Veev!!

dreamworks trolls fan not the best at writing!

[xveev]

Pre-Trolls1 React to the Future // My Current Fic

READ HERE

Basically my AU where Poppy, Branch, and The Snack Pack react to the movies, holiday specials, and possibly series (that would probably be in another work though)

They all come from right at the beginning of the movie when Poppy just finished sharing the Great Troll Escape to the younger trolls.

I might add some other characters as the story progresses, but as of now it’s just the Snack Pack.

I am cross-posting here and AO3! (AO3 gets the chapters first, but they should be uploaded here not long after)

Next

or read on AO3:

AO3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/77987851

[xveev]

Trolls Fanfic Prompts

hey guys! I have some writers block so…

I’d like to bring up that I am opening up fanfic requests

I am currently only doing these for the Dreamworks Trolls franchise.

It can be:

– Any Ship (no incest or anything inappropriate or weird like that)

– One shot

– Short story

– Longer story (would take me longer)

– Smut, Fluff, Angst, etc.

I’m pretty much okay with anything!

How or where to request:

Submit a message to my inbox or dm me! I’m completely fine if it’s anonymous, if you want me to credit you for the suggestion please tell me.

Please also state the length you want (not mandatory) and what you want it to be about!

I’ll be posting this on AO3 but also will post it here on tumblr. (If it’s more than a chapter it might have a delay to get on here, I’m more active on AO3)

My AO3 handle is (sugarxcookies) if you want to check it out!

[xveev]

Hii, love the fic!

Been wondering if you had seen the funfair surprise complication? And your thoughts on it :3

Like the funfair surprise series? Yeah! :D

First off, thank uu i’m so glad you’re liking the fic!

I honestly did like the funfair surprise series, however I would have preferred a 2D show instead since the 3D show only had like three minute episodes or so.

I was pretty disappointed when it ended, I feel like there could’ve been so much potential with a 2D show, especially since they could add more characters like BroZone or Kismet (Not the original voice actors, but you know)

They only had Viva, Branch, Poppy, and Tiny as reaccuring characters and I feel like they could’ve and should’ve had more.

I didn’t really like the animation style since of course their budget was low but I still did not like it. I feel like it would’ve just been better if they made it 2D with more (and longer) episodes.

Overall, the stories in each episode were pretty eventful, sometimes predictable—But I still enjoyed and looked forward to the episodes every week.

My honest rating would be an 8/10

I love the concept so much, I just feel like it could’ve been better.

[xveev]

Chapter Seven: First Break // My Trolls React AU

WORD COUNT: 839

PREVIOUS

The screen faded to black as white blocky letters appeared on the screen,

”BREAK TIME”

The Snack Pack looked up curiously at it, waiting for some sort of explanation.

”This is your break time. You now have time to go to the bathroom, eat, or socialize freely. Please return back to your seats when this timer ends.”

Underneath the words that said “Break time” a timer for thirty minutes appeared. As soon as the trolls realized it was counting down they began to look around for some sort of door. 

“Uh… Where do we go?” Poppy asked to nobody in particular.

Her question was answered when a bright white light took over their visions. As it dimmed they became face to face with a wide variety of snacks and a series of doors.

Two of the doors were labeled to be the bathrooms whereas the others were untitled with question marks painted on them. 

“You have thirty minutes. Your time has already started.”

Everyone was quiet for a moment before a brief chatter broke amongst them. 

Branch stood still, staring at nothing in particular, completely zoned out. 

He didn’t know what to say, he didn’t even know what to think. The whole Snack Pack (including Poppy) just saw the reason why he became gray. He never wanted to share that with anybody, especially when Creek was watching. 

At least if Creek ever gave him a hard time about it, Branch could use the betrayal against him.

He wasn’t wild about reliving that event either. Why would you want to rewatch your Grandma getting taken away from your very eyes?

Maybe if his brothers actually came back…

“Branch?” A soft voice spoke up, tapping his shoulder. 

Branch visibly jumped from being so startled, backing away on instinct. 

It turned out to just be Poppy, as he found out when he dared to look up. 

“What is it Poppy.” He couldn’t hold back the sigh that came out of him out of that.  Branch knew exactly what Poppy was going to talk to him about, and he didn’t want her pity. In fact, he would rather everyone forget about it and leave him alone—

“I’m sorry… I should’ve never pressured you to—“

”It’s fine.”

”What?”

”I said it’s fine. Don’t worry about it,” Branch reassured. He said the words out loud before his brain could think. It wasn’t fine, even if she wasn’t worrying about it HE was. 

Branch honestly didn’t want to hurt her feelings, which was weird considering the fact he shouldn’t care about her feelings. She did constantly pester him, which he hated. 

But she still cared.

So shouldn’t he? 

He was snapped out of his thoughts when Poppy waved a hand in front of his face with a concerned expression.

”Branch? Are you listening?”

"Oh, what?...Yeah."

"I'll be here if you need me!" Poppy grinned widely.

Before Branch could reply the voice came back.

"We'd like a couple of trolls to join you for this next movie..."

"Oh boy, who is it?" Biggie asked, joyed. 

“Queen Barb of the Rock Trolls and King Trollex of the Techno Trolls,” the voice responded, leaving the trolls confused.

”Who’s that?” Smidge frowned.

”New friends!” Poppy cheered happily.

All the color in King Peppy’s face drained. “No… No… This wasn’t supposed to happen! You aren’t supposed to find out about this yet…” he mumbled, pacing back and forth.

“What do you mean?” Poppy’s expression dimmed slightly. 

“He means he’s been keeping something from you,” Branch said plainly.

”Branch!”

”Hes right, Poppy,” King Peppy admitted, “I haven’t been completely honest with you… You see, we are not alone. There are other trolls.”

”Really? I can’t wait to meet them!”

”No—“

Before King Peppy could argue they got transported to a new movie theater and automatically got seated. 

Two trolls were in front of the Snack Pack, one standing with a menacing and confident aura while the other just stood uneasily, overly confused.

The female troll had ashy purple skin and a bright red mohawk. Most of her clothing looked ripped with darker colors. Her face also had makeup, mainly black eyeshadow. 

The other seemed to have fins almost— He had blue skin with rainbow colored arms, a pink heart on his chest, and green stringy hair that went upward.

They didn’t look anything like the trolls that lived in Troll village, which confused Poppy. 

“Hi guys!” she welcomed hospitably. 

The female sent her a glare and nasty snarl whilst the other gave her a look of sympathy.

”What?” Poppy mummered.

”I didn’t know we’d have to be with Pop Trolls,” she popped the second “p” with a negative tone in her voice.

“So you already know why you’re here?” Guy Diamond asked.

The troll dismissed him with a wave of her hand, going to sit on the far right, isolated from the rest. The other troll did the same on the left. For some reason they gave extra room this time… maybe it was for the better.

”Trolls Holiday will now commence.”

THANKS TO THE PEOPLE ON AO3 WHO GAVE ME SUGGESTIONS!

[xveev]

Chapter Six: True Colors // My Trolls React AU

WORD COUNT: 3,217

PREVIOUS

The scene changed to the Snack Pack being placed inside a cage by Chef. “Sorry, but I can't have you leaving before tomorrow's dinner. A dinner to which you are all invited. And when I say all... ..I mean every Troll in Troll Village.”

“You'll never find them! Not where they're hiding,” Poppy remarked.

”That’s right Poppy. You sure are clever,” Creek praised, making Poppy blush.

”Awh, thanks Creek! You would want to keep them safe too, you would never sell us out!” Poppy exclaimed.

“You're right. I couldn't find them. But I could with someone they know. Someone they trust.” Chef grinned. “Someone...like this guy.” She pulled out Creek from her fanny pack.

“Creek! You're alive!” Poppy squealed.

”I knew you’d be alive Creek!” Poppy claimed.

”Wow, I guess I did survive,” Creek replied calmly.

“He's selling us out!” Branch accused angrily, attempting to choke Creek with his hair.

“Branch! Wait! I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation. At least give him a chance!”

“Thank you, Poppy. I'm selling you out.”

”So much for saving the village and not selling us out,” Branch said plainly. 

Poppy’s whole facial expression dimmed visibly. She turned to the purple troll who was trying to avoid eye contact.

This time Poppy choked Creek with her hair.

She finally let go. “You better explain yourself, Creek!”

”Yeah, Creek! How could you do this?” Poppy said sharply to him. 

“I— Don’t know— This—This is the future!” Creek stammered.

”So why do you sound so jittery huh ‘mate’?” Branch mocked. He was almost at his breaking point. Why would Creek sell out the whole village and still have an excuse? 

“As I was about to accept my fate, I had what I can only describe as... a spiritual awakening,” Creek explained as the scene changed to a flashback.

”Oh, I bet,” Branch said sarcastically.

”I’m sure I had a reasonable explanation,” Creek argued.

“I don't wanna die! Don't eat me. Eat someone else. Anyone else. Everyone else. But not me!” Creek pleaded.

”Everyone else but you, huh?” Branch snarked. 

“I— I mean…”

”Creek! Think about me, your friends… We’re your friends, right?” Poppy frowned.

”I’m sorry, Poppy.”

“But the king wants to be happy now,” Chef argued.

“Wait! Wait! There must be some other way. I'll do anything,” Creek offered.

The scene changed back to Poppy. “No! Creek, please don't do this,” she cried.

“Believe me. I wish there was some other me-not-getting-eaten way…” Creek started.

”So you’d rather have only yourself live rather than hundreds of trolls?” Branch questioned to rub it in. 

“I don’t know mate, none of this has happened yet,” Creek protested.

”Stop using that as an excuse—“

”Okay if we aren’t using that as an excuse why did you have every invitation Poppy has given you saved—?”

”Stop trying to change the subject!”

”Guys! Stop arguing!” Poppy whined, “what you did was really wrong Creek, Branch might have a point.”

“But there isn't.” Chef sharpened the knife she was holding with a grim expression. 

“And now I have to live with this for the rest of my life. At least you get to die with a clear conscience. So, in a way...you could say...I'm doing this for you. Boop!” Creek snatched her cowbell, booping her nose. Poppy returned it with a disgusted look instead of a look of admiration this time. 

“Don’t victimize yourself Creek,” Branch muttered.

”I’m still in shock-k-k-k!” Guy Diamond exclaimed.

”Me too… Oh my guh Creek!” Smidge agreed.

The scene changed to the trolls standing in Branch’s bunker. “Shh. Listen.”

”It's Poppy's cowbell! My baby did it! Poppy did it!” King Peppy exclaimed, running out of the bunker.

”What! That’s not me don’t go out there!” Poppy yelled at the screen.

”Sweetie, you can’t do anything right now about it—“ King Peppy pointed out.

”—It doesn’t matter! I don’t want you guys to be imprisoned! You’re in danger,” Poppy said.

”You’ve been in danger since the beginning. Your safety also matters as the future queen,” King Peppy countered, “we thought it was you outside!”

”At least you’ll know now…” 

”Creek? Uh-oh.” Creek replied with a halfhearted shrug before being picked up by Chef. 

“Trollstice! Trollstice! Trollstice!” the bergens chanted in unison.

“Now let's prepare the main course. The Trolls!” Creek grinned menacingly, dumping the trolls in a huge pot along with the other chefs.

“Poppy?” King Peppy whispered “Poppy! Thank goodness you're all right.” he ran to her.

”I don’t think she’s okay, King Peppy. Personally I don’t think I’d be ‘alright’ if my whole village was thrown in a pot,” Branch said.

Creek stayed pretty quiet now, only the occasional shuffling of him changing positions in his chair. 

“I'm doing great,” Poppy said monotone. “I got everybody I love thrown in a pot. Thanks for asking.”

The Snack Pack gasped.

”I never expected Poppy to be sarcastic,” Branch said aloud. 

“She has good reason to!” DJ Suki exclaimed. “We all might get eaten!”

“Poppy? Are you being…sarcastic?” Biggie asked hesitantly.

“YES!” Poppy burst.

“Oh, my guh!” Smidge exclaimed, shocked.

“I'm sorry,” Poppy sorrowed, “i don't know why I thought I could save you. All I wanted to do was keep everyone safe, like you did, Dad. But I couldn't.”

”I don’t like watching this.” King Peppy frowned, “Nobody deserves this.”

“Poppy…”

“I let everyone down.”

”No you didn’t, Poppy!” Smidge protested.

”Yes I did, Smidge. If I just hadn’t thrown that party, or been more careful— We wouldn’t be there. We wouldn’t be going to Trollstice as the main course. You were right, Branch. I’m sorry. It’s all my fault,” Poppy stammered.

”Poppy, no,” Branch said, “you didn’t know this would happen. Sure, you should’ve listened to me but you shouldn’t be so harsh on yourself.”

“But, Poppy...” Branch started.

“You were right, Branch. The world isn't all cupcakes and rainbows,” Poppy frowned, going to her knees and starting to turn gray.

”Poppy…” Branch whispered. 

Poppy had brought her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them, hiding her head in the pocket of air. 

The rest of the village followed, color draining out of their once multicolored bodies.

Poppy peaked but quickly swiveled her head down, not bearing to see her village gray. 

Her own color along with the rest of the Snack Pack’s dimmed slightly. 

“You with the sad eyes…

“Don't be discouraged…

“Oh, I realize It's hard to take courage, in a world full of people—You can lose sight of it all

”The darkness inside you can make you feel so small,” Branch sang.

By this time the trolls had started to look up and realize who was singing.

”OH my guh, Branch is singing!” Smidge looked in awe back and forth between Branch and the screen. 

“You sound familiar, were you at a talent show or something…? Your voice is oddly familiar,” DJ Suki muttered, but Branch pretended he didn’t hear her.

The hug time bracelets started going off and Bridget pressed her ear against the pot to listen. “What are you doing? The king is waiting. Get those Trolls out there!” Chef lectured sternly.

“Sorry, Chef!” Bridget apologized before beginning to roll the pot.

“Oh, you are sorry.”

“Show me a smile then Don't be unhappy, can't remember when I last saw you laughing—

Poppy started to look up, and when she did her eyes widened. Her head snapped to Branch. “BRANCH YOURE SINGING?!” 

The little color that was gone returned to her pink palette as a grin grew on her face.

“This world makes you crazy

“And you've taken all you can bear

”Just call me up

“'Cause I will always be there.” he brought Poppy to stand up.

”And I see your true colors

“Shining through

                           “I see your true colors…

”And that's why I love you…” 

“So don't be afraid” Poppy started.

”To let them show

“Your true colors

“True colors are beautiful,” they sang together as the village began to regain color.

”Your voice is beautiful Branch,” Poppy complimented.

”…Thank you…”

I see your true colors

- Shining through

True colors

I see your true colors

That's why I love you—

So don't be afraid

To let them show

Your true colors

True colors

Are beautiful

Like a rainbow

Like a rainbow -

“Thank you!” Poppy grinned at Branch.

“No. Thank you,” he said, genuinely smiling.

“For what?”

“For showing me how to be happy.”

“Really? You're finally happy?” Poppy asked. “Now?”

“I think so,” Branch said, “happiness is inside of all of us, right? Sometimes, you just need someone to help you find it.”

”So I was right!” Poppy exclaimed, turning to Branch who just shrugged.

”I don’t know, were you?” 

“Poppy is always right!” Smidge proclaimed.

“What's gonna happen now, Princess Poppy?” a trolling asked the future queen.

“I don't know. But I know we're not giving up,” Poppy said enthusiastically.

The lid slowly started to open. “No,” King Peppy muttered in fear.

“This is it, Mr. Dinkles. This is it.” Biggie squeezed his pet worm close.

“Poppy!” Bridget exclaimed.

“Bridget?” Poppy questioned. “What are you doing?”

”BRIDGET CAME BACK FOR US?” Poppy shrieked. “She’s going to get in trouble!”

”Im sure you’ll come back for her, Poppy…” Branch assured.

”I am not amused that that’s true, but I know I won’t be able to stop her,” King Peppy sighed, “please stay safe, Poppy.”

“I can't let them eat you. But... Come on!” Bridget said, tilting the pot to the floor. “You gotta go!”

“Hurry! Go, go, go! Get out of here!”

”It’s nice to see a bergen being kindhearted. That is very unusual, nothing I have ever seen before,” King Peppy observed. 

“No! Bridget, if you go in there without us, you know what they'll do,” Poppy protested.

”They might hurt her! Or put her in some weird bergen thing!” Poppy said.

“I know,” she assured. 

“But, Bridget...”

“It's okay. It's okay, Poppy.”

”It’s not okay,” Poppy sniffled.

“Poppy… You don’t even know her yet,” King Peppy said.

”That doesn’t make it right!” Poppy disagreed.

“You showed me what it feels like to be happy,” Bridget admitted. “I never would have known if it wasn't for you, and I love you for that.”

“I love you too, Bridget,” Poppy said.

“BRIDGET!!!” Chef yelled.

“Go on, now. You have to hurry!” Bridget said about to leave.

“Come with us!” Poppy offered.

“And make it easier for them to find you? No way! You have to go. Now!” Bridget said in attempts to leave again.

”Why would you want to bring a bergen with us? What would they even do, the village is ten times smaller than them,” Branch observed. 

“It’s better than her going back there!” Poppy countered.

“Bridget!” Poppy ran to the door but Bridget softly pushed her out, closing the door.

“Bye, Poppy.”

The scene changed to the dining table, ready for Trollstice. “Trolls! Trolls! Trolls!”

“Wait! Chef, shouldn't we wait for Lady Glittersparkles?” Gristle asked.

“You are absolutely right,” Chef nodded. “Now, everyone, there will be no Trolls until the king's plus one has arrived.”

”I don’t like her attitude,” Smidge muttered.

”She’s making the village not like him so they care even less when she murders him for pow—“ Branch started before Poppy elbowed him. 

“I’m sure she will fix it later!” Poppy said. 

“Boo!”

“We've waited long enough!”

“Unless...” Chef smirked.

“Unless, what?” Gristle questioned.

“Well, unless she doesn't come at all. But that's crazy talk. Who wouldn't wanna be with you?” 

“A lot of people,” Chenille said, “terrible fashion sense… and dental hygiene.”

”They’re bergens! They act differently than us,” Poppy explained, which still didn’t change the blue troll’s mind.

“Yeah. Maybe we should start.”

“Trolls! Trolls! Trolls!

“Trolls! Trolls! Trolls!

“Trolls! Trolls! Trolls! Yeah!” they chanted as Bridget rolled the empty pot in.

“Go! Come on. Hurry!” Chef egged on.

“Come on. Everybody, let's go. No Troll left behind! Watch your step,” Poppy said as she motioned the trolls into the tunnels.

“Poppy?” Branch asked.

“Bridget just ruined her life to save ours. It's not right!” Poppy proclaimed. “She deserves to be happy as much as we do. They all do!”

”Yeah! Poppy is going to show them happiness,” Smidge cheered.

”I’m sure we all will! Not just me.” Poppy smiled.

“All right, everybody. Who's ready to eat Trolls?” Chef asked the crowd.

“King Gristle... There is only one thing that will ever make you happy... And only one Bergen who can provide it. Bon appetit!” Chef opened the lid only to be met with an empty pot.

”We escaped safely!” Poppy exclaimed, “I knew we could do it!”

”Im proud of you, Poppy. Just don’t do anything dangerous for now on,” King Peppy ordered.

”Okay, Dad. I’m sure that nothing bad will happen after this.”

“They're gone!”

“Gone?”

“They're gone?”

“Idget...What did you do? You ate them! You greedy, greedy pig,” Chef accused.

”How could she possibly eat all of them in that short amount of time?” Branch questioned, “bergens really have no sense of logic… They don’t get any type of education it seems.”

“No! I...” Bridget weakly protested.

“She ruined Trollstice!” a bergen shouted.

“Guards, lock her up!” Chef ordered.

The trolls flew in on the rollerskate, landing on Bridget’s head and giving her rainbow hair as the rollerskate spun her around. 

“Lady Glittersparkles?” Gristle gasped.

”Could you not see it in the face?” Satin shook her head. “Really?”

”All that changed was her h-h-hair!” Guy Diamond said like it wasn’t obvious, “he wasn’t paying any attention to her!”

“What?” Chef said, confused.

“But how? Why? Why did you do this?” Gristle questioned.

“Because she didn't think you would want someone like her,” Poppy answered.

“I mean, hello? Is it me you're looking for? I don't think so…”

“Guards, finish her!” Chef yelled.

“Wait! King Gristle, when you were with Bridget, you were feeling something, weren't you?” Poppy asked, turning to the bergen king.

“Yeah, I was. I just thought it was too much pizza,” he confessed.

“Me, too,” Poppy agreed.

“That feeling? That was happiness!” Poppy explained.

”I could feel it, it was!” Cooper exclaimed.

”…How?” Branch asked.

”I just did!”

”Okay then.”

“But you have to eat a Troll to be happy. Everyone knows that! Don't you?” Bibbly tilted his head. 

“But King Gristle's never eaten a Troll in his life, right?” Poppy asked in confirmation.

”How do you know that?” King Peppy asked.

”Our scrapbooks!” Poppy revealed, “they have loads of history in them, especially from the Great Escape!”

”They don’t have everything…” A voice came out of nowhere. 

“WHO SAID THAT?”

”I think it was the voice from the beginning that explained where we were,” Branch explained.

”But seriously, what is it missing?”

”Dont listen to it!” King Peppy demanded which caused everyone to fixate back on the movie.

“No, I haven't. Yet, here I am. My belly empty...and my heart full.” Gristle knelt down to put the rollerskate back onto Bridget’s foot before going back up.

”Ah, young love… I’m glad these bergens have been able to find it,” King Peppy said in awe. 

“You’ll make a great grandfather King Peppy!” Cooper stated out of nowhere.

”What?”

”COOPER! I don’t—I’m not—,” Poppy stammered. 

“Don't listen to her! There's only one way to be happy: My way!” Chef exclaimed.

“No!” Bridget protested.

Chef: With me in charge... I'll serve you Troll every day of the year. With me as queen, all of life will be a never-ending feast of happiness! (She forces Gristle to eat Branch.) Come on, eat! EAAAAAAAT!

”I would rather you not eat me.” Branch grimaced visibly at the screen.

“NO!!” Poppy shouted before diving into Branch and knocking him off of King Gristle’s tongue. 

“Phew… Got a little nervous there,” Poppy muttered, only loud enough for Branch to hear.

He turned to her in confusion before turning back to the screen.

“Happiness isn't something you put inside, it's already there! Sometimes you just need someone to help you find it!” Poppy insisted.

“Can I really be happy?” a bergen asked.

Random Bergens: I want to be happy! And me! And what about me?

Other Bergen: Do you really think I can be happy?

“Of course! It's inside you! It's inside of all of us! And I don't think it. I feel it!” Poppy started to go into song:

“I got this feeling inside my bones It goes electric wavy when I turn it on

“And if you want it inside your soul

“Just open up your heart let music take control

“I've got that sunshine in my pocket

“Got that good soul in my feet!

”I feel that hot blood in my body when it drops

“I can't take my eyes up off it moving so phenomenally

“The room on lock the way we rock it [yeah this song is way too long]

”So just dance, dance, dance I can't stop the feeling So keep dancing, come on—!

“Yeah, I can't stop the...”

The trolls squeezed lemon juice into Chef’s eyes. “My eyes!” she roared, falling into the trollstice pot.

”Deserved!” Cooper exclaimed, “I hope that never happens to me, I’ll avoid it for sure!”

”Yeah, that looked terrible Cooper!” Biggie said.

“Let's do it!” Cooper lit a match and rolled her down the hill, making her disappear with Creek still in her fanny pack.

“I can't stop the...

I can't stop the...

I can't stop the...

I can't stop the... I can't stop the...

“I can't stop the feeling!-

“Nothing I can see but you when you dance, dance, dance I can't stop the feeling

“Feel the good creeping up on you so just dance, dance, dance I can't stop the feeling

“All those things I shouldn't do but you dance, dance, dance I can't stop the feeling

“And ain't nobody leaving soon so keep dancing

“I can't stop the feeling

“Got this feeling in my body I can't stop the feeling

“Got this feeling in my body I can't stop the feeling

“Wanna see you move your body I can't stop the feeling

”Got this feeling in my body, come on!”

“Our new queen!” King Peppy announced after placing the crown on the new queen’s head.

”NO. WAY. IM QUEEN?” Poppy squealed. She went over and hugged King Peppy. “Thank you!”

”Well, you showed the bergens true happiness… and saved the whole village!” King Peppy pointed out, “thank you too, Branch. You helped her out the most.”

Branch didn’t respond, he just nodded once before looking at the screen once again.

“Go, Queen Poppy! Way to go, Poppy!

“You did it!” the crowd cheered,

“alright, Queen Poppy!”

“She's my friend! I know her!”

“So just dance, dance, dance I can't stop the feeling So just dance, dance, dance I can't stop the feeling So keep dancing, come on

Smidge lifted the mushroom Poppy and Branch were on. “I know it's not officially hug time yet, but...” he offered a hug.

“Now that I am queen, I decree that hug time...is all the time,” she declared before hugging him.

”BRANCH! YOU HUGGED ME!” Poppy shrieked.

“Future me,” Branch corrected.

“I can't stop the...

“I can't stop the...”

Cloud Guy appeared, “Up high!”

Poppy and Branch exchanged a look before high fiving him at the same time, the credits starting to roll.

[xveev]

Chapter Five: Good Times // My Trolls React AU

WORD COUNT: 4,644

PREVIOUS / NEXT

"Branch, we have to save him!" Poppy pleaded.

"Yes we do!" Poppy agreed. 

"No Poppy, it's already dangerous as if, you can't be going after a bergen!" King Peppy countered. Poppy's ears drooped slightly at this before they perked up,

"Well if there's still more after this it must've gone well!"

"Save him from what? His stomach?" Branch asked in disbelief.

"We didn't see him chew. We didn't see him swallow!"

"It was heavily implied though," Branch pointed out. 

"Face it, Poppy. Sometimes people go into other people's mouths, and they DON'T come out. If we go after Creek now, we're going to get eaten. I'm sorry... But it's too late for him."

Suddenly Poppy jumped onto multiple objects before landing on the back of the maid's apron.

"Poppy!" Branch shouted.

"Oh my god, Poppy! You could've fell!" Smidge exclaimed.

"But I didn't! I'd do anything to save you guys!" Poppy grinned.

Branch follows after her, landing on the other loop on the apron.

"Hmm," Poppy hummed. "Not bad."

The camera followed the maid all the way too her room, cutting to a load of dishes landing on the floor. "Scullery maid! Wash these pots and pans for Trollstice. The king's inviting everyone. Except you."

"He never said that!" Biggie cried.

The rest of the Snack Pack nodded in agreement.

"These poor, miserable creatures don't even know what happiness feels like, do they?" Creek said sympathetically. 

Bridget, the maid, ran to her bed and laid face-first down, sobbing.

"I've been alone with you inside my mind

And in my dreams I've kissed your lips A thousand times I sometimes see you pass outside my door

Hello

Is it me you're looking for?

I can see it in your eyes I can see it in your smile You're all I've ever wanted And my arms are open wide

'Cause you know just what to say You're all the idiots! I have to do everything myself.

And you know just what to do I have to get out of bed, I'm supposed to put my own clothes on, tie my own shoes.

And I want to tell you so much I love you."

She whispered the last part, going back to crying.

”Well that was… something,” Branch said.

"Awh, she's in love with the king," Poppy said like it was the most normal thing in the world.

"Awh!" A majority of the Snack Pack said in synchronization. 

"Love must lead to happiness, right? I knew they could be happy!" DJ Suki concluded.

“What are you talking about? Bergens don't have feelings,” Branch whisper-yelled.

“Well, maybe you don't know everything about the Bergens. Now let's go.” Poppy motioned for him to follow her lead as she ran towards the cage holding her friends.

She pulled off the cover with ease. ”Guys!”

“Poppy!” The Snack Pack celebrated. “Celebrate good times, come on!”

”Are you trying to get caught?” Branch questioned plainly.

”Yes, this is very dangerous Poppy—“ King Peppy started.

”—I’m gonna be OK!”

“It's a celebration—!” Poppy harmonized.

“Shh!” Branch put a finger in front of his mouth in attempts to silence them.

“There's a party going on right here!” The Snack Pack whispered.

“No! There is not a party going on right here!” Branch snatched scissors out of Poppy’s hair and used them to pick the lock.

”Now how did you do that?” Cooper asked.

Branch shrugged. “Doesn’t matter.”

”The sooner we get you guys out of here...”

“The sooner we can save Creek!” Poppy exclaimed.

“What?!” Branch said aloud.

”You wouldn’t want to wake up the bergen, now would you mate?” Creek looked cockily at Branch.

”At least I would have a chance at survival. You wouldn’t because you’re already eaten.” 

“Hello?” Bridget sat up in her bed. “Is it me you're looking for?” she fell back on the bed.

Poppy sighed in relief. “It’s okay guys! She didn’t notice.”

“I know you're looking for the cupcakes and rainbows here, but let's face it, Creek's been eaten,” Branch said.

“They put him in a taco!”

“It was horrible.”

“Sorry, Poppy. Creek's gone.” The Snack Pack empathized.

“Poppy, how could you possibly think Creek's still alive?” Branch questioned.

”Well I can still have hope!” Poppy argued, huffing. 

“I don't think he's alive. I hope he's alive, and that's enough,” Poppy explained.

”Poppy, I love you but I don’t think you should go after him if he’s most likely dead.” King Peppy shook his head. “No offense to you, Creek. I’m sure you’re capable of getting out of the situation if you are alive.”

”I think so too, King Peppy.” Creek smiled tightly. 

“How do you always look on the bright side? There is no bright side here. None!” Branch said in disbelief.

“There's always a bright side!”

”Poppy has a point!” Smidge agreed.

A light flickered before turning on above them. “Hey! Where do you think you're going?” Bridget shrieked.

”And… We got caught and suffered a horrible death the end,” Branch said.

”No! I’m sure she’ll understand!” Poppy proclaimed.

”Yeah! She loves the king so maybe we could help her out and she won’t eat us,” Biggie suggested.

The trolls screamed, scattering all around the table.

“No! Get back in your cage! Chef's gonna be so mad! No!” Bridget pleaded.

“Bridget, stop! You're in love with King Gristle!” Poppy accused.

“I don't know what you're talking about.” Bridget retreated her hands back.

“Girl it’s obvious,” Chenille pointed out.

Poppy went over to her wall.

“Excuse me! That's not mine.”

This time Poppy showed her a picture with both of their faces.

”What does it matter? It's not like he even knows I'm alive,” Bridget sorrowed.

”Awh.” Poppy frowned.

“Bridget, I can help you! What if there was a way we could both get what we want?” Poppy suggested. 

“You love Gristle, too? You'd better back off, girlfriend!” Bridget weakly hissed.

Poppy grimaced slightly at that. “He’s huge! How would that even work?”

“No. Bridget, no. That Troll King Gristle put in his mouth, that's Creek. And I would do anything to save him. The only problem is, we can't get anywhere near the king without him eating us. But... ..you can. You can walk right up to him and tell him how you feel!” Poppy attempted to negotiate.

”How has she not eaten u—“

”Branch, positivity!” Poppy scowled.

”No?”

“As if. I can't just walk right up to the king. His royal awesomeness would never talk to a scullery maid like me.” Bridget twiddled with her hands.

“What if he didn't know you were a scullery maid? What if he thought you were this total babe?” Poppy said.

”And how are you going to do that, Poppy?” Creek questioned.

“I don’t know yet Creek, but I’m sure we’ll be able to save you!” Poppy grinned.

“What kind of total babe would be dressed like a scullery maid? I smell like gravy,” Bridget said, disappointed.

”Why doesn’t she just… stop being a maid?” Cooper asked.

”She needs a job to be employed. We don’t really have that in Troll Village though,” King Peppy explained.

”But we haven’t seen any other bergen with a j-j-jo-ob!” Guy Diamond observed.

“What if we made you a new outfit?” Satin suggested.

“I'm thinking...” Chenille started, “Jumpsuit!” the twins exclaimed.

“What's the point of a jumping suit if I still have this hair?” Bridget muttered.

“We can fix that!” Poppy assured.

“What's the point of a new outfit and new hair, if I don't even know what a total babe would ever say?” Bridget asked.

“We can help with that too!” Poppy reassured.

Branch knew that the Snack Pack would not be prepared for any questions asked and would be put on the spot, but he didn’t comment about it.

“Really?” Bridget questioned.

“What do you say, Bridget? You get us Creek, and we'll get you a date with the king,” Poppy asked again.

“Let's do it?” Bridget said hesitantly.

“A 5, 6, 7, 8…!”

“When you look in the mirror let it disappear All your insecurities!” The Snack Pack sang while giving her a makeover.

“Wait! Why isn't this one singing?” Bridget pointed to Branch.

”Yeah why won’t you sing Branch! It will boost your confidence,” Poppy shared.

”I don’t sing, and I don’t have confidence. And I’m fine with that,” Branch mumbled.

”It’s still a good thing to have,” Poppy argued, “why are you so gray all the time?” 

“Because my skin is gray—“

”What happened to you?”

”Poppy! Pay attention to the movie please,” King Peppy pleaded.

“Come on, Branch. Sing with us!” Cooper encouraged.

“Yeah, Branch, sing with us!”

“No. That's okay,” Branch said casually.

“You don't think this will work?” Bridget frowned.

“No, no. It's not that. I just don't sing,” Branch said.

“Branch!” Poppy said.

“No. He's right. This idea is stupid. King Gristle will never love me-!” Bridget whined, going to cry face down on her bed.

”I literally said nothing like that, she’s overreacting,” Branch pointed out.

”I agree. He just said he didn’t want to sing. Her kind doesn’t sing either, why should she care?” King Peppy wondered aloud. Branch didn’t really like the comparison to a bergen but he appreciated the King’s effort to back him up.

“Come on. Hey, hey. What's all this?”

“That's right, Bridget. Just let it all out.”

“Bridget, let it go. Just have a good cry. Go, girl! Okay, now bring it back in. Reel it in.”

Branch scoffed, climbing up to the windowsill. “Branch, what are you doing? You have to sing!” 

“No I don’t,” Branch said matter-of-factly.

“It wouldn’t hurt you to just sing a few lines,” Poppy pushed.

”I don’t get why it’s so important if everyone else is able to do it.” 

“I told you, I don't sing,” Branch reminded her.

“You have to!” Poppy countered.

“I'm sorry. I can't.”

“No, you can. You just won't.”

“Fine. I just won't.”

“You have to!”

“No!”

“Yes!”

“No!”

“Why not? Why won't you sing?” Poppy cried.

“Because singing killed my grandma, okay? Now, leave me alone.” 

Everyone immediately was silenced, turning to Branch with something new— Maybe empathy or pity. 

Branch sort of zoned out, mindlessly staring at the screen. He didn’t want to talk to any of the trolls about it, and he didn’t want to know if Creek had a smug look on his face or not. 

“My uncle broke his neck tap dancing once,” Cooper said.

Okay that ruined the mood.

Poppy approached Branch, crouching down to be eye level. “How did singing kill your grandma? What song was she singing?”

“I was the one singing.”

[Total Eclipse of the Heart]

”Why are they showing it?” Branch asked to himself

And I need you now tonight And I need you more than ever—

Branch: (voice-over) That day, I was so lost in song, I didn't hear my grandma trying to warn me.

Rosiepuff: Branch! Watch out!

—And we'll only be making it right—

“Watch out, Branch!” Grandma Rosiepuff screamed.

It was weird to see his Grandma again after all these years, even if it wasn’t truly her. Something still ached deep inside of him looking at this troll that was supposedly his grandma.

“Grandma!” Branch yelled as his grandma got taken away.

Once upon a time there was light in his life—

—But now there's only love in the dark—

         —Nothing he can say

               —A total eclipse of the heart

“I haven't sung a note since.”

“I'm so sorry, Branch. I had no idea. I just assumed you had a terrible voice,” Poppy said.

”It was like an angel’s,” King Peppy proclaimed.

Everyone turned to King Peppy.

“No, no, it was like an angel's. At least, that's what grandma used to say. Whoa, whoa. What are you doing? It's not hug time,” he said as Poppy hugged him.

”I remember now. I remember this one singing like it was just yesterday.”

”Why him in particular? Everyone else probably sang more than him,” Creek scoffed.

”No, no, if anything he sang the most,” King Peppy sent a wink to Branch, which only Poppy saw. The future queen cocked her head in confusion, looking back in forth between her father and the gray troll.

Branch knew King Peppy would probably be aware of BroZone, he just didn’t think he’d remember after twenty years let alone that he was in it.

Or maybe Peppy is thinking of someone else.

“I just thought you could use one,” she explained, causing everyone else to join in on the hug.

“Okay. Okay, I'll help. But I'm still not singing!” he argued.

“Okay, people. Hair we go!” 

You—You gotta let it show— 

The Snack Pack harmonized.

“I'm comin'”

                “I'm——comin'”

“All right…out!”

        “I'm comin'”

                                    “I'm comin'”

       “Out I'm comin'”

“Yo! I'm coming out like the sun after rain

“Ready to shine no time to be playin' feelin' good

“Gonna get get what I, what I want gonna show every-

“Everybody

“How I, how I flaunt

“Look at me now, my confidence is soaring

“Dudes be impressed with the points I'm scoring like—“

“That ain't boring!”

”And it just don't quit watch the king drop his jaw When I'm shaking my hips I'm saying She's coming out She's comin'

“It's time to take a stand

- And show the world that I'm comin' out

-She's comin' out!”  They ended harmonizing.

”See! You could do just fine without my singing. All that trouble for nothing,” Branch complained.

”But we learned something new about you! It’s a new step to becoming closer friends!” Poppy said.

“We’re not friends.”

“No, no, no! It's all wrong! I'm the king who's bringing back Trollstice. I need a bib to match,” King Gristle complained.

“Yes, sire!” 

“I look like a child in this one.”

”Because adults don’t usually use bibs, do they?” Creek said like he was curious.

”Maybe it’s different with bergens.” DJ Suki shrugged.

“Oh, sire!”

“I need something elegant, sophisticated. You know, a man's bib.”

”He doesn’t seem like a man to me,” Branch scoffed quietly. Poppy was the only one to hear which made her elbow him in the side.

”Ow! Don’t touch me.”

“Oh, he's so beautiful!” Bridget daydreamed.

“And so are you!” Poppy said confidently.

”Yes she is!” Smidge agreed loudly.

“He'll know that I'm just a scullery maid. I got to get out of here…!” she panicked. 

“I'll be right here for you, Bridget. We all will!” Poppy reassured her.

”Oh I bet,” Branch commented.

“You'll tell me what to say, right?” Bridget asked for confirmation.

“Of course, I will.”

”We will know what to do!” Poppy countered, turning to Branch.

”I bet we won’t even get three sentences in before it gets messed up.” Branch crossed his arms, smirking.

Bridget: Of course, I will.

Poppy: Just wait until we get inside.

“Sire! I believe I have the perfect bib!”

“It better be! Trollstice is tomorrow night. I mean, I look good. But I have to look great!” Gristle exclaimed.

“Right.”

The shop owner brought out another bib. “It's got a wing-dingle on it!”

“Your majesty! Look at you! Such a big, big boy.”

”It doesn’t look like anything special to me.” King Peppy shrugged.

”Dad!” Poppy exclaimed. “Wait a second, what’s a wing-dingle?”

“I love it!” Gristle said, excited.

“I think you look fat,” Bridget said plainly.

”P-H Phat!!!” Smidge yelled.

”Of course! I’m making sure she successfully gets a date with him!” Poppy explained. 

“What?” Gristle asked, enraged.

“P-H, phat. Then strike that pose!” Poppy reminded.

”See?”

“P-H, phat! Euhhh,” Bridget said, doing a pose.

“She sure is trying,” Creek said.

”Yes! And she’s doing great at it!” Poppy said.

“Hot lunch! Total honesty from a total babe. And who might you be?”

“Your name is...” Poppy trailed off.

“Lady!”

“Glitter?”

“Sparkles!”

“Seriously?”

“My name is Lady Glittersparkles, seriously,” Bridget said. 

“I called it,” Branch said before face palming.

”Well! We figured it out!” Poppy protested which the Snack Pack agreed with.

”Yeah! We still figured it out!” Smidge agreed. It felt like she agreed with anything Poppy said, but he could’ve been wrong.

”Poppy… He does have a point,” King Peppy pointed out.

“Well, my Lady Glittersparkles. Would you care to join me for an evening at Captain Starfunkle's Roller Rink and Arcade?” King Gristle asked.

“Would I! Would I?” she questioned her own words.

Poppy: Yes! You'd be delighted.

Bridget: Yes! You'd be delighted.

“ Huh. Indeed, I would.” Gristle smiled.

”How did he not find that suspicious?” King Peppy wondered aloud.

”I believe bergens have a lower intelligence level than us from what I’ve seen,” Branch said with no true scientific evidence.

”That makes sense.”

“When are you gonna ask him about Creek?” Branch turned to Poppy.

“We have to warm him up first. Don't you know anything about romance?” Poppy questioned.

“Of course! I'm passionate about it!” Branch said with fake-enthusiasm.

”Really?” Poppy asked.

”What do you think.”

“Really?”

“Don't you know anything about sarcasm?”

“I think I had a sarcasm once!” Cooper exclaimed.

”That’s not what sarcasm is but okayyy,” Branch trailed off.

”Sure it is!” Biggie grinned.

”You don’t even know what it is—“

“And I'll take one of everything, Bibbly. Things are gonna get messy,” Gristle said, adjusting his bib.

”Please let this be kid friendly,” Branch whispered aloud. 

“Why wouldn’t it be?” Poppy questioned.

”You’ll understand eventually when you’re a married woman,” King Peppy said.

”Why not now?”

“Just— Trust me.”

“Enjoy your pizza. Here's your tokens,” the clerk said in a monotone voice.

“So fancy. Good thing I brought my appetite,” Bridget said in a voice that didn’t sound like her usual one.

“You are fantastic!” Gristle said, watching her devour the pizza.

”She really isn’t,” Branch said.

”Positivity!!” Poppy sternly reminded.

“Bridget! Compliment him back!” Poppy brought the bergen back to reality.

“I like your back,” Bridget said confidently.

Poppy: No! I meant say something nice about him.

“But I do like his back?” 

“Poppy, help her!” Branch whispered.

“Your eyes... They're... Ooh! Your ears...!” Poppy said, trying to find something to compliment about him.

“Your eyes... Ears...”

“Nose!”

“Skin!”

“Neck!”

“Skin, neck, ears, nose, face, back of your head!” Bridget repeated.

”Yeah you guys are doomed,” Branch said flatly.

”You mean we! There’s no ‘you guys’ in team!” Poppy said.

”You dragged me into it— I did not consent—“ 

“No! You had a choice you just uh…”

”Now you know I didn’t willingly come.”

”Ugh! Fine.”

“Are you okay?” Gristle asked, concerned.

“Your teeth!”

“Teeth!”

“What's going on? Are you making fun of me?” Gristle began to get up.

“Your eyes! They're like... two pools, so deep... I fear if I dive in...” Bridget starts—

“See we aren’t completely doomed!” Poppy grinned.

—before it cuts to Branch.

“I might never come up for air.”

“…I might never come up for air.”

”Oh,” Poppy and Branch said at the same time.

“And your smile... The sun itself turns jealous, and refuses to come out from behind the clouds...”

“…Knowing it cannot shine half as bright.”

”Branch what are your intentions with my daughter?” King Peppy asked seeing the troll compliment her directly. 

“What, what do you mean?” Branch questioned, confused.

“I kinda do have a nice smile, don't I?” Gristle sat back down slowly, smiling.

“Yes, you do.”

“I can't believe I'm about to say this...” Bridget started.

“Guys, she's going rogue!” Biggie proclaimed.

“...but being here with you today makes me realize that true happiness is possible,” Bridget flushed.

”Yes!” DJ Suki exclaimed.

”It’s not that easy to convince him,” Branch said.

“ It is! True happiness is a lot closer than you think. It's right here.” Gristle motioned to the gem on his cape.

“That's pretty, I guess,” Bridget replied.

“What do you think now?” Gristle asked, opening it to reveal a distressed Creek.

The Snack Pack immediately went into a chorus of cheers and relief.

”Yay! Creek you’re alive!” Poppy squealed. 

“Creek?” 

“I knew he was alive!” Poppy said.

“Mr. Dinkles, he's alive!” Biggie rocked the pet worm.

“Oh, snap!” the latter said, making everyone gasp.

”MR DINKLES?” Everyone collectively shouted. 

“This is crazy! Dad, did you know about this?” Poppy asked her father.

He remembered the very few sessions he had with the worm. He knew he could talk but… ”What me? What would I know about - talking worms?” 

“You just talked!” Biggie said face-to-face with Mr Dinkles.

“I've been savoring this little guy,” the King explained.

“Help! Mercy!” Creek pleaded.

“Tell me, my lady, will I be seeing you at the Trollstice feast?” Gristle asked, shutting the case.

“Well, duh. I'll be working,” Bridget said with no filter on her voice.

“It!” Poppy said desperately.

“It. Working it. You know... Workin' it!” Bridget got up and began to dance. 

“Yeah! You're not kidding, you will. Because you're gonna be there as my plus one,” Gristle said casually.

”So she is invited now!” Biggie smiled.

”She would’ve been there anyway since she’s a maid though, right?” Branch pointed out.

”I guess-s-s-!” Guy Diamond nodded.

“Really?”

“Assuming you'll say yes?”

“Yes!”

“Meantimes, maybe we should find some other way to...work up an appetite…”

“Oh, yeah? What did you have in mind?”

[insert musical number or something idk]

”Your majesty. You seem to be having... ..fun.” Chef interrupted their rollerskating.

“I am! Meet the lovely Lady Glittersparkles!” Gristle grinned.

“You remind me of someone.” Chef observed the girl.

”We’re done for!” Smidge whined.

”There’s no way! We have her a total makeover,” Poppy said confidentially.

”Yes, I think we did a great job Poppy!”

“She's gonna be my plus one,” Gristle confirmed.

“Oh, I see. For a moment there ,I was concerned you were changing the plan. Well, this won't be a problem at all, Your Highness. I'll just get my worthless scullery maid to get another place setting ready for the lovely Lady Glittersparkles.”

“Put her place setting next to mine. I want her right by my side... Hey! Lady Glittersparkles? Lady Glittersparkles! I'll see you at Trollstice, yeah? I miss you already.” the king put his lips to the rolling wheel, making him retreat back from the friction.

Branch grimaced.

”That must’ve hurt. Why would he do that?”

“Awh, he loves her!” Poppy fawned.

“I think the king really likes us.” Cooper giggled.

“ I know, right?” Biggie agreed.

“That was the greatest day of my life! Thanks, Poppy. Thanks to all of you! Even you, I guess.” she directed to Branch. “I just never thought something like that could happen to me. And it just did! I'm so excited I could just scream.”

“I could scream too! Creek is alive! Branch, what's wrong?” Poppy exclaimed.

“Nothing. I thought we were celebrating?” Branch said, confused.

Creek side eyed Branch, he knew damn well he wouldn’t be celebrating he was alive.

Branch smirked to confirm Creek’s suspicion, which made the latter scoff before turning back to the screen.

“That's your happy shout?” Cooper asked.

“It's been a while,” the grey troll said plainly.

“Well, you're gonna have plenty of practice, because we're gonna save Creek.. And life will be all cupcakes and rainbows again!” Poppy stated.

“Up top!” Branch put his hand in the air, but when Poppy went to high five he moved it away. “Too slow.”

”NO. WAY,” Smidge said aloud. “That’s like—“

”—Awesome,” her and DJ Suki said at the same time.

“Yes! I knew it!” Satin exclaimed.

“Okay, everybody. Let's go save Creek.” Poppy grinned.

The Snack Pack began to run before Bridget blocked the door. “No! No! You can't leave. Lady Glittersparkles is gonna be the king's plus one at dinner!”

”Why would we go to that if we are supposed to be the main coarse?” Biggie said.

”I believe she can go up to the King herself! They love each other,” Poppy chattered.

“The dinner where they're serving Troll? Yeah, I think we're gonna have to skip that one,” Branch said.

“No! No, you have to help me be Lady Glittersparkles. I need you,” Bridget pleaded.

“You don't wanna pretend to be someone you're not forever!” Poppy pointed out.

“Then how about just for tomorrow?” Bridget asked with optimism.

“Poppy! Don’t do it another day, it’s too dangerous, you could get caught,” King Peppy stated.

”Don’t worry Dad, I won’t. I believe she can do it herself, and it’s better that way,” Poppy explained.

“Bridget, you don't need us anymore. You and the king can make each other happy!” Poppy assured.

“That's impossible! Only eating a Troll can make you happy. Everyone knows that! I wish I'd never gone on this stupid date!” Bridget cried, going back to sob on her bed. 

”But didn’t she say true happiness was possible?” Cooper asked.

”Yeah! She said she could feel happiness at that place with the king,” DJ Suki agreed.

“Bridget...” Poppy trailed off.

“Just go! Get out of my room. Leave me alone!” Bridget wallowed. 

“Please, listen!” Poppy pleaded.

“BRRRIDGEEEEEET!” Chef screamed.

“We've gotta go,” Branch told Poppy.

“What's going on down there? Bridget, scrub that dish! The king's bringing a plus one,” Chef said.

“Yes, Chef,” Bridget whispered before going back to crying.

”I feel so bad… She needs a moment to cry,” Biggie said with sorrow.

”That’s right! I hope everything works out okay,” Smidge said.

The scene changed to Gristle on a treadmill. “We can do this, Barnabus. I just have to lose 30 pounds in the next eight hours.”

“There it is!” Poppy said, spotting the gem that supposedly had Creek in it.

“I feel good, I feel good I feel good, I feel good I feel good”

“Creek, we'll have you out of there in a second,” Poppy whispered.

”I hope so,” Creek laughed nervously.

”Yes we will!” Poppy grinned.

Suddenly Barnabus chased after them. “Hurry!”

“It's stuck!”

“Run!”

“I feel love” The King sang as an explosion came from behind him.

“Hey, guys! Over here!” Poppy screamed.

“Everyone, get in! Let's go.”

”Going into a bergen transportation item can not be safe! That’s dangerous Poppy,” King Peppy said.

“Branch, give him to me. Go!”

“Just go!”

“Everybody hold on!”.

“Hold it steady, guys.”

“Satin, Chenille, sharp right!”

“Let's do it!”

“Guy Diamond, glitter him!”

“Eat glitter!” Guy Diamond exclaimed , spewing glitter all over the crocodile before getting up and revealing his polished bum.

”ow…” Guy winced, looking at his new polished bum. That wouldn’t have a great aftermath…

“Hold on! Creek!” Poppy screamed as the went out the window.

“Branch!”

“We got you!”

“Gotcha!”

Poppy opened the case eagerly.

“No.. He can't be gone.”

”No Creek… I’m sorry…” Poppy said, disappointed in herself.

”It’s okay… I’m sure i’m fine,” Creek said, putting a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

“I'm sorry, Poppy. We're too late,” Branch said.

“Actually, your timing is perfect.”

NEXT CHAPTER

I recommend you check out my ao3 if you haven't already! :)

[xveev]

Opinion about Creek before and after the first movie

Hey! Sorry this took so long for me to reply to, I haven’t been very active on tumblr recently. (Read below)

I first watched Trolls when I was rather young, I think a lot of us did considering the fact it came out in 2016.

I remember first watching it I already was annoyed by Creek as soon as he showed up. I still don’t like him that much, but now I can pretty much tolerate him. Back then, I could not STAND him. Especially after he betrayed the village.

I didn’t like how passive aggressive he was when talking to Branch. When I was younger and even now Branch has been my favorite character. Maybe that made me less willing to see how good Creek was as a character, but I’m not sure.

After the betrayal I never saw his point of view about the whole situation. Yes, he was doing it so he could save himself but I still find it pretty messed up.

Either he could sacrifice himself and be known as a hero to the village and they survive, or he could risk the whole village hating him if they survive but if they don’t he wouldn’t have anyone.

It also comes down to logic. Chef could still decide to eat him after Trollstice, so why didn’t he just try to mislead Chef and save both him and the village?

Of course they needed some sort of antagonist for the movie, so I’m not going to deep dive too far into this— But overall I’ve never liked Creek… Before or after the movie.

[xveev]

Chapter Four: Get Back Up // My Trolls React AU

WORD COUNT: 4,876

PREVIOUS / NEXT

The scene cut to Branch in his bunker looking at the invite Poppy had given him earlier. “Celebrate freedom from the Bergens… Celebrate freedom from the Bergens!”

[Branch, you're invited!]

”Oh my gosh you kept the letter?” Poppy grinned, ready to tease Branch. 

“This is the future! It’s not like i’ve kept your invitation yet,” Branch protested.

Pounding could be heard outside and he frantically tried to put the invitation away along with the rest he had. “No! No! No!”

”Looks to me you already have kept a few.” Poppy’s whole face lit up.

”What—I—I did not!” 

“Branch! Branch! Branch!” Poppy continued to pound on the mat. “BRANCH, ARE YOU IN THERE?! Huh?”

Branch slid open the welcome mat viewing spot. “I'm not going to your party.”

“The party's over. We just got attacked by a Bergen!”

“I knew it!” Branch pulled her into the bunker and locked everything, adding additional traps that covered the whole floor. 

“Isn’t that a little much…?” Creek questioned.

”Says the guy who is one of the only ones who gets kidnapped by a bergen,” Branch scoffed. That shut Creek up.

”How would you put all of that away?” Chenille asked.

”Doesn’t matter,” Branch replied flatly. 

“Branch!”

“Shh!” he shushed her in an instant.

“I have to tell you something!” she tried to reason.

“Shhhh!” 

“I was just gonna...”

“SHHHHHH! SHHH! What?! What could be so important that it's worth leading the Bergen right to us?” Branch asked, annoyed.

”How would the bergen find you if you are underground? It’s not like it can get inside,” DJ Suki asked.

”Well I—This is the future! I don’t know.”

“The Bergen's gone!” she countered.

“You don't know that. It could still be out there. Watching. Waiting. Listening…” Branch’s ear perked up.

“No. It left! It took Cooper, and Smidge, and Fuzzbert, and Satin, and Chenille, and Biggie, and Guy Diamond, and Creek!” Branch rolled his eyes at the last name.

”Rude,” Creek muttered.

“Which is why I have to ask you...Will you go to Bergen Town with me and save everyone?” she asked somewhat hesitantly.

”What. For all things trolly what could possibly make you think I’d say yes to that?” Branch asked.

”I probably didn’t think you’d say yes right away.” Poppy shrugged.

”Knowing Poppy she probably has something planned,” Smidge added.

“WHAT? No!” Branch answered in disbelief. 

“Branch, you can't say no! They're your friends!” Poppy said.

“Ah-ah-ah, they're YOUR friends,” he pointed out. “I'm staying right here in my bunker where it's safe.”

“That's great,” Poppy said semi-sarcastically, “You're the one guy who knows more about Bergens than anyone...but when we finally need you, you just want to hide here forever?”

“Forever? No.” Branch pulled the lever on the elevator, making them go downwards.

“Yeah, I really only have enough supplies down here to last me 10 years...11 if I'm willing to store and drink my own sweat. Which I am.” The screen showed several disturbing jars of sweat to prove his statement.

The Snack Pack visibly grimaced at the sight, turning to Branch.

“Okay fine I admit to that… It’s not that weird if it’s survival. Plus, it’s the emergency plan. It’s not like it’s my first choice,” Branch explained, crossing his arms.

“You all said I was crazy, huh? Well, who's crazy now?” He paused as the elevator finally stopped. “Me. Crazy prepared.”

”I think you’re more than one kind of crazy, Branch,” Cooper remarked.

“I'm sorry. I should have listened to you.” Poppy walked after him. “You told me not to throw the party, and I threw it anyway. And it's my fault they were taken. And now I don't know what to do.”

Branch had an amused look on his face. “Why don't you try scrapbooking them to freedom?”

There were some “ooo’s” at that, and Branch snickered. 

“Solid burn, Branch,” Poppy said, accepting. “Well, thanks anyway.” she shrugged.

“Hey, anytime, Poppy. See you in 10 years,” he said with amusement in his voice.

“Oh, hey, Branch? Just wondering if I could borrow something.” she came down again.

“What?” he scoffed.

“Your bunker.”

”WHAT?” Branch said the same time as his on screen self.

“WHAT?” 

“Okay, everybody. Come on in!” Poppy pulled down the lever, revealing a large amount of trolls piling into the bunker.

“Hi, Branch!” one said.

“No! No! No!” he moved frantically. “Whoa, wait! Poppy, what are you doing?”

“You said you have enough provisions to last 10 years, right?”

“Yes, to last me 10 years. Me!” he pointed to himself to emphasize his point. “It'll last them two weeks!” he pointed in the general vicinity.

“Then I guess I better hurry!” she started to leave before he grabbed her wrist.

“Wait, wait, wait! You won't last a day out there.” he let go of it.

“And you won't last a day in here,” she replied. Branch looked around the bunker, taking it the now unfamiliar surroundings.

“Chug, chug, chug!” the trolls chanted as one chugged a whole jar of sweat.

”The ten years is going to be shortened to three,” Branch grumbled. 

“Why are they chugging it? Nast-y-y!” Guy Diamond autotuned.

The camera shifted to kids playing with the bear traps twice their size before shifting back to Poppy.

“Solid burn, returned.”

“Sorry, Branch!” a random troll yelled.

“Poppy, wait.” her father stopped her. “Please be careful.”

“Don't worry, Dad. I can do this,” she assured him confidentially. 

“I love you, Poppy.” he smiled warmly.

“I love you too, Dad.” And with that Poppy walked away, heading to the elevator.

“They grow up so fast.” Keith came out of King Peppy’s hair whereas the king just look kind of annoyed w this kid.

“Bye, everybody! See you soon!” Poppy said, standing on the elevator.

“Good luck, Princess Poppy!” a trolling shouted. Branch pushed to the front to look at her.

She counted down using her fingers, “And three, two, one.”

Their hug time bracelets dinged. “Hug time!”

”You did not,” Branch said, wanting to believe it wasn’t true as he watched himself about to suffer.

Branch looked around in horror. “No.”

“Hug time! Hug time! Hug time!” they chanted, getting closer to him.

“NO! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

What made it even worse was when Branch saw King Peppy in his underwear about to hug him…He jinxed it…

“With her friends safely hidden... ..Princess Poppy set off to rescue her other friends... ..confident she'd make it to Bergen Town on her own. Convinced she'd make it to Bergen Town. Totally sure she'd make it to Bergen Town.” Poppy looked off into the distance, closing her scrapbook that showed a non-pleasant death she could come to.

”Yeah looks pretty accurate.” Branch shifted in his seat. He didn’t how the whole village could be in danger because the bergens were back—How the bergens were back period.

“I really hope I can do it

“'Cause they're all depending on me I know that I must leave the only home I've ever known And brave the dangers of the forest saving them before they're eaten I mean, how hard can that be?

“Looking up at a sunny sky so shiny and blue and there's a butterfly Well, isn't that a super fantastic sign?

”It's gonna be a fantastic day Such marvelousness it's gonna bring Got a pocket full of songs that I'm gonna sing And I'm ready to take on anything Hooray!

“Some super fun surprise around each corner Just riding on a rainbow I'm gonna be okay Hey! I'm not giving up today There's nothing getting in my way And if you knock, knock me over I will get back up again Oh! If something goes a little wrong Well, you can go ahead and bring it on

“'Cause if you knock, knock me over I will get back up again

“Get back up again

“I'm marching along I've got confidence I'm cooler than a pack of peppermints And I haven't been this excited Since I can't remember when I'm off on this remarkable adventure Just riding on a rainbow But what if it's all a big mistake?

“What if it's more than I can take?

“No, I can't think that way

“'Cause I know that I'm really, really, really gonna be okay Hey! I'm not giving up today There's nothing getting in my way And if you knock, knock me over I will get back up again If something goes a little wrong well, you can go ahead and bring it on

“'Cause if you knock, knock me over I will get back up again

“Get back up again

“I'm okay!

“And if you knock, knock me over you knock, knock me over I will get back up again

Poppy was in a bundle of spider webs, her eyes closed as she was clearly tired.

Some spiders approached her body, their beady eyes blinking at her. Branch came at that moment, throwing a frying pan which showed to be ineffective.

”Yikes,” Cooper said a little too energetic. 

He used his hair, swatting them away until a giant creature closed their mouth on them.

He turned and realized Poppy was still there, lying motionless. “Oh, no. Poppy! Hang on!”

Branch got two critter bugs and rubbed them together, sending electronic shock through her body and making her shoot upright.

“Get back up again! Branch, my man! You are right on time,” she said swiftly, standing up.

Branch let the critters go. “Oh, right. Like you knew I was coming.”

”Like I said, Poppy always finds a way,” Smidge reminded.

Branch took a quick glance at the princess. "I'm going to make sure I avoid this interaction, I would rather not get eaten by a bergen."

“Yes! I figured after the third hug time... getting eaten by a Bergen wouldn't seem so bad,” Poppy explained. 

"Why don't you just go right outside the bunker?" DJ asked.

“And I figured there was no way you could do this by yourself. Guess we were both right.” Poppy shrugged at this. 

"Nevermind... No offense Poppy but he kind of has a point."

"DJ!" Poppy squealed. "But I'm about to save you!"

“All right. Let's do this! Sooner we get to Bergen Town, sooner we can rescue everybody... And make it home safely,” she concluded.

Branch took a moment to process what she said, “Wait, wait, wait. What's your plan?”

“I just told you. To rescue everyone and make it home safely,” she said like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"That is not a plan," Branch said.

“Okay. That's not a plan. That's a wish list,” Branch replied blankly.

“Oh! I suppose you have a plan,” Poppy said, still convinced her ‘plan’ was reasonable.

Branch cleared his throat. “First... ..we get to the edge of Bergen Town without being spotted. Then, we get inside by sneaking through the old escape tunnels, which will then lead us to the Troll tree right before we get caught, and suffer a miserable death at the hands of a horrible, bloodthirsty Bergen! Hold on a second, are you scrapbooking my plan?”

Poppy was lying on her belly with her feet kicking in the air as she cut out some pieces of paper for her scrapbook. “Yeah. Almost... Done!”

She held out the final product to him. The trolls all said in high pitched voices, “We did it!”

"Wow Poppy, your scrapbook skills are improving!" Biggie chirped. 

"Thanks Biggie!" Poppy grinned.

Glitter spewed in Branch’s face. He waited until it was done before saying anything. “There will be no more...scrapbooking.”

He didn't particularly like the fact he just got glitter up his nose in the movie, but he could easily avoid that.

It cut to them walking on a log with Poppy singing.

Branch groaned. “Do you have to sing?”

“I always sing when I'm in a good mood!” 

“Do you have to be in a good mood?”

“Why wouldn't I be? By this time tomorrow, I'll be with all my friends! I wonder what they're doing right now!” Poppy gushed.

“Probably being digested.”

The Snack Pack shivered.

"Oh, I hope not!" Satin squeaked. 

“They're alive, Branch. I know it!” Poppy insisted.

“You don't know anything, Poppy. And I can't wait to see the look on your face when you realize the world isn't all cupcakes and rainbows. 'Cause it isn't. Bad things happen, and there's nothing you can do about it,” Branch snapped. 

"I love cupcakes and rainbows!" Smidge yelled.

Not what I meant, Branch thought, rolling his eyes.

“Hey, I know it's not all cupcakes and rainbows. But I'd rather go through life thinking that it mostly is instead of being like you. You don't sing, you don't dance. So grey all the time! What happened to you?” before she could go on Branch shushed her. “A Bergen?” she whispered.

Branch snorted. 

"Yeah what did happen to you, Branch?" Cooper asked, not taking a hint.

"I don't know watch the movie?" 

“Maybe.”

Poppy paused, an annoyed look hinting on her face. “There's no Bergen, is there? You just said that so I'd stop talking.”

“Maybe.”

"Well that didn't tell me anything! Haha!" Cooper laughed.

The scene cuts to night time with Poppy taking out her photos of her friends.

“So special. Good night, Cooper. Good night, Smidge. Good night, Fuzzbert. Good night, Satin. Good night, Chenille. Good night, Biggie. Good night, DJ. Good night, Guy Diamond. Good night, Creek. Boop!” she booped the photo of Creek’s nose.

"Awhh," the Snack Pack said in unison.

“And good night, Poppy!” Branch griped. Poppy’s hug time bracelet dinged and she sat up excitedly.

“Don't. Even. Think about it.”

"Why not Branch! None of my other friends are there!" Poppy complained.

Branch shrugged. "What do you think?"

Poppy started to sing, “Stars shining bright above you…”

“Really? Seriously? More singing?” Branch complained.

“Yes, seriously! Singing helps me relax. Maybe you oughta try it…” Poppy added.

"I don't think Branch has ever sang in his life, maybe he doesn't know how to," Creek said. 

"But I could've sworn..." King Peppy trailed off, looking at Branch. Whatever he was going to say he didn't end up saying. Branch wondered if King Peppy could've remembered he had four brothers, maybe he even remembered they were in a boy band. 

Maybe Grandma Rosiepuff had said something? Branch didn't really want to dwell on it.

Branch scoffed at Creek's remark, turning away from the latter. 

"You don't know anything."

Branch sat up. “I DON'T sing, and I DON'T relax. This is the way I am, and I like it. I also like a little silence!” he went back to lay down, turning his back to Poppy.

The latter got up and started to play the ukulele.

“Hello, darkness, my old friend I've come to talk with you again—“

“Hello,” a creature contributed.

“Because a vision softly creeping left its seeds while I was sleeping and the vision that was planted in my brain still remains within the sound…Of silence.” All the creatures that joined her turned or left as she quieted down, ending the song.

Branch put on a fake smile, “May I?”

"What-t-t-t?" Guy Diamond said, shocked. The rest of the Snack Pack also stared at the screen, surprised.

Poppy handed him the ukulele, giving him a smile. Still smiling, he tossed it in the fire and went back to sleep.

"Oh," The Snack Pack collectively muttered, minus Creek who knew better. 

The scene changed again to the duo approaching a variety of tunnels. “So one of these tunnels leads to the Troll tree,” Poppy stated.

“That's right,” Branch confirmed.

“There's so many of them. I wonder which one,” Poppy wondered aloud.

“I don't know,” Branch said, looking at their surroundings.

“Choose a hole wisely! For one will lead to Bergen Town, and the others, TO CERTAIN DEATH!” a deep voice echoed.

“Who said that?” Branch questioned.

“IT WAS...me.” A walking cloud with socks on revealed himself, walking towards them. “Hey, guys, how's it going? Welcome to the root tunnels. I just wanted to warn you. One of these tunnels leads to the Troll tree...and the others to certain death, death, death, death...” he put his hands in the air for emphasis.

“Do you think you can tell us which is the right one?” Poppy asked energetically.

“You bet!”

"There's no way that cloud is trustworthy," Branch said.

"You don't know that he could become our friend!" Poppy exclaimed.

“Great! No, that's okay. We're fine, thanks!” Branch said, attempting to scoot Poppy away.

“Branch. He's trying to help us!” Poppy pointed out.

“I don't like the looks of him. I mean, who wears socks with no shoes?” Branch looked at the cloud suspiciously. 

"Who even wears socks?" Cooper asked.

"Nobody," Biggie answered.

“He seems to know what he's talking about!” Poppy said which finally made Branch cave in,

“Okay, fine, which way do we go?”

“First, you have to give me a high five. Then I'll tell you,” Cloud Guy offered.

"Maybe he could detect your negative energy Branch, you should try to solve that," Creek said smugly.

"No thanks."

“What? I love high fives. I'll do it!” The Pop Princess held out her hand, ready to give a high five.

“Oh, I know you'll do it. But will he?” he pointed to Branch. “All right, dumpy diapers, up high!”

“Nope, I don't do high fives.” Branch crossed his arms. 

“Come on Branch it’s one high five!” Poppy argued.

“Slap it, boss.”

”Not gonna happen.”

“Party on the top floor.”

“Nope.”

“Little slappy. Make Daddy happy?”

“Ew,” Branch grumbled.

“That's weird.”

“Come on, just one little high five.”

“No, thanks. I'm good.”

“Here, just do this...” Cloud Guy high fived his own hand. “But with your hand.”

“Thank you for that demonstration. Really cleared up exactly what I will NOT be doing.”

“Branch! It's a high five!” Poppy whined. “The others lead to certain death. Get perspective!”

”Yeah get perspective Branch!” Smidge exclaimed. 

“One high five and then you'll tell us which tunnel to take, right?” Branch checked.

“So easy…” Cloud Guy confirmed.

“UGHHHHHHH!” Branch groaned. “Okay, fine!”

He was about to hit his hand until Cloud Guy moved it away. “Too slow.”

”OHHHHH!” The Snack Pack oo’ed. 

“Too slow?” Branch asked, dumbfounded.

Poppy snickered. “Classic.”

Branch turned to Poppy in disbelief. She turned slowly to look at him, her eyes wide.

”This hasn’t happened yet!”

“No, no. All right. I'm gonna let you slide with a fist bump,” Cloud Guy offered again.

When Branch tried to fist bump him this time Cloud Guy started to make different hand movements. “Shark attack! Nom-nom-nom-nom. Jellyfish! Hand sandwich. Turkey. Snowman. Dolphin. Helicopter. Last supper. Monkey in a zoo. What? Gear shift. Okay, okay, okay. Now I'm thinking we hug.”

”Branch hates hugs!” Cooper said like they didn’t all already know that.

Branch clearly agitated at this point snapped a stick and chased after Cloud Guy with it.

Everyone turned to Branch.

“What? Hasn’t happened yet.”

”Branch, I better never hear you choosing violence on an innocent cloud in the near future!” King Peppy proclaimed.

“That's right! You BETTER run, Cloud! I'm gonna tear your little cloud arms off your cloud body, and high five your face with them!”

“He's just a cloud!” Poppy cried out.

“Get back here!”

“Branch! He can help us!”

“Come back!”

“Run, Cloud Guy!”

“I'm gonna kill you!”

Cloud Guy finally stopped running and turned to them. “Ta-da! We're here! You guys are a lot of fun. You know, I gotta go. Got some cloud stuff to take care of. Catch you on the way back? Unless... you die!”

”Oh we… actually made it to bergen town?” Branch questioned his own statement.

The rest of the Snack Pack cheered.

”Yeah! We’re going to be saved-d-d!” Guy Diamond celebrated.

“The Troll tree,” Poppy whispered.

“Bergen Town,” Branch uttered.

“I ain't happy, I'm feeling glad I got sunshine in a bag I'm useless But not for long the future is coming on I ain't happy, I'm feeling glad I got sunshine in a bag I'm useless But not for long the future is coming on Is coming on is coming on Coming on is coming on Is coming on is coming on…”

“Wow. They're as miserable as you. Which means they haven't eaten a Troll yet. Now, come on. Let's go save our friends!” Poppy said as the camera drifted away.

”Really Poppy?” Branch asked, turning to her.

”What? Like I said, you can at least try to be positive!”

“YOUR friends,” Branch corrected.

“OUR friends. Don't fight it,” Poppy insisted.

The scene cut to Gristle on his throne. “Oh, Barnabas. You're my only friend in this whole miserable world. Dad was right. I'll never ever, never ever, never be happy. Never,” he said to his pet—crocodile?

”Its the little child from the beginning?” King Peppy questioned.

”I think so,” Creek confirmed.

“NEVER say never,” a voice announced. She emerged from the pot plant and Barnabas snarled at her. “Chad. Todd,” she said to the guards which made them put their spears down. 

”Oh she’s not looking very fashionable…” Chenille cringed and Satin nodded.

“Chef, where did you come from? My father banished you 20 years ago. Have you been standing behind that plant this whole time?” Gristle asked dumbly.

“If only, sire. No. I've been out in the wilderness... Thinking of nothing but how I let you down. If only there was some way I could make you feel better,” Chef said fake-sympathetically.

”Oooo, that’s suspicious!” Cooper exclaimed.

”Definitely! I wouldn’t trust her one bit!” Biggie agreed.

Branch look the blue troll. “She’s a bergen? Why would you trust her in the first place?”

“Well, fat chance! The only way I'll ever be happy is by eating a Troll... And that ain't gonna happen, thanks to you,” Gristle ranted, crossed his arms.

“But it just might. Thanks to me.” She unzipped her fanny pack, revealing the trolls.

“You found the Trolls. So this means I might actually get to be happy!” Gristle exclaimed.

”I would hate to go into a bergen’s mouth!” DJ Suki shuttered.

”Agreed. Nast-y-y!” Guy Diamond grimaced.

“That's right. Of course, everyone else in Bergen Town will still be miserable... But that's not your concern,” she said with dismiss.

“I am their king, so maybe it kinda is,” he said hesitantly. 

“What exactly are you proposing? Bringing back Trollstice? For everyone?” she paraphrased.

”No!” The Snack Pack collectively yelled in disagreement.

“Yes! That's exactly what I'm proposing!” The king said proudly.

“Great idea, sire. Absolutely brilliant. Aren't you smart?”

”This is terrible! I can’t let this bergen find our home!” King Peppy bellowed.

”It’s going to be okay dad! We’ll save our friends!” Poppy assured.

“I guess I am.”

She went over to the throne and sat on it. “And I, your loyal Chef, will be right behind you. Holding a knife,” she said darkly. 

”She wants power?” King Peppy questioned. “I guess that makes sense, why else would she be so determined to go back to bergen town?”

”And whenever someone is thirsty for power they become more dangerous, especially when they are ruthless,” Branch pointed out.

”Come on Branch! We will be OKAY!” Poppy shrieked.

“What's that?” he turned around, confused.

“Holding a knife, a spoon, a ladle. I'm your chef, after all!”

“Yeah, you sure are.”

Branch wanted to facepalm at this guy’s stupidity. Is it not suspicious if the chef is literally sitting in his throne?

The scene cut to chef going into the kitchen. “I'm back! You, scullery maid, what's your name?”

The bergen seen before in the flashback acknowledged her presence. “Uh... Bridget.”

“Congratulations, Idget. You work for me now. So you take those dishes downstairs and you start SCRUBBING!”

”It’s Bridget! She just said Bridget?” Poppy said to the screen.

“Yes, Chef. Thank you, Chef.”

Chef dumped all the trolls into the cage, locking it.

“Don't cry, Mr. Dinkles. Guys, Mr Dinkles is REALLY FREAKING OUT!” Biggie sobbed.

“Mew,” the pet worm said simply. 

“Looks fine to me,” Branch said plainly.

”No, no, look! He clearly is freaked out!” Biggie insisted, cradling the pet worm like a newborn. 

“Whoa, whoa! Everyone, we must all remain calm. Commmmmb,” Creek said.

“That's right. A calm Troll is a tasty Troll. And you are a key ingredient in my recipe for success. You see... he who controls the Trolls controls the kingdom. And I? I am that ‘he!’” Chef proclaimed. 

“I don’t like that very much. We should stay calm for mindfulness and a healthy mind, not for eating!” Creek said.

“You're a dude?” Cooper asked.

Chef: [grumbles; takes out one of her knives and a lemon and cuts it to pieces; squeezes the lemon juice to Cooper's eyes which causes his screams in pain]

”Why would she do that?” Poppy nearly whispered. “Also why did we have to se her leg…”

“By this time tomorrow, I'll be queen, and all of Bergen Town will get exactly what they deserve. True happiness!” she cackled.

The scene changed to Branch and Poppy in their fire disguise. “So where do you think our friends are?” Poppy asked for his input after the coast was clear.

“If I had to guess, I'd say in a Bergen's stomach.”

”We’re alive Branch, didn’t you see?” Cooper genuinely asked.

”I don’t know that in the future, future me isn’t supposed to know the future?”

“Could you try to be positive? Just once. You might like it,” Poppy suggested.

”And how many times will I be told that?” Branch grumbled.

“Okay. I'm sure they're not only alive... But about to be delivered to us on a silver platter.” he smiled tightly, holding out his hands with the palms up to the side of him.

“Thank you. That wasn't so hard, was it? Branch!” Branch stared at her in disbelief even before the hug time bracelet went off.

“Hug time? Seriously?” 

“Listen,” Poppy insisted.

The scene cut to the trolls being rolled into the dining hall. “This is gonna be the best Trollstice ever! Such a great idea I had,” Gristle praised himself.

”Oh! Poppy is going to find us!” Biggie cheered, causing the rest of the Snack Pack to also. 

“Yeah Poppy!” Smidge screamed.

“Yes. Tomorrow is Trollstice, everyone. And it must be perfect!” Chef shouted.

“Yes, Chef!” The Cooks said in unison.

“Feels great to be ordering everyone around again,” Chef thought aloud.

Poppy pointed to her friends being wheeled around. “Branch, look!”

Branch stared in awe. “They're alive?”

“And on a silver platter, too. We were both right,” Poppy observed.

”See? I was right,” Branch said proudly. He was being sarcastic and Poppy didn’t understand that in the movie but he was still right in the end. None of these trolls seemed to understand sarcasm.

Chef held a bib out to the king. “And to mark the occasion, Your Highness, look. I found your old Troll bib.”

“Wow! I bet you still fit.” the bib squeezed his throat. “Like a glove!” the bib ripped and Cooper let out a loud laugh. “You think that's funny? We'll see who's laughing when I bite your yummy head off. When I bite all y'alls yummy heads off! Wait a minute. Chef, this isn't enough ‘yummy heads’ to feed all of Bergen Town. How are we supposed to have Trollstice if there's not enough Trolls?”

Cooper laughed at the interaction also. ”That was… embarrassing,” DJ Suki observed.

“There's plenty more where that came from, sire,” Chef assured.

“Are you sure? Because I promised everyone a Troll.”

”Why would you do that if you weren’t sure you would have that many?” King Peppy wondered aloud. As a king himself, he knew to never promise your people something you couldn’t guarantee.

“No, no, no, sire! Everything will be fine. If I were truly worried... Would I be willing to do this?” Chef opened the cage and grabbed the closest troll she could clutch which was Creek.

”NO CREEK!” Poppy screamed.

“Creek!” Poppy shrieked. Chef looked up at the chandelier Branch and Poppy were hiding in before looking back down.

“My first Troll!” Gristle exclaimed.

“Go on, eat, King Gristle. Enjoy a taste of true happiness.”

”Oh please don’t let me be eaten,” Creek said. 

“Don’t worry… I’m sure we will save you!” Poppy said.

“Shouldn't we wait for Trollstice?” He stopped Creek from entering his mouth mid-way. The Snack Pack breathed in relief.

“Sire, every day is Trollstice when you have Trolls.”

“Yeah, I guess.” he tried to eat Creek again before stopping. “But my dad said the first time should be special.”

“Well, you're the king now.”

“Yeah, I am the king. But I think I should share this moment with all the kingdom.”

”I don’t think this king will end up eating Creek, he keeps stalling,” DJ Suki pointed out.

”Yeah, and I’m sure Creek would be able to escape either way,” Smidge said in attempts to lift the mood also.

“Eat it!” Chef demanded, shoving the purple troll into his mouth.

”NO!” The Snack Pack, including Creek yelled.

“Oh, my God!” Smidge said.

“NO!” Poppy screamed.

“Yes!” Chef snapped her fingers. “Idget, lock these Trolls in your room and guard them with your life.”

Bridget nodded her head. “Yes, Chef.”

NEXT CHAPTER >>>>

[xveev]

Chapter Three: The Party // My Trolls React AU

WORD COUNT: 2,296

PREVIOUS | NEXT

Poppy closed the scrapbook everyone presumed to be from the beginning. ”Twenty years ago today, King Peppy made us safe. And now every Troll is free to be happy and live in perfect...”

The trollings harmonized with her, “Harmony!” 

“This is the last thing I remember before I came here,” Poppy revealed. 

“I remember coming here before the morning song! I wonder what it looks like here!” Smidge wondered aloud.

“And that’s why we hug every hour,” one of them said.

”Yep!” Poppy smiled.

“I wish it was every half hour,” a slightly disappointed trolling muttered, tracing circles on the ground.

Branch visibly cringed at this. “You would have even less time to do literally anything productive?” 

“Hugging is productive!” Poppy countered.

Branch internally facepalmed.

”We still have plenty of time to do other activities, Branch,” Creek pointed out.

Why did Creek feel the need to be so bothersome? And only to him?

”So do I,” Poppy agreed, “But that wouldn’t save much time for singing and dancing, now would it?” 

“Princess Poppy, do the bergens still want to eat us?” a trolling asked.

”You bet!” she answered, making horrified gasps cast around the room.

”Seems like you don’t care about that though,” Branch said.

Poppy turned to him with genuine confusion. “Is this about the party? We’ll be fine!”

“Yeah sure. Whatever floats your boat.”

“But just because it's the only way they'll ever be happy,” Poppy explained.

“Oh, no. I DO taste delicious.”

“Isn't there anything else to make them happy?”

“Ooh! What about having birthday parties?” A trolling suggested.

“Or slumber parties?”

“Or staring at your parents while they sleep,” Keith said, which gave the other trollings obvious discomfort. 

“Well isn’t that pleasant,” Branch commented sarcastically. 

“Creepy…” Chenille shuttered.

”Oh yeah… I don’t really know why he says things like that, I’m sure he just—Yeah,” Poppy said, realizing the kid was just naturally creepy.

”What an odd one indeed,” King Peppy agreed, nodding.

“But I don't want to be food,” the trolling whined.

“Don't worry. No Troll ever will be,” Poppy assured. “And that's why we're celebrating with the biggest party ever, everybody's gonna be there.”

“Everybody?” Keith asked from her hair, turning his head sideways.

“Everybody,” she said, trying to mimic him. She then took out her cowbell and began to hit it.

”Please don’t tell me I have to watch a musical number,” Branch groaned. 

“Awh, it’s the least you can do since you never are there for the morning song!” Poppy said.

”Everybody isn’t going to be there! Branch never goes to a party,” Cooper pointed out.

”Yeah, but Poppy is still convinced a part of me wants to go,” Branch explained.

”Come on, Branch! I know you have happiness inside of you!” Poppy grinned.

”Absolutely not.”

[Song plays and then ends with the trolls all in a pyramid-like formation]

Slow clapping came as the trolls breathed heavily. 

“Unbelievable guys,” Branch said.

”Oh yeah, this is accurate,” Branch said in approval, causing half the trolls to say “we know”.

“Really, really great. Good job. I could hear you from a mile away!” he said, annoyed.

“Good. I was worried we weren't projecting enough,” Poppy said with no remorse.

“Poppy, if I can hear you, so can the Bergens,” Branch said in a hushed voice.

“Oh, boy.”

“Here we go again.”

“Oh, Branch,” Biggie said almost sympathetically.

“You always ruin everything.”

“Warning us about the Bergens.” Each member of the Snack Pack shared.

“No, I don't,” he said dumbly.

Everyone turned in unison towards him. 

“What?” He said in disbelief, “It’s impossible for me to say it ALL the time…” 

“Not a day goes by.” Smidge shook her head.

The scene switched.

”The bergens are coming! Argh!”

”The bergens are coming! Argh!”

”The bergens are coming! Argh!” this time Branch flipped over a coffin and a troll fell out.

”Now I do NOT remember that,” Branch defended himself. “This probably isn’t completely accurate… right…?”

“It’s okay Branch,” Poppy sympathized, patting him on the back. He didn’t hesitate to remove her hand from him.

“Come on, we haven’t seen a bergen in twenty years! They aren’t going to find us,” Poppy reasoned.

”No, they’re not gonna find me, because i’ll be in my highly camouflaged, heavily fortified, Bergen-proof survival bunker,” Branch huffed.

“You don’t need that bunker! You should stop isolating yourself from us Branch, try coming to a party sometime,” Poppy suggested.

“Oh okay, I’ll try it sometime,” Branch said, smiling slightly.

”Really?” Poppy answered, startled.

”No.”

“You mean you aren’t coming to the party tonight?” Poppy asked for confirmation, slightly disappointed.

”But it’s gonna be the biggest…”

”The loudest…”

”The craziest party ever!” 

“Big, loud, crazy?” Branch questioned in disbelief. “You’re just gonna lead the bergens right to us!”

”Why are you being such a party pooper all the time?” Smidge groaned.

”Yeah okay,” Branch muttered.

“Are you sure you want to invite this party pooper to poop on your party?” Cooper leaned down, whispering into Poppy’s ear.

“Yes. I think everyone deserves to be happy!” Poppy grinned.

“I don't do happy.” Branch scowled.

“Branch, I know you have happiness inside you, you just need our help—To find it!”

“Like I haven’t heard that before…” Branch mumbled, loud enough for only Poppy to hear.

She responded with a slight frown. “Come on, you know it’s true!”

“Celebrate freedom from the Bergens!” the felt Branch on the invitation sang in a high-pitched voice.

“What do you say, Branch?” Poppy asked.

Branch scoffed. “What do you think?”

”Well the worst you could say is no—“

Branch threw the invitation on the ground and stepped on it.

“Oh, my guh!” Smidge said.

“I wouldn't be caught dead at your party, but you will be—Caught and dead,” Branch said harshly.

”You will be,” Branch decided to comment, agreeing with his other self. (Or future self?) He was still coming to terms with this whole “movie”? watching thing. 

He didn’t really have a problem as long as it didn’t overstep any of his boundaries, but he still couldn’t help but be skeptical of the whole idea.

Creek flew in on a critter. “Whoa, whoa. Easy, Branch. Easy.

“Thank you for providing safe passage, brother. Namaste,” Creek said, pressing their temples together.

“Okay, first of all, mate, thanks for sharing your unique perspective on things...Again.” Creek turned to the rest of the Snack Pack, amused by his own joke. They all snickered slightly in amusement also.

Branch off-screen grumbled slightly at this. The trolls seemed to find anything Creek said entertaining, even though that was simply not true. 

“But, just for now, why don't you try on some positivity, eh? A little positivity might go with that vest.”

”That also sounds like someone I know,” Branch said smugly, turning to Creek. He found it funny how this was now the third time he heard Creek say the same line within the span of thirty minutes(?).

“Okay, fine, I'm positive you all are going to get eaten!” Branch smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

Poppy looked between him and Creek wearily before her hug time bracelet dinged, “Hug time!”

Creek smiled, “It is hug time.”

“Hug time!” The rest of the Snack Pack exclaimed.

“That feels good.”

“Our hearts are synchronizing!”

”I can squeeze you forever-r!” Guy exclaimed in his usual autotune-fashion.

Branch shuttered at the thought of being hugged by a large group like this. It scared him to think that there were even larger group huggings like this.

Branch flipped out of the hug, grunting. He picked up his sticks again, “Someday, when the Bergens find us, and the survival of every Troll is in your hands, I sure hope the answer is singing, dancing, and hugging, because that's all you know how to do!”

“That is not true! Poppy can also scrapbook,” Biggie defended, clutching Mr. Dinkles.

Branch scoffed. “I can't believe you're gonna be queen one day.”

”You really should be more positive mate,” Creek commented. 

“Yeah Branch! You might like it!” Poppy added energetically.

“Tune out his negative vibrations, Poppy. They're toxic. Some folks just don't want to be happy,” Creek assured Poppy.

“I guess.” she smiled.

“You guessed right.” he booped her nose. “Boop!”

”Ew,” Branch accidentally said aloud, making Poppy turn to him.

”Whattt! It’s cute!” Poppy giggled.

Branch usually hated signs of affection, and he couldn’t really help it. He did not mean to voice that aloud in anyway. He didn’t want to be verbally attacked (not really) by Creek so he kept his mouth shut. He didn’t want to risk saying a single wrong word and Creek commenting about it.

They both didn’t like each other. At least the rest of the village could somewhat tolerate him. Creek just showed attitude and got away with it whereas Branch would be told to be “more positive”. Yeah no thanks.

“Yeah!”

“I love you so much!”

“Yeah!”

“Whoo! Glitter!” The trolls cheered. Creek catapulted another glitter bomb which hit Smidge, making her fall back and sliding across the ground. Everyone immediately went quiet.

She got up and yelled, “YOLO!!” everyone started celebrating again, partying more than they ever had before.

”This party IS fun!!” Poppy said in admiration to her future self. “And no bergen.” she directed to Branch, who just rolled his eyes. 

“MORE GLITTER!

                  TURN! IT! UP!!!” 

Poppy shouted,

            “I can't hear you!”

The scene changed to somewhere outside of the village where Chef was, looking—Crazy, to say the least.

She snapped her head around. “Trolls.”

”Yeah, no. Looks to me like there is a bergen in sight. Great job Poppy,” Branch said the last part with obvious sarcasm. 

“What…No! No… But—“ Poppy looked around helplessly, turning to her friends for support, then her dad, hoping he would confirm her prediction wasn’t true. He just looked at the screen, heavy worry visibly etched onto his face.

Creek and some others sent some reassurance to Poppy before turning back to the screen.

“Okay, everyone. I just want to take a moment...and get a little real.” Poppy turned to her father.

“Poppy! She's my friend! I know her!” Biggie exclaimed before the other trolls shushed him. Mr. Dinkles mewed as King Peppy cleared his throat.

Poppy continued, “I'd like to take a second to celebrate our king, my father. Who, 20 years ago this night, saved all of us from those dreaded...” before she could finish a single large, heavy footstep was heard.

King Peppy nearly whispered in fear, “Bergens.”

Chef grinned mischievously, “Gotcha.”

Cooper pooped out several cupcakes because of his nervous state. “Uhhhhhhh. Cupcake?” Poppy said, picking up the cupcakes and holding them out.

”Does absolutely nobody find that weird and unsanitary?” Branch asked in disbelief.

”We have bigger problems to deal with! There’s a bergen!” Poppy said.

“RUN!”

“Bergen!”

“Run! Run!”

“Poppy, help!” Everything was a blur, trolls rushing around.

“Mr. Dinkles!” Biggie yelled. “Has anybody seen Mr. Dinkles?” the worm was revealed to be on his back, mewing. 

Everyone turned to Biggie. “Oh dear,” Biggie said, still looking at the screen.

“Biggie!” Poppy yelled as he got taken away. “Blend in! Blend in! BLEND IN!” she screamed.

“POPPY”

“Run, Run, Smidge!”

“Oh, my GOOOOOOOOOD!” Smidge exclaimed as she got pulled up.

“Poppy, help!”

“Hurry!”

“Go! Go! Go!”

“COOPER!” Cooper also got snatched, unable to blend in.

”Everyone, minimize your auras!” Creek yelled before being grabbed also.

Branch knew he would care the least about Creek getting snatched when he heard the news. He honestly didn’t care if the guy got eaten—And yes maybe that sounded messed up—Maybe it was… Maybe he didn’t mean it—But he didn’t really care.

“Creek! No!”

”Poppy!”

“Hold on. Poppy!”

The Snack Pack was protesting and shouting throughout this whole ordeal like it would change anything happening on screen.

“No! Creek!”

Aaargh!“

“BAD Bergen! Bad, bad Bergen!” King Peppy hit the bergen with his cane, “Bad, bad Bergen!”

Branch didn’t think the king out of anybody would lack survival skills this much. Why on earth would weakly hitting the bergen’s toenail do anything?

“Dad!” Poppy dragged her father below a mushroom and camouflaged her hair as the bergen looked under before moving away.

Branch sometimes missed his hair being able to camouflage—After all, it made great survival in dangerous situations involving possible predators.

“Thanks for throwing the biggest, the loudest...” Chef trailed off.

”The craziest party ever!” Cooper finished before his head was being pushed back into the fanny pack so it could be closed.

All of the trolls came out of their hiding spots. “Is it coming back?”

“What are we gonna do now?”

“We have to find a new home. Everyone, hurry!” King Peppy announced.

The Snack Pack turned to the current king. “Leave them behind, dad?” Poppy said, dumbfounded.

”Well—I… It hasn’t happened yet!”

“We have to leave before the Bergens come back!” he added.

“We have to rescue them!” Poppy suggested instead.

“No, Poppy, we have to run. Now, let's go, everyone. Come on!” King Peppy motioned again for everyone to follow him.

“What about ‘no Troll left behind’?” Poppy said which made her father stop in his tracks,

“I'm sorry, Poppy. That was a long time ago. And I'm not the king I once was.”

“Then I'll go. I'll go and save them!” she came up with on the spot.

“No, Poppy. It's too dangerous,” her father reasoned.

”Poppy—It is kind of dangerous…” DJ Suki shared. The rest of the Snack Pack agreed.

”Whatever may happen… I’m sure Poppy can find us a way out!” Smidge assured.

“I have to at least try,” Poppy tried.

“No. You can't go to Bergen Town by yourself. It's impossible.” King Peppy turned around, taking one more glance at his daughter before running away with the rest of the village.

NEXT CHAPTER

By the way, this fic is on AO3! I highly recommend you read it there since the updates will always be there first but here on tumblr it might take me multiple days to get to it. The fic IS AVAILABLE to guests! You do NOT need an account to read it on AO3 but I encourage it if you want to bookmark or subscribe!

LINK HERE! (AO3, archiveofourown)

[xveev]

Do you think Branch would have thrived in a different tribe

Okay wait I love this question.

I really think that’s possible depending on the tribe. The Pop Trolls are not used to sadness, they seemed to be deemed as the happy tribe. Branch seems like the only example of a pop troll that expresses sadness.

I feel like the Rock Trolls would maybe understand him better or the Country Trolls. The Pop Trolls clearly did not understand him in the first movie. They only saw him as the troll that wouldn’t sing, dance, or hug and was overall a party pooper.

The Country Trolls in World Tour show how songs can be emotional and sad at times, which the Pop Trolls aren’t used to. We can see that when Poppy decides to show them “music is supposed to make you feel happy.” Now you can argue she didn’t understand any other type of music to begin with, but I still feel as though this is a prime example.

To put it simply: Yes, I think Branch would’ve thrived in another tribe, especially if he discovered it early on.

I could possibly add onto this if you’d like, too!

[xveev]

Chapter Two: The Great Escape // My Trolls React AU

WORD COUNT: 3,400

PREVIOUS | NEXT

The scrapbook opened up to the page, and suddenly a voice sounded. “Once upon a time, in a happy forest, in the happiest tree, lived the happiest creatures the world has ever known. The Trolls. They loved nothing more than to sing, and dance, and hug. Dance, and hug, and sing, and dance, and sing, and hug, and dance, and hug, and dance, and sing, and hug, and dance, and hug...” Poppy said as the camera went back and forth between three different sections, all displaying either singing, dancing, or hugging. It became more rapid until the felt troll panted heavily and fell on its side.

”Yikes.” Branch grimaced. “That sure is a nice way to explain it, if only it got to the point where you guys were tired of singing, dancing, and hugging like it showed.”

Creek sighed. “No need to be so negative, mate. Try some positivity, eh? Might go with your vest.”

Branch just ignored him instead of responding with something that could make Creek satisfied he got Branch agitated.

“Hey I know why this looks familiar! I showed this to the trollings before I came here! So it will show what happens at the party,” Poppy exclaimed.

“I think the scrapbook looks amazing Poppy! Did you make it?” Smidge asked.

The rest of the Snack Pack nodded in agreement. “Yeah, it’s like—Awesome!” DJ agreed.

Poppy blushed, “Well like… Yeah,” she said, flustered.

”But then one day, the Trolls were discovered by... ..a Bergen! The Bergens didn't know how to sing, or dance, or even hug. They were the most miserable creatures in all the land.” The scrapbook showed how miserable the bergens were with scenes like them giving wedgies or kicking each other.

”Ouch,” Mostly everyone in the room sympathized, including Guy Diamond, who doesn’t have to worry about wedgies since he doesn’t even wear pants. Everyone turned to him.

”I can imagine it still! It sounds embaras-s-sing!” he explained with his autotuned voice. Everyone nodded, turning back to the movie.

“And once they saw how happy the Trolls were, they wanted some of that happiness for themselves. Eating a Troll made them feel so happy, they started a tradition. Once a year, every year, the Bergens would gather around the Troll tree to taste happiness... ...on a holiday they called... ..Trollstice.” Poppy finished and the scene changed to Bergentown, the camera zooming in on King Gristle Sr’s castle at the time.

”Whys this in Bergentown?” King Peppy voiced. “If we somehow end up here again, I have to make sure that’s avoided at all costs!”

”Dont worry dad, a bergen hasn’t shown up in twenty years, we will be fine!” she smiled, pulling her dad in for a hug with reassurance.

“I do wonder what happened after I told that story to those kids. I think this flashback is part of what I said!”

The camera zoomed in farther into the castle itself, showing a long hallway with Gristle Jr on a tricycle pedaling down it. He went up some stairs and into a room where his father was sleeping, and he jumped off the tricycle and onto his Dad with a smile on his face. “Good morning, Daddy! Daddy, wake up! DADDY! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up, Daddy! Wake up, Daddy. Daddy! Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!“ he said, continuously jumping.

”That’s annoying,” Branch said plainly. “Can his dad wake up already?”

“Daddy… Wake UP!” Gristle Jr pulled out King Gristle’s chest hair this time to wake him up, ending up successful as the latter screamed in pain.

“I didn’t really mean it that way but ohh-kay,” Branch countered.

King Gristle picked up the young boy by the diaper. “Gristle! What time is it?” The boy’s eyes lit up, pupils growing in excitement. “It’s Trollsticee!”

“Is this the night of the escape?” Poppy wondered aloud.

“I think so,” King Peppy replied. “That means everyone should be okay here.”

The scene changed to King Gristle kicking open the door. “Trollstice! Our one day to be happy.” The trolls all celebrated, “Yeah!”

“They should really like—Find out how to be naturally happy,” Chenille suggested.

”I agree with Chenille for once. They can attempt to be happy by doing something other than eating us! Even though they are probably incapable of that,” Satin said almost immediately after Chenille. The blue twin side-eyed her, giving a slightly snarky look.

“Trolls! Trolls! Trolls! Trolls! Trolls! Trolls!” The bergens chanted as they walked down the town’s path to the caged Troll Tree. Outside was a purple bergen with greying purple hair that the captions labeled “Chef”. Please give it up for your keeper of the Trolls, your minister of happiness, your Royal Chef...me.”

Everyone shuttered at that. She was scary to them. Branch started to feel uneasy. He knew that had to of been the bergen that took his grandmother all those years ago.

The reason why he was grey.

His brothers also abandoning him could’ve contributed to that also. Why did everyone always leave him?

“This is a very special Trollstice, as there is one amongst us who has never tasted a Troll.” Chef gave a pointed look to Gristle Jr. Gristle jumped in place excitedly, “Me! She’s talking about me!”

“Prince Gristle, the time has come,” she said. The King lifted his son up, “It’s okay, son. I remember being nervous my first time.” Prince Gristle breathed out. “Okay.”

King Gristle smiled, “That’s my boy.”

“This kid is excited over nothing, that’s kind of funny,” DJ Suki said. “Like I know I wouldn’t usually say that but those bergens should find another way to be happy other than eating us!”

The other trolls in the room agreed.

“Maybe we can teach them how to be happy!” Poppy smiled.

”No—What? Are you crazy? Do you want us to get eaten?” Branch sputtered in disbelief. He felt as though Poppy had no sense of cautiousness.

”It is my sacred duty, to imitate you in the ways of true happiness,” Chef said as she entered the cage. She opened a flower and grabbed what appeared to be a troll with a tuft of soft fluffy hair. “I have chosen an extra-special troll, just for you. The happiest, the most positive, sweetest troll of all. And because every prince deserves a princess, I give you the one they call Princess Poppy.”

Most of the trolls in the room audibly gasped. “Poppy got eaten?!” Cooper shouted, dumbfounded.

”Uh, Cooper, she’s still here. This was twenty years ago. We escaped, remember?” Biggie softly reminded him.

Cooper turned to him. “Oh right!”

”She must’ve been spying a lot to know that much information,” Branch blurted. Nobody said anything to counter it because they knew it was disturbing AND true.

Gristle snatched it and looked down at his closed fists around the supposed troll. “Please make me happy, Princess Poppy,” he pleaded before shoving her in his mouth.

Chef looked at him with a mischievous glint still in her eyes, “What are you feeling?”

Prince Gristle chewed uncomfortably until his face morphed into disgust as he spit the troll onto the ground. “That one’s rotten!” This made everyone look down at the troll which they then realized was wooden.

“It’s fake?” Chef said, shocked.

”Fake?!” The bergens collectively said. The King then said “Fake!?” In outrage after everyone.

Chef then slammed her foot against the tree, causing all the other wooden trolls to fall.

“Woah, smart move Dad!” Poppy praised.

Her Dad grinned. “Had to have decoys, couldn’t raise too much suspicion!” he explained even though nobody needed an explanation.

”They’re gone?” Gristle Jr asked with growing disappointment. “Where are they?” King Gristle demanded.

”Don’t worry, sire. We’ll find them.” she snapped her fingers and pointed down, motioning for the guards to put their ears to the ground to find them. This caused everyone else to go down and press their ears to the ground to listen.

”I think I hear something!” Gristle contributed before the camera traveled down to the escape tunnels where all the trolls were running.

“Is that you King Peppy? You look so young!” Smidge asked in awe.

King Peppy chuckled, “Yes, that is me. It’s been twenty years so I have aged quite a bit, haven’t I?”

“You still look quite amazing if I do say so myself, King Peppy,” Creek complimented, earning a ‘thank you’ from King Peppy and (another) eye roll from Branch.

“Go! Go!”

“We got Poppy!”

“Pass her to me! Here comes Poppy!”

“Here she is!” different trolls exclaimed before the final troll final handed the baby princess into her father’s arms

“There's my princess,” King Peppy said sweetly.

“Da-da!” Poppy cooed.

”AWH YOU WERE SO CUTE POPPY!” Smidge screamed, jumping in her seat.

“Adorbs!” Satin whined, “I’d get cuteness aggression!”

”Yes you would,” Chenille agreed. “Every baby is adorbs in your eyes… And mine.”

Poppy giggled. “Thank you guys!”

A troll ran up to him. “King Peppy, some of the others can't keep up.” they said worriedly.

“No Troll left behind!” he yelled, running in the direction of the entrance.

“Thank you, King Peppy!”

“Thank you, King Peppy! Thank you!”

“Thank you, King Peppy.”

“No Troll left behind!” He yelled again, this time he only had underwear because of the articles of clothing he gave up for the sake of the other trolls.

It seemed that only Branch found this weird. Hopefully he wouldn’t have to see that in person one day.

Prince Gristle was obviously getting worried by the second. “Daddy, where are they?” He asked desperately.

In reply to this the King said, “Don’t just stand there! Make my son happy!” he demanded

”He will be happy!” Chef swung her pickaxe with more force this time into the ground which caused the camera to go downwards again.

”He will not in fact be happy,” Branch said coldly.

”Hey, you don’t know that! I’m sure we can teach them what true happiness is,” Poppy said like it was the greatest plan in the world.

”Poppy… I’m sorry but I don’t know if that’s the best idea. It’s still very dangerous. Especially after all these years… they’re even more desperate for trolls now,” King Peppy conflicted, making Poppy rethink.

She ended up not replying, needing more time to think. This made the Snack Pack also seep into silence.

King Peppy’s underwear got caught on the pickaxe so he threw the ball of trolls in his hands down the tunnel, making them roll all the way up to the other end onto the surface.

A troll limped over to the exit, looking worriedly into the tunnel before turning around.

“Where is he?” somebody said, barely above a whisper.

The troll who examined the tunnel said, “I don’t think King Peppy made it.”

Just then a figure emerged from the dust.

”When I say no troll left behind… I mean no troll left behind!!” The figure turned out to be King Peppy (with no underwear) lifting up his fists in triumph, the rest of the trolls cheering.

Guy Diamond found this to be one of the best things in the world, how other trolls other than glitter trolls were “embracing” their true selves.

Nobody else seemed to care except Branch. Why on earth was he naked? Did that pickaxe take his underwear with it?

That made him picture a bergen lifting up a pickaxe and finding no trolls—Only tiny underwear.

“Where am I though?” Poppy asked, turning to King Peppy.

He nodded his head to the screen. “Watch,” he said, amusement hinted in his voice.

“King Peppy, where’s Princess Poppy?” a younger female troll asked.

”Don’t worry, she’s safe,” King Peppy assured, splitting his hair and taking out the small pink trolling.

“No troll left behind!” she said lifting up her two fists in the air just like her father.

Both the Snack Pack and the trolls on screen “awed” at that.

“Awh, Poppy you were sooo cute!” Smidge said again.

“I really was,” Poppy agreed this time.

”But we’ll be a lot safer the further we get away from Bergentown. Go, go, hurry!” and without a second thought the trolls started running away from the tunnels.

“This is when the run was started!” Poppy said vaguely.

”Right the—Uh—forty-something minute run!” Smidge attempted to answer.

“So close,” Poppy said sympathetically.

The scene switched to King Gristle pointing off to the distance at the enterance of Bergentown. “That's right! Take her away! Get her out of my sight! She is hereby banished from Bergen Town FOREVER!”

Chef tried to fight against the arms of the bergens holding her. “We can all be happy again! I'll find the Trolls!”

She got thrown to the ground. “And shove them down your ungrateful throats,” she mumbled with anger, hitting the ground with her closed fist.

”Anddd something’s telling me that she is determined to find our village so she can return to Bergenville! She’ll probably find us at that lovely party you’re throwing Poppy!” Branch said over-enthusiastically.

“A little positivity could go with that vest Branch, so try being positive, huh? How ‘bout that?” Creek said in a friendly tone that Branch knew wasn’t real. He didn’t like Creek and Creek didn’t like him. Simple as that.

The scene changed again to Prince Gristle going up on his father’s lap. “But, Daddy… I never got to eat a Troll. Whats gonna make me happy now?”

King Gristle lifted him up. “Come here, son. Nothing.” his father’s expression immediately dimmed. “Absolutely nothing. You will never, ever, ever, be happy.”

“Never?”

“Ever.”

”Woah. That’s like… Very depressing dude,” DJ Suki said, surprised. They all knew the bergens were miserable but they just wanted to be happy. Even if it meant ending numerous lives. Maybe they could be really nice if they figured out how to be happy on their own.

The scene changed yet again to King Peppy placing down something.

“Here. Right here. This is where we will rebuild our civilization. It has everything we need. Fresh air, clean water... ..and sweet acoustics.“ Peppy took out Poppy who started hitting her cowbell.

”Hey that’s my cowbell!” Poppy said, taking out her cowbell that was in her hair at the moment and grinning down at it.

”Ba de ya say do you remember Ba de ya dancing in September Ba de ya never was a cloudy day…”

NEXT CHAPTER

CHECK OUT THE AO3 TO SEE THE NOTES!

[xveev]

Chapter One: Prologue // My Trolls React AU

WORD COUNT: 1,015

PREVIOUS | NEXT

Poppy had just finished sharing her story about the Great Bergen Escape when she suddenly felt nauseous. Her head whirled, and next thing she knew she was passed out on the ground.

When she regained consciousness she was being shaken until she cracked her eyes open.

Staring back at her was some familiar faces such as Smidge, DJ Suki, and Biggie. (And Mr. Dinkles, how could she forget?)

Her vision was slightly blurred until she forcefully blinked a couple times, only then did she realize the change in her environment. She shot up, moving to sit upright. The trolls who were gathered around her backed up at this, quickly shifting their positions.

”Poppy! Oh my guh, where are we? Do you know?” she recognized Smidge’s voice. She shook her head once, simply.

“No… I’m trying to figure it out though!” she answered, a soft smile on her face.

As Poppy looked around she noticed a couple of things:

1. A blank thing that just looked like a ginormous canvas, maybe Harper is making something?

2. Rows and rows of seats, probably enough to fit at least twenty trolls.

She concluded that Harper just wanted to show her painting to them, but what raised suspicion was that they just appeared here. Poppy didn’t think Harper would forcefully make them come here, especially because they would all willingly go.

Also, she highly doubted this room existed in her village. Especially when there wasn’t a single door in sight.

When she looked around the room some more, she saw the rest of the Snack Pack awakening, including Satin, Chenille, and Creek. There was probably more, but her eyes immediately locked on someone in the corner.

Branch.

He must’ve known what was going on, right? He would know if this was something the bergens made, (Why would she even be thinking that, they were safe from the bergens!) or maybe he could’ve even set this up! Maybe he was just about to go on some lecture about safety and keeping quiet so the bergens wouldn’t find them.

She skipped over to him with a grin plastered on her face as usual.

“Branchh, you know what’s going on—Right? Where are we?”

He raised an eyebrow at this. “You don’t?”

Poppy’s mouth that was agape clicked shut, her eyes widening ever so slightly. “I—Uh—Well, no…”

Before she could think of some excuse or reassurance, they all were teleported to the seats behind them.

“What’s going on?” Biggie asked frantically, turning to Poppy for guidance while clutching Mr Dinkles.

”I—I don’t know…” Poppy admitted, flushed. She didn’t arrange this—She didn’t know who would. As far as she knew teleportation was impossible in her books—Orr she just never thought about it.

She looked on either side of her, seeing a paranoid Branch at the corner seat on her right and her father on her left who was next to Creek.

“Oh! Dad! Do you know what’s going on?” she asked, tilting her head.

He shook his head. His eyes were slightly widened from shock, and he was staring at her curiously, wondering how she could not know what was happening either. After all, she was always throwing weird surprises around.

Just as Branch was going to attempt leaving his seat, a voice sounded:

”Please stay in your seats as I explain everything!”

Branch lowered himself back into his seat, his face now covered with skepticism.

”You all have come here today to react to the future. In another universe you guys are characters in something called a ‘movie’, it’s a trilogy with an additional of two 2d animated ‘series’ and one short 3d animated ‘series’ there’s also two holiday specials that will be shown that take place after each movie except the third one. These are significantly less than the movies, so don’t worry! You probably are all wondering who I am but I promise I’m not a threat. I have this media to share with you today. Don’t worry, time has been paused in your universe. You’ve been transported to this universe so we can show this to you. Do you all understand?”

The rooms was filled with hushed whispers and mixed reactions, some cautious (mainly Branch) and some curious or determined.

Suddenly Poppy shouted out of pure excitement, “YES! I can’t wait to see how fun the party was.”

”Yeah the party where everyone is going to get eaten,” Branch muttered with a light scoff. He was half joking, but he didn’t doubt if it was true. He also didn’t trust this mysterious voice, after all they could just be making all of this up.

Poppy was the only one who heard, rolling her eyes at the statement. Sometimes she felt it was unbelievable how he could be this negative all the time.

“Tune out his negative vibrations Poppy, they’re toxic,” Creek told her from across King Peppy. She just responded with a smile, but this time it was Branch’s turn to roll his eyes.

”Thank you for your cooperation. You may leave your seats at any point when the first movie begins, but you shall not leave the room unless you want to during one of the breaks. During a break you can get food or use the bathroom, but keep in mind this is only during breaks and you must stay in the theater at all times otherwise. Now that this is said, the first movie will now commence in a very short while.”

Branch does not in fact want to react to this so-called future, especially not with Poppy next to him. Sure she could leave her seat, but he highly doubt she or anyone else would want to and she would not let him leave his seat and “isolate himself”. That’s just the way she was with him, she saw everybody as a friend it seemed. (Not always a good thing Poppy)

The blank white canvas-looking thing (what Poppy liked to call it) flickered to life, showing a scrapbook opening to a page full of felt.

“The movie will now begin.”

NEXT CHAPTER

[xveev]

What is your opinion about Poppy and Branch

There’s like a lot I can say about them—I think they have a great dynamic both platonically and romantically!

Like I feel as though they could work well as platonic soulmates with a very strong bond and friendship, but they also are really good partners.

Poppy seemed to try and understand Branch and befriend him since the very beginning. Shes the only one who attempted to help him out or befriend him.

They both obviously love each other a whole lot. If they did end up just friends I feel like me and a lot of others would kinda be disappointed lol

I think they have a very healthy relationship and I believe they’ve taught each other a lot! :D

Hope this answered your question!

[xveev]

Sometimes I find it funny that Poppy could’ve replaced Creek’s picture in the middle (from the first movie) with Branch’s. Like maybe she did forgive Creek but no way she still wants him to be the first one she sees when she takes out those photos.

[xveev]

My Take on Poppy in Trolls: World Tour

Okay so clearly there’s a common opinion that Poppy was pretty annoying in Trolls 2 but here’s my opinion on it.

First of all, this movie probably doesn’t take that far after the first movie—After all, in the beginning she seems to be new to being queen. We also can assume that she’s determined to be a good queen based off of multiple pieces of dialogue throughout the movie. As seen with her dialogue with Branch on the boat where he’s trying to reason with her and she says, “It’s not Hickory you don’t trust, it’s me.” then she goes on to ask if he doesn’t think she’s a good queen.

She clearly cares about what people think of her being queen, and I feel as though the writers wanted to make that one of the conflicts in the story. There’s also this whole thing about her not listening which also is mainly the reason why she can be considered annoying.

Biggie and Branch tried to talk to her about listening (I think Biggie did), however she didn’t seem to be listening to that either, she’s way more focused on being a good queen. It wasn’t until Branch said, “You want to be a good queen? Well good queens actually listen.” This might’ve made Poppy realize what she’d been doing wrong since she started listening not long after. (I don’t quite remember everything)

To basically summarize it: she’s new to being queen, and I feel like her behavior is mostly based off of the desire to be a good queen since shes not quite used to it and doesn’t understand what exactly her people want. (In this case, maybe listening)

HOWEVER, In her dialogue with Queen Barb, Barb says, “There’s so much pressure to be a good queen” Which means Poppy could also be feeling pressure that also contributes to her behavior.

My overall opinion about this is that Poppy’s behavior can be valid, but that doesn’t excuse the fact she was pretty annoying and did not in fact listen. (Not really sure about that last part, that still has to do with her desire to be a good queen)