Shortly after the holiday party, Poppy decided to go visit Bridget and Gristle in Bergentown; she even convinced Branch to come along. The crisp morning sun filtered through the forest, casting dappled shadows over Branch's bunker. Outside, Poppy hummed a cheerful tune, her excitement bubbling as she prepared for their journey to Bergentown. Beside her, Branch adjusted his satchel nervously, a shadow of doubt flickering in his usually composed demeanor. "Ready to go?" Poppy chirped, her ever-present optimism lighting up the air around them.

Branch hesitated, glancing back at his bunker. "As ready as I'll ever be," he muttered. Though he trusted Poppy and her judgment, the thought of returning to Bergentown brought back memories he wasn't eager to relive. Floyd, who stood a few feet away, crossed his arms tightly over his chest. His disapproval was written all over his face. "You two are seriously going there? To Bergentown? Have you forgotten what those creatures used to do to trolls?"

Poppy gave Floyd a reassuring smile. "It's different now. King Gristle and Bridget have changed things. Bergens and trolls are friends."

"Friends?" Floyd snapped, his tone sharp. "Do you really think that erases years of hunting us down like snacks?" He turned to Branch, his expression darkening. "Do you remember what they did to our family? Do you really want to risk your neck for this?"

Branch stiffened, his eyes narrowing. "I haven't forgotten, Floyd. But things are different now. If we can rebuild bridges, isn't that worth trying?"

Floyd shook his head, frustration evident. "You're naive if you think it's that simple. But fine, do whatever you want. Just don't expect me to come running when it all goes wrong." With that, Floyd stormed off, leaving Branch and Poppy exchanging uncertain glances.

The journey to Bergentown was uneventful, but Branch couldn't shake the feeling of unease. Poppy, as always, was a ray of sunshine, chattering about how excited she was to see King Gristle and Bridget again. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and Branch found himself smiling despite his nerves. When they arrived, Bergentown was bustling with activity. The once drab and gloomy city had been transformed into a more colorful and lively place, thanks in part to Poppy's influence. King Gristle and Bridget greeted them warmly, their genuine smiles putting Branch at ease.

But back in the forest, Floyd paced anxiously. As much as he wanted to stay angry, the thought of Branch walking into danger gnawed at him. Memories of their family's struggles with the Bergens surfaced, fueling his worry. Finally, he couldn't take it anymore. "I can't let him do this alone," Floyd muttered, grabbing his things and setting off toward Bergentown.

Floyd arrived just in time to see a tense moment unfolding. While King Gristle and Bridget were welcoming and kind, some Bergens still harbored old habits. One particularly brash Bergen approached Branch, towering over him with a sneer. "Well, well, a troll. Haven't seen one of you around here in a while," the Bergen growled, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

Branch remained calm, but Poppy stepped forward protectively. "Hey! We're here as guests. There's no need for this kind of attitude."

The Bergen ignored her, leaning closer to Branch. "You look just like the trolls we used to catch. Wonder if you still taste the same."

Before Branch could respond, Floyd burst onto the scene. "Get away from him!" he shouted, shoving the Bergen back with surprising strength.

Floyd's eyes blazed with a mix of anger and fear as he positioned himself between Branch and the Bergen."Floyd?" Branch exclaimed, startled by his brother's sudden appearance.

"You're not laying a finger on him," Floyd snarled, glaring at the Bergen. "Not while I'm here."

The commotion drew the attention of King Gristle and Bridget, who quickly intervened. "Enough!" King Gristle bellowed, his authoritative voice silencing the Bergen. "This is not how we treat our friends."

The offending Bergen grumbled but backed away, shooting Floyd and Branch one last glare before disappearing into the crowd. Bridget approached Floyd, her kind eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you for stepping in. I'm sorry you had to deal with that."

Floyd relaxed slightly but kept a protective arm in front of Branch. "I still don't trust any of you," he admitted, his voice cold. "But I couldn't let him get hurt."

Branch placed a hand on Floyd's shoulder, his expression softening. "Thanks, Floyd. I didn't expect you to come."

Floyd shrugged, trying to play it off. "Someone has to keep an eye on you."

Poppy smiled warmly, her faith in the Bergens reaffirmed by King Gristle and Bridget's actions. As they continued their visit, Floyd remained vigilant, but even he couldn't deny that the Bergens were making an effort to change. Later, as they prepared to leave, Branch turned to Floyd. "Maybe things aren't perfect yet, but they're trying. That's more than we could have hoped for before."

Floyd sighed, his resolve softening. "I guess. But don't expect me to stop worrying about you."

Branch smirked. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

As they headed back to the forest, Poppy hummed a cheerful tune, her spirits lifted by their progress. Branch and Floyd walked side by side, their bond strengthened by the day's events. Despite their differences, they were family—and that was all that mattered.