Disclaimer:

I do not own trolls. Dreamworks has all rights. First three chapters are a fanfic of a fanfic; Lone Concert originally by Dawnbuneary. The story has been dead since 2017 and I decided to pick it backup so here is my take on this trollverse. Hope you enjoy.

All the trolls had remained in the safe house since Poppy and Branch left and were waiting patiently for their return. Then all of a sudden they heard a dinging noise. Some of the trolls were able to recognize the sound. "Listen. It's Poppy's cowbell!" Laguna said. To the other trolls that were hiding in Branch's bunker. "Poppy did it!" Sky Toronto said as he led the excited trolls to meet their princess only to be met by someone else they were not expecting. "Creek?" Dr. Plum asked before he was lifted back up by the Chef who was surrounded by a bunch of Bergans and their Fanny packs. Ready for their demise. "Uh-oh."

Back at the cage was met with several faces he never imagined he would ever see again. "Bitty B you're alive!" JD hollard as he raced towards Branch not even noticing his lack of colors or discomfort of the situation. He just wanted to hug his brother that he thought was dead and no one was going to stop him. Poppy noticed that Branch was not happy with the hug and tried to help, but was not successful, because before she could do anything Branch's other siblings spoke up. "Branch it's really you." Clay said, not quite believing his own eyes. Branch shoved JD off of him and returned to his usual brooding face. "Who else did you expect?" Branch said sarcastically. Poppy knew how hurt he was by his siblings leaving and this whole situation did not help at all. "It's just that you're… well you're." Floyd tried to say only for Barb to finish. "Grey." They all just stared at their brother and the Snack Pack were not liking the looks Branch was receiving from these people. "What happened to you?" Spruce asked, full of concern for his baby brother. But Branch just crossed his arms and walked from them. "Hey Baby Branch don't act like a baby come on talk to us what happened?" JD said. That caused Branch to snap and the Snack Pack knew it. Poppy knew it. She tried to calm her boyfriend down before things got out of control but Suki stopped her whispering that Branch needed to do this. So all Poppy could do now was watch.

"I haven't been a baby since the day you all walked out on me because I had to then Gramma got eaten because I was too lost in song to notice her warning me about a Bergan. When she saved me from it I then had no one left after that." Branch yelled with tears in his eyes. Suki let go of Poppy's shoulder gesturing for her to go to Branch. She just went up to him and gently gave him a hug which he returned. No one had ever seen Branch like this so vulnerable. In so much pain. Poppy's heart broke. It hurts seeing someone she loves so much be in so much pain. Someone she cared for had to have gone through so much on their own. She vowed to never leave him ever again. As for Branch's family all they could do was stare at the man their brother had become. The struggles and agony he must have gone through and be able to come through the other side. Sure he might have lost his colors but that did not defy who he is. Branch's brothers and sister slowly come to gather around him in a group hug. This time Branch did not push them away. Delta turned to her husband who had not said a single word upon seeing the son he had lost be all colorless. The beautiful colors that belonged to Branch's mother were gone. And it broke Ozzy's heart. When he felt Delta's hand on his shoulder he knew what he needed to do and he knew he could do it with her support. When the group hug ended Ozzy wheeled up in his chair. "Branch." He said slowly, watching his youngest turn to him. He took a deep breath before continuing. "I am so sorry. You were never meant to be on your own. Had he known you were still alive I would not have stopped searching for you until you were found. We were always going to come back but after the first attempt we barely escaped and were going to wait several years before trying again with a much larger group. The JD found us and told us that everyone at the Troll Tree was gone. We all assumed the worst and I know there is nothing I can do to take back the pain you have endured but know that I am beyond happy because my boy was brought back to life." Ozzy finished with tears streaming down his face.

Branch didn't know what to say. His family didn't leave him. Well they did but they were going to look for him. Branch just walked up and hugged his father briefly. He was still not much of a hugger and this was definitely way out of his comfort zone but he figured that it seemed appropriate. Poppy smiled really happy that the man she loves will no longer be alone and finally have his family back. He should be happy but he was still grey. Poppy thought back to the first night they had in the bunker on the sofa cuddling. Maybe Branch was right, maybe he was just grey for too long. Well like she told him she loves him no matter what rather he is grey or full of color. She was not going anywhere. Except right now because it seems that Chef has returned and we're moving them into a big cooking pot. Once they all landed in the pot they all heard a bunch of zipping noises. Then all the trolls from the troll kingdom came pouring in. They had failed. Creek actually did it and it was all her fault. If she had just listened to Branch from the start. Not thrown that party. Not go after Creek. Then everyone would be safe from their home and the Putt Putt Town. Everyone was going to die because of her mistake. "I still can't believe Creek did this." Poppy said. "Creek sucks. He is a slimeball that only thinks of himself and how to make his own image look better, no matter who he has to make look bad in comparison. People like that are called cons and he is a perfect example of that." Barb ranted. (Wink).

Poppy suddenly felt this weight of grief and despair tugging her down and she sank to her knees in the middle of the pot. Branch saw this but was held back by his family who did not want to lose him again in their final moments. King Peppy and Queen Viva also saw their daughter looking so sad. "Poppy are you alright?" Peppy asked. "I'm doing great. I got everybody I love thrown in a pot. Thanks for asking." Poppy said in a tone the Branch was very familiar with but not coming from Poppy. Usually it was heard coming from him. He was not the only one who seemed to notice this. "Poppy? Are you being? Sarcastic?" Biggie asked worriedly. Poppy got frustrated at the question and lost her temper at her best friend. "Yes!" This caused everyone who knew her to gasp; even Branch. "Oh, my God!" Smidge said not believing that the pink princess would even say such a thing in that tone. "I'm sorry." Poppy starts sorrowfully. "I don't know why I thought I could save you. All I wanted to do was keep everyone safe, like you did, Dad. But I couldn't." Poppy said, with sorrow.

"Poppy." Branch said, trying to think of a way to cheer up his princess. "I let everyone down." Poppy said between tears. "But, Poppy." Branch tried saying before he was interrupted. "You were right, Branch." He was taken back by this. What was he right about because in his eyes he was actually really wrong about a lot of things. "The world isn't all cupcakes and rainbows." No. No. No. Poppy please don't focus on those words. I was hurt, I was mad. Branch kept thinking. "Poppy." Branch tried one more time before being cut off by Viva this time. "This is all your fault putting those awful thoughts into my daughter's head." She screamed at Branch. "I knew she shouldn't have trusted a grey troll, they are nothing but trouble." Branch was taken back by that statement. This seemed to make Poppy even madder. "Stop! None of this is his fault. He warned us not to throw the party that got us caught. He told me not to go after Creek. But I didn't listen, I never listened. This is all my fault." Poppy said, with the last bit of fire that she had before stooping back down and turning grey. Soon every troll in the pot started to turn grey because watching the person they thought would never give up do just that. They didn't know how hope could then be possible. Branch never wanted anyone else to ever experience what he goes through each and everyday but now everyone is.

Branch thought he had experienced the worst moments of his life but watching that woman he held most dear give up her happiness and blaming herself was truly worse than anything else he had experienced. She was acting like. Him. She made choices that led to this yes but she can't control everything and she needs to forgive herself for making those mistakes. A lesson Branch could take a page out of. He then realized what he needed to do. What he had needed to do all this time. The pot was silent then an angelic voice Poppy never thought she would hear again began to ring out and her eyes turned to her boyfriend.

You with the sad eyes

Don't be discouraged

Everyone watched as Branch walked up to the princess. His family listened to the voice they never thought that they would hear sing. It truly was beautiful.

Oh, I realize It's hard to take courage

In a world full of people

You can lose sight of it all

Branch went down to the ground to sit next to Poppy. He gently placed a hand under her chin to try and look her in the eyes but they were too fixated on the ground below them. Branch knew he had to try and fix this. For all the times she never gave up on him and tried to help him find his colors it was time he returned the favor.

The darkness inside you

Can make you feel so small

Then the hug time bracelets went off one by one. Branch tried to hold out his arms for a hug thinking Poppy would except but instead she just turned away and covered her bracelet. Bridget was listening to the singing coming from inside the pot too distracted to notice Chef approaching her. "What are you doing? The king is waiting. Get those Trolls out there!" The vile woman said, causing Bridget to jump out of her skin. "Sorry, Chef." She told the old Bergan who just sneered at the smaller girl. "Oh, you are sorry." Not having any of it.

Show me a smile then

Don't be unhappy, can't remember when

Branch tried to think of a way to bring back that smile that he loved oh so much. His family watched in amazement as he was just doing all he can for this one troll. She must be really special to him. King Peppy already knew of the troll's feelings towards his daughter but Viva was just now coming to terms with just how deep this love must be.

I last saw you laughing

This world makes you crazy

Branch then slid on his knees towards Poppy making a silly gesture with his hands and arms and a matching face. Just to make her laugh which seemed to be working as she stood up with a shy smile and a slight chuckle. Branch would take it as he stood to join her and all the trolls noticed something amazing happening.

And you've taken all you can bear

Just call me up

'Cause I will always be there

And I see your true colors

As soon as Branch said those words Poppy's sunset pink was returning as vibrant as ever. She just stared down smiling, feeling joy again.

Shining through

I see your true colors

And that's why I love you

Poppy turned to hear grey boyfriend with the utmost love in her eyes. She then decided to take the next line as she took his hands and saw something no one thought was possible.

So don't be afraid

To let them show

Your true colors

True colors are beautiful

Poppy glowed pink when her colors returned but she was blinded by the purest blue glow. Branch was FINALLY getting his colors back. They weren't as bright as his family's or how it used to be but they were colors and to Poppy they were the most magnificent colors she had ever seen. When Branch noticed this he almost couldn't believe it. He was so overjoyed that he just started to dance with Poppy like they had done on that mushroom so long ago and Poppy finally got to live a dream of her's. She got to sing WITH Branch.

I see your true colors

Shining through

True colors

I see your true colors

That's why I love you

They danced around the pot and could see all of the colors of the trolls return as they moved around with one another. But Poppy just focused on the troll who was right in front of her. She just could not get over how wonderful his colors were. And even though they weren't as bright as other trolls they suited Branch perfectly.

So don't be afraid

To let them show

Your true colors

True colors

Poppy stared into Branch's Royal Blue eyes, his skin was a muted cyan, and his hair was the purest shade of indigo. She has never seen a troll with those colors and she doubts that she'll even see another one like him again.

Are beautiful

Like a rainbow

Like a rainbow

The song ended and all the trolls had their colors back. Poppy and Branch stopped dancing and hugged then Poppy got bold. Once they pulled away from one another she grabbed his vest and kissed him. There were a lot of cheers from the Extended Snack Pack and from Branch's family who were smiling proudly at the fact that Branch had found the person he truly loves. And who loves him back. That's very important too, you know. "Thank you!" Poppy said to Branch when they broke the kiss. "No. Thank you." He told her. "For what?" She was confused. What did she do? "For showing me how to be happy." Poppy could not believe it. Branch actually said he was HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!! "Really? You're finally happy? Now?" Don't get her wrong she was totally thrilled that Branch finally found his family, and colors, and all that, that they were back together but really he chose now to be happy? "I think so. Happiness is inside of all of us, right? Sometimes, you just need someone to help you find it." Poppy realizes what he said and she starts to come up with a plan to help the Bergans if they ever get the chance.

Poppy then felt a tugging at the bottom of her dress and saw Tiny Diamond. "What's gonna happen now, Aunt Poppy?" The Extended Snack Pack came surrounding her as Branch picked up Tiny and held him on his shoulder. "I don't know. But I know we're not giving up." She said with a smile full of hope. She then looked at Branch who smiled at her causing her to blush. Quickly Branch's brothers and sister came rushing to him and tackled him in a dog pile. They were all beyond happy to see his colors back. "Way to go Bitty B!" JD shouted. "Not bad either Poppsqueak." Barb said, hitting Poppy in the shoulder. She just slightly smiled as she rubbed her shoulder where Barb had just hit her. It hurt a little, but she was more excited about the concept of her possubeing her future sister in law. She always wanted a sister. "Looks like Barb approves of your girlfriend." Spruce said remembering when he first brought home Brandy. "That's good." Branch thinking about that. Then he saw a shadow approaching him. It was Queen Viva.

"Your majesty." Branch said, lowering his head. Even though he knew she disapproved of him he figured he might earn points for being respectful. "None of that." Viva waved her hand. "Branch I must apologize to you for my behavior. I never should have spoken to you like that." Branch gave her a smile before looking at Poppy who had a worried look on her face. Then he looked back at the Queen. "No need to. We both care for Poppy and just want to protect her. I understand." Viva and Peppy smile at Branch's grace. "Well I can't imagine anyone better suited for my daughter than you." Branch was taken back by this. He had the approval of both parents. "Oh Mom." Poppy said before rushing to her mom with the biggest hug ever. "I have only ever wanted your happiness. And I can see now that it is with him." Viva said, hugging her daughter. Poppy ended the hug and went to Branch to hold his arm and rest her head on his shoulder. Things were going to be ok. She could just feel it.

Turns out all that Branch needed for his colors to return was not only to be happy again. Happiness can't heal wounds caused by trauma and pain. But being able to forgive yourself and embracing that pain not letting it consume you can lead you to being happy once again. And that's what Branch needed to do to be able to finally heal. To finally regain his colors. And all it took was for him to help someone else with the same problem.

Ok one down two more to go. We are so close to the end can you feel it? I just was to say thank you again for all the positive comments and feedback that y'all have given me. Hope y'all enjoyed this chapter and until the next time.