Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven: The new King of Trollsville

“Alright Creek. Your time has come.” Poppy said. Creek looked up in surprise.

“What? I thought you were…”

 “Too come out!!!” He gasped, his thoughts whirling. He was finally allowed to come out! He stood up and ran out of his cage. Poppy followed.

As the two entered Trollsville, Peppy ran up.

“Hello Poppy!” He looked at Creek. “Creek.” Creek looked down feeling shame wash him.

“I am truly sorry Peppy.” He murmured honestly. Peppy did something that startled Creek. He laughed.

“We forgive you, Creek. You have built a lot of character.” His tone turned solemn. “Although we are going to put you in a character building class.” Creek nodded respectably.

“Of course, Peppy. I respect your judgment.” He looked up and saw that Peppy and Poppy were grinning at each other. He sighed. “When do I start? Who’s teaching?”

“You start tomorrow and…” Poppy’s grin, expanded. “Branch will be teaching.” Creek gasped.

“He what?”

“You get to go to his bunker tomorrow at 6:30. You can’t be late.” Creek nodded with a pit in his stomach. Why’d it have to be Branch?

Branch woke up to knocking. He sat up and remembered what Poppy had said. He groaned and started getting ready as fast as he could. Primrose, his firefly, buzzed around his head.

“Prim. Be quiet. Creek can’t know I have you.” The small firefly chirped in question and Branch rubbed her back. “It’ll only be for a while. Here. Hide in there.” He opened his curtain where Poppy’s invitations used to be and Primrose flew in.

Branch opened the tab that was in the GO AWAY mat and Creek jumped in surprise.

“Oh. Hello Branch. How are you?” Branch rolled his eyes and pulled Creek inside.

“Sooo. Sit down.” Branch started. Creek obediently sat down and watched as Branch paced around his bunker. Six minutes passed and Creek finally spoke up.

“Are we gonna start?” Branch sat down looking at a watch.

“Six minutes and fifty-six seconds. Good job. You’ve developed patience. That’s a very good attribute. Tell me why it’s good.” Creek sighed and Branch snickered.

“It is good because…. Um…. It is good…. Um…. Good because…. I don’t know….”  Branch blinked in surprise.

“Are you joking? It is good because most of life is waiting and if you aren’t patient you are….”

“Stupid.” Creek answered.

“No, Creek. You are impatient. Gosh.” He began mumbling and paced around again. After another six minutes, Creek spoke up again.

“Are we gonna keep going? Or can I go?”

“Six minutes and twelve seconds. Not an improvement, but you still are patient. Tell me why patience is good.” Branch stared at Creek’s overwhelmed face until he answered.

“Cuz most of life is waiting…” Branch nodded.

“Good…” After another six minutes, Creek slammed his head on the desk.

“Why do you keep doing this? It’s annoying!” Branch shook his head.

“You don’t have patience. Just kidding. You aren’t self-controlled.” Creek moaned. This lesson was going to take all day…

“Five hundred years later, a troll was scouting around a pile of rocks and found two skeletons at a desk. Creek you’re taking forever! Fill in that worksheet!” Branch yelled, exasperated. Creek whimpered.

“I’m doing the best I can. I haven’t answered questions in three months!” Branch folded his arms and sat down.

“I’m blue! Dabadedabada!” He sang. Creek looked up, distracted. Branch noticed and shut up. “Get back to work!!!” He yelled.

Five hours later, Creek’s lesson was done.

“Don’t bother coming back!” Branch called after him. “Okay. Come tomorrow. But at 9:00!”

“Okay…” Branch laughed at the sound of regret in Creeks voice. He turned and went into his bunker.

“You can come out now Prim.” He said to the curtain. It wiggled and then a firefly buzzed out. It began to lick Branch furiously.

“Okay, okay! I’ll make it up to you with extra singing. You can stop now!” Primrose chittered with laughter and Branch smiled.

“Ready? Here I go.

If I lay here.

If I just lay here.

Would you lie with me or just look at the world?” Primrose sang along with him.

“Just do what you’re told.

Before we get too old.”  They sang together until their voices went out.

“Few. That was fun Prim.” Primrose chattered in agreement. Knocking made them both jump.

“BRANCH!!! COME HERE!!!” Poppy’s voice sounded. Branch and Primrose exchanged glances and ran to the tab. Branch opened it, ushering Primrose behind him.

“What is it?” He asked. Poppy’s face appeared.

“I'm excited!!! Do you know why?” Branch shook his head and she answered.“Guy Diamond found the perfect place for our new Trollsville!”

“What?” Branch thought of the popular teenager and wondered how.

“He, Cooper, and DJ Suki were having a picnic and he went off alone into the forest and went quite some ways, and  found the perfect place!”

“How far is it from the North?” Branch wondered. Chef’s camp was North and he didn’t want to take any chances.

“It is a couple good miles. It’s great Branch! We’re moving today! Right now!” She was quiet for a while and then asked. “How was Creek today?”

“Annoying. He takes forever to learn.”

“Patience Branch. You need patience.” Branch shook his head.

“I still don’t know why you picked me to be his teacher.”

“Cuz you’ve got character…” Her voice trailed away. “Guys. I told you not to follow me.”

“Sorry Poppy.” A chorus of voices rang through the forest.

“Well, Branch. Bring your stuff! We’re leaving!” Branch looked at Primrose and closed the tab again.

“Um. That was quick huh? What do you think the place is?” Primrose answered with chitters and Branch nodded. “Exactly what I was thinking. Very bright and happy. Well. I’ll miss you.” Primrose nudged Branch apologetically and he smiled.

“Come visit any time. Please?” Primrose nodded and flew away.

Branch walked out with all his stuff and joined the SnackPack as they walked.

“Hellooooo!!!” Guy Diamond said happily. Branch smiled weakly. He was gonna miss Primrose and all the bugs here. They were all so friendly.

DJ Suki walked over with a bunch of bugs around her.

“Oh My Gosh! Yes!” Smidge said, reaching for Guy Diamonds hand. Guy Diamond took it with a happy smile. “Good! I have seen the place and it’s really beat-tastic! You’ll love it!” The SnackPack cheered and broke out into public conversations. Guy Diamond and Smidge began to talk happily about the new Trollsville.

“Is there a lake?” Smidge wondered.

“Yep! Well, it is more of a pond. But it’s pretty!” Guy Diamond answered. Branch couldn’t hold in 

his curiosity.

“Is it bright? Is it hidden? Is there a lot of room?” The former glitter troll and the small, deep voiced, troll looked at him surprised.

“It is both bright and dark. And it is surrounded by thick pine and maple trees. Or were those oaks? And there is a LOT of room. I think you’ll be happy there, Branch.” Guy Diamond responded. Branch smiled and looked down.

“Oh My Gosh! I can’t wait to see it!” Smidge applauded. Cooper ran over.

“What are you talking about? The new Trollsville?”

“You bet! Hey! Your fur is coming back!” Guy Diamond, friendly noted. Cooper smiled.

“I know! I am glad! And Smidge, your voice is coming back!”

“Oh My Gosh! Yes!!!” She cheered. “I’m so happy!” She bounced up and down with happiness and Branch laughed. What could he say? She was adorable…

The crowd of trolls stopped walking, two hours later. Poppy faced the crowd.

“Are you ready to see your new home?” The crowd went wild with excitement. “Come up here, Guy 

Diamond! You are the one who found it!” Guy Diamond, who was carrying a very tired Smidge, walked to Poppy’s side. Together, they opened the bushes and showed all of the trolls their new home.

“YAAaaaaayyyyy!!!” All of Trollsville hollered as they saw how brilliant it was. Guy Diamond smiled proudly and stuck out his stomach. (You know how he does that?)

Anyways… Poppy jumped onto a pink mushroom to address her people.

“Here! Right here! This is where we will make our new civilization! It has everything we need! Fresh air, clean water, and it was founded by Guy Diamond!!!” The crowd admired him and began to explore their new home. Poppy hopped down and high-fived the SnackPack.

“Way to go Guy Diamond! This place is neat!” Satin and Chenille praised. The rest of the SnackPack nodded in agreement. Poppy spotted Branch looking around and ran over to him.

“Branch. How do you like it here?” She queried. She knew Branch would miss his old bunker and the forest which he had spent years to get to know. He looked at her longingly and Poppy saw that he was sad about something else. “What’s wrong? Did you leave something back at Trollsville?” He heaved a sigh and sat down.

“No…” He finally said. “Something else is bothering me. This place is great. I can’t wait to explore the forest.” He smiled reassuringly but it only made Poppy inexact. His voice betrayed a hint of a lie. He wasn’t telling her everything. He must not trust her. But every troll trusted her!!!

“Branch. Please tell me what’s wrong. You mean a lot to me and I want you to be happy.”

“I AM happy… Or I was…” Poppy sat down beside him and pulled him into a hug.

“It’s going to be okay.” She whispered, positively. He hugged her back and she felt his grief escape into her shoulder. She held him for a couple minutes more before he realized he was crying. He let 

go, wiping his eyes.

“I’m sorry.” He murmured, weakly. Poppy stood up and brushed herself off.

“You don’t have to teach Creek if you don’t want to.” She offered. He smiled and shook his head.

“I’ll keep doing it. It’ll build my character.” He joked making Poppy smile.

“Alright. Come tell me if you lost your patience.” She teased. They smiled at each other and then both turned and went their own ways. But both felt a twinge of loss.

---Time Switch---

Poppy led the SnackPack to her new flower. She halted at the door and put her hand against it.

“Who’s ready to see the inside?” She beamed at the shocked expressions that they all had.

“Just one thing… That’s the biggest flower ever! It must’ve took a long time to grow! How’d you do it?” Satin and Chenille asked. Poppy smiled.

“Sunshine, water, food, love, and of course singing! If you love the outside, you’ll love the inside!”

“Let’s go!” DJ Suki interrupted. “Sorry…” Poppy clapped.

“It’s fine. Come on!” She led the crowd of her friends into the flower palace. Biggie immediately started touching everything.

“Biggie!!!” Everyone scolded. He giggled and squeezed Mr. Dinkles tighter.

“Awe. It’s okay Biggie. Just don’t do it again.” Poppy said.

“WHAT’S THIS???” DJ Suki suddenly shrieked, pointing to a C.D. “YOU GOT A C.D. OF BRANCH’S SONGS???” Everyone ran over and gaped.

“Oh My Gosh!” Smidge said.

“You said it.” Guy Diamond agreed.

“Where in all of Trollsville, did you get this????” Satin sobbed.

“I want it!!!” Chenille blubbered. Poppy rushed over.

“I don’t have a C.D of Branch’s! What are you talking about???”  Guy Diamond picked it up and turned it over.

“GUY DIAMOND!!! PUT IT DOWN!!!” DJ Suki screamed. He jumped and put it down, shaking with a sudden adrenaline.

“W-what? I-I’m sorry.” Poppy picked the C.D. up and looked at it in shock.

“No way…” She whispered. “I think…”

“You think what???” She looked up.

“I think Branch gave this to me!!!” Th SnackPack looked at each other in marveled curiosity but Poppy ushered them out. “Sorry guys. I’ve got to look at this. I promise I’ll show you if he says I can.” They all scowled but Smidge agreed sweetly.

“Okay. It’s okay right Guy Diamond?”

“O-of course Smidge. We can totally live without a C.D. in our lives. Right DJ?”

“Yes. Although I really, really want it.” Poppy smiled at what Smidge started. Guy Diamond listens to everything Smidge says and DJ Suki listens to Guy Diamond.

“Thanks guys! And don’t worry. It’s just a C.D.” They nodded and strode away sadly. Poppy jumped into her bean-bag that DJ Suki always sat in and looked at the C.D. case. It was bright and foresty. 

Poppy admired everything on it. The picture was a picture of a patch of aspen trees. It had a green background which made the picture very focused and pretty. Poppy recognized the trees as the ones that were by Branch's old bunker. They were the trees that were by the stream that he sang by.

Poppy read the title like millions of times and never grew bored of it. The title was “Will you remember me?” After a long time, she finally opened the case. Inside of course was the C.D. but there was also a note. Poppy read it savoring every word.

Dear Poppy,

I have recorded every song I’ve ever wrote just for you.

I just wanted to say thank you for everything and I hope you

like this C.D.

The voice in the background is my friend Primrose. She is a firefly and

she decided to stay with her friends in Trollsville. That was one of the reasons why I was sad. 

Enjoy. ^-^

             

       ♥Branch♥

Poppy smiled as she finished and got up. She opened her C.D. player and played it. After she listened to every song, she got up and left her flower.

On the way to Branch’s new bunker, she bumped into Creek. Well, he bumped into her.

“Oh… Hello Creek.” Poppy greeted. Creek smiled and dipped his head in apology, a thing English trolls do.

“Hullo, Poppy. Where’re you headed?”

“Uh… Branch’s bunker. I haven’t seen it yet.” Creek’s smile wavered but continued to stay put.

“How about you work on your virtues? Here’s a book.” When he didn’t take it, she said. “Or you can go back into your cage.” He took it halfheartedly and his smile faded into a heartbroken frown. Poppy hesitated before she hugged him.

“No hard feelings… I just want everyone to like you again.” She soothed. He hugged her back, thankfully. Later, Poppy pulled back.

“I’ll talk to you about it later.” She told him supportively. Creek nodded with a relieved expression. It was clear to see that he did not like being detested. Poppy imagined being him and shuttered with understanding.

“Oh, Creek. This must be horrible.” He looked at her, astonished.

“Y-y-yes. It is… Why’d y-you s-s-say that?” Poppy shrugged and hugged him again.

“I’ll talk to you later.” She walked away and shook her head. Why are boys the ones with so many problems?

“Branch?” Poppy yelled. “Branch?” She walked past the beautiful pond and wandered around the bright, cheerful forest without success. About an hour passed before she sat down on a rock and exhaling. Where could he be?

“Branch? Branch? Branch?” She hollered. She yelled until her voice went out. She slumped backwards into blue arms.

“Your majesty called?” Branch asked, efficiently. Poppy jumped in surprise.

“Branch! I did call!” She said with effort. Her voice was STILL out.

“Here. Drink this.” Branch murmured, handing a small flower filled with honey, to her. She took it 

gratefully. As she was drinking it, he spoke.

“I’m assuming you got what I gave you?” She nodded and licked the last of the honey out of the flower.

“It was amazing. Thank you. Who was the girl you were singing about?” Branch smiled.

“Oh, Poppy. Don’t you recognize who by the description or the singer?” Poppy smiled and hugged him.

“Thank you. For everything.” She couldn’t see his reaction, but she felt it. His love washed over her like the honey she just drank and she held on to it with delight. He pulled back again and looked into her eyes.

“Poppy. I know this is an odd time, but… Will you marry me?” Poppy was hardly surprised, but she was overjoyed.

“Of course!” She answered. And he pulled her close and they did something they’d never done before and Poppy knew she had done it. She had found her King.

Chapter Six

Chapter Six: Mystery in Trollsville

  Poppy woke up and looked around sleepily. She heard shocked voices outside her empty flower. She opened her door and walked out.

“What’s going on?” She asked, confused.

“Guy Diamonds glitter is gone!” Poppy’s head snapped up.

“Wait what? Where is he?” Satin and Chenille pointed to a white troll who looked very concerned. She walked over.

“What happened?” She asked.

“I don’t know!!! I went to bed and then when I woke up… My glitter was gone!!!” His voice went auto-tune in panic and Poppy looked around.

“Did any of you, do it?” The trolls all shook their heads, looking completely innocent. She turned back to Guy Diamond. “Did it fall off? Can that happen?” The glitter trolls in the crowd, gathered together whispering.

“Nope. It’s never happened in glitter troll history. Ever.” A pink and blue glitter troll said.

“Are you sick?” She asked. Guy Diamond shook his head, tears welling in his eyes. “Then it must have been a troll who did it. Come on. Let’s go to his flower.” The SnackPack followed her to Guy Diamonds flower with Guy Diamond behind.

“Let’s hope we find the troll who did it.” DJ Suki comforted.

“But what if I never get my glitter? I can’t wear clothes! It’s not like me!”

“I’m sure it’ll come back.” Satin soothed.

“And we’ll make you a glittery outfit!” Chenille suggested.

“Thanks, you guys…” Guy Diamond said, sadly. Poppy and the rest of the SnackPack began looking for clues.

“Is this a clue?” Poppy said, holding up a hair band.

“Oh! That’s mine!” DJ Suki called out. Everyone looked at her. She noticed their gazes and laughed nervously.

“It wasn’t me guys. I was busy making a new song last night. You believe me right Guy Diamond?” He shrugged and turned away, looking hurt. DJ Suki’s shoulders slumped.

“Well…” Poppy began. But she got cut off as Biggie called out.

“Hey look! I found something else!” He held up a purple comb and swung it around like a sword. 

“It’s Creeks comb!”

The SnackPack looked at each other and DJ Suki sighed with relief.

“I told you it wasn’t me!” Guy Diamond walked forward and took the comb from Biggie and studied it.

“How did he get out of his cage?”

“Good point Guy Diamond. And how did he get his comb back?” Poppy giggled softly.

“I didn’t take his things.” She said guiltily. Her thoughts were whirling. Why would Creek want to harm Guy Diamond?

The next day, screams of horror woke Poppy. She sat upright and raced out. What she saw made her fall to the ground.

Satin and Chenille stood there in the middle of the crowd. And… Their… Hair… Was… Cut…

“Oh My Gosh!” Smidge said as she circled the twins. “What happened?” Satin and Chenille tried to explain but words failed them. Finally, Satin said.

“Just the same as Guy Diamond!” DJ Suki helped Poppy up.

“We need to take Creeks stuff away. We can’t let him do more stuff!” Poppy shook her head. She still kind of thought that it was DJ Suki.

“We don’t KNOW that it’s him. We need to be sure before.”

“Have any of you seen Branch lately?” Cooper asked as he wrapped his neck around Satin and Chenille as a hug. Guy Diamond rose his hand, slowly.

“He was singing to himself last night. I heard him as I was walking back to my flower.” Poppy noticed that he was wearing a glittery outfit. It was light green with silver glitter, but he didn’t seem too happy about it. It was clear to see that he missed his own glitter. Poppy didn’t blame him.

“Well… I’ll go talk to him.” She said. She gave Satin and Chenille a big hug and walked into the forest, towards Branch’s bunker.

“Branch!” She called. A firefly answered her call. It led her to a stream where she heard singing. Beautiful singing.

“Cuz baby we find love right where we are.” The voice sang. Poppy hardly recognized it. But when she did…

“Branch…” She whispered in shock. She remembered what Guy Diamond had said and she peered through a bush. She spotted him collecting moss by the stream. The firefly buzzed over and chittered to him.

“Where’ve you been, my little friend? My singing’s nothing without you.” He rubbed it under the chin and smiled as it licked his cheek. Poppy smiled too. Branch had a friend. How cute.

“Well, anyways. I’m almost finished here.” He sat down and peered into the water. “Oh, I wish she would notice me more.” He dipped his hand in and then straightened.

“Hold, hold on, hold on to me.

Cause I’m a little unsteady.

A little unsteady.” He sang. The firefly played music and he smiled.

“Mama, come here.

Approach, appear.

Darling I know you’re trying.

To you fight when you feel like flying.

If you love me don’t let go.

If you love me, don’t let go.” Poppy itched to sing along but didn’t want to blow her cover. She whisper-sang along.

“Hold on, hold on, hold on to me.” He sang.

(I’ll tryyyy!!!) Poppy whisper-sang.

“Cuz I’m a little unsteady.”

(I’ll hold you tiiight!)

“A little unsteady.”

(Don’t wobble honey I’m here!)

“Hold on, hold on, hold on to me!”

(I’ll try so hard, baby just hold ooooon!) Poppy sang the last part to loud because Branch stopped singing.

“Did you hear that?” He asked his firefly friend. It began to fly over to Poppy. She took off running and burst into the clearing.

“Poppy! Are you okay? You look like you’ve just seen a Bergen.” Poppy heaved for air.

“Nope. Just Branch. He was singing and I was singing along. But he noticed me and. I hope he doesn’t stop. He’s very good!” Guy Diamond took her hand.

“It’s okay Poppy.” She smiled.

“Thank you. So, are you all done with your flowers?” DJ Suki slapped herself in the face.

“Ugh! No. My stereo bugs are trashing it.” Poppy laughed.

“Then we’d better go and help. How are you guys doing.”

“I’m done.” Guy Diamond said.

“Me too.” Cooper offered.

“I’m almost done.” Smidge answered. The rest of the SnackPack told Poppy how their flowers were doing.

“Alright. Those who are done, come with me so we can help DJ!!!” Every troll groaned and DJ Suki smiled innocently.

After they finished DJ Suki’s flower, they all went to Creek’s cage. He got up hopefully again.

“We’re not letting you out.” Guy Diamond said angrily. He looked like he wanted to strangle Creek with his hair. Satin and Chenille were glaring accusingly.

“Okay, mates. Easy.” Poppy stepped forward.

“Why’d you do this?” She gestured to Satin, Chenille and Guy Diamond. Creek looked at them.

“Who’s the white one?”

“GUY DIAMOND!!!” Everyone screamed.

“Oh My Gosh. Seriously?” Smidge asked. Creek’s eyes widened.

“You think I did that??? Why???” Poppy shrugged.

“Maybe because you are a bad troll.”

“A very bad troll.” Guy Diamond added. Poppy pushed him back gently.

“Creek… I will give you one more chance. If you do one more thing, then…” She made a signal of a knife slicing her throat. Creek gulped.

“O-of course Poppy. I won’t do anything else. Honest.” Poppy and the rest of the SnackPack nodded.

“Good.” Everyone walked away.

The next day, Biggie woke Poppy up.

“Mr. Dinkles! Where is Mr. Dinkles?” Poppy ran out again.

“Mr. Dinkles is gone? Where can he be?” She asked. Guy Diamond ran over.

“Was it Creek???” He asked sleepily. Biggie was looking very worried. He was looking under every mushroom, fern, flower, leaf, and everything in Trollsville. DJ Suki and Smidge ran over. The two girls were still in their pajamas.

“What’s going on?” DJ Suki wondered aloud.

“Mr. Dinkles is gone!!!” Biggie squealed.

“Oh My Gosh!” The rest of the SnackPack gathered around and exchanged words.

“Was it Creek?”

“It could have been.”

“But why?” Poppy shook her head.

“It couldn’t have been Creek. We’ll find Mr. Dinkles. Don’t worry.” With all of Trollsville looking, Mr. Dinkles was eventually found.

The next day, everything was normal. But that was only because Branch was in the forest. Later in the afternoon, he came into Trollsville.

“Branch! Good to see you!” Poppy said cheerfully. But upon seeing his glum expression, she faltered. 

“What’s up?”

“My stuff is gone!” She frowned.

“Are you sure? What’s missing?” He looked at his feet and mumbled it so only she could hear. She clapped cheerfully. I didn’t know you kept my invita-….” Branch shushed her and pointed to the trolls who were nearby. Poppy lowered her voice to a whisper.

“…tions! That’s awesome.” He smiled but frowned again.

“But they’re gone. And all of my scrapbooks are gone too. Everything is gone!” Poppy shook her head.

“I’ve gotta talk to Creek. He did it.” She took off, leaving Branch behind.

“Creek!!!” Creek looked up and his eyes widened with fear.

“I didn’t do anything! Honest! Please don’t kill me!” He hid his face and Poppy opened the cage.

“You’ve gone too far with Branch. You hear me? TOO FAR!!!” He gulped and nodded. “And you knew what the consequence was. YOU KNEW!!! But you did it anyways! Did you think I would have mercy?” He nodded guiltily and kneeled down.

“Please, please, please, forgive me! I’ll do anything! Please!” Poppy shook her head.

“Your execution will be at dawn. Be ready.” She left him fearfully crying in his cage and went to her father.

“Hi, dad. Creek pushed the limits. Do you think my decision is good?” Peppy nodded with a stern expression.

“I thought there was some good in him. I was wrong.” Poppy shrugged.

“I thought the same thing. I loved him you know.”

 “Oh Poppy.”

“No dad. It’s fine. I’m interested in Branch.” Peppy smiled.

“He’s good for you.” Poppy nodded.

Late in the night, Poppy woke up again. Smidge was in the clearing with DJ Suki and Cooper. 

Cooper’s fur was gone, Smidge’s voice was gone, and one of DJ Suki’s bugs was missing.

“Poppy. We need to do something.” Branch said. Poppy turned to face him.

“Don’t worry. I told him that his execution was at dawn. Let’s go get him.” Everyone followed her to the cage.

“Wake up Creek.” Branch said. Creek sat up rubbing his eyes. Poppy squinted at him. His curl was gone?

“Where’s your curl Creek?” Creek blinked and felt his hair.

“I don’t know.”

“You just cut your hair so that you wouldn’t be killed.” Guy Diamond growled. The SnackPack shouted their agreements.

“I don’t even have scissors!” Creek yelled desperately, as Poppy opened the cage. She reached into 

his hair and pulled out a pair of scissors.

“What are these?” Creek’s face was complete shock.

“No! Those aren’t mine!” Poppy dragged him out and Branch chained him up. They pulled him into the clearing where all the trolls were coming out of their packed-up flowers.

“Okay, trolls of Trollsville. It is time! Creek. Your last words please!” She strapped Creek to the table and rose her axe. Tears began spilling out of his eyes as he floundered for words. Finally, he spoke.

“It wasn’t me! It was…” Poppy’s grip on the axe wavered and she stared down at the purple troll. Branch, who was beside Poppy, took the axe and pushed her aside.

“Phoebe!!!” Creek finished as the axe was brought down. Poppy jumped in front of Creek and Branch yanked it back. It sunk into his cheek and he dropped the axe, crying out. Poppy still covered 

 Creek and the SnackPack rushed forward.

 “Poppy!”

“Are you alright?”

“Oh My Gosh!” Poppy unstrapped Creek and pulled his to his feet. Branch stood up and put a hand to his cheek that was bleeding heavily.

“I’m so sorry Poppy. I don’t know what came over me.” He pleaded. Poppy breathed in and looked at the crowd.

“Phoebe. Please show your face.” The blue glitter troll, sheepishly made her way to the stage. “Is what Creek says true?” She nodded and kicked a pebble. Poppy narrowed her eyes. Creek was still crying and shaking from feet to hair tip and the SnackPack comforted him.

“You have committed a very horrible crime, Phoebe.”

“I know. I am very sorry.” Poppy sighed.

“What is your purpose?”

“I wanted to be famous like you and the SnackPack.” Poppy turned as Branch fell to the ground, unconscious. A pool of rainbow blood was soaking his clothes and hair. Phoebe laughed.

“Branch has rainbow blood. How cool.” Creek stood up again, wobbling.

“Phoebe isn’t the one who did it. I was. She told me to and I obeyed.” Poppy turned to him.

“Why???” He looked down at Branch.

“Cuz she’s my wife.”

“WHAT???” Guy Diamond screamed. “SHE’S MY SISTER!!!” Every troll was shocked. Poppy stepped back, totally hurt. How could he?

“Why didn’t you tell us?” She whimpered.

“Because I love you Poppy.” Creek said, sadly. Poppy looked at Phoebe and saw a flash of hatred in her gold eyes.

“I love you too Creek.” Poppy whispered. Phoebe stepped forward.

“Clearly I am not good enough for you Creek! I wish I never agreed to marry you! I hate everything about you!!!” Creek shrunk away hurt shining in his eyes.

“But Phoebe…” Phoebe grabbed the axe and raised it above Creek’s head.

“It’s better if you just die!” She brought it down, too quickly for anyone to do anything and Creek flew backwards with the force of the blow. He crumpled to the ground with a gaping hole in his chest and the crowd screamed. The SnackPack took action. They stretched their hair and wrapped it around Phoebe’s throat. Together, they dragged her to Bergen town and flung her through the gates.

Poppy crouched beside Creek and started to cry. She cradled his limp body to her chest and touched his still warm cheek.

“Oh Creek. I’m so sorry.” The SnackPack returned and ran to Poppy.

“Poppy.” They murmured, sharing her grief. Branch who was unconscious suddenly woke up. Noticing Poppy and the rest of the SnackPack, he pulled himself over. The eight trolls mourned their loss. Suddenly, Creek began to glow. His chest began to weave its way together and he took a stuttering breath.

Poppy looked at him in surprise.

“Creek!!!” She gasped and she hugged him.

“Yay!!!” DJ Suki cheered.

“CREEK’S ALIVE!!!” Guy Diamond sang. The SnackPack and the rest of the trolls cheered. Poppy was grinning ear to ear. Poppy turned to Branch still smiling, but then her face fell.

“Oh, Branch. I’m so sorry!” He smiled and dipped his head.

“It’s alright.” But his face told her that it wasn’t. She loosened her grip on Creek. The crowd of trolls began to clear up and the SnackPack was left alone.

“Branch. You should do something about your face.” Cooper said. Branch frowned, winked in pain and then nodded.

“You’re right.” He murmured in a voice thick with emotion. Poppy set Creek down and went over to Branch.

“Branch. Talk to me.” He shook his head and started to walk away. She caught his arm.

“You can be amazing,

you can turn a phrase in

to a weapon or a drug.

 You can be the outcast

you can be the backlash

somebody’s lack of love.

Boy you can start speaking up.

Nothings gonna hurt you

the way the words do

and they settle beneath your skin.” She looked at him hopefully but he just closed his eyes and shook his head.

“Just say what you wanna say

and let the words fall out.

Honestly, I wanna see you brave.

Take what you wanna say

and let the words fall out.

Honestly, I wanna see you be brave.

Just wanna see ya, I just wanna see you, just wanna see you

Just wanna see you be brave!” He took a deep breath and began.

“When you spend a history of silence,” Poppy shook her head and sang.

“It won’t do any good.

Did you think you would?” He didn’t open his eyes but he kept singing.

“Let your words be anything but empty!

Why don’t you just tell me the truth?” He stopped singing and looked at Poppy.

“Really Poppy. Tell me the truth. Do you love me?” Poppy nodded.

“I’ve always loved you Branch. I just thought you didn’t love me back.”

“I will always love you back.” He whispered pulling her close. She breathed in his foresty scent and relaxed. But then she tensed.

“But what about Creek?” Branch pulled away and looked towards Creek sadly.

“It’s your choice Queen Poppy. Pick your King.” He walked away, leaving a depressed Poppy on the stage.

“Why does this have to be so hard?” She asked. Creek hugged her.

“I’m sure it’ll all come to you soon. Don’t worry about a thing. Boop.” Poppy smiled and decided to let it go. It would come to her in time. She just had to wait. And wait. And wait.