Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"...you're staring." He put it plainly with both hands in his pockets.

The queen fumbled with her words as she looked him up and down. The troll was gray and there was no easy way to put it. The color was dull and sickly looking as they leaned against the wall.

The troll had been brought in by her rockers During their tour patrol scouting out ahead. At first they didn't believe him when he said he was a pop troll. Everything they were told about the pop trolls by their elders was… wrong?

A pop troll would smile for hours and days without end in sight. With bright round eyes that out did the sun and filled in wonder. With cheeks so rosy and pink and full of joy.

This man scowled and was so grim it was frightening. His gaze was sharp and had this death grip on your soul. His eyes a blinding greyish white almost demanded attention surrounded by dark bags and sullen expression. If he didn't look so angry maybe he'd be…sad…

He was dangerously dull in color.

He was built strong but he was alarming thin in the waist.

His body was littered in scars, scrapes, bruises, his forarms covered in bites and a slitted road.

The cuts along his arms instead of the typical side to side were drawn from the wrist up. Only stopping at his elbows and no further.

Other than a long green vest and shorts he was dressed in gauze. Hazardously wrapping up his arms, feet, shins, chest and waist. The most alarming was the gauze with a pink tint wrapped around his neck.

".. do…do you need a doctor?" Riff asked worried looking at the troll.

Branch raised a brow in surprise at the question.

"Pardon." He asked again not thinking he heard him.

Most could care less about his well being. Especially anything, or anyone that has held him captive before.

"A doctor… you fucking need a doctor." Riff pointed it out gesturing to his whole being.

"No no… I'm fine, I can take care of myself just fine." He dismissed the idea quickly though gently.

However his words only seem to put riff at unease. Barb cleared her throat as she straightened herself up. But before she could speak he grabbed the bars suddenly. It startled her immensely. Before she could speak he twisted the metal bars and gave a tug. Testing the structure for any sign of weakness.

"What do you think you can escape just like that?!" She exclaimed in defense at the sudden action.

"In all honesty. Yes." He replied looking her dead in the eyes.

That's when that hair came to life. The hair was initially rather short and seemingly made of needles sprung up from his head. The black abyss moved at a frightening speed as it overtook the cell bars. Grabbing hold as the metal underneath groaned under it. The lock gave out as riff called for help.

Too late.

The cell gave way to its opponent's force. Metal bars breaking as they are torn out. Now they were wielded and held dead fast by black hair protruding from a grey troll's scalp.

"Barb." He said her name with a heavy tone.

A tone that has taken the rock troll queen by surprise. He looked over his shoulder eerily with a smirk on his lips. Those dead pale eyes locked onto hers in moments.

"Try me again… and I'll break more than a cell." His face fell with every word as he stared at her eyes.

It had her shaking as she took a step back in surprise.

The threat was all too genuine and it was promised to be carried out. A thin line had been drawn between her and him.

Val witnessed it with wide eyes hiding behind the corner of the hall. Her sister a queen being forced back by some lonely pop troll.

No he wasn't just some pop troll.

That man looked like a monster of the dark…

He fucking is…

Chapter Text

"Barb, you are making a big mistake!" Poppy called the rock troll.

"It's not too late to fix this! We can work this out!" Trollex tried as he was harshly secured to a post.

The chains were heavy as he was restricted helpless Infront of his tribe. They were all powerless and scared. It was the most heartbreaking thing he ever saw…

Not even the children had been spared of the harsh torment of the rock tribe. Most had already lost hope as they watched teary eyed. It made the king's stomach turn and his heart drop. Knowing that he could have prevented this in some way… there had to have been a way to stop this.

"Sorry, fish stick. But I already promised my audience a show… and now all nations will be one again." Her crew cheered as she grinned at each of the leaders.

All looking back in horror at the idea…

"Not if you get killed!" Poppy exclaimed getting more and more anxious.

"That a threat pinky?!" Sid ask daring her to speak further.

"Yes! Any minute now Branch is gonna come out here pissed as hell!" Poppy exclaimed looking around wildly for a mention of the troll.

Trollex looked up at the queen in desperate confusion. How could one troll stop all of this?! This nightmare he and his people had to endure for a week. His sister and brother were on their knees just barely Infront of him with their hands behind their back and fins pinned.

They were helpless…

"Oh what do you think Branch is gonna do against all of us?! Watch this!" A rocker came up with the restrained techno family.

And gave Synth a hard hit to the face and kicked Bliss in the ribs.

"Leave them alone! They did nothing!" Trollex yelled desperately trying to free himself.

"Uh yeah that was a low blow dude.." barb sided with the King looking at the rocker.

That came out of nowhere as the other's raised a brow. The attacker only laughed as the two techno trolls groaned as trolex started to tear up. He trembled looking at his younger siblings on the ground. Tearing up as another heavy hit landed.

"Aww is the little girl gonna cr-"

Trollex was thrown in a daze as it splattered across his face. His siblings caught off guard in horror.

Another cut sent another facet of blood to spray over the three.

The body fell limp as he came into view. Hair moving out of the way to reveal the gnarly sight of a familiar night mare.

Barb stumbled back agasp at the sight.

"So you ignored my warning?" He spoke erily to the queen of Rock.

Trollex started to shake, locking eyes instantly became a mistake. Pale eyes of a dead fish flashed him an unsettling smile.

He received a dry chuckle at his dear from this unknown troll. He stepped out of his initial shock as they started walking up to him. He wanted to flee and run. He wanted to go home as they leaned face to face.

They were smiling with this psychotic look in their eyes. Their face was aged roughly by time and even more cruelty by fate. Scars and wrinkles littered their faces. They smiled displaying their teeth. All pointed and thin with rows of teeth, seemingly far more than normal.

A hand came to his face pressing a cloth to the side of his head.

"I must say you look rather dashing in red~" the troll cooed to him before backing away.

With him gone suddenly the chains that held him in place fell onto the floor in a heap. Making a loud rattle as he grabbed the attackers head. Broke open their jaw in one hand to make it open at an ungodly degree. Then seemingly taking his time pulled a tooth fresh from their gums. Making a sickening crunch as they bled from their mouth.

"You two. Watch this. May save your life." He knelt down to their chains.

With his thumb he pushed the tooth in twisting, turning it as he jammed it. Making the restaurant fling open, freeing them.

He then took the princess hand and placed the bloody tooth in her shaking palm. The tooth was still warm as the fleshy gums attached to it bleed. The roots of the tooth were broken and most likely now fragments in the deceased jaw.

"Good girl you'll get it." He tells her so sweetly, petting her head with those haunting hands.

She shook, holding the tooth scared beyond her imagination. Synth could only way h with a haunted expression as they walked pass him.

"So barb… since I was so gracious the first time… I say I teach you a lesson. " They spoke so coolly as if there was no blood along his hands.

Then darting around him breaking the daze and shock we're five bright colored trolls.

The K-pop gang held him in ribbon tightly as they could. Something wasn't right with this troll and he had blatantly murdered a man in the short while he was here.

"...is this ribbon." He asks dryly, holding back a chuckle.

The girls had no time to react as he started to spin, throwing them all around onto the ground.

Then the only warning of the upcoming sight was nothing but crackles of bones. The ribbons fell as the crackles and popping jutted his body this and that. One the ribbon fell they were met with a deranged sickening sight.

His chest had flatten bare as his arms dangled lowly out of place. Even his fingers were stretched and elongated as they were flatten usesly.

The pooping came back if not louder as they were given a front row seat. His chest came back full force giving back the volume of its original shape. Followed by regaining his shoulders with a loud pop for each. He rolled them as his body continued to reshape.

The troll had no problem flattening his skeleton and then reinflating. This all happened under a minute and at his will in a moment.

Synth wanted to throw up, having witnessed it as his hands were freed. Trollex held him and Bliss close as he watched in horror.

What on earth were they witnessing? The other rulers WEREN'T out yet.

No one could seem to be able to tell him what was going on.

Poppy was biting her nails seeing the show.

"Ok.. ok . Um… how about.. we make a deal?" Barb tried to bargain, feeling a whole new level of fear.

The feeling was crushing as he only continued to approach. It took a heavy place in her stomach as she found herself stumbling back.

That was a whole new look he's seen on the queen of rock.

Two of her crew charged him.

Carol was a large woman and incredible at combat. Sid was a heavy lifter for sure but more of a weapon kind of guy.

Yet they were both batted away like flies.

The second Carol lunged with her first the troll moved to the side and used her arm to his own levage. As if on a balance beam he stood on his front hands. All before swinging his feet to land a hard heavy kick to the side of her jaw.

It stunned the larger opponent as he swung around her to leap onto Sid.

Sid struggled with the knife in his hands at the sudden leap. The death grip held tight as a foot collided with his chest. The other foot hit hard against his head as they jumped back. Taking the knife with and using it to stab Carol in her thigh as she regained Ballance.

It was like watching a movie.

It felt like forever but in truth only lasted a few moments. They were strong but this new guy fought dirty.

Ruthless.

Bloody.

And was down right brutal.

He hit quickly and hard. Calculated each cm of movement.

Not a single spot was safe.

He pulled out tricks out of thin air.

and he laughed every moment of it.....

Chapter Text

"Where are we going Cooper…. " Branch asked quietly, his voice hushed.

Cooper only grinned as he led his brother through the town.

"Well the delegates are arriving and so is my fam!" Cooper told Branch in a gentle excitement.

Branch hummed as he nodded his head. He was well aware already what was happening later today. He had helped arrange the event when Poppy had come to him.

Though he had to admit it was strange that the Royal funk family was also coming.

"And I know you aren't very keen on meeting new people-" Cooper spoke gently, giving the smaller hand a squeeze "But I really would love to have you meet each other."

"I'd be honored to coop…" Branch reassures squeezing back.

Cooper was well aware that on large occasions such as this it was rare that Branch would be attending. And for many reasons as Branch simply wasn't best cut out to be. However Branch wants to support Cooper in building a relationship with his family he had lost all those years ago. Even if it meant pushing some of his boundaries just a little. He did appreciate that Cooper was double checking with him and offering middle grounds.

Upon reaching the sea of crowded pop trolls gathered in the center of their home he felt needless prick his back. He was never accustomed to the masses of stares. The little whisperers that would fly around the crowd as he was led upstage.

The delegates had already started to come in fact they were waiting on Lownote Jones. Branch personally heard a bunch about the guy.

However the only thing that has him on the fence as a good or bad troll is his occupation. Lownote is a Doctor that is heavily praised from the funk nation.

Not only as a funk troll is he more than likely naturally a large scale troll but it is confirmed that he's incredibly intelligent. That's two things you never want a potential enemy to be at the same time. Someone's intelligence or wit can determine the fight alone. Being able to learn and obtain knowledge in ease is easy to get leverage in a fight. Possibly through negotiation or using the area around them. Being able to create maybe a tool or weapons of some sort.

Not to mention that intelligence goes in Many ways and different areas. Not only are they incredible logical thinkers they have to have very good people skills. They have to get patients to trust them and open up the issue. Gathering up any to all information for a best course of action to apply care.

With that said they have to mentally be as strong as steel. Patients ranging from any background could walk in for medical help. Not only can these patients be wild themselves but so can the situation they are in as well. Things so crazy there are more open to the bizarre possibilities.

That's a big no no regarding Branch's fight style. While it isn't refined or perfected as many other arts it has a point. Brutal strikes whilst keeping an opponent lost on the next move. Bringing in less likely being able to be countered, intimidating others, all while tearing down a threat to a point they can never again endanger him again.

While he is anxious upon meeting a royal family he isn't keen nor find them a threat enough to fight. Cooper had only spoken highly of them and public opinion and evidence backs up the family as good trolls. So by all means he's ok with them being close.

He let Cooper go up to Poppy to talk to her once they reached the stage. He was standing a good distance away from the other's and close to the stage exit.

Holly was taken back by the troll's appearance. He looked Gastly and as if he had crawled out of a grave. He was deathly skinny looking with sullen eyes. Scars riding his body with many tales left untold. As if he had crawled out of the pages of those old tales her father would tell her. Warning her of the dangers of the world.

Synth froze at the sight and stared in horror. Feeling his heart pound in his chest and ring in his ears. He never thought he'd be seeing them again so soon…

Dante was shocked to silence in disbelief. His initial thoughts were that he was looking at a rock troll. Second was that maybe he is a bounty hunter. Then came the crashing realization that they are in fact a pop troll. A pop troll who had adherently gone to hell and back several times over a day.

Cooper was excited as a funk ship traveled down to beam down familiar figures. With no hesitation running to go hug and welcome them all to troll Village. His copy appeared as the race around each other laughing. Branch smiled at the sight as Poppy introduced them all.

"Oh you must be lownote Jones!" Poppy exclaimed as the new funk troll entered the scene.

They chuckle as the push up their glasses.

"You got that right baby~" The troll smiles as he spoke in a suave manner.

Branch was in awe at how many people swooned at each fucking syllables. It was alarming as he took a defensive step backwards. Ears flattening slightly as he narrowed his eyes.

The manerisms dripped with this confidence that only raised his guard. The hypnotic sounds of the trolls voice could easily persuade some of not every troll here to do something or anything. Weather it be reason or for absolute chaos. Last thing he wants is to make new run ins with more manipulative people.

"Everyone! This! Is Branch!" He introduced enthusiasticly the pop troll.

The entire family took a double take as they processed an initial analysis. All the while Cooper is introducing them to his pop troll brother.

Branch responded to curly bow and say hello.

A formal and respectable approach to the royal family as they took it in.

"Hello …. We heard… so much about you!" Essence tried to snap herself out of dreading thoughts and concerns.

"Likewise… it's a honor to meet you your highness, Cooper told me a good deal about you." Branch spoke after swallowing his nervous feelings.

"It's alright Branch you can ease up abit on the formalities." Cooper told his friend smiling and happily pat his head.

Lownote was about to excuse himself as he let his observations sink in. This troll that Cooper had described as a brother was the worst case he's seen. This troll needed serious medical attention and surveillance.

He can see multiple red flags and some obviously physical discomfort. Hell even some physical adaptations from living in an environment of tough circumstances.

And right now Cooper is simply just petting his head as if it's normal.

Previously when Branch was first brought up by Cooper it peaked Lownote interest. Especially when it was hinted that Branch was scared of hospital and doctor attention. Yet now looking at the real thing Lownote can't help but feel like Cooper had underestimate the extent of medical need.

However of course it made itself evident that he wasn't trusted.

Branch was staring him down with an unplaced look. As if judging his being and counting every sin he had ever committed. His ears were close to almost flat. A tight frown placed as he studied lownote.

"It's alright Branch. Sorry about that he's shy around new folks. " Cooper caught on as he pet his friend reassuring.

What caught them by surprise was when king Quincy had placed his own hand on the pop trolls head. Finding himself pleasently surprised at the soft hair of the pop trolls.

Branch was took off guard on surprised as he try to process the fact he's being pet. He didn't mind the kings pets but he wasn't expecting the gesture. If anything after a moment he let himself enjoy the touch of the new troll. Cooper trusted the king and that was enough for him to begin to purr softly.

Neither was anyone who was stare dead blank in surprised.

Chapter Text

Branch was leading the royal funk family and company to his home.

For a small troll he walked fast and rather almost silently.

Essence found this incredibly odd and alarming. As they walked along the forest floor the only sounds of moving was from them. Branch was traveling over sticks and dried up leaves that should crunch and admit sounds. Yet as if the forest terrain has been replaced with sand it was quiet.

As for his speed he was rather fast and at some point he'd stop and wait for them. His expression would never change and there wasn't an ounce of life in his eyes.

His cold and pale dead eyes that seem to watch every damn move they made. Studying everything with a caution no one should have.

What was more unnerving was the fact they were on the forest floor…

Sure the pop trolls walked around on the floor too but even then they would climb and swing around. Branch seemed to exclusively be the only one to walk. He'd take the stairs over climbing in any situation.

The gauze on his hands and feet may have some kind of correlation between it…

LowNote realized that they were all heading into a dense, darker part of the woods. The above system of webs of pods and bridges were gone. So we're any signs that this area is lived in or claimed by any population of trolls. He found himself constantly looking up however when there was movement.

A sudden and fast blur darting across his vision. A rustle of branches every now and again made his skin crawl. As well as every time he thought he could make out more eyes watching them through the tree intently. the doctor found himself gulping as beads of sweat started to form along his skin.

"In here." Branch stated bluntly as he kneeled to the forest floor.

His fingers found it with ease as he opened up a hidden door. With no hesitation he hopped in and waited in the underground hallway. Cooper followed with a cheer bringing his twin for the ride. Once inside the funk troll adults looked around to find… a pleasantly nice hallway.

Well lit, nicely decorated, was a good temperature, spacious, and cozy.

"Branch… um… how come you don't have a pod?" Darnell asked as he looked around.

This was probably the only structure not made of fibers in the entirety of the pop troll nation.

"Oh I can't climb very well and the fibers aggravate my hands." Branch explained briefly as he took to peeling off the gauze.

It became undone and unraveled for him to show the prince his open palm. Wear toe or finger pads were supposed to be to help trolls grip onto the trees. Instead they were replaced with barely any chunks missing as scars littered his hands.

"The fibers are hell to handle as they let off a natural toxin that simply causes stinging to ward off a predator. With my pads gone it leaves sensitive flesh exposed so it makes it very much worse." Branch explains as he wiggles his fingers around.

Despite what many think his hands do have full mobility.

"...what on earth happened?!" Quincy exclaimed in shock as he took the troll's hand.

Branch was taken abit back by the surprise in the king's voice.

"...when I was little I fell off the tree after a Bergan tried to eat me. As I was falling I tried to grab onto the tree but the friction took my pads." Branch explains gingerly remembering that day painfully.

"Bergan…" Essence whispered as a sense of dread fell over her.

And thus lead to branch explaining in vivid details as to what a Bergan was. What they did and why they had done it. The long lasting effects it had on his tribe's people. And the absolute horror every living day was.

Hope and faith would drain away every day and night. Forced to live lives as livestock behind a metal cage. Hungry eyes watching your every move behind said bars.

One thing that scared him badly was the Pink mist that would come every couple of months.

Naturally in an environment like this no one would have a child. Who would want to bring an innocent life into a world of suffering in silence? But the Bergans can't let the population run low. How else could they get their happiness if it suddenly vanished?

So they'd spray the tree in storms of pink clouds. Sending trolls into a frenzy to mate and bring children into the world. All for nothing but to be devoured at any point of life. The storms were heavy as the clouds were so dense as it covered the windows. Then it leaves a thin yet still very effective residue on the tree.

Grandma didn't let him outside often or if at all. His dear father and mother having both been served up one trolstice night. Where masses go onto a plate to never be seen again.

To talk to anyone else from the tree the people of the tribe used signals. Quite popular with the elderly parts of the tribe was using flashing bugs and a series of turning the light on and off meant certain things. However they couldn't use this method often. As during hours of the day it was visibly harder to make out the signal's.

So most households were dark.

Branch could remember that very well. Only form of light that entered his childhood home was through the window and the cracks under the front door. The house lights were never to be turned on as to fool bergans into thinking the house was abandoned and speak better. Having that all throughout his early years of life he found great comfort in the dark.

It was an early thing to learn to walk quietly. Tread on the floor gently and speak in only soft whispers. Sing only soft hums to yourself and no one else. Upon using furniture be gentle and be as still as possible. You'll be safe as long as no one can hear you.

The lack of light means you are safe. Lack of sound kept you safe in the dark.

He doesn't know how a hefty chunk of the population still had their vibrant colors. It was only 20 years ago. Hardly anytime if you think about it… almost anyone but the children of the new generation could tell you their first hand experience…

"But yeah I got some journals from my folks and my grandma about more of it." Branch said, shrugging off his rambling like nothing had happened.

As if it had been like a bad dream he had simply told them.

But in reality there was very little a five year old could remember. He knew he had learned most of what he knew from his grandmother and grandfather. However he can't remember his grandfather well all he does know is that he was around longer than grandma. He thinks grandpa was the one to teach him how to fish and fight. He was certain grandpa was alive at the time as well as he can vaguely remember grandma talking to him.

He hasn't heard grandpa in a long time however. Nor can he remember his face either.

"Anyway let's get going. I'll show y'all around." Branch hurried on by as he continued on his way.

There was a lot to unpack in that short amount of time.

Cooper was unphased as he was fortunate enough not to have lived through that. However, something he really wanted to let his funk family know about the branch was under the rest of the gauze.

"Hey… bud? How about you show them your.. secret weapon?" Cooper tries to desperately encourage.

If he can get them to see the amount of damage branch is willing to do to himself they can help him. They can actually help him recover from everything.

This made Darnell sit up to attention once more as Branch once more started to undo his gauze. This time revealing his full forearm.

Revealing many scars of all different types and degrees. Splash of hot water to acid hear and there, a deep cut flying that way or that. Then the striking thing stood out was the chips. Round metal chips no bigger than a beer cap had been embedded into the troll's skin. Climbing up in a perfect straight row along the outside of his arm.

"These are diffusers that inject antitoxins, serotonin, melatonin, and a few other agents. They linked up to my nerves and veins ever Incase I got into some trouble." Branch explains going on in detail.

As to even including the procedure he had done in order to install the devices. The horrifying realization came was that these weren't the only ones. He had installed several attached to his spine, his other arm, and both his legs.

Leaving the royal family in shock as to what the man Infront of them has willingly done to himself. Performing live surgery under no anesthesia and implanting device's of his own creation…

Chapter Text

Branch growled as he was approached.

It made poppy step back a good couple of paces. But it did nothing on her spirit.

She still smiled holding up the paper for him to see it.

"Please! Holly is looking forward to this! And Cooper shared a few pieces of your pies!" Poppy tried to reason with him.

"No." He denied it simply.

There was gonna be a pie party! A cultural exchange between the different groups over different dishes! Holly was gonna show them good ole western pies from her Mama's recipe. And when Cooper told her Branch made good pies she'd been dying to try it.

"Please! Cooper would be very happy and proud that you went!" Poppy had to throw the Cooper line in…

It was a last resort to get him to do anything.

"...He will?" Branch asked, easing up a little.

"Mhm! Hearing that you are getting to try new things will make him really happy!" Poppy encouraged him with a smile.

It's a low move to use Cooper to get him to go but what else could she do?

Besides maybe then she'll get him to eat too!

"Ok.. but you give her the pie." Branch caved in finally.

"Ofc! I'd be honored to deliver it!" Poppy cheered, giving him a lil clap of appreciation.

Branch simply ducked back into his bunker to get to work on the pie.

What pie should he make?

Cooper wants him to be nice to others and mindful of them. So this pie can't be mediocre or simple.

He flipped through the pages gently and found an old recipe that slipped out..

He unfolded it and frowned as he read it as recipes bring back memories.

".. ah no… you need to use more flour as you roll the dough sweet.." the gentle voice of his grandmother told him.

She sprinkled more flour along the dough and coated it to the pin.

"Ok.." the young boy nodded as he took note.

She gently helped him line the pie pan and cut away the extra crust. He poked along the bottom of the crust with a fork as his grandmother coated it with butter and egg wash.

"Today we'll be making a special pie…" she told him gently as she placed it in the oven.

"Really… what kind?" He was curious about his old grandmother.

She chuckled seeing such a look in his eyes.
Her darling grandson loved to learn beside her in the kitchen..

"This pie was your father's and grandfather's favorite… and it was my favorite to make for them… it was taught to me by my mother at your age…" she told him gently as she petted his head.

"A family pie,..." Branch was amazed that such a pie meant so much to his grandmother.

Who could bake anything on a whim and it be delicious and loved.

"Mhm… I'd love to teach you it too… and maybe you could teach it to your children one day too.." Rosie puff looked up to the shadowing portrait over the mantle.

Her grandson looked so much like him everyday..

It made her heart ache and sore as Branch worked over this pie with his whole heart and power with her. Smiling the same smile her beloved had passed down to their son and grandson..

Branch stood now with a baked pie on the counter. The whole process has become a blur of tugs on his heart as the pie is finished. It looked and smelled delightful as he remembered it. Though it couldn't compare with the one he had made with his grandmother.

He wiped tears from his face as he stepped away from it. Leaving it to cool as he cried outside the kitchen to himself.

Poppy was delighted however the day of the pot luck and branch handed her the fresh baked pie.

"Branch this looks wonderful! And smells divine!" Poppy praised him as he joined her.

"Thanks…" he shy away a little bit at her words.

Guilt eating away at him little by little.

The three practice pies were all perfected before he was confident enough to send Holly the Fourth one.

"Hey, maybe you could try one of her pies in re-?" Poppy was amazed to see Branch had already gone.

And was even more so when more guests followed after him..

Val was stricken with fear seeing him wander freely through the pot luck. It only got worse when lookalikes followed him in.

One….

Two….

Five…

Then seven more.

The pop trolls were silent as grey trolls walked in. Often in pairs and staying close to certain trolls.

Val felt her heart drop seeing a little one.

They were no older than seven as they clung to an older troll's leg. Grey as a stone statue looking scared at any adult walking by.

Demo looked solemnly and then surprised when she darted away. Instead to cling onto the leg of an older troll. The very same troll that he had watched beat his queen with a bloody fist.

But to his surprise the grey man simply picked up the child and let her whisper to his ear.

Val started to panic as he came over to the stand. Holding a steady gaze as he held the child.

Demo felt his whole world freeze as he was met with them. They didn't tower over him like he expected but definitely seemed A lot bigger.

"What did you want kid.." they asked the kid not even acknowledging the fear the rocker had.

The child once more whispered in his ear.

"...One bowl of your noodles, and a medium coke." He ordered gently for the child.

Demo magically got his sense together as he quickly got to work and served the little girl who thanked them as the man paid.

As they walked away the remaining grey trolls came up.

Demo realized that these trolls all compared to the first one were all in far better shape.

Sure all were roughed up in one way or another.. but they weren't as thin nor as gnarly. Speaking in hush gentle whispers seemingly nervous or fearful.

Some who weren't interested waited till the roughest looking one had the little girl seated and eating to tug on him as speak gently.

And he'd walk with them, escort them to other stands and sometimes order for them.

"Whoa… he must be a leader of some kind for them.." demo came to the realization as val suddenly found her breath coming from hiding.

It made sense.

They didn't enter without him.

They didn't go to a stand until he did.

And they didn't eat till he got them a table.

So they probably wouldn't leave until he did.

So he waited and watched to see if he'd eat anything himself. Surely then he'd eat and go…

Nope.

He had to wait and watch as if he'd be killed for removing his gaze.

The other grey trolls tried to get him to eat but he kept declining. He wasn't eating a thing though kept getting the others to eat. Often getting up to get them food from nearby stands. Making sure to get a variety as he fed them.

Demo felt a sense of respect meet his fear for the troll. …

Chapter Text

"Here we go Holly darling! Fresh from the oven!" Poppy said happily, opening the pie to display it to Holly.

"Hmm looks good… crust is nice and golden while still flaky, filling looks well baked and mixed." Holly started as she inspected the Pie.

Gust got plates and a knife and the three each got a slice.

Holly had to admit it plated wonderfully and smelled amazing. It also has amazing integrity as it held its shape yet juice was evident in the pie. They ate, took a bite and dropped their plates in wonder. The other country trolls were staring in shock at the sight.

Suddenly Holly and Gust started prancing in place as they're faces beamed. Becoming giddy in excitement over one bite! Holly darling was never like this with pie before! And Gust was always dead set on being level and stoic?!

"Poppy this pie is out of this world, served up on a plate of transcendence and topped with ecstasy!" Holly said happily!

She's never had a pie like this! It was perfect in every way possible from start to finish!
Gust words were lost in his bliss as he got another slice. It was too good for any troll to say no too!

"How on earth did branch make this?!" Holly asked Poppy with wide eyes eager to know.

"I don't know." Poppy answered back plainly with a mouth full of pie.

She swallowed her mouth full and wiped her face.

"No one but branch does, it's a secret recipe he'd absolutely take to the grave with him." Poppy told her apologetic.

"What! But he's got a gift he needs to share with the world! How do you not know how such pie is made?" Holly was shocked as Gust drank his glass of milk.

To his surprise the milk tasted better after having eaten the pie?! That was incredible! He'll never drink ordinary milk again compared to this!

"Branch actually hates it when people watch or pry into whatever he's doing.." Poppy explained gently as she could.

"Poppy! Quick! Where's Branch!" Guy asked frantically, holding a bowl of….

Well no one had any idea what the bowl was but it made everyone take a step back. The ghastly sight of it made Poppy recoil and cringe.

"What…is that?!" Holly said in horror as she could have swore it moved.

"The techno trolls gloop…." Guy said, dreading it entirely.

As Synth's friend, the techno ambassador wanted him to try the traditional dish! But there was no way Guy could potentially even taste it without vomiting! It was Ghastly green and slimy!

There was only one troll that could possibly have an iron enough stomach. Branch.

Branch has eaten questionable foods. This should be right up his alley.

Branch's ear flicked when he heard his name be called and spotted Guy waving him down.
He gave a slow blink sitting with a child on his lap. Guy ran up to him and handed him the bowl.

"Listen Synth can't get anyone to eat the gloop and I need you to eat this bowl! Pronto!" Guy urged him before running off.

Synth was kinda sad no one was really eating the gloop other than techno trolls. Guy said he couldn't as he was on a diet but he didn't want synths effort to go to waste.

Branch blinked at the mess before taking a spoon to it. But then it started to inflate after making contact with the fork. Branch's first reaction was to push the bowl away and shield the kid. However once it popped the slime fell off to the sides more as if it was paper before evaporating. Leaving behind a treat he hasn't seen before!

Picking it up it looked similar to that of an ice cream sandwich. Though this wasn't frozen and was similar to a cookie in a way. He split it in half and offered one to the child. Both were surprised to find caramel and chocolate sauce in the middle.

Both taking a bite to enjoy the treat. It was sweet and unique compared to dessert's they use too!

Branch ate his half slowly while the kid gobbled hers up.

"Can I have another one please!" She asked them excitedly.

"....after you finish ok?" Branch told her as she had yet to finish the other food she wanted.

She nodded as she continued to eat her plate.

Meanwhile Laguna watched from afar at the sight and was intrigued as she jotted it down in her notes.

"Fascinating…" they whispered to themselves with the knowledge.

Out of everyone they had jotted down results from each stall she's witnessed.

Seems like the grey pop trolls community was more acceptable to changes in diets. Having sampled foods from more different tribes than their own. Even when the dish had fewer correlation to their regular foods. Despite the social awkwardness of the grey trolls they all seemed to follow a non verbal code.

When visually getting uncomfortable or uneasy they seem to tug on another gently.

When verbal exchange was needed it seemed to be given through whispers.

Otherwise it was limited to a tug and a few gestures.

They were having a field day tryna crack the phenomenon that was pop trolls grey community. This was an intense and interesting mystery behind their behavior. Not to mention that grey pop trolls have lived longer lives than in any other nation.

However, not only given sharper qualities than pop trolls it made it clear they were best observed at a distance. Soon they were getting ready to leave as they gathered their trash and plates. Organizing and getting it into neat order before properly discarding them.

The little girl took another troll's hands as the scariest one led them out silently.

Laguna was about to follow when the synth dropped in.

"No. Nu uh. No way José! That Troll is dangerous and shouldn't be anywhere alone with anyone!" Synth declared finding the branch unsafe.

So he was 'off limits' to the techno trolls..

Not to the classical trolls he wasn't.

Dante flew after the grey band of trolls in a curious manner. Interested in learning more about them he follows them into the woods..

But suddenly they vanished….

The trail went cold amongst the trees…

Chapter Text

Laguna sighs as Synth leaves to go attend to something else. When will she get another chance to study the troll up close?! She gets that Synth was concerned about him being a possible threat but really?! A ban?!

She looked to see where Synth had gone. Then to the exit making sure to double check. She darted after the grey pop troll.

Dante was flying around looking through the trees when he heard it. Ghastly giggles as the leaves shuffle in the breeze. Shadow's dancing on the ground in delight. He spun around looking for its source. At one moment seeing eyes before blinking and they were gone. A rustle of leaves here and twig snapping over there. It was sending shivers down his spine as he grew anxious.

Then running through the bush in a fit of laughter two trollings ran by. Laughing as they race deeper into the woods.

"My word…" Dante gasped hearing more sounds.

He followed them up to a hidden playground. That's when Dante realized the children all had one thing in common. They were dark skinned or colors were muted and faded away. However as some laughed and joined hands with others they got a little bit brighter. On the benches to the side we're more trolls talking to one another.

"Hide n Seek!" One trolling called as some left the playground to join a cluster.

Soon Dante also realized who was counting.

Branch.

He counted gently as the trolls ran and hid. Scattering away to hide. Dante flew up into the trees to watch. Pulling out a sketch pad and pencil as he watched the troll. He swayed as he walked silently with a slouch in his back. Pale eyes darting as his ears flicked. Yet the man was gentle, as gentle as sheep's wool with the children. Tagging them gently with two fingers. Even letting them get head starts before he sprints after. He had a bag around his side that children would run up to. To dig inside its pockets for gummies and water bottles.

Sometimes even for band aids or sticker's.

The children were laughing happily as they were found and chased. Some being tossed up into the air caught in a fit of giggles.

"Was Branch a Father?" Dante asked himself once more looking around.

A lot of Branch's behavior beside the children were certainly fatherly if not but like an older brother or uncle. It's very possible Branch may have lossed a child to make him grey.

That's when disaster struck as he heard a crack. The branch gave way and Dante fell in a panic.

However instead of the hard ground he landed in arms instead.

"....Dante?" Branch asked, confused having caught the classical ambassador.

A moment of silence was held before he took off. Branch didn't call after him but one of the kids handed him the abandoned sketch pad. He took it gently to flip to open.

He was surprised at Dante's sketches mostly as he looked at them each. Most were pictures or doodles of what he assumed was Classical territory. Some as of more recent were drawings of Troll village and pop troll cultural landmarks. Then he found himself as he looked surprised at the appearance.

Dante captured his movement and shape very well. Playing, running, crawling, looking and simply being himself.

He pockets it for now and gathers up the kids to their parents.

Laguna ran into Dante after shortly arriving into the woods. The two collide with a thud making each other fall.

"Laguna!"

"Dante!"

Synth and Minuet hurry to their friends with a cross expression. Realizing they had snuck off to mess with the grey troll.

But before a single word was said another joined in.

"...you dropped this." Branch handed Dante his sketchbook.

The five stood there awkwardly in silence. No one moved, said anything or looked at anything for too long. Then there was a gasp that surprised them all.

"Oh my goodness Branch I'm so proud of you!" Biggie cheered as he hurried over to the group closing in on the grey troll.

To their surprise, Branch let himself be picked up and held in a hug. A bear hug no less by the biggest troll of them all.

"First you baked Holly a pie and now you're socializing all on your own!" Biggie cheered as he pet Branch's head.

"I…wouldn't really call it socializing.." Branch said quietly as he gently hugged back.

Biggie is rather supportive and takes the 'coach' position to reintegrate healthy behaviors for Branch. And naturally he gets really excited when Branch starts making progress.

"Oh nonsense, you're doing a great job! But if you don't mind me and poppy need your help for a moment?" Biggie asked, remembering what he was here for.

Branch nods and lets himself be carried for now as biggie hurries back. However a paper slips from his hair and Laguna grabs it before anyone else notices.

Chapter Text

Branch was wrapping gauze around his hand expertly eyeing the clock. Once the clock rang out he stood up slinging his bag over his back.

He left his room and came across two kids in the living room.

"I'll be back home later tonight… let anyone know if they ask… be in bed by 10 you got school in the morning." Branch told them both as he passed a few others on the way out the door.

Synth was looking for Laguna calling her out inside the house. It was normal for her to get lost in her own little world. So he was looking for wherever she could be with her nose in a book. That's when he saw a peculiar flyer on the scholar's desk. Picking it up out of curiosity to pale in fear.

Minuet hurried along the crowds of grey palettes as they herded towards one location. Looking around frantically for another golden skinned troll. Rumor led to the truth of tonight's event and she grew worried when she couldn't find Dante.

A fight of some sort was happening in this very location and time of night. She knows Dante sometimes can't help his curiosity! She saw a glow of purple amongst the crowd as they called out to Laguna.

"Synth?! What's he doing here?!" Minuet thought as she rushed after him.

Synth was looking over all the grey trolls when the lights went out. A center stage light took place and silence took over the room. A figure in red took the stand.

"What are you doing here?!" Branch came to his side in a hush whisper.

Synth jumped as he fumbled his words as Minuet joined the boys in a hurry.

"What's going on?!" She asked worriedly in confusion.

"Hush you'll get us in trouble!" Branch whispered harshly.

He took both their hands and hurried to hide them under the bleachers.

"What are you doing here?!" He demanded trying to be quiet yet heard.

He almost vanished in the darkness under the bleachers. If it wasn't for synths glow Minuet would have gone blind under there.

"Where's Laguna?!" Synth asked first, ignoring the question.

He was anxious and puffing up as if becoming bigger.

"She asked me about this earlier and I told her she couldn't come! She probably went to the library after I said she could find some history in my clan!" Branch exclaimed.

"This is a call to arms! What are you all doing?!" Minuet chimed in.

"We were all gathered for this meeting to address -!?" Branch went silent as a figure in red tapped the ground with their cane.

"There you are, Branch…. Who are your guests?" A tired voice came from underneath the red hood.

"I'm so sorry! I had no idea they would be coming!" Branch hurried to his feet.

The leader in red only chuckled as they dismissed his worry.

"It's alright you meant no I'll will… you must be Minuet, Dante spoke fondly of you.." they greeted the classical troll warmly.

It reminded minute as if a father was welcoming their child home.

"You must be Synth… it's good to meet you, your friend is a curious one." They shook Synth's hand gently.

"I hope Branch wasn't too harsh… it's just that A Lot of our clan are far more conservative to the traditional idea no Bright trolls were allowed to attend." They apologized sincerely as they placed a hand on Branch's shoulder.

That explains some of the more angered and annoyed glares they received..

"You keep saying clan as if your not pop trolls…." Synth pointed out confused.

"We are but years ago when pop village was being founded 20 years ago…. There was conflict and war about how to set up new life here…" they took a deep breath recalling it.

"..... There were 5 original clans then but as time went on they dissolved and were absorbed… Now there are three. Ours… the pop village you know… and the third is the most troublesome…" they gripped Branch's shoulder for support for which he had helped the elder sit.

Synth was surprised at the little history listen as his interest began to peak.

"This meeting is about the third Clan… we received troubling words about them towards trollstopia." The words left them as they took a break seated.

A silence fell on Branch, Synth, and Minuet. What could they have against the agenda of Trollstopia?

"Branch …. Would you mind taking over… I must attend our gathering?" The elder asked gently as black robes came to his side.

Branch nodded as he took the others outside.

Outside the meeting he fiddles with a lighter as he continues the lesson.

"The third Clan was a mix between the ideas that were on the more radical side of things. Like extreme Military like society and very Nationalism centered." Branch explained gently.

"We call them punks and you can usually pick 'em out of a crowd' cause they put colored strips, or feathers in their hair as well with Piercings featuring quartz." He explained carefully to them.

"My clan is simply called gray's… and since gray skin isn't a permanent trait most signify their belonging to the clan by red bracelets or ribbon accessories around the wrist, ankles and traditionally around the neck." Branch explained as he showed a thin red chain around his ankle.

The two listen to him nodding their heads.

"What could they have against trollstopia…" Minuet asked softly agasp.

"I'm not certain… but if I had to guess… It's possible after learning about our history and comparing it to Barb's world tour… they may have a prejudice against a community of mixed trolls. It's not a bad guess as seeing they have a lot of instilled conservative ideals.." Branch concluded with his best guess.

The Grey clan was originally based on the belief and fear of the bergans return. Choosing the Dark forest as the best possible place to start a new life. It concealed, and hidden them easily, would be too difficult for other large scale predators to enter. But later it also became a stone in their community beliefs that one should never forget their pain and trials as they are a foundation of what shaped them today. They flourished off learning from the past mistakes of their ancestors and preparing for the worst of the worst outcomes. This plays into many modern practices including the important color Red to their clan.

Red symbolized blood and hardship but also as the very thing that connects them to each other. Everyone had blood coursing through them as it keeps them alive. Because of that they were also Equals to their neighbors and they were all Validated.

It's commonly misunderstood that depending on how grey one is makes them more or less welcomed.

It doesn't. In Fact if someone was to regain color they had the option to celebrate. Of course with their choosing on how the party goes.

That was another big focus.

Because of various backgrounds and an array of trauma reaching across the community parties are particularly kept on a low. Only the closest to the host really come and stay and on rare occasions other members would simply congratulate them. Parties were kept on a more small, calm and chill scale compared to others.

"This meeting was just to call out a warning to our strong class Trolls. I'm considered a strong class as I'm trained for wilderness survival and a good fighter." Branch explained to them looking for any list faces.

"As a Strong class it's usually asked of us to watch out for trolls who can't fight. The elderly, disabled, children and so on." Branch explained in addition.

The two delegates nodded their heads as they took it in piece by piece. It was a lot to take in and understand.

"How come we weren't told about this sooner?!" Minuet asked almost fustrated.

"Simple. We don't know if we want to join trollstopia as a hole. Not only is this a really big step to nation wide peace but this could go down bad." Branch explained.

"Plus as a rather new committee a sudden large integration of cultural influences could be a downfall…." Branch concluded as the three were left in silence.

The three parted ways after a moment of silence. Wishing each other a goodnight as they left the dark forest..

Synth threw down the meeting door with minuet besides him.

"There's a whole fuckin secret- TWO secret society basically in pop village no one talked about?!" Minuet shouted in disbelief.

"Oh yeah. We don't talk about them." Poppy dissmissed quickly not wanting to dwindle.

Lownote, holly, Dante and val blinked at the table.

"Excuse me what the fuck-"

Chapter Text

Branch poked at his food with a blank expression. Was this even necessary?

Every Wednesday DJ would have him sit and eat a meal she cooked. On Top of that Guy would join them to teach Branch better table etiquette.

It all started when she wanted to learn to cook better after one night accidentally giving her friends food poisoning. However Biggie held cooking classes but she always missed them. And when she did attend she struggled to pay attention. So poppy referred her to Branch who could cook very well. As he taught her how to cook she noticed how little he ate and how thin he was. Which was weird as he always had the pantry stocked. Eventually she got him to agree to at least eat one plate every Wednesday.

Guy was here correcting him about little things Branch forgets. Whether to sit up straighter or to wipe his face. Branch ate most of his plate by this point other than the lamb..

To everyone else his mind seemed occupied.

Tiny didn't understand Uncle Branch really well. His daddy would tell him that his uncle grew up in unique circumstances to be the way he is. Because of that Uncle Branch had to be retaught some things. It only made him more curious about how his uncle came to be.

"Excuse me for a moment.." Guy said getting up from the table.

He left down the hall and out of sight when his son took the opportunity. He tapped the larger troll anxious to ask. Branch turned to the child wondering what they needed.

"Uncle Branch.. Where did you grow up?" Tiny asked softly, curious.

Branch hesitated as the child waited on an answer.

"You dad wouldn't like it if I told you." He said briefly hoping it would satisfy.

It didn't.

"What? Why not? You grew up somewhere here right?" Tiny asked, baffled at the answer.

"No. I wasn't. You'll learn more of it when you're in school but I was born in Bergen town. Your father was too but he was too little to remember." Branch said softly to the boy.

Suki was listening from the kitchen. Branch doesn't open up about his past life though he'd answer some questions… especially from a child.

".... Did anything big happen during your life growing up?" Tiny asked not realizing the weight of the question.

It was dead silent as branch froze.

Suki almost said something in the suffocating silence when the ice broke.

"A war." Branch said suddenly to fill the silence.

"I was raised in the war, Tiny. I can't tell you more than that…." Branch told him gently as he cleaned up the table.

"But why?!" Tiny asked, confused by the not really answer.

"Why what?" Branch asked back in clarification.

"Why can't I know?!" Tiny asked, pleading for answers.

"You're young. The detailed story you want isn't something you're old enough to handle." Branch said bluntly as he stood up.

Tiny went to speak again only to be stopped.

"What happened happened a long time ago, you shouldn't worry about it." Branch explained gently as he took the dishes to the sink.

Suki pretended to go back to work, frosting the cake as he entered the kitchen. Unfortunately for Branch, Tiny followed, wanting more answers.

"Why was there a war?" Tiny asked, tugging on his uncle's pants.

"Trolls couldn't get along." He said softly to him.

"Why weren't they getting along?" Tiny asked again.

"They wanted different things no one could agree on as a whole." Branch explained as he started dishes.

"Wait, we had a war with ourselves?" Tiny asked in disbelief.

"Yes. That's called a civil war," Branch told him as he washed off a plate "but we also had other wars with civilizations who were already in the forest."

"Wait really?!" Suki and Tiny both exclaimed.

Branch turned to suki with a quizzical look of disbelief.

"Yes…. One there's the smurfs. With them they are also fairies. Then comes the party Crashers. There is also a race of giants and so forth." Branch told them both.

"I've met them all before, the world is far too big for it to only be us on it after all. I mean look at the other troll tribes as an example." Branch said as he continued washing

"What were they like?" Tiny asked, climbing his uncle's leg.

"Well the smurfs are our closest neighbors. They are hardy folk and are more traditional than we." Branch told them as he pet their head.

He didn't like being climbed on and this usually was how he reminded Tiny. Tiny understood and got off him.

"Do they throw loud parties like we do?" Suki was curious to hear about them.

"No. They ride birds though." Branch said offhandedly as he inspected a cup.

That had them both awe struck at that. That's when the clock struck three. At three a chorus of clocks would go off echoing through the house. Between the sounds of a kuku clock and the low heavy gongs of grandfather clocks they harmonized as they rang across the house. Same time as Suki's hug beacon goes off.

"Absolutely not." Branch said firmly.

Chapter Text

Branch growled, eye twitching at the sight of them.

Hickory and Dickory awkwardly standing in the room left alone with the grey troll. Branch honestly in a sense should be an easy fight. Yet even with how prominent his bones were a threat was very still clear. Branch would tear them apart limb from limb no matter if Poppy pardoned their betrayal..

The growling only got louder as Chaz entered the room.

The atmosphere was tense and someone was gonna get hurt. Until the door opened and an older woman stepped in. The growling stopped as they approached the men in the room.

The older funk woman came in and blinked at the sight of the grey troll. Then two the three bounty hunters with him. Before promptly seeing herself out.

Taking her place more of the bounty hunters came. Wani and Tres fight as they rush to be there first before the other. Their teams stumbled after them causing a loud crash.

Branch growls louder at the ruckus as he bares his teeth. It was animalistic and almost beastly to see in his face. They immediately all backed up and hushed.

Branch didn't like any of them being here.

They didn't like Branch being here.

Poppy was happy they were there.

She wanted to invite the bounty hunters and offer them their own planet to stay. The second branch caught wind of this he was sent to protect. The whole world tour left him with a bitter taste towards them.

And they all had no idea what to do about it…

Poppy decided to ignore it and move on dismissing Branch. The troll huffed and saw movement outside. A Pride tiger.

"What are those?" Poppy asked to see them from the window.

"My ride. They-" Chaz had no time to speak as a grey blue ran past him.

Branch was happy to cup the fluffy round faces of the large cat.

"Hello! Hiiii!" Branch cooked like an excited child as he pet and combed through the white and black fur.

Chaz watched with a blank expression.

"...So he's a cat person." He says breaking the silence as he turns back to focus.

Branch adores the tigers when someone else comes up to approach him.

"Yes. How may I help you holy darling-" he couldn't finish his question as a spoon of pie was shoved into his mouth

He ate it as Holly stared him down the second he contemplated spitting it out.

"Now tell me…. Was the pie fresh…" she asked him in a low manner.

He shook his head no as he tried to place the flavor. The taste was off and wasn't quite as rich as it would have been fresh from the oven. It was then he realized it was similar to his family's pie. Was Holly trying to recreate the pie?

"Exactly. Now Sky believes that just because his fancy factory made them there better. Can you believe that?!" She huffed in annoyance and rage.

"...in this situation it kinda is… it's meant for convenience and mass production of food for everyone.." Branch explains as he swallows the bite.

"A fresh baked pie takes time and is more expensive to buy than a premade one. I'll admit yes it's not better and it takes away from the pie." He agrees with her somewhat seeing why she's kinda upset.

The pie wasn't special at all for any kind of rating. It didn't stick out but it wasn't horrendously atrocious.

"Yes but my pies would always be better than one baker's homemade pie." Sky interrupted with a challenging look.

"It's easy, it's fast, it's affordable, and it's the best quality compared to other brands. Besides, not many people are all into baking anyway." Sky said check-in his nails for dirt.

"But then it's just a plain boring piece of frozen lies! It's got nothing special, lovin' or even real!" Holly exclaimed.

Branch was hungry.

So he leaves the two bickering thinking it was the end.

It wasn't.

Both were constantly shoving pies into his face telling him to test. And he would do it out of obligation not to be rude. The pies were rivaling each other.

Some trolls who encouraged or participated started having difficulty telling the difference between them. They were driving each other mad as they hurried this way and that to create a better pie.

They even resorted to trying to bribe or beg for his family recipe. Branch would assist but he would never trade or give it away to anyone. But it was starting to weigh down the branch.

He felt like he was causing an unnecessary amount of tension and anger.it didn't help when it expanded into other things like toys, or game pieces. It was full of war as the two sides fought…

It got particularly bad when these verbal disputes took place. Cause now it wasn't just Holly and Sky it was teams. Trolls were taking sides, placing bets and helping out.

It was driving Branch insane..

He was tired, he felt sick, and he felt guilty. He ran about trying to be a neutral party in this. Continue on with his job and tasks that had been increased by the conflict.

Holly and Sky were arguing again when Branch noticed someone.

The low growl caught the surrounding trolls off guard. It made Holly uneasy as she backed away raising her arms to her chest.

"Branch…?" She was in disbelief at the display.

Was he angry… with her? Had she done something?

…was Val and Synth right about him being dangerous.

"Young man… is something wrong..?" Sky took a more firm tone in his voice towards the branch.

He was more familiar with this situation as he looked for any giveaways. Branch didn't usually act like this, especially in public. Suddenly the grey troll sprinted between them towards the bushes. Having been spotted there was a loud roar as a Spider-like creature stood up. Branch fished a rock from his pocket and threw it at it's eye.

The monster screamed in pain as branch ran under it. Seeing him run the creature in fury followed after him. Holly's eyes were wide in horror. She was that close to a beast and she didn't know it. Sky was in disbelief as he watched the young man run outta sight. This wasn't the dark forest. Branch didn't have cover here and was wider in terms of space. At least he won't run as far to get a good place to get into a fight with it. Suddenly three more colors booked passed him.

The Regatton trolls were on the hunt and chased after the beast and branch. There was no way they'd miss the chance to either see branch fight or help him. They liked the feel of Trollstopia and if they wanted to move permanently they felt like a good place to start would be getting along with Branch.

Val was anxious as she looked amongst the crowds as she rubbed her arms.

Did she do the right thing…?

Branch spun around after deeming himself far enough. Pulling out his weapon from his hair and swinging into the creature's face. It skid forward carried by it's momentum into Branch's face. A centimeter apart he shudders at the up close look. It screamed as it stumbled back after impact as it bled from the axe buried in its head. Its eyes rolled back into it's head as it collapsed.

Branch took a step back hearing more footsteps. Only to scream as a metal trap closed on his leg painfully. Only as he fell back hard his right arm met the same fate.

Why the hell were these all the way out here?!

Branch growled as he heard a soft sound as he felt it be injected into his body. One dispenser canister ejected from between his gauze and rattled a bit on the soft ground. Pain killers were already numbing it out as well as another mixture to slow his bleeding. Using his hair he tied binds just above where the trap landed to stop as much blood loss as possible. That's when he heard the cursed sound as he looked up.. fuck.

At least two more of the same spider dropped from the trees. Hissing in anger seeing another of theirs dead.

This is a bad spot for Branch as he looked around. It wasn't normal for them to be in packs. Sure upon rare occasions it would happen upon seeing another of their specie's dead.

But with a leg and arm down, the branch doesn't have the wiggle room he'd like to have in a fight….

That's when a bright teal Burst out and attacks the first one.

Tresillo.

What was he doing out here?! Tambora rushed in to help cover her mate. He growled seeing them that close to those beasts. The remaining one came to his side seeing him down.

However to marimba's surprise she was ignored as Branch rose to his feet. Quickly making the bear trap around his arm reset he took it by the chain. Mindful of marimba's presence he swung it around before throwing it at tambora's spider.

Tambora was surprised to see the bear trap fly onto its face and close sharply with a loud snap and crunch. Blood flew across the air as it shook vigorously trying to free itself. Tresillo jumped in surprise as the throwing axe landed squarely in its head. He looked over his shoulder to see branch standing.

The Grey troll growled as a call came forward from the forest.

"Aye! What's that?!" Tres called to him after hearing it.

"More of them. These fuckers don't come to packs unless they've seen another be killed… something's not right here." Branch spat as he readied his bow.

Tres ready his own weapons with his mate.

Just in time as they came barrolin through the woods.

Tres felt his adrenaline race as they fought the horde. But one thing really stuck out. The Rhythm his mate's and he shared with the newcomer. Branch fit their fast pace and close patterns well.

Originally the three were prepared to guard over Branch only for him to take the lead. For a hurt leg and arm he was fast.

The second he saw one of them open and in need of cover he rushed it. Marimba was horrified upon him taking hits when blocking for one of them.

Tambora was amazed at Branch's hair and how alive it became as it darted this way and that. She openly communicates with Branch, catching his attention with whistle's.

He didn't understand Spanish but he got hints and moved quickly. Tresillo had to admit Branch was a good fighter to have on the team. The second he lost his knife branch tossed or was quick to hand him another.

But one thing for sure he was brutal.

From a large array of weapons he landed fatal fast hits. Sometimes not even a proper weapon. Tambora witnessed him using a fang from a dead one to stab another. And tore off one's leg and beat them with it. He wouldn't allow a moment of peace for the enemy.

By the time it was done the sun was setting.

The four were panting sore as their body's ached. Marimba got out some water when the branch lost two more dispenser capsules…

"oye... te sientes bien?" Tambora asked, looking at branch.

He was by far the most bloody of them all. He didn't respond to her as he fell forward collapsing.

Tres caught him as marimba checked his breathing.

He staggered back to his feet trying to get them off.

"I'm fine… I'm fine… " He said as he straightened up.

It wasn't convincing anyone.

Suddenly Branch was looking at them anymore as a hand was placed on his cheek.

He was looking at his grandmother. She was talking but he couldn't make it out. All he could feel was a sense of comfort..

Marimba was pleased when he leaned into the touch, finally relaxing. Gently leading him back with her mates ready to support him if he fell.

Chapter Text

".... shouldn't you be dead?" A Funk troll by the name of Rhythm asks concerned.

Branch shrugs as he finishes up seeing his arm together.

"Depends from what you're talking about." Branch said flexing his arm and testing his motor functions.

"Fucking everything why the hell are you sewing your own arm up?!" Blues exclaimed in desperation.

The Regatton trolls brought him in and we're currently being treated. He snuck off however to go tend to himself.

Branch raises his hand to his hair and pulls out a labeled case. Inside were glass cylinders with a strange mechanism attached to both ends.

"Cause I can." He answers bluntly as he unwraps his gauze.

Taking a vial from the case he inserted it into the Dispenser. It made a few clicks as it locked inside it beeps as it fully inserted before he got another one.

"...may I see your arm?" Blues asked calmly, seeing it.

Branch was hesitant. But he let her anyway as he held out his arm. She inspected the machinery gently in confused awe at it. Not to mention the unique scar patterns across the troll's skin. He was almost decorated in a sense with them when she noticed something on his middle finger.

In black letters a finger ring tattoo was the letters spelled 'Hefty' in small cursive. It was an odd tattoo to say the least. Why 'Hefty' of all things? She doubts how skinny Branch is, he's referring to himself..

"... I didn't realize you had a tattoo…" she whispered softly mostly to herself.

"Yeah I have 6 in total.. I actually plan to get 7 soon.." Branch answered honestly as he took out sanitation wipes.

"You have 6? Where?" Rhythms ask in confusion as to how they've never noticed.

"They're all small but they're around my body." Branch said as shows the back of his ear.

A little cluster of stars in white were hidden there.

He moves his hair Abit and cranes his neck to show three crosses. On his elbow there was a sunflower. On his ankle opposite of his red chain anklet was a red rabbit. On his collarbone there was a Moth tattooed on him. Finally between his shoulder blades (above the line of diffusers) in small letters was a quote.

'If you can't see the bright side… I'll sit with you in the dark.'

"For my seventh tattoo I'm planning on three roses on my shoulder blade…'' Branch said after he finished wiping his face.

Low Note cleared his throat to catch their attention.

"Branch.. there's a bathroom with showers you can go wash up in… girls I need to talk with you." Lownote said to the group, breaking them up.

Branch went off in one direction as Low Note had the sisters' attention.

"I appreciate you two wanna help but I don't want you two near Branch…" he explained gently to them both.

He had told the sisters about them but he wanted them at a distance. He doesn't mind them trying to help hell he loves them trying to help. But he's worried about what could potentially happen if Branch got violent with a troll. He's proven he's heavily capable in combat and isn't mentally stable multiple times. While he's been docile as of so far he doesn't want to push it and put the young girls in harm's way.

"We know what we're doing! We weren't going to be hurt." Blues stated as Rhythm backed her up.

"Branch didn't even come close to being hostile!" Rhythm argued in defense of her sister.

Branch was fluffy to say the least after the guest shower of the funk ship. A Lot of the extra functions were a surprise to him, especially the dryer. Another by the showers chuckled and cooed at him as he walked by.

"....branch…." The whisper entered his ears hearing the familiar voice.

Branch faltered his steps hearing grandpa again in his ears.

"Your friends are recovering from the hospital.. you should get them a gift … after all you brought them into danger…." The whisper lingered as he contemplated.

He really did put them in harm's way…

He should apologize and get them a gift.

He hurries to a shop he sees to look at what it sold. He wasn't sure what they'd like but it's worth a shot. Inside he looked around finding some flowers and some chocolate. As he was heading to check out he saw a hoodie. There was a sale two for one and there was a hoodie with deep purples and magenta colors mixed around to create a very pretty and soothing color pattern. Then there was a bright pastel blue with white speckles dusted around it.

He decided to get himself two hoodie's.

The check out was confusing at first till he understood what was going on. Though after scanning the items came a currency difference. Luckily a machine was handy in changing pop currency to funk. Though he inserted the gem like money he was concerned by the rattling made inside.

When he received paper money he was surprised by how flimsy it was. After getting a small idea how funk money works he made the purchase.

The Regatton trio was surprised at the flowers and chocolate someone gave them. Low Note could only stare at Branch biting his tongue.

Was Branch aware he was wearing a King Quincy themed hoodie?

And second it was way too big on him. But to be honest he seemed to be having fun flopping the excess sleeves.

Branch got nervous about handing them the gifts so while they were gone from the room he placed them on the hospital beds. They were still recovering so he wanted to give them space before talking.

Lownote however took the moment to send Quincy a picture of branch before he left.

Branch walked about outside and snuggled into the hoodie. The funk tribe has scented fabric! It was really cool to branch as they became his favorite hoodie. Though any funk troll or troll aware of the hoodie watched him go. Some snickered and some took a picture to send to their friends.

Some thought it was silly and others thought it was cute.

He was walking by some trees when he noticed a small memorial placed for a troll.

He blinked at the sight to be met with an image that haunted him. Several crosses weaved between the trees. Despair cries filled the air as White Lillie adorned the graves. His eyes widen in terror before he blinks again.

He opened his eyes in desperate hope the image vanished. Only to panic as it grew worse. This time deeper into the woods bodies piled onto the floor one over the other in a bloody fashion. Brave men and women left for death with cold expressions on their faces.

Before he could panic or cry out a hand grabbed his shoulder.

In a state of panic he grabbed his knife only to hear a voice.

"Young man are you alright." Sky asked before eyeing the knife and Branch's dark espression.

There's a moment of silence as Branch's brain and train of thought refires.

"Young man…. Put down the knife before you do anything we regret…." The older troll squeezed Branch's shoulder firmly telling him.

Branch nodded gently before dropping the 6 inch hunting knife. Sky held his shoulder firmly easing up after the knife was dropped giving Branch a moment.

".... Branch. Have you taken any medicine recently…" The stoic man asked next gently to him.

Branch shook his head no.

"Branch… you gonna need to take your anxiety medication… you've been stressed out as of late… " Sky reasoned with him as he slowly came back to focus.

"You need your medicine when you're stressed or you're gonna spiral more often…. Ok…* Sky asked Branch gently, letting go of his shoulder.

Branch nods again as he slowly even out his breathing as he looks around.

The simple little memorial for the late troll was still there. Resting in the shade of the tree in their memory…

"It was your fault….." Grandpa whispered into his ears gently…

"Your fault that they can never return… remember that boy…" Grandpa warned him silently as he felt another squeeze to his shoulder.

Sky saw Branch's left ear flick as if someone was whispering into his ears. Looking around he saw no one as he began to escort Branch home. A rare moment of concern etched onto his face as Branch stared beyond the forest line.

Everything else can wait..

It wasn't safe for Branch to be out here so vulnerable right now.

At the bunker, Sky took two pills and a glass of water out for Branch. He held them in his palm grimly as he took them with a gulp quickly.

Sky nodded his head seeing him swallow them.

"Get some rest kid… as a Pop troll star player gotta be on the field aye?" He told him gently, petting his head.

Tired eyes blink with a nod as they lean into the touch. It'll be awhile before the meds seep into his system. He's lucky he took the meds now rather than later if he was hallucinating that badly. He almost stabbed Sky for Christ sakes.

"Imma go on a walk before to help…. Thanks Sky.." Branch said getting up from his seat.

"Alright but don't do anything rash…." Sky told him.

Chapter Text

Synth was surprised to hear knocking on his door one morning as he was met face to face with the grey troll. It was still dark as not a single troll stirred awake other than the two.

A long minute of silence stood between them as Branch took a turn to speak.

"Laguna is interested in our history, yes? We're upholding a ritual tonight that covers and passes by a lot of historical markers." Branch calmy offered.

Synth only blinked but before he could say anything Laguna was already butting in.

"Wait Really?! What kind of ritual is it?!" The anthropologist was ecstatic.

"The death walk?! A death walk is happening?!" Holly exclaimed with wide eyes at the flyer.

Gust was at a loss of words as the herd of western trolls gathered. Word traveled fast amongst them in astonishment and horror as they spoke.

The classical trolls were no better as they started to whisper and flock together. Eyeing and looking at any rock trolls or grey pop trolls believing it was tied to them.

A cowbell broke the silence as pop trolls gathered everyone in trollstopia.

"Everyone! I am so sorry about the confusion and last minute announcement to all our newcomers!" Poppy exclaimed seeing their expressions.

"The death walk is NOT a public execution or anything of the sort. No one is dead and or dying in the event!" Poppy explained to everyone's relief and reassurance.

The rock trolls looked amongst each other whispering and passing glances.

"What's a Death walk then exactly…?" Val asked as Lownote adjusted his glasses.

A hand shot up in excitement to answer the question.

"It's a memorial event to reflect on the challenges from the pop tribes escaping imprisonment from the bergans!" Laguna said, reading over their notes.

Poppy nodded, surprised she had known about the celebration.

"We go on a long hike that can last days to revisit a lot of obstacles and events we as a nation faced. It's also to remember lost loved ones we left behind. It's kinda like an extended camping road trip." Poppy explains having been on a few herself.

"How did you know, Laguna?" Holly asked curiously as the crowd chatted.

"Branch invited me to go!" Laguna said excitedly.

Everyone got silent.

"Congratulations Laguna, that's quite an honor!" Cooper said smiling.

"It is." Val stated in disbelief, blinking.

Laguna was just invited to go travel out in the woods to only God knows where with possibly the most dangerous and unstable troll alive.

"Yeah Branch was a soldier During this time and they are usually the ones who lead the march." Cooper explained to them not catching Val's concern.

"Wait… Branch served as a soldier for an event that happened 20 years ago." Lownote wanted to confirm what he was being told.

"Yeah….. We were held back in the whole development of kid soldiers, wrong and all." Cooper said, rubbing the back of his neck.

"... Branch is a living child soldier." Laguna said softly in disbelief.

"Eh not really. It was more so like advanced boy scouting if anything." Branch said as he popped up into the conversation.

"That's still not ok though." Cooper said firmly.

Branch had a bad habit of shrugging off important information about himself. The fact of the matter didn't change no matter how Branch felt or thought back on it.

Branch goes on the walk every time without fail. This year Guy and Tiny would be coming as well and Branch was kinda excited. During the great escape and movement he learned to fish, swim, skip rocks, forage, cook and camp.

He thinks it would be a nice thing for Tiny and Guy to learn as well.

It was also the time when he found Cooper's egg.

He dare not forget the exact spot as it was the very moment he made a best friend.

The very moment he made his best friend.

And he'd never forget it.

Chapter Text

Branch was walking down the woods on the familiar part quietly. The hike isn't something you go all the way and back. Trolls we're welcome to at least meet one of the four major checkpoints. Most turn back after the first checkpoint. The first checkpoint was two weeks of travel from the main village.

"Branch… if I may… can we please have a break…" Laguna sighed out of breath tired.

Branch turned around to her quite surprised. It couldn't have been more than at least two hours?

"Are you alright Laguna.. It's only been a few hours since we left the Grey community?" Branch asked.

"Yet Branch you forget we've been walking since Techno lagoon." Guy reminded him gently.

Tiny was still sleepy and snuggled with his daddy.

Branch nodded and began to think back as they took a small break off to the side. Laguna, thankful for that, noticed something hanging above her head. Turning up her glow as she squinted through her glasses she gasped at what it was.

A noose.

The frayed rope swayed slightly eerily above their heads.

Branch looked up.

"What? Is there something on it?" Branch asked as he stretched his shoulders.

He was carrying heavy gear on his back and shoulders and a lot more in his hair.

Laguna looked at him with astonishment and horror.

"It's a noose…" She and Guy said in sync.

"Oh yeah there's some nooses scattered about. We'll have to take the long route cause if we go straight we'll find the hanging tree."

Laguna blinked in major concern as she adjusted her glasses studying the troll.
Branch wasn't phased in the slightest of the noose. In Fact he looked up at it as if in contemplation as it swayed. It's deathly shadow lingered over Branch's face. It was a haunting sight to see and it burned into her memory.

"Uncle Branch, what's the hanging tree?" Tiny asked curiously as he looked amongst the adults.

"...... It's nothing. But it's very scary for a lot of us…" Branch spoke in a gentle tone.

"....was that the tree where…?" Guy trailed off uncertainty in his voice.

".... Let's change the subject." Branch said, suddenly smiling as they pulled out a small device.

With a push of a button he has a fishing rod ready to go.

"I got myself some new fishing gear! Look at this thing! It's awesome!" Branch was smiling as he held up the rod.

Laguna wasn't easily convinced or swayed to drop the conversation.

"Can you re-fold it? Or….?" Guy asked curiously looking at the rod.

Branch was quiet for a moment looking it over. He tried the button but it didn't work. He hummed in confusion as he looked for any moving parts.

"Try holding down the button?" Laguna offered to see their struggle.

"No no see if you can push it back in!" Guy objected.

"I can not. Hold on, maybe there's something I'm not seeing." Branch said as he tried to find some kind of hidden mechanism.

He can't find any as they're trying to figure it out. He trys shaking the pole around at a loss of what to do.

"What about the manual?" Laguna asks, standing up looking at the pole more closely.

"I left Manuel at home. I figured if they got it in there should be an easy way to do so." Branch said as he tried twisting the handle.

"Never trust that logic ever there is always some kinda black magic with this. You can never buy something, use it, and then get it back into the same thing it came in." Guy said scoffing, growing a little frustrated with the pole.

"Dammit. I got Poppy and Cooper one two. I hope they haven't opened it yet because then it's gonna be a hassle…" Branch grumbled as they heard a familiar horn.

The rover came over as Poppy drove over.

".... You couldn't get it shut?" Poppy asked though she knew the answer.

She and coop both had full extended rods as well.

"Okay. Fuck.. alright I'm just gonna put them in the trunk-" Branch decided as he reach for the trunks door.

Poppy's eyes grew wide in horror as she stood in her seat.

"Wait Branch no!" She cried out but it was too late.

Branch got splashed with a tidal wave of goop. The slimy substance coated the entire interior of the trunk and Branch's face.

"....what is on me." Branch asked as he wiped some from his eye.

Holly chuckled nervously tapping her finger tips.

"My shampoo…" she shyly answered as she looked away.

After causing him so much stress with the whole pie war she wanted to make it up to him. And she's determined to do so for big Hair Sake!

…. getting him splashed with shampoo probably wasn't the best idea though.

He removed his vest and used it to clear up his face. Groaning seeing it's on his gauze and hair too…

"There's a river nearby I can wash up in….till then I guess I'm walking." He concluded grumpily.

The group was quiet for a moment.

"Alright. imma head over. Are we waiting on anyone else?" Branch asked looking at Poppy.

"Val, Rythum and Blues, synth, and Biggie!" Poppy exclaimed happily.

"Ok. Wait here I'll get washed." He retreat to the woods to go to the creek.

Upon finding the wide and slow running stream he knelt by the river bed to try and get the shampoo out.

He sucked in a breath and dives his head in. However a hand grabbed his shoulder to pull him up.

"Well that explains the mess on your head. Has anyone showed you how to properly clean your hair?" The smooth jazz troll seemed to scold him as they pull the troll close.

Before branch could really protest the jaz trolls fingers were massaging his scalp and lathering Branch's hair into bubble's. Chaz would scowl and him disapproving anytime they're was a knot, tangle, matting or damage to the trolls hair.

Scince the first time they faced off Chaz was taken back by the horrendous display. It was hardly brushed, dull, frayed, oily, and painful to look at.

Branch was at a loss as the trolls held him firmly scrapping his scalp and washing his hair. He wasn't sure what was happening but he was starting to relax. He had thought the jazz troll was going to attack him.

Once Chaz was certain he had cleaned the trolls hair he rinsed it out carefully. Taking a disposable comb and going through it to inspect. Rinse. Comb. Rinse. Comb again.

He was quite proud having seen he gotten rid of most of not all the dandruff and greesy look gone. He couldn't help but noticed how healthier Branches hair looked now either. As Vain as he could be he knew when to admit someone else has amazing hair. Branch was far from it but he had potential.

Branch couldn't help but feel a little impatient though as Chaz insisted on pattin his hair dry and Once more brushing. That's when he heard a growl as he turned.

Chaz smiled at his tiger than noticed how Branch's demeanor changed. His ears were flat against his head pointing upwards. His eyes were wide as they spread out from his body. He widen his stance slowly as his focus zeroed in on the tiger.

"Relax jungle boy… My girl wouldn't hurt me." The jazz player pet his tiger to receive a loving blink.

(Tiger's can't pur so they blink)

"Besides you ain't even worth eating with how thin you are." Chaz said as he turned to the Gray troll to be surprised.

Branch has seemingly no problem with changing gauze right Infront of him. Now he thought what he could see was bad but he wasn't ready for the all out horror that was Branch's injuries. His chest was severely beaten and cut. And his neck held a ring of dark bruises and cuts.

".. did someone try to strangle you?" Chaz asked in disbelief.

Branch nodded as he replaced it.

"Yeah. Tough mission and they almost won if I didn't have a rock." Branch shrugged as he stood up.

And with him the Jazz troll followed….

Chapter Text

Branch was riding shotgun next to Poppy looking out the window. He liked watching the colors pass by. Cooper, Rhythm and Blues were behind them. Talking excited about something while in a separate vehicle the other's followed.

Synth was driving with Chaz separate from their saxophone. Laguna and Guy were talking as Tiny enjoyed gummy snacks. Holly was napping in the back. They had a walkie talkie on the dash so they could keep in contact. They could also hear everything from the other vehicle.

"Heh. I gotta admit the hike is a lot easier when you got the rover!" Poppy said cheerfully from behind the wheel.

"Yeah but then it kinda takes away from the hike. Plus you won't have a road pretty soon to drive on." Branch said watching the woods go by.

That caught the sisters' attention.

"Huh? Why not?" Rhythm asks, looking out of the rover.

Sure it was dense forest but it still looked to be pretty used.

"oh. Well we're coming up on a memorial where we'll stop and stretch. But then the path is rather narrow. We'll also be meeting up with Biggie." Branch said getting something from his hair.

It was a pin with a number on it that he put on his vest.

"Just that one?" Cooper asked, looking at it quickly and writing it down.

"What is it?" Blues asked, craning her neck to see it better.

"My tag number. I don't wear any medals on the hike." Branch said, leaning back into the seat.

"I don't know why you don't.." Poppy frowned.

"Cause it's nothing to be really proud of." Branch said calmly.

They come to a stop at a carved statue in a large stone. Branch hops on out to take in the familiar stop. He looked over to the side of the large field of white crosses. He feels a lil less sick every time he visits, but he could never forget the chill that runs down his spine.

He looked back at the stone where Biggie and a few others were running stands welcoming visitors and hikers who were about to start. Biggie was running a pastry stand and Meadows next to them had flowers as usual. They're were other stands but Branch could care less. He went over and ordered two cookies and two bouquets of roses. As a veteran though he got one extra of each.

He gave Tiny a cookie as well as Cooper and Poppy.

"Branch I'm a queen you don't have to keep buying me cookies." She chuckled at his traditional gesture.

"I know. I don't care though." He responded playfully, nudging her.

"Branch! What can you tell me about the stone?!" Laguna swam up excitedly and noticed his white roses.

"The stone symbolizes the end and the peace treaty that ended our civil war. This is also a memorial and burial sight to all that have died in our final war." He told her plainly as he began to walk towards the field.

Laguna let him, as he was probably gonna place flower's down for a departed comrade.

Branch was followed by Tiny curious about what his uncle was doing. Branch was going by rows placing a flower down on crosses with no names and two for names he recognized.

"Why do some have no names?" Tiny asked curiously.

".....cause we didn't know." He said softly as he walked.

Tiny saw him place three for one.

"Why three?" Tiny asked to see him give away the remaining flowers.

"..... You didn't know him or her… but they were a close friend of mine. Sage was my best friend during the war and the best comrade you can ask for… he was head over heels for a girl in our brigade but… she went missing and no one knew where she went ...." Branch took a deep breath tracing the cross.

"I placed three flowers because it was his favorite number. He always said how it was perfect… I think it was because he wanted a life for himself, her, and a child… a lil family." He told Tiny gently as he pet their head.

Tiny was quiet following his uncle around.

"What happened to the girl? Did she ever come back? Why did she vanish?!" Tiny tugged on Branch's pants.

"We don't know…" Branch Said quietly as he placed him on his shoulder.

Tiny frowned as Branch placed the final flower.

He wished he had more Flowers.

"Oh shit Bee!" Branch shouted and started running while he chased.

Cooper looked in his direction hearing him. He grabs a cup from a juice stand and goes to help Branch. Guy following worried about Tiny being handled roughly in Branch's panic.

"What's going on?" Synth asked, confused , standing next to poppy.

"Branch is allergic to bees and wasps and just tends to draw them in." Poppy said calmly, taking a sip of apple juice.

"He breaks out in a rash when he's stung and it swells up pretty bad." Biggie told him watching worried.

They watch as Cooper's running trying to catch the bee only to flee as more show up. He too is now being chased by a few. Guy was hopelessly chasing Branch in hopes to rescue his son.

Holly was laughing seeing them run like little girls. Val came finally and saw the odd display as Demo took out his phone to record.

It wasn't until Branch dropped a loud F bomb did guy catch him. Guy returns to the memorial stone dragging Branch which was itching a bee sting.

"I can not believe you would say such In Front of Tiny! What if he starts repeating it!" Guy was scolding Branch who was more concerned with his sting.

"He's heard me say worse…" he was looking to see if the stinger was in there.

He get harsh ear pull and ear full for his response.

"... behold two types of parents." Cooper said jokingly, getting a chuckle from a few friends.

Holly took Branch's arm and helped him treat it. Applying a cream to prevent itching.

"Thank you…" Branch said as he let her do what she must.

"Oh it's no problem sugar." Holly said cheerfully as Biggie gave Branch a cookie.

Val sees it and looks to biggie betrayed.

"I thought there were no more chocolate chip?" She asked as Biggie frowned.

"It's oatmeal raisin…. Branch's favorite cookie is oatmeal raisin." Biggie said with a haunting expression as everyone cringed.

"Wait what?! Why?!" Demo felt sick asking.

"It's good." Branch huff in defense.

"Would you say your cookie preference is an effect of war?" Laguna asks, holding notes.

"Laguna! No!" Synth intervenes.

Chapter Text

Branch lead the way at a slowed place as Poppy held his hand. It acted almost like a weigh down so he wouldn't just speed up on ahead of everyone. She's not sure why this works but thinks it may have to do with ocd cause Branch would HAVE to match her steps. She learned this on her first adventure with Branch as she struggled to keep up with him so she decided to hold his hand. Now the two will just absently do it when they travel together. It had lead to some confusion before but Poppy and Branch aint ready for a relationship especially with each other.

After Creek Poppy isn't ready to start trying again experiencing and taking the risk of dating. The large scale betrayal was a lot to take and frankly terrifying.

Branch wants to work on himself and deal with his baggage that accumulated over the years.

Synth was quite surprised to see the two holding hands. Cooper talked to Biggie as Holly let Val sit on her back. Demo was spacing put of boredom when he heard laughter. Three kids ran out from beside him carrying rocks in their hands chanting Branch's name. When Branch turned three boys looked up to him happy holding up rocks.

"Can we play the stone bullet game! please! we won't throw them at each other!" One of them ask excited.

"I can throw farther this time! I've been playing baseball!" Another said ready to wind up a pitch.

"Stone bullet?" Demo asked coming up to them.

Branch nod taking a rock.

"Its a simple game. You can play with cans or tree's. You have to throw the rock as far as you can and extra point if you leave a mark on the tree. You can only use your hands and an idea of how to get it far and leave a mark." Branch explain rearing back his arm.

He threw the stone quickly hitting a far tree leaving a Mark stripping bark. Demo watch the kids try to copy either being able to throw far or throw strong enough to leave a small dent. One spun around several TIMES quickly before flinging a surprisingly accurate throw to the closest tree leaving a mark. Another reared back far and threw it like he was bowling to get a decent distance. The third as expected to a baseball pitcher's stance before throwing the Rock.

It landed the farthest of the three boys but no mark.

"Hey can I see a rock? I used to play baseball too." Demo saud holding his hand out as he's given a rock.

Branch watches curious seeing an odd sight of Demo close his fist and blow into it. they flexed Their grip winding back and throwing it. The burning rock made the woods sizzle upon impact as it left a marl in the tree.

"Whoa! What kinda pitch was that!" The boy who's Name was written on his baseball Cap named Brent looked at demo with wide eyes.

"hahaha! back home we call that a hot one!" Demo smiled feeling quite proud of himself.

However there's a laugh behind him as Holly sat Val on the ground.

"That ain't nothing sugar. Watch this!" Holly scooped a rock and tossed it tonyo the air.

Branch watched the Rock fall before holly had turned around and bucked it. The rock soared threw the air it hit the tree hard leaving a large mark. She let out a holler and a yeehaw gleeful untill two more rocks shot past.

Laguna and Synth giggle landing the largest marks on the tree. You build up a ton of muscle swimming your hole life.

the kids were in pure awe.

"Uncle! Uncle Branch can you throw a rock for me! please!" Tiny ask excitedly.

Due to size he couldn't really throw a rock. Branch looked at Guy diamond who nodded. He picked up a rock and took steps back. He ran and slid back into place winding as far back as he could before launching the rock.

It shot far and hard hitting dead center and splintering the tree. It took the guest for a loop and then another as Branch rubbed his back.

"Ow... I'm getting old dammit.." He grumbles holding his lower back.

"This is why I tell you to stretch every morning..." Bigge told him helping try relieve the back pain.

Branch mumble something as they continue going on their way. They reach an opem area as the sun starts setting.

"Here we are at camp. I'll start setting up while you all catch a break. " Branch said as he gets to work.

more people from the hike started to fill up the space as chatter goes on.

"Hey Branch? How did you get good playing stone bullet?" Laguna asked curious and became even more so as she saw what Branch snacking on.

In a large glass jar with a strong smelling murky red liquid with Limes and an assortment of peppers.

"Oh we were taught that as a kid as we made our way through the forest. This here is actually a grown up version of a treat we used to eat as well." Branch explain taking a pepper from the mix.

There was a soft crunch as Branch popped one into his mouth. He sees Val looking at the jar and put one on a plate for her. She took in wearily sniffing it eyes going wide recognize the smell.

"Oh that's liquor Oh that's liquor ok..." She's taken back at what Branch was soaking peppers in.

Hard liquor is a main component in the marination of the Pepper's to amplify the spice and kick Pepper's have. But the peppers do have a soft surgar glaze.

"You ate pickled peppers as kids?" Laguna shocked.

"No not just peppers but other vegetables too. And i wouldn't say pickled I'd say infused. One of the adults had the idea to infuse vegetables with sugar water or sugar drinks to try and get us to eat it. Ofc it didn't really work but something that became popular amongst us kids was we liked to see who could eat more of the infused Pepper's as a competition." Branch Explained putting a lid on the jar.

It was really sloppy at first but over the years it was transformed and a lot better than before. There are many takes on it. A kid friendly version that's rather popular is taking very mild and sweet peppers and infusing them with Kool aid. Additional fruit like strawberry's or grapes are also much loved in them.

Remembering that Branch pulled out a smaller jar of Blue Kool aid with Green, and Blue grapes and strawberries and give it to Tiny.

The sun started to set and Branch had set up all the tents and Holly was grilling burgers. Branch meanwhile was getting close with his Sleeping bag. Nice and warm and Comfy. Secure yet not trapped either its absolutely perfect.

And then there's guy right next to him.

Guy got an expensive sleeping bag for him and tiny with all these gadgets and things. Yet he still can't get quite used to being in such a smaller space than his bed at home. Tiny wasn't helping his Dad get comfortable asking his uncle if they'll see bear's or wild animals in the dead of night.

And on the other side was Laguna and Synth. Synth was deeply unnerved to share a tent with Branch. Laguna was curiously watching Branch and writing things down.

Every time he looks over there's a new gadget beside her facing him.

Branch got a large tent that suited them all.

But he's a bit worried about how the night Will go.
As they ate they took turns telling campfire stories. Some scary some worse as they share going around.

"Branch are there any stories that-" Biggie was surprised to see Branch wasn't around the campfire but in sleeping bag fast asleep.

"Is it 9 o'clock already?" Biggie asked rocking Mr, Dinkles.

Soft snoring could he heard from the tent. Branch has a system with his dispensers to release an appropriate amount of Melatonin around 9 when he doesn't need to be up late. Most nights without using melatonin Branch falls victim to insomnia and nightmares. With a quick diffusion of melatonin he's out like a light the hole night. Even in the morning its hard to wake him up until 7.

Guy goes and collects a sleepy Tiny and go join Branch in the tent.

Soon Synth and Laguna were laying down as well. Synth would glance over and realize Branch hardly moved in his sleep. He also learned guy moves in his sleep just as much as Laguna who is currently sleep floating along the roof of the tent.

Guy was sprawled out on the main floor if the tent while Tiny couldn't sleep like Synth and they both just watched them.

"Wanna put stickers on them?" Tiny offered.

".....yes." Synth smiled as the two got to work.

Chapter Text

Holly stretched early morning with Synth and Chaz. The three spoke lightly with each other and a few fellow early risers.

"Hey Bra-"

A grey troll hushed at the sight of the three. the group quietly wait for the stranger to finish there sentence.

The troll didn't seem to know what to say looking around before giving a little wave. They then rush past and grab Branch and run away dragging the other troll.

"I got him! I got him!" They cheered and are shushed quickly by others.

A group of grey trolls of various stages some even have fully recovered were dragging a total of five trolls to the center of the camp sight that was clear of anyone. The three watched as two start covering Branch in branches and some twigs. Another troll was being covered in Pinecones. A girl was being covered in a ton of Daisys.

"Dont mind them. The hike is full of the veterans having fun and a lil gag with each other. first day is always a dig at each other's names." A yellow troll woman came sipping tea as she wave to her husband covering a friend with mud.

"How is this a dig at Their name..Oh! Branch is being covered in Branches oh ok I see now." Synth looked around taking note of names.

Mud was the first to wake up with a yelp feeling a bug on their face. And Started chasing the others around camp tossing mud that covered them. Daisy wakes up and watches picking flowers out of their hair and clothes. Stone was having trouble escaping their prison. Branch wasn't awake yet so they were taking they're time creating a elaborate stick trap.
However that changed to a full blown coffin.

"Wait ..... what....." Branch started waking up when one of the adults stood by the coffin.

"We are gathered here to day to say the final goodbye to the hopes of our dearest beloveds love life..." They spoke in a solem tone somehow not breaking charater.

"WHAT." Branch was almost offended by that statement.

"May he rest in peace....a virgin." The last minute preacher lets out a chuckle.

"You're mad cause you either got herpes or kids." Branch threw back as they try to find a way out.

"And you're mad cause you don't get dick or pussy." The preacher and guest laugh as Branch frees himself.

"W-wait your bi?! How are you single?!" Mud laughing still asks surprised.

"That's what im saying!" Stone laughed much to Branch's displeasure.

Synth chuckles as Val woke up a bit mortified by the fact they assembled a coffin out of sticks that branch was in. Chaz was occupied by the odd group of what he's guessing was friends. All these kids shared strange scar's had muted or dull colors asside from Stone and Preacher.

"Oh hey guys! its been awhile!" Poppy woke up and came over with Guy and Tiny.

"Hey Poppy! I think this reunion may be the best so far. This Year's hike is so peaceful." Mud applauded the planning so far into it.

"Are you all Branch's friends?" Guy asked surprised.

"Yep!" They all answered at once.

Laguna writes it down rubbing her eye under her glasses. Not only was it just Branch and friends there were a few other groups forming too.

"How'd you all meet?" Holly ask quite curious.

"Oh! Remember when I said it was like advanced boy scouts. This was my team! Our team was called little moose!" Branch explained to Holly as Daisy gave her a picture.

7 kids were in the picture of various age. Branch was seemingly the youngest in the group and Preacher being the oldest. Stone Mud Daisy were around the same age. Three other kids weren't present.

"Who are these three....?" Chaz asked a bit worried.

it became hushed amongst the group.

The five muted colored trolls seemed a shade darker.

"Let's change the subject!" Stone announced suddenly breaking the silence.

"So Tiny! wanna learn how to use a lighter?" Stone asked holding one in his hand.

Before Tiny could answer his Daddy quickly intervened disapproving.

"I think he's good thank you." Guy held his son away from the troll who seemed way to eager to start a fire.

"Hm. Yeah you're right. Fires are a bit advanced. Wanna tie a rope?" Stone asked.

Branch's ear Flick's as he takes cover.

Suddenly tomatos.

They started to rain on the group of Little moose.
laughing above them was the Peacock's fresh outta tomatoes.

"Little Moose Stinks!" They called put cackling.

"And Peacock's are glorified chicken's!" Daisy said on e she recovered.

The group take out water guns and start spraying then before they could get away.

"Wait what's that smell?" Mud ask confused looking at Branch's high blasted water gun.

"Oh its not water. Its vinegar." Branch said smiling.

The smell won't leave for days.

"Oh that's evil..." Synth gasp.

Demo, Val, And Poppy start taking down tents as Holly and Biggie made breakfast.

Chaz was making sure Branch Got clean.

"I can bathe myself you know...." Branch is a bit embarrassed by the others insistence.

"Not Well. Its Concerning.... and I think it has to do with the infusers. You don't seem like its easy to bend. And to avoid it You neglect Washing some areas." Chaz Told him touching flesh by one of the implants.

Branch flinched from the touch the flesh was infact sensitive.

"I can bend.." He assured the Jazz musician to get a disapproving gaze.

"when you're high on adrenaline and pain meds. You avoid doing it at other times. No one properly lift's with their legs and not their back or use their hair as much as you." Chaz finished.

Branch frowns as Chaz study the mechanism.

"Why not remove it...?" Chaz asked not sure if he'd get an answer.

"Its important that I use it... i can handle a bit of discomfort..." Branch answersd quietly.

Soon after breakfast they're on the hike again.

Chapter Text

Laguna was walking with Poppy looking around. Val was uneased despite trying to hide it unlike Demo.

"Should they really be running around with…. weapon's…?" Demo asked, clearly scared and uncomfortable.

That morning after breakfast the Grey trolls heaped weapons of various types. Spear's, blades, bows, and staffs. Before any objections they jumped into the tree's and took off in a flash. They took to the trees disappearing in the dark. Swinging with faded cackles launching themselves out and about.

Val was the only one that noticed that Branch was the only one that had run on foot and disappeared in a mere blink…

"Oh yeah. On the hike a few trolls like to go hunting." Poppy explained with a shrug.

R&B were giggling excited as they set the drones after they had finally caught up.

"Hey…. Wait a minute…. Branch is running?" Rhythm asks confused as she sees the Grey troll.

That caught a few of their attention as they all stopped to look at the monitor.

"Oh. Unlike the other groups the Little Moose had to make an adjustment as Branch couldn't swing like them due to injury." Poppy explained.

Branch had a position of Grounder.

In honesty it made them the best team when it came to hunts. Branch was able to keep up simply running and was extremely agile on foot. But on the ground he had a better look up close of tacks, flora and could smell more faint scents.

As Grounder Branch could also play bait with air support that drops in above the prey when they're no longer looking.

Branch could also play catch or quick turn around for the team acting as an anchor.

"looks like they got something." Poppy pointed out as to the guest's amazement.

Branch dropped to all fours and sped up. Effectively and almost cat-like was able to cover a greater distance as he darted.

And skidded In front of the target. A large mushroom-like creature was eating a carcass when it saw the gray troll. Branch hair came to like fanning out and shaking, catching the Mushroom's attention. Successfully agitating it into charging.

Branch darted underneath, suddenly shrinking his hair to trip up the mushroom as the four others dropped in to finish the hunt.

"whoa! They got it!" Demo gasps, amazed.

"It's not over…" Cooper paled Abit as something crept closer.

Branch caught on though. And as his friends were caught up with the mushroom they had charged the attacker. One of the mushroom's predators was the Rye. Picking off the scavengers, the Rye weasels are immune to poisons and most toxin's.

Branch and the weasel charged. The weasel took the form of a wheel and rolled at the pop troll branched duct to the side. Using his hair again around the hole of the wheel formation they slammed the weasel into the ground away from the group.

It hisses but before anything still stunned Branch was on it with spear in hand.

Poppy almost in pride beamed.

"Rye weasels are tricky but it's nowhere close to a worthy opponent to Branch." Poppy Bragged on her friends behalf.

The sister's watched the troll fight. Lost for words how to describe it. Branch was Fast and didn't seem to be fighting as brutally. Infact…. They were taking it easy in comparison to what was described. Branch kept the fight clean of unnecessary blood. A fews strikes and moves and that was it.

Branch the second both prey was secure and set he was off again this time without support.

"Looks like he's got a bit of energy to burn off." Poppy says as she continues along the way.

R&B look at each other in shock.

Holly was impressed. She came from a tribe of proud hunters and Even they'd be impressed. Branch had several prey captured and currently cleanly butchered. Fine cuts of meat and great quality too. A large bird was cooking on a large fire being rotated slowly.

"Can you cook them..?" Branch asked the inspecting Holly darling.

Holly only smiled and gave him a thumbs up.

"You betcha I can cutie! In Fact I think it's time I got out of old Smokey!" They exclaimed as they plopped something down from their hair.

A metal appliance similar to a grill but Branch was curious.

"This here is a smoker. And it'll change the way you think of barbecues after you tasted smoked meat." Holly smiled explaining seeing Branch's Confusion.

Using the vegetables and herbs Branch gathered and brought she gave them a good wash she made kabobs First. Branch was cutting steaks and putting them in marinating meat.

Laguna watched the two cook taking notes and writing down observations.

Tiny and a few kids running around between grills and cooking stations. The taste testing different catches and food.

"Can I taste it please?!" Tiny asked hopping up and down the other kids a bit more weary of Branch staying back

Branch smiled softly to Tiny before cutting them off some of the steak. Holly thought it was just so cute. She had Tiny try rabbit wrapped in bacon next. The kids found it easier to approach Holly rather than branch.

Branch didn't mind. Tiny and the Grey children approach him. And that's enough for him, it's better than the alternative that all the kids are scared of him.

Holly came up to him and offered him a bite of something.

"Taste this, is this enough Onion?" Holly asked Branch, wanting a second opinion.

He tasted gingerly from the spoon while Holly held it as he chopped vegetables. Something that had taken the western of guard thinking he'd just take the spoon. But then again during the pie wars she just kinda shove spoons in his face…

"I'd say that's pretty good." He reassured the other stuffing peppers.

Synth smiled thinking the interaction between the two were cute. If Branch hadn't been on that stage that day…Synth probably wouldn't think he'd be so terrifying.

"Hey Branch, care to go fishing?!" Cooper hollered with his fishing pole with Poppy next to him.

A little tradition for the three to go fishing in the hike started a few years back.

"Yeah I'll be with ya in a second let me grill this up and I'll be on the way." Branch calls over as he places the peppers on the grill.

They then look at Tiny swinging his feet at the table.

"Hey Tiny. you wanna come?" Branch asked the little boy.

"Can I!?" Tiny was ecstatic.

"If your dad lets ya. I don't have an issue." Branch smiles as Tiny runs to get his dad's permission.

Rhythm and Blues were watching Cooper's demonstration on how to 'fish'. They don't really do this sorta thing in their hometown.

"And then you kinda wait for a bite." Cooper said with the sun setting on them all.

"How come you don't use a net or a fish trap?" Rhythm asked, thinking it would be more efficient to use one of those two tools.

Cooper blinked Confused.

"A fish trap is a robotic mechanic that can be attached to the funk ship or a smaller machine that can catch many fish at once." Blue explained Incase Cooper didn't know what they were talking about.

"I know what the fish trap is, it just kinda takes the fun outta manually fishing. I'm also not trying to fish up the whole lake." Cooper explained, chuckling.

"Wait, is this supposed to be fun?" Blues asked, surprised at that.

All she knew was ya sit and wait in silence. What was fun about this?

Cooper didn't respond as Branch whistled from across the lake in a canoe. Tiny cheering in a customized front seat wearing a blue life vest.

"BRANCH YOU DIDN'T TELL ME HE WAS GOING TO BE ON THE WATER?!" Guy panicked yelling out to the two from the shore.

"Well that's one way it's fun." Cooper said while watching the show.

"He's got a life vest." Branch responded back, stopping the paddling.

"That's still not ok! He can't swim!" Guy said, panicking still.

"Yes I can daddy! Branch taught us to remember?!" Tiny said to his dad Abit embarrassed.

Branch had taught the two before the hike just Incase of an emergency.

"Oh….yeah. but come a bit closer to shore I don't like you being out in the distance!" Guy said still concerned for his son's safety.

"Alright. We're coming." Branch said, turning the paddle closer to the shore.

Much to Guy's relief.

And much to Tinys displeasure.

After a bit of back and forth between the two.
Branch had both in the Canoe fishing not far from the dock but a little ways from shore. Guy is very nervous in Canoe. Tending to make it shake when he jumped or got in the way of Branch rowing. Till at some point Branch said fuck it and held the paddle over guys lap forcing the other closer as they warned them for the final time be still. Poppy chuckling at the two. They looked like a married couple and their son. Branch being the father that got dragged into this and would rather be home but Guy, a wife being a helicopter , had to come along too.

However the two did start to settle and calm down.

Guy relaxed and leaned against Branch comfy as they talked.

"Two Bros Chilling in a canoe not five feet apart cause they are gay." Smidge made a joke to the two as they got a picture.

They get splashed.

Chapter Text

Val took a deep breath the morning after the cookout. Guy diamond said Branch had gotten up early to do something with the other grey's…

She looked at the tent that was still with no lights on inside…

Before puffing up her chest and marching in.

"Okay we need to tal-AAH!" Vall tripped not even a few steps in over someone.

"Oh hey Val." Branch said as he looked at her from his position on the floor.

Val whipped around to look at him and screamed again. She didn't know what she was looking at..

Branch was sprawled out on the floor, red eyes with tear stained cheeks. His body was twitching uncontrollably as it was consumed by a pitch black void etching into his body.

"Ok ok don't panic….your looking at Panic paralysis…. This happens occasionally with gray trolls…. Poppy and the others are getting my things to help." Branch spoke slowly, somewhere between tired and breathless.

Val had no words backing away frightened. Minutes of silence pass by them when the mental image slowly settles in.

Now as she looked at him…she felt… pity? A bit uneased seeing someone so strong so helpless..? He looked to be in pain and distressed. He looked like he was truly a troll for the first time to Val and not a machine or worse….

"D-does it hurt…?" Val asked tentatively of the other's condition.

"......a bit …. Nothing I ain't used to…" Branch answered honestly, closing his eyes softly.

Val felt something stir uncomfortably in her chest. It was as if he was giving up….

He could and does feel pain like anyone else.
Yet that news and realization didn't sit right with her. Not in the way she would have had thought it would.

"How….how did this happen…?" Val asked, looking at him from across the tent.

"I panicked…" Branch answered plainly, not seeming to care for a detailed answer.

Val stumbled on her words before Branch spoke again.

"Types of paralysis can happen for various reasons…. Sometimes they can happen for no reason at all.. usually it will clue you in with certain symptoms… After a nightmare I woke up and my anxiety and paranoia got the better of me...hence… panic paralysis…" Branch said softly, looking at his arm beside his head.

Up to his elbow was black…

He drummed his fingers on the tent floor.

"It can be dangerous…. So it's important to be prepared and ready if one was ever to occur… but it boils down to calm down or rot where you are…" Branch said with a soft chuckle of his dark wording.

Val didn't think it was so funny.

"Branch… there you are… feeling better? Oh hey Val! Don't mind us just getting Branch in the wagon. " Poppy said, smiling softly to the ambassador.

Branch frowns at the idea of being put in the wagon. But Poppy, Cooper and Biggie think he'll Panic further if he stays behind. So to keep up the pace they simply take him via wagon. To prevent "dying of embarrassment" in Branch's words they'll also throw a blanket over him to leave him in comfortable dark and outta sight. Cooper places headphones on Branch and places him in the wagon. Biggie put in Dinkles giving Branch a pet to the head.
Tiny puts in some fun glow sticks and a glow in the dark coloring book to sit and chill with his uncle.

"Thank you…" Branch says tiredly as he's covered.

"No problem bud." Poppy says as she pulls him along.

Val was just in shock of what was happening. And hurry to go find Demo. When she does she goes on a rant about what she learned. Synth and Laguna overhear it and creep over to where poppy had parked the cart. Both peel it back only to have Mr Dinkles mew them away cross expression. Once they back away he recovers the cart.

Both techno trolls back away…

Soon once everyone was going on again Cooper got the wagon pulling it along. It's a bit quiet on the group hike.

".....hey Branch is this poison oak?" Guy diamond asks, looking at some tall plants.

Branch peers from the wagon to look after a bit of struggle.

"No.. Poison Ivy…" Branch answers before disappearing into the wagon.

Delta dawn, the funk rulers, Trollex, Trollzart, and Barb were at the halfway point for a surprise visit. They were all a bit nervous …. especially Barb.

However, nerves seemed to rise when Poppy came with a wagon and not Branch.

"Hey pop star…. W-where's Branch." Barb asked, stumbling a bit.

She doesn't know whether to feel relieved or threatened…

He could be anywhere… waiting…watching…

"Oh he's in the wagon. Not feeling too good." Poppy answer's without skipping a beat.

Darnell looks at his twin for confirmation. The R&B sister's nod in sync with Cooper. The Funk Ruler's look at each other with a shocked expression.

Delta quirks a brow. Only hearing tidbits of this so called Branch..

She goes over to the cart as everyone is asking questions and peeled back the blanket to look at him. The troll flinched and still couldn't really move. Feeling panic creep in as his paralysis grew..

"Ah he just needs some soup. Come 'ere I gotcha." Delta said as she scoops up the smaller troll as if he was a cat and carried him under her arm.

Branch was baffled.
Poppy was bamboozled.
Cooper was confused.
Biggie was concerned.

"Whoa whoa whoa careful Delta he can't move-!?" Biggie follow concerned.

"No worries I'm just gonna set him right here while I warm up some soup. Holly come help me." Delta beckoned the other over to come help her.

Branch was laid down in the shade on a quilted blanket. The troll was at a loss as panic took a pause.

Delta as promised fed him soup.

And to a shock to his friends and himself…. The soup made the black inky abyss retreat back to where it emerged from his chest.

"See. Works like a charm. Why were you panicking so bad?" Delta pat the smaller on his back.

"...bad dream." Branch said softly still puzzled how soup had solved his dilemma.

"....ha. baby." She teased them gently ruffling their hair.

"Why are you so skinny?" Clampers chipped in next.

The young girl poking at his sides because of it. Branch didn't really answer just poke back.

"Thanks for the soup.." Branch said shyly to Delta.

"Don't worry bout it." She smiled before then bopping him on the head.

"That's for not showing up earlier at the world tour event." Delta said with a smug smile.

Chapter Text

Branch was being fed.

Delta and Holly cooking and just giving shit to Branch to eat.

"You're panic paralysis wouldn't be so bad if ye'added a bit of weight to yourself boy." Delta explained as she gave Branch more fries.

Branch had tried to refuse but he was not allowed to and Delta had threatened to funnel it down his throat.

Holy was a mere accomplice. But she certainly wasn't arguing about it.

Both were determined to have Branch put weight on. Branch wasn't sure why either were so determined or dead set on feeding him. Essence watched a little concerned, over feeding especially after a long time of limited eating or none could cause a fuck ton of issues. Sid and Carol kinda glaring at him while Riff remained indifferent. Barb won't look at them in the eye terrified of them.

"Thank you ma'am but I really don't think I can eat all of this…" Branch said as Holly got out the containers.

"Oh you don't need to. At least not right now." Holly said, smiling Abit.

"But you're eating it all at some point today sugar." Delta finished the two dead sets on making it happen.

Suddenly Tiny and clampers came and jumped on the table.

"What's Your worst insult? Mine was nitwit but clampers said that hers was calling people hard headed show ponies." Tiny said thinking it was silly.

So now he hand clampers wanna know what the other trolls say.

"Tiny, that's a question I don't think needs to be answered or asked." Guy said firmly worried one of the two were gonna say something nasty one of these days.

"Depends on the person." Branch said sipping coke after putting food away in a container.

"Bitchfaced drunk." Sid answered, not scared to teach the kids some new words.

"A scoundrel." Dante interjected hoping the kids won't pick up on what Sid said.

Tiny looked confused furrowing his brow. Still focused on Sid fret and what he chose as his best.

"But it sounds so lame…" They actually looked so disappointed in the rocker.

Sid blinked in confusion about what the hell the kid meant. That's when there's a tap on his shoulder.

"Don't take it personal, he's just heard Branch insult people." Biggie said nervously around the rockers.

"Hey everyone…. Long Time no see." A familiar voice made Branch look up.

"I had absolutely no expectations for you and you still managed to disappoint me somehow walking in." Branch said sharply looking at the troll.

Creek frowned at him not gonna say anything back he pretty much deserved that. Creek has changed and taken on a Rock troll style for the time he's been away…

Poppy was in shock and a bit of horror seeing the other. Cooper was filling in Darnell, Essence, and Quincy. Biggie took a step back and wasn't going to respond to the situation.

"How….how did you survive…" Poppy asked, bewildered and frankly horrified.

Branch got up to leave as Creek told them the story. He was not at all interested in hearing how they managed to live.

He then spots a troll with reddish magenta hair and blue-violet skin..

Branch felt his heart skip a beat and his brain began to hurt in anger for getting hopeful. But he couldn't stop himself from running in that direction. He had already lost the troll to his hesitation and couldn't relocate where he had seen them. Branch sighed when he thought he had seen another figure. Purple body with aqua green hair made him take off again.

Gone again…

Now he thinks he's losing it as he grips the root of his hair. Trying to calm down when he sees someone looking at him. The troll….seemed somewhat familiar. With yellow green hair that fanned out wildly with a light blue skin. The two made eye contact but broke it simultaneously as Branch went back looking for the other's.

He found Biggie seemingly petting Mr Dinkles lost in thought. He tugged on the larger troll's hand.

"Biggie….I feel like I'm seeing ghosts… I thought I saw Floyd and… and Dragon Snap." Branch said softly, looking away from Biggie.

Biggie looked concerned and pet Branch's head gently.

"It may be your anxiety…or perhaps you saw someone similar. From how you describe Floyd the description is close to Chaz… " Biggie offered his take on the situation, helping Branch sit down and drink water.

Branch nodded, feeling better listening to Biggie.

"How are you feeling…..did Creek's return upset you…? Branch asked to make sure Biggie was ok too.

Biggie sat in silence for a minute sighing as he frowned.

"Honestly…. It did. But the alternative is that he's dead and died in some stomach… is it bad that I was ... more at peace with the thought he's dead..?" Biggie asked Branch, bothered by the idea.

"No… I don't think you were at peace with the idea he's dead but rather him being gone. His return resurfaced… unpleasant memories and you don't understand what to do with him back.." Branch offered from what his understanding was of the situation.

Biggie nodded, taking Branch's words into consideration..

"And even if you were… I don't think it would be bad… Creek wasn't disturbed by the thought of all of us dead…" Branch reminded Biggie of how calm Creek was that night.

Death could be so easy yet so hard at the same time. It's hard to let go of loved ones, see the ending of beautiful life in an unjust world. Yet Death was easily ridden of pain and suffering. To be used to avoid or close any open leads in an ultimate ending.

In the end it simply lays everything to rest.

Branch was tired and stayed with Biggie as Barb and Poppy talked. Poppy felt bad even though Barb had ultimately brought it upon herself what happened on that stage. Barb was happy she did at least have one of the rulers not scared of her anymore and had forgiven them..

Even if it was because of one troll that made the difference.

"Are you not… scared of him?" Barb asked after a bit of silence looking at Branch.

"No, not really. Yes he's a bit disturbing but…. He's a true ride or die." Poppy smiled softly, giving him a glance.

"He takes a minute to get used to new people and vice versa but ... .a good way to start is simply to study at a distance." Poppy said, giving her fellow queen advice.

Barb wasn't sure what to do with that advice.

Chapter Text

Everyone decided to camp at the meet up spot where the leaders had surprised them all with their visit and spend more time with them. Branch was sitting in his tent not particularly close to others besides Poppy and maybe the funk trolls. And to his anxiety… ate an edible.
He was currently pressing flowers in a book for later when his tongue lapped at an imperfection in his 'teeth.'

He sat the book down and reached into his mouth and pulled out the teeth to inspect. Yep. A crack on the back of his up right canine.

"....did you just pull out your teeth?" Laguna stood in shock looking down onto him.

Horror in her eyes and absolute terror in her kings as he looked as well.

Before they had entered the tent Trollex was getting bombarded by his baby brother and his brother's friend. Talking about how crazy odd Branch was. He was glad neither were hurt but an interesting thing came up when Laguna asked Trollex what else they should look into.

"Well he has…an odd set of teeth for a pop troll…?" Trollex said, shutting at the memory.

Branch had been smiling with teeth like an angler fish…

Laguna looked confused and turned to Synth before looking back at her King.

"Branch has teeth like a Cat?" Laguna said thinking back to a time she's seen him yawn.

"No… he has teeth like a dog." Synth said remembering under the bleachers having got up close.

So they decided to go see for themselves and get answers… Synth had chickened out.

Branch looked up to the two letting his brain register it first.

"False teeth." Branch said taking out the lower set.

Putting them in a container with sanitation liquid he showed off his real teeth. All in good health and flat like any other pop troll.

"...why…why do you have false teeth…?" Trollex asked, completely lost and feeling Abit scared.

Is this something psychopaths do?!

Branch blinks for a moment.

"Well it started sometime as a kid it was a weird trend that happened to create these false yet efficient teeth to mimic wild life. Like how one set of teeth is efficient in um……hmmm…. Oh. One's to strip seeds. Fruit skins, tear flesh, or bark." Branch Said starting to feel it.

It's never an amount that screws him over. But relax nerves and makes him forget words and loosens his tongue.

The three sit in silence.

"Why do you wear them through…?" Laguna asked not sure why he'd still wear it.

"I like it. Comes in handy at times!" Branch said finally.

The two techno trolls weren't believing that due to the pause but Branch actually did mean it. Branch was playing some music while the two were confused. Laguna was intrigued by the song being played.

"What are you listening to?" Laguna's ask sitting down desperate to change subjects.

"A song my brothers wrote for my other brother Floyd." Branch said, lending her an ear bud.

(Six legs (tippy tappy toes) by Scrawny and Madilyn Mei.)

Six legs, tippy tappy toes
Climbing to the podium on Sunday
Now, it remains a dream, a distant memory
That itches my brain

Struck a nerve
that's absurd
I remember when I felt my house was made of sandpaper
That's enough living rough for a lifetime
Looking back for a pass

take it from me
I've lost my mind

Six legs, tippy tappy toes
Climbing to the podium on Sunday
Now, it remains a dream, a distant memory
That itches my brain
Six legs, tippy tappy toes
Climbing to the podium on Sunday
Now, it remains a dream, a distant memory
That itches my brain
Now, it remains a dream, a distant memory
That itches my brain

Let me lay it down for you
It seems so simple
I'm happy that I'm just under six feet, not six feet under
Where are your hands? no wonder

take it from me
I've lost my mind
take it from me
I've lost my mind

Six legs, tippy tappy toes
Climbing to the podium on Sunday
Now, it remains a dream, a distant memory
That itches my brain
Now, it remains a dream, a distant memory
That itches my brain

I feel stuck in a memory
Scratching my itch, who would I be?
I feel stuck in a memory
Scratching my itch, who would I be?

Six legs, running down the stairs
None of them prepared for what they might see
Now there's another face, another name to sing
I hope they're happy

Six legs, tippy tappy toes
Climbing to the podium on Sunday
Now, it remains a dream, a distant memory
That itches my brain
Now, it remains a dream, a distant memory
That itches my brain
Now, it remains a dream, a distant memory
That itches my brain

Branch hummed along with the melody. Laguna thought it was pretty catchy. But both her and Trollex were caught up with the fact he has a family.

"Why'd they make Floyd this song?" Laguna asked curious.

"Oh we tried to make it a tradition to give every new member of the family a song of their own." Branch said, chuckling a bit.

"What's your song?" Laguna asked curious and in wonder.

"Oh I didn't get one. I had a large age gap between me and them and with my birth… my mom didn't make it." Branch shrugged it off.

The two were once again not sure how to take that.

"Imma go for a walk. Bye." Branch announced before walking past both.

He was starting to feel a bit cornered and so he went out to walk. Sadly Creek was there as well as Barb. It was awkward the three walking a small trail off to the side.

"....is that a fucking noose." Barb asked looking up.

"Oh yeah. It's from a serial killer from back in the day." Branch said as Creek squinted.

"Weren't they supposed to take all those down….?" Creek said, confused.

Barb was at a loss with her arm in a sling across her chest. Were these two for real about this?! When Creek first came to her nation she had an idea how fucked their community is. But this was to an extent she didn't think of.

"Oh. No, some families request to leave the noose there as a symbol and to mark their loved ones resting place. Other's people just never found it." Branch said as he carried on.

He took the lead meaning he could escape from behind the other two and zoom on outta there. He regretted doing that.

Now he's behind a girl who keeps looking over her shoulder anxious. It was the girl that looked like Dragon Snap….

He kept his distance, slowing down and staying to the other side of the path. He can tell she's anxious about him being there. He knows it's not Dragonsnap. Upon circling back to the exit he leaves and goes to find Cooper or poppy. He sees Cooper busy with his family idly chatting.

However he's introduced to Trollzart. The two shake hands as Dante then introduces Minuet. When he shakes Minuet's hand he is then introduced to Dante's brother Forte. All three didn't say much.

But they didn't seem like bad company. Infact they all seemed rather well accomplished scholars and artists. Minuet was first chair in the Royal orchestra and mastered 7 languages. Trollzart has been a well followed and experienced king who's solved many of his kingdom's issues swiftly and gracefully.
Dante has an eye for art with ambition yet cares for others and was elected for the position of ambassador. He isn't educated with Forte but he's charming and curious.

"I'm not sure how you did it but I was told you were responsible for making Barb come to her senses and ending the world tour? I wanted to thank you for stopping her when you did." Trollzart started formally.

Branch shrugged a bit looking off to the side.

"It wasn't really much…Also Poppy says I could have done a better way of it…" Branch said remembering the scolding he got while Barb was being seen by a medic. It sucked.

Minuet wasn't sure what he meant by that. Trollzart is concerned about what he meant.
Forte is intrigued about what he meant.
Dante knows what he meant.

Dante had a bit of a nervous sweat and was about to break the fight up when there was a loud cheer.

The other gray's including a few Rock troll guests were mud wrestling.

"Branch, come join us!" One says tossing another troll.

"I think I'm good, thank you!" Branch said, actually looking a bit fearful.

Dante was quite surprised by that reaction. But he can understand a few moments later. The onslaught was chaos as mud splashes and throws were traded. Minuet was surprised when one was thrown at her feet.

Blaze wiped the mud from his eyes before looking up. Well. He can officially say he's met an angel.

"Um….are you alright…?" Minuet asked, looking down on the troll.

"Oh! This! Yeah this is nothing!" Blazed said confidently.

He stood up proudly. Puffing his chest after cleaning up his glasses.

".....I think your nose is bleeding.." Minuet offered a Handkerchief.

..he takes hesitantly thanking her.

Branch left at that moment.

Chapter Text

Branch was chilling by the campfire as people were toasting marshmallows. Branch doesn't like marshmallows so he eats the chocolate. Cooper is… distraught that his parents have no idea how roasting marshmallows on a fire works. He had to stop Darnell and Quincy from roasting marshmallows on actually sharpened sticks. Explaining how it's gross and they were going to get Splinter's in their mouths. Essence tried to stick it directly in the flames thinking that's how it worked. Darnell didn't realize you had to manually turn the marshmallow over either. The R&B sisters were clueless as well. Rhythm kept breaking the crackers into unusable or hard to use bits.
Blues burnt herself trying to melt the damn chocolate on a stick.

These moments would be cute but it's chaotic for Cooper and makes him worried. They're all taking time to know each other and teach each other about the other's culture. But there are serious wedges and odd differences. Not to mention they're not the average family but a royal family. When people asked him about claiming a role to the throne he's denied. While being king would be cool he knows he has no qualifications for it. Yet Darnell and the Funk king and Queen kinda avoid or say it's a later discussion. He's not sure if that means something or if it's just how they handle press.

The basic fact that they tend to overlook simple details or haven't harnessed basic skills is…. Concerning.

Branch pat Cooper shoulder and offer him an ice cream and s'mores. After all that hassle he deserves a treat.

"Thanks bud." Cooper said, taking a bite of s'mores.

"No problem… feeling ok?" Branch asked, carefully sipping a soda.

"Yeah…a little overwhelmed but I'm fine" Cooper reassures him as he relaxes.

The two enjoy a comfortable silence by the fire. They then noticed Sid's brother Acid walking up the fire to grab a log that was ablaze. Both jumped up ready as did guy and poppy seeing it but to their surprise…

Acid held it just fine.

"Rock trolls evolved to be fireproof and instantly combustible." Barb explained seeing their confusion and concern.

"How come none of you had combust in our fight…?" Branch asked curious of what it meant.

"That's a more rare thing to have… Riff and Acid can." Barb said looking to the aforementioned trolls.

Riff and Acid nodded as they suddenly went up in flames. Riff was actually engulfed in blue while Acid giggled in red flames.

There were many gasps of awe and wows after the two dismissed their flames.

"Oh! It's like my teeth!" Clampers exclaimed, opening wide and her teeth started rotating.

"We western folk have a gene that gives trolls grinder mouths. Nothing can stand in their way along with their head strength and jaws." Delta explained petting her niece proudly.

With such impressive jaws come a heavy and hard Skull. Trolls with these attributes came from ancestor's who mined or lived in rocky lands. Using their heads to break down heavy stones and grind it down to small rocks.

"We have techno trolls that grow poisonous spines but can be filed down or removed." Trollex said finding the conversation interesting.

Poppy looks to Branch and starts nudging his arm.

"Eh? Eh? Do it with me?" Poppy asks with a big smile on her face.

He nods and stands up as she squeals. That has the others' attention and has them jump when they go up in smoke.

A large pink dog with a sleek slim coat of fur with heart spots wagged their tail…

Besides a small very fluffy gray cat. Very puffy and fluffy and fancy looking.

Guy chuckles as everyone stares in wonder.

"We can turn into animals!" Guy said enthusiastically.

Laguna came to examine the cat and dog curious. Petting them softly as she admired the transition.

"What are the animals based on …." Laguna asked as she noted Branch's purring.

"Genetics really. You get one animal transition and this is Branch and Poppy's. The animal forms are separate from the troll form. We have them declawed and fixed." Guy said as he put a box down.

Branch stares at Guy looking at him and the box blinking. There is a poof of smoke and Branch is sitting on the floor cross legged.

"I'm not getting in the box-." Branch was cut off as the box is occupied by Mr Dinkles.

They laugh together with the others as Poppy turns back. As they laugh Branch looks to the side to see the imposter again lock eyes for 5 seconds before he looks away. Getting up and taking his drink and going to the opposite side.

Essence follows to ask him something about Cooper. As Branch is drinking his refill Essence tap his shoulder.

"Yes ma'am?" Branch asked as he looked up at her.

"Hey…. I was wondering if you could tell and teach me some things about Cooper… I've… I feel like I'm having difficulty understanding him." Essence told him nervously.

Branch at first was puzzled but guessed he couldn't fault her for feeling lost. It kinda comes with the whole confusing territory in parenting itself and reuniting with lost relatives.

"With…. Autism? Or…?" Branch looked genuinely concerned.

He figured since they were identical twins That would mean Darnell would also be autistic. While he noticed how difficult the two behaved he figured it was a difference in how they were raised. Cooper wasn't diagnosed till later in life but was still highly functioning.

"Well yes…but… I'm also not sure how I can connect with him as we don't share many things in common…" Essence confessed to the Gray man.

She wasn't sure what kinda information Branch was going to be able to give her. But Cooper and him seemed to be close and she feels like he's more likely to keep this to himself.

"Well… I wouldn't really worry too much about autism. Cooper is on the highly functioning and aware side. He's socially, emotionally rather smart and actually pursuing a career in childhood entertainment. He struggles to learn new broad and complicated material especially with math and takes a different approach to learning." Branch said, looking at her with a softer expression.

"Don't baby him. He's a lil goofy but he hates it when someone sees him incapable. Perhaps ask him about his career choice and what his best jokes are or so." Branch said, thinking carefully about his words.

Essence nodded at him , thanking him softly as the two parted ways.

"...huh. I should be a therapist." Branch thought to himself thinking he had done a good job.

He sipped his drink when he saw Dragonsnap look alike again.

Maybe he needed to go back to therapy.

He retreated to his tent and laid down to stare up at the tent's roof. He checks the time to see he has an hour before melatonin kicks in. What could he do for an hour unless he'd like to just lay there? He can't really think of anything…

That's when he heard the tent door open.

"Hm?" Branch hummed looking over.

It's Riff. Branch doesn't know him well or personally. But he vividly imagined that if Riff really wanted to be could set this tent on fire with him in it. But if that was the case would Branch be burned to death or choke on smoke? How would the tent react to fire from the inside? Would it be enough to kill or just scar him?

Well he wouldn't find out today as Riff just looked at him. The two are quiet and just sitting there together.

"Hey….um…. Is anyone close to you…scared of you?" Riff asked as scratches his neck.

"Yes. They'd be stupid if they're crazier than me.." Branch said, looking up at the drummer.

He sees them twitching and frown at his words.

"But they trust me…. It's like um… holding a weapon. Yeah like that. A weapon of any kind can bring harm to anyone. Yet in your hands or on your person, it makes you feel safe. There's a level of caution you take For different weapons like you'd take caution for different people. Me and you are people that are highly cautious about. What matters is if they trust you not to intentionally harm them." Branch said, giving a lengthy talk to the other.

Riff at first was caught by surprise and off guard the others had read him so easily.

The two were in silence once more.

Chapter Text

Branch, let's no longer struggle against them. Once done he's offered bags of something.

"Wait what's this…?" Branch asked, confused.

"Oh! Ain't it cool. These bags have stuff that you'd normally get from foods like vitamins and with your diffusers you can put them in without the needles!" Cooper said as he got empty canisters from Branch's hair.

"Yes but under no circumstances are they to replace meals. We heard you struggled to gain back weight and are low on these accounts. So we figured these may help." Essence explained watching how he filled the canisters.

After inserting them he changed clothes into hoodie and sweatpants. A rare sight to see but he flees them to go find friends. They were chilling in a lounge area playing video games on the advanced systems of the funk trolls. Branch sits curled up on the couch. His peace didn't last long as Poppy suddenly hugged him. To his surprise and pleasure his back didn't sting with threatening to pop its stitches. Feels pretty nice actually to its merit but then again it's supposed to. Wait how long has it been since he just wasn't injured in some form or fashion? He didn't remember. Feels strange to have one part of him ok and all healed up.

Anyhow Poppy had cuddled up beside Branch as they nom on popcorn watching the holographic and advanced screen. Oddly bent screens apparently made games better?

Sid nudges the other rockers that Branch was on the couch side opposite of them. They all glance over looking them up and down. Scooting a bit away while Demo scooted closer. That got an eyebrow raise as Demo slowly made his way over.

"Hey Branch? Got any gum?" Demo asked knowing damn well what was about to happen.

Through his careful watching he's noticed Branch always had gum or candy on him. Branch didn't really notice him asking, just reflexively reached into his hair and pulled out a large blue bag that looked like a coin purse.
Demo brought it back over and opened it for a mix of gum smells to hit them. Barb was confused why Branch even had this much gum.

"Hold on. There's just no telling what this guy has in his hair." Demo chuckles, finding it kinda amusing.

He's seen trolls walk up to Branch and ask for whatever and Branch would just pop it outta his hair.

"Watch this" he whispered to them before turning to Branch once more "Hey actually can I have a mint?"

Branch reached up and pulled out another large coin purse bag and handed it to Demo.

Demo snickers as he shows the others Abit surprised himself. Val looked at the mints and snagged a mint chocolate. Smiling to herself as she gets an idea.

"Hey Branch? Can I have a soda?" She asked as she'd seen him put some in his hair.

"What kind?" Branch asked, eyes not moving from the screen.

He seemed highly focused on Cooper and Darnell playing.

"Uh… I actually would like a beer." Val said curious of his alcohol selection.

He pulled out a red medium sized cooler and sat it beside him. She is surprised he'd carry that and sees it's ice cold and stocked.

"Wait…it's not melted?" Val realized the odd detail.

Whenever she puts something in her hair it'll eventually warm up and melt. How'd Branch keep the damn cooler refrigerated?! She checks the candy. It's all at room temperature and kept nice. No melted piece's or anything…

Riff raised a brow under his bangs and tapped Branch's shoulder.

"Can I have an ice cream…. Vanilla?" Riff asked uncertain what he'd get.

Branch handed him a box of vanilla ice cream cones.

Frozen. Fresh outta a freezer.

Riff looked at Creek maybe for an explanation.

Creek at a loss furrowing his brow.
The cooler he could excuse as maybe Branch recently refilled it or something. That would require a fucking freezer in his hair.

"Can I get a can of spray cheese?" Carol asked unphased, not picking up on the confusion.

Branch delivers.

"Sick." She opens it up to use on her cracker's.

There's a bit of silence.

"Can I have the rock string back?" Barb asked sarcastically and a bit teasing.

To her shock Branch actually pulled it out of his hair. The string glowing a strong red that caught everyone's attention.

"Branch you had the strings?!" Darnell paused the game up on seeing the glow on the screen.

Branch breaks from his trance and looks at his hand.

"Oh yeah. Forgot I confinecated these." Branch said before putting it back in.

"WHAT- Give it back!" Barb demanded, outraged.

"No, I don't trust you." Branch said blankly as he glanced at her.

"Wait Branch you haven't given the pop string back?!" Poppy exclaimed suddenly, not liking the implication that he didn't trust her.

"Oh I thought that was irrelevant as I'm also a pop troll. Not to mention I'd figure it goes back to that piss poor hiding spot Peppy had for it. So I held onto it for safety." Branch said, reaching into his hair.

He gave her the sparkling pink string.

"Wait Branch, what about funk?" Cooper asked with a more gentle tone.

"Never occurred to me." Branch admitted.

Cooper holds his hand out giving Branch a look. They held that for a moment before Branch gave the purple string to them.

"Thank you." Cooper said as he handed it to Darnell.

Darnell marveled in awe studying it.

Delta came over slowly with a cross look of a mother catching a child with something they shouldn't have. Branch felt his chest tighten in fear as he felt himself start to sweat. Was Delta always that much bigger than him?!

"....h-here you go ma'am.." Branch's hand shook as he respectfully gave her the orange string.

"And." Delta started raising a brow, the atmosphere only growing heavier.

Branch gulped but quickly gave Trollex and Trollzart their respective strings. He's not sure why but suddenly the western troll got much more intimidating. Delta nodded affirmatively and pat him firmly on the shoulder. Before storing the string safely in her own head of hair.

"What was ….?" Branch tried to relax himself as Holly and Chaz came up.

"That is what we call 'Mama's Move' and or the 'Fuck around and Find out what happens'." Holly explains to Branch chuckling.

"Very effective especially on Trolls who don't have a mom." Chaz said explaining the lingering effect Branch is feeling.

Branch bewildered and baffled.

"Oh shit is there a dad equivalent….?" Branch asked, now worried, seeing how effectively this worked and why that would leave him vulnerable to two things.

"Yeah but it leaves you more emotionally affected." Chaz informed him, patting his shoulder.

Branch was terrified of what that could mean. But he only knows two father's. Guy and Quincy so maybe he was fine….

He retreated to the couch quickly regardless.

Chapter Text

Branch felt uneasy as they sat on the couch eating quietly…

Rhythm had actually introduced everyone to her boyfriend. He forgot his name halfway through the introduction but they go by a nickname JD. JD was apparently studying as a dietician and eating disorders.

Branch was sitting there as he was being stared at.

"Rhythm please get your boy-?" He stops mid sentence seeing her jotting things down with him in a notebook he brought.

"Blue get your sister-!" He stops again seeing that she and Lownote were also doing it.

Branch looked to the other side of him to see Laguna also not having taken a break comparing notes with the other two. He was bewildered and more so when Barb came over. Barb was watching with the other rock trolls. They seemed to be taking turns in watching him. Though at times more than one would be there peeking.

Branch just eats his broccoli and scoot closer to Poppy. Poppy wasn't paying attention to the note takers, rather sliding off the vegetables from her plate to Branch's. He didn't seem to mind or notice till the brussels sprouts.

"No." He said simply using his fork to reject the vegetables.

"Please! Holly said Delta won't let me leave the table! And you know how bad I gag on them!" Poppy pleaded in a pathetic version of a whisper.

"You're a grown woman." Branch told her almost baffled by that.

"You don't like them either!" Poppy argued, huffing at him.

"I meant about being stuck at the table." Branch said with a deadpan expression.

Poppy points behind him where he looks. Delta's standing there… cooking and feeding clampers in the kitchen. Whilst watching them both almost menacingly.

They both quickly turned away and ate silently feeling nervous to challenge her.

"Please, I'm begging you… if you at least split half of them and I'll buy you ice cream!" Poppy begged.

Branch started at her before he was about to ask a question.

"Make ice cream whatever." Poppy corrected herself.

Branch ate half her sprouts and gags on the taste drinking soda.

JD is confused by that. But after some consideration he looks about. Summing up his notes he cleared his throat getting Branch's attention.

"Branch… I couldn't help but notice something… odd?" JD said slowly unsure how to say it.

"Well that's not new. What's up?" Branch asked, eyeing the other suspiciously.

"....you hardly eat meat but consider it a part of your diet, you don't eat from just anyone or anywhere unless it seems you watched them cook and you don't touch premade items either." JD listed finding it rather odd.

While others may have been snacking on factory made chips or so, Branch ate fruit or something he had made instead. Branch wouldn't eat anything he didn't see get prepared and ate leftover food he had stored in substitution alongside what he did see be cooked. He'll eat meat yet will avoid it sometimes when he eats..

When he brought up the weirdness of it to Rhythm She admitted he also didn't seem to enjoy usual sweets in which case most pop trolls indulge in..

A strange diet.

"Oh. I'm a bit picky about where the food comes from ...." Branch admitted setting down his fork.

He didn't plan to explain more than that but that didn't satisfy anyone's concern.

"Is there something that doesn't make you trust factory foods?" Rhythm asks curious as to what would cause that and if she can reason with him to maybe try funk manufactured foods.

"Yes. A lot. Did you know that beaver's urine has a strong vanilla scent and can legally be put in as an ingredient under Natural flavoring?" Branch said, looking at her with a serious expression.

That made them all go silent.

"Also not gonna lie in a lot of great value products when it says it may contain traces of fish it's because not only in the same factory but the same machine used to process the fish was used to process your blueberry maple syrup." Branch added setting down his fork and putting his hands together.

JD looked at Rhythm as Rhythm looked at him as they sat up. Branch seemed to have a strong position against factory made foods.

"Yeah he makes everything from home. Taste better though takes a bit of time and such to make what he needs." Poppy said confirming what they would be thinking.

"But then why don't you eat from other's without seeing how they made it?" Laguna ask thinking back to the potluck.

Branch didn't eat anything there…

"Cause you don't know how clean the kitchen was. You don't know what products they used. You don't know what methods they done. And as a kid I was also deathly allergic to peanut butter and shellfish too so that was also something I had to be careful about." Branch said listing off his reasoning.

This does however cause the most issues when he eats. While most of those close to him understand and come to just accept it it's still a kick in the pants when you cooked and someone's not gonna touch it. It also really bugs him and it makes him unable to eat at restaurants too. He's slowly working on it and can proudly say he will eat from Biggie, Suki, Poppy and Cooper without having to sit and watch.

As for his allergies they're rather mild other than he is a bit itchy with a rash.

"Has this stemmed from Mysophobia or… perhaps a negative experience?" JD asked, getting nervous and concerned.

"Oh it comes from bad experiences I've had. Not really much of a phobia but I did have to be very careful as a kid because my allergies at the time were life threatening." Branch explained plainly.

JD was rather surprised by how…..aware Branch was of this.

"I am taking steps to get better as it doesn't take but two seconds to know I need to gain weight." Branch explained after seeing JDs expression.

JD nodded, noting that.

Branch wasn't delusional then. He was genuinely aware of his situation. If he's taking steps into recovery that means he's got a plan too right? Yet he can't help but wonder why and how Branch got to that point. It may just be his studies, interests, or some fascination he has.

"How did it get to a point like this…?" Blues asked weary this question may result in unsavory reactions.

Branch was calm.

"I was being tricked into eating troll flesh." He said slowly and Softly.

At first everyone thought he was kidding. That it was just a dark joke he made. But then they started actually considering this. Branch was probably starving himself as he learns that he's been tricked into an unlawful thing and betrayal of trust.

"Are…. Are you being serious?" Laguna asks tentatively scared to continue the conversation.

"Do you want to know?" Branch asks in an all too dead tone looking at her with cold eyes.

He's challenging her almost as if to test her resolve.

"No." King Quincy quickly interviewed, steering the conversation away.

"Ok. That's enough of whatever y'all are talking about. Come on." He led them away as well as other trolls willing to come.

Branch was curious as to what Quincy was going to show them. Perhaps it was another Gizmo or something kind? Maybe it was an animal or plant they had.

It was a large room with many machines and screens beeping and loading data.

"This room is where we go to seek truth. It is-" Quincy's explanation was cut short quickly.

"Basically a big truth or false room lie detector." Darrell cut it short as Cooper was listening to the beeps.

"....yes. Thank you. It can tell through various factors if a person is lying, help locate missing people, and much more." He Explained.

"Me first!" Poppy exclaimed excitedly, putting her hand on the orb.

"oh! Oh! What are your feelings about Branch!" Guy said enthusiastically and giddy.

"Best bro." Poppy declared to get a green glow for truth.

"How do you feel about Barb!" Biggie said not to let up the pressure.

Essentially playing a hot seat game of lie detector. A rapid fire of personal questions especially about others in the room.

"Scary but I wanna be friends and make peace!" Poppy declared getting another green glow.

Barb was surprised as was Val who blinked rapidly at the response. Carol was indifferent but looked over at the gray troll. Deep in thought scheming something.

"You forgive Creek?" Branch asked, raising a brow.

".....No. but I am happy that he's moved on and is getting better for himself and others." Poppy said getting a green light again.

Creek felt a pang to his chest but he could understand and respect that. He's not here for forgiveness.

"Did you throw out that god damn garbage in your pod we talked about three weeks ago?" Cooper asked, staring into Poppy's eyes.

Now she is sweating.

"....yes?" Poppy said weakly before there was a red light.

"Toss out the goddamn lollipop sticks!" Cooper told her exasperated.

"I can't! Too precious!" Poppy cried out in defense of her habit's.

"You're going to get ants and it ain't healthy." Cooper said as a warning.

Most were taken a bit back by that sudden change in topic.

"It's not a game! We thought perhaps to break the tension and become a little more at ease with all the leader's pledge not to go after the strings again." Essences stated keeping them from using the machine as a game again.

"Oh well then I pledge not to steal the strings again." Poppy said getting a green.

"Oh I would." Branch said making the globe go green.

That brought silence as apparently anything they say that's not a question will get a reaction from the machine. They don't have to touch it at all.

"Branch?! Why?!" Poppy demanded to know.

"I don't think the strings are meant to be in anybody's hands. And while y'all are pledging then what about the leader's that come after you?" Branch said honestly not blinking despite being stared down.

"Ok but then what would you do with them then?!" Val challenges him growling at him menacingly.

Branch relaxes seeing it glow red. It's a false threat he knows Val wouldn't try to fight him.

"Bury them. Probably in grave sites." Branch said honestly as the light grew green again.

"....why?" Riff asked, absolutely astonished.

"Are you gonna dig up a grave?" Branch asked him.

"Yes." Chaz said nonchalantly.

The light goes green.

That stuns Branch for a moment.

"How confident are you that you'll find it?" Branch asked.

"Oh I'd just pay Hickory to do it. I'm not ruining my manicure like that." Chaz said getting another green light.

Branch just doubled over laughing.

Chapter Text

When the sun shines brightly once more Branch hopped out. Smelling the wet grass as some of the kids and Greys go splashing into puddles. Branch holds back watching them as goodbyes and hugs are said.

He had IV supplements going in through dispensers as he sipped his morning shot of vodka. Guy comes and snatches the flask away from him.

"Are you seriously drinking?!" Guy spat in a harsh whisper.

"It's a puddle day." Branch said blankly recalling all the horrors he's seen after a rainstorm.

"And? What's so bad about puddles?" Guy asked, rolling his eyes.

"Tier number 1. Most common immediate risk…the fall." He pointed to a kid nonchalantly.

Almost as if predicting it the kid fell but thankfully got up to keep playing. Sure they were dirty but the bigger thing is that they'll somehow get everything else they get in contact with dirty too. Oftentimes ruining clothes, clumping hair together, and losing toys. And that's if they didn't hurt themselves when they had fallen.

Guy gagged seeing one kid having to be stopped from eating mud by Branch. Giving them to the child's parents.

"Tier number 2. The illness. It happens later on most times but it can range from slight fever to botulism." Branch said shuttering at a memory of a child one time.

Poor kid was vomiting non stop one day after a puddle play session.

"Tier three is the bugs. Also can go through a scale of 1-10 real quick." Branch said haunted by an experience as he trails off in thought…

It was lightly pouring as they were jumping in puddles and playing around. Keeping up following the leaders as they hopped and skipped. Harmless fun as they laughed under gray skies.

That's when the earth started trembling as they slipped and fell..

Up from the ground erupting from the earth with deafening wails. He didn't remember the screams… only the terror he felt looking up.
It slammed it's heavy body into the mud before raising itself again to close it's jaws around a scout leader..

He remembers the screaming cries of anguish..

When he's grabbed by the shoulder and was dragged away..

Branch feels a hand on his shoulder shaking him from the memory.

Quincy was looking down on him with a worried expression.

"Branch…you…you weren't responding to anybody… you made us worried there." Quincy told him gently seeing the white eyes come back from the haze.

Branch had dissociated in thought as everyone finished getting ready and cleaning up the kids.

"Y-yeah bad memories tend to uh… well.. make me space out." Branch said, clearing his throat.

He was about to turn away when Quincy spoke again.

"Survivor's guilt.." He said firmly, squeezing his shoulder.

"What.." Branch asked, looking up at him.

"Branch…I think you suffer from survivor's guilt… it happens sometimes when a troll survives a horrific event that should have…killed them yet were saved at the expense of someone else." Quincy told him explaining what exactly he was mentioning.

Branch thought for a moment before considering it…

He….he did feel guilty…

"....how do I make it stop..?" He asked quietly, looking away over the muddy field..

"...by letting go and acknowledging it wasn't your fault nor are you responsible for the events that had happened.." Quincy told him gently, hugging him softly.

Branch was shocked by the hug… but embraced it crying a bit.

The thing was that…he WAS at fault.. it IS HIS FAULT. He couldn't tell Quincy that though..

"Ok…" He said, shaking a bit in his voice, hugging the other.

Chaz witnessed it and knew it was the dad effect. It tends to make a troll want to do better and make the other proud.

He just hopes the feeling doesn't rush to Branch's head and worsens the state his mind is.

The hike was back on and Branch is quietly marching as Val comes to approach him.

"Hey….B boy. Can I ask you something..?" Val asked as she looked away.

"Sure… " Branch wasn't opposed thinking it was just another question about him.

"...what happened on that rainy day that made you hate puddles." Val blatantly asked.

That made Branch halt as he was taken off guard. He gulped, pressing the memory down. How did she know about that day… Did someone tell her?

"....39 killed. 40 injured." He keeps walking, shaking his head.

"From what?!" Demo asked, frightened by those statistics.

What on earth could have happened…

"....troll eating bull worm." Branch said as he tensed at the question.

He sped up ahead leaving them behind not wanting more questions. Many other Grey's who were in earshot follow not wanting to either.

"I had a cousin who died when that happened. It was a tragic day but thankfully we never had an issue with them again." Guy told both trolls reassuringly.

He hears a lot about his late older cousin Opal during the anniversary of her death. Sudden as it was, their aunt is thankful that at least it was instant and not painful for her lost daughter. She regrets not having had Opal stay back with her and their family…. And dreads thinking of the fear her daughter had in the final moments of her life.

"They come up during rain and typically live in tougher soil far from the village." Guy explained as he pet Tiny.

Guy himself has no memory of the day.

"Gnarly…. sorry about your loss." Demo said apologetic not having meant to push so far.

"Ah it's fine…I never really knew her and it was better than what happened afterwards." Guy said not relieved but calm about it.

"What do you mean…?" Rhythm asked curiously as fear gripped her.

"Probably better we tell you now. Up ahead is a large orchard of mixed berries and fruit. However… that includes one poisonous berry that's red with spikes." Poppy explained describing the berry the best she could.

"Mhm. I'm pretty sure Branch has confirmed he himself almost died after getting poked by it's spikes." Cooper backed up Poppy shaking his head.

Holly gasped hearing such a thing.

"Why haven't y'all got rid of them?!" She exclaims as Synth and Laguna join in.

"We tried. They just…I dunno come back every year." Cooper told her as they couldn't really give her an answer.

So every year ahead of time they burn the bushes bearing these fruits down.

Branch was nomming on strawberries he's picked and cleaned. He's hungrier than he is normally.. he's not sure why but he's not complaining.

He has another batch worth of strawberries soaking being cleaned. A simple mixture that makes bugs and dirt go away. Then after a rinse the strawberries are fit to be eaten. He's calmed down a bit as the others catch up and join.

Every year during the hike everyone likes to come to the orchid to have fun and enjoy the berries and fruit…

And every year he sneaks ahead to plant more seeds with a few friends. To grow an abundance for future generations and the wildlife nearby. They are also the ones who installed a water pump to clean the berries and placed benches around.

"Really? Strawberries. Bleh." Guy playfully teased Branch's taste.

He only chuckled as Poppy popped a clean one into her mouth. And much to Guy's taste buds horror Tiny ate and liked strawberries just as much. He makes it up to him with a sugar crystal apple he had picked just for Guy and Cooper. The R&B sisters looked curiously at the peculiar apple. While Guy pouted after trying he held his out to Branch with a pouty face. They watched as Branch and Cooper firmly took the stems, twisting them before breaking a hole pushing them down.

Cooper and Guy immediately took a drink from the juice inside. When Cooper noticed the sisters he offered them both a sip.

After a small hesitation they both try to smile brightly.

"That's the best tasting apple I ever had!" Blues exclaimed.

"Where did you get them?" Rhythm asked looking at Branch.

"The crystal apple tree towards the back. Gotta warn you though it's tough to pick." Branch said as Cooper offered him a piece of the glass outer shell.

He crunch and enjoyed the sugary glass that tasted a bit like an apple dessert he couldn't quite remember. He then heard giggling and he turned his head to see Laguna and Synth laughing. Synth had an orange slice in his mouth that made it look like a smile. Laguna meanwhile responds by holding up two glowmatos as her eyes.

He smiled cooing, having forgotten prior how cute techno trolls are to him. They were just so adorable with those round faces, large doe eyes, and good nature! He is joined in his squirming giggling fit when Poppy sees it too and just joins him.

Chaz was holding in a laugh as Biggie smiles at how similar the two were.

Branch suddenly smacks his face to get serious again. Picking up a large basket he got up from the bench.

"I'm going to pick some more! Do you guys want anything specific?" Branch asked not wanting to be weird.

That snapped Poppy out of it as she jumped the offer.

"Gummy fruit! You know which ones I like!" She said playfully, finger gunning him.

He returns it as Guy requested Cherries.
Cooper takes Tiny out to go picking. Both are gonna try to pick more than Branch.

He only chuckles as he goes into the orchard after rinsing the strawberries and putting them into the container with the rest.

Holly follows Branch curiously and finds this to be her chance to get to know him. He first goes to the cherry trees first pulling out a smaller basket. Guy doesn't typically eat all the Cherries but someone might also eat them.

"Need some help Sugar…?" Holly offered sweetly coming up beside him.

"If you don't mind…" Branch accepted as he uses his hair to pull a branch down.

From there he picked the Cherries as Holly copies.

Both pick in silence as Holly thinks of something to talk about.

Chapter Text

Branch picked fruit up from the tree as he watched holly from the corner of his eye. Holly never made him feel threatened or anxious but it looks like she's in thought.

Was she gonna ask him something? Was she still curious about his grandmother's recipe? Was it a question about Poppy maybe? She's been hanging around the pop queen for a while. Perhaps she wanted a favor.

"Hey Branch… I know me and you haven't been… well close. But I was hoping to change that." Holly proposed to the other troll gently.

That made Branch's ear's twitch before he turned to look at her. He had a puzzled expression while his ear twitched. Why would she want that?

"It's not for anything if you're wondering…I feel bad for stressing you out with the pie shenanigans and you saved my life from the spider and…" Holly trailed off, not sure what to say or do.

Branch softened up at her words flexing his hands and fingers in thought before softly patting her shoulder.

"It's alright….. I got free pie and five pounds out of it." He chuckles softly to reassure her.

She smiles a bit too, taking that joke to heart.
Only five pounds…?

The two heard short yelps and groans of frustration. Heading to the source they find the sister's struggling to pick the fruit.

"This is impossible! It even broke our cutter!" Blues shouted in fury, tossing the broken tool to the ground.

Branch giggled to himself climbing up the strong trunk of the tree. He crawled over to the apple, careful on the limb. He took the stem and the bottom of the apple. He then twisted the top of the stem till it snapped. He presented it to the sisters who took it gingerly.

Holly chuckled at their amazement, they were certain Branch was going to do something more forceful.

Branch plops down beside her from the leaves of the tree. Chaz coming over chewing on gummy fruit.

He's gotta admit… pop troll agriculture is pretty interesting. He's never seen such interesting nor sweet foods like it too. Hell some of these trees produce straight up candy or an abundance of difficult or rare crops.

Branch waved hello to him. His hair was in better shape with Chaz's help. Studying it Chaz gave him a few head pats complimenting it.

"Not bad, not bad. Have you thought of styling it?" He asked curiously as most pop trolls seemed to have a uniform like hair style.

It's always pointing straight upward with little differences. Maybe a clip or a ponytail but even then it's so simple.

"Not really-" Branch got interrupted by a squeal of delight.

"Can I style it?!" Holly asked as it was one of her favorite hobbies.

"Oh um… sure but I don't particularly want anything big." Branch said remembering Poppy's big hair.

Seemed like a hassle to walk about with and care for.

"Oh ok I won't! Come! Sit!" She patted a bench beside them.

"Oh uh now? Ok.." Branch was a bit surprised by the excitement.

Chaz floated over as the sister's collect apples. Holly produced a bag of hair care equipment and started by brushing it out.
A few tangles but otherwise all good as she thought of what to do. There were plenty of simple styles Branch may like.

"Would it be alright if I cut a bit?" Holly asked before doing anything drastic.

He nods and shows her where he wanted his hair length at a minimum. Still longer than most country trolls makes but it was just a bit more than half that of a pop trolls. She was telling him stories of when she did hair before.

"Then there was this one guy who was all hat and no cattle. He kept yammering about himself as if the sun comes up just to hear him crow." Holly laughed to herself as Branch had a confused look to him.

Before he could ask she just continued again with the story.

"He was a bit big for his britches always talking and saying he had the best cattle or, how he always got the newest things. He always had the money to spare in his stories yet in person he was pinching quarters so hard the eagle cried out." She snorted a chuckle as Chaz combed his chest hair.

"Why would the eagle cry out…?" Branch asked a bit concerned for the bird.

"What?" Holly stopped to look at him.

The two had a moment of silence before she starts laughing her head off. Branch looked to Chaz as he smirked only.

"I'm sorry sugar cube. Whenever we say someone's pinching coins or so it means their cheap. Quarter's have egales on them." Holly explain chuckling to herself.

She forgets sometimes pop trolls have never heard of these things before. When she learned they exchange Gems or services rather coins and Dollars it was quite surprising.

"Earlier she was calling the man overconfident, and conceited." Chaz said filling in Branch on the other half.

Hanging out with Hickory seemed to pay off in understanding westerners. He looks up as Holly continues and noticed something odd.

Branch sits…abnormally still. If he hadn't trained his eyes better he'd think Branch had stopped breathing. Nope his back was fully straight looking forward head up and not a single movement.

"Branch why do you sit like that?" Chaz asked as Holly cleaned up the hair giving Branch a mirror.

He looked into it studying the work turning to Chaz.

"Sit like what?" Branch asked feeling quite pleased.

His head felt lighter and a lot more relaxed. The short hair wasn't bad looking on him either.

"You sit impossibly still." Chaz commented looking at him.

Holly then realized that that was actually true as well. Poppy told her it was rare if not unheard-of for pop trolls to cut the hair. Usually a first cut in a while or in general she'd have to remind or tell a troll not to move so much.

Branch sat in silence for a moment thinking to himself.

"Huh. I'm not sure ….. may have been from 'sit still' or…." Branch trailed off debating on spilling that last one.

There's been in many situations that he's been in as a kid and as an adult where he needed to be absolutely still. One as a 12 year old he experienced the first instance of this need. Playing dead even as he's being stabbed in the thigh. He's witnessed instances that instead of gaining colors Grey's gain bloodlust.

An 18 year old led him and a 13 year old and a few 15 year old kids out into the woods one day. There they had slain the 13 year old and two others jumped them in an attempt to subdue them. One went running. But another 19 year old came to attack the rest who were in shock.

Branch in panic of the bloodshed and fear quickly got on the ground. Keeping his eyes open and unfocused covered in the blood being spilt.

He was terrified. He wasn't strong enough to even really struggle with the older boys.

When it was silent he didn't dare to turn or move… It helped that one of the older victims had fallen on top of him.

But to ensure he was "dead" they stabbed his shins…

"What's 'sit still'?" Holly asked curious of what the first option was as she neatened up the cut.

"Oh it was a game. Two versions Sit still and if you moved you got to do jumping Jacks. Or a rock gets thrown at you." Branch explained.

He may have gotten hit with a rock too many times before as a kid.

"That's a god awful game!" Holly said as she looked horrified at him.

"Mostly my fault. When I was younger I always wanted to hang out with the bigger older kids. Cause I thought I was as mature as them and thought they were so cool. Truthfully they were just as fucked up if not more as me." Branch shrugged it off with a bit of remorse in his voice.

They used rocks as they were so 'tough' and wanted to show that off.

However being kids there would be an unfair bias at times. And even when you didn't want to play, peer pressure was a hell of a thing.

His therapist reasoned with him this was probably from always being around someone who had been older. It gave him a subconscious feeling of guidance or comfort. Since he had been looking for older kids for this guidance as he didn't trust adult Strangers he didn't get what he was looking for but accepted it as it.

"That was still just awful. Was there any game y'all didn't play that had to deal with stones?" Holly asked to find something at the bottom.

Temporary dye.

"Yeah. Ofc." Branch said peeking wanted to see.

After a bit of explanation…

He agrees to let her dye the top of his hair white. As she worked this time he talked.

"We had this one game called 'Frog stacks'." Branch giggled to himself remembering it.

They would first spend most of the time gathering food for frogs. Mostly being whatever they could get their hands on. And once you feed them they would essentially let you do anything with them.

One being stacking them on each other.

And everyone would see how high you'd stack the frogs without the frogs jumping or just falling over.

"What kind of games would you guys play?" Branch asked, looking up at Chaz and Holly.

"Horseshoes were one of my favorites." Holly giggled thinking of all the times she's won against Delta growing up.

They also always loved to bet, race, and compete with each other. It was a fun pass time and a great way to make memories.

Chaz thought with pursed lips as he snapped his fingers trying to job up his memory. He didn't play a lot as a kid and kinda grew up quick like Branch had.

"....hmm. We loved to play board games mostly. Perhaps some Frisbee and puzzles." Chaz said, coming up with an answer.

Branch hummed in acknowledgement when he's given the mirror again.

He coo looking at the white surprised to have some color on him again.

It was a nice beautiful gradient and he loves it.

…………………

Floyd liked it too ….

Chapter Text

The hikers finally got to the next campsite….at a cliff's edge.

A good drop down from becoming an outline.

"Is it safe up here…?" Laguna asked as observed the potential danger.

"No." Branch said blankly.

"Yes." Poppy said reassuringly.

That made her look between the two for answers.

"We keep the cliff side open for Bungee jumping and rock climbing! We also have volunteers who came here to watch and guard the ledge." Poppy explained pointing out a dock and stairway to the bottom.

"It's not safe in the fact it's just open and right there. Watch." Branch said, handing her his vest of leaves.

Before anyone could stop him he took off running. A sudden sprint before jumping and nose diving off the side of the cliff. Vanishing from the ledge as he plummets as they rush to the edge. Before anyone could get a glance over he's suddenly shooting up past them. Spinning in mid air before landing behind them in a swift bow.

They all were in shock before he stood straight up and cleared his throat.

"See. If I wasn't a trained professional I wouldn't have been able to do- GET AWAY FROM THE LEDGE RIKER!" Branch suddenly looked sharply to the left, raising his voice.

The trolls jumped seeing who he had been yelling at. A teenage troll in black tank top and jeans.

"I wasn't going to do anything you're overreacting!" They shouted back defensive and angry.

This kid has a gray undertone to his green skin.

"Mhm oh yeah am I supposed to believe that from the most irresponsible kid on the planet!" Branch hissed, having seen them leaning and peering way too close.

The two got into a screaming match right there in front of everyone. If they could they would have backed up. But as of now they're on the ledge.

It only ended when the younger yelled how impossible Branch was before it was over.

"What was that about …?" Demo asked, seeing Branch then storm off in rage.

Biggie could only shrug frowning as Poppy went to follow Branch. Val saw in the corner in her eye a troll that made her skin crawl. Her skin felt like ice as she saw them smile. Her sweat pricked her skin as they waved. Her heart began to beat loudly after they merged into the forest out of sight.

"We dunno. Kid and Branch just don't mix. Branch has ranted and complained about the kid trying to copy everything he does. But I think it's…. escalates since then." Cooper said softly, unsure himself.

"Branch doesn't usually fill us in on issues and when he does he's bad at wording it or explaining why it's bothering him so." Guy says as they all back away from the cliff.

Synth was concerned about Poppy and Riker…

He's only seen Branch so pissed only once. He still remembers the ease and skill the troll had. He slit a troll with ease spraying blood every witch way before cracking their jaw open to tear a tooth out with their bare fingers

Fearing for his friend's safety he starts to follow Poppy quickly. Though as hard as he might he's left wandering aimlessly lost in the thick woods. He stopped to listen and look growing anxious. He pulled from his hair a divers knife and held it firmly.

Something's off..

And if it's Branch he wants to be prepared…

"Relax now brother ain't nothing to be scared of… well nothing out here but yourself." A troll with floor length robes spoke calmly

They smile looking down on Synth startling him. A few other trolls were behind them smiling in an eerie manner. Synth has chills as he waves holding the knife steadily.

"Easy now…. We're not here for you dear… camp is back that way straight ahead…" The tallest said pointing inna direction.

Synth quietly thanked them, hesitant to turn his back. But once he did he hurried through the woods sure enough having found camp.

He lets out a Haggard breath he didn't know he was holding. Laguna saw him and came to his side quickly.

"Synth….Synth are you ok?" She asked gingerly, worried , leading him to a seat.

"Yeah yeah it's just.. I don't know how to explain it." Synth said, setting the knife away trying to ease himself.

Theoretically and as far as he could tell there was nothing wrong with the encounter. The trolls he had met were calm and collected. They spoke gently and helped him get back to camp.

Yet it just wasn't feeling right.

Who were they and why were they so close to camp? Who were they here for-

"Where's Branch and Poppy?!" He sat up and suddenly panicked.

"They haven't come back yet…" Blues said coming over worried.

"First it was Val that shut off, now you're acting like you've seen a ghost…" Rhythm said as she came up to them.

Shortly before Synth had followed the two pop trolls Val had a breakdown. Falling to her knees in silence as her eyes went wide and unfocused as she stammered and stuttered.

Demo rubbed her back, concerned and growing scared. Nothing has ever shaken his rockstar like this but Branch. And even then it seemed the two were growing far less tense.

"Val…. Val, can you talk to me?" Demo pleased with the pigtailed troll.

"We need to get out of here…" Was all she mustered to him terrified.

Demo got a chill from that and agreed. Best they head back now. Hurriedly he helped her up and started getting the tent and their things packed.

"What are you doing?" Holly asked worried about them.

"We're going back to trollstopia." Demo said apologetic for cutting the trip short.

"Shouldn't you wait for Poppy or Branch?" Holly asked, a bit worried by the idea.

These woods were unfamiliar to them and it seemed dangerous to send them home alone.

"We'll wait for them but I think it's best for Val to head home as soon as possible." Demo explained taking that into consideration.

He wasn't willing to compromise and extend the stay for Vals sake. One thing he's learned is that when she says she needs to go she needs to go.

"We should all go." Synth said, appearing suddenly beside them hurrying off.

He's urging people to leave, not liking one bit of his encounter. They knew where they were and seemed far to happy to see him with a knife.

"What's going on?" Branch asked as he returned with Poppy.

"Big trolls with robes scared Synth-" Before Laguna could finish the sentence Branch was on it.

"WE NEED TO GO. PACK YOUR SHIT EVERYONE WHERE GOING BACK." Branch stated loudly to not let room for debate.

Grabbing his camping gear and getting it in his hair. He seemed almost panicked in a way..

This got the Grey trolls to start moving and hustling. The colored pop trolls roll their eyes but do start to pack.

"No the cult again…" Poppy groaned as Cooper shrugged.

"I'm sorry….again?!" Demo exclaimed.

"Yeah sorry P but you need to explain that one." Rhythm said not all liking the vibe to much.

"Branch has this thing about some kinda cult in the woods he's said he's almost joined. No way is it true though…" Poppy said in a attempt to reassure Rythum.

It failed. Like miserably failed and only alarmed her further. She too started packing her shit to go with her sister. She's not playing this cult nonsense fake or not.

"Wait?! Hold on, you know them?!" Synth snapped looking at Branch.

Of course Branch knows them. Branch knows every corrupt and decrepit thing here!

Branch grabs the techno troll's face.

"Yes. It is a cult! I repeat. A. Cult. Do not engage with them! Do not sing with them and for anything you hold dear do not listen to them!" Branch stated firmly looking at the techno trolls eyes.

The ambassador instinctively pushed him away. That's when Val started to cry as she stood up suddenly.

"I BROUGHT THEM HERE! I'm sorry! I was on the final test! I had to kill you!" She confessed sobbing to Branch.

Everyone was stunned into silence.

Well everyone but Branch.

"Ok I can respect the ambition but please understand you'd have better luck Killing 7 MEN in one blow. Second, ARE YOU INSANE?!" Branch exclaimed at this information grabbing Val now.

She sobbed scared and uncertain what she got herself into..

They promised her help and vengeance against the Gray menace. Bring true peace to the nations and not fear the power of one troll. Power and magic in singing alone and not the strings…

"You bitch do you know what they hate more then one fuck who didn't finish the test?! Two ducks who didn't finish the test, what next we're going for three?!" Branch scolded her about losing his mind.

That's when a scream erupted as a figure waltz in from the forest…

A funk troll…at first…

But…the legs…kept going….

The troll's eyes hidden from skin sagging over them. The skin and flesh of the face are loose and sagging and swaying. Only teeth and fleshy gums are visible as they stagger. Countless legs, of colors and shapes…stitched onto countless bodies extended from their own.

Val screamed in terror, crying as Synth staggered.

"What's that….?!" Synth whispered in terror as Branch and three others charged.

"Make it swift and put them out of their misery!" Maud said as they closed in.

The abomination roared as its legs sprung to life charging at the sound of her voice.

Chapter Text

Branch got out his rattling staff seeing the abomination was aggressive towards sound.

Then he realized over the screaming that things were just gonna go wild.

"Poppy! You-" Branch looked for her to see her already running.

"On it!" She called back whistling to gather trolls attention and start leading them away towards safer areas.

Telling them all to be calm and move quickly. Making sure everyone stayed on path as well or strugglers weren't left. R and B quickly came to help her as their friends kept the group moving and rounding up those straying away.

Demo was trying to get Val to go but she was frozen in fear. Synth was looking wildly for Laguna scared of where she went in chaos.

Branch ran in to help his friends and hurry. The monster moves fast similar to centipedes or large caterpillar buses. It charged at Branch quickly as it could hear the shaking of the bo staff filled with beads.
That's when Branch saw them swing their head back in a fashion he hadn't seen before. Before Branch realized it and his best attempt to block it hit. It had swung its neck and head back fully around and sent him to the dirt.

It was shocking and quite a forceful hit. He stayed on the ground for a moment. He had assumed those necks of Funk trolls to be weak as head and neck injuries are serious in every other case. He never expected a funk troll's neck to be a natural defense like that.

Forcing himself to get up he hears a whistle in the distance.

"Branch, get out of the way, look out!" Stone yelled seeing it was making a beeline for the fallen comrade.

Branch quickly rolled out of the way pulling out a bow and arrow. Instead of aiming at the abomination he waited.

Where did that whistle come from?!

The monster screeches as it continues it's rampage weaving throughout the field of battle. Its long body started to surround them individually. Caging them in and closing rapidly around them as it moved in a blur.

"JUMP!" Maud warned, realizing the attempt to crush them.

They jumped quickly following her lead hurriedly.

Priest was panicking, unable to tell what's on the other side of the closing in threat. The thundering sound of feet and the wind picking up and swirling about him. He braces himself for pain to hear loud shrieks of pain and blood fly up.

It suddenly started going in reverse and Branch jumped over. Grabbed the priest with a bloody singular arrow in hand. He had stabbed the thing in the side and had it dragged on down through its body as it ran.

Hearing the whistle it changed course…. running at Val and Demo.

Panicking Branch threw the arrow at the beasts head forgetting his bow…

It….worked surprisingly.

They made sure it was fully dead as they marched to the other's.

Synth was looking at Branch holding his chest after the adrenaline drained..

Branch is worried he broke a rib from that hit.

".....why…were you almost in a cult?" Synth asked carefully, kinda scared.

".....they promised they could help me. How'd you find them Val…?" Branch asked as he was certain they had vanished till this point.

".....they found me actually…" Val said as she held onto herself Demo patting her back.

They walked in silence reflecting on the answers given.

"...So you hated me that much?" Branch chuckled nervously remembering what Val had said.

She was supposed to kill him in the final test of wrath..

"....I'm sorry.." Val apologized to him out of a place of guilt and fear.

"You're fine…" He said calmly as they continued walking together.

Val was struggling with words, her vision getting a bit blurry as she slowed down. Branch kept pace as his pain grew worse. It's been awhile since he had felt extreme pain before. He pulled off his gauze with a shaking hand to look.

Damaged.

They're not dispensing anything. Some were even leaking as he thought it was just wet grass that wet the bandages.

"..... that's not good…" He mused to himself to hide his frustration.

By the same dampness in his left leg and his other arm that means the right leg and his line on his back were the only ones working. Between the two he wouldn't feel any pain relief until later.

"...it's not." Val said weakly.

Branch only gave her a glance before he felt hands grab him. Tight fist full of his vest and a harsh tug surprised him.

"I TRIED TO KILL YOU?!" Val screamed at the top of her lungs.

The entire group had frozen unsure how to approach the situation. Val was only enraged by the silence and confusion in their eyes.

"GET IT THROUGH YOUR HEAD. IT'S NOT OK?! NONE OF THIS HAS BEEN OK!" Val screamed in fury as burning tears rolled.

Branch tried to get her to let go of him grabbing her wrist clinging to his vest.

"Ok ok I understand that but listen to me it's fine. I'm serious." He told her firmly, trying to calm her down at the very least.

She had let go with one hand to slap him across the face. It stung and she lightly scratched him with her nails.

"IT'S NOT." She roared in outrage shaking him by the vest.

Demo and Maud quickly tried to intervene when Branch had struck back with a backhand.

" LISTEN." He barked back as she finally let go.

It was a stunned silence as they waited a moment to speak.

"Val. It's ok. I expected it. I'm not a good person and I never really was. I have made many enemies and I've pissed off many trolls." Branch explained taking her by the shoulders.

The cult was a perfect example of one of those times he's just…Fucked up.

"That's not including the fact I've literally beaten your queen, stolen and held the strings of each nation in custody, and…" Branch cuts himself off not wanting to spike his anxiety.

The two held a small silence before Branch let go of her. Val stared at the ground as Branch looked at her.

Surprised by Synth and Demo who gave them a hug.

Val broke down crying harder as they were hugged. While Branch has essentially tensed he relaxed and cried too.

Val was scared and lost and was just angry. She was misled and was used as a puppet for dirty work the choir couldn't do themselves.
Branch was ignorant and arrogant to the nations and failed to reason himself.
He was far out of line on his own part and acted out of proportion.

"Let's go home… it's been an adventure as is." Maud comforts them both having found healing easier helping others.

Stone offered tissues as they all once more started walking back. Branch offered to let Val ride on his back as she was probably exhausted. But Demo interjected and offered instead but Val refused.

When the two groups reunited the first thing Poppy did was check on him. R and B had a nifty tool to fix broken bones. He was nervous to lay on his side but it was the best position for the tool. He let them go over his body just in case as well.

Biggie scooped him up soon after as Cooper got him juice.

"Thank you…was anyone else hurt..?" Branch asked wearily worried about them.

"No and everyone is accounted for.." Poppy said, relieved , giving his hand a squeeze.

It scares her every time Branch's stories are true and he's faced first in danger. Branch listen as Biggie scolded him for backhanding Val and Demo scolded Val for slapping Branch….

But did praise them for listening to each other ultimately and trying to understand.

Val and Branch were too exhausted to say much else leaning on their support.

Chapter Text

The group made a quick effort and made it back to Trollstopia quickly. It was tense with everyone alert and a few injured on the trip. But they made it back safe and sound with no loss. Branch reluctantly entered the hospital with Cooper's assistance.

He was surprised by how quick and simple the whole thing went.

Lownote was surprised by a request Branch made for him.

“You…want me to remove your diffusers..?” Lownote asked tentatively.

Branch nodded, taking a silent sharp breath. He's unsure about it himself, especially asking someone else to be the one to remove it. But maybe Chaz is right and it'll do him good to not rely on it. Not to mention he needs to check for damage.

Lownote study the smaller trolls face and eyes. Where was this coming from..?

“... Alright. Lay on your stomach for me?” The doctor instructed.

“Ok… on the top, bottom and middle there should be a clamp. Unclasp those first.” Branch instructed, trying to relax.

Lownote carefully and slowly did so. Branch sighed, feeling vulnerable yet free at the same time.

“Ok…on each diffuser there's a color ring.. turn it left to remove it. After that you can peel it off.” Branch said waiting for anything to happen.

Lownote carefully unscrewed each one down the line. Taking the end… he carefully pulled it up.

The first diffuser port came up with a pop. Leaving a dark circle. Lownote gave it a concerned look when he noticed it bleeding from the center.

Branch hiss making the funk troll reel back.

“... It's.. fine. There's a needle in each one, don't worry about bleeding..” Branch said slowly relaxing again.

Lownote carefully continued pulling them off. Then gently he applied care across the exposed skin.

“I…can help remove the other's if you'd like?” Lownote offered as Branch shook his head.

Branch removed those himself in a quicker more fluid notion. He then let him apply care to heal the spots and bleeding.

“Thank you Lownote.” Branch said softly when Cooper rejoined them.

“Hey guys! Oh wow Branch you don't need any gauze!” Cooper was amazed and disturbed at the same time but not faltering.

No bandages but now he can see the full display of scars and the lean body.

It was an uphill battle for Lownote as he worked since they came in. Branch would stare them down every time. Move away or flinch, raising alarm for both of them. Asking questions of each thing Lownote presented him or mentioned.

Branch slipped on hoodie and hopped down as Lownote filled in Coop what all happened.

“Oh. Branch! You got a letter from the troll tree.” Cooper said, handing the envelope to his friend.

“Thanks.” Branch took it gently to open and read it.

“Wait…. isn't the troll tree in…?” Lownote couldn't help but butt in.

“In Bergen town? Mhm.” Branch nods remembering explaining the Bergen's to Lownote.

“...why are you..” Lownote wanted to ask anything about it.

“Oh. Vinyl needs me there.” Branch said as he hurried by.

Branch just put his bag in the overhead carriage. When he noticed Poppy and the Delegates coming to join them.

“Huh? I didn't know you were coming?” Branch said, looking across from them from his booth.

The underground train station was a shock to them all. It was even more shocking that it was almost empty.

“I hadn't been to the tree since I was a baby. I know you do business there so I'm rather curious… Where's everyone else?” Poppy asked curiously.

“Oh. Not many Trolls from the troll tree come to Trollstopia and vice versa.” Branch explained taking a seat.

“Um ... .What…kind of trolls live in the troll tree.” Val asked a bit on edge from running in with the chorus trolls.

“Mostly pop….. well… punk pop, vengeful, and power like pop.” Branch said getting a coffee from the passing cart.

He gave the server a tip and sip on his mocha. The train was beautiful and rather comfy and cozy. It started off with a whistle as Poppy started a lil song to pass the time.

Branch was sipping coffee staring out the window of the passing underground. When they came to a stop Poppy wanted a minute to browse the gift shop. Synth found a stuffed toy he liked as well before they all went to the elevator coming to the center of the top of the large tree.

Upon arrival they were all surprised with a salute and cheer.

“Long live the king! Long live the king!”

The masses chanted to the confused group. That's when Branch raised his hands up in a quiet down motion. Smiling at them all taking a deep breath.

It's good to be back after all.

“Wait…Branch they call you a king here?” Poppy was in awe and shock.

“It's more for show nowadays.” Branch chuckled a bit patting her back.

That's when he got tackled to the ground and spun up.

“BABY BROTHER. BABY BROTHER. BABY BROTHER FROM ANOTHER MOTHER!” A Woman unfamiliar to the ground chanted as they held Branch above their head.

Branch was trying to get down struggling but not screaming as he knew her. Vinyl takes care of the troll tree and its occupant's. The tree was made up of unsegregated gray and vibrant colors of pop trolls. However vibrant trolls had these black and gray markings.

“Ok…would someone mind explaining..?” Dante asked confused..

“Oh. Ok! So. The Bergens ate and enslaved us for years. We escaped however some trolls felt like we shouldn't have had to run and wanted vengeance. Also despising Peppy for running away and not defending their lives. So my mom who was one of the big leaders against it took in and manipulated kids abandoned or had no parents into training to kill and destroy the Bergens and Peppy to retake power, assert dominance, take the throne and so forth.” Vinyl explained quickly recapping that whole thing.

“I hold the record for the boldest and most Bergen deaths claimed by any troll under Zira’s influence. We don't fight anymore and manage to call it all even.” Branch simplified further about being called king.

That made them stunned.

So Branch kinda helped enslaved Bergens back and murdered most of them.

“Oh and that's what a Bergen is.” the two pointed behind the group through the trees.

A giant almost as tall as the very tree they're standing on stood. With Grotesque features and terrifying strength and proportions.

Chapter Text

“This is what you called me for..?” Branch chuckled softly after entering Vinyl and her Brother's home.

Solo, the oldest child of Zira's, ruffled his hair as a welcome back. He was sure to give him a hug and pat.

“You've been taking care? You're looking better.” Solo said, poking at the smallest face.

Vinyl had blankets, snacks, drinks, and ofc a large stack of movies.

“Damn right I called you in for a movie marathon. It's been so long since we could do this.” She said getting comfy on the couch.

Poppy was next to her when she noticed the other ‘queen’ changed to PJs.

“Oh wow that's a cute top.” Poppy complimented as Branch took a seat on the large beanbag.

The movie area was quite big and all the ambassadors were comfortable and had more room to spare. Synth was kinda at ease but Dante was curious.

“So…Zira…. And 5 other adults..under everyone's noses selected kids to train to kill Bergens..?” Dante clarified who this Zira character was.

The trio nodded with an ‘mhm’ unanimously.
Vinyl was a deep purple with white hair. Her Brother was actually a toxic green with black hair though it's dyed as he could see hits of red roots.

“How come no one knew until the tree was taken over…?” Dante asked carefully not to upset them.

“After we found a place to settle in there was still a lot of havoc and busy work. Especially with the political divide and setting up everything.” Solo explained being the oldest he remembered a lot of what happened at the time.

This was when factions started to come into play and became official communities within the kingdom. They're not considered a separate community like Gray's as they don't live really differently anymore after Poppy and Peppy got sense into them.

Bloodshed and violence wasn't going to fix and reclaim everything the Bergens stole. Instead it only made things worse in the end.
And forcing the Bergens to repent and pay retribution didn't help relieve them like they thought…

Branch took a deep breath not wanting to sour the mood. It's been too long since he just enjoyed a moment with family. When the door opened he smiled brightly getting up.

He was quickly tackled back into the bean bag as he laughed. Ablaze was laughing as he hugged and ruffled his hair. Boom ran up piling on top of Ablaze who let out an oomph.

Trickee was wheezing seeing them stacked onto each other. Hype was chuckling as he gave Branch a fist bump.

“It's been forever man! God I actually missed your stupid lil face!” Ablaze said, tossing Boom off of him.

Boom only flopped laughing and waving hi to the delegates.

“Haha I missed you too, Ablaze. Oh. Wow, is that a goatee? Who are you trying to impress?” Branch teased pushing the other off of him.

That's when the boys noticed Poppy had joined for the visit.

For a moment it was silent until suddenly a pillow attacked from all sides.

“Ah! Hey!” Poppy squealed laughing as the boys went on to rave about her.

“Oh my goodness Branch never stops talking about you in his letters. I feel like I've known you for years!” Hype said as he shook hands with the princess.

She chuckled, shaking it back.

“I take it you're Hype then and your Trickee?” Poppy asked but quite certain.

She only smiles as they nod laughing as Boom was staring at the ambassadors. He's heard from the letters and what Branch said after the tour. Surprisingly Bergen Town wasn't met with the rockers Wrath.

Boom wasn't sure how to go about greeting or even starting. Synth took the first step and those two actually hit it off. Branch smiled from his bean bag as they watched. Hype sat next to him and pulled him into a cuddle getting comfy.

It was rather shocking but Branch didn't seem to mind and or care as he relaxed against the sparkling troll.

The two are snuggle buddies.

Trickee pretending to be offended gasped in betrayal.

“I called dibs on snuggles!” He exclaimed.

“Fuck off.” Hype answered simply with a smug look.

“Are y'all…boyfriends?” Val asked quite confused who these guys are.

She didn't think Branch really had friends outside of Poppy's.

“No. Just friends. Surprisingly none of us but Boom and Branch is gay.” Ablaze said as he was looking through movies.

“Wait, why's that surprising?” Holly asked curiously.

“Most trolls who were in a boy band our age usually were gay.” Trickee said casually popping open a can.

“Y'all were in a band?! Together?!” Val sat up in disbelief.

They all nodded and shrugged at it.

“No wait, I didn't even know that?!” Poppy said, sitting up as well.

“It was an old thing we did as teenagers.” Branch said as Hype grabbed a blanket.

Hype and Branch have a similar issue with touch and so are exceptions with each other. Though sometimes Branch’s skin would get aggravated.

“Were any of you worried about dating someone else in the band?” Dante asked, quite curious.

He's heard about this being quite a drama topic for most pop troll bands.

“Oh please we're gay not desperate.” Branch said as he and Boomer high fives.

To that the other three members gasp.

Lownote was in shock and awe seeing the 7 act so naturally. As if multiple trauma and horror possibilities they all witnessed didn't double for Branch and these two other trolls.

Apparently the boy band thing was a cover up for Zira at first before it became an actual outlet. The boys would be taken to train with the siblings to go kill Bergens and beast much bigger the ones they had hunted.

Holly was surprised everyone in this room but Branch had color. The implications of what he went through are horrific.

How old was he…?

Holly had to sit and ponder for a moment before the movie was picked. She took a deep breath and went for it before it was too rude.

“Branch…how old are you?” Holly asked curiously looking at him.

“I'm 25.” Branch said not missing a beat.

He did miss how her jaw dropped.

25. He's still relatively young as hell for all this to happen. So that means a lot of this was happening simultaneously at the same time.
Dante watched curiously as the movie started and the lights were hit. How Branch leaned in and the snuggle pile around him grew in size. The apparent boy band plus siblings were all together sleeping by the end of the first film.

That was surprising and while it was a 2 hour movie they were all fast asleep. It left everyone else in an awkward position as to what to do next in this unfamiliar house.

So Poppy just put in another movie while Lownote got up to get a closer look. He studied their faces and hands to cock his head. The trolls aside from Branch, Vinyl and Solo were all normal. A few scars that were faint and simple, nothing major.

But the siblings were covered head to toe with them..

Chapter Text

Branch was walking around with the group on an afternoon tour of the place. The top half of the cage that once covered the tree was gone. And on the remaining metal poles were lights, speakers or a pavilion for flowers.

The tree was accessible for many with bridges, stairs, ladders, slides and ramps.

Which fit well with how many inhabitants seemed to have missing limbs or physical disabilities. Most even are simply more elderly trolls who need mobility help.

And they also had cages…

Yeah they had open display cages for prisoner's out in the open in certain areas. They were rusted and empty however and high up away from any shade.

“..... Good heaven's…what were those for..?” Dante asked, gulping at the sight.

“Oh. Those are prison cells.” Branch said, scratching the back of his neck.

A big thing about the prison was it was open for public humiliation to those who had broken a law and forced them under extreme conditions that usually caused radical changes to the troll.

Branch has never seen anyone in it.

Doesn't mean no one ever was though.

Aside from that it was a quaint little town and beautiful farmland. The town was boarded by large flower bushes to which the Bergen's walked around or watched over curiously.

Some Bergen kids like to pick the flowers but as long as they didn't harm the bushes there was no harm done.

Some Bergens did get visually anxious with Branch’s presence. Branch suddenly started to stumble before getting out some water.

“...Are you alright..?” Lownote asked, eyeing the pop troll.

Branch nodded, giving him a thumbs up. He's been doing that throughout the tour.

“Branch I really think you should sit.” Lownote said, coming closer.

Force of habit of someone who studied and practiced medicine. Branch surprisingly sat down listening completely. That set an alarm in Lownote, Poppy and Holly. That was way out of character for Branch to do.

“Branch is everything ok..?” Poppy asked as Vinyl took something from her hair.

“I got some of those emergency vials. What do you need?” She asked when Solo noticed something.

“Branch You're not wearing gauze…. What happened to your infusers.” Solo got close, getting nervous.

“Removed them…earlier today due to damage and ... .thought I could do without.” Branch said, trying to keep his breathing even as he felt a hand to his head.

“Some kind of withdrawal perhaps. Your body is in need of something but without the infuser it's not getting it as fast as it's used too. It may also be far more reliant on it than we thought.” Lownote said getting out a device.

Branch remembered this one as he opened his mouth.

Lownote placed it in as he scanned Branch's face. Looked like any and all life left in him was sucked out. He was pale in the face as he waited for the scanners to read.

Hype got out fruit snacks and gave them to Branch as Ablaze hurried to go get some mineral water. Branch hesitated looking at the gummies but with Trickee urging him he carefully ate it once the scan was done.

Lownote was surprised and shocked.

Branch was low on almost everything. Vitamins, iron, protein and traces of the medication were in large more quantities than he thought. He thought Branch had these things in a routine function and not constantly but it sure read that it was like he was being pumped these things by the gallon daily.

He was risking possibly body failure like this!

Lownote quickly got a syringe out before giving Branch a shot to the thigh. Branch started to ease as his body started to stabilize again. He's not sure what Lownote injected into him but suddenly his gummies were replaced with a green cube of jello.

“Eat it now. And as much as possible.” Lownote instructed clearly scaring Branch a bit.

How bad was his health and what exactly is this? It fit only in his palm so why did he say it like that? Does he need to put his infusers on again?

Suddenly Solo had grabbed his jaw forcing it open before plopping the jello cube in and holding Branch's mouth closed.

“Stop staring at it and chew!” Solo scolded having his nerves get the better of him.

Boom and Vinyl tried to get Solo off of him as Branch made a face. Oh god it was disgusting! It felt so wrong in every way as he chewed it before swallowing.

“I got the water!” Ablaze said running over as if Branch was on fire.

Boom was telling him to hurry as he and Poppy were fidgeting, not sure what to do.

Branch practically chugged it to get rid of that taste. Even after downing the bottle he still gagged.

“Lownote what was- hey?!” Branch was startled, suddenly being picked up.

Lownote ran with him practically tucked in his arm like a football. Poppy ran after before Holly scooped her up and galloped carrying her. The other's ran after following worried about what's going on.

When they all caught up back at Vinyl's and Solo’s house Branch was struggling. A weighted blanket kept him pinned completely to the ground. This was deeply upsetting and freaking Branch out. He didn't like to be completely immobilized. Thankfully Lownote let his arms free seeing his discomfort.

“You aren't moving till your body is stable.” Lownote said in a matter of fact tone.

“Oh god …..IS BRANCH DYING?!” Boom asked panicking.

“AM I?!” Branch started to panic again as well trying to get up.

He can see the weight listed on the tag! He has lifted way heavier than this. Why can't he now?!

“No. Without the Injectors your body went into a withdrawal and couldn't maintain itself on its own. I suspect possible outcomes that could lead to your death if you're not watched. I'm calling R&B to bring Vibe town over to get you into a room.” Lownote explained calming them quickly.

It's not working with Branch as he starts to struggle harder. It's starting to get too hot! He feels like he's burning up and his vision is going blurry. He needs it! He needs to get up now! It's too heavy. He needs it off! He feels like he's getting crushed!

Branch is now tearing at the blanket and floors trying to crawl out or tear it off of him.

Solo was interrogating the doctor as Vinyl and Poppy try to calm Branch down from his panic. The boy's were trying to peel back the weighted blanket only for Synth and Lownote to protest. Val was getting concerned and scared about Branch just flailing his arms about as his hairs now lashing to life. So she did what she thought was a good idea.

It was not a good idea.

While wrestling with Branch she has broke both his wrist at the same time.

She ofc immediately joined him in screaming as she jumped back no longer attempting to pin him.

Lownote took over as the house Abrupted to chaos.

Chapter Text

The past weeks were a blur of pain for Branch. He was kept in the funk hospital under surveillance as he went through physical withdrawal. Lownote also refused to treat Branch's arms the way he had before. Instead of instantly mending the bone he had it reset and put in a cast. He thinks by stalling how fast Branch heals Branch will have to stop and rest. Thankfully he had very little trouble getting the patient to sleep..

He also thinks that perhaps Branch is starting to get accustomed to the hospital and doctor's. He's getting more acquainted with the nurse staff and is now letting other doctors come perform check ups.

Branch was sweetly napping after Blue came in to read to him today. Those two have similar taste in books so Blue as an effort to build a deeper connection comes and reads to him.

There's another issue at hand however.

Every troll from the tree and the Grey community have been stalking the hospital. They for real haven't left and often flock to passerby funk trolls for information on Branch.

Lownote had to stop them from sending Branch Gifts and get well things cause it would clutter up and accumulate very fast.

Blue pat Branch's head as he slept still rather worn out from the mess his body was struggling to get in order. He seems to have taken Withdrawal pretty well and is recovering.

“Hehe….it's kinda cute.” Blues said to her sister after leaving the room.

“That Branch falls asleep after being ready too? Or Branch sleeping?” Rhythm asked amused of the discovery her sister made.

Cooper came over with Prince D skidding to a stop.

“Hey guys! Is Branch up? Have you read to him yet?” Cooper asked, looking behind them.

He was rather eager to see him and made an awe in defeat being told he was asleep. You see Synth's parent's aka also the former rulers of techno reef were here. They wanted to check on their youngest child living so far out from the sea. Cooper wanted Branch to meet them cause they seem really cool.

Prince D just wanna see what would happen.

Especially since things between Branch and Synth are still very tense. He's not sure why other than Branch’s appearance being unsettling. Seeing him in a hospital bed that dwarfed him was kinda cute though. He looks better too under the hospital care. And no more of those diffusers that haunt his nightmares.

Branch sat up suddenly when he heard something be dropped.. he saw Cooper through the door window and waved. He could hear and chuckled at a muffled yay from the taller troll.

Branch was letting Cooper carry him and was happy to see friends and neighbors outside. He explained what happened and answered their questions and thanked them for sending him care. He even gave a few some hugs.

Being able to hear that from Branch calmed and eased a lot of their nerves. As they knew, Branch hated hospital visits and weren't sure how he could have been hurt. At first they thought it was a lot as Branch had faster renounce time than this but hearing the explanation it made sense.

Cooper and Darnell then took Branch to see everyone else.

Poppy gave him a hug as the twins sat and Chenille drew in his cast. Smidge offered him a list of a few things to help strengthen bones and muscle. Biggie also scooped him up to ask if he was ok and took over carrying him around. He didn't want to risk Branch breaking more bones walking about. Guy and Tiny ask him questions about his casts.

No one wanted to press further having also been alarmed by just how fast Branch's health had been deteriorating in Front of them. That's when he's introduced to Synth's mom who came to ask Poppy something. Seeing Branch she quickly made a fuss and started to pet and ask if he was ok.

Synth felt himself go rigid seeing it beside his dad. His father was oblivious and concerned but staying away. Branch was just letting this strange yet older techno woman pet.

He is just a sucker for techno trolls; they are just so darn cute and wholesome.

When he told her his name after she asked she gasped.

“Synth is this the one you and Brother and sister told us about? The one that helped you from the rock trolls?” his mom turned to him and asked.

Both Synth and Branch went impossibly quiet. Synth hadn't shared the Gorey details of what Branch did that day. Branch felt so damn nervous and scared. So that's why this poor woman so freely pet him without care.

“...Yes.” Synth said quietly as everyone watched tense.

“Oh my goodness and of all days I don't have my purse. I had a gift for you for saving my children. Would you mind waiting for me here while I go get it Sweetie?” Tsunami asked him as she recalled where she left it.

He nodded as he got one more pet before hurrying off. Synth was about to clear his throat when Branch got hit with a chair.

Thrash was being brought by Barb and Val to come see Trollstopia and walk around. He's been receiving generous treatment for his condition and got back some strength and memory. He threw a chair at Branch first sight and wound up fighting the other troll full on. Synth in an attempt to break it up but only got dragged into the fight used his water ability. Thrash had brute strength and was surprisingly fast at charging. Branch had the agility and hair that gave them lashes. Everyone was panicking and confused till it all came to a sudden stop.

“Sorry I thought you were someone else.” Thrash apologized petting the smaller.

Branch who was winded and already bruising could only mutter out “it's ok.”

Synth was luckily rather untouched but panted softly still in shock. His dad ran up to make sure he was ok.

Barb was deeply unnerved by Branch barely holding himself together after a few hits from her dad. Lownote was upset at all three men for doing that. And was currently Fretting over both their injuries. Mostly Branch as Synth and Thrash had minor bruises and some rope burn from getting whipped with Branch's hair.

Synth's mom was quite hysterical and confused about what the hell happened.

Synth's father filled her in gently as she made sure Synth was ok. Thrash was getting scolded by his daughters. Both he and Branch were made to apologize to synth as Branch accidentally did get Synth once or twice.

Branch and Synth got better detail later that Branch reminded Thrash of an assassin that had tried to kill him once and then Barb another time.

“Again it's fine and you don't really need to apologize-” Branch was cut off in surprise when he heard a click.

Synth's mom snuck on the necklace before she and her husband whisk Synth away. Branch felt a little bad for scaring them but he did get to have some juice with Thrash as an apology for jumping him.

Lownote took him back to the hospital shortly after where he met another parent of the ambassadors.

Lownote’s mom. It was a terrifying yet interesting experience. She looked exactly like Lownote with longer hair and a paracel. Branch was on best boy behavior because despite that sweet smile and charming personality he was put on high alert. Ain't no damn way was this woman about to play any game.

She only chuckled, petting his head after he got into bed with a simple request.

“If I had more patients like you during my career I wouldn't have retired so early!” She giggled as she left the room with her son.

Lownote wants to say Bullshit on Branch's behavior. He's never been that cooperative and he's certain he's either fucking with him or his momma did something he's missing. He's been told by many his mama is charming, sure but he surpassed her in that. Was Branch more at ease with less charm? Was he reading too far into this?

Chapter Text

Branch was hungry. He was really hungry and he wasn't sure why or if he could explain it. He's never been so hungry really. He was having some spaghetti from the cafeteria today. He couldn't deny he did like it but why was he feeling so hungry today?

It was a side effect of one of Branch's new medicine's. Lownote was hoping to increase his appetite and such. Since most funk kitchens including the kitchen of the hospital uses funk technology no one touches the food. So therefore with some convincing Branch is ok eating from the hospital menu.

Branch was enjoying his meal quietly when Dante had came to visit. It had been surprising but even more so the reason to visit.

Dante wanted to compose a sonnet or a ballad about Branch. The gray troll had lived such an interesting life and was full of stories beyond his wildest imagination. Branch wasn't sure about this but he nodded and let him. He wasn't sure if Dante had any specific event or time. Regardless he let Dante take a seat in his hospital room whilst he worked.

Branch gently continued to quietly eat his food when Dante cleared his throat. He seemed nervous to ask Branch something.

“Branch…? Lately despite learning so much about your childhood…I never heard anything about your family?” Dante pondered softly to him.

Zira was Vinyl's and Solo’s mother who had taught Branch a good bit of what he knows. He was close friends and platonic brothers with his former bandmates. Team Little Moose was his team of kids traveling in a group leaving the tree. The gray community wasn't really founded at the time but he doesn't seem particularly close to anyone there. Cooper was found by Branch and he somewhat raised him. And then there was that cult…

Who exactly was Branch's parents? Where were they during all of this?

Branch was quite avoiding his eyes.

“I'm an orphan.” Branch said quietly, rubbing the back of his neck.

Dante felt his throat dry up and closed as he looked away. It's always a touchy subject.

“My parents died after my egg formed. I had four brothers but they died some time ago. My grandma Rosiepuff was my only real family growing up but…..I lost her to a Bergen being careless ....” Branch explained quietly poking at his food.

The room got uncomfortable fast as Dante gave his apologies.

Branch just nodded as he continued to eat his food. He almost choked when Poppy ran in and shook him with a poster.

“You were bitty B?!” Poppy exclaimed in both disbelief and excitement.

A large part of any troll's childhood was Brozone! They were the biggest thing in the tree. If you didn't know Brozone you didn't know anything!

And Branch was Bitty B?!

“How could you not tell me!?” Poppy squealed when she finally let him go.

“... Because it's not that big of a deal..?” Branch said softly scooting away.

He had only once ever performed as Bitty B and it went bad. So horribly wrong that it made his brother's leave him.

Poppy was in disbelief as she went on to race about Brozone. Excitedly chirping along as he blinke slowly. Dante was a loss of words. Where did Poppy come from? Who was Bitty B and why was it ‘not a big deal’.

He hadn't expected an enthusiastic answer. No one ever expected to learn anything about Branch enthusiastically.

Branch chuckled as Poppy raved to Dante about him as Bitty B. About how spectacular and perfect the former Brozone band was. All its members and their individual personalities. How packed all their shows were and the excitement.

And then the tragic band breaking apart and separating.

No one knows why….

And Branch doesn't talk about it nor will he ever. Cause of took Poppy years to find out he was fucking Bitty B. Or ‘Timber’ from his band days in Kismet.

“What's with the stage names?” Dante asked curiously looking at Branch.

“I didn't like my name growing up. Made no real sense to me.” Branch shrugged remembering how much he detested his name.

There were so many more cooler and better sounding woodland troll names. Sprout, Oak, Oakley, Vine, Forest, Burr, Pine, Thistle, Shade, Canopy and fucking Cedar. Who the hell named him fucking Branch? He appreciated his name a bit more after meeting a kid named Bark though.

That kid got bullied relentlessly for being named Bark. It was after Tree Bark however written just as Bark they got called a dog and mutt constantly. Branch regrets not really getting involved sometimes seeing how frustrating and sad that kid got some days. He heard they got their name changed.