Here's chapter 17!

Finally, I was able to update this story. I appreciate for your patience, everyone! I'm sorry for the super late delay! I've been busy, sick, and playing video games that I've lost track of time and writer's block were mainly the major cause of it all. Hope this makes it up.

Warning: Future dark, sad scenes will appear in this chapter.

Enjoy!

Reby Montana - I'm glad you like every bit of the last chapter. Like I said before: A child's name should be named out of love especially from both parents. Branch truly is a wonderful name and no parent could ever choose a better name for this angel.

Purple-Eyes - Well, it wasn't my intentions, but at least it worked. We'll see.

Black Raider - I wanted to make the pregnancy more natural just like any mother experiences with a little more uniqueness to it. I will try!

mlpfanceline1 - And this is so much cute before Branch is born. Imagine the day of his birth. Glad you enjoyed it!

A Blue Angel Born From Love

Chapter 17: A Failed Rescue

The day went on peacefully for our trolls and when the sun had disappeared for the night, all the trolls went inside their cozy little homes to rest for another day. The night became dark grey as it was covered by a blanket of dark, grey rain clouds. Thunder could be heard from above, giving a warning to the creatures below that a storm was forming.

Inside their pod, Primrose was looking out the window, seeing that it had started to rain outside. It looked like they're gonna have quite a stormy night tonight. Wood came in and joined her. "It's started to rain. In fact, it looks like a big storm is coming."

"Maybe. But we'll be alright," Wood assured her gently. "I don't think it's the kind of storm that will cause a flood or even bring strong winds that can move the pod. Besides, our pod's protected by the branches around us."

"I hope so. And it's not the home I'm worried about. It's us and our son," Primrose said, gently rubbing her belly while feeling her baby's kicks every now and then. "I worry about our current state. Trollstice hasn't come yet this year and it's only a matter of time before it does."

"Shh," Wood shushed her softly, hoping to calm her down as he wrapped his arms around her shoulders. "You shouldn't worry so much. It's not good for the baby. Listen, as long as I'm still kicking, no harm will come to you or to our little boy. I promise you that."

Primrose couldn't help but smile at him when she faced him. They both closed in for a loving kiss, holding on to each other until they broke apart. Despite the worries and dangers of Trollstice, these two have never felt so content as they did when they were dating. Now that they're married and expecting a baby, their love had grown exponentially. Nothing could break them apart.

"What did I do to deserve you?" Primrose playfully asked while stroking his cheek.

Wood smirked. "For one thing, you sang so beautifully that it attracted me to you. But the best thing is that you love me unconditionally and I'll do the same for you in return." Both trolls chuckled as they rubbed noses before sharing a big hug. A sudden flash of lightning startled them as they held on to each other until they heard the thunder booming.

"That seemed really close," Primrose said, feeling nervous.

"It looks like it, but I think it's about a mile away," Wood said. "Come on. Let's go to bed. The storm will be gone by the time we're fast asleep."

Primrose yawned, feeling sleepy. "Okay. But I'll feel safe when you're right by my side."

"And where else would I be tonight?" Wood chuckled before he kissed her temple. Then they both headed off towards their room where they tucked themselves in bed, giving each other more loving hugs and kisses for the night. "I love you, my flower. Sweat dreams."

"Same to you, my love. I love you, my Wood," Primrose lovingly said before she drifted off to sleep while being in Wood's arms.

Wood smiled softly at her sleeping form while gently brushing her stray hairs away from her face. He then look out their bedroom window. Lightning flashed again which was joined by the thunder a few seconds later. Hopefully, they'll sleep peacefully despite the storm outside. But still, there was one thought that swam in Wood's mind: Trollstice.

He remembered last year's Trollstice which cost the lives of many trolls. The first being Beryl, Shiningstar's father, and that was before Trollstice. He feared the thought of another troll being taken before Trollstice and prayed that it won't happen anytime soon, especially to his friends and family. Not wanting to think about that anymore, he fell asleep, keeping Primrose and their baby close to him.

A couple of hours had gone by and the rain still kept on falling. The wind blew across the forest with leaves flying across the air. Some troll pods began to sway by the wind, but only slightly. To the trolls, it felt like being rocked inside a hammock.

One pod was safely unaffected by the current winds. It was bright red and orange, though for the now the colors could only be seen clearly whenever lightning flashed in the sky. Inside the pod resided one of Wood's friends, Rhythm. She was currently sleeping peacefully on her soft bed, snoring loudly. She could practically sleep through anything and sometimes she would sleep with headphones on, playing some music to help her fall asleep. Not even the loudest thunderclap could even wake her up with all the snoring she's making.

However, something just did. Her ears perk up at a sudden new sound she just heard. She opened her eyes and rose her head. Despite the rain, she could focused on what sounded like a melody being played by a piano. She removed her bed covers and got up. "Hello? Tempo, is that you?" She called out. She then swung her legs to her right side of the bed and got out of bed, revealing herself in her pajamas which consisted of a white pajama top with baggy blue pants. She started walking out of her bedroom and headed towards the other room beside hers.

Rhythm opened the door slightly, taking a peek inside the room. The room was dark but was currently brightened by an orange lava lamp on a nightstand beside a bed. There lie a sleeping troll, snoring softly with his arm slung over the edge and lying on his stomach. The troll's name was Tempo and he was Rhythm's older brother. He is copper with yellow hair and amber eyes. His clothes consisted of only dark blue pants, a green hat, a bling necklace, and a golden, hooped earring on his left ear. Seeing him in bed just told Rhythm that her brother isn't the composer of the music she just heard.

The music was being heard again. Its sound came from the outside. Grabbing a magenta poncho to keep herself dry from the rain, Rhythm walked out of her pod and into the rain. Unbeknownst to her, as she closed the door, Tempo snorted as he heard the door close and then lightning struck outside. He rose up, given the feeling that something's not right.

"Rhythm, are you awake?" He left his room and went to check on her. He came to her room and called out to her. "Rhythm?" Just then, lightning struck again, illuminating the bedroom. Tempo gasped when he saw an empty bed where his sister should be. "Rhythm?!" He checked around her room and under her bed, but she wasn't there. He ran out her room and checked every corner of their pod. "Rhythm! Where are you?!" When he didn't received any sound from her or found any trace of her, he nervously looked out the window, seeing the terrible weather outside. "Oh no."

Meanwhile, the cold, wet rain kept on falling down in the village and the wind just made it harder to see everything around the area. The pods are still safe and protected from the weather and all the trolls were quietly settled inside their warm, dry, cozy homes. Rhythm, holding on to her poncho and carrying a small flashlight to see better, kept on focusing on the music.

"Who could be out here playing music in this rain?" Rhythm said to herself as she continued forward.

The rain hit her face as she walked and it felt cold, but she barely let it stop her. "Hello? Is anyone out here?" She called out, hoping to find the mysterious stranger playing the peaceful, beautiful music. No reply was made and she kept on going. It wasn't long until she stopped at the village's entrance. She stared at the forest in front of her, vacant of any light or life in this night. She knew that it was against better judgement to leave the village alone at night, but still, the music was enchanting as if it was pulling her towards it. She looked back to the village and then to the forest. Taking a deep breath, Rhythm began walking into the forest and away from the village.

Inside Wood's pod, the couple were currently sleeping in each other's arms until they were woken up by the sound of someone banging the door. "What the troll?" Wood groaned as he rubbed his eyes.

"What is that?" Primrose asked worriedly.

"Wood! Wood!"

The two trolls recognized the voice of Shiningstar outside as well as the continuous door banging. Wood immediately got up, put on his blue robe and headed towards the door. When he opened the door, he saw the distressed look on Tempo's face joined by the worried expressions of both DJ Sonic and Shiningstar.

"Guys? What's going on?" Wood yawned.

"Have you seen her? Is she here? Please say she's here!" Tempo frantically asked Wood while glancing inside of his home and out.

"Huh? Who?"

"Rhythm!"

"No, she's not here," Wood shook his head. "Why? What happened?"

"Oh no! She's disappeared!" Tempo exclaimed.

Wood's widened at the news. He quickly let them come into his home to keep them dry from the rain. "Are you sure you couldn't find her?" Wood asked as Primrose listened on worriedly while joining Wood.

"I've looked everywhere in our pod," Tempo explained.

"And she wasn't in our pods and we've seen no trace of her since yesterday," Shiningstar added.

"Well, I'm sure she's in the village somewhere...which means she could be anywhere," Wood said, feeling worried for his friend. It's not safe for any troll to be out in the dark, let alone in this stormy weather.

"We've got to find her!" DJ Sonic panicked. "She could get hurt or worse! She's the only music I want to hear everyday and I can't lose her, especially after she accepted my proposal! We're supposed to get married in a week!"

"DJ, calm down!" Shiningstar grasp his shoulders to ease him. "I'm sure she's fine. We'll find her and bring her home safely."

"I'll help too. With the four of us, she'll be found in the nick of time. Don't worry," Wood assured the worried trolls. The males nodded to Wood's words. They knew Wood wouldn't give up on his friends and never hesitates to risk his life for them. Wood then turned to Primrose. "I have to go help."

"I know," she nodded, knowing well not to argue. Wood embraced her and she returned the gesture with great love. "Be careful."

"I will," Wood nodded. He then kissed her forehead and placed a hand over her belly. "Daddy will be back soon, Branch. Don't give your mother any hard times, okay?"

Primrose giggled and placed her hand over his, so that they would feel their son together once more. Then Wood joined his friends on their search for their missing friend. All they hope is that she's safe from harm.

Far from the village, Rhythm continued walking carefully through the rain, trying to avoid any obstacles in the way. The area was dark and misty from the rain, the ground was wet and muddy within each step she took, and there was no sign of life anywhere. The creatures of the forest were most likely in their homes and probably won't come out until the storm's gone.

Rhythm stopped for a moment. She tried to analyze the area around her and hoped that she didn't wander far from home. When she didn't hear the music, she proceeded to turn back. She stopped when her ears picked up the music again sounding louder than ever, indicating that she's getting closer to the source. "Hello?" She called out. "Anybody there?!" She cautiously walked forward, going through some bushes and under tree roots on the way.

It wasn't long until she reached a small clearing out in the open. Trees were all around her except in the center, the sky towered over the surroundings where anyone could clearly see the dark clouds. She followed the sound which led her towards a shrubbery of bushes where music was at its loudest.

"Hello?" Rhythm called out again, curiously walking towards the bushes. She was so distracted that she didn't notice the leaves below her being swept by her feet, revealing a net below her. When she looked over the bushes, she hoped to find a troll playing the music. She indeed found the source of the music, but what she discovered was not a troll, but instead...it was a big record player, replaying the same melody she heard before. "What?"

Suddenly, she felt herself being lifted into the air inside a net trap. She dropped her flashlight in the progress and she tried to break loose. "What is this? Let me out! Help!"

"Surprise!" A malicious female voice cried out as she laughed. Rhythm gasped as she was face to face with the Bergen Chef. "And here I thought I wouldn't catch anything in this weather." She watched the terrified troll in the net trap and poke the net, making Rhythm back away. "Just look at you. Such a beauty you are and you are going to make a lot of Bergens happy. Well, I got what I want and I believe that we should be on our way. Take a good look around here, troll, 'cause your future will go down...in flames."

Rhythm gasped in horror at her words. She knew what this meant: She was going to be the Trollstice Eve's troll. She hadn't forgotten what has happened to Beryl and now, her fate might be just as Beryl had faced. As Chef carried her away, Rhythm tried her best to call for help. "Help! Somebody, help!"

Meanwhile, Wood and the others searched high and low for Rhythm. The rain just made it harder to detect any sign of her and if she made footprints, the rain might have already washed them away.

They were currently in the forest, looking in every corner or hole to see if she was taking cover from the rain. "Where could she have gone?" DJ Sonic worriedly asked. "Why would she leave now?"

"Don't worry. I'm sure she's fine...at least I hope," Wood assured him. "We'll find her."

"Help!" The males stopped. They heard a cry as they twitched their ears to hear it. "Help!" When they heard it again, they gasped and their eyes widened.

"It's Rhythm!" Shiningstar realized. Tempo and DJ Sonic quickly dashed towards the direction of the cry. "Guys, wait for us!" He cried as Wood quickly followed them. They ran through puddles, climbed over rocks, and ran under the tree roots as they dashed through the forest. Rhythm's cries are getting louder the closer they get to her.

"Somebody, please! Anybody!" Rhythm shouted once more until the Bergen stopped walking. She yelped when she felt herself being lifted and came face to face to Chef from inside her net trap.

"Foolish troll, scream and struggle all you like," Chef grinned maliciously. "Escape is futile on my watch, but your cries will draw the others to me. So much the better. Your saviors will become my prey!"

What Chef didn't realized is that behind her, the four males had arrived, but stay hidden from view. Tempo gasped at the sight. His only sister at the hands of a Bergen and if nothing is done soon, she'll be forever lost. DJ Sonic's face turned pale once he saw Chef. It's the first time he's seen Chef so close that it terrified him. However, seeing Rhythm in trouble, he just couldn't stand by and do nothing. And when he attempts to rescue her, Wood grabs his arm, preventing from leaving.

"Sonic, no!" Wood whispered. "It's a trap!"

"But Rhythm needs our help!" DJ Sonic argued.

"And we will. We just need to find a better way."

Tempo looked around and grabbed two stones and started banging them together, using the sharp part of one against the other.

"What are you doing?" Shiningstar wondered.

He desperately kept on until it managed to chip off a smaller piece that had thin, sharp edges. Then he gave the piece to Wood. "Wood, use this to cut the ropes so that my sister can escape through."

"But what are you going to do?" Wood asked, his voice filled with concern. Tempo only stayed silent as he glanced at Chef. Wood realized in an instant what his plan is and became against. "No, no. Tempo, you can't do it alone!"

"Wood, once I distract the Bergen, she'll go after me. Then you two will try to free my sister. There's no other way," Tempo explained, his voice sounding solemn for he knew what he is risking.

"But there has to be another way!" DJ Sonic argued.

"Do you want to save Rhythm from being killed or not?" Tempo seriously asked. This silenced his future brother in law, knowing that he wants to protect his love despite the danger. "Listen, Wood, it is me who will distract the Bergen. Not DJ, not Shiningstar, me!" He pointed to himself, stating his final decision. Wood nodded sadly, respecting his choice. Tempo then went ahead while the rest went to the other direction.

"You know it has been years since the last female troll was a Trollstice's troll, so that makes you very special, my dear," Chef chuckled evilly at Rhythm. "Personally, I'd prefer cooking quite a delicacy such as you, but I can't disappoint the whole town, now would I?"

Quietly, Tempo hoisted himself with his hair on a branch located over Chef. He noticed his friends hiding behind a stone behind the Bergen waiting for his signal.

"Oh my, we need to hurry. The sooner the rain stop, the better it will be for us. And by us, I don't mean you, troll," Chef sneered. But as soon as she started walking, Tempo immediately swung down to her face, his feet kicking into her right eye. "Aah!" She yowled, dropping the net in the progress. "What in the world?"

"Hey, why don't you pick on somebody your own size?" Tempo called out, putting on a brave face.

"I'd prefer the ones that are half or barely my size and you fit the description!" Chef growled as she attempts to grab Tempo, but he jumps away.

"Come on! Get me!" Tempo taunted, shaking his behind in a taunting manner which made Chef angry as she chased after him. "Too slow, gotta go!"

While Tempo kept Chef busy and away from Rhythm, the three males took this chance and ran towards the net. When Rhythm saw her friends and DJ Sonic, she felt a great happiness and relief filling her heart. "Guys, you came! And DJ!" She cried as she held out her hand to him. DJ didn't hesitate to grab her hand and held it lovingly. He even kissed her hand.

Wood went to work and with the stones, he began to cut the ropes. "Don't worry, Rhythm. We'll get you out of here."

Meanwhile, Tempo was still doing his best to keep Chef away from the rest of the trolls. He then jumped at Chef, grabbing her nose with his hair and tightening it. Chef tried to shake him off, but he held on despite the rough movements. Having had enough, Chef angrily swatted him away and Tempo fell into the mud.

"You're a major pain of a pest, troll. But I have a way in getting rid of pests!" Chef said while searching for Tempo through the mud.

Tempo reappeared and threw mud at her face, followed by a combination of hair slaps. Tempo, being a party and music lover troll, wouldn't come to be expected as brave, fierce, or crazy enough to go up against a Bergen. However, knowing that his only sister's life is on the line, he won't hesitate to challenge a Bergen if it means saving her life at the risk of his own.

"Almost finished," Wood grunted as he rapidly tried to cut the last rope. Finally, he has broken through the rope and Rhythm was free.

She escaped through the opening and happily jumped into DJ's arms, embracing her love with relief and happiness. "DJ!"

"Oh, Rhythm," DJ sighed happily as he hugged her.

"Okay, let's pick up Tempo and get out of here!" Shiningstar said. Just then, they all turned back at the sound of Tempo's cry as he crashed into a thorny bush by Chef.

"Tempo!" The trolls yelled in alarm.

Tempo got out, but his body was all scratched and dirty from the fall. Some of the scratches even bled from the impact. He then lied down, panting heavily as he was feeling exhausted from the chase. As Chef glared at the copper troll, she turned back and realized that her captured troll was free from her net.

"Oh, I see what you've done there. Don't think that I'll let you escape from me!" Chef shouted angrily as she charged at the other trolls.

"RUN!" Shiningstar shouted. Wood and the others ran with all their might as they all heard Chef's footsteps behind them. Just then, DJ Sonic halted and ran back towards Chef and grabs a stick on the way.

"You won't get your hands on any of us!" DJ declared.

"DJ, run!" Wood ordered his friend. "Don't do it!" DJ Sonic did his best to defend his friends, but Chef's giant hand swatted him away as he was sent flying with a yell.

"DJ!" Rhythm cried in horror. Luckily, DJ Sonic landed in the mud unharmed, but helpless to defend himself from Chef's rage. As Chef was about to grab the red troll, Tempo suddenly grabbed DJ Sonic out of harm's way.

"Tempo!" Wood called out. Tempo tried to move with DJ Sonic besides him, but he struggled. "Hurry! Hurry and run!"

However, Tempo fell to his knees, panting heavily. A sharp pain alerted him and as he looked down, he noticed that a thorn had embedded itself on his left side. DJ Sonic noticed it and gasped. "Tempo, you're-"

"Don't worry about me," Tempo grunted. He tried to stand but his strength was nearly depleted due to the chase and injury. Tempo knew that he had to move fast as Chef closed in on them. As Wood, Rhythm, and Shiningstar watched in fear and worry for their fellow trolls, Tempo grabs DJ with his hair and with his last ounce of strength, he threw DJ Sonic to safety while avoiding Chef's hand. The red troll safely landed in Wood's hair as they stared at Tempo who was too exhausted to drag himself to safety.

Tempo gave one last look at his sister, knowing that she is safe from harm. He sadly smiled at him until Chef grabs him in her hand. "Thanks to your little stunt, my prize just went away!" Chef angrily yelled at him. She then calmed down and glare at Tempo. "But it looks like that I won't go empty-handed. You'll have to do for this year's Trollstice's Eve!"

"As long as my family's safe, I don't care what you do to me!" Tempo spatted.

"Then I guess that's settled then. We'll be off. Our audience awaits!" Chef finished. She then walked north, on the way to Bergen Town for the horrible ceremony that will happen.

Shiningstar, Wood, Rhythm, and DJ Sonic watched in horror as Tempo and Chef disappeared into the woods, thus leaving no sign of them.

"TEMPO!" Rhythm cried again, tears forming in her eyes while the others stared in silence.

Wood furiously punched on a tree, feeling angry for another life had been taken by Chef. "Curse you, Bergen!" He then grabbed a thin, sharp stone and dashed ahead.

"Wood! Where are you going?" Shiningstar asked surprisingly.

"There might be still time to save Tempo. I'm going to try," Wood said.

"Are you crazy?! To go to Bergen Town would be suicide!"

"If there is chance, we must take it," Wood declared. "It'll be faster if I go alone. Shiningstar, take care of Rhythm and wait for our return." Shiningstar nodded in agreement. Wood started to go, but then DJ Sonic grabbed his hand.

"Wait! You're not going after Tempo. At least, not alone you won't. We go together."

"DJ," Rhythm tried to speak, but her love held her cheek, drying the wet tears with his thumb.

"If I don't help, then I'll feel guilty for Tempo's fate. He saved my life and I'm going to try to save his. He's family and we don't leave them behind."

"But I don't want to lose you too," Rhythm cried. DJ Sonic softly leaned forward and grabbed her lips in a kiss which she returned, not wanting to think that it would be the last kiss she'll have with him. Once they separated, they shared a great hug together. "Please, come back to me."

"We'll be back," DJ sonic softly said. He turned to Wood. "Are you ready?"

"I always am," Wood nodded his head. "But the real question is: Are you? This is a dangerous place we're going. I can't guarantee of the dangers we'll face."

"I have to. For Rhythm and Tempo," DJ Sonic said.

Wood nodded and both males then went after them, following the giant footprints Chef has left behind. Shiningstar and Rhythm waited under some leaves, protecting themselves from the rain. "Wood, DJ, please come back. I can't bare to lose someone dear to me," Shiningstar thought. Images of his father's sacrifice flashed through his mind. "Please, don't let them share the same fate."

The rain had stopped with only a few drops falling, indicating that the storm's passing. In Bergen town, the Bergens were coming out of their homes, now that the rains had ceased. DJ Sonic and Wood were watching those giants walking through the streets from the rooftops. It was still dark at night which gave them the advantage of traveling around without being spotted.

"I bet wherever the Bergens are going, Tempo will be there as well," DJ Sonic assumed.

Wood agreed with a nod. "Possibly, but we must take care. We're already in great danger here, like worms inside a bird's nest. However, danger or no danger, we must try to help our friend."

"True that. You ready to go, Wood?"

Wood nodded silently. The two trolls ran across the rooftops and jumping over ledges. When the path stopped, they swung across the lampposts, sometimes jumping on top of a Bergen's hat, without notifying their enemies. They landed on one lamppost and overlook the area around them. Ahead of them, they saw a wooden platform where an unlit bonfire stood in the middle. The crowd was beginning to form below it. It was only a matter of time before Trollstice's eve would begin.

Just by watching what would initiate the start of this year's Trollstice had put ice on Wood's veins. This is what every troll fears the most. He recalled of each troll that had been lost to them thanks to this dreadful holiday. Primrose's father, his own father, Beryl, and so on. So many lives had been lost and most of them died due to saving their loved ones. If they don't try, Tempo will meet the same fate as them. Wood shook his head, returning to reality. He faced DJ and shared a nod of approval.

They both jumped down and ran through the shadows, avoiding being spotted. As they ran, they heard someone coming towards them. DJ hid behind a trashcan while Wood inside a flower pot. Two Bergens walked by while having a conversation.

"It's great that the rain stopped. I was worried Trollstice might be cancelled this year because of the weather."

"Me too. But we're even lucky that Chef managed to catch a troll despite the storm. Can't have Trollstice's Eve without a troll, now wouldn't we?"

Once the Bergens disappeared, the trolls came out of their hiding places. "All clear, DJ," Wood alerted him. They continued forward while keeping both eyes out for any danger as well as any sign of their missing friend.

DJ Sonic turned to a corner, until a door slammed him to the wall as a Bergen walked out of it. Wood gasped and quickly disguised himself as a weed in the dirt with his hair abilities. "Hurry up, Marge! Everyone else is already there!" The male Bergen exclaimed impatiently.

"I'm coming, Carl!" The female walked out and close the door, but didn't noticed DJ Sonic sliding down the wall as she followed her companion.

Wood came out and went to DJ Sonic. "DJ!" He shook the red troll to wake him up. "DJ, are you alright?"

DJ Sonic shook his head and groaned. "Oh, what hit me?"

"It was a door, you airhead! I'm surprised a party troll like you didn't just jumped aside," Wood grinned.

"I did! The wall got in my way!" DJ Sonic argued, feeling embarrassed of it. He turned to his right and gasped. "Wood, look over there!" Wood looked where he was facing. There was a shed being guarded by two Bergens and saw Chef coming out of it. After giving some instructions to the two, she left the shed.

"I bet that's where they're keeping Tempo," Wood guessed.

"Then let's go," DJ Sonic agreed.

The two trolls dashed ahead towards the shed. They kept their distance away from the Bergens. It wasn't long until they were close enough to see the shed and the guards up close. They needed to find a way in. Wood analyzed the area and spotted an opened window that was opened a crack, big enough for a troll to go through. Pleased to find a way in, Wood just needed to find a way to distract the guards. He then picked up a stone and with his hair, launched it towards a pot which fell and shattered into pieces.

"What was that?" One guard said.

"Sounds like it came form over there!" The other Bergen said. The guards went to investigate the noise. This gave the trolls the opportunity to go over the shed, climbed up a water pipe, and swung themselves through the window.

The inside of the shed was dark and musty, and the only source of light was from the moon and lanterns outside. The two trolls don't have much time so they began their search.

"Tempo!" Wood whispered.

"Where are you, Tempo?" DJ Sonic called out, a little louder than Wood's. "Say something."

"Wood? DJ?" A low voice was heard. The two trolls looked on. There was a table where a covered cage was placed on it. They came towards it and climbed up the leg. Once arriving it, they lifted the tarp over it, and there was Tempo. He was on the cage wall, holding his side where he got hurt.

"Tempo!" Both trolls cried, feeling relieved that they weren't too late.

"Guys!" Tempo stood up weakly and walked towards them. "What are you doing here?!"

"We're here to rescue you!" Wood said. He took out the thin, sharp stone and attempted to pick the lock. "We don't have much time."

"You shouldn't have come here!" Tempo proclaimed. "Where's Rhythm?"

"She's with Shiningstar. Don't worry. She's safe, but you'll see her again once you're out of here," DJ Sonic answered.

Tempo admits that he so wanted to be with his sister again, but inside his heart, he knew that it won't happen anytime soon. He sighed solemnly and then grabs Wood's hand, stopping his progress in unlocking the cage. "Wood, I'm not coming back."

"What?!" Both Wood and DJ Sonic exclaimed in shock. "What do you mean?"

"I can't come with you. Even if I do escape, I'm too weak to make it. I don't have the strength to run anymore," Tempo sadly stated while showing his injury. "I'm going to accept my fate, especially when I know that I protected Rhythm."

"Don't talk like that!" Wood shouted. "We'll help you and you'll be back home with us."

"Listen to me. If I do escape with you, then Chef will come back for someone else. What if she captures Primrose or even King Peppy? I won't risk that! Better me than anyone else," Tempo explained.

"We'll make sure that she won't get anyone from our families," DJ Sonic assured him.

"Tempo, Chef would still come back for Trollstice, even if she has you! She'll probably capture Rhythm or someone precious to us!" Wood pleaded. "Please, we've already lost Shiningstar's father last year. Don't give this pain to all of us, especially Rhythm. You're all she has left now."

Tempo only shook his head. "No, Wood. Even if Trollstice comes, I won't risk my sister's future. Besides, I'm not her only family. She has all of you now, especially you, DJ Sonic. I am proud to call you my brother and I will leave her in great hands. Your hands."

"This can't be happening!" DJ Sonic's eyes widen in shock.

"Both of you, leave me and go back! I die for my friends! There is no better end!" Tempo decided.

"I'm not going anywhere! I won't go back without you!" DJ Sonic then tried to pick the lock again, but Tempo hit him with his hair. "Tempo, please. Don't do this!" DJ's eyes began to water, but when he saw Tempo's eyes shedding tears as well, he stayed silent.

"DJ Sonic, protect my sister. I trust you with her life. Promise to love her as much as I do." DJ Sonic didn't say a word. Instead, he nodded silently with great difficulty. Tempo then turned to Wood, who stood silently but sad as well, and removed his bling necklace that has a bright 'T' on it and gave it to Wood. "Wood, give this to Rhythm and tell her that I'll always love her and that I'm sorry...that Tempo...had to die like real troll!"

Wood nodded and silently bowed in respect. He then held DJ's arm and both trolls left Tempo in the cage. They reached the window, but they gave one last look at Tempo which will be the last time they'll ever see him. With wet tears falling from their faces, both trolls left the shed while Tempo remained inside the cage, knowing what awaits him. Though he's glad that he had protected everyone he loves, he silently prayed for their safety on Trollstice.

"Farewell, my friends. Watch over everyone."

It has been some time since Wood and Rhythm had left to save Tempo. Shiningstar paced around nervously while Rhythm sat on a rock, waiting for their return. "When will they back?" Rhythm worriedly asked.

"I'm sure they're on their way. Look, Rhythm, if anyone can make it through, it's Wood and I've never known him to give up so easily," Shiningstar said confidently. But deep down, even he was becoming worried.

Suddenly, they heard rustling. They both heard it and saw two figures coming towards them. Once they got closer to them, Shiningstar could clearly see his friends Wood and DJ Sonic arriving. "It's them! They're here!"

Rhythm gasped and ran towards them with Shiningstar behind her. Rhythm grabbed DJ Sonic in a hug, wrapping her arms around his neck. Shiningstar wrapped his arms around Wood's arms. "You're alright!" Shiningstar exclaimed happily. However, he didn't feel Wood embracing him as well and when he glanced at Wood, he noticed the sad, solemn look on his face. He noticed that DJ Sonic shared the same type of look. Something wasn't right and he felt it.

"I'm glad you're both safe," Rhythm happily said, but when she saw her boyfriend's face, she released him. "What's wrong? And where's Tempo? Isn't he with you?"

Wood and DJ Sonic don't know how to break the news to them. How they reached Tempo, only for him to stay behind for their sake. How they've failed. It was as if the words didn't dare to come out of their mouths. Then, Wood had the courage, though faint of heart, to speak. "Rhythm, I'm afraid that Tempo...is not coming back."

Rhythm gasped. "Not coming back? What do you mean? Where is he?"

DJ Sonic gulped and struggled to speak. His fists clenching from the stress, his tears threatening to fall before his girl. "Tempo is...I don't know how to say this but..."

"But what?" Rhythm urged him.

He sighed deeply. "Rhythm...I am sorry to say this to you but Tempo sacrificed himself to ensure that we would leave. It was his choice that he intended to fulfill through the end. He's...gone."

Rhythm became horrified by this news and shook her head in denial. She just couldn't believe that her brother's gone. "No...I...No! It's not true!"

"I'm sorry, Rhythm. We've tried everything and this is all we have of him," Wood said, taking out the necklace Tempo gave him. "He gave this to me so that you would have something to remember him by. It could offer you a bit of comfort."

"Comfort?! My brother's probably dying by now! Where in the world can comfort come now?!" Rhythm shouted, tears heavily falling from her face. "TEMPO!" She began to run forward only for DJ Sonic to stop her by grabbing her.

"Rhythm, stop! It's no use!"

"Let me go, DJ! I'll go over there myself! I'll go to Bergen Town and save my brother!" Rhythm shouted in distress.

"You can't do anything by just rushing in like that!" Wood said, trying to knock some sense into Rhythm. "Nothing will amount from it!"

"But...but...!"

"There was nothing we could do for him," DJ Sonic explained, though he was crying as well. "We've tried to convince him, but he believed that if he escaped with us, then the Bergen would have come back and taken someone else. He didn't want that to happen. His heart wouldn't allow it."

"NO! TEMPO! TEEEMPOOO!" Rhythm bawled as her cries echoed through the forest. The males could only stay silent as they listened to their friend's sobs.

Wood looked up in the sky and saw a trail of smoke coming from Bergen Town. It was then he knew what has happened to Tempo and was glad he wasn't there to see it for he wants to remember him when he was alive. He silently cried, feeling responsible for not having done more. "Forgive me…Rhythm."

A year ago, it was Shiningstar's father, Beryl. And now it was Rhythm's brother, Tempo. Both were slain by Chef for Trollstice's Eve.

DJ Sonic then pulled Rhythm in a hug, letting her cry on his chest. He comforted her by rubbing her back and saying kind words to her. "Look, we have friends who will share our happiness and sadness. So you don't ever have to cry alone from now on. He loved you and always will and I promised him that I'll protect you and love you as much as he did." Rhythm sniffed as she glanced at DJ with a surprised look. "I could never replace Tempo, but I'll do my best in taking care of you. I love you, Rhythm. You're the only melody I'll want to hear every day and our love is a song that never ends."

Rhythm smiled softly and then hugged him again, with fresh tears now forming. Though she had experienced a grave loss, she was thankful that she still have DJ Sonic in her life as so the rest of her friends.

As the trolls silently mourned for their Tempo's death, they recalled of all the good times they've shared with Tempo and all the fun he made with his music, rap, beat boxing, and even record scratching. As long as Rhythm is around, a part of Tempo will always remain alive. After a moment, the four of them went on home to give out the terrible news of Tempo and to warn the village of Trollstice.

Rhythm could never stay angry or even come to hate or blame Wood or DJ Sonic of what happened. She was grateful for their effort, thankful that they made it home in one piece, and blessed that they're her friends and soon-to-be-husband. She prayed that none of her friends will experience the same fate as her brother's. She hoped for the best. They have to survive to ensure that Tempo's sacrifice does not be in vain.

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Neomoon585