In the morning, Poppy and her friends got ready to travel to the Enchanted Forest.

     "Oh my gah! This is gonna be so great!" Smidge said, jumping up and down with joy.
"Yes! I can't waaaaaaiiiiittttt!" Guy sang in auto tune.

     Everyone was excited to see the Enchanted Forest, and meet the new trolls, but Poppy was standing away from the group, looking off into the forest.

     "Poppy?" Creek said, noticing the sadness on Poppy's face. "What's wrong?"

     He walked over to her, placing his hand on his shoulder.

     "I... I just..." She sighed, lowering her head. "I know he said he wasn't going to come... but... I was hoping he would change his mind."
"Who?" Creek asked.
"Branch."

     Creek rolled his eyes, pulling his hand away from Poppy's shoulder, so he could cross his arms.

     "That grey, freak? Why would you want him to come."
"Because, Creek. He's my friend."
"Psh... you don't want to be 'friends' with a troll like him."
"What do you mean?"

     Poppy looked at him, confused.

     "He's dangerous, Poppy. Everything he loves dies."
"N... no... that... that can't be true. What about his family?"
"The freak has no family," Creek said.

     She looked away, sadly.

     "He... he's alone? That's so sad. No wonder why he's grey."
"Don't pitty the fool," Creek said, scrunching his nose. "It's his own fault. And if you try to be friends with him, the same thing will happen to you."

     "No," Poppy said, softly, looking back into the forest. "You're wrong Creek. Branch has a heart of gold. I can see it."
"Hey... I'm just trying to keep you safe. I love you, Poppy."

     Poppy smiled, looking back at him.

     "I love you too, Creek." Her smile faded, as she looked back into the forest. "But... I'm not giving up on him. He deserves to be happy. No one should be all alone forever."

     Creek sighed, rolling his eyes.

     "What ever. Your funeral."

     He turned, walking away from her, as she continued looking off into the forest.

     "Ok, everyone," King Peppy announced. "It is time to go into the Enchanted Forest!"

     Everyone cheered, following King Peppy.

     Poppy sighed, and then turned, following the rest of the group.

     Behind a tree, Branch was hiding, watching and listening to the whole thing.

     He peeked out from behind the tree, watching the group of trolls leave.

     Almost the whole village was there.

     "No, Branch..." he whispered to himself. "Don't even think about it."

     He watched Poppy, as she began to fade into the distance, running to catch up with her friends.

     "But... what if something happens? What if there's danger, and she needs me to help her, but I'm not there?"

     Branch gulped, trying to decide what to do.

     "The others will protect her. She'll be fine."

     He turned, starting to walk away.

     "Don't turn around... don't turn around... don't turn..."

     He paused, turning around.

     "Ugh! I can't believe I'm doing this!"

     Quickly, he ran off into the forest, following Poppy, stealthily.