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.