The true wielder of the strings

by Bloodred739

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

3. Chapter 3: The king's true face

Barb didn't want to be queen.

The princess of rock lied on her queen-sized bed with Debbie, her pet bat, sleeping on her stomach. They were both waiting for her father, who wanted to speak to her. No, Barb didn't want to be queen. Not yet anyway.

It wasn't because she feared hard work, or responsibility. As the king's daughter, she had been preparing for that since she was a child. And it wasn't as if being queen would cut too much into her rocking sessions with her personal group. Hell, if anything, she looked forward to being able to make major decisions for her kingdom. She already had a handful of ideas. Of course, Barb would run them by Artina first, but the decisions would ultimately be hers.

Barb was too young to remember, but according to her father, Artina had been his absolute right-hand troll since before she was born. When their people were in crisis, it was her ideas and inventions that had saved them. The anglerbus, the shocker spears, and many others. Growing up beside them both, Barb started to view Artina as… well maybe "mother" was too strong a word. She was more like a very caring older sister.

Artina would also tell Barb stories sometimes. About her time in the troll tree, about the nice old woman that she met there, the son she had to leave behind, and when she was older, the terrible story of what one of those Pop trolls did to her.

It never ceased to make Barb angry when she thought about the terrible treatment her people got from the other tribes. Almost all other troll races had a negative opinion of them. So much so that whenever a troll of a different race rolled in the dirt with one of them, if they ended up with an egg, they'd just drop them off at the VRC orphanage, never to come back. They weren't racist from the waist down, it seemed.

But Pop trolls, those glittery fucks believed themselves to be above all other trolls. History being proof of this when they attempted to steal all of the magical strings so that only their music remained, leaving everyone else with nothing but silence. They thought themselves so superior, so much better, that they went into self isolation, disappearing for more than 20 years. Not wishing to even be affiliated with any other troll races.

And when Artina had eventually tracked them down, their king couldn't be bothered to schedule an audience with them. Not even so Artina could see her fucking son. What was his name? Spruce? Bark? It had something to do with a tree. Stupid Pop trolls with their stupid names.

If it had been up to Barb, they'd have busted into that happy little forest, and demanded they turn Artina's son over. And what could King Peppy have done about it? Jack shit, that's what.

Barb's only issue with becoming queen now is that it would mean her father was giving up.

Barb sighed, age hadn't been kind to King Thrash. His declining health started maybe a year ago. His back was so bad that he needed a cane just to move around now, and he'd almost completely lost hearing in his left ear, requiring a hearing aid. And that was just his physical health. Sometimes he'd ask the same questions over and over again. Other times, he would forget the names of everyday objects, and sometimes, he would confuse one troll for another. One time, the king had even confused Barb for her deceased mother.

Taking the throne now meant that her father had lost all hope of ever getting better. Though truthfully, Thrash had accepted this reality some time ago, along with advisor Artina. Even the majority of her people were expecting Barb to be made queen any day now. Seemed like the only one who wasn't ready to accept this was her.

Barb slowly sat up when she heard her door open. As expected, it was her father Thrash, walking on his silver skull-topped cane, a serious look on his face. Barb sat Debbie on the bed as he approached her. She could tell by the way he moved that this would be one of his good days.

"Barbara, it's time." He said.

Barb knew what her father was talking about. She had been mentally preparing for the last half hour. But now that the moment was here, it was as if she had forgotten everything she was telling herself. Her eyes fell onto her feet as Thrash sat next to her on the bed.

"There has to be more we can try, dad." She said. "We can't give up."

"The doctors have tried everything, sweetheart." The king said in a sad voice. "I'm sorry. I know you didn't want this yet, but our people don't need a senile old man on the throne. They need you."

"Don't talk about yourself that way!" Barb said quickly. "You'll get better. I know you will!"

"I'm afraid there's no cure for aging, Barbara." Thrash said. "Every day now, I only feel myself get worse. The fog gets darker. I remember a little less. This isn't the way I'd hoped to end my reign, but this is how it must be."

Barb looked at her father, another heavy sigh leaving her lungs. She wanted to keep arguing with him. To find a way to convince him to keep pushing forward. But she knew in her heart that he spoke the truth. So instead, she gently pulled him into a hug, careful not to put too much pressure on his aching back.

"Ok, dad." The princess said, her chin resting on her father's shoulder.

"The preparations for the ceremony are already being made. The coronation will be held tonight." The king said. "Never once in your life have you disappointed me, Barbara. And I know you'll only continue to make me proud when you take the throne."

For the next minute, the two of them just kept embracing each other, neither of them saying a word. But eventually, Thrash slowly pulled away with a smile on his face.

"In any case, I also have some good news." He said. "It seems Artina's search has finally come to an end. I've just received word that her son is here now."

"Really?" Barb asked, a little surprised to just now be hearing about this. "How'd she get King douchebag to finally let her have him back?"

"Why don't we go ask him ourselves?" King Thrash said as he grabbed his cane and got off the bed. "They're in the dining hall, waiting for us. Since he will be living here in the castle, I feel it only fitting that we welcome him in person."

"Alright, let's go." Barb said, getting up off the bed as well, accompanying her father out of the door, and into the long hallway, just a straight walk away from the dining hall. She had always been curious about Artina's son. Despite searching for him for almost 15 years, Artina wouldn't talk about him much. Though it made sense, considering how little time she actually got to spend with her son. She likely didn't have much to tell. Hopefully, he was more like a Rock troll than a Pop.

Barb also wondered what he might look like. Despite being probably the most physically compatible, there wasn't even a single record of a Pop and Rock hybrid in all of their recorded history. Gods, she hoped that this new troll wasn't too colorful either. In every history book Barb had ever read, Pop trolls always looked like they got pissed on by a rainbow.

When Barb and her father got to the dining hall, Artina, Cindy, and Carol were already there, sitting at the extremely long table, with the chefs laying out tons of breakfast food. Eggs, bacon, sausage, the works. Carol and Cindy were already stuffing their faces, like they did every morning.

But what really caught her attention was Artina, looking happier than Barb had ever seen her, and the troll that she was sitting next to, who she assumed was Artina's son. The grayish-green troll looked a little embarrassed as Artina grabbed the prongs and filled his plate with everything that was on the table.

Barb took a closer look at him. He was a little gray, but his colors definitely matched Artina's. What the hell kind of vest was he wearing? Was it made of leaves? Do Pops not have leather? His whole outfit looked like he was cosplaying as a tree. This wasn't to say he was ugly though. In fact, he was pretty good looking. Barb was expecting him to be tiny and lanky, but not only was he maybe half a foot taller than her, but he was actually pretty built up. Almost as much as her roadie Sid Fret.

"Wait, so bergens will eat any type of troll?" He asked before taking a bite of his breakfast. "But King Peppy told me that they only ate Pop trolls."

"Bergens will eat anything, Branch. Pop trolls, Rock trolls, Funk trolls, they'll even eat each other." Artina said with a shiver. "They're disgusting creatures. The only reason I was able to get away was because I had some sharpened up wood with me. I threw it into the bergen's eye, and ran off when it dropped me."

"But King Peppy-"

"Branch, it's probably best if you forget everything he told you." Cindy said with a mouthful of eggs and sausage. "Bergens will hunt anything with a heartbeat. Really, the only reason they focus mostly on Pop trolls is because they know that they won't defend themselves. It doesn't surprise me that he lied about that too."

Barb smiled. Branch. That was his name. It was still stupid, but she'd remember it.

The moment Branch's plate was empty, his mother asked if he wanted more. Before he could answer, Artina started filling his plate again.

"Mom, you don't have to do that." He said. "I can feed myself."

"I know." Artina said. "But I missed my chance to do this for you when you were a child."

Barb couldn't help but giggle. She had never once seen Artina behave this way. What was she gonna do next? Was she gonna cut up the food and spoon-feed Branch his breakfast? Pull out one of her tits so he had some milk to wash it down?

Her laughs finally getting their attention, Artina and her son both looked over at Barb and King Thrash. The happy mother wiped off her hands, and grabbed her son's hand, pulling him away from his heavy plate, and walked him over to the king and the princess.

"Good morning, your rockness." Artina said as she kneeled and threw up her hand horns. A Show of respect. "I would like the both of you to meet my son Branch."

After a brief moment, when the eyes of both Thrash and Barb fell on Branch, he quickly kneeled as his mother did, and threw up his hand horns as well, after messing it up a few times. "Uh, yeah. It's a pleasure, your… rockness."

"The pleasure is ours, young man." King Thrash said. "Your mother's determination is something to be admired. Never once, in the last 15 years did she stop looking for you."

With the pleasantries out of the way, the princess decided to greet Branch as a friend instead of loyalty, extending her hand for a fist bump. For a moment, Branch just looked at her fist, the confusion clear on his face. Noticing this, Artina whispered something in his ear. After a quick "Oh", Branch balled his hand into a fist, and slowly connected it with Barb's.

"Come, Branch." Artina said. "We'll finish breakfast, and then I'll show you the city guard, and our defenses that you were curious about. Will you be joining us, princess Barb?"

"Nah, I gotta go get fitted for a new outfit." Barb said. "The coronation's tonight."

"Good to see you're finally taking the throne, Barb." Cindy said before bumping Carol's shoulder to get her attention. "Isn't it, Carol?"

Carol barely reacted as she continued to eat her breakfast, obviously still in her own mind. Cindy repeated her question to her daughter, who again hardly showed any interest in anything aside from the food in front of her. Fresh out of patience, Cindy grabbed Carol harshly by her ear, and started dragging the now-yelling troll out of the room as she complained about not getting to finish her breakfast. "Excuse us, your rockness. Me and Cindy need to have a word in private."

As the two left the room, Barb's eyes went back to Branch, who was already sitting down at the table again. Every other halfbreed that lived in Volcano Rock City was either brought here as an egg, or as a newborn. She was curious to see how different he would become in his time here. Moreover, she wanted to help in that process.

"Hey new blood." Barb said to Branch as she and the king made their way out of the dining hall. "When you're finished up with all that, come see me at Road Warriors. We'll get you outta those leaves and rags."

After her and King Thrash bid farewell, Branch looked at his outfit. They were perfect for camouflage when he lived in Pop village, but he did kind of stick out wearing these here.

"Don't mind her, Branch." Artina said. "She loves to tease."

"It's fine." Branch said. "I'm kinda used to being annoyed by princesses."

As Barb and her father split away at the gates, she continued to think about Branch. He really was good looking. Maybe she'd give him a proper "Welcome home" later…

The second that Cindy and Carol were away from the eyes of the royals and their family, Cindy turned Carol over to face her, looking very angry.

Carol groaned. Oh here she goes..

"Breathe on me." Cindy said, deadly serious.

"You couldn't even let me finish my fucking breakfast before doing this?"

"Breathe. On. Me."

Looking away, Carol stepped closer to her mother, and did as she commanded. Cindy breathed in, and could almost immediately recognize the smell of brimsmoke. A drug made from sulfur found in the lava. While the effects varied, the main tell-offs of a user would be dreary heavy eyes, a short attention span, and an inability to care about anything. And right now, her daughter was showing all of those symptoms.

"Carol, I made myself very clear last time that I didn't want to catch you like this again." Cindy said.

"Oh c'mon, mom." Carol said. "It was just a little bit. To get me through the day, y'know?"

"This is not a fucking game, Carol!" Yelled Cindy, trying her best to be quiet enough not to attract attention, but loud enough to get her point across. "Do you know how bad it would've been if King Thrash had noticed that you're high right now?"

"That old man doesn't even know what room he's in half of the day." Carol shot back. "Gods, I swear, the only reason I live in this castle is because it's rent-free."

"You will Not talk about your king that way!" Cindy snapped. "And the only reason you're allowed to live here is because I'm one of the king's advisors, and you're one of Barb's friends! But if King Thrash finds out about what you've been doing, I won't be able to protect you."

Carol rolled her eyes. Barb was NOT her friend, no matter what that attention whore of a princess chose to believe. Maybe they used to be, but after years of shit like "why can't you be more like your friend Barb?" from both her mom and aunt, just the sight of Barb made her nerves twist. Always being compared to her, like she was some perfect rock goddess..

Barb was too stupid to realize it, but the only reason Carol hung out with her was because there were benefits to being friends with the princess. People cooking for her, free rides in Barb's anglerbus, and even VIP access to any concert in the city.

"I am going to give you one more chance, Carol. ONE." Cindy said. "If I catch you like this again, you're out of here. No excuses, no second looks. You're gone. Do you understand me?"

Carol said nothing as her mother walked away. When she was finally out of sight, Carol screamed, and punched the wall over and over again before falling on the wall, and slowly sliding onto the floor. Yeah, she liked to have a little brimsmoke every now and then, so what? Her stupid mother has always thought she was so much better than her. Than any troll besides the king and princess. And why? Because she and Artina help that stupid old man decide when to eat and shit? Her mom wouldn't even have that position if it wasn't for Artina!

Carol hated her mother. She hated her so much. She hated her aunt too. She hated the king. She'll probably hate her cousin.

And she hated Barb most of all.

--

"Smidge, are those really necessary?"

Poppy, Smidge, Suki, Satin, and Biggie had all been on the trail to Bergen Town for at least a few hours now. Smidge was wearing a backpack that was about twice her size, filled with a substantial amount of medical supplies, which didn't bother Poppy.

What did bother her were the daggers she had stashed in her bag, along with the one Smidge had tied to her waist like a sword.

"We don't know what's out here, Poppy." Smidge said as she looked through a journal labeled "outside predators". One of the many survival journals Branch had tucked away in his bunker. "I gotta be ready to keep you guys safe."

"Hey Poppy?" Biggie said as he pulled out a berry from his backpack, which was filled with food for the journey, and fed it to Mr. Dinkles. "I'm sorry about Branch. I know there were a lot of unspoken words between you two."

Poppy opened her mouth to object to Biggie's last statement, but ultimately decided against it. The more the princess thought about it, the more she realized how obvious she made her feelings for Branch. Especially to her friends. There was no point in denying it any further. "Thanks, Biggie."

Smidge smiled. "Don't worry, Poppy. After we rescue everyone, we'll find Branch too. Then you can finally fess up to him. A big strong king for the queen-to-be."

This earned a blush from the princess. Poppy hoped that wherever Branch was right now, he was ok. She hoped even more that she would see him again.

Smidge thought about Branch. She never outright hated the troll, just the way he acted towards Poppy, who had only ever been kind to him. But after finding out so much about him, how he had once planned to aid the entire village if the bergens ever found them, how he had dedicated possibly years to that idea, she had gained quite a bit of respect for him.

Moreover, the dwarf troll felt that she owed Branch a debt. Not just her, but the entire village. He didn't realize this, but the gray troll had indirectly saved the lives of not just one of her closest friends, but the love of her life as well. If it hadn't been for his bunker and supplies, Milton and Guy Diamond would both be dead, and the rest of them wouldn't have had anywhere to hide from the bergen if it came back.

And what had the village all done in return? Herself included? Mock and ridicule Branch until he decided he had enough, and left.

Smidge definitely didn't feel good about that. Especially after finding out that he returned Poppy's obvious feelings. If only one of them had been brave enough to advance on the other.

But there was one other thing about the survivalist that peaked Smidge's curiosity. Something possibly only Smidge noticed.

Branch was strong.

Really strong.

Possibly stronger than he realized.

Smidge had always taken pride in the fact that she was the most physically capable troll in the entire village. It was the reason she was chosen by King Peppy to be Poppy's bodyguard. But based on the evidence she gathered, it seemed Branch had her outmatched, and significantly at that.

When she and Poppy had first discovered Branch's weight room, she looked at all of his equipment. She could barely lift his smaller dumbbells, and couldn't even budge his large ones. Truthfully, the only reason she chose to bring daggers instead of any of Branch's other weapons was because she doubted she could wield them properly. She could barely lift them up, let alone swing them.

What made Branch so strong, Smidge wondered. Was it all of the work he did over the years? Something else? When he and Poppy eventually got together, and he joined their group, she'd pry him for some tips.

Behind the three of them, Suki and Satin tracked behind, Suki trying to comfort her still uneasy friend.

"I'm so worried, Suki." Satin said. "What if we don't make it in time?"

"Don't think that way, Satin." Suki said to her friend. "You have to stay positive. We'll save them. I know we will."

It all still felt so strange for Satin. Her and Chenille were born from the same egg. They woke up together, got dressed together, brushed their teeth together, ate together, they even bathed together. They were as close as any two trolls could be.

Without her sister, her head felt too light. Her walking felt awkward and trippy. Worse, she lost all feeling in her hair. She couldn't extend or even move it anymore. Not even Doctor Moonbloom knew if she'd ever be able to again. And if this was affecting her, it was likely affecting Chenille too.

A single tear fell from Satin's eye. She would never forgive herself for abandoning her sister.

Poppy looked back at her friends. She couldn't even begin to understand what Chenille was going through. Losing her other half the way she did. But she had an idea on what could motivate her. The princess stuffed her map back into her hair, and pulled out her mandolin. The group all watched as she began to play. As Poppy expertly played her favorite instrument, her fellow trolls listened, Poppy's happiness infectious. Their waists started to move on their own as they kept walking. It was a good start, but there was no such thing as too much happiness. So the princess started to sing too.

Looking up at a sunny sky

So shiny and blue

And there's a butterfly

Well isn't that a super fantastic sign

It's gonna be a fantastic day

As was their nature as trolls, one by one, the whole group joined in on Poppy's happy tune. Biggie starting off.

Such marvelousness it's gonna bring

With a pocketful of songs that we're gonna sing

And we're ready to take on anything

Hooray!

Satin couldn't help but smile, her fear and anger at herself slowly melting away. Positive feelings grew even faster as Suki started singing as well.

Some super fun surprise around each corner

Just riding on a rainbow

Gonna be ok!

Not able to contain herself anymore, Satin finally joined in.

Hey!

I'm not giving up today

There's nothing getting in my way

And if you knock, knock me over

I will get back up again

Oh!

If something goes a little wrong

Well you can go ahead and bring it on

And if you knock, knock me over

I will get back up again

As they all sang, Satin realized that Suki was right. She had to keep her head up. Her sister and friends needed her, and she wouldn't back down from helping them. All of her negative feelings left her heart as they all kept moving forward.

The Snack Pack was so lost in their happy song, that they hadn't noticed that Suki was starting to fall behind. In the back of her eye, she caught something. A small green bush sitting below some flora. But not just any bush. A purpleberry bush!

The DJ's belly growled as she looked at the bush. She didn't know if her stomach could take any more of that weird dried-up fruit that Biggie had stuffed in his bag. It was so bland and papery. How could Branch have been eating that all these years?

Suki slowly made her way to the bush. What made purpleberries so great was that not only were they delicious, but their aroma was wonderful as well. Many in the village used them as air fresheners for their pods. She had to have one!

As Suki extended her hand to the bush, eager to eat, she suddenly heard rustling leaves. The flora above her was moving. Parts of it twirling around like a rope. Slowly, a puffy violet flower lowered itself just a few feet above her. The red troll tilted her head, not sure of what was happening. As if to answer her, the flower turned around.

That's when Suki noticed that the flower had eyes.

..And sharp teeth.

…And it growled.

….This thing wasn't a flower.

As the red troll slowly stepped away, the flower-shaped creature took in a long, heavy breath. She could hear something building up inside of its mouth. Suki yelped as suddenly a rope of blue hair wrapped itself around her body, pulling her away, and narrowly avoiding the gout of fire that the creature spit at her, which reduced the purpleberry bush into black ash.

Suki stumbled for a moment as she got her feet together. She looked at the pile of ash before the creature sucked it up. That could have been her…

"Run, Suki!" Smidge yelled, grabbing the DJ's hand, and pulling her into a sprint. She and the rest of the group ran as the creature slithered behind them, it's mouth still smoking.

"What is that thing?" Biggie yelled.

"Branch's journal says it's a "Pyroflora"!" Smidge yelled. "They spit fire!"

"I noticed!" Suki yelled.

Slowly tracking behind, Smidge tried to think. To find a way out of this. Ok, what else did the journals say? Pyrofloras were fast, their intelligence was just below average, their vision at night was bad, and… and…

That's when Smidge heard it. The sound of water.

The five trolls stopped in their tracks as the trail led them to a small river stream. The water was calm, clear, and didn't seem to be too deep.

"Everyone jump in the water!" Smidge yelled.

"What!?" Satin yelled. "But I can't swim!"

"It's ok, I have you!" Suki said, taking the scared troll's hand.

With no options other than to trust Smidge, the trolls all dove into the water, avoiding the second blast of fire that the pyroflora unleashed. Just as Suki had promised, she held Satin's hand the entire time, leading her to the other side. After a few moments, the Snack Pack one at a time pulled themselves up out of the water, onto dry land. As they all got to their feet again, Smidge looked to the other side of the stream, hoping Branch's journal entries were right.

After a few roars and failed attempts to blast fire over the stream, the pyroflora turned around, and slithered into the forest again, leaving their sight.

Poppy watched as the creature left, coughing out a bit of the water. "Why isn't it chasing us anymore?"

"The journal says that pyrofloras don't like water." Smidge said as she wrung out her hair. "Their teeth aren't too strong. That's why they burn everything they eat. They can't spit fire if they take in too much water."

Even now, Poppy was impressed by Branch's prowess as a survivor. To gather this type of information, he had to have been observing the pyrofloras for a while. Again, Poppy thought about possible events where creatures like that attacked the village. What would they have done? They wouldn't have known how to ward them off, only how to hide.

"C'mon, everyone." Poppy said to the group. "We'll travel for at least another hour, and then we'll set up camp."

As they all got on the road again, Smidge couldn't help but be a little disappointed in herself. She had the dagger, but chose to run instead of using it. What if they hadn't come across the river stream when they did? They couldn't just keep relying on luck like that.

Walking beside Poppy, Smidge made a silent promise to herself. If they found themselves in another situation like that, and the time came to fight, she would.

She just hoped that this promise wouldn't lead to her getting eaten by something.

--

After showing Branch the city's surrounding defense towers, Artina was called by one of the guards, saying that her assistance was required by King Thrash. Artina didn't want to get back to work yet, but Branch told her that he understood. She was the king's advisor after all. Things shouldn't stop just for him.

Giving him one more hug, Artina ordered another guard to escort Branch to Road Warriors, where he knew Princess Barb was waiting for him. As Branch and the guard made their way through the city, Branch looked around. Both taking in all of the different homes and stores, and memorizing directions so he knew how to get here on his own. This city was life as it should be. A well oiled machine that kept itself functional and safe through the work of the people that lived here. Not some neverending party where no one took anything seriously.

That said, Branch couldn't help but think about Poppy. By now, she'll have noticed that he's gone. And she's probably out looking for him, despite the note he wrote telling her not to.

Branch sighed. It had hardly been a day, but he still missed her. Her stupid glitter spitting party invitations, her overly sweet cupcakes, her beautiful smile..

When they reached the clothing store, Branch thanked the guard, and went in alone. The store was dark, like pretty much everywhere else, and there were jackets, cut jeans, rocker shirts, and more. Some hanging on the wall like paintings, and some hanging on racks. At the counter sat a troll who looked to be in his middle ages leaning on the chair.

"Welcome to Road Warriors." He said. "You the one Princess Barb is waiting on? The half-blood?"

"Yeah, that's me." Branch said.

The clerk troll got up from his chair, and reached under the counter, pulling out some loosely folded clothes, and a belt. "Here. There's another fitting room over there. The princess wants you to get those on before you go see her."

Branch looked at the clothes. The princess had chosen an outfit for him?

The Poprock troll didn't know much about fashion. Or really anything at all. The clothing he wore was always based around camouflage. Blending in to avoid bergens and other predators. But now he had no need for that. Looked like he would just have to trust Princess Barb's tastes.

Taking the clothes, Branch walked into the other room. There were a few clothes littered on the floor, and four changing rooms. Though only one of them seemed to be occupied. He could see the moving feet of who he assumed was the princess.

"That you, new blood?" Barb asked through the door. "You got the clothes I picked out for you?"

"Yeah." Branch said as he stepped into the changing room next to hers, and closed the door. "Thanks for this, by the way."

"Don't worry about it." Barb said. "You're gonna be living in the castle. You can't be walking around wearing leaves and dirt."

A few minutes of silence went by as they both changed. Branch slipping out of his clothes, and into the new ones. All the while, he looked at the full-length mirror. He was liking the outfit so far. A dark green shirt, a black full sleeve leather jacket, and gray tattered jeans.

"My dad wasn't lying, y'know." Barb suddenly spoke up. "Artina never quit looking for you. The old gods gave her crazy determination."

As Branch slipped on his new gloves, his thoughts went to that subject. The old gods. According to what his mother told him, most of all Rock trolls believed in over 350 Rock gods, all different in nature. The old gods standing above the rest. Would he be expected to start believing in them as well? Even at the Pop village, he had never really been one for religion. It was hard to believe in a higher power when you had been through what he'd been through.

As Branch stepped out of the changing room, he looked over himself one more time. The clothes did fit him rather well. He wondered if he should pick up any more Rock troll habits. Should he throw up hand horns more often? Curse more?

"Fuck.." Branch heard Barb mutter. "Hey dude, are you dressed? Come in here for a second."

Branch's body shook like he had been stung like a jellyfish. What did she just say?

"Uh, why?" He asked, unsure of how else to respond.

"I can't reach the zipper on my back." Barb said. Branch could still hear her struggling. "I need you to come unzip me."

She had to be joking. That's the only conclusion Branch could come to. Toy with the new guy, right? Get him all flustered and blushing, and then laugh? His mother did say that she liked to tease. So for a few seconds, he waited for that. For her to laugh and call him gullible. Any second now..

"Dude, c'mon." Barb said. "We gotta meet up with my roadies soon."

…Well hair, she was serious.

As uneasy as this made him, the survivalist decided that it was probably best to do as the princess said, at least for right now. He wouldn't want their first real interactions to be on bad terms. So Branch put his nervous feelings aside and opened her changing room door.

Barb was wearing a black and red leather corset with black fishnet stockings on her arms and chest, connected together by a black choker. She also wore a dark red miniskirt, along with stockings on her legs.

Her outfit was beautiful. And so was she. Branch didn't understand how he hadn't noticed before, but he definitely did now. Her small, but curvy frame that the outfit clung so tightly to, her orchid-purple eyes that almost seemed to glow, even her dark shadowy makeup. The green troll was so taken in by her beauty, that he didn't seem to notice Barb's growing smirk.

"So you gonna unzip me, or what?" Barb said, turning her back to Branch, and snapping him out of his trance.

"Oh. Sorry about that." Branch said before grabbing the zipper. "The outfit's really nice."

"It better be." The princess laughed. "This is gonna be my coronation gear."

Slowly, Branch brought the zipper down, careful not to pinch Barb's fur. Barb could feel him trembling a little bit. He was so cute. She wondered how far she could take this.

The second her corset was unzipped, Barb took Branch's hand and placed it on her hip, making him freeze up a little. After a moment, the princess turned her head to Branch, her smirk unwavering. "You've got strong hands, Branch."

Barb observed the Poprock troll further. He was blushing pretty hard, but was still letting the princess do as she pleased. Oh, this was going to be fun.

"How does it feel, Branch?" Barb said as she took his left hand, and placed it on her other hip. "To be here, with your real people. Does it feel good?"

"Y-yeah.." Branch said, his voice quieter than a whisper. His mind was completely on her, leading him like a bug on a leash. There was tension in this small room, and tension "other" places as well. Enjoying this little game, Barb turned around, and wrapped her arms around Branch's neck, locking eyes with the very nervous troll. But she'd call him down real soon.

"What do you say, Branch?" Barb said. "How about I welcome you home the right way?"

Branch couldn't find the words. He had prepared for many things in his life. Bergens, forest spiders, pyroflora, tumblesnakes, food shortages, droughts, and others. But he had NEVER prepared for something like this.

But for the first time since he had gotten here, his thoughts completely shifted away from Poppy. Now they were all on Barb. Heavy feelings he had only once felt for the princess of pop were now also aimed at the princess in front of him. Maybe he should just… just..

"Hey Barb?"

Both Barb and Branch turned to see his cousin Carol, who didn't look happy at the moment, and two other trolls that Branch didn't recognize in the door. The one on the left was a male with incredibly messy black hair and a zebra bandana, holding a guitar. The one on the right was a lanky male with a black beanie that covered his eyes, and a messy black mullet.

"We got your guitar cleaned, like you asked." The one on the right said.

"Oh what's up, guys." Barb said nonchalantly as she stepped away from Branch, zipped her corset back up, and to the two trolls in front of them, and grabbed the guitar from the male's hands.

Branch looked at her, still shaken up from what had just happened. She lied. She Could reach the zipper.

After running her fingers over the strings, the princess pulled out her pick, and played a few notes on the guitar. Pleased with the sounds, she continued to play a little more.

But Branch noticed something else as she played. One of the strings, everytime she plucked it, not only did it glow red, but it radiated some type of energy. Energy that filled him with something he couldn't describe. It was like the raw emotion he felt when he heard rock music for the first time.

That's when Branch finally remembered what King Peppy told him. About the six magical strings, and how each of the major troll races took one, and went their separate ways. He deduced that what he was seeing, what he was feeling was the Rock string.

"Sweet. Thanks, Riff." Barb said as she holstered the guitar on her back, and fist bumped with both of the trolls. "Branch, meet Riff and Sid fret. Two members of my crew. Sid, Riff, meet our newest member."

"Hey man." Riff said as he threw up his hand horns.

"What's up, dude." Sid fret said, offering a fist bump, which Branch quickly accepted, getting used to it by now. Branch also couldn't help but notice how humorously deep Sid's voice was.

As the three started to discuss what song Barb should play at coronation, Branch kept looking at the princess's guitar that was still hanging on her back. Or more accurately, the string. Even if Branch wasn't informed by his ex-king on what it was, he could still have sensed that the string was immensely powerful. The more the green troll looked at it, the more everything else around him seemed to become quieter and quieter, until all he could hear was the sound of his own breathing and…. Something else.

Slowly, everything around his eyes started to go dark, to a point where all he could see was the magical string. More still, it was like the string was whispering. Calling out to him. Becking him to it.

Without even realizing it, Branch slowly let his hand go forward, his eyes still fixated on the string. But a second before he could make contact, a different voice called to him.

"Hey? Hey, dude. Branch!"

Snapping back to reality, Branch saw the four trolls all looking at him. How long had he been dazed like that?

"You ok, dude?" Barb asked. "Your eyes glazed over a little bit."

The princess looked at Carol, who was enjoying another can of spray cheese. Her favorite creature comfort. "You haven't been sharing any of your brimsmoke with him, have you? Y'know Artina will be pissed if you get him hooked on that shit."

"You know I don't share my brim, Barb." Carol said, trying her best not to let her resentment for Barb to get through in her voice. "The only person I'd ever let have any is Riff. And he's still too much of a soft-ass to try it."

"I have asthma.." Riff weakly said to her.

Branch didn't know what "Brimsmoke" was, but he thought it might be best that it stays that way. After assuring them that he was alright, Branch followed them out of the store and onto the sidewalk. As he silently followed the group of talking friends, he thought about what happened when he looked at the string. It was like a trance. Why had that happened? And was he the only one who saw and heard it? Maybe the heat here was finally getting to him. He didn't know.

The Poprock troll looked at the group in front of him again. The group that he was now apart of. He never had trolls to call friends in the village. He wouldn't allow anyone to become that close to him, as he was too busy focusing on his bunker. On keeping himself safe. But here, in his kingdom, his home, he was safe. And he could allow himself this pleasure.

Deciding to think about his dizzy spell later, Branch walked up next to Barb. "So what now? Are we heading to your coronation?"

"Not yet." Barb said. "They're gonna need a few more hours to get everything ready for me. We're headed to Hot Ink."

"For what?" Branch asked.

"We're gonna get you a tattoo."

"WHAT!?"

"Don't worry, dude." Sid Fret said, punching Branch's shoulder. "It only stings for like a week or two."

--

Dr Moonbloom knew things.

Things that a part of her wished that she didn't know.

Moonbloom sat at the table that the other trolls had pulled in for her, keeping an eye on the still unconscious Milton and Guy Diamond. Luckily, their bandaging still looked to be in good shape, and they'd both taken to the coldberry soup, which would help with their pain.

Being one of the very few remaining elder trolls in the village, her age almost rivaling King Peppy's, Moonbloom not only knew about the existence of other trolls species, but also of the presence of some of those trolls in the village. She knew that the young man Cooper, who was taken by that monstrous bergen, was a Funk troll, raised by the village as one of them. She also knew of halfbreeds, and that the unnatural combination of the DNA of two different troll species could lead a halfbreed to become feral.

But worst of all, she knew that Branch was not one of those unlucky few.

Even after more than 20 years, Moonbloom remembered that night like it was yesterday. When Artina, the Rock troll in disguise, limped into her pod, her makeup a running mess, her hair unkempt, and the blood gushing from the wound on her neck. Uttering a single "help" before falling onto the floor.

In a panic, Moonbloom pulled the bloody troll onto her medical chair, and ran to get everything she'd need to help her, coming back with a pair of scissors, medicine, sap, and gauze. As quickly and carefully as she could, the doctor used the scissors to cut away her clothes, and wiped down her wound, revealing the large bite marks under all the blood. There was bruising as well. On her wrists. On her thighs and even some between her legs.

When the beaten and bruised troll woke up the next morning, and Moonbloom asked her who or what had done this to her, she cried and told the doctor that it was Timber. One of King Peppy's closest friends, and hers as well. At first, Moonbloom couldn't believe it. She wouldn't Let herself believe it. Timber was a good man. She had known him since they were both trollings.

When Timber was confronted by both her and the king, he claimed that Artina Wanted him to do those things. That the biting and roughness had something to do with Rock troll culture. While that seemed to be enough for Peppy, Moonbloom wasn't fully convinced. When he was accused of this, there was not a hint of surprise or even concern on his face. He treated the situation as if he had been accused of stealing someone's hug time watch.

Even more, Moonbloom remembered Artina's other injuries. She would never forget the severe tearing she had seen when tending to the Rock troll. It was a level of damage she had only ever seen from trolls who had just bore an egg. Moonbloom may not have been an expert on the cultures of the different troll races, but she just couldn't believe that any troll would want something like that.

By order of King Peppy, she and Artina were both forbidden to ever bring up the situation again. These events had also shown a side of Peppy that Moonbloom had never seen. When Artina layed her egg, she and Timber fought over custody of it, and the king did nothing about it. Claiming that this was a personal affair, and not any of their business.

When those five years had passed, and the young troll now called Branch had lost his grandmother to the bergens, and he essentially went to live on his own, Moonbloom wanted to make up for her past mistakes by adopting Branch herself. But King Peppy refused to let her, saying that they didn't yet know what threat his mixed blood might pose. There was still the chance that he might become violent in his years.

But Moonbloom, whenever she saw Branch as a child, she never saw some angry monstrous halfbreed. The only thing she saw was a little trolling who rightfully felt wronged by the hand that life had delt him.

Moonbloom still felt guilt. Even more than she had all those years ago. Not only had she turned her head away from Artina, but now after doing the exact same thing to her son, they were all hiding in his bunker. Sleeping in his beds. Eating and drinking his food and water. All the while, he had basically banished himself.

No matter how things might go, Moonbloom hoped that this younger generation wouldn't have to live in the dark about the rest of the world forever. They deserved to know the truth. Branch deserved to know the truth about his heritage, but he was denied that, just as he was denied a family. And while Moonbloom was unsure of who Cooper's parents were, if they were out there, he should at least get the chance to meet them. There was Suki as well.

King Peppy had used his fear, or possibly even hatred for the other troll races to justify never giving these three trolls the truth. Now one of them had run away, one of them had been taken by a bergen, and the third one might meet her death attempting to save her friends.

This had to change, and if King Peppy refused to tell the village, then Moonbloom would just tell Poppy the moment she became queen. She'd confront him about this the next time she saw him.

--

"King Peppy, I'm sorry… I'm really, really sorry."

"Go. Now."

Legsly and King Peppy both stood at the outskirts near the setting sun. Legsly was crying and sniffling harder than she ever had in her life as Peppy ordered her to leave the village, and never come back.

This had all started when while the other trolls laughed and played, King Peppy slipped away from the bunker under the noses of all his subjects, save Legsly, who had secretly followed behind him. When the king had made it to his destination, a waterfall that fell into a beautiful small pond, Legsly was surprised when he stuck his cane into one of the rocks around it, and the waterfall moved away like magic. Behind it, there was a room with all kinds of colorful books, pretty statues, and some weapons like the ones Branch kept.

It wasn't until King Peppy pulled one of the books off of the shelf and opened it that Legsly finally revealed herself, startling the king as she asked about the strange looking people on the pages, and the harp that they seemed to be fighting over.

The king didn't answer. Instead, he demanded to know why she had followed him, and asked if anyone else had. It scared Legsly to see him so angry, but she obeyed, promising that it was only her. When he seemed convinced, Peppy ordered her to follow him to the village's west outskirts, far away from both the secret chamber, and the eyes of any other trolls who might see them.

And now here she was, being banished for reasons she didn't know.

"Wha- what… what did I do?" Legsly asked, her extendable legs shaking. "Whatever I did, I'm sorry! I swear I won't do it again if you just tell me what I did!"

King Peppy looked at the crying young troll in front of him. He took absolutely no pleasure in this. He wished that this wasn't necessary. And if Legsly had just stayed in the bunker with the rest of his people, it wouldn't be. But now she knew too much. There was too much risk of her talking about what she saw with the other trolls. That would lead to questions. He couldn't gamble this possibility.

"I'm afraid it's too late for that, Legsly." King Peppy said. Using his cane, he pointed to the wild forest. The forest that he usually cautioned his trolls to not go into, especially at night. "The bergens live south. So long as you travel west, you shouldn't encounter them. You should get started now, before the sun is down."

Legsly looked at the forest. She had always been told never to go in there. There were predators. Things that were bigger and stronger than her. Creatures that would hunt, kill, and eat her without a second guess. She couldn't go in there. This couldn't be happening.

Breaking down even harder, Legsly hugged her body as she cried. "Please, King Peppy! I don't wanna go! Please don't make me go! I'm sorry! Please!"

"Go." King Peppy said in a voice so low, that it was a miracle that Legsly even heard it. "You are banished, Legsly. Leave, and never come back."

On that final cruel note, the king turned around, and made his way back to the bunker.

All the while, Legsly's sobs only grew louder as she started to walk into the forest. This all felt like a nightmare that she couldn't wake up from. She could never return to the only home she had ever known. She could never see her friends and family again. She could never play with them, or sing with them again. Why did this happen? What had she done to deserve this?

She walked for maybe an hour. As the sun fell lower and lower, so did the temperature. Legsly didn't know what to do. Where would she sleep when it got too cold? On that note, where would she even go at all? Would she live in the forest now? She wasn't a survivor or a forager. She didn't even know how to make a fire. And because of her defects, she couldn't use her hair to grab things, or even blend into her environment.

She was going to die out here. That much, she was certain of. There were so many things in life she hadn't gotten to do. Learn how to scrapbook, find and train a pet, make cupcakes with Princess Poppy, she wouldn't even get the chance to confess her feelings to Biggie.

Trying her best to calm down in this horrible situation, Legsly tried to think happy thoughts. Little baby trollings, pretty butterflies, double rainbows, her favorite song. But it became difficult when her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of what she believed was music.

Following the sound while trying to stay hidden, Legsly began to not only hear the sound of a guitar, but singing as well. Finally making it to the source, she found herself in an open space in the forest, where two trolls she had never seen before played a type of music that was unfamiliar to her. One of them was a light blue female with purple pigtails with white streaks, wearing a purple skirt, and a black belly shirt. The other, who was the one singing, looked much like her friend Cooper, except that Legsly was quite certain this troll was a girl. Her fur was grey with black stripes, and she had long, braided black hair.

(Off with her head by Icon For Hire)

I'm lucky if I ever see the light of day again

My skin is choking me, my feeble walls are closing in

This cell is filled with scholars easing me, they're teasing me

They told me so I didn't know the fall would be this easy

How long until it starts to do me in

I can't give out what I'm not breathing in

I know they'll come with what I'm owed

Guilty as charged

Legsly walked up, the two trolls still not noticing her. This music was so different than what she was used to. It felt so angry. So intense. But with how she was currently feeling, it just felt better than the song she was thinking of.

My enemies belittle me, reminding me the penalty of all my deeds, despite my plees, is death

Don't let go cause I don't wanna be this, I don't wanna be this

Death is mine, I know

Don't let go, don't let go

Save your own cause I don't wanna be this, I don't wanna be this

Death is mine, I know

Don't let go, don't let go, savior

The music came to a halt when the blue troll finally noticed Legsly, who jumped when their eyes fell on her. Panicking, Legsly extended her legs up into the trees above her, hoping that maybe she could pass as a very tall flower.

"...What the fuck?" The troll with pigtails said as she looked at her friend next to her. "I didn't know Pop trolls could do that."

"I think she's one of the mutated ones that the books mentioned." The other troll said.

Legsly couldn't help but be frightened. She had never seen these trolls before, and they looked scary. She started to shake as she heard the two trolls approach her, almost screaming when she felt one of them touch her leg.

"Hey it's alright. You don't gotta be afraid." The bigger troll said. "Come down here, so we can see you."

"Kelley, King Thrash said we aren't allowed to talk with the Pop trolls." The blue troll said.

"No, what he said was that we aren't allowed to go into their village. And technically Val, we're not in it." Kelley said before turning back to Legsly, who was still attempting to hide, but now doing a very bad job with her trembling legs. "We know you're not a tree, girl. Come down."

Giving up, Legsly finally shrunk her legs down again, the one named Kelley now standing above her. That's when the two Rock trolls got a better look at her. She was a mess. Her nose was red and running, and her eyes were bloodshot from all the crying she was doing.

Kelley and Val both looked at each other, and then back at Legsly, unsure of what to do next, until Kelley finally spoke up.

"Do you need some help?"