After the whole thing in the first movie, I think Creek would've slowly turned grey
Like, at first he was still super prideful and full of himself.
He couldn't really go back to Pop Village, though, so he began living in the woods. Lemme tell ya, living in the woods all alone, having to dodge and outrun predators, where every day is a fight just to survive? It puts some things in perspective
so i got a little ahead of myself and doodled floodAU!Murat and now i hate myself for it because now i think he’d absolutely thrive in flood AU and just go burn down islands for funsies
okay first chara ive been sitting on is a slowpoke girl for flood au
Sif - Slowpoke - 23
Yawn / water gun / disable / zen headbutt
probably either from a clan in the viking village or from another village nearby bc of slowpoke’s relation to shellders, im not shore which yet :la
slowpokes usually do the “easy” work like farming and fishing (but mostly fishing bc farming is haaaard /SHOT) with with slowbros doing the fighting since they cant feel pain and it makes em kinda scary in battle and the slowkings are incharge because of the whole super intelligence thing. I can see em going off and raiding rather than making things themselves which.... isnt the most sustainable method to live by but theyre slowpokes dont expect them to plan forward too much--- /SHOT raiding parties are ususally a bunch of slowbros and a slowking to keep them on track
dad is the guy incharge of the clan and a slowking
home is probably pretty hard to get to since they have slow reactions they wouldnt really be able to defend from attacks without a lot of notice
works as a fisherman, though she gets distracted a lot, also helps keep the local alomamola population up since they use them for healing the people that dont have regenerator.
also has a pet shiny alomamola, doesnt have a pokeball or anything but it hangs around the shore and helps her look after the other alomamola. finding shiny pokemon is supposed to be the luckiest thing ever so people tend to come to her and ask her for advice about things because of her luck
luckily for her she is actually naturally very lucky
desperately wants to travel more and her alomamola often brings her back small gifts and trickets that she finds deep in the ocean... usually pink shells and pearls but she loves them anyway
but sifs main interest is in space. doesnt know many of the details but loves to stare at the night sky and apparently there’s legends of people that went into space a long time ago..... she wants to do that and is in huge denial that it almost certainly wont happen but shes lucky and hopeful about it
would love to run away but shes not too dopey to know that shed fuckin die out there alone... even with her pet fishy /SHOT
IT'S TIME FOR GUY FUCKING DIAMOND AGAIN BABY LETS FUCKING GOOOOOOOOOOOO
PROBABLY NOT MY BEST WORK CUZ IT'S BEEN A WHILE SINCE I'E WORED ON THIS AU AND IT ALSO MAY OR MAY NOT BE THE LONGEST STORY BIT BY FAR BUT REGARDLESS I HOPE YOU GUYS ENOY AND I'M SORRY FOR LOWKEY ABANDONING THIS FOR SO LONG
Guy Diamond couldn't believe it. His son was back in his arms. He'd grown a bit and had some scars hut his heart was beating and he was breathing and he was alive and in his arms and Guy couldn't stop himself from crying from the intense relief flooding his soul
His son was okay. His son was alive, holy fuck, he was alive!! Guy held him close and so, so gently as if he'd disappear or break if he held too tight. He was so focused on having Tiny back in his arms, alive and well, that he didn't notice his colors slowly returning
After he and Tiny just hugged and enjoyed being together again a little longer, Guy sniffled and pulled away slightly so he could wipe away his tears. He looked at his son and, after realizing he'd been crying too, he gently wiped his tears away with his thumb
Guy looked up at the doorway, finally acknowledging Branch and the newcomer he'd heard earlier. He turned to the unfamiliar face and asked his name. The stranger introduced himself as John Dory. Guy asked if he was the one who brought his tiny son back to him. At his nod, Guy smiled and thanked him with all his soul
Tiny patting his cheek brought his attention back to his son, and Tiny grinned and started telling him all the things that had happened since they were separated. How Tiny had managed to free himself, how John Dory found him and wrapped his injuries, patching him up, how he gave Tiny a walking stick to help him get around and how he then fashioned it into a spear and taught him how to defend himself with it once he'd healed
Throughout Tiny’s story, Guy periodically glanced up at the troll still leaning in the doorway. The more Tiny told of how JD helped him, the more Guy's appreciation for the troll grew. He'd saved his son, patched him up, treated him like his own and taught him some tricks to defend himself, all the while helping Tiny find Guy again?
Guy turned back to Tiny once he finished his story and Guy smiled again. It felt nice to smile again. He stood from where he'd been kneeling on the floor, Tiny in his arms (safe and sound, his baby was safe and sound in his arms again), and turned to John Dory, asking if he'd like something to eat or drink. Anything at all, as a thank you for saving his son and taking care of him
JD seemed to get a bit flustered, a light blush covering his cheeks and he rubbed the back of his neck as he agreed to the offer of food and drink, saying it was no big deal. But to Guy, it was a big deal. It was a huge deal. He'd thought he'd never see his son again, and this troll had brought his tiny son back to him
Guy smiled and led the way to the kitchen, grabbing some fruit from the fridge and making some tea before sitting at the table so they could talk
And talk they did. For hours, in fact. Tiny had eventually gotten tired of their talking and nestled up in Guy’s hair and was presumably asleep, if the snoring was any indication. It made Guy and JD chuckled, and John made a joke about how someone so small could snore so loud, which made them both laugh harder
Guy learned that John was Branch’s brother, and that he had three more he was searching for. Guy's eyes had widened at that. He didn't know Branch had one brother, let alone four! Guy asked what John Dory did before the flood, and learned he'd spent 20 years alone in the woods as a survivalist. He learned JD had an armadillo rv named Rhonda, and learned how he'd lost her when the flood hit. Guy felt sorry for him, but JD waved it off, saying Rhonda was tough and could handle herself until he eventually found her
JD told stories of the places he'd been and the adventures he'd had, and Guy was amazed and slightly horrified. Living completely alone aside from an armadillo bus sounded so lonely, Guy was surprised he chose that lifestyle. He asked why, and JD had said he wanted freedom and wanted to only be in charge of himself for a change
Guy guessed wanting freedom was understandable, but living alone for so long just sounded miserable to him. He said as much, and JD had chuckled and said the lifestyle wasn't for everyone. Guy agreed with him there
Guy had finally started coming out of his room more often than not, and he'd noticed that while yes he'd gotten his colors and his glittery shine back, they were still muted and a bit grey-toned. It made sense, if he was being honest. Tiny was alive and well and Guy couldn't be happier about that, but he was just so worried about losing him again! The thoughts kept him up at night, as did the nightmares he still got
He'd become more protective of Tiny, always keeping an eye on him and staying within reach to help him if he needed it. He tried not to hover or be too overbearing, because he knew Tiny liked to do his own thing, but he was so worried about losing him and not being able to get him back again. Tiny didn't seem to mind all that much, thank the stars. Maybe he was worried, too
He'd also noticed that Tiny had been getting nightmares, too. Guy’s been a light sleeper since… what happened, and every once in a while he'd wake up to Tiny crying in his sleep, shaking like a leaf. It always broke Guy’s heart to see him like that, so he'd gently pull Tiny to his chest and hum softly until he settled again.
He suspected Tiny might know about his nightmares, too, because sometimes he'd wake up after a particularly bad one and Tiny would be there, hugging his face tightly. He felt guilty when that happened, he didn't want to worry his son, but he was also grateful, because seeing him there and feeling him hug his face reminded him that Tiny was alive and it helped him calm down
Luckily, when he'd woken up from his most recent nightmare, it seemed Tiny had managed to stay asleep this time. He could feel him nestled in his hair, he could hear him still snoring, sleeping soundly. Guy breathed a sigh of relief once he was assured Tiny was still okay, still with him, still safe, and he took some deep breaths as he willed his racing heart to slow
After a while, he began to calm down and he gingerly sat up with another sigh. He knew he wouldn't be getting any more sleep that night, he rarely did after his nightmares. So he gingerly sat up, being careful not to wake Tiny, before making his way out of his room and to the upper decks of the ship
He stopped by the kitchen to make himself some tea before heading to the top deck, hoping the steaming drink and the cool night air would help soothe his frayed nerves
He took a deep breath of the cool night air, letting out a sigh afterwards. It was still dark out, the sun still resting below the horizon. The humid ocean air felt nice, and the scent of salt on the breeze helped relax him further. When he glanced around, he was surprised to find John Dory already awake, leaning against the rails of the ship and sipping at a mug of his own
To Guy's knowledge, John still stayed on his own ship. JD and Branch had managed to connect the two ships with many support beams and a bridge that connected one deck to the other. He had no idea how they'd managed that, but then again, Guy didn't know much about building, so he just didn't question it
Guy made his way over to John until they were standing side by side, gazing out at the open sea. Neither said anything for a while, the only sounds to breaking the silence between them being the crashing of waves against the ships sides and Tiny’s loud snores
Eventually, JD asked what he was doing up so early, keeping his voice low. Guy had simply shrugged, keeping his voice a whisper as well when he said he'd had another nightmare. Guy turned the question around on John Dory, and he'd just sipped his drink (coffee, Guy guessed) and said he couldn't sleep. Guy had nodded sympathetically. He could relate to that
John Dory didn't ask what his nightmare was about, and Guy didn't ask why JD couldn't sleep. They just…lapsed into silence again for a while, each sipping their drinks and gazing at the sea
Eventually, Guy spoke up again. He mentioned how he was still so scared of anything happening to Tiny again. He didn't know how to fight, didn't have any survival skills other than what he'd learned on the ship and from what Branch had told him after Tiny had been taken by that damn fish
He'd never wanted to learn to fight before, never needed to. But now…now he'd been faced with the very real possibility of Tiny getting hurt, and he couldn't protect him. He was completely and utterly useless
John Dory had been silent as he spoke. When Guy’s voice eventually trailed off, he heard JD hum thoughtfully. Guy scratched at the side of his neck and took a long sip of his tea, then nearly choked on it when JD offered to teach him
Guy stared wide-eyed as JD continued, saying how he'd picked up a lot of skills while wandering the Neverglades for the past 20 years. He'd said that, if Guy wanted to learn how to defend himself and Tiny, that he'd be willing to teach him
If it meant protecting his son, Guy would do anything, and he told John as much. JD had given him a soft smile and told him they could start the next morning. Strangely enough, Guy couldn't help but feel a bit excited
The next morning, before the sun rose, while Tiny was still curled up in bed and everyone else was still asleep, John Dory taught Guy Diamond how to throw a punch. A few mornings later, and Guy was beginning to get the hang of it
Once he got a good handle on how to punch, John taught Guy all the places to hit to really make it hurt
Eventually, it became a routine for them. They'd get up before the sun, JD would teach Guy something new or help him perfect something he was struggling with, Guy would turn into bed early claiming to “need his beauty sleep”, and they'd begin again the next morning
It was a lot more work than Guy expected (and hard work wasn't something he was particularly fond of), but he wanted to do this—no, needed to do this. He needed to be able to protect Tiny. He'd never let anything bad happen to his son ever again. So he continued letting JD teach him to fight
He was surprised that it seemed to get easier for him over time. Slowly, he noticed he wasn't getting as sore from all the workouts. He noticed he was even getting a bit of muscle! And with his apparent growing strength, helping out around the ship became easier too
He'd also noticed he was getting hungrier and needed to eat more in order to feel full. He'd complained about it to JD one morning, and the other troll had simply laughed and told him he needed to replenish the calories he was burning, whatever that meant
Aside from the changes from his new routine, Guy also noticed some…other physical changes
For one thing, the rash on the sides of his neck had formed into a few thin red lines, still itchy and tender. The realization had left him staring at them in the mirror for a while, his fingers tracing over the thin lines. It was still hard to believe that they would soon become gills
He'd also noticed his skin becoming a bit rougher…sort of. He'd noticed that if he brush his arm in one direction, it was still silky smooth (if a bit dry), but if brushed the other way, it would start to feel coarse, like flakes of glitter
The webbing between his fingers had also grown, now reaching his middle knuckle. He'd only noticed when he'd been washing his hands and felt the webbing, and then he'd wondered how he hadn't noticed before
Lastly, his tail seemed to be changing. He had noticed it when he was drinking some tea one morning, before he and JD started the fighting lesson of the day. It had become…wider almost? Thicker? Bigger? He didn't quite know how to explain it. The tuft of hair at the end had also begun changing, becoming thinner and flattening to become almost…fin-like… The realization had almost made him fall out of his chair at the time. JD had asked what had gotten him so startled, and when Guy explained, JD had nodded solemnly
JD had mentioned some of the changes he'd been noticing about himself, too. He told how his skin was getting thicker, rougher. He told him how his nails were beginning to sharpen into something like claws, and that he didn't know if he wanted to file them down or not. He told Guy he’d noticed his teeth were getting sharper, too, and bared his teeth in a grin to show him (the sight had made Guy's heart race, and he couldn't for the life of him figure out why)
Then, he'd shown Guy his own tail, and Guy had to bite back a gasp. Along the top, small but definitely there, two lines of spikes had appeared, spanning the full length of his tail
Guy had only seen one creature with a tail like that. King Gristle’s pet alligator. But…that didn't make sense. From what he remembered about the creature, it didn't have gills, and Guy could see that the rash on John Dory’s neck had formed into fine lines much like his own. He didn't know much about critters, land or sea, but now he wondered if there were alligators with gills lurking beneath the waves. The thought made a shiver of fear travel down his spine
They talked about everything for a while longer after that. The changes, the flood, their new way of living, wondering what would happen once the changes were complete. And as they talked and sipped at their steaming drinks, they watched through the windows as dark clouds began to trail across the sky
Their conversation was cut short when the waves began to pick up, rocking the boat and nearly making them fall from their seats. They quickly discarded their mugs and donned some rain coats before rushing outside to try and steady the ship
It didn't take long for everyone else to wake up and rush outside. By the time everyone had made it to their stations, it was already pouring rain. Waves crashed harshly against the sides of th ship, and it wasn't long before the rain and sea spray soaked Guy down to his bones
The water was freezing, but Guy ignored the cold as he helped wherever he could. At some point, he saw that Tiny had made his way outside, but before Guy could even think to panic, JD was already there, scooping Tiny into his arms and urging him to hide in his hair. John Dory had pulled his goggles down over his eyes, Guy had noticed idly. It was probably useful in keeping the rain out of his eyes
He was quickly pulled from his thoughts when another large wave rocked the ship, nearly knocking Guy off-balance. He quickly steadied himself and finished tying down one of the barrels on the deck. He was about to move on and tie down anything else that had come loose when the ship rocked dangerously once again. He couldn't steady himself in time before a loose crate slammed into him, sending him crashing against the railing of the ship and tumbling over the edge…
Directly into the foaming waves below. Time seemed to slow as he fell. He could hear some of the others shouting for him, two voices ringing out louder than the others. He barely had time to gasp for breath before he was consumed by the crashing waves
Water surrounded him at all sides. It was all he could feel, all he could hear, all he could see. Guy tumbled through the water, hands clamped tightly over his mouth as he held his breath. Desperately, he swam towards where he assumed the surface to be, but everything was so disorienting. He couldn't tell left from right, up from down, and he tumbled through the water once more as another giant wave crashed overhead
He shook his head, trying to right himself. He couldn't die here. He had to get back to the ship, he had to get back to his son! His son needed him! He had to get back, he had to-
He caught a glimmer of light above him, faint and distant, and he desperately swam towards it. His arms and legs burned from the exertion, his lungs were screaming for air, but he ignored the sensations as he desperately clawed his way towards the surface
He kicked himself upwards desperately, his hands clawing at the water, but the surface was too far. Black spots began dancing at the edge of his vision, and a bone-deep panic made him redouble his efforts. He just needed to get back to the surface, get back to the ship, get back to his son-!
He was slowing…he could feel his arms and legs weakening, it became harder to move, and his lungs burned with the need for oxygen
He was going to die here, the thought came to his mind unbidden, and he could feel that fight to survive begin to leave him. Tiny…Tiny would be alright. He was with John Dory. John Dory would be able to protect him. Distantly, Guy felt his eyes burn at the thought of not being able to make it back to his son, but with his body weakening, his lungs burning and the surface still so far…he sent a silent apology to his son. An apology for not being able to make it back, for not being able to protect him, for letting the ocean claim his life. He could only hope Tiny would forgive him
Finally, he couldn't take the lack of oxygen anymore, and the last of the fight left Guy as he opened his mouth and sucked in a breath full of salt water
He felt the ocean water immediately rushing into his mouth, traveling down his neck, and he waited to feel it filling his lungs, waited for ragged coughs to wrack his frame in a desperate attempt to dispel the water from his lungs…
Instead, he felt a searing pain in the sides of his neck, the sensation of something passing through, and blessed relief as his lungs stopped burning for air
Slowly, his vision began to clear as he gasped for breath desperately. The panic inside him began to ebb, and in it's place, confusion rose. This shouldn't be possible…how was he breathing? Had he somehow made it back to the surface?
He opened the eyes he hadn't realized he'd closed and found that, no, he hadn't made it to the surface. Water still surrounded him at all sides, he could feel it rushing into his mouth as he breathed, how was this possible-
Looking up, he caught sight of the surface. Moving on instinct alone, he used his legs and tail to propel himself towards the surface of the waves
Guy’s head broke through the water and met the frigid air. He didn't even have a chance to take a breath of actual air before he felt something wrap around him and yank him out of the water. The next thing he knew, strong arms were wrapped around him, pressing him tight to a solid chest
Guy gasped, air rushing into his lungs and the strange feeling of water cascading along the sides of his neck made him cough. Finally, he glanced up, and there was John Dory, holding Guy in his arms, his goggles pushed up to his forehead again with such a strong look of fear in his eyes. JD was panting heavily as his eyes roamed over Guy, his eyes filled with fear, concern, relief, and something else…something soft and almost tender and oh, Guy felt his heart skip a beat at the sight
Distantly, he registered someone calling out, shouting something at John Dory, who'd nodded. Before he could react, John was lifting him and rushing inside, getting them out of the freezing rain and whipping wind and into the warm air of one of the common rooms
The moment they were safe inside, Tiny launched himself from John Dory’s hair and wrapped his arms around Guy, sobbing his little heart out. He was yelling at him, telling him to be more careful, to never do that again, how he couldn't lose him, couldn't be separated from him again
Guy's heart broke at the sight of his son sobbing and he hugged him tightly to his chest. He reassured him that he was alright, he'd be more careful, he'd never leave him again
His attention was brought back to John Dory when he gently set him down on one of the couches. His eyes scanned Guy for a moment as if he were searching for something, then after a moment he nodded, apparently satisfied. He murmured that he'd be right back before rushing off somewhere, leaving Guy and Tiny on the couch
Guy went back to trying to calm his son, reassuring him that he was alright while running his fingers through his hair. After a bit, Tiny seemed to calm down some, and a but after that, his eyes slipped closed and soft snores began to escape him
Guy felt so bad for worrying his son. Tiny was so young, he shouldn't have to worry about the dangers of the world. He shouldn't have to worry about his safety or Guy’s safety. Guilt weighed heavy on his heart and he sighed, leaning back against the couch cushions and staring at the ceiling, lost in thought
Not long after, Guy heard a door opening and glanced over to find that John was back, now carrying a large blanket, a towel, and two steaming mugs. John set the mugs on the coffee table and wrapped the blanket around Guy silently. He then handed him one of the mugs before using the towel to dry Guy's hair. Guy tried to insist that he could do it himself, but JD had just shaken his head
Once done, Guy watched as John Dory set the towel aside before grabbing the other mug and sitting next to him on the couch with a sigh. Neither said anything for a moment, both just sipping their respective drinks
A touch to the side of his neck startled him a bit, and he glanced over at John. JD was staring intently at the side of Guy's neck, his hand just barely hovering over where his tender rash was…or, where it should be
Guy raised a confused brow at him, and when he noticed, John Dory pulled his hand away. After a moment, John murmured that his gills had formed
Guy was shocked for all of two seconds before he realized, oh, so that’s how he'd survived. His gills had probably formed right as he was gasping in water. Softly adjusting Tiny so he was holding him in one arm, he brought his newly freed hand up to his neck to feel
They were flat, smooth against his skin (probably because he wasn't breathing water currently), but they were definitely there. Despite the shock it brought, proof that his body really was changing so he could survive in the sea, he couldn't help but also sag in relief
His thumb traced the seam, the flesh still tender and sore. Quietly, as to not wake Tiny, he told JD his he would've likely died if the gills hadn't formed when they did
He told him how he had been so far from the surface, how he'd begun to weaken, how he'd gasped and felt the salty ocean water flood his mouth and down his throat before feeling pain in the sides of his neck
They lapsed into silence, and he heard John heaving a shaky sigh. Guy almost didn't hear when John spoke next, his voice barely above a whisper when he admitted how terrified he'd been when he saw Guy fall overboard. Guy apologized for scaring him. JD apologized for not being able to grab him before he went over the edge of the ship
Neither looked at the other, each just sipping their drinks as they listened to the storm continuing to rage outside. Slowly, the ship stopped rocking as violently, and the sound of pounding rain lessened. Neither moved, neither spoke, and Guy…he couldn't help the soft smile that appeared on his face despite everything
Y'all, I'd like to apologize in advance, this is the longest one yet
Without further adue
BRANCH WON THE POLL SO IT'S BRANCH TIME BABY LET'S GO
When the flood hit, Branch was the most prepared troll in all of Pop Village. He was a survivalist, he built an entire underground Bunker with a functional elevator by himself, of course he'd know what to do
When the rivers started overflowing, Branch was suspicious from the get go. It was late summer, the snow already melted from the mountains and flooded the rivers. There hasn't been any rain recently, so there's no reason the rivers would've flooded
Branch’s hunch was soon proved correct when the river just kept flooding over, the water reaching the village in no time, causing them all to have to relocate. They went for higher ground, and when the storms came they hunkered down where they could until they ended, and they began moving again
Once they were finally somewhere safe for the time being, they began building boats. King Peppy advised that families and friends should stick together and travel together, and Branch had to agree with him. There was safety in numbers, especially in cases such as this
Branch helped Poppy, the king and the snackpack (along with Prince D, who was visiting when the water started rising) to build a boat that would fit them all, with room to spare, of course. Branch was nothing if not prepared. He'd drawn up blueprints in his spare time on the journey to higher ground, and designed the boat big enough for them all to have their own rooms and bathrooms, a kitchen, multiple storage rooms, a common room and other such amenities. And of course, he built an area above the main deck for farming
Since Satin and Chenille were pros on working with fabrics, Branch asked them to make the sails. Smidge helped with the heavy lifting, since she was by far the strongest out of the Snackpack. Cooper, Prince D, DJ Suki and Biggie helped with gathering supplies and resources. Poppy and Guy Diamond helped with decorations, but pretty much everyone helped with the actual building of the ship
In no time, their ship was built and stocked with enough provisions to last a couple weeks at least. Branch was proud of the ship and the hard work everyone put into it. They sang and danced and hugged throughout the process, but it seemed to make the building go along quicker, if anything, and it boosted everyone's moods. Once the water has risen enough to be lapping against the bottom of the boat, they worked together to push it into the sea before hopping on and setting sail
Other than now having to work harder on surviving, things stayed much the same. They spent their days singing, dancing and hugging while they tended to their little farm, fished, and gathered resources and food from any island's they came across. Most of the group also enjoyed swimming when they had the chance, and Branch would even join them sometimes, but he was a bit more.. suspicious of the water that flooded the world
He'd been working on theories and gatherings clues as to what caused this great flood. Surely, it wasn't natural. There was no way! The world wouldn't just flood without something to cause it. But what could've been powerful enough to do such a thing..? When he wasn't busy foraging, tending to the garden and making sure the ship was still in peak condition, he was usually pouring over the clue board he'd made about the flood
He'd added some.. other changes he'd noticed to the clue board as well, such as how everyone on the ship was developing rashes on their necks, and how he noticed that their skin seemed to be drying out faster while their hair was all still picture perfect, if not looking better than ever. He added how the webbing between their fingers seemed to be inching up to their knuckles, ever so slowly. He'd thought he'd be the only one to notice that, but he saw some of the others glancing at their hands with odd expressions once in a while. A lot of other trolls they came across were having the same exact effects, so it couldn't just be a freak disease that had taken over the ship. Besides, if it was, they wouldn't have as much energy as they did. Other things would be noticed
He was pouring over his clue board again when a theory suddenly came to his mind. He laughed at himself at first, because there was no way, it would be impossible-
He started taking samples of the water that now covered most of the planet, trying to see if there was anything in it that could be causing these changes. He checked the rainwater they collected, ocean water, rivers and creeks if any islands still had them, but each and every time he came up empty. There were no weird chemicals or anything of the sort he could find
There was nothing he could physically see, but the water was the only thing he could think of that would cause these changes! He even checked the fish they caught and any food they grew or foraged, but there was nothing unusual. At this point, the only thing that could be causing these changes was magic! He chuckled at the thought, and pushed it aside… not before adding it to the clue board with a bunch of question marks, though
Occasionally, techno trolls would approach their ship and ask if they needed any help. The next time one breached the surface, Branch asked if they'd noticed anything in the water since the flood hit. The techno troll's eyes widened, and he winced before sighing and climbing onto the ship
He explained everything he knew. Told them about the legends of sirens, of their history with them, how they locked them away. How the sirens broke free right around the time the water began rising
Then, he explained how they filled the ocean that covered the planet with and ancient and powerful magic. He explained that it would slowly change their bodies to become more siren-like. As he explained, he pointed out the changes they were already experiencing. Explained the rashes on their necks would develop into gills, the webbing between their fingers would reach the last knuckle for better swimming, their bodies would grow scales and that their skin was drying faster because it was becoming dependant on the sea water
Everyone had gathered to listen, and everyone looked shocked. Poppy examined her hands, Satin and Chenille ran fingers through their hair. Biggie and Smidge brought hands to the rashes on their necks, Guy and Tiny looked at their glitter-coated skin, and Cooper and Prince D glanced at each other, seemingly have an entire conversation without words
The techno troll continued, explaining that they'd be able to change into the same forms as siren's could. The troll forms — how they looked now, the half forms — what they were going to look like once the changes were complete, and the siren forms — where their legs would fuse into a tail and they'd take on more characteristics of whatever sea creature the ocean decided to attach to them
He explained that the more time they spent in the water, the faster the changes would happen, but they wouldn't be able to stop it. He said not to fear it, it would only help them out in the long run
Branch asked why they would cause the flood to begin with only to help them survive in the end. The techno troll said that their war was with the technos, not with anyone else. Dubz didn't know what they had planned for techno’s, but said not to worry about it. It was the techno’s fight, not theirs
Branch felt bad for them, and could see the others felt the same. The techno troll bid them farewell after that and left, leaving the group in silence. He could see that familiar gleam in Poppy's eyes, one that meant she wanted to help them, she just didn't know how yet. Branch couldn't help but smile at that. She always wanted to help people, and he loved that about her
For the rest of the day, things were a bit more quiet than usual. Everyone thinking about what they'd just learned. Branch sighed and went to find Poppy, wanting to make sure she was alright
The next day, they reached an island and they all unanimously decided to take a day to completely relax. They deserved a day off, especially after all they'd learned yesterday. So they tossed the idea of work to the wind and spent the day relaxing at the beach
Everyone was having fun. Building sandcastles, playing in the waves, relaxing on the sand, floating around, just generally having a good time. Branch was even relaxing, just sitting in the sand and reading a book for once. He was so lost in the pages, he almost didn't hear Tiny scream
He looked up just in time to see a fish come out of the water and latch onto Tiny Diamond, dragging him under, and Guy Diamond frantically diving after him. Branch immediately tossed his book aside and ran into the water after them. Guy hadn't come up for air yet so Branch dove after him. Guy dove pretty far down, so he was slowing down and running out of air by the time Branch got to him and began dragging him up through the water
The moment they breached the surface, Guy coughed and gasped, taking in a large breath, before immediately elbowing Branch in the face and fighting against his hold
Branch understood why he was fighting so hard. Tiny was Guy's son, he loved Tiny more than anything in the world. But, as much as it hurt admit, Tiny and that fish were long gone by now. Branch held onto Guy tightly until he eventually stopped fighting and just went limp in his hold
Branch sighed sadly and began hauling him to shore while Cooper, Prince D and Smidge dove into the water to keep looking for Tiny, just in case
Guy wouldn't stop looking at the ocean once Branch brought him to shore. He just stood there, frozen like a statue, before he eventually crumpled to his knees. Then, to Branch’s utter horror, he slowly began turning grey. From the tips of his hair, moving downwards until he was completely dull, the glitter that made up his skin now matte and lifeless
Branch’s heart ached for him. He didn't know what it was like to lose a child, thank the stars above, but he knew what it was like to lose a family member and he knew what it was like to turn grey. He heard the others gasping in shock, but Branch only frowned and wrapped an arm around Guy, giving him all the comfort he could. The others soon joined in, all wrapping Guy in one giant hug. Guy never hugged back
They had stayed at the island for a week longer than they'd planned to, just in case Tiny somehow showed up, and Guy waited on the beach every day. Tiny never showed. Eventually, they brought Guy back to the ship and to his room. The others were all concerned for Guy, but Branch tried to tell them not to go overboard or push the poor guy too much. He remembered how much the toxic positivity bothered him when he went grey, and knew it could be smothering and overwhelming
Once in a while, Branch would check in on Guy and bring him some food if he noticed he hasn't been eating. Aside from occasionally checking up on him, he gave him some space
For the next 2-3 months, a melancholy air hung around the ship. They all would still sing and dance, but it wasn't the same now that two voices were missing. Guy didn't come out of his room that much. He usually would for meals or to sometimes help Branch when he was brainstorming safety precautions (presumably to make sure nothing like what happened to Tiny ever happens again, or at least that was Branch’s theory), but most days he stayed cooped up in his room
Branch felt bad for him. He wished he could do more to help, but he didn't know Guy like the others did. He could only think to do what he wished others would do when he turned grey — show he cared, but give him enough space to breathe
A few months passed uneventfully, just going from island to island, gathering resources and taking some time to try and relax before setting sail again. It was another normal day for them, they had just docked at an island when something different finally happened
A ship came up beside their own and set anchor. A lone figure wearing a pair of reflective goggles aboard the ship used their hair to board their own boat, landing with a loud thud on the deck. They pushed their goggles up to their forehead and Branch gasped
This couldn't be happening. 20 years of absolute silence, complete separation. 20 years since he left him behind, and suddenly he shows up right when a flood takes over the planet? Branch couldn't believe his eyes. The troll then spoke, stating he was searching for someone when they suddenly locked eyes, and the newcomer aboard their ship grinned and called him a name he hadn't heard in decades
Luckily already good at surviving after being alone in the woods for 20 years
When the water first started rising, he and Rhonda went to higher ground and JD started building his boat. When the rains started coming, a nearby river let into a flash flood and washed them away
JD woke up fine on a dry (for now) piece of land, covered in cuts and scratches but nothing serious
Rhonda was nowhere to be found
He has this hiking pack/backpack type deal he keeps on him that he luckily managed to hold onto, so he still had his survival stuff (and some memorabilia)
Most of his clothes and stuff, though, were lost with Rhonda
He managed to make a decent boat before the water rose too high. With every island he stops at, he tries to expand it to fit Rhonda (and his brothers) when he finds them
Despite losing Rhonda… she isn't his biggest concern. He's looking for his brothers, first and foremost
He doesn't believe they're dead, and he refuses to believe this flood could kill them, but he's a Big Bro™ and he's concerned for his bros so you bet your bottom dollar he's gonna be lookin for them
His boat started small, and he fashioned a paddle out of an old shovel just in case there was no wind to catch the sail
Once the storms finally cleared, the sun started doing its duty, and John Dory had to stop wearing his beloved jacket because it's just too damn hot in the sun
He did, however, fashion himself an open shirt out of some leaves
Now, the seas are pretty trying, a and the creatures even more so. JD can fish better than most, but sometimes fish fight back. He's got a couple scars from having to fight some off
From being alone for 20 years and now the flood, JD is a bit on the feral side. Trusts his instincts, knows how to hunt, great nose and better hearing
Perches on the front of his ship sometimes
He was actually perched on the front of his ship when he saw the tiniest troll floating along on a piece of driftwood
Poor thing looked exhausted and — he looked closer — fuck, the poor thing was bloody-
He quickly jumped into the water, grabbed him gently and brought him onto his boat. The poor thing immediately passed out once it was out of the water and that's when John Dory realized it wasn't just an abnormally small troll, it was a baby
John cursed to himself and quickly brought him inside. He washed him off with a damp rag, wincing at the wounds and hearing the baby's weak grunt of pain, and quickly set about sanitizing and patching the wounds
It was a bit difficult, considering just how small the baby was, but John had plenty of practice patching himself up over the past 20 years living alone in the woods, so he got the job done
He even ground up some medicinal herbs into a paste and smeared it on bandages before wrapping the wounds with them. The salt water would've helped sanitize them and kill the bacteria as it was, the paste was just an extra precaution
JD made a little space in his room for the baby to sleep. Built a little bed the same height as his own with a little railing for safety. Washed an old shirt and cut it up to make a decent blanket
It was a day or two later when the tiny baby woke up. John had placed the baby in the bed he'd made for him for the time being and was brushing his teeth in the connected bathroom at the time. So imagine his surprise when he hears a loud, deep-ass voice calling out and wondering where he was
John Dory got over his shock fairly quickly, and explained how he found him and what he'd done to help. John asked what happened, and Tiny explained his situation
JD felt bad for him. Almost being eaten, almost dying, now not knowing where his dad could be? Tiny Diamond (apparently that's the baby's name) had been put through the wringer
JD mentioned that he was looking for his brothers. Maybe he could help Tiny find his dad too? He was glad he offered ‘cause Tiny little up and, if he wasn't injured, JD was certain he would've jumped on him
It took a few weeks for Tiny to recover, but JD found it was nice to have company on the ship. He didn't realize how lonely it was before
Tiny was such an energetic thing, despite his injuries. JD gave him a stick to help him walk around, and once his wounds had healed, he sharpened the end so he'd be able to defend himself if another fish tried to attack him. He even made a little strap that goes over his chest with a holster in the back so he could carry it around easier
Sometimes he and Tiny would sit in the front of the ship together, Tiny nestled in his hair, and they'd watch the waves and the sky. Sometimes Tiny would talk about his dad and how much he missed him, what he was like, his aunt, and a few others. John got a kick out of his stories
John would tell Tiny stories of his brothers. How they were all in a band, what they were like. He'd tell Tiny silly stories about them to help cheer him up sometimes
John found himself looking out for Tiny more. Making sure he was okay and not doing anything reckless. Helping him when he tried to do “grownup stuff” like furl the sails when they reached land or when he tried so hard to lower or raise the anchor
He started treating Tiny as if he was his own kid, he'd realized at one point after teaching him how to fish. He'd miss the little guy when they eventually find his dad. Having Tiny around almost made him want a kid of his own
Eventually, they found another ship at an island, and JD had Tiny hide in his hair while he spoke to them, just in case
JD lowered the anchor and jumped onto their ship from his own, saying how he was looking for his brothers. That was, of course, right before he spotted one of them. His youngest brother-
