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.