand. This woman was Mal Shredder.

"Melody..." The woman smiled.

"Hi, Mom," Melody bashfully hugged her arms, "Sorry for intruding on short notice."

"Oh, nonsense, dear. Come. Take a seat."

Doing as her mother instructed, Melody scanned her up and down, "How do you feel, Mom?"

"Oh, I've been better, sweetheart. Petra, Billy, and little Grace are just darlings. What about you, Melody? How's that trip of yours? To Pop Village?"

"It could've been better, Mom. Far better."

Melody's mother frowned in concern as her daughter explained, "Pop Village was attacked by the Party Crashers."

"WHAT?!" She immediately shot up from her bed in outrage, a decision she immediately regretted when her head began to ache.

"Mom, calm down."

"Where's your older cousin? Is Valentina alright?"

"Val is fine. She's with Queen Barb and the other half of the Rock Tribe in Pop Village. I...left them behind to see you. To...get your permission."

Just as her concern shifted to outrage, her outrage shifted to confusion. "Permission for what, dear?"

Melody hesitated for a moment before continuing, "I left Pop Village with a group of friends after the Party Crashers attacked in the hopes of gathering reinforcements for the next attack. I thought I would let you before I go..."

. . .

"Oh, dear...you don't need my permission to go."

"I don't?"

Examining her daughter up and down, Mal saw only herself in Melody: young...reckless...and brave.

"Val and Petra have told me enough stories about your combat training to grant me endless heart attacks," Mal calmly explained, "but at the same time, I'm proud of you. You've matured enough to know the world can sometimes be a dangerous place despite its beauty, and you've taken steps to take the proper action whenever the occasion calls for it. Still...you're my daughter, and I entrust these friends of yours are in good hands."

Melody and Mal exchanged knowing and heartfelt smiles before a hug of comfort, "Thank you, Mom."

"Of course, my dear Aria. You'll always be my little girl in my eyes."

After a moment spent in each other's embrace, Mal abruptly broke away from Melody and perked up, "Oh! Before you do go, I have something that you may need on your journey."

Reaching underneath her bed, Mal retrieved a long rectangular box and handed it over to Melody, who took it and opened it up. Inside was a gold cutlass-like weapon; the sharp edge that would have been the blade was replaced with a long, smooth pole with a light-blue ruby at the tip.

"Mom, it's beautiful...but what is it?"

"An old friend gave it to me in a time of need, and it seems fitting that I pass it on to you. It presents light even in the darkest places. It is called the Rainbow Wand, the weapon of choice for the Magical Musical Trolls."

"The Magical Musical Trolls?" Melody tilted her head, "Who are they?"

"The most powerful race of Trolls that the Troll Kingdom has ever encountered," Mal explained, "While the six main Tribes consisted of Pop, Funk, Classical, Techno, Country, and Rock, these tribes harnessed the power and energy of them all. What most Trolls may not realize is that each of the six Tribes represent a certain aspect of life and existence. Techno represents Mind, Funk represents Space, Classical represents Time, Country represents Soul, Rock represents Power, and Pop represents Reality. When placed together, the six main Troll Tribes had the potential to be harder...better...faster...and stronger."

Taking this information and processing it, Melody eventually had another question.

"Then why am I learning about them now?"

"Because the Magical Musical Trolls also had the potential to be extremely dangerous when emotions clouded their judgment. Their failure to control their emotions led to their own extinction... All except one..."

"How? And who?"

DIIIIIIIII!

Before Melody could get an answer from Mal, they both, along with the awaiting group outside, shot their heads up at the alarm that blared out to reach the outskirts of Volcano Rock City.

"That alarm has not rang in 20 years," Mal noted in appropriate alarm.

"What does that mean?" DJ Suki glanced toward Petra from outside the room, "The Party Crashers?"

"Worse," Petra quick-drew her SIG-Sauer P226R, "Sky Pirates..."

"Time is of the essence, my dear," Mal carefully stood up from her bed as Melody helped her up, "If it is true what you said, that the Party Crashers are planning another series of attacks, then you must make haste. You must find...the last Magical Musical Troll."

"How? And who?" Melody repeated, this time with urgency, "How will I know what they look like? Sound like? Act like?"

"You'll know, my dear," Mal rested one hand on her shoulder, "Her name...is Agatha."

Agatha... Agatha...

Repeating the name until it reached her familiarity, Melody then spotted Mal marching over to her closet, where she stripped off her robe and slipped on a black leather jacket with a matching skirt and boots, a pair of sunglasses with leather fingerless gloves, a spiked headband with a matching pair of spiked bracelets, and a gold necklace with the words "Rock Life" embroidered in shades of blue, purple, and magenta.

"Mom? Mom, what are you doing?"

"I actually miss going outside once in a while, Melody," Mal kept her calm demeanor as she reached for, picked up, and cocked down a FN M249 SAW Paratrooper that had been residing in her closet for sometime, "As much as I enjoy the light of isolation...it's time to get back in black."

("Back In Black" by AC/DC)

Staring at her mother in shock and awe (as were the rest of the group outside the room), Melody shook her head and followed after her, but not before taking the Rainbow Wand, placing it back in its box, and stuffing said box into her backpack.

"Mom, are you sure this is a good idea?"

"Nope," Mal shook her head, "Absolutely not. But as I learned from my past life, ideas are bulletproof."

"And so is armor, Miss Shredder," Petra winced.

"Exactly, Miss Petra."

"Wow..." King Trollex whispered to DJ, "Miss Shredder's a badass."

"Thank you, my dear," Mal waved him off as she headed up the spiral staircase, "I am fully aware of that fact."

"She can hear me?" Trollex whispered again to DJ.

"We all can, Trollex," Petra rolled her eyes as she followed Mal up the stairs, "It's a tunnel."

"Just don't bother whispering, okay, Your Majesty?" Melody flashed Trollex a thumbs up as she ran past the group and followed her mother and Petra up the stairs.

"Got it. Yeah..." Trollex's awkwardness increased when DJ pecked him on the cheek, much to the disgust of the kids trailing behind.

It was in the wee hours of the morning (or perhaps the early morning itself) that the young girl awoke from her slumber and headed outside to train. She did so in such a careful manner as to not awake the rest of her family...err, foster family.

She was not born into the family she was brought in, and she had no resentment towards them. Rather, she held skepticism in regards to the foster family's rather large tree and complex relations. The present King had...a lot of amicable exes, all of whom had moved on and even had families of their own and all of whom kept in touch with despite their separation. It surprised her, actually, considering that she learned of the stories of their fearless and battle-hungry leader.

The former King and Queen, Finn and Fiona O'Rian, had perished in the battle for the Strings, but not before securing the safety of their people and taking down those who interfered with that last mission. With their dying breaths, they bequeathed the kingdom and responsilities to their most trusted Royal Guard Captain, Eric, one of the best of the best. A kind and jovial Troll who was affable enough to be one's friend but highly armed and dangerous to be the other's enemy. He had grown up in an orphanage and enchanted by the stories of the Royal Guard prior to joining them. However, he had no interest in fame, fortune, and glory, but rather was far more invested in protecting the Kingdom, his home. He was a humble Troll, and this humble tact was one of the primary reasons for King Finn and Queen Fiona to choose him as their successor.

Their sons, the Crown Princes, were nonplussed, but they understood with the ramifications of being younger than him. Over time, their relationship (both professional and personal) vastly improved, all of three earning each other's respect and admiration. Eric even understood their decisions to temporarily leave the Kingdom and expand their training, although it greatly saddened him. The Kingdom's sons were boys growing into men...just as the Kingdom's daughters were girls growing into women.

The young girl (born Kieryn and renamed Zoe by choice) snuck into the shed, which was where few of the many weapons they had were stored. Zoe grabbed a Winchester Model 70 and a Glock 17 before heading off to the lake shore.

It was time to hunt.

It was time to fight.

A/N:

1) Ryan Reynolds as Wade: A friend of Enrique and a honorary member of the Latin Trolls in the Space Between.

2) Michael Pena as Enrique / Ricky: One of the leaders of the Latin Trolls in the Space Between and a friend of Wade.

3) Nestor Carbonell as King Reyes: The primary co-ruler of the Latin Trolls in the Space Between and the husband of Queen Ophelia.

4) Andrea Navedo as Queen Ophelia: The primary co-ruler of the Latin Trolls in the Space Between and the wife of King Reyes.

5) Christian Lanz as Diego: The High Chancellor of the Latin Troll Grand Council and the closest advisor of Reyes and Ophelia.

6) Rosario Dawson as Talia / Alita: The Captain of the Royal Guard in Latin City.

7) Gerard Butler as Eric: The Captain of the Royal Guard in the Folk Rock / Celtic Rock Province and the current ruler after the passing of King Finn and Queen Fiona O'Rian.

8) Valeria Cotto as Grace: The daughter of Petra and Billy Reverb. She is named after Grace Slick, best known for her collaborations with The Great Society, Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, and Starship.

9) Jim Sturgess as Billy Reverb: The leader of Bad Hair Day, the significant other of Petra, and the father of Grace.

10) Abbie Cornish as Petra: The best friend of Val Thundershock, the significant other of Billy Reverb, and the mother of Grace.

11) Isabel May as Zoe / Kieryn: A honorary member of the Folk Rock / Celtic Rock Tribe.

1.1) TU4QU0I53T4IAN6L3: Ooh...there is a lot in here and I think I can understand what is going on by now.

The problem is with how Poppy is gonna get back to the real worlds and who is that mysterious troll. And I feel like that Pirate Captain will be the main antagonist because while she isn't aware of Poppy's time travel powers, she might use them to take over all of Troll Kingdom. Every single one in the universe.

This version of Melody is more traumatic than ever. MasterClass60 writes her character with a not so bad background. However, here, you decided to have Melody lose her leg due to the incident her father died. While this is shocking, it goes into a deeper version of this Melody here (as well as the one from MasterClass60's story).

If this is going to change to 'M', I wonder if I will look at Trolls ever again. And it's crazy this one. No wonder why this is going to be an Avengers-level story.

Can't wait to see more!

1) MarcellusMiro66: For your concerns about the potential M rating, it would probably be limited to the action sequences. A few lovemaking scenes will appear sporadically, particular the reunion scene between Poppy and Branch, which won't happen until later on in the story.

And yes, Melody's backstory here is meant to be tragic because beauty can sometimes come out of tragedy.

Also, the Pirate Captain is not exactly an antagonist by all means, given her tragic backstory and care for the majority of her crew. She's most definitely a force to be reckoned with. She will eventually learn of Queen Poppy and her powers, but she won't automatically go up against her because of it. Poppy has powers, the Captain doesn't; she likes to take risks, but she has her limits.

2.1) MasterClass60: Ooh! This is intriguing! Poppy is now learning about the lost trolls and training to control her new powers. Plus, now the whole village is in preparation to survive. Plus, I LOVE that song, All Is Found! Now, the trolls know more about Melody, but I can't help wondering where is she going and what's her crazy idea?

2) MarcellusMiro66: If this were a movie, then All Is Found would probably make up most of the orchestral score and leitmotifs for the main characters.

Melody is a character that you've written in such a fascinating way. I envisioned her as a Pop/Rock Troll caught between two worlds and doing her best to make the best out of both of them. Dove Cameron was originally my choice to hypothetically play her, but Sabrina Carpenter (your choice) is a solid runner-up due to her similar role as Maya Hart in Girl Meets World. After watching the teaser for TrollsTopia: Season 2 and reading TU4QU0I53T4IAN6L3's new story TrollsTopia: Road To Royalty, I have been inquiring to include a brief reference from it in the multiverse, if not a major role.

Playing babysitter to a group of stowaway kids on a potentially dangerous road trip is not what Melody expected to do during her first trip to TrollsTopia, but she can either roll with the punches or pull them. In any case, stepping up to the challenge is something Melody has trouble doing despite the training she received, but she'll do it when push comes to shove and if it gets the job done. Also, Mal Shredder is a badass in my story with a score to settle against the Party Crashers.

In addition, Adora and Catra will receive more focus in later chapters. Until then... Adieu!