Here's chapter 22!

Our story's nearing its end. I wanted to post something sort of like a cliffhanger for the tragic chapter that's coming after this. I know it's not much, but at least it will give you something to read before I post again.

Anyway, I apologize once again for the relay overdue update. But with the city lockdown, the virus, and all the craziness since all this began, I've lost focus of this tale, but not the love of writing. I don't know whether I would enjoy this chapter or not, but you know, the show must go on. I hope everyone is doing well during the pandemic and are safe inside their homes.

chloemcg - I know. Many people wondered, including myself, about Branch's origins. So, One idea led to another and with some help, this tale was born. Those two are one great couple which would explain how Branch inherited many great qualities from them. You'll see later on. And yes, I am pleased with how this tale came to be.

Reby Montana - Yeah, I'm back. Glad this chapter made up a bit since my absence. Had to make a funny with Guy Diamond. He was made for laughs. Branch is very lucky to have everyone with him! Yeah, the song was just too precious to deny.

Purple-Eyes Dragon- Yeah, I wasn't going to leave this unfinished. Sorry for the delay. Busy life.

I'mafanofFANFICTIONS - Thanks! Well, he doesn't remember every detail, just the ones that were told to him by other trolls such as Peppy and his late grandmother. The rest were just extra scenes I've added such in the flashbacks to make it interesting.

A Blue Angel Born From Love

Chapter 22: Last Day of Peace

-Back in the Past-

The sky lit with a beautiful mixture of yellow and red, indicating that it's late afternoon. The sun will set in an hour or two and soon it will be twilight, and the area around is full of life. It was now April, almost 3 months since the arrival of little Branch and Guy Diamond. Winter was now over, the snow had melted, and the grass had sprouted once again. The flowers were showing with most of them already in bloom and the air was warm and pleasant enough to be outside.

Heading towards the village, Wood strolled along, eyeing everything around. The village was bustling around. Adults were sharing conversations between one another, kids running around, playing and laughing, and even Peppy's royal guard and scouts were on alert.

Wood loved seeing the trolls all happy and carefree, despite the dangers and enemies that surrounds them, but he loves to see nothing more than his loving family whom were waiting for him to return home. He passed along some kids along the way. "Hello, little ones."

"Hi, Wood!" The young trolling greeted back. "How's baby Branch?"

"He's fine and still beautiful. Enjoy your day," he replied.

"Bye-bye!"

He caught sight DJ Sonic and Rhythm having a picnic together. It had been months since those two got married and their love continued on growing and growing each day. Wood smiled when his eyes caught the sight of Rhythm's growing bump in her belly. Yep, they were expecting their first child. After the loss of her brother, Tempo, Rhythm deserves this much happiness in her life. With DJ Sonic by her side and her baby on the way, she couldn't imagine a life being grey.

The green troll moved along gazing the scenery all around him. Every troll was enjoy what's left of the day. He continued onward towards his pod. On the way, Big Bash and Chester were having a conversation as they passed Wood on the way.

"So, you see, Chester, if you make red velvet pancakes with frosting in the center, you actually make a pancake sandwich!"

"You know I stopped listening to you a while ago, right?" Chester bluntly said.

"Sometimes, I don't know why do I even bother," Big Bash sighed in annoyance.

Wood shook his head with a smile at their silly chatting, but who's he to change who they are. Finally, he reached his home and checked the area around him for any unnatural circumstances before he went inside. When nothing seems out of the ordinary, he went inside his pod. "I'm home!"

"I was wondering when you'll come in," Rosiepuff called from the room. She came out with little Branch in her arms. "Somebody wants to see you."

"I wonder who that would be," Wood chuckled. "Hey, my boy. You been good for Grandma?" He gently took him into his arms.

"He's been an angel as always."

"Really now?" Wood gently kissed his forehead which he giggled in return. "Now where's Mommy? Do you know where she could be, Branch?"

Rosiepuff could only chuckle. Oh, how she loved seeing her son joke around with everyone. His laughter is music to her ears. "Primrose is taking a nap in the sofa. I didn't want to wake her after Branch needed her. It's been no trouble with him. But I bet she would gladly be woken by you."

Wood passed Branch to Rosiepuff and he began his search for his love. And there she was, in the sofa resting, though he could see her fidgeting and moaning, as if trying to escape whatever is bothering her. He joined her side and softly began calling to her.

"Primrose? Prim?" He tried to wake her by nudging her. He mildly shook her while repeating her name. "Primrose. Wake up." Suddenly, she opened her eyes, breathing heavily, but once she focused her vision, the sight of Wood and their home brought her back to reality. "You were having a dream, my love. You're safe with all of us."

Primrose got up and rubbed her eyes. "Wood? When did you came home?"

"Just now. Are you alright?"

"Yeah, just a little tired. What time is it?" She asked.

"It's late, but not too late. There's still some light out there. And it looks like you could use some fresh air. How about a little stroll before night takes over?" Wood offered. "Mom will look after Branch for us."

"Go on, dear. Your baby will be safe in my arms. Just be careful out there," Rosiepuff assured them.

Primrose was a little unsure, but knowing Rosiepuff, Branch couldn't be in better hands. "Well, maybe a little stroll wouldn't hurt."

"Glad you agree. Come on, my love," Wood headed out the door with his wife behind him. He opened his door and scanned the area. All was calm and peaceful at the moment and not a sight of danger to be seen. "I think it's safe now, Primrose."

Primrose softly followed, but her mind's not focused. She began to feel apprehensive despite being home with all she knew. "There's still something strange about the village this evening."

"It is dangerous?" Wood asked, concern can be detected in his voice.

"It's not exactly danger. It's...oh, I don't know. Something oppressive...like thunder. It seems safe enough now though," Primrose admitted nervously.

"Does it have to do with...your powers?" Wood wondered.

"I'm afraid I can't see the future or even visions. But for now...I just have a feeling that something might happen. I just don't know what."

"Well, let's just forget about it and try to enjoy the evening, alright?"

Primrose nodded and let Wood take her for their evening stroll. They passed everyone they met and gave each one of them a greeting or a smile or even a combination of both. Oh, how she loved her home and the people in it. She would hate to think of what would happen to all of them when Bergens come for them on Trollstice. To tell everyone the truth, she's getting sick and tired of all this deadly yearly harvest. Sometimes she feel like clearing the village all together. But she later pushed those thoughts away and let Wood be on her mind.

Normally, they would go to their favorite willow tree for some alone time, but judging the time of day, they decided to take another scenic route. When they passed some berry filled bushes, Wood gathered some for Primrose and himself. He always thought of others and never of himself, even when needed to. As they continued onward, he saw a massive tree where he and Primrose could enjoy the view from up there. "Primrose, how about we watch the sunset from up there?"

"I suppose that is alright," she said.

Wood twirled his hair and lassoed a branch. Pulling himself up, he landed upon the firm wooded limb of the tree and waited for his wife to join him. She followed quickly and they walked a few steps before sitting down and let their feet dangle below. Wood passed his collected berries to her.

"Whoo, that walk and climb sure worked up an appetite."

"First, the appetizer: the view," Primrose suggested as she pointed ahead. From their spot, they could see their home and the setting sun, creating a majestic scenery. The sun turned the skies into a combination of yellow and sunset color, the critters flew around the grass and trees as they headed home to sleep, and they could see some homes with smoking chimneys or lit windows. Beyond that, they caught sight of the various houses located inside of Bergen Town. Primrose could even see some Bergens in the streets. Every day, it seems that the forests are getting smaller while their town keeps getting bigger. Still, she decided to not focus on that place.

They began to eat their berries, enjoying its sweet, tender, juicy taste. But it's the company that they enjoy the most. As long as they have each other, everything's perfect. While Wood ate, Primrose observed the nature around her. Everything seemed peaceful. Just before she could take a bite of her berry, something caught her eye. More like...someone. Someone whom she doesn't want to meet again: Chef.

Surprisingly, the Bergen was only halfway between Bergen Town and their home, strolling by while remaining vigilant of the area around her. What is she doing and why is she here? It didn't look like she was searching for the village or the trolls, but instead, she analyzed specific areas. Areas that could be hidden locations for trolls to escape in. Just the sight of her just brings out the fear in anyone, especially Primrose. Faintly to Wood, she began to hyperventilate but only slightly, yet it was enough for her to drop her berry below.

"Primrose?" Wood noticed her frightful stare.

"Wood. Oh Wood. It's her. That heartless monster," she whispered.

Wood turned and noticed Chef. "What is she doing here? It's not Trollstice, is it?"

"I know now. A terrible thing is coming," she said ominously, her body shaking with fear.

"What do you mean?" He asked worriedly.

"Don't you see? Look at her hands and feet. They're covered with blood!"

"Blood?" Wood worriedly asked. "It's not possible." He stared at Chef's hands and feet, but there's no sign of the said blood.

Primrose, however, could see blood dripping in Chef's hands and her feet were stained with the same red blood. The blood of her friends. She blinked and for a moment, Chef is back to normal with no blood on her.

"Primrose, my love. It's okay. It's only the light of the sunset," Wood gently spoke, hoping to sooth her nerves. He gently rubbed her arms to calm her down. "Alright, it's alright, my dear. It's getting dark. I think we should get back home in the village."

"The village?" She frantically said. Early stages of hyperventilation can be seen across her face. "She comes there every year! Don't think she won't! She and the Bergens are all around us. Wherever she goes, death will follow!"

"Now that's enough, Primrose. As long as I'm here, nothing's gonna happen to you," Wood assured her.

Primrose panted rapidly. "We...we have...we have to tell King Peppy to plan an escape route now. We have to leave here. All of us and fast!"

"Leave? The whole village?"

"Yes. We have to before it's too late," Primrose insisted.

"Primrose, I love you and respect you, but this is just too soon. Nobody will come. Some of them might think you're paranoid," Wood warned her.

"Wood, you must believe me. I have a horrible feeling that something terrible will happen and it has to do with...Trollstice. It's coming. I just know it."

Wood became concerned and even worried. He's never seen Primrose like this. He understood the danger Trollstice brings every year and he's survived it again and again. But now that their son had been born, he guessed that Primrose was worried just like any new mother is.

"Come now. Let's go home and then we'll talk about it," Wood softly said. "I bet little Branch will turn that frown upside down."

Primrose sighed heavily. She admits that nothing makes her smile more than her little boy...well, besides Wood and Rosiepuff. "Okay, Wood. Let's go. I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For letting my worries ruin our peaceful walk. I'm just being silly."

"No, no. There's nothing to apologize, Primrose. Like any mother, you're worried about your family. I would hate for me to make you stop worrying. It's just what makes you think of others instead of yourself," he smiled and gave her a small kiss on her forehead. They cherished each other and then headed for home before it became fully dark. During that walk back home, Primrose never stopped thinking of what she saw today, how she could feel the danger like a wire around her neck. All she could do now is just hope that everyone was freed from living inside a death trap.

The next night came after a whole day had passed just like any other troll day with trolls spending carefree lives with their friends and families, not a care in the world. It was a quiet night, perhaps a little too quiet. The dark sky was clear and the stars shone all above. Despite that, not even the critters are singing tonight.

Inside their pod, Primrose rocked Branch until he was fast asleep in her arms. "Oh, how does it feel, Branch?" She whispered. "To not know fear or worry for what tomorrow may bring. I don't regret bringing you into the world, my love. But I wish that you would never experience Trollstice in all your life." She kissed his temple before placing him in his crib before tucking him in. "If only my parents were here to see you, Branch. You would have love them 'cause I know that they already love you. They'll be so proud of you, especially your grandfather." She sighed as she brushed his soft hair. Knowing he's fast asleep, Primrose walked towards the window, wondering of what the future might bring for Branch. For all of them.

"Is it safe to come in?"

Primrose turned around but relaxed when it was just Wood coming in. "He's sleeping so you have to be quiet."

"That I can do," he chuckled softly. Wood came in and joined her. "How are you holding up?"

"Even though today has been quite mellow, I still feel like something's approaching. I just hope Peppy comes up with something soon."

Wood tried to ease her by rubbing her shoulders. "I'm sure he took all your words seriously. It was your idea to see him and we did. He trusts you and no doubt that Joy does as well. I know that they'll come up with an escape plan."

"But what if it's too late? What if this year's Trollstice cost us more than last year? If any of the royals were taken, the village will be left without an heir and will certainly collapse. If any of our friends are picked off, their families will be devastated, and if any of of us were to be..."

Wood gently pressed his lips to hers, silencing her speech. Primrose should have gotten used to Wood stopping her babbling worries with his kisses, but each time, it's always a surprise to her. But not once did she fought to get away from him. She just go with the flow and continued their cherished kiss. When they finished, Wood grabbed Primrose's cheeks and lovingly gazed upon her sky blue eyes. "Primrose, you know that as long as I'm still standing, no harm will come to you or our family. I understand what Trollstice means for you. What it means for every troll in this village. We all lost someone in the past because of it: our fathers, our neighbors, and friends. All we could do is look out for each other and survive."

Primrose wanted to disagree, but knew that there's no point in arguing. "I understand. As much as I worry for my friends and myself, the only people I worry for their safety most of all is you, Rosiepuff, and Branch," Primrose stated while eyeing on their dozing bundle of joy. Oh, how she loves him with all of her heart.

"So do I," Wood agreed, nuzzling his wife. Primrose had no trouble leaning in to his comforting cuddles.

Suddenly, a knocking on the door was heard. Primrose sought the safety of her mate's arms as Wood held her tightly. They heard the door being opened and Rosiepuff greeting their unexpected visitor.

"Oh, King Peppy! What a surprise! Please come in."

"Thank you, Rosiepuff."

Wood and Primrose curiously wondered why their kind ruler suddenly decided to arrive to their pod at this hour. They held on to the thought that his visit was a friendly one. Silently leaving the nursery, they arrived to join their king. The king sat comfortably in the living room, sipping on a freshly made hot cocoa by Rosiepuff while sitting on a cozy arm chair.

"Ah, Rosie, your beverages are superb. But don't tell my wife I said that," he chuckled.

"Cross my heart and hope to die, unless you want me to hair swear," Rosiepuff said.

"No need for that...yet," Peppy smiled. He noticed the couple in the room. "Ah, good evening, you two. I hope I haven't disturb you all or even wake the baby." The king saw them shake their heads.

"No, King Peppy. You never disturb us at all," Wood assured him.

"And Branch will sleep through the night. At least I hope," Primrose added. The first few nights of Branch's life weren't easy for his parents, yet despite the late hour and lack of sleep from parenthood, every second with their baby is a blessing. No mother or father could ask for more.

Peppy beamed at their words. "Speaking of which, how's the blue lad?"

"An angel as always," Primrose sighed. "So young. So full of life. And so innocent to not realize the dangers that we go through every year."

"I see," he sipped his cocoa once more before setting it on a coaster on the table. "I'm afraid I did not came here for a friendly visit and I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I...I just had to come." The king clasped his hands together, lowering his head in despair.

"What is it? Has something happened?" Primrose worriedly asked. She hoped that nothing terrible happened to someone dear to them. Were their friends alright? Was someone hurt or sick? All these questions popped into her head and patiently waited for her king to reply.

"Please, take a seat you three and I'll tell you. I had expected to speak only to the two of you, but I guess three won't affect me much," Peppy gently glanced at Rosiepuff who sat down on her rocking chair while Primrose and Wood sat on their couch. All trolls waited silently for their king to continue and with difficulty, he did. "It saddens me to say this but I'm afraid that...a troll has been taken by the Bergens tonight.

The three trolls gasped. Horrified by the news, they were afraid to ask who was the victim.

"Do not fear. It wasn't any of your close friends. They are safe," Peppy answered. It eased them yet Wood and his family felt sorrow for the poor troll. "It was one of the royal scouts. Ripple informed me he was caught in one of those glue traps. They tried to get him out but the poor thing was stuck tight. Nothing could be done for him. But the worst thing is that we all know what happens when one of our own is suddenly taken by the Bergens during the night."

"Trollstice's Eve," Primrose dreadfully answered. Her hands gripped on the leather, breathing heavily. She had seen or rather experienced it first hand what this event leads to. "It's tomorrow, isn't it, Peppy?"

Peppy lowered his head and nodded slowly. "I fear it is. Trollstice."

Wood placed his arm around Primrose's shoulders and gently wrapped her to ease her nerves. He let out a sharp sigh. "The Bergens will always hate us. The only thing they like from us is our taste. Nothing more."

"There's a terrible evil in the world and it comes from Bergens," Rosiepuff agreed with her son.

"Do you really think all Bergens are evil?" Primrose suddenly spoke out. "Or maybe that under the influence of a Bergen like Chef, every Bergen had become foolish, cruel, and selfish?" The other three faced her wondering why defend the very beings that makes their lives miserable year after year. "All other predators just do what they do to live on the earth to get food. But Chef and those exactly like her will never rest until they spoiled the earth and destroy all the creatures in them."

Never before has Peppy heard such wisdom from Primrose. Even Wood and Rosiepuff believe that she is right. The predators and animals have nothing against them and the Bergens couldn't carefully plan these raids on their own besides Chef. But until then, they must learn to fear and avoid all Bergens. Heaven knows when Trollstice will truly end.

"Now then. On to the point," Peppy chimed in. "The reason I came here is because I'm worried about your family. Primrose, you and Joy have been close friends since long before I could remember and she want's nothing more than to protect you. After what she told me about your gifts, I think it would be best...for you and your family to seek out shelter...possibly away from here."

The news greatly impacted the trolls in the room, stunned by this sudden idea coming from their beloved king. Peppy wouldn't have suggested this if he doesn't care about them. Wood, Primrose, Rosiepuff, and now Branch, they are a part of this village, part of the people, and part of this great troll family despite not being royal blood and if keeping them safe meant forcing them to evacuate their home, so be it.

"You want us to leave?" Rosiepuff questioned her ruler. "You can't be serious!"

"Believe me, I don't want this, but at least you all have a chance to live!" Peppy proclaimed.

"But what if it's more dangerous out there than it is in here?" The purple troll continued, getting out of her chair and started pacing around. "What chance to we have out there in the wild? You expect us to just pack up and go while abandoning our friends and families to the Bergens?"

"I don't expect you to. I don't know what's out there but I do know what would happen if we stay here! I want to protect all we care and love, but I know that even I cannot protect every single one of them! This is a question of our survival."

"This is not right!" Primrose snapped, silencing everyone in the room. "King Peppy, we're supposed to be a united community. We don't have to leave our people behind. We're family and that means no troll will be left behind!" King Peppy was stunned by her words. How did he let his fear completely manipulate his choices? "So either we all go, you and our people included, or we all stay. And if we do stay, we should at least try to defeat our enemy together, whether it is by fighting or outsmarting them."

Peppy knew that she has a point. Even though the odds of them going them against those giants and winning are about a thousand to one, he is not the kind of king to surrender so easily. "I may be the king, but I can see that not even I have the power to change what you all have decided. All right, we will stay." The trolls all let out the breaths they didn't realize they were holding. They were not the trolls who would never put themselves above others. "I'll go prepare the troops and we'll make a stand. We might be at a disadvantage, but it's better than doing nothing."

"Is there anything we can do to help, King Peppy?" Wood offered.

"All I want is for all of you to look after one another, especially Branch. He is a new life here in our village and deserves to live to the fullest. Who knows? He might even bring great things to all of us in the future," Peppy replied with a hopeful tone. He saw them nod silently, confirming their agreement. "Then it's settled. I must be going now. I hope you all have a good night and I pray for your safety."

Peppy stood up from his chair and turned to the exit, but as he was attempting to leave, Primrose suddenly spoke. "Peppy, please wait." He halted at the sound of her voice. "Before you go, I need to give you something. This will only take a minute." He nodded and was willing to wait while she left to retrieve the said item. It wasn't long before she came back again, carrying a blue medium sized box. She stretched it towards the king. "I want you to have this."

"What is it?" Peppy wondered.

"It's something you should hold on to. I want you to have it in case anything should happen...to us," Primrose whispered the last part.

The King took the box and noticed a sticker with a name address to it, but what surprised him was whom the box is really for. "Primrose, the name says...Is this box for..."

"I know who is it for and I can't think of anyone else to keep this until the near future. As for when to pass this treasure, I'm sure you would know when...but only when he's ready," Primrose sounded as if this would be the last time she would see the king or everyone else, but she maintained her true feelings unseen by the trolls behind them.

King Peppy was honored to receive such responsibility, but was worried for these trolls' safety. They were a very special family, one that survived many Trollstices and grieved deep losses. They were his and Joy's closest friends and having just welcomed their newest member, well, the stakes couldn't be dire. "I promise to give this to him when he's ready. But you won't die this year. I won't allow it."

"I understand your worries, King Peppy. But all we could do know is pray that we all make it through and survive," Primrose understood. "My father used to say this whenever he prays for our safety: 'May our ancestors look after you. May they look after us all.'"

"Your father was brave as he was wise and his words couldn't be truer than now. The same goes for all of you, my friends. Are you sure about your decision?" Peppy asked, hoping for her to reconsider.

"I can honestly say that although I'm not sure of what will become of our fate, one thing I'm sure of is that our son will not be taken. If the Bergens wanna get him, they'll have to get through me. Through us. Branch will survive," Primrose surely declared.

Peppy agreed. No child especially an infant should have their life taken so soon. This made Peppy determined to work out a plan to protect as many trolls as he could. "Then I must be going now. Don't worry. I'll keep this safe for him...but I hope I never get the chance. Giving him this will indicate that you and Wood..." He didn't dare finished. Luckily, Primrose understood with a simple nod. "Good night, my friend. May our ancestors watch over us all."

And with that, Peppy turned and walked his trail home. Primrose kept looking for a while before she closed her door in order to have one more family night together before morning comes. As he walked, he looked down to the box he held with a worried look.

"Let nothing bad happen to this wonderful family...for the sake of their son," he prayed silently as he glanced on the addressed name of blue box which only read: Branch.

Hope everyone is safe and sound out there!

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