A-WOOOOO!
Many of the Troll Tribe members looked up in fear as an unknown creature of the night howled and echoed in the forest. The Leaders and the Ambassadors gathered their people in one spot while the Bounty Hunters readied their weapons. As Chenille stood up and glanced around, trying to pinpoint the sound of the creature, she found herself face-to-face with it as it peered through the darkness.
It was a slender wolf with silver-grey fur, light blue eyes, and overall feminine features. Engaged in a standstill with Chenille, who wondered why such a creature did not attack right there and then, the creature in question instead opted on curiosity when confronting her. Furthermore, it seemed to beckon the Pop Troll closer and closer to it.
This is it.
This is how I die.
This is how I reunite with my sister.
Taking a few careful steps forward, Chenille took a deep breath as well as she reached out for the wolf. The animal responded by gently nudging her head forward to where it collided with her outstretched hand. Caressing its pelt, she visibly relaxed as the wolf mirrored her actions.
Huh.
This is...
This isn't too bad—
A-WOOOOO!
Suddenly, the moment Chenille and the wolf locked eyes was the moment they started to glow as well.
. . .
. . .
. . .
"Where...where am I?"
. . .
"Miss Chenille. Is that you?"
. . .
"Who said that?"
. . .
"Do not be alarmed, Miss Chenille. My name is Eric, the King of the Folk Rock Trolls."
. . .
"The Folk Rock Trolls?"
. . .
"That is correct. I am contacting you on behalf of an acquaintance of yours. Are you familiar with a Sir Trollex, King of the Techno Trolls?"
. . .
"King Trollex? Yes! Yes, I am! Is he there with you?"
. . .
"He had just left a few days to Dragon City with a Dragon Troll named Sisu and his royal consort Agatha."
. . .
. . .
. . .
"Um...okay?"
. . .
"Oh, perhaps I forgot to mention that the Trollex I have encountered may be an alternate universe variant of the mainstream counterpart."
. . .
"You mean...there are two Trollexes running rampant?"
. . .
"It would appear so. The letter they sent me was quite complex to say the least."
. . .
"A letter? Sent by who?"
. . .
"The Trollex of your universe, of course. He wrote a letter detailing his intentions to travel from Dragon City to the Folk Rock Kingdom at the behest of the trio led by the alternate Trollex. He will be accompanied by Empress Sun Lien and a Pop Troll with a pink gemstone embedded in her navel."
. . .
"A Pop Troll with a pink gemstone embedded in her navel? That's my friend, DJ Suki!"
. . .
"A group led by Miss DJ and your Trollex are seeking refuge and allies in the battle against the combined forces of the Party Crashers, the Chanty Trolls, and the Siren Trolls."
. . .
"The Siren Trolls?"
. . .
"I wish I could explain further, but this communication spell can only so long. If you wish to reunite with your friends, I suggest traveling to the Folk Rock Kingdom and rendezvous there. I fear a battle lies ahead for us all."
. . .
"A battle? But how do I find this Folk Rock Kingdom?"
. . .
"The Will O' The Wisps will guide you. But you must pass this information to the rest of the Tribe Leaders as soon as possible."
. . .
"Don't worry! I will!"
A moment later, Chenille was brought back into the light...just as the wolf was brought back into the darkness.
Indeed, she blinked for a mere moment and discovered the wolf was no longer present. The literal dark atmosphere that dimmed for the wolf had considerably brightened a little more now that it was absent. Glancing around, she wondered if it was just a dream.
A very realistic dream.
"Chenille!"
She turned to find Branch climb up to where she stood and examine her from head to toe for any injuries.
"Chenille, are you okay?"
Glancing back and forth between him and the forest, Chenille sighed and turned back to Branch.
"Branch...there's a lot I need to you about."
Poppy and the others eventually returned to the castle, with Shang and Xia eventually meeting their new younger siblings. Despite the quartet not knowing they had a pair of older siblings until that very moment, Wei Shen, Wei Zhen, Wei Ming, and Wei Ling were nonetheless pleasantly surprised by the revelation, forming an instant bond with them as their parents shared a discussion with the former Tribe Leaders.
"Dragon City was attacked?" Queen Aretha was appalled.
"By the combined forces of the Party Crashers, the Chanty Trolls, and the Siren Trolls, as Shang and Xia explained," Long Wei confirmed.
"I can understand the former two groups," Nina drank her soup, "but why the latter one? From what I've read about them, they strive to feed off the negative emotions from people...well, actually, that kinda answered my own question."
"It must be an ulterior motive," Peony rubbed her chin, "Considering that Agatha and the Magical Musical Trolls exist in their universe, it's plausible that they're only there for her."
"For now," King James contemplated, "Considering Poppy has all the powers of the Six Strings imbued in her, she's practically a Magical Musical Troll at this point."
Poppy's breath hitched in her throat, "So they'll come after me next."
"We will protect you," Peony held her daughter close as Poppy sulked...before pulling her act together to turning to Paul.
"We need to continue on. What's the last location for my training?"
"It would appear to be the kingdom of TrollsTopia," Paul responded, causing Poppy to raise an eyebrow and turn to her mother.
"They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery," Peony smiled and shrugged, prompting Poppy to return the action.
"My students Raya and Mei will join you in your quest," Wai Lin spoke next, "They need to travel back to their respective universes and continue their training. In addition, they may provide you with sufficient assistance for the battle ahead."
"But I don't want to leave yet!" A distraught Mei said, "I'm not ready to fight! I... Will I ever see you again?"
"Of course, young Mei," Wai Lin reached over and clasped their hands together, "Lady Poppy was able to return to the Space Between in a time of need, so the same rules will apply to you."
"Don't worry, Mei-Mei," Raya smiled at the Panda Troll she called a younger sister, "No matter what happens, we'll always be together."
Mei still had her doubts, but it was enough to momentarily assuage them as she leaned her head into her older sister's chest. Raya silently nuzzled her hair.
"We can leave in the morning," Mirabel eventually said, "We need our beauty sleep first. As we witnessed, all work and no beauty sleep makes Poppy crazy..."
Poppy shot a stank-eye at Mirabel, who smugly smirked at her "witty remark", causing the Pop Queen to exchange laughter with her before she retreated back to her room. Gathering her belongings and a new outfit for tomorrow, she laid down on her guest bed and did her best to let herself be carried away to Slumberland. However, it was not before her nerves initially got the best of her that she finally slipped away.
I have to complete my training...
. . .
For my friends...
. . .
For my people...
. . .
For Branch...
. . .
. . .
. . .
"So...there are two Trollexes."
"Yes."
"And...they're with DJ and a few others traveling from Dragon City to this Folk Rock Kingdom?"
"Yes."
"And the Party Crashers, the Chanty Trolls, and these...Siren Trolls are currently in pursuit of them?"
"Yes."
. . .
. . .
. . .
"And you somehow managed to telepathically communicate with a wolf and survive while doing so?"
"Wha-? I said yes, Guy!"
Still a little shaken after her encounter with the wolf in question, Chenille was seated at a campfire across from Branch and surrounded by the Snack Pack, the Tribe Leaders, and the Tribe Ambassadors. Creek, Adora, Catra, and the Bounty Hunters each separated and took shifts as their security measures against the next potential wave of invaders.
"I know it's a little difficult to explain," Chenille carefully hovered her hands near the fire, "But I'm just repeating what King Eric said."
"And how do we know we can trust this King Eric or whoever this guy is?" Barb raised an eyebrow in suspicion before being interrupted by Val.
"Well, I don't care who he is at the moment. Did he say or mention anything about Melody?"
"I don't think so," Chenille shook her head, "but he did say DJ, Diogo, Dulce, and a few others are among the group with the two Trollexes. So, if he's there, chances are Melody is there with them, along with the kids who snuck away."
"So Tiny Diamond may be still alive," Guy Diamond exchanged smiles with Meadow Spriggs.
"And Little P too," Barb nodded.
"That's good enough for me," Val stood up and checked the chamber of her Beretta 92FS, "Melody's survived hell or high water since she was born, but an alliance between the Party Crashers, the Chanty Trolls, and these Siren Trolls is where I'm crossing the line."
"And this is where you should cross the line at pulling a Leeroy Jenkins," Gust approached from the side, "Val, I know you're eager to help your cousin out of a sticky situation, but you said so yourself: Melody's made it alive of precarious predicaments for so long, and this shouldn't be any different."
"And yet, it is," Laguna adjusted her glasses once more, "We have no idea who the Siren Trolls are or what they're capable of, but judging by their label, they seem to utilize their voices to lure unsuspecting prey to their demise by way of a song or other musical composition, hence their namesake."
"Great," Barb groaned at the slight ironic familiarity, "That's just the last thing we need after my World Tour."
"At least you were regretful," Biggie blissfully remarked.
"And we became best friends afterward!" Legsly smiled and flashed a thumbs up.
While their intended encouraging statements earned them both a deadpan glare from the Hard Rock Queen, even Barb could not help but chuckle in acknowledgement.
"Regardless..." Queen Essence raised a foot in interjection, "If this is a chance to save our Tribes and reunite with our loved ones, then I suggest we take it with caution. Chenille, I know this question has an obvious answer, but does King Eric bear any ill will towards you or the other Tribes?"
"I don't think so," Chenille shook her head, "King Eric practically invited us to rendezvous at the Folk Rock Kingdom to discuss a plan. He's under the impression that a battle with the Party Crashers, the Chanty Trolls, and the Siren Trolls is impending."
"Then he's under the right impression," King Quincy rubbed his chin, "I suggest we leave in the morning. We need to give our people a bit more time to recover."
"I second that," Branch nodded in agreement, "I'll stay up gathering the weapons, medical supplies, and other equipment before the journey."
"Me too," Hickory stood up first.
"Me three," Holly stood up next.
"Us four..." Gust pulled Val up, "...and five."
"Consider me an additional helping hand as well," Laguna adjusted her glasses.
"Okay then," Branch shrugged as he beckoned the group of five to follow him, "You guys get an early start before we get an early leave in the morning."
"Much appreciated, Branch," Delta Dawn tipped her hat as she planted a kiss on Hickory's cheek before taking her leave along with the other Tribe Leaders and Ambassadors.
The Snack Pack and some of the other Ambassadors lingered around the campfire while Chenille took to walking around and observe some of the Trolls who were still wide awake. Spotting that cat Sheriff talking to Harper and Archer, she noticed the tone with which she shared the conversation: hushed, hurried, and hastened.
Well, that's not suspicious at all...
. . .
I guess Branch will deal with that later...
Poppy's group left in the morning, bidding Long Wei and his family goodbye as they embarked on a journey once more. Before they did, he requested Shang and Xia join them on their journey as a means to reunite with Sun Lien and help her defend the living and avenge the fallen.
As they reached the mountains that stood between Dragon City and TrollsTopia, Poppy spared a glance at the bottomless chasm that meant mostly certain death. That glance transformed into a gaze, Poppy seemingly entranced by the pitch black...before remembering the glowing light.
I lace the boots up
It's straight to the door
'Cause this, is worth fighting for
I get my head right
The heart's gotta follow
Whisper a prayer like there ain't no tomorrow
Take a breath, and I exhale slow
In one universe, Poppy took a breath and exhaled slow...
...just as Branch did the same in another.
Branch's group left in the morning, him and the Tribe Leaders leading the members of the six Troll Tribes into the heart of Troll Forest. The Tribe Ambassadors stuck closely to their respective Leaders, while the Snack Pack and the Bounty Hunters surrounded their every side to ensure no stragglers would be planning an impromptu ambush.
Trailing close beside Branch was Chenille, who helped him navigate the harsh terrain, knowing they were all venturing into uncharted territory. She watched as he slowed to a stop and stood on a tree trunk, peering through his binoculars as he plotted his next course on the nonexistent map.
I wasn't made for this kind of cold
This ain't the kinda place that you wanna know
These are the elements I'm telling you bro
This world is up in my grill
This world is shooting to kill
This world always gotta be stealing my heart
This world always tryin' to rip my family apart
In one universe, Branch closed his eyes...
...just as Poppy opened hers in another.
I'll fight the elements...
Staring into the dark abyss, Poppy did not notice the initially concerned and eventual acknowledging glance shot by her mother, who watched along with the group as her daughter began to glow.
Staring into the strange wilderness, Branch did notice the intially concerned and eventual acknowledging glance shot by Chenille, who watched along with the rest of the Tribe Leaders and Ambassadors.
I'll fight the elements...
With newfound determination, Branch unsheathed a pair of machetes.
I got spirit...
Poppy narrowed her yellow eyes at the crevice before her...
I got faith...
...just as Branch narrowed his blue eyes at the landscape before him.
I might bend...
Poppy took a deep inhale...
But I won't break...
...just as Branch took a deep exhale.
I'll fight the elements...
With that, Poppy leaped down into the deep rift...
. . .
. . .
. . .
...and immediately soared right back up for a brief moment before falling again...
. . .
. . .
. . .
...and subsequently rising up once again.
And I'ma go down swinging
At the same time, Branch leapt up and extended his hair to where it could latch onto a tree branch before swinging forward and using his machetes to cut down the vines blocking their path.
If I go down
From the ground, Chenille joined him, using her own machete to cut down the leftover vines and clear the way.
I'ma go down swinging
Using his hoverboard, Prince D took Chenille by the hand and helped her help Branch with clearing a path.
If I go down
Hickory chuckled to himself as he took up a machete of his own and leaped into the air.
I'ma go down swinging
Poppy hopped in the air, using a series of pink-glowing pads similar to those in Dragon City to maintain her balance and make her way across.
If I go down
Often times, she would use the same pads as target practices when throwing balls of purple energy at them.
I'ma go down swinging
Spinning in the air while hurling the balls at the targets, Poppy finally flipped across another series of glowing pads...
If I go down
...and landed on her feet on the other side.
This ain't our home
Meanwhile, DJ's group set up camp in a desert a couple days more from where the Folk Rock Kingdom awaited them.
Nah, not even close
Watching Namaari practice swordsmanship by herself, DJ took a sword and offered herself as a sparring partner.
They camouflage like we fighting some ghosts
Watching her aunt engage in a sparring session with the Dragon Troll, CJ took up a shortsword and mimicked her moves.
You start to doubt everything that you know
Watching this, Bi-Na, Young & Min took up their swords and helped CJ perfect her swordsmanship.
I feel the heat, and it's starting to show
Sisu then turned to the two Trollexes and blasted them both with a surprise mist attack.
They try to break us, break us
A couple of days in, and the Troll Tribes were on the brink of despair. Even if they wished to abrupt give up any hope, a single ray of it motivated them to keep moving forward.
Make us wanna give in
Taking his job as the acting King of the Techno Trolls far more seriously, Synth utilized his water manipulation abilities to clear a body of water that was blocking their way across.
Lay down our arms, Novocain us again
Cooper, Guy Diamond, and Meadow Spriggs worked together to create a distraction from the snakes, spiders, Tarantacapuffs, and other predators that hindered their journey.
Lay down a fight, I could never relent
Val and Gust each took turns throwing axes at various trees and bushes. In particular, the former hurled her bladed weapons with frightening accuracy.
And I'ma take it all the way to the end
Come hell or high water, nobody and nothing on Earth was going to stop her from reuniting with her younger cousin.
I'll fight the elements
Poppy's yellow eyes glowed again as she created an energy-based katana out of thin air.
I'll fight the elements
Branch's blue eyes narrowed again as he unsheathed his machete from its scabbard.
I got spirit...
Poppy took a fighting stance with her katana as Raya took a fighting stance of her own with her own sword.
I got faith...
Branch took a fighting stance with his machete as Chenille took a fighting stance of her own with her own blade.
I might bend...
Poppy took a deep inhale...
But I won't break...
...and Branch took a deep exhale.
I'll fight the elements...
All four parties stared each other down...
...and charged at each other.
And I'ma go down swinging
The swords of Poppy and Raya clashed against each other as they took a swing at each other.
If I go down
I'ma go down swinging
Branch carefully swung his machete to avoid hitting Chenille completely as she slashed at him.
If I go down
I'ma go down swinging
Poppy ducked from a swing from Raya's sword, the hit of which was blocked with her own before swinging back.
If I go down
I'ma go down swinging
Branch stopped Chenille's knife from being buried deep within his eyesocket with his hand on her wrist.
If I go down
All four parties eventually disarmed each other of their respective weapons...
...before they charged at each other with nothing but their bare fists.
Let's go!
Elements, the el-elements
Poppy and Raya exchanged blow after blow...
Elements, the el-elements
Branch and Chenille dodged hit after hit...
Elements, the el-elements
Mirabel and Mei blocked punch after punch...
Elements, the el-elements
DJ and Namaari dealt kick after kick...
Elements, the el-elements
Satin and Mr. Wolf landed hook after hook...
Elements, the el-elements
The two Trollexes shared strike after strike...
Elements, the el-elements
Poppy, Raya, Mirabel, and Mei rotated and practiced their fighting tactics with each other...
Elements, the el-elements
...and the former Captain Blue, deep within her own special cell far from the other prisoners, pulled no punches when it came to punching up and beating down her improvised training dummies. Rage, sorrow, and determination were all curled up in a bouncing ball within her as she struggled to put together the puzzle pieces of a plan in her head before bringing it forth to execution.
Suddenly, the door for her cell opened...and in stepped an equally determined Mal Shredder and an equally sorrowful Vivace.
Poppy's group eventually felt the cold breeze after a few hundred miles, prompting them to retrieve the appropriate warm clothing as they scanned their surroundings. Told by Peony that a cold breeze was a sign that they were close to TrollsTopia, the four girls and the Lost Trolls surveyed the setting for the kingdom.
Father, God let me see it for what it is
This ain't neutral we're up against
These elements push me to the fence
And then I end up on top of it
It was then that Poppy finally saw it...
If I'm not careful
Branch's group eventually felt a cold breeze after the last hundred miles, prompting them to retrieve the appropriate warm clothing as they surveyed the setting. Told by Chenille that a cold breeze was a sign that they were close to the Folk Rock Kingdom, the Snack Pack and the Bounty Hunters scanned their surroundings for the city.
To recognize what is pushing in
Open my eyes to these elements
Stand up and rise to these elements
I'm willing to fight, willing to fight
It was then that Branch finally saw it...
TrollsTopia...
The Folk Rock Kingdom...
The elements...
. . .
. . .
. . .
BOOM!
Shooting out from the side of the Chanty Trolls' ship was a lone hoverboard piloted by three unlikely allies. Blue placed stress on the transportation device's main controls as she flew and dodged all kinds of obstacles. Vivace focused on navigation as she used the map and compass to chart a course towards the heroes' last-known location and evade their persistent pursuers. Mal Shredder worked on weaponry as she wielded the laser cannons to shoot down said persistent pursuers.
Eventually flying into the eye of an incoming winter storm, the trio pinpointed the heroes' last-known location: the Folk Rock Kingdom...
...which is where Branch and the rest of the Troll Tribes were.
Elements, the el-elements
Branch broke into a sprint, prompting Chenille, the rest of the Snack Pack, and the Tribe Leaders to follow suit...
Elements, the el-elements
Poppy broke into a sprint, prompting Raya, Mirabel, Mei, and the rest of the group to follow suit.
Elements, the el-elements
Unbeknownst to Branch's group, DJ's group arrive and spotted the castle, bolting at the same time as they did.
Elements, the el-elements
Poppy, Raya, Mirabel, and Mei hopped on several different rocks as they raced toward the castle gates.
Elements, the el-elements
Branch and the others slowed to a stop as they came face-to-face with a large moat that prevented them from approaching the castle. Spotting a group of boats, Branch instructed the Snack Pack and the Bounty Hunters to stay behind and protect the Tribes while he, the Tribe Leaders, and the Tribe Ambassadors consulted with King Eric. Far from their location, DJ's group spotted another group of boats and took two each to travel to the castle gates, while Blue, Vivace, and Mal Shredder spotted DJ's group and soared through the mist.
Elements, the el-elements
Satin took a good look at the damage done to the training dummies as Mr. Wolf looked on.
Elements, the el-elements
Zoe and Annabeth watched from their watchtower as a trio of different groups of different Trolls traveled toward the castle, exchanging concerned glances.
Elements, the el-elements
Mei was the first to arrive at the gates...
Elements, the el-elements
...followed by DJ and her group.
Elements, the el-elements
Mirabel and Raya arrived next...
Elements, the el-elements
...while Branch and his group gained on from behind the same time as the trio led by Blue followed behind.
Elements, the el-elements
...while Poppy was the last to arrive.
She, along with the three girls, gazed upon the gates in wonder. While the recurring sight of said gates never ceased to amaze Raya, Mirabel, and Mei, Poppy was amazed because it was the first official time she ever laid eyes on them. They were quite simple in construction with a primary gold scheme with studded sapphires, engraved emeralds, and other scattered stones, but it was the sight that stood behind the gates that truly entranced Poppy. For her, the gates merely complemented the city and were an indication of things to come.
They had arrived at TrollsTopia...