Hope everyone had a great Easter!
Heads Up: I will be referencing The Beat Goes On and TrollsTopia along with the movie and the specials throughout the rest of this story ;)) This is because I don't want the brothers to think they know 'everything' about Branch just from watching the movies, because they don't. I want there to be some confusion when they arrive (as there are other trolls living there other than just Pop Trolls) because they still don't really know what Branch has been up to.
The warm embrace of the morning sun cast a golden glow over Pop Village, painting the sky with hues of warm yellows and bright blues as dawn broke. A gentle breeze danced through the village, caressing the leaves on trees and bringing a sense of peace to the serene atmosphere. Outside his bunker, a certain dark-haired troll sat, his expression softening into a small smile as he breathed in the fresh morning air.
Branch, with the corners of his eyes crinkled in contentment, took a deep, relaxing breath, enjoying the fresh morning air and savoring the tranquility of the moment. Not many other trolls were awake right now, as dawn was just rising, yet he had been up since the early hours, joining Synth and the Techno Trolls for their usual morning swim at Hiding Place Hot Springs. Since Poppy introduced TrollsTopia, the custom had become a source of refreshment and bonding for them, Branch coming to enjoy spending his waking hours alongside one of his best friends, Synth.
Reflecting on the whirlwind of changes that had swept through his life in such a short span, Branch couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. In the past year, he had undergone a remarkable transformation, shedding the weight of grief and despair that had once consumed him. For twenty years of his life, he'd been gray, alone, isolated, and an outcast, putting on a tough exterior as a mask to cover his feelings and need for affection and love. But that all changed thanks to one remarkable troll: Poppy. Her vibrant spirit, unwavering friendship, and constant support had been the catalyst for his rediscovery of self and finding his true colors again.
Gone were his days of solitude and isolation; instead, Branch found himself immersed in a world of colorful adventures and newfound connections. From making peace with the Bergens to embarking on epic journeys across the Troll Kingdom, he had experienced a breadth of experiences that had expanded his world in ways he never thought possible.
Central to this transformation was the birth of TrollsTopia, a vibrant community where trolls of all tribes came together in harmony, forming the United Troll Kingdom. Under Poppy's leadership, delegates and trolls from across the kingdom had gathered to build a city that celebrated diversity and friendship. Branch had played his part, lending his skills to construct homes and neighborhoods that reflected the unique cultures of each tribe. The Classical Trolls lived up in the tree's canopies in a beautiful and elegant structure that resembled a giant flower, similar to an orchard or lily, called Classical Crest. The Rock Trolls lived in a cave called Rock Hollow, while the Country Trolls lived in Country Corral, which is similar to Lonesome Flats in appearance as the Country Trolls reside in homes that resemble/are plants that were hollowed out, such as cacti. Techno Lagoon is the section for the Techno Trolls and is based on Techno Reef as it is set within a crater-like area and is lit up by many LED lights. As for the Funk Trolls, they live in a ship called Vibe Town, which is the only part of TrollsTopia that isn't stationary.
Once word got out, the Regatton trolls and K-Pop gang even moved in. Branch and Poppy had invited the Yodelers to move in too, but they enjoyed their time spent in Lonesome Flat's, so they moved there instead, visiting TrollsTopia every so often. As for Chaz, he had been offered a home here but then proved he still couldn't be trusted as he tried hypnotizing everyone, resulting in him being told he couldn't stay.
As Branch watched the sun gradually rise higher in the sky, he couldn't help but marvel at the friendships he had forged in the past year. From the Snack Pack to Dennis and beyond, he had found companionship in the unlikeliest of places, including the Reggaeton trolls and K-Pop gang, who until recently were known Bounty Hunters. Each friend brought their own quirks and strengths, enriching his life in ways he never imagined and allowing him to become happier and a full-fledged troll. And then, there was Poppy. More than just a friend, she had become his partner in every sense of the word. Together, they had weathered storms and celebrated triumphs, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. With her by his side, Branch felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Reaching up to touch his troll gem nestled safely in his hair, Branch smiled, a surge of gratitude filling his heart. The gem was a symbol of how far he had come, a reminder of the journey that had led him to this moment of peace, accomplishment, and fulfillment.
Before he regained his colors, he was known as the village 'grump,' an outcast shrouded in a cloud of grayness. Yet, amidst the darkness, Poppy remained a beacon of light. She was the one troll who refused to give up on him, relentlessly pushing him out of his comfort zone like nobody else had ever bothered to do, opening him into a world of color and possibility. Despite his resistance, she persisted, seeing past his rough exterior to the heart within.
Though, their bond was not without its challenges. There were occasional disagreements and misunderstandings, moments of doubt and fear. For Branch, each small fight felt like a chasm threatening to swallow him whole, a reminder of the losses he had endured in the past and fearing he would lose her, too. But through it all, Poppy remained steadfast, her unwavering loyalty and affection anchoring him, allowing him to open his heart and let her in as he came to believe in and trust her.
With Poppy by his side, Branch discovered a newfound sense of purpose and belonging. She ignited a spark with him, awakening a part of himself he had long thought was lost. She'd brought out his true colors and helped him finally recognize himself again. Suddenly, for the first time in 20 years, he had someone in his life who made an effort to stay and be there for him. She gave him a reason to sing, to wake up each morning, and to look forward to what the day had to offer. The simple act of holding her hand or sharing a smile filled him with a warmth he had almost forgotten existed. She became the first thing he'd think of when he woke up and the last thing to appear in his mind before he fell asleep.
As their friendship blossomed into something more, Branch found himself grappling with unfamiliar territory. His feelings for Poppy had taken root during their adventures together, growing steadily until they bloomed into something undeniable. Yet, the fear of rejection and the weight of his past loomed large in his mind. He feared losing the one person who meant the most to him and struggled with these new emotions for a while.
It wasn't until he risked everything to protect her from the Ultimate Power Chord that Branch realized he could no longer hide his feelings. The pain he felt from that was excruciating, but he would feel that pain over and over again if it meant keeping her safe. In that moment of sacrifice, he understood that love meant laying bare his heart, allowing himself to become unguarded and vulnerable around her, and he finally realized he couldn't go on with life with his feelings hidden from her. When he finally confessed his love to Poppy, she had returned the feelings, causing relief and joy to wash over him.
Now, they spend their days side by side, helping one another with their daily tasks. They'd savor any and all time spent together, even if it was something as simple as doing different tasks in the same room. Poppy would often scrapbook on the floor of his bunker while he'd restock his provisions or work on building plans. Being with her made him the happiest he'd ever felt, and while the old him might've looked upon the morning like another day to survive, he now saw it as a day to live. She gave him a purpose in life, made him feel needed and special, and brought color to his world in more ways than one, filling each moment with laughter and joy.
After years of isolation, Branch had finally found something and someone worth living for. He'd found a love who was beautiful and sweet, and he never knew it was possible for him to have someone so special in his life. Her heart and love had become his most treasured possessions, and though he longed to take their relationship to the next level, a lingering secret weighed heavily on his mind.
As he gazed into the horizon, uncertainty gnawed at his insides. Despite the happiness they shared, Branch couldn't shake the feeling that he didn't deserve her. There was a part of his past he had yet to reveal, a wound that had never fully healed, and something he hadn't spoken of for over two decades.
He'd been born into a world of music, surrounded by four older brothers who formed the heart and soul of their family and brotherly band, BroZone. Four caring, funny, and talented older brothers - John Dory, Spruce, Clay, and Floyd. They were his mentors and heroes, his whole world, and for a time, he thought he was theirs, too. Branch had felt like he belonged with them in their band and had a special place in their heart. But it seemed they didn't feel the same way about him.
He remembered the fateful night of their final performance, the weight of expectation hanging heavy in the air. They had been about to achieve the Perfect Family Harmony, a bond rumored to be so powerful it was the only thing capable of shattering Diamond. But Branch's mistake shattered more than just their goal - it shattered their unity. If it weren't for him falling on Clay's face, maybe they would have been able to stay up in that pose. And maybe, they never would have had the argument that caused their division.
He could hardly remember what was verbally exchanged between his older brothers after the performance. None of them had spoken to him; it was all angry back-and-forth shouts over his head between John Dory, Spruce, and Clay. All he could remember was being scared. He'd followed the verbal attacks back and forth with his gaze, tears welling up as he watched his family break apart into nothing. And then rapidly, without even a goodbye, his brothers were gone.
Except for Floyd.
Floyd was the closest in age to Branch and was everything a big brother should've been. He was kind, understanding, and always comforted Branch's fears and worries, no matter how small they were. Floyd had supported even the most naive ideas Branch had had as a kid, even something as childish and imaginative as a ten-foot water slide as part of their secret hide-out. As a child, Branch thought Floyd was more than his older brother; he was also his best friend.
However, that mindset shortly crumbled away as the years went by.
He remembered Floyd crouching before him, and for just a moment, he thought he hadn't lost all his brothers. Floyd was the brother he had believed would never leave his side. But he was wrong. Even with his promise of return, Floyd too had slipped through Branch's fingers, leaving behind only empty words and a broken heart.
For years, Branch had clung to the hope that Floyd or his other brothers would come back, that their family would be whole once more. But as days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years, reality began to set in. His brothers were never coming back. The pain of abandonment cut deep, leaving scars that never fully healed.
He still wore the green leaf vest Floyd had given him on the day he left. Floyd had told him he could wear it whenever he missed him, but now, it served as a bittersweet reminder of love's ability and power to both uplift and wound. Yet, despite the emotional turmoil it stirred within him, Branch couldn't bring himself to discard the vest. It had become a part of him, a tangible link to his past that he couldn't bring himself to part with. And perhaps, in wearing the vest, Branch found a sense of solace, a silent acknowledgment that while life was hard, it didn't mean he couldn't get through it.
The loss of his brothers had left a void in Branch's life, one that not even his newfound friendships could completely fill. He had been born into a world of music, joy, and family, surrounded by the harmonious melodies of brotherhood. But when his family fractured, leaving him in a world of loneliness, Branch found himself unable to escape the pain of their absence.
His Grandma had been the last tether to his brothers, a living reminder of the family they once were. But then, she was gone too, leaving Branch consumed by guilt and regret. He'd been responsible for taking care of her, but he'd failed. Her screams could still be heard when it got too quiet and he became lost in thought. He was unfortunate enough to still vividly remember the memory; images of his Grandma pushing him out of harm's way, him falling from the tree, hitting the ground with a harsh impact that sent painful tremors through his body… He'd feel that pain a thousand times over if it meant he could go back and save her. He'd lost his family twice in just the span of a couple years, and any connection he'd ever had with his brothers since they left was now gone. Music, the one thing that'd brought them so close together and tore them apart, had also led to the death of their Grandma.
He remembered sitting on the forest ground for hours after the Bergen carried his Grandma off. He'd felt all the music and happiness seep out of him, a dull gray and black replacing his bright teal and blue color. He no longer recognized himself and felt his life to be over right then and there. Not only had he lost everyone he ever loved and cared about, but he also no longer resembled his family. He didn't go back to the pod that night. He couldn't. It would be too painful without her there. So, he had retreated into solitude, wandering off on his own in the quiet of the forest, building small survival places to stay in for short periods of time.
Eventually, a couple years later, he came across the trolls who escaped from the Troll Tree. They'd welcomed him in, but he refused forming connections, fearing he would only lose them too. He felt like a burden and a curse that deflected anyone he would let in, so he decided to live alone and in isolation, resorting to the silence. He believed that keeping others at arm's length would shield him from further pain. If he didn't let anyone in, no one could hurt him like his brothers did when they left. Loving never gave him a home - all it did was leave him alone.
For twenty years he lived that way, believing himself unworthy of love and companionship. But now, looking back, he knew that thinking had been holding him back, his self-imposed exile only deepening his sense of loneliness. From the warm embrace of Poppy and his friends, he decided he wanted to embrace the feelings that came from having people so close to him, both the good and bad.
And now, he had found a new family—one that accepted him for who he was, scars and all. To him, Poppy and his friends were his world, and he found he couldn't be happier. But, being gray for so long had changed him permanently. Even though Poppy had helped him get his colors back, it wasn't the same vibrant teal and blue it once was, and it probably never would be again. There was still a gray tint to his now cyan skin, and his hair was still much darker than it was as a kid, the once vibrant blue only seen when reflected from light. But this was just who he was now, and he was okay with it. And his new family loved him for it.
He no longer yearned for the brothers who had abandoned him, for he had found love and acceptance in the arms of those who truly mattered. Years ago, he finally accepted that he would never see them again, and he was okay with that. He didn't want to see them again. Besides, to him, they were more like strangers than they were brothers. After all, he was a baby when they left. There was little he knew and remembered about them, but from what he could recall, it was nothing but bad memories and empty promises. To his brothers, he wasn't good enough. But it was different with the trolls he lived with now. To them, he was special, wanted, and accepted. To them, he was good enough. So he didn't need his brothers. He didn't need them growing up, so he certainly didn't need them now.
With Poppy by his side and his friends at his back, Branch knew that he was no longer alone. He had found a family in the most unexpected of places, a family that loved him unconditionally and accepted him for who he was.
And as the sun continued to rise, casting a warm glow over TrollsTopia, Branch smiled, knowing that he was exactly where he was meant to be. In his new family, he had found his place in the world, and for the first time in a long time, he felt truly at peace.
Suddenly, a joyous and familiar voice interrupted his thoughts, accompanied by a bright pink troll coming to his side.
"Morning Branch!" Poppy greeted, her sudden arrival bringing a smile to Branch, with him being used to her 'surprise' visits.
"Good morning, Poppy," Branch said warmly, his smile widening at the sight of her. "You're up early."
"Yeah, I know, but guess what!?" Poppy asked, settling down beside him, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
Branch raised an eyebrow, curious. "What?"
"Bridget sent me a letter!" Poppy exclaimed, pulling a colorful envelope from her hair. "I mean, since we started TrollsTopia, I feel like I haven't seen her for months! I feel so bad for not visiting, but it's just been so busy here with being Queen, making new friends, making sure everything's running smoothly…But, it's not like I've been ignoring her. Of course, I would never do that. She's like a sister to me. I think. I've never had a sister so I actually don't really know…anyway, we've been pen-paling, so I'm still involved in her life and up-to-date on everything that's been going on-"
"Poppy," Branch gently interrupted her ranting, smiling in amusement. "What'd Bridget say?" he asked, trying to recenter her attention to the topic at hand.
"Oh, right, sorry. She wants me to come to Bergen Town and visit! Says she has something important and exciting to talk about and that it can't wait."
"Can't wait?" Branch questioned, his interest piqued. Bridget's messages to Poppy were usually friendly and heartfelt, and he couldn't remember her ever telling Poppy something couldn't wait before. "What does she want to talk about?"
"I don't know yet," Poppy admitted, her tone reflecting her curiosity. "But it sounds really important. She wants to meet today."
Branch nodded thoughtfully. "Well, sounds fun! You should really take this time to catch-up with her."
"I know, and I really want to. Like, I really really really want to. But Prince D is supposed to arrive today, remember? He's been wanting to visit Cooper and see TrollsTopia for a while now. I don't want to miss his arrival, but I also need to see what Bridget wants," Poppy said, concern flickering in her eyes.
As she talked, Branch felt a swell of affection for her. This was one of the things he loved most about Poppy: her caring heart. She always put others before her, and her friends and family were always on her mind.
"Don't worry, Poppy. I'll be here to welcome Prince D. And he'll understand why you're not there. You can see and welcome him when you come back."
Poppy smiled in gratitude, leaning over to give him a quick peck on the cheek. "You're right. Thank you, Branch. You're the best!"
"Don't mention it," Branch said, a slight blush creeping up his face.
They spent the next few moments together in comfortable silence, enjoying each other's company and the rising sun. He cherished these quiet moments with Poppy, where they could simply enjoy each other's company without the weight of the world on their shoulders. He also just loved having Poppy by his side, and honestly kinda wished he could go with her to Bergen Town just to spend more time with her, but he knew by being here he would be helping her out and allowing her to fully enjoy Bridget's company.
"I'm so happy for Cooper," Poppy said softly, staring at the beautiful mix of colors in the sky that accompanied dawn.
"What about exactly?" Branch asked, taking his gaze off the sky to look at her instead.
"For finding his family. It's too bad though that they can't come live in TrollsTopia, but I'm really glad Prince D is taking this time to come visit. Cooper's so excited," Poppy continued.
"Yeah…" Branch said, looking back up at the sky in thought. He too was glad for Cooper. He really lucked out in the brother department, that's for sure.
"I wish I had a secret sister. We'd be best friends, teach other things, never fight, always have each other's backs, think the same thoughts, everyone would ask us if we were twins…" Poppy said wistfully, slowly swaying her legs while picking at some grass, a smile on her face at the thought of having a sister. "Wouldn't having a sibling be awesome and so perfect?"
"Not to me," Branch whispered, then realized he'd said that louder than he meant to, causing Poppy to send him a confused look.
"Why not?"
"Well, siblings can be a …disappointment and, uh, unreliable, I guess…you know?" Branch said, clearing his throat awkwardly.
"Umm, not really, no," Poppy said, growing confused by Branch's strange behavior. "Why do you think siblings can be a disappointment and unreliable? It's not like you have any siblings."
"Uh, well, you're right, I don't. I just…" Branch said, slightly panicked at the idea of Poppy knowing. Taking a deep breath to recenter his thoughts, he was able to calm himself down, and really think about what he wanted to say. "What I'm trying to say is having a sibling might be nice for some trolls, but I've learned that family isn't just about blood relations. It's about the people who are there for you, who support you, and who love you no matter what. I don't need siblings when I have you and everyone else here as my family."
As he spoke, Poppy smiled lovingly at him, her heart swelling with affection for him. He had changed so much from the troll she once knew, and she was so proud of how far he had come. "You're right, Branch. Family is more than just who you're born with. It's about the bonds you create and the connections you make with others. But at the same time, I don't think having a sibling would be a disappointment. I mean, look at all the Trolls we know who have siblings! There's R & B, Prince D and Cooper, Satin and Chenille, and Dante's little brother Forte…" Poppy listed off.
"I know, I know, but they were lucky, that's all," Branch said, turning away from Poppy to look up at the sky again.
"Branch," Poppy said softly, putting her hand over his and bringing his gaze back to her. "It seems like there's something you're not telling me. If you're having feelings, you can talk about them with me. I'm here for you."
"Okay, you're right," Branch sighed heavily, looking into her eyes and knowing it was safe to tell her. But, did he want to? Was he ready? He hasn't spoken of his brothers in decades, why should he do so now? They didn't want him a part of their lives, so why should he have them in his? He knew that if he told Poppy, she would try to get him to reach out and reunite with them again, and he didn't want that. "Uhh…actually, you know what? Everyone's probably starting to wake up by now, so we should probably get going to start the day…"
"Oh, um, okay," Poppy said, surprised by Branch's unusual nervous and avoidant behavior. She could tell something was bothering him, and she wished she knew what it was so she could help him. But if he wasn't ready to talk about it yet, then she would wait until he was ready. "Well, I better go catch the caterbus to head to Bergen Town. I'll probably be back around midday, alright? You'll be okay?"
"Yeah, I'll be fine. Enjoy your time with Bridget," Branch said.
Poppy nodded, giving Branch's hands a gentle squeeze before pulling him forward into a hug. He wrapped his arms around her as she did the same, pulling each other close for an embrace. Poppy nuzzled into his neck, resting her head on his shoulder for a few moments, before they pulled away, their hands slipping into their familiar places in each other's grasps again. Poppy kissed Branch on the cheek and gave him another one of her beaming smiles before waving and heading toward the caterbus pick-up station. Branch watched her go, feeling a rush of warmth in his chest. He couldn't help but marvel at how lucky he was to have her in his life.
As he began the walk into the village, he looked briefly down at the ground and his eyes caught on his vest. He stopped to run his hand along the familiar overlapping petals of green while people he loved were on his mind. His ears dropped slightly at the thought of his brothers, but he shook it off with a shake of his head. He may not have the family he once longed for, but he had something even better - a family he had chosen for himself. And to him, that was more than enough.
As he made his way into the village, Branch couldn't help but feel grateful for the colorful world he now lived in and the vibrant friends who filled his life with joy and laughter. And though his past may have been filled with pain and loneliness, he knew that his future was brighter than he thought was ever possible. And it was all thanks to the love and friendships he had found in TrollsTopia.
"Hey-o Branch! What up, bro?" Synth called out, walking up to Branch.
As Synth approached, Branch couldn't help but smile. Synth had become one of his closest friends since they started spending time together in TrollsTopia, and he always had a way of lifting Branch's spirits with his upbeat attitude and fun personality.
"Hey, Synth! Not much, just enjoying the morning," Branch replied, returning the greeting with a fist bump.
Synth nodded, his colorful hair bouncing with each movement. "Aight! It definitely is a great morning! Anyway, I was thinking we could do some whirlpool surfing today? What do you say?"
Branch's eyes lit up with excitement at the idea. "Absolutely! But first, I promised Poppy I'd get things ready for Prince D's arrival. Not like there's much to do, but you know how Poppy is when it comes to visitors."
"Haha, yeah I know what you mean. Say, where's Poppy anyway?" Synth asked.
"She headed to Bergen Town to catch-up with her friend, Bridget," Branch responded.
"Ah, gotcha. But, since when does Poppy miss the arrival of a new troll?"
"Well, Bridget sent her a letter saying she had something important to tell her," Branch said, as he and Synth began walking through the now awake village.
"Oh, aight. Sounds serious, but I'm sure she'll have fun. You know Poppy, always spreading her sunshine wherever she goes," Synth chuckled.
Branch nodded in agreement, a fond smile crossing his face at the reminder of Poppy's infectious energy and how she's able to make any situation fun and enjoyable. "Yeah, she definitely has a way of brightening up everyone's day."
As they made their way through the village, Branch couldn't help but overhear a conversation nearby. Cooper, R & B, Dante Crescendo, Biggie, and Holly Darlin' were engaged in a lively discussion about siblings, with Dante currently talking about his younger brother.
"Yes, Forte and I have always been inseparable," Dante was saying with a grin. "It was truly a delight when he came out to visit a few weeks ago. I wish he could have stayed longer but alas, his home is back at Symphonyville."
Beside him, R & B nodded in agreement. "Having a sibling sure is amazing," Rhythm said, putting her arm around Blues, her younger sister.
"Dang y'all, I wish I had a siblin'," Holly Darlin' said with a smile. "You must be excited to see your twin brother again' Cooper."
"Oh yeah! Finding out I had a twin brother had to be the best day of my life! I can't wait to show him around," Cooper said excitedly.
Branch listened quietly, feeling a pang of sadness at the mention of siblings. He wished he could relate to the bond Cooper, Dante, and R & B shared with their siblings, but his own experience with his brothers was far from positive.
Just then, Creek sauntered by, a sneer on his face as he caught sight of Branch. "Well, well, well, if it isn't dear old Branch," Creek taunted, his voice laced with sarcasm.
Branch clenched his fists, not in the mood to deal with Creek's taunts. He had dealt with Creek's behavior for years, and over time, he had learned not to let it get to him as much anymore. But that didn't make him any less annoying and unenjoyable to be around.
"Creek, go and find something useful to do," Synth said with a glare, watching Creek with narrowed eyes as said troll walked off. A while ago, he had been well-informed of Creek's history by both Poppy and Branch, and while he did admire Poppy's forgiving heart, he agreed with Branch that maybe they were wrong to welcome him back after his betrayal.
Rolling his eyes in exasperation, Branch turned his attention back to Cooper, not wanting to join in the conversation but needing to ask him when his brother would be arriving.
"Hey Cooper," Branch greeted, trying to push aside his own feelings and focus on the task at hand. "Do you know when your brother is arriving?"
Cooper beamed at Branch, his excitement evident in his voice and expression. "Hey, Branch! Yeah, he should be arriving in the early-afternoon. I can't wait for his arrival. He's gonna love TrollsTopia!"
Branch nodded, offering a small smile despite the ache in his chest. "Alright, thanks, Cooper."
Leaving the small group to their conversation, Branch continued walking around with Synth and found himself lost in his thoughts once again, his mind drifting back to the few memories he had of his brothers. Despite the pain they had caused him, there was still a small, a very very small, part of him that longed for the connection they once shared. But as much as he wished things could be different, he knew that the past couldn't be changed.
Lost in his thoughts, Branch barely noticed as Synth nudged him gently, bringing him back to the present. "You okay, bro?" Synth asked, concern evident in his voice.
Branch forced a smile, pushing aside his inner turmoil for the moment. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just lost in thought, I guess."
Synth gave him a knowing look, but didn't press further.
Together, and with the help of the other trolls, they took the next hour to prepare for Prince D's arrival. Decorations were put up, food was prepared, and everyone seemed to be buzzing with enthusiasm. It was always exciting when they had visitors, and the trolls made it a priority to welcome newcomers with the troll hospitality everyone knew and loved.
"You excited to see Prince D?" Synth asked, working alongside Branch.
"Oh yeah. We're pretty good friends, so I'm definitely looking forward to seeing him again," Branch responded with a grin.
"Hey, you think he'll be down to join us for some whirlpool surfing later?!" Synth asked hopefully.
Branch's smile widened at the thought. "That would be awesome. I could see him enjoying that. We should invite Cooper too, though."
"Oh totally," Synth agreed.
As they continued chatting, a commotion caught their attention. Looking behind him, Branch saw most of the trolls gathered around a wormhole, opened by Lownote Jones, which he knew led to Vibe City. The Funk Trolls had very advanced technology and gadgets, and thanks to R & B, Branch had learned a lot of cool and interesting things about their work, and still wanted to learn more from them.
Within moments, Prince D stepped out, a wide smile on his face.
"Darnell!" Cooper shouted in excitement, running over and enveloping his brother in a hug.
"Haha, Cooper! It's so good to see you again, bro!" Darnell exclaimed, returning the hug before pulling back to do a handshake with Cooper.
"Hello, Prince D!" R greeted, walking up to greet him alongside her sister.
"Welcome to TrollsTopia!" B added.
"Hey, R & B! Lownote!" Darnell said, high-fiving the three trolls. "Man, I'm so pumped to finally be here!"
"I can't wait to show you around! You'll love Vibe Town, that's where the Funk Trolls live! And I can show you where all the other trolls stay and the TrollsTopia Community Garden…you're gonna love it here!" Cooper enthusiastically said.
"Sounds sick!" Darnell said, smiling in excitement.
"Haha, you got that right baby," Lownote Jones said in his deep, captivating, voice.
"Wait, is that Branch?!" Darnell asked, spotting Branch in the gathered crowd and going to greet him.
"Hey man, how's it been?" Branch asked, high-fiving Darnell.
"Aw, life's been sick, man. Busy, but tons of fun. And what's your name?" Darnell asked, turning his attention to Synth standing beside Branch.
"I'm Synth, and it is so [imitates air horn sounds] nice to meet you!" Synth responded in his signature way of greeting.
"Haha, I'm gonna like you!" Darnell said.
"Hey, you two want to join me in showing Darnell around?" Cooper asked Branch and Synth, coming to join the conversation.
"Oh, you bet, yo!" Synth exclaimed, Branch nodding in agreement.
The next few hours were spent showing Prince D around, the four trolls starting the tour off at the Metroll Station, where they took the train around TrollsTopia. They also visited the Community Garden, which had plants from each troll tribe, as well as showing Darnell Vibe Town.
"Dang, this place sure is awesome," Darnell said in awe, the four trolls now sitting down to eat ice cream under the hot midday sun. "Thanks for showing me around you guys."
"Aw, no sweat, bro," Synth replied before taking a lick from his double chocolate ice cream cone.
"Ah! Prince Darnell, you're here!" a voice shouted in excitement, the four trolls turning to see Poppy running toward them.
"Hey, there you are Queen P!" Darnell said in greeting, smiling at the pink troll who was now catching her breath beside their table.
"It's…so good…to see you! Sorry I'm late…had a busy morning…" Poppy gasped, a wide smile on her face.
"No need to apologize, P! Branch already told me where you were," Darnell responded, gesturing toward said troll.
"Thanks Branch," Poppy said gratefully, going over to sit alongside her boyfriend and lean her head on his shoulder.
"So, what did Bridget want?" Branch asked, handing Poppy his ice cream bowl to share.
"AH I'm so glad you asked! But, she doesn't want people to know yet and only gave me permission to tell you…" Poppy said, sending an apologetic look at the other three trolls sitting around the table.
"Alright," Branch chuckled in amusement, her happiness radiating off her and becoming his own as well. "Let's go for a walk."
"You sure? I don't mind waiting if you're still wanting to spend time with Darnell, Cooper, and Synth."
"Poppy, you and I both know you're dying to tell me. Besides, I haven't seen you all morning," Branch said with a teasing smile.
"That's not true," Poppy chuckled, lightly punching him on the shoulder as the two of them stood up from the table.
"Alright, see you guys soon," Branch said to his friends as he took Poppy's hand in his and began walking through the village.
"So…how did you morning go?" Poppy asked, trying to remain casual and calm despite her excitement.
"It was good. Showed Prince D around and spent time with him and the others, which was fun," Branch said, touched that Poppy wanted to hear about his morning before diving into hers. "Okay, so, what do you want to tell me?" he asked, not wanting Poppy to wait any longer.
Almost immediately Poppy exploded in a tumble of words, bringing a jump to her step in excitement as she told him what Bridget had said. "YES! Okay, so, you know how Bridget and I are like best friends, sisters basically, right? Well, I get to be one of the first to know all of the exciting things happening in Bergen Town, which is like, SO cool, and I found out that her and King Gristle are getting MARRIED! The wedding will be in two months, and she asked me to be her maid of honor, so I get to help plan the wedding which I've ALWAYS wanted to do…"
Poppy had begun to talk so fast that Branch was struggling to keep up with what she was saying, but from already being so exposed to her way of communication, he was able to make out the just of her words, watching her speak with an amused smile on his face.
"I'm just so AHH!" Poppy finally finished, giving an enthusiastic shout and jumping in excitement, causing Branch to laugh.
"Wow Poppy, that's awesome! You'll be an amazing maid of honor!" Branch said, smiling proudly at her.
"Thanks Branch!" Poppy responded, giving him a tight hug before pulling away, taking his hand in hers again as they continued to walk. "I can't believe I was asked to be the maid of honor! Ah, this is so exciting! Oh, but there's so much to plan. Like, what should I wear? What should Bridget wear? Who should we invite?..."
"Poppy, relax. The wedding isn't until two months. You have plenty of time," Branch said, knowing how Poppy liked to be ahead of important/big events like this and make everything perfect for her friends.
"Oh, yeah, you're right. Of course. But, still, ah! Me! Maid of honor!"
Branch chuckled lightly, before the feeling of being watched crept up his spine. Glancing around, he spotted five trolls watching him and Poppy from a distance, four of whom looked vaguely familiar, their faces stirring up memories he had long buried.
Branch's heart seemed to plummet as he locked eyes with the trolls standing a ways away, any happiness he was just feeling now extinguished. His breath caught in his throat, and a wave of nauseating emotions washed over him. Those goggles, he'd recognize them anywhere. And that vibrant red hair and elegant purple hair could only belong to two trolls…
"Oh no…" Branch whispered under his breath, his heart pounding and his grip on Poppy's hand tightening as he felt a rush of memories flood back to him. The pain of abandonment, the sting of rejection, the ache of longing for the family he once had…For the first time in over two decades, his brothers stood before him, a part of his past he had long tried to forget.