Trolls - Replacement - Prologue
I was able to write and TRANSLATE it into English as a prologue to the fanfiction so that you would appreciate it.
If you were interested, you can visit my server in the discord (I have a link attached) or wait for a full-fledged fanfiction on ao3
@super-secret-agent-of-sin Thank you for your help!
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It was getting dark. Branch was already making his third trip out of the bunker to collect firewood, and that wasn't an exaggeration. He lives in a huge underground bunker, with several floors where supplies of food, water and other materials were stored.
Branch was a practical troll. But others… They didn't understand him. More precisely, they didn't try to. Except for, maybe, the princess… Poppy made a couple of attempts to reach the gloomy troll, giving him many invitation cards to various holidays and parties. Or perhaps she did it purely out of formality. After all, she will soon become queen, and the interests of others are more important than her own.
As soon as the last ray's of sun disappeared beyond the horizon, loud music could be heard behind the ravine. And even louder than that, the screams of the crown and Poppy's voice, "I can't hear you!"
As he got closer, Branch stared down. Yes, today the trolls had more fun than before. About twenty years passed when they and their ancestors fled from Bergen Town. The reason is good, but not reasonable. Even now, looking at all the display, Branch snorts with displeasure and leaves for his home.
He doesn't clearly remember today's dialogue with Poppy, with her friends and with… Creek. Although… one particular comment stuck out in Branch's memory. "But, just for now why don't you try on some positivity, eh? A little positivity might go with that vest?” Creek doesn't know Branch. Just like the rest.
Returning home, the gloomy troll headed towards the fireplace. The bunker was heated at night, because living underground is cold. But it remained warm until the next evening. Branch lit the fireplace and headed to the supplies. Today he wanted to cook a delicious dinner, since he decided to sit in the bunker all evening. From the selection, he took a few berries for a smoothie, and the rest of the dough for baking. Branch memorized his grandmother's recipes. He still hasn’t been able to forgive himself for his grandmother’s death… Which is what led the troll to this.
He completed the cooking in an hour, and then headed to the table that was not far from him. Sitting down at the table, he began to eat.
Branch lived here alone. He was used to seeing dark walls that slightly reflected the light from candles and the fireplace. Cold, clay floor underfoot. Silence - because the trolls’ music did not reach here. He thinks it's normal because he's used to it…
After a delicious dinner, the troll remained in place and began to look at Poppy's tattered invitation. He still took the singing postcard with him. Branch had a separate closet for them, since it would be a shame to throw them away. And just maybe, he feels it would be wrong.
Looking sideways, he thought, "Maybe I should check in on them?"
Reluctantly, Branch left the table, taking the card with him. Putting it away in the closet, he headed to the elevator.
To his surprise, it was quite quiet. Knowing the princess herself and the rest of the trolls, they would have had fun until dawn. And now there was only the silence of night.
"Strange," he thought. "It's too quiet."
And at some point, when Branch began to move towards the village, he felt strong tremors under his feet. The troll ran to the nearest bush and hid behind the foliage. Branch was afraid to assume that it could be a Bergen, but because of old trauma and paranoia it was all he could think." Unfortunately, his theory was confirmed. A huge Bergen passed by the troll. Until the creature was out of sight, Branch remained in place, and only then did he run towards the trolls.
"I understand! We were discovered!.. And all because…”
And just as he wanted to finish his thought, as soon as he got to the settlement, Branch unconsciously switched from running to walking. The crowd was gathered in a huddle where King Peppy was located. Branch was shocked. As he approached, he noticed how some of the trolls began to gradually turn gray. Something terrible happened… But what?
He froze in place when he saw how the king's bright colors began to slowly change to gray and dull.
“What… what happened?! I saw a Bergen, and…”
Looking around, he could not find either Poppy or her friends. The only member of the snack pack left was Creek. As soon as their eyes met, the purple troll immediately looked away.
The question was addressed to everyone present, although his suspicions fell on Creek.
“Bergen kidnapped her!” - someone shouted from the crowd.
“What?…” Branch asked quietly.
"Yes! I saw her save Creek before!”
Branch continued to look around, dumbfounded. He was infuriated by the fact that these trolls showed carelessness towards themselves. He was only glad that Creek didn’t start a tirade like: “Everything will be fine, no need to worry. Let's keep calm…"
On the other hand, Branch understood that no one would come to the aid of the princess. Yes, the king is already very old and he will not be able to save his daughter, and the rest are very afraid of the Bergens. But if she is not returned… This could lead to dire consequences…
Leaving trolls here is dangerous. The Bergens may come back for them. It's worth hiding them, but… Branch didn't want to let them into his bunker, because he was afraid that they would destroy it in a couple of days. But there was no other way out…
Taking a deep breath, he turned to the king:
"Your Majesty, gather all the trolls and bring them to my house."
King Peppy just nodded in response, trying to get up from his seat.
Branch immediately turned around and ran back home. While the rest of the trolls reach him, our hero will have enough time to collect all the necessary things.
“If they all instantly turn gray, they will doom themselves to death!” - Branch thought. - “Damn it, Poppy! What were you thinking?!”
When he got home, Branch ran into the bedroom. From under the bed he takes out an empty but large travel bag. He throws it upstairs, simultaneously searching for all the necessary things. The troll also does not forget to pack warm clothes for sleeping, because he knew that this chase could last all the way to the Bergen settlement.
Branch began to glance around briefly. He was afraid that he would not be able to return back because he was risking himself. He can’t do it alone, but what can he do… Leaving the room, he threw his bag on his back and went to the fireplace to throw some brushwood. It became warm in the bunker, which was good for him.
Stepping back, he headed towards the elevator. Pulling the lever, the troll went upstairs, where the others were already waiting for him.
Looking around, Branch addressed everyone.
“Listen to me carefully!” he said loudly. “Since I am most likely your last hope for saving Po-!..”
“What are you talking about?!” interrupted that Creek. “Our hope for salvation is to get out of here! Why are we still here?
Branch didn't want to get into a dialogue with this callous troll who could only think about himself. The funny thing is that some trolls started nodding back at the guru.
“Your future queen found herself in the clutches of Bergen because of you! You won't live even a week without your princess! If you want to get away from here, go ahead! I’m not keeping anyone here by force…”
Taking confident steps forward, Branch approached Creek and addressed him personally:
“You know, it’s funny to hear something like that from you, even though Poppy is your close friend who saved you.”
The gray troll grinned evilly, causing the guru to back away. He began to look around while all the trolls looked at them warily.
Branch never received a response from Creek, and later turned away in disappointment.
“You can take refuge in my bunker! But!.. You will have enough supplies for a couple of days if you simply waste them! My underground house is cold, but safe… They won’t find you if you sit quietly!”
The sullen troll turned in circles, continuing to give instructions to anyone who would listen attentively.
“If I don’t come back in a week, that means it’s the end…”
"Are you sure about this Branch?" specified King Peppy. “Going there alone… It’s suicide.”
“You’re right, but I’m sure no one would agree to do something like that.”
Branch glanced sideways at Creek again.
"What do you want from me?"
“Nothing… I was just thinking.” answered the gray troll, and then addressed everyone. “If there is no one willing to go with me, then climb into the bunker!”
The trolls immediately began to crowd around the open hatch.
“ONE TURN! YOU WILL NOT COME IN!”
Nobody wanted to go to death. Trolls have long forgotten what it's like to live in fear. And if they had not faced such a threat, they would have gone home long ago.
"Thank you, Branch." the king thanked him. “Come back quickly, along with the others…”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I will try…"
The old king patted the guy on the shoulder and headed towards the others. Although it was a nice tin, the gray color gave it away. He was in great sadness. It's amazing how he was still in everyone's sight. Here's a great ruler for you.
Branch was ready to hit the road when Creek blocked his way.
"I will go with you". he answered.
"How is it? Has your conscience woken up?
"Not in this case! It's just, like you said, I'm Poppy's close friend. She and other friends will need support from me.”
"What? Songs and Dances? Oh yeah, hugs will save the world, right?!”
They both saw the last troll close the hatch behind him.
Taking a guru with you is not a good idea. Creek was not equipped for such a trip. He didn't have a clear idea of what he was agreeing to. On the other hand, he is the only one who did not escape. Which surprised Branch greatly.
“Okay,” he answered and added: “Will you go light?”
“Then let’s move out right now.” Branch replied.
He passed by the guru, but he immediately followed him.
“Do you even know where to go?”
Taking a couple of steps forward, they both stopped at a huge footprint on the ground.
“I understood you…” Creek squinted his eyes with displeasure.
