Chapter Text
Branch hummed a pop tune under his breath as he looked around, dodging the huge feet of the tall Rageons. He waved off a few who, after the surprise faded, tried to apologize. After all, he was the one kind of invading their territory at the moment even if other trolls had visited in the past. He found the constant loud parties a little grating even if he was more open to them now. It was still… cool. Hopefully, they don’t have any issues and he can bring Poppy. She would love this energy.
Everything was going great back home. Poppy and the other leaders decided to make a troll town called Trollstopia where all kinds of genres, big and small, could make their home and share their music and culture. While strategizing how to bring in other genres and how to run a city with multiple genres, the Bergens got brought up. The leaders wondered how the Pop trolls got along with the more calm, peaceful species.
After a nice long talk about the Pop Trolls' history with the Bergens, the leaders all decided it would be good to map out other large species/beings and see if they were friends or foes. Groups split up to explore each known species that they were able to mark on maps due to other trolls visiting or passing through. They knew of the Bergens of course. Then there were the Islanders on Vaycay Island, the Rageons on Mount Rageous, the Corporates in Large City, and the Seafairs on the raft island called Calypso.
He had come with Barb and Synth. Well, really it was supposed to be him and Barb after they found out Mount Rageous was a mix of pop and rock music. However, Synth begged to tag along and King Trollex figured it would be good practice for him since he was voted as ambassador for the Techno trolls in Trollstopia.
The reports claimed the Rageons were always friendly to musical beings. Funk had even learned to communicate with them on online boards and something the Rageons called social media. The Funk trolls felt like the Rageons were a cool bunch. Funny and outrageous at times but they were as obsessed with music as the trolls were. They were also the only species that had a way to communicate with other species. The Corporates also loved their technology but they weren’t interested in idle chit chat apparently. It sounded like that would’ve been his jam back when he was grey.
They decided to split up and explore. Barb headed towards the loudest rock bar while Branch decided to see if there were quieter areas. Synth had hopped around for a moment, lost on what to do before he took off causing Branch to shake his head. Well, at least they all knew to meet back up in five hours at their meeting spot. Branch had carefully explained, and re-explained, to Synth about his watch, the timer, and the two alarms that would go off. One when he had an hour left and another when they were due to meet back up in 15 minutes.
He noticed that a few Rageons he bumped into smiled at him and waved and since he did polite, social things now, he would usually wave back. This turned to whispers and wide eyes and he noticed a few devices pointed at him at times. He was sure those were the phones that the Techno and Funk trolls had talked about. According to the information given to him. The phones were used to communicate, take pictures or videos, and play… games. Not sure what kind of games could be played on a phone though.
The attention did make his hair stand on end, but none of the Rageons looked mean or malicious, he would know, but in fact, they looked excited. It was interesting.
He finally found what looked like a cafe or bakery shop. There was no door so he walked right in. Even though the loud, pulsing music from outside could still be heard, the inside wasn’t playing music so the walls at least dimmed the noise to a dull roar. He sighed, smiling slightly and appreciating the break.
He walked up to the main counter and swung his hair up to lift himself up. As he landed, he heard more giggles and whispers behind him. He ignored it for now and gave a small wave when the worker behind the counter spotted him.
The worker let out a gasp, eyes brightening. They started reaching for their phone before they remembered they were on the clock. The…, boy? Girl? It was hard to tell with this one, Rageon, let out a sigh of disappointment before brightening again. “Hey, little man. What brings you here to our little shop?” the Rageon asked.
Branch took a deep breath, a little overwhelmed but honestly, these guys were nothing like the Bergens and the slight fear that was finally letting itself be known now that he was talking to a Rageon was stuffed back down. “Hey, some friends and I are just visiting. We heard you guys love music here and well, we love music too.” Branch explained, wanting to bash his head in. How lame was that introduction! You like music, we like music, let's be friends. Gah!
The Rageon smiled, puffing up proudly. “Heck ya! We live, breath, and die for music here! Man, when all music was gone for those few moments I thought the city was going to tear itself to pieces!”
Branch blinked with surprise. Oh… he hadn’t thought of what happened to music outside of Barb’s ‘concert’. Wow, he wondered if any of the other trolls realized it? “Yeah, it was not a great time,” Branch replied, still too shaken from the revelation to come up with more small talk.
“Yeah, it was. A serious thanks to you and the Queen of Pop… ummm Poppy I think the forum said.” the Rageon replied, having to think of the name.
Now Branch’s mind was really blown. Um, what? They knew about that? Ugh, that explained the excited stares and whispers! He tried to keep a straight face as he looked up at the teenager. Then it finally caught up to him that he was being thanked and his face lit up, “Uh, no really. It wasn’t really me, Poppy did all the hard work along with some other trolls. It was a team effort!” he exclaimed, nervously. He didn’t know why, but good or bad he did not want a lot of attention.
The Rageon laughed, “Dude you’re so modest! We saw you take that shot for the Queen… errr your Queen and um girlfriend if I’m not mistaken from the video. It was so dramatic and intense. Like a huge finale! Even though it sucked what that Rock trolls wanted to do, she did end up putting on quite the show!”
Branch wanted to run away. The whole thing had been recorded? He thought maybe some of the Funk trolls had recorded parts of it with their technology for record-keeping and possibly sharing later if they all escaped. But Barb had recorded it? Oh, he was gonna have some words with her at the meet-up spot. This was just like her! Some kind of funny prank. He would have to talk with Poppy about how to get back at her. Poppy always knew how to rile up the Queen of Rock.
“Uh, dude? Hey, you there?” the Rageon asked.
“Wha- oh yeah, sorry. I’m glad… you um, enjoyed it. I gotta go!” He told the Rageon and jumped down, darting for the door without looking too panicked.
“Oh man! I was gonna ask for a pic. Boss be damned!” the Rageon groaned, throwing their head on the counter.
“Boss be what?” They heard from behind them.
The Rageon stood up, terrified, and turned to their boss. “Oh… hey…” they smiled sheepishly.
Meanwhile, Branch stopped running and stood off to the side of the building, trying to be chill. Part of him wanted to hunt Barb and Synth down and go home. He couldn’t do this, couldn’t do the attention, it reminded him of- NOPE. Not going there.
He decided to take a break from all the prying eyes and turned into an alley. He sat down against the wall, safe from huge feet and stares of excitement.
He leaned forward looking at the floor and used his finger to draw imaginary circles on the ground. It was calming. Just as he was about to pick himself up and continue exploring, a shadow fell over him.
He glanced up and saw two Rageons looking down at him, they… did not look kind. Before, he could even move he was grabbed by the girl. He struggled in her hold as he tried to wiggle out.
“Well, is it him?” the girl asked in a bossy manner.
The boy held up his device, looking at it and then at him. “Yep, this has to be that Branch dude who helped the Pop Queen.” the boy replied, flicking his phone in her direction.
The girl looked too and peered down at Branch, a greedy smile lit up her face, “Perfect.”
—
Floyd leaned his head against the perfume bottle he was trapped in. It had been at least two days according to the weird assistant. He wasn’t sure what was going on. One minute, he was getting a drink at the bar he played for and heading home and then he had been ambushed, grabbed, and stuffed in this container.
He hadn’t even seen his abductors until the next day when they came in, the girl arguing with someone over the phone. He had nervously watched them as they sat down and ordered the weird assistant…, oh wait! Crimp?, around. Yes, he could’ve screamed and pleaded to be let go. But if these guys were anything like the Bergens… it was better to just fade into the background for now.
After a while the siblings, he found out from listening, got up to leave. The girl stopped at his bottle, poking it and making it wobble which made him try to find a way to stay steady. She leaned down, “Soon.” she said with a smile, her eyes glinting.
That had been yesterday. So far the siblings hadn’t come back and that was fine with him. He wasn’t sure what was going to happen. The Rageons had been different from the Bergens. He had been here for almost four months without any issues. Why now? It was like fate was laughing at him. He had been preparing to leave again within the next few days to keep exploring and playing for others but that wasn’t going to happen now.
Just then he heard shouting and winced. Yep, dumb. He brought them into being from thinking of them. He watched cautiously as the door slammed open causing Crimp to scurry around and finish cleaning.
The two siblings were cheering, which was honestly very worrying. He’d rather they argue or argue with someone on the phone. Anything to keep their attention diverted. He froze as the girl's eyes pinned him down.
“Ahhh, can you believe it! How lucky are we!” the girl exclaimed, walking over to the vanity that held Floyd.
Floyd tensed, wondering what was going on.
“I know right? I’m soooo glad I follow so many people on Twixter! Otherwise, we never would’ve known!” the boy said, giving a little wave at Floyd as he slunk down into his seat.
Floyd just stared back. He definitely wasn’t going to play nice but he was still keen on playing the harmless role. It might help lower their guard for him to escape later.
“Guess what little troll.” the girl asked in an off-key little tune.
He winced and stared up at her. Should he answer?
Apparently, he waited too long and the girl rolled her eyes. She tugged out another perfume bottle from her bag and held it in her palm. It was angled just right so he couldn’t see inside but he already knew and he seethed with rage. He stood up quickly, almost too quickly from sitting for two days, and stumbled. He caught himself on the glass wall and looked up at her, speechless.
The girl grinned, her eyes excited from the reaction. She shook the bottle and he heard a voice gasp within, “That’s right! I found you a little friend.” she mocked him.
“Oh, oh! Tell him the best part Vel!” the boy yelled.
Vel? That was the girl's name then or at least a nickname. Floyd thought as he stared up at the girl, holding in a growl.
“Of course! This little troll helped save allll of music with the Queen of Pop but that’s not even the best part. You see, we did a little digging into you and this troll…” she trailed off, glancing at her brother who giggled with excitement.
Encouraged, she glanced back. “It seems a little pop troll or trolls back home finally got with the program and joined those funk trolls on our internet. They added some history of their village and… some info of their famous pop bands or singers…” she smirked, waiting for it to connect.
Floyd listened carefully, shocked at the first bit of information. He remembered the day he went grey. One minute, playing music, and the next he was grey and there was no music to be found. At the time, he had been in a little pop-up village of misfit trolls who had welcomed him in. They had all been playing their favorite song for each other when it happened. Everyone had been confused and scared but before real panicking could start suddenly… everything rushed back. Life and sound and song had all come rushing back in. A troll had hurried to send a bug off to the nearest town to find out what happened but Floyd had been too impatient and took off. Plus… he hadn’t wanted to stick around in a place where he had lost music, even if only for a moment.
When he reached the next town, everyone was muttering about the Rock trolls trying to take music but someone had stopped her. They all had secondhand information so no one was sure what exactly happened. Those were the only details they had at the time. There was talk of a recording you could watch if you had the right technology. Floyd had always wanted to check out Mount Rageous and decided to find out more when he got there. However, he had forgotten. He had gotten swept up in the music and finding out what happened suddenly wasn’t that important. Music was back and that’s all that mattered.
The fact that it was the Queen of Pop escaped him when he finally took in the second piece of information, looking into their history and… bands!
Floyd gasped and became panicked. He tried to calm down, it could be a trick! She could be trying to get a reaction and get him riled up but if she was telling the truth- Then, that bottle held one of his brothers! Who was it? It seemed like something JD would do or maybe Clay… Bruce? But wait, if Pop trolls were still around then did that mean maybe, just maybe it was Branch? Oh god, as much as he wanted Branch to be alive he really hoped that wasn’t his little brother!
Velvet watched the troll spiral and after the amusement faded from watching the troll struggle she poked the bottle to get his attention.
Floyd came back to himself as the bottle almost tipped over before wobbling back into place. He allowed himself to glare at her from his position on the floor of the bottle, partly from his slight panic attack and partly from the bottle almost knocking over.
Velvet smirked at the glare, that was more like it. “That's right!” she said with flare, bringing the bottle down with a small ‘Ta-da!’.
Floyd watched, anxiously. Staring hard into the bottle. The troll was lying on its side, curled up and holding its head. Floyd trembled, not able to tell who it was with the two purple walls of the bottles between them.
Velvet set the bottle down and frowned. She hmmed as she stared down at it.
“Do you think you shook him a little too hard earlier?” her brother asked, nervously. Veneer had been watching the whole exchange like his new favorite show before he noticed the lack of movement.
Velvet rolled her eyes, “Ugh, as if. If he hadn’t been so loud and obnoxious I wouldn’t have done it in the first place. He almost got us caught!” she said, banging her hand down on the stand.
Floyd let out a yelp as everything shook. The other troll shook with the stand and bottle but didn’t move. Floyd stared with concern, worrying his lip between his teeth. He wanted to call out to the troll but he wanted the siblings gone first.
Veneer watched the scene, looking unsure.
“Ugh, it’s fine. The troll is still breathing. He’s just throwing a fit that his shouting didn’t accomplish anything.” she complained, walking away and towards the door.
Veneer gasped and struggled for a moment to get up, tripping over the carpet as he followed behind her, “Wait, I’m coming too!”
Sometime during all the commotion, Crimp had disappeared so all that were left were the two trolls in their respective prisons.
Floyd watched the door before scrambling to the wall closest to the other bottle. If the bottles hadn’t been there, they both could’ve reached out and touched each other.
“Hey! It’s Floyd, do you know me?” he asked, his voice trembling. He would love to see his brothers, but not like this. For the first time ever he really hoped he wasn’t about to see one of his brothers. He didn’t want anyone to share his fate but at least it would be easier if they weren’t related with a ton of baggage to unpack.
The other troll groaned, finally sitting up. “Gods, that hurt.” the troll complained in a low voice.
Floyd strained to make a connection with the voice but he was drawing up blanks. Maybe it wasn’t one of his brothers?
The troll turned and dashed all his hopes into the ground. “Floyd?” the troll asked, wide-eyed.
It felt like a stone had sunk into the pit of his stomach. “Oh gods-” Floyd choked out. “No, Branch, why?”
Branch let out a bitter laugh, “I could ask the same.” he said, expressionless as he took in the situation.
Floyd wondered how Branch was so calm. He was freaking out. Out of all his siblings, why Baby Branch? Well, he wasn’t a baby anymore but he was still Floyd’s only younger sibling.
“How are you not worried?” Floyd asked, unnerved.
“Oh, I’m beyond worried and stressed. But panicking isn’t going to help. I’ve already tried multiple escape methods and nothing. However, there is a plan B.” Branch told him, a small smirk escaping. Branch could do this. He could play it cool. Floyd was within reach- NO. He doesn’t care, Floyd left and broke his promise. He would get them free and they would go their separate ways. He wasn’t going to get attached ever again.
Floyd perked up, “Plan B?” he asked.
“Yep, I’m actually here on a mission, I guess you could call it a diplomatic mission?” Branch started, pausing over the wording. “After the whole rock band concert thing,” he said refusing to call it the rockapocalypse like some were, it was a dumb name. “The leaders of different genres have been working together to build a city for all genres to come together and learn about each other. Then when we talked over the whole Bergen situation, it was decided to send groups to check out other giant races.” he explained before snorting, “So much for the Rageons being ‘friendly’” he said, rolling his eyes.
Floyd bristled at that, “Hey now, I’ve been here for four months and these two are the first issues I’ve had.”
Branch looked at him in disbelief. “Well, I’m glad you’re making friends, but this is not what I would call friendly!” he said, getting angry.
Floyd’s earned flatted and dipped for a moment, “I’m not trying to fight. You can’t judge a whole race on the actions of two of them.” he said gently, sighing as he sat down.
Branch wanted to hold onto his anger but unfortunately, Floyd was right. He scrubbed at his face and sat down too. “I really hate how I haven’t seen you in 20-something years and you already won a damn argument.” Branch grumbled.
Floyd smirked, “It’s the gift of being an older sibling… or at least that’s what Clay would always say.”
Branch frowned at the mention of another brother, “Anyway,” he started, “I’m with the Queen of Rock, Barb, and the Tech Troll’s ambassador. Synth. When I don’t show up at our meeting time they’ll know something has happened.”
Floyd was a little concerned at the avoidance but let it go more curious about his little brother. “Didn’t you guys like… defeat the Queen of Rock?”
Branch smirked, “More like used the power of Pop to make her see the errors of her ways. The number of times Pop’s happiness, forgiveness, and love has saved the day makes me slightly angry.” he sighed. “Poppy just rubs it in my face later,” he continues with a look in his eye.
Floyd perks up, he knows that look. “I see,” he says, smiling and trying not to give away his amusement. “So, you and this Queen Poppy, you’re close?”
Branch jerks up, cheeks flushed and ears red. “Wha- I mean, no- yes. Um, she’s my girlfriend,” he mutters and tries to deflect, “Jeesh, you really don’t pay attention around here, don’t you? You’re surrounded by technology but you don’t know what happened?”
Floyd laughs, “Me and technology don’t really mix. My love of music comes first.” Floyd takes in Branch’s appearance. He’s definitely taller now, which duh, and he’s really grown into that vest- “Hey! My vest! You kept it?” Floyd said, happily.
Branch’s face flushed even more, “Uh. yeah. I guess. It was wash day so you know, the only thing left clean.” he said, picking at the vest.
Floyd’s face lit up, “Well, I’m glad you kept it.” Not calling out Branch’s response. He’d dealt with JD enough times in the past to know when to push and when to pull back.
Branch looked down at his feet, shifting uncomfortably. “Um, anyway… Do you know what they want us for?”
Floyd sat back, humming. “I’m not sure, I don’t-” he said wincing, “I don’t think they want to eat us…”
Branch paled. “That’s good,” he said, sounding out of breath.
“I wasn’t able to follow the whole conversation. That girl’s voice is beyond annoying but it sounded like she was ordering… perfume tops? I’m not sure what that’s going to do though.” Floyd continued, thinking.
Branch snorted at the annoying comment, then pessimistically said, “Maybe they plan to boil us into perfume.”
Floyd’s heart leaps into his throat. “Gods, I hope not.”
Again, speaking of evil, the siblings are heard walking back towards the room. Really, they need to stop jinxing themselves. Him even more so since this was the second time his thoughts seemed to summon them.
Branch almost whimpers but cuts it off. They’ll be fine. His last alarm for the 15-minute warning is about to go off and they would figure out something was wrong soon. Or at least, the alarm would go off if he hadn’t silenced it to keep the siblings from taking it. They could survive about… 30ish minutes right? That should be enough time after the meeting time for them to realize something was wrong… Oh right, then they actually have to find him and his brother and figure out how to rescue them. Shit.
Velvet slammed the door open, oh she did love dramatic entrances. She was followed by her brother and their annoying assistant.
“Oh boys~” she shouted, noticing them both up and facing each other. “Did you have plenty of time to catch up?” she asked.
They both glared at her.
“Ohhh, scaryyyy.” Veneer teased. “They’re so cute when they’re angry” he continues, contradicting himself.
Both Floyd and Branch bristled at the comment.
“Let's put you two to good use!” Velvet exclaimed, grabbing Branch’s bottle for herself and then grabbing Floyd’s bottle and throwing it to Veneer who caught it clumsily.
“Floyd!”
“Branch!”
“Oh calm down!” Velvet rolled her eyes, “This’ll only take a sec.” she told them as she and her brother screwed on perfume tops.
“Oh man, if this works!” Veneer said, happy for his sister.
“Oh, it better. Or that old man is done for.” Velvet grinned at her brother.
“Ooooo girl! I love it when you get vindictive!” Veneer cheered.
“Okay, focus. Ready?” She asked.
“Ready!” Veneer replied.
And just like that, both siblings squeezed the sprayer with the opening pointed at themselves.
Both Floyd and Branch were confused for only a moment before both were racked with pain. They floated in the air before falling back down. Looking at each other and the siblings with panic. What was that!?
Velvet and Veneer glowed, feeling energy surge through them. They opened their mouths and let out beautiful pop voices.
They both grinned in victory. “Let’s go Veneer! Stardom awaits us!” Velvet yelled, grabbing her brother and dragging him out of the room.
Crimp had watched the whole exchange in terror and ran out after them.
The brothers sat in silence for a moment.
“Did-” Branch starts, shocked. “Did they just-”
“Steal our talent? I think so…” Floyd finishes, beyond angry and terrified.
Branch starts hysterically laughing.
Floyd whips his head in Branch’s direction, worried.
“At least they don’t want to eat us.” Branch blurts out between laughs, calming down and almost surprised at the tears tripping down as the laughter turns to sobs.
“Branch!” Floyd gasps, flying into the glass wall closest to him. They were a little farther apart now.
“How fucked up is this,” Branch gasps, trying to scrub the tears away. “I swear every time I start singing again, the world reminds me why I shouldn’t.” he tries to slow his breathing, the gasping breaths not allowing air to get through. He reminds himself how to get through a panic attack, having done this a million times on his own but he’ll admit he had gotten used to Poppy and his new friends helping him through them. If he hadn’t sung during the apparently live performance, Velvet and Veneer wouldn’t have been interested in him. ‘But then. They would’ve taken Poppy or another troll and you never would’ve known about your brother being trapped.’ his voice of reasoning resonated through his mind. That’s true, if not him, then some other unfortunate troll might’ve been caught (he refused to think of Poppy in this situation) or his brother could’ve been alone. “I’m okay,” Branch muttered, hopefully loud enough for Floyd to hear. He took a deep breath and sat up. He wasn’t sure when but somehow he had ended up bent over.
Floyd stared him down. Obviously, Branch wasn’t okay but now wasn’t the time to try and get him to open up. “How much longer before they realize you’re in trouble?” Floyd asked. He really didn’t want to find out the consequences of having your talent sucked dry. How do you even measure how much talent you have? How many spurts did each of them have? And what happens when they have nothing left to give?
Branch glanced down at his watch, glad Floyd was willing to ignore that stupid breakdown. “Any minute now,” he told him.