The following morning, Branch prepared Poppy for her journey back to Troll Village.
“The village is on the other side of the ravine," he explained. “The lizards hate fire, so keep this torch with you. You should be home before nightfall."
Poppy smiled. “Thank you... for everything."
“You're welcome," Branch replied, returning the smile.
Poppy's​ Hug Time bracelet went off, but she was already hugging Branch.
“Okay, that's enough," he groaned, and Poppy let go.
“I'll never forget you," she said softly, and headed for the door. “Goodbye, Branch."
“Goodbye, Poppy," he replied.

Once Poppy was gone, Branch felt his heart ache. He knew he wasn't going to see Poppy again, but it hurt too much.
He looked around his home. Poppy left him her scrapbooks and the selfie she took with him. It was in a heart shaped frame covered in glitter. Branch smiled at it and looked down in sadness. He began to wish he told her how much he loved her, but he knew she would never love him. He couldn't risk having his heart broken again.
Branch headed outside and climbed up a tree. Through the forest, he saw Poppy running off in the distance. She made it past the ravine and just halfway to the village. Branch would miss her, but if Poppy was happy, that was enough for him.

🔻🔺🔻🔺🔻🔺🔻🔺🔻🔺🔻

Poppy finally made it to Troll Village. She was finally home. She felt like singing for joy, but she knew she had to find Creek.
“He's gonna get what's coming to him," she growled, and headed for his pod.
When Poppy made it to Creek's house, she saw him looking in a mirror, combing his hair.
“Comb..."
“Hello, Creek," Poppy interrupted. Creek turned around to face the one Troll he thought he'd never ​see again.
“Poppy!" he exclaimed. “You're alive?! I thought you were dead!"
“Well, it's your own fault," Poppy retorted. “Given the fact that you left me out there."
Creek sighed. “Poppy, you don't understand. The branch you grabbed was about to break. We would've both died."
“You could've found another way!" Poppy shouted angrily. “But no! You decided to put yourself first and run away, and I can't be with a man like that. The wedding is off. And when I show myself to the entire village, they will hate you for the rest of your life."
“I see," Creek said calmly. “Well, I guess there's only one thing left to do."
Creek grabbed an empty can of mousse and whacked Poppy in the back of her head with it. The princess was knocked out cold.
“I'm sorry, Poppy," he sighed, “but I can't risk my reputation. But I promise I'll take care of the Trolls when your father's ready to retire."
Creek picked up Poppy, flung her over his shoulder, and he left his house to get rid of her.
Little did he realize he did not go unnoticed...

“Guys!" DJ Suki shouted to the Snack Pack, obviously distressed.
“DJ, what's wrong?" Guy Diamond asked, concerned.
“It's Creek," she panted once she caught up to them. “He... he... he..."
“DJ, just take deep breaths," Biggie said. “Go, girl!"
Suki took deep breaths and was finally able to speak.
“Creek lied to us," she explained. “Poppy's alive. I saw her with my own eyes. Now, I think he's gonna kill her."
“Poppy's been gone for two months," Guy Diamond pointed out. Smidge and Fuzzbert nodded. “How could she still be alive?"
“I have a theory," Cooper claimed. “Poppy's been resurrected by an evil wizard who's using her as his puppet to take over the world! Creek's​ only trying to kill her to keep us safe, because if she runs loose, the world as we know it will be doomed! DOOMED, I TELL YA!"
“Oh, come on, Cooper!" Satin groaned.
“Be realistic!" Chenille added.
Cooper just blushed with embarrassment.
“Guys, we have to stop him!" DJ shouted. “We can't lose Poppy again!"
“But why would Creek do this to us?" Biggie asked.
“I don't know," she replied. “But we have to hurry!"
“Let's get gooooiiiinnnng!" Guy Diamond sang.
“YOLO!" Smidge shouted.
And so, the eight Trolls set off to save their friend from certain death.

Sorry to cut y'all off at such a hilarious cliffhanger.

That song you might've heard, Branch doesn't sing it, but he feels it in his heart.

I hope you're enjoying the story so far. There's only about three chapters left, anyway.

Until next time. 😉