The true wielder of the strings

by Bloodred739

Branch was different. No one had to tell him this. He had always known it. He didn't sing, he didn't dance, and he rarely smiled. But after an encounter with a group of trolls unlike an he'd ever seen, Branch discovers many things. Not just about other trolls, but also himself. He learned that beyond his village, there were things waiting for him. a home, a family, and a destiny.

1. Chapter One: The truth

He was different.

No one had to tell Branch this. He knew it now, and had known his entire life.

Branch walked through the forest, carrying more supplies for his bunker. twigs to be sharpened into spears, and another jug of water. You could never have too many supplies after all.

Branch remembered a time when he wasn't like this. When he wasn't the "mood killer", the "party pooper", the "wave of negative energy". Just a few of the things the other trolls had called him over the years. But did it ever occur to them that he had reason to be the way he was? Did they even care to ask? No.

Like a few of the other trolls in his village, Branch had lost both of his parents to the Bergens. Creatures that were so evil, and so miserable, that they had to eat trolls once a year, just to feel any type of happiness.

But unlike most of them, Branch still had a living elder to tell him about the parents he never really knew. His grandmother Rosiepuff.

Branch was five years old when he asked about his parents. Rosiepuff smiled and said that his father Timber was a kind and supportive troll, and someone that many in the village looked up to.

She'd also talk about how his mother, Artina, was one of the strongest and resilient trolls she had ever met. Just like him. About how even when Branch was an egg, his mother was so hesitant to leave his side, even to eat.

Understandably, it wasn't their deaths that had caused Branch to lose his color and happiness. It was hard to feel attachments to people you don't know, even if they had your blood. No, it was when the Bergens took his grandmother as well. Because when that happened, it was because of him.

It was a warm summer morning in the troll tree. Branch had been standing at the edge of one of the tree branches, doing what trolls did best: Sing. Singing his grandmother's favorite song "I need you more than ever".

He had been so lost in song, that he hadn't noticed the Bergen he'd drawn the attention of. But Rosiepuff did.

The next thing Branch knew, he was falling from the tree, and onto the soft flora below it. He watched as his grandmother, the one who'd took care of him, the only family he had left, was taken away. Taken away when it should've been him.

Branch hugged the twigs he had closer to him and gritted his teeth. He hadn't sang a single note since that day all those years ago. Instead, he focused on his bunker. On survival. It had started as just a whole in the dirt, sitting on the outskirts of the village. But after 20 years, he had improved on it. Making it larger, more comfortable, and most importantly, hidden. Away from the Bergens when they eventually found them again.

The other trolls in the village seemed to be convinced that the Bergens would never find their new home, but Branch knew better. Without them, the only things the Bergens knew were misery and anger. They'd never stop hunting the trolls. Branch knew it wasn't a matter of "if". It was only a matter of "when".

And it was only a matter of "when" because of how the other trolls behaved. You'd think that after centuries of being eaten by the Bergens, they'd all learn that the world wasn't the sugar-coated dream that they all believed it was. But you'd be wrong. The only person who was taking any sort of precautions was Branch.

He looked out at the village. Today was the 20th anniversary of the day they escaped, and established their new home. A big party was being put together tonight for it. Because what better way to celebrate escaping the Bergens than by leading them straight to the village with loud noises and flashing lights?

Earlier today, Poppy, the village's princess, daughter of King Peppy, invited Branch to the party. Just like she'd invited him to every other party she'd ever thrown.

Branch sat his supplies down and took a swig from his waterskin. How many times must he deny her?

If there was a troll in this village that really annoyed him, it was princess Poppy. The pink troll personified everything that was wrong with their village. Childishness, naivety, and an inability to take anything seriously. Her idiotic belief that the world was all sunshine and lollipops. That any problem could be resolved with enough singing, dancing, and hugging. Not that she knew how to do much else. It annoyed Branch to no end.

...So why did he feel the way he felt for her?

Branch pulled out the invitation. He had stomped it into the dirt when she had given it to him, but the second Poppy and her group weren't looking, he grabbed it, and put it in his vest. She had made it just for him. It wasn't the only one either. Unlike the plain invitations that the other trolls all received, Poppy always handmade his, always hoping that he'd show up to whatever event she was holding.

Branch just didn't understand what drove his heart to Poppy. Was it her determination to see him happy? Was it the fact that even when he was cruel to her, she was never cruel in return? Or maybe the fact that unlike everyone else in the village, she never forgot about him.

Branch frowned as he thought about the other trolls. If they had their way, Branch would've been gone a long time ago.

The gray troll stood back up, and started making his way back to his bunker again. He had dwelled enough on this. Besides, he had to do maintenance on his security system.

Branch stopped in his tracks when he suddenly heard noises. Unfamiliar noises.

The gray troll immediately dropped the twigs he was carrying and pulled his makeshift dagger out of his vest, ready to defend himself if he had to. Creeping closer to where the noise was originating from, using the grass as cover, he slowly began to realize the sound he was hearing was some type of music. A type of music he'd never heard before. It was heavy and passionate, as opposed to the usual upbeat and high-pitched music the trolls usually sung. Hearing drums, guitars, and what sounded like someone singing.

(You Ain't Ready by Skillet)

You ain't ready

You ain't ready

You ain't ready

You ain't ready for me!

The beat came down again. Harder this time.

Branch finally poked his head above the grass, and got a look at the ones responsible for the music. There were three trolls. At least... Branch THOUGHT they were trolls.

The one on the drums in the back, Branch was pretty sure he was a troll. He had dark red skin, messy blonde hair, and the biggest set of fangs he'd ever seen on a troll. He wore torn jeans and a black T-shirt.

The one on guitar looked similar, except he was a lot taller. In fact, he was taller than any troll Branch had ever seen, aside from Biggie, and his fur was light gray with a sheen that was almost metallic. He wore a black leather jacket, and his hair was Black-ish red, longer, and it swung around as he continued to sing.

A little bit of love

A little bit of grief

A little bit of pain and misery

A little bit of strife in life

And I survive

My back is getting pushed

Up against the wall

I've never given up

I give my all

I'm never looking back, attack

(My fear) it's in the past

But what really caught Branch's attention was the third troll. The female on bass who was backup singing.

She... Floated. Moving around as if swimming in invisible water, she looked aquatic in nature. She did not have legs, but instead, what looked to be a tailfin. Her skin was charcoal-black, but parts of her glowed. Her hair, eyes, and edge of her tailfin were a fiery orange, But the thing that stuck out the most was the glowing white square-bit skull on her chest.

Branch stayed hidden, but continued to listen to the three strange trolls play. He couldn't explain it, but their music felt right. Almost familiar. As if he'd always known it.

The two singers came closer together, and fired the next verse together.

Give me your best shot, the stronger I stand!

Not looking for sympathy

What doesn't kill me makes me who I am!

A soldier fights till he's free

You ain't ready for me!

The group continued to play until Branch heard the voice of a very familiar king.

Branch crouched down again as King Peppy approached the three trolls, looking angry. Something Branch had never seen from him.

"What are you doing in Pop Troll territory?" King Peppy said. "I thought I made it clear before that your kind are not welcome."

The three trolls all gave negative looks to King Peppy, but he did not falter. After a moment, the male singer stepped up.

"Our kind, huh?" The drummer behind the silver troll said. "Looks like she didn't exaggerate about you guys."

"I'll handle this, Jake." The metallic troll said to his drummer. "Keep your diaper on, old man. That little show was just to get you here to us, where we could talk."

Branch was taken back. If their appearances didn't confirm it, talking to the king in that manner definitely told Branch that these three trolls were not from around here. Staying hidden, he kept listening, wanting to know exactly what was going on here.

"Well, here I am." King Peppy said. "What business do you have to be here, poisoning our air with that noise that your kind call music?"

"That was better than any of that sugary, repetitive SHIT that your people sing all day!" The female troll said, closing some distance between her and the king. "But I guess you and the other trolls who live in this bubble wouldn't know real music if it fucked you in the ass."

"Enough, Amber." The large troll said as he pushed her back. But even at a distance, she still did not cease her verbal assault.

"Why should we have to obey their laws anyway, Devan?" The aquatic troll said to the larger one before looking at Peppy again. "What are you and your people gonna do? Hug us to death? Kill us with glitter?"

"I said enough." The one called Devan said in a quieter, heavier voice.

When it looked like she was going to argue, Devan shot a glare at her, stopping the black troll in her tracks. Then Devan let out a growl, getting a small yelp out of her. What happened next was something that Branch could never have expected.

The one called Amber, with a look of fear, lifted her head, and closed her eyes. With the change in attitude, it was almost as if she was an entirely different troll than she was a moment ago. She then showed her neck to the larger troll.

"I..I'm sorry, Devan." She said.

Branch looked on with mixed feelings of discomfort and curiosity. In his studies of the Bergens, the survivalist had also read up and studied the habits of other predators that may come across their forests. He learned everything from their diets, to their behaviors. He deduced that what he was seeing was some type of surrender. Were the aquatic troll and the bigger one mates?

After a drawn out silence, Devan sighed. "Just don't speak again."

Amber said nothing. She just nodded her head and stood back, her fear still very apparent. Satisfied with the act of obedience, Devan turned back to the king.

"Now King Peppy, I am already aware that you received a letter from our king's advisor. You already know why we're here." He said. "So now it's just a matter of how difficult you wanna make this."

Devan stepped closer to King Peppy, as if sizing him up for a fight. Just like before, the king's composure did not faulter, even a little.

"Where is the halfbreed?" Devan asked.

Branch only became more and more confused as this all went on. Their king's advisor? Halfbreed? What the hair were they talking about?

"I believe I made myself clear in the letter I sent back." King Peppy said. "I will not disgrace Timber's memory by turning his son over to you savages."

Branch's eyes shot wide open. Timber? His father Timber? What was going on here?

"Disgrace?" Devan said, looking disgusted. "What, did you think that advisor Artina just kept quiet about what that disgusting excuse for a troll did to her?"

King Peppy huffed. "I didn't believe her lies all those years ago, and I don't believe them now." He said.

The gray troll stood up and walked out of the grass. The time for observations was over. Now he wanted answers. "King Peppy?"

The eyes of all four trolls fell on Branch.

"What's going on here?" Branch asked. "What's all this talk about my parents? And who are these people?"

King Peppy looked surprised at first, but then let out a heavy sigh. "Of course you would notice the music as well. I was afraid of that."

Devan looked at Branch, and then back at King Peppy, the disgusted look on his face being replaced with a look of amusement. "Oh I see. He doesn't know, does he?"

"I don't know what?" Branch said. Now all this cloak and dagger was starting to make him angry. "King Peppy, what is going on?"

King Peppy said nothing.

The three foreigners all eyed Branch up and down, making the survivalist instinctually get defensive. What? What were they looking at? Were they sizing him up? Planning to attack him? He reached behind his back, and gripped the handle of his dagger. If that were the case, he at least wouldn't make it easy for them.

"You're gray…" Devan said. "That can't be good."

"What the fuck did you do to him?" The drummer troll said to Peppy. "What, Artina wasn't here, so you took your bigotry out on him instead?"

"WHAT are you all talking about?" Branch yelled, his patience wearing thin. "My mother is dead! She's been dead since I was a baby!"

The three trolls now looked even more confused than they had before, as if Branch had said something crazy or idiotic.

"By the old gods…" Jake said, again turning his gaze to the now very quiet King Peppy. "Is that what you told him?"

Branch turned his eyes to his king as well, frustration and confusion swirling in his head. Of course that's what he was told. By King Peppy and his grandmother. He was told that because it was the truth, right? "King Peppy?"

Even now, Branch was met with silence.

"Tell you what, kid." Devan said as he nodded his head to his band, silently ordering them to pack up their equipment. "We were sent here for you, but legally, we can't make you go anywhere without your say-so. Our ride back to Volcano Rock City will be here at sunset. You want answers? Meet us here later."

Branch watched as they put away their guitars and started to set up something of a camp. He looked over at King Peppy again, who was already some distance away, headed back to the village, Branch guessed.

Catching up to the kings side quickly, Branch tried his best to keep his composure, but he just couldn't. "King Peppy, I want answers, and I want them-"

"Follow me." King Peppy said flatly. "I need to show you something."

King Peppy took a different turn, away from the direction of the village, and deeper into the forest. Branch followed quietly, still angry and confused, but willing to listen to the king if he could make sense of the things that had just happened.

After about 20 minutes of walking, King Peppy and Branch stopped at a waterfall emptying into a small pond. Before Branch could ask why the king brought him here, King Peppy took his cane, and pushed it into a whole in one of the stones before twisting it like a key. Suddenly, the waterfall opened, revealing a hidden chamber full of books, statues, and even a few weapons.

"I need you to promise me something before we go any further, Branch." King Peppy said. "Nothing you learn here must ever be heard by the trolls of our village, under any circumstances."

Branch frowned, but silently agreed.

King Peppy walked to the old bookcase and pulled a very large book from it's shelf, blowing away the dust, and opening it for Branch to see.

"In the beginning, our world only knew silence…"

--

No troll left behind.

Poppy walked through the forest with her bodyguard Smidge, the strongest troll in the village. Poppy never understood why her father believed she needed one, but if it brought him some peace of mind, she'd go with it.

Poppy thought on those words every day. No troll left behind.

That was the very first lesson Poppy's father ever taught her about being royalty. That no matter what, your fellow trolls came first. That when they needed you, you drop everything you're doing to help them.

That's why despite Smidge's complaints, they were headed to Branch's bunker again. At this point now, Poppy had a pretty good idea of Branch's schedule. When he was out gathering things, and when he was otherwise home. She was CERTAIN that she could get Branch to show up to the party this time!

"Why are we even bothering with this?" Smidge groaned. "He's just gonna say no."

"I've got a good feeling about this time, Smidge!" Poppy said with her signature smile. "Besides, if we went back now, I'd have made these cupcakes for nothing."

Poppy looked down at the tray that she was carrying. Little vanilla cupcakes with Branch's face on them. Creative and delicious!

"We're gonna get to his little hidey hole." Smidge said. "You're gonna get him up here, and he's gonna be like 'blah blah blah! Bergens Bergens Bergens! No, I'm not going!' like he did the first million times."

Poppy giggled a little at Smidge's attempt to mock Branch's voice. It was a terrible impression, but one she still hoped wouldn't be accurate this time.

The others probably didn't realize it, but even though Branch was still mean and unhappy, there was a time where he was worse.

Poppy had met Branch when he was seven and she was four. She had invited him to her 5th birthday party with an arts-and-crafts invitation that she made herself. When she tried to hand it to Branch, the little trolling snatched it from her hands and threw it into the forest. Any other child would've probably cried their eyes out at having something they made just thrown away like that. But not Poppy. No, in fact, that was the day that she had made it her life's goal to see Branch be happy.

The years went by since then. Again and again, Poppy would extend her kindness to him, and again and again, Branch would turn her away. But unlike in their earlier years, Branch, even if it was only to lecture them on being more careful about how loud they are, would talk to them. He even smiled once in a while, even if it was again, only when he was lecturing them, or talking about his bunker.

Communication and smiles. Those were both things Branch didn't do in their earlier days. She took both of those as progress. Now if she could just find a way to get him to sing…

"It's always worth a shot, Smidge." Poppy said. "If there's a chance to help Branch find his happiness, I'll take it."

Smidge groaned as she pulled out her pendant that she kept hidden underneath her dress, and made a quick, silent prayer to Gahman.

Poppy remembered a good bit of what her father had taught her about Gahmin when she was younger. According to their history, Gahmin was supposed to be a troll with a heart that made even the kindest of them look as cold-hearted as a hungry Bergen. A troll who was so generous, he'd give his only pod to a family that had three, just because they asked for it. He was meant to be an example of how all trolls should be. A standard that while pursued, could never be achieved.

However, there were also many families in the village that believed that the day Gahmin passed, he ascended to godhood. A deity who granted happiness and strength in exchange for their prayers. Smidge and her family were devout followers of this belief. While Poppy herself did not worship Gahmin, his positive influence on the people was never a bad thing.

"Oh c'mon Smidge, it won't be that bad." Poppy said. "We'll bring Branch the cupcakes, then we'll head back to the village to keep getting the party ready. Maybe we'll even get Branch to come with us!"

After about a minute of quiet walking, Smidge closed her eyes took as deep a breath as her tiny lungs would allow, before looking at her friend again. "You can do better, Poppy."

Poppy sighed. "Oh not this again…"

"You got Guy, you got Creek, you even have Biggie." Smidge said. "Y'know, if you like a guy with a little more substance. No judgement on that. But Branch? Why? What's his idea of a romantic date? Sitting in his little hole and eating acorns all day?"

"Smidge, I told you guys it's not like that." Poppy said, a little annoyed.

Now there was a rumor that Poppy could do without. Her supposed crush on Branch. It had started around her 12th birthday, another event that Branch hadn't shown up to. But this however didn't stop her from slipping away, and going to Branch's bunker with a slice of cake she'd saved for him. What happened afterwards is what really sealed down the rumor into people's heads.

When Poppy had gotten to Branch's bunker and offered him the cake, he suddenly tackled her onto the ground, saying something about thinking he saw a predator in the sky. Spoiler, he was wrong. That was fine. He hadn't hurt her when he fell overtop of her. It was sweet even how he was prepared to jump to her aid.

What was NOT fine was the cake she brought being smashed between them, smearing all over their clothes. Good bits of it on Poppy's neck, and some smeared all over Branch's mouth.

What was EVEN LESS fine was King Peppy, along with two other trolls who had been at the party, all stumbling upon the two trollings. Branch on top of her, cake all over the both of them, looking at the king like children who'd been caught stealing from the cookie jar.

Branch quickly jumped off Poppy and ran back into his bunker without saying a word while the two trolls at the king's side laughed, saying that they should at least save something for the wedding night. After that, the rumors spread like wildfire in a dry forest.

But there was another thing that had happened that day that had stuck with Poppy for a bit. When she and her father had gotten home, he grabbed Poppy by her shoulders, and asked if Branch had hurt her in any way. She had never in her life heard her father sound so serious.

It still confused her. Why would her father believe Branch would do such a thing?

But anyway, no, Poppy didn't have a crush on Branch. I mean sure, she came to visit him every day, but that was only because she felt like someone should! He'd be lonelier than he already was otherwise. And yeah, she handmade all of his party invitations and gave them a lot more detail and glitter, but that was only because it might make Branch more inclined to go to her parties!

And yeah, Branch was a very handsome troll. Probably even better looking with his colors. And his physique was very nice too. Poppy wondered how many boulders he could lift all at once. She bet that he could beat Smidge's record of three.

And yeah, maybe if Branch was possibly more out and about…

"Poppy? Poppy!"

Huh? What? Poppy looked down at Smidge. How long had she been talking?

"We're here." Smidge said, pointing to the boulder that acted like a type of door for unwelcome trolls to knock on, and a carpet that said "go away", which they knew was secretly a door.

Not wasting a second, Poppy knocked on the boulder. After five seconds with no response, she knocked again. "Branch? Branch, are you there?"

Poppy was not met with a response.

"I made you some cupcakes!" Poppy said. "They've got your face on them!"

Smidge sighed. She knew how this would end. One of the same two ways it always did. Either Branch wouldn't answer, or he'd come out only to tell them to leave. Smidge was ready for that, as she and the other trolls were used to it. You'd think Poppy would be at this point, right? You'd be wrong.

Every time they did this, the happy face that Poppy came with would be replaced by one of sadness. Sure, it'd be gone by the time they got back to the village, but it still hurt to see. It always hurt Smidge to see her like that. In all of their time together, Poppy had become like a sister to her. It was the reason why she agreed to be Poppy's bodyguard. Hair, even if King Peppy hadn't asked, Smidge would still go out of her way to protect Poppy.

After about a few more minutes of knocking and calling for the gray troll, Poppy sighed, finally giving up. Guess today wasn't the day either.

"Well, the party's gonna be starting soon, if you change your mind." Poppy said, placing the cupcakes by his carpet. "I hope you like these. I made them just for you.."

Poppy started to walk off, not looking to see if Smidge was coming. The dwarf troll looked at her, and then back at the cupcakes. The ones Poppy had made just for that selfish, ungrateful, paranoid, and mean troll. The ones that'd probably go untouched, making the time Poppy made them completely pointless. And Branch couldn't even be bother to come out of his hole for a simple 'thank you'?

No. No, not this time.

Smidge walked up to the boulder and banged on it, making Poppy jump. "Come up here!" She yelled.

"Smidge, what are you doing?" Poppy asked.

Smidge glared at the boulder. No response.

She banged again, even harder this time. "Come up here, right now! Branch, I know you can hear me!"

Nothing.

"Poppy made you cupcakes…" Smidge said through clenched teeth. "Just like she made you all of those other sweets. Just like she made all of your party invitations. You think she does this for everyone? Come up here, and thank her!"

Nothing.

"Smidge, it's ok." Poppy said. She was glad that her friend was willing to defend her, but it wasn't necessary. "We should really head back. The party's gonna start soon."

"Do you know how lucky you are!?" Smidge shouted. "Poppy, the PRINCESS, has turned down every single suitor she's had! EVERY! ONE! For YOU! And you don't even deserve her!"

"Smidge!" Poppy yelled, surprised and embarrassed. She grabbed her friend's hand, and tried to pull her away, to no avail.

Smidge looked at Branch's stupid carpet. It was stupid. He was stupid. Everything about him was stupid. With all of her might, Smidge brought her foot down over and over again. "COME UP HERE, AND THANK HER!"

Suddenly, the secret door gave out, causing Smidge, and Poppy, who was holding her hand, to fall down into Branch's bunker.

Rolling down for a few seconds, the two were stopped when they crashed into something, hair and limbs entangled, dust kicked up around them.

Poppy groaned, and slowly picked herself up. That definitely wasn't fun. It was a good thing she didn't have a weak stomach, cause then she might've lost today's lunch. She looked down at her bodyguard, who was dusting herself off too. "Are you ok, Smidge?"

"Yeah, I'm fine…" Smidge said, her eyes still spinning.

The both of them started to take in their surroundings. This was the first time Poppy, or any other troll had actually been inside Branch's bunker. Straining her eyes to see in the dark, Poppy looked around. Branch was nowhere to be seen. Infact, aside from the light coming through the hole that Smidge had made, there was nothing in the dug out spot at all. No lights, no bed, no decorations, nothing. It was really just a dark hole in the ground..

Poppy was confused. This couldn't be where he had been living all these years, right? Where were all the supplies she'd seen him carry down here? All the water, the twigs, leaves, stones. Surely there had to be more.

That's when Poppy finally noticed that she and Smidge were standing in the middle of a circle with a lever in it.

Poppy looked at the lever. She knows that she shouldn't. She really shouldn't. Smidge had already broken his makeshift door. They were already trespassing by being here. Branch would most likely be upset when he got back and saw the broken door. She shouldn't risk angering him further by snooping around more. She and Smidge should just go. They should just climb back out of his bunker, wait for Branch to come back so Smidge could apologize for breaking his things, and get back to the village.

But Poppy didn't.

Slowly, Poppy reached out her hand, and twisted the lever. Suddenly, the circle she and Smidge were standing on started to descend. After a few brief moments, the two found themselves in an entirely different area. Poppy's jaw hit the floor.

"Oh my Gah…" Smidge said, as stunned as the princess.

The place was enormous. Warm firefly lighting systems, hundreds of jars filled with water, acorns, and what looked like dehydrated fruit, and some strange sharp-looking tools that Poppy had never seen before. Leaf curtains, dug out spaces for more supplies, and so much more. Poppy couldn't find words. Had Branch truly done all of this by himself?

When the elevator came to a halt on the ground floor, the two trolls stepped off, and kept taking it all in. Poppy was about to ask Smidge if she thought that Branch might be down here somewhere when suddenly something caught her eyes. To their far left was a table sitting under a curtain. And on the table was… No… it couldn't be…

Poppy gasped and ran to the table, and grabbed what lied on top of it. It was the invitation she'd made for Branch today! Branch kept it!

As she placed it back on the table, Poppy noticed something peeking out of the curtain. Curious, she moved it aside. What Poppy saw made her throw her hands over her mouth in disbelief.

It was her invitations. ALL of them. From every single party she'd ever invited Branch to. Even the ones she had either watched him step on, or throw away. He had kept them. He kept every single one of them..

The princess's heart swelled up, ready to burst with absolute joy. A smile wider than any she'd ever made grew on her face. Jumping and giggling like a little trolling. "He kept them, Smidge!" She said. "He kept all of them!"

Smidge looked at all the invitations, both confused and disturbed. The piles of invitations almost looked like something of a shrine. Some of the invitations were misspelled and poorly made, which told smidge that Branch had been collecting these since he and Poppy were kids. Seemed he did return Poppy's obvious feelings.

Smidge gave Poppy the smuggest smile she could muster. "Well look at that, Poppy. He likes you too."

Poppy's excited face did a U-turn at those words, her face becoming more red than pink, embarrassment flooding. "I-I told you, it's not like that!"

"That's what they all say at first." Smidge said. "It's what Milton used to say about me."

Poppy made an adorably loud squeaky noise in response. She was just happy to see that her kindness had always had some type of effect on Branch! Was that so wrong?

As much fun as she was having teasing the princess, Smidge just couldn't understand. If that gray troll was so infatuated with Poppy, why did he always turn her and the entire village away?

And as happy as Poppy was about this discovery, she also couldn't help but be confused. Branch WANTED to go to her parties. This much was proof of that. So why didn't he?

Poppy looked around at the bunker. There were still plenty of areas unexplored. Areas that just may have the answers.

"C'mon, Smidge!" Poppy said. "Let's keep looking around!"

Smidge's smile never went away. "What, you wanna see if he's got any more keepsakes from you?"

"Stop it."

"Maybe we'll even find some poetry he's written for you."

"STOP!"

--

Astonishment.

That was the only thing Branch could feel after the story that King Peppy had just told him.

Astonishment, stemming from finding out there were other trolls outside of the village. Different types of trolls. Funk trolls, Techno trolls, Classical trolls, Country trolls, and the Rock trolls he had seen earlier today, and many more. Different cultures, different lifestyles, different beliefs. That they used to live in complete harmony. That all of this was taken away when the tribes simply refused to accept their differences, so they each took one of the six magical strings, and went their separate ways.

But even with all of this new information, it didn't answer any of Branch's questions.

"What does this have to do with my parents?" Branch asked the king, who was putting the history book back on the shelf. "They were the ones that you and the Rock trolls were talking about. Tell me."

"Well, only two of them were completely Rock troll." King Peppy said, turning back to Branch. "The woman, the one who glowed, she was a hybrid. Born of a Rock and Techno Troll."

"Stop dodging my questions." Branch said sternly. "What do my parents have to do with this?"

King Peppy sighed, obviously not wanting to answer Branch's question. But he knew that he had no choice. Branch deserved to know. "Your mother, Branch. She's a Rock troll."

"...What?" Branch asked.

"It was about 26 years ago…" The king began. "Back in the troll tree. Your mother Artina, she had crashed her… what did they call it… Anglerbus into one of the buildings of Bergen town. When the Bergens found her, bloody and injured, they brought her to our tree, believing that she was an escaped Pop troll. Our people found her, and nursed her back to health. It wasn't long before she met Timber…"

Branch looked at his hands. Suddenly, so many things made sense. Why he didn't dance, why he hated glitter and overly sweet food, why he just felt so different from the rest of the Pop trolls. All these years, he had thought it was just another side-effect of losing his colors, and his grandmother. But no. He didn't fit in with the Pop trolls because he WASN'T a Pop troll. He was a Rock troll.

"No one but me and your father knew what she actually was. And he only found out when she told him after you were conceived." King Peppy continued. "When Artina told him the truth, he wasn't happy. Their relationship ended soon after. But instead of simply accepting the reality that a Pop troll wouldn't want a Rock troll as their mate, your mother attempted to spread a lie. An unforgivable lie about your father."

"What was the-"

"It's not for me to say." King Peppy said, cutting off Branch almost immediately. "Besides, if this is all going where I think it is, you'll be able to ask Artina yourself."

Branch's eyes lit up. Was King Peppy saying…

"Yes, Branch." The king said. "Your mother is still alive."

Branch's heart was jumping around in his chest. He didn't know what to feel. His mother was alive. Someone in his family was still left. He should be happy, right? Or sad? Or… something else?

"That same year, when Trollstice came around, the Bergens took your father. Before the Bergen that had grabbed Timber dropped him into it's mouth, he called for me. He told me to promise him that if anything happened to Rosiepuff, I'd take you in, and keep you safe. That same day, when a Bergen came for your mother, all it had to do was taste her once before throwing her aside, away from the tree. Bergens apparently seem to only have a taste for Pop trolls. She ran, yelling about how she'd come back for you, and I never saw her again."

Wait a minute, Branch thought. There was one part of this story that stuck out for him.

"You were supposed to take me in?" Branch asked, anger in his voice. "And you just didn't? After you promised my father you would?"

"Branch, you MUST understand." King Peppy said defensively. "Someone like you, born from a Rock and Pop troll, it's never happened before. Sometimes, when different races of trolls crossbreed, the offspring is violent. At that point, I had a daughter to watch out for. I couldn't risk her safety."

This did not help Branch's growing anger. He couldn't believe this. He had grown up alone when he shouldn't have. If he had been raised by the king like he was supposed to be, would he have been different? Less paranoid? Happy even?

With all of this in mind, Branch walked past King Peppy, and to the old weapons, grabbing the spear that was hanging on the wall, and examining it. That's when Branch noticed something else.

"Why do you have these weapons?" He asked.

"They… were not mine. They belonged to your mother. I haven't touched them since-"

"NO." Branch said angrily. "I've been making weapons for years now. I know what an unmaintained spear looks like. You've been keeping these weapons in working condition. Why?"

King Peppy said nothing. But this time, his silence was telling enough. Branch could piece the bitter reality together at that point

"They were incase you needed to kill me." Branch concluded. Not a question, but a fact

Branch gripped the spear so tightly, he could hear the wood snapping. His own king, fearing he'd become some sort of wild animal, planned on attempting to kill him if he felt it was necessary. And hair, maybe he was right, because in that moment, Branch wanted to do a lot of violent things with the spear he was holding.

"Well, good news, Peppy." Branch said. "You won't have to worry about that."

The gray troll threw the spear onto the ground, walked back to the shelf of old books, and took two of them. One containing information on the other troll groups, and another containing maps. King Peppy, who already knew what was happening, didn't try to stop him.

Branch looked out at the sun. He had about another hour to collect his valuables before that Rock group left. Leaving the cave, be bid King Peppy the harshest farewell he'd ever received.

--

Even after about half an hour of exploring it, Poppy and Smidge were still amazed by the things they were finding in Branch's bunker. There were about seven giant pantries filled to the brim with food, a weight room, a room with a giant telescope-thing that let's you see what's going on outside, he even had a well! This place would be perfect for a party on a rainy day!

The weight room was what really had Poppy's attention at the moment. The pink troll tried to lift one of the dumbbells that were on the floor, but she couldn't even so much as budge it. The craziest thing is it wasn't even the largest one in the room. Could Branch really lift all of these?

Poppy smiled. She supposed that wouldn't be an unpleasant sight. Branch with his vest off, hot and sweaty, lifting those enormous weights…

"Poppy."

Poppy was pulled out of her fantasy by Smidge, who she thought was still in Branch's weapon room. She looked uneasy.

"Poppy, you gotta come see this." Smidge said.

Poppy reluctantly agreed. She supposed that there'd be time for more fantasies later.

Poppy and Smidge walked down a hallway that she hadn't explored yet. She noticed that it was a bit darker and more unkept than the rest of the bunker. The princess also noticed her tiny friend's face, and the guilt smeared all over it. Oh no, had she broken something else?

At the end of the hall sat in open door. Smidge gestured to Poppy to look inside.

It was another enormous room. Except this one wasn't filled with food or supplies. It was filled with beds. Possibly seventy or eighty, all lined up, in multiple varieties. Big ones, and small ones. There were even ones for infant trollings, and beside them, multiple jars of what she recognized as ground up acorn, which many used as baby formula.

This room however also looked like it hadn't been cleaned in years. There was dust and cobwebs everywhere. Looking farther beyond, she also noticed that some of the beds at the end were only half built, as if whoever made them just gave up mid-task.

The sight simultaneously made Poppy happy, and broke her heart as she pieced it all together.

Branch, at least for a time, had planned to take in possibly the entire village, should the Bergens ever come. But after years of being laughed at, or called crazy by the entire village, he must've given up on that idea, and decided to focus only on himself.

It brought Poppy joy to see that Branch was at one point thinking about the whole village's safety, and not just his own. But the fact that so much time being made fun of by the other trolls had turned him away from that brought a very unhappy tear to her eye…

Smidge, also looking at the room, wanted to dig a hole, and bury herself in it. Hair, she guessed Branch wasn't the selfish jerk that she thought he was. Or rather, if he is now, then she and the other trolls might take some blame in that. Oh dear Gah…

"Smidge?" Poppy said in a low voice.

"Yeah, Poppy?" She responded.

"When I become queen…" The princess said. "My first decree is gonna be that every single troll apologizes to Branch. That means you too."

"Y-yeah. Ok."

"Neither of you have to do that."

Poppy and Smidge both went as still as statues. There was a familiar shadow in the doorway.

Without turning their heads, the two trolls kept looking at each other. One of them had to turn around and face Branch first. Poppy really didn't want it to have to be her, but out of fairness, she was the one who chose to stick around. So finally, she sucked it up, and turned around first.

"Um, hi Branch!" Poppy quickly said, trying to think of something to fix this situation. "Now I uh, I know we're not supposed to be here."

"Yeah, so do I." Branch said flatly.

Poppy was sweating bullets now. What does she do? What does she do!?

"So uh, you probably noticed that Smidge accidentally broke your secret door thing, so we decided to stick around, ya know? So um, she could apologize!"

"Yeah uh, sorry about that." Smidge said, a little ticked that Poppy would throw her under the bug like that. "You uh, got alotta cool stuff in here!"

"Thanks." Branch said.

The two trolls were both a little surprised at his response. Was he not upset? Even a little? They were trespassing, after all. Actually, now that Poppy looked at him, she could tell something was wrong.

With Branch, his two emotions were usually either grumpy or angry. But right now, the only emotion she was picking up was sadness. She literally could only recall ever seeing him sad when they were kids. Something she had not missed.

"Look, don't worry about the trapdoor." Branch sighed. "I have a replacement down here somewhere. You two should go. Your party's gonna start soon, isn't it?"

Poppy was again surprised. That was it? No angry outbursts, no lectures, nothing? He was ENCOURAGING THEM to go to a party? Now she definitely knew something was wrong.

"Branch, is everything ok?" Poppy asked as she approached him.

Branch look down. Everything was infact, not ok. Branch had just found out that his king had some kind of contingency plan to kill him because he was some unnatural halfbreed that could've possibly been born violent and demented. That instead of being raised properly beside Poppy like he was supposed to be, he had to dig this giant hole in the ground, just so he'd feel safe. That now, after almost two decades of work, he had to leave it. Not just to meet his mother, but to understand himself. The other half of his blood. He wanted to go, but at the same time, he didn't.

He'd be happy to be away from the Pop trolls who had laughed at and ridiculed him all his life. They were definitely not going to be missed.

But at the same time, he couldn't stand to leave Poppy behind. Not while knowing she would actually miss him. Not while there were so many things left unsaid.

"... I'm fine." Branch finally said, avoiding eye contact with the princess. "Now please, go."

Poppy was unconvinced, but wasn't sure what else to say. As Branch walked the both of them to the elevator, the princess could practically smell the sadness on him.

Just one more time. She had to try. Just one more time.

"You could always come with us, Branch." Poppy said.

Branch had never been so tempted to say yes to her. He knew that this might be the last opportunity he ever gets to do so.

But no. He can't. If he did now, he'd never leave. And he had to do this.

Branch just shook his head, not being able to get himself to say the word 'no' this time.

Smidge hit the lever, and the elevator started to go up.

"Hey, Poppy?" Branch said as she and Smidge ascended to the surface.

"Yeah?" Poppy asked.

"... Thanks for keeping me in mind all this time." He said.

Branch didn't get the chance to see her reaction as the elevator had went too far up. The survivalist sighed, and picked his travel bag up. It was time to start packing.

--

Poppy felt many things right now. But overall, she felt happiness.

In a short time, she had learned a good bit about Branch, where she knew almost nothing before. If Branch cared about his fellow trolls once, she was sure that she could get him to care about them again. She was already putting a plan together. First, she'd convince Branch to let her and a few other trolls back inside his bunker. Start small, like with her group of friends. Then she'd show them all the things Branch made…

"So will you admit it now?" Smidge suddenly asked.

"Smidge c'mon…."

"Poppy, it's just me." Smidge said with a smile. "I saw the way you looked at Branch…. It's how Milton looked at me before he told me how he felt. It's just us, and I swear on my life, I'll never tell a soul."

Poppy looked away from her friend. Maybe Poppy's attraction was only physical before, but now, now she wasn't so sure. That room alone, it had to have taken years to dig that out, and even more time to make so many beds by himself, all for trolls who only ridiculed him. Even if it wasn't a Bergen, what if some other sort of large predator showed up and attacked them? What if a forest fire started, or a ferocious storm came around? So many things that Poppy hadn't considered.

They wouldn't have been ready, but Branch would've.

For at least a few years, he was set on the idea of keeping her people safe. Which, as much as Poppy didn't want to admit it, was more than she had done. Maybe they should've listened. This bunker, even if it always just remained a precaution, would benefit all of them. More, if they had worked with Branch, helping him improve it, and getting to know him in the process, maybe he'd be different. Maybe he'd be happy. And it wasn't as if they still wouldn't have time for parties.

Poppy really thought about what a relationship with Branch could be like. She'd be the heart of her people, where he could be the mind. He was so intelligent and strong, both proven by his incredible work on this place. It was prowess that the village could've had if they had just tried a little harder to understand him. She imagined romance might be difficult at first, but she could show him.

"I…. I think I could like Branch." Poppy finally found the courage to say. "I think if all of us really try, and if we show enough trolls what he's accomplished, we can help him be happy again. And when we do, I think I'll know for sure."

This was the conclusion Poppy came to. If Branch would just open his heart again, Poppy would open hers too. And she was willing to try everything to see that he did.

Smidge smiled at her sister-in-all-but-blood. That answer was enough for now. "Let's get to the party."

Poppy's eyes shot up. Oh hair, after all of this, she'd somehow forgotten about the party! When the elevator reached the top floor, Poppy grabbed Smidge's hand, and made a b-line for the village.

--

Well, this was it.

Branch looked out at the three trolls he had met earlier that day. Devan, Jake, and Amber. All of their equipment packed, waiting for whomever was coming for them. The group hadn't noticed him in the grass yet.

Branch squeezed the small bag of valuables he had with him. It wasn't too late. He could head back to his bunker right now. Head back and forget about all of this.

Branch sighed. But then he'd likely never get the chance to go again. To see Volcano Rock City, or his people. He'd never meet his mother… No, Branch had to do this.

"Here I am." Branch said, stepping out of the tall grass, getting their attention.

Devan looked at Branch and smiled. "You had me worried for a second, kid." Devan said. "Thought we were gonna have to tell your mom that we didn't get the job done."

Devan reached into his bag, and pulled out some sort of metal can with a pin in it, then he bent the pin, causing a part of it's top to open. He offered it to Branch, who gave him a strange look in return.

"What's that?" The gray troll asked.

"It's…. Soda." Devan answered as he downed the already open can that was sitting next to him. "You guys don't have soda here?"

Branch looked at the can for a second before reluctantly taking it, and sitting down next to Devan. This 'soda' smelt strange, but not unpleasant. He took a sip, and found that he liked it. It tasted sweet like grape juice, but fizzy too. Soon after, Jake and Amber came and sat by him too. Branch was a little uncomfortable, not used to having so many people this close to him.

"So you had questions, right?" Devan said as he grabbed another can from his bag. "Go ahead, kiddo. Me and my crew will answer what we can."

Branch thought for a moment. King Peppy had answered most of his questions regarding the other types of trolls, so that only really left one other thing. "So you guys know my mother?"

"Everyone in Volcano City knows your mom, dude." Jake said. "She's King Thrash's advisor. Helps him make decisions and shit."

"She's the one who sent us here to find you." Devan said. "According to her, she's been looking for you for quite some time. She's gonna be real pleased when we get back."

"Another thing." Branch said. "King Peppy said that my mother tried to spread a lie about my father Timber. What was the lie?"

At the mention of this, the energy around the three trolls changed, becoming a little less friendly. Branch looked around at them. Had he said something wrong?

"I'm uh, I'm not sure if we should be the ones to tell you this, kid." Devan said. "Maybe you should hear it from Artina herself."

Branch frowned. King Peppy said very much the same thing. He looked at Amber and Jake, but their faces told him that they likely weren't going to answer his question either.

The survivalist sighed, guess that was out for now.

Suddenly, there was a loud and creud honking noise going off above them. Branch looked up at what was possibly the most horrifying thing he had ever seen. It was some type of flying machine in the shape of a large fish. It possessed skin of black metal, and rows of sharp teeth. It had silver spikes and it's insides glowed red.

Branch jumped up away from the three and pulled out his dagger. Darn it, he knew he should've brought at least one of his spears!

"Bus is here." Devan said. "Get the gear together, gang."

Branched watched them gather their instruments cases and travel bags together as the metal monstrosity slowly descended, placing itself in the grass, and opening it's mouth to lay out it's tongue like a bridge.

Branch watched as the three trolls all grabbed their belongings and walked into the machine. Slowly, he put his dagger away. It seemed like he had a lot more to learn about Rock trolls. If this was just a glimpse of the technology they had, he was definitely curious about what else was instore.

When Devan and his gang finished putting all of their belongings into the anglerbus, Branch stepped on as well before it's robotic maw closed. Through it's red-tinted window, he looked out the village for what could very well be the last time, with only one troll on his mind.

"Goodbye for now, Poppy." He whispered. "I hope we'll see each other again one day."