A/N: Welcome to the first chapter of Kung Fu Troll! I hope you enjoy my newest adaptation. Also, a thank-you to Reby Montana for her help on this story!

So, something you need to know: in this story, the trolls don't have their magical hair abilities (stretching their hair, changing color for camouflage, etc.). I'm nixing those powers for now to focus more on the kung fu.

I'll try to update every day or every other day. This is not as long as Flame of Happiness.

Chapter One – When Will My Life Begin?

He had walked for many days, without food or water. When the rickety-looking inn came into view, he could make two deductions: he would be able to rest and refuel, and he may even kick some butt along the way.

As if the dark exterior and rotting wood of the pier didn't indicate it enough, the thugs and ruffians who filled the inside of the inn proved this was a dangerous place to be. They eyed the stranger maliciously, noting how his blue skin and azure blue hair made him stand out amongst the darkness of the inn. His upright hair and physique indicated he was a troll. His flowing robes and staff showed he was a warrior. The stranger did not speak to anyone besides the trembling waiter when he ordered some food and drink. After the waiter delivered the food and scurried away in terror, several of the thugs approached the stranger as he ate.

"You like to chew, eh?" the imp at the front of the crowd sneered. "Why don't you chew on my fist?" He slammed his fist onto the table, rattling the stranger's dish and causing his teacup to fall over and spill its contents.

The stranger glanced at the spilled tea, swallowed the food in his mouth, and sighed. "Now, you really shouldn't have done that."

Before the imp could respond, he and his companions flew across the room courtesy of the stranger's strike from his staff. The table was obliterated from the power of the strike. The stranger swung his staff to take out three more thugs lunging for him. Another thug sliced through the staff with his sword, but the troll simply used one half like a bat and smacked it across the thug's face. He jumped and kicked the thug away. The troll threw one of the staff halves at an incoming thug and used the sharpened end of the other half to pin three thugs to the wall by their shirts. One of the thugs approached swinging a pair of nunchakus. The troll simply flicked the thug in the forehead, and the evildoer flew through the wall to the outside. The remaining thugs ran away, screaming in terror at the mightiness of the warrior troll.

"How can we repay you?" the waiter of the inn asked the warrior troll.

"There is no charge for my services, good sir." The warrior troll said. "I'm simply following my destiny." The women in the inn swooned and fainted over his humbleness.

The doors to the inn swung open with a loud BANG! The warrior troll remained calm even as he prepared to unleash his awesome power yet again. But he relaxed when he saw a familiar group of warrior trolls: the Furious Five. The five warriors bowed in respect to the great master.

"Greetings, oh great master." One of the Five said as the warriors approached. "We were hoping you would stop by our humble home."

"The land of Troll Valley is marvelous and grand." The blue troll said. "It is an honor to visit."

"We should hang out." Another member of the Five suggested.

"Agreed." The blue troll nodded.

But hanging out would have to wait. The ground began to shake rhythmically, as though a god were using the earth as a drum. The warriors rushed from the inn and saw a Bergen dressed in black, with glowing red eyes. The Bergen snarled and roared, obviously wanting a fight. The blue troll drew his sword. He and the Five let out their mightiest battle cries as they lunged—

"Branch!"

The blue troll paused and glanced to one of the Five. Except the voice sounded oddly familiar.

"Get up! It's time to start the day!"

"What?" the blue troll yelped as he suddenly fell towards the darkness below.

THUD!

First, he registered the fact that he fell off his bed again. Then he realized someone was jumping on his chest…again.

"Branch! Get up!"

"Okay, okay! I'm up." Branch yawned deeply, rubbing the sleepiness from his eyes. When he looked to his chest, he saw a familiar dragon with ruby red scales, black claws, yellow whiskers, and blue spines down her back. Her eyes shined with playfulness, and she was about the length of a Branch's torso and head from nose to tail.

"Good morning!" the dragon chirped.

"Morning, Symphony." Branch pushed the little dragon off him and tossed his bunched-up blanket onto his bed.

"Ew! I can see your underwear!" Symphony dived under Branch's pillow.

"Relax. I always sleep in my boxers when it's warm at night." Branch shrugged. He pulled out a pair of shorts that had a few patches on them, and he slipped them on over his black boxers. He also pulled on his favorite, leaf-designed vest. He took a glance around his room, where he had his own makeshift weapons (and a few real ones) along with several posters of his heroes: the Furious Five.

"Are you dressed yet?" Symphony's voice was muffled by the pillow.

"Yes, now come on." Branch said. He glanced at the clock. "We still have some time before I have to start my chores. I want to ask Satin and Chenille if my new dagger is ready yet." He bounded down the stairs, Symphony flying after him. When they got to the bottom of the stairs, they had to be extra-careful to not alert a certain someone to their departure. In fact, they passed her room now.

Slowly…carefully….quietly….

"Branch. Symphony."

Dang it.

The door opened, and a purple troll with green hair stepped into the hallway. She pulled on her knitted coat over a cream-colored dress. Branch turned and forced a chuckle. "Hey Grandma."

"Hi Grandma Rosiepuff." Symphony said, draping herself over Branch's shoulders like a stole.

"And where are you two going?" Rosiepuff raised an eyebrow with a grin.

"Just going for a quick walk. It's very lovely outside." Branch said.

Rosiepuff hummed in a sort of musing tone, clearly not really believing her grandson. Even Symphony's seemingly innocent smile didn't convince her. "Just make sure you come back by seven. It's your turn to prepare the restaurant for opening."

"Can do!" Branch turned and hurried off.

Rosiepuff laughed to herself. "Well, I guess I can take this time to catch up on my knitting."

Branch and Symphony hurried out the door of Rosie's Place, the Italian restaurant Rosiepuff had owned and ran for twenty years. The restaurant sat in a land known as Troll Valley. Branch paused on the cobblestone street outside his home and workplace, and he and Symphony took a deep breath of the fresh morning air. Even though he lived there all his life, Branch never tired of seeing Troll Valley. Everyone lived in peace and harmony with one another. The trolls were happy and felt safe within the boundaries of their land. Of course, the valley wasn't immune to attacks from bandits, thieves, marauders, and the like. For those moments, the trolls in Troll Valley are forever thankful to have kung fu warriors residing there. A great palace built in the wondrous Troll Tree housed these warriors. The master of the Troll Tree and its warriors was called Peppy, who lived in Troll Valley all his life and protected it fiercely. He trained every member of the Furious Five: Poppy, Suki, Smidge, Cooper, and Guy Diamond. Together, these fearsome warriors protected Troll Valley from any and all threats. These were Branch's heroes, and he dreamed of becoming their friend.

Next door to Rosie's Place was the shop known as S.C. Armory. Branch and Symphony stepped through the door to the shop and marveled for the thousandth time at the products inside. There were weapons of all kinds and armor for any size. What made it all unique was the special touches Satin and Chenille added to their merchandise. Breastplates included ribbons and embroidery, usually with sentimental significance depending on the wearer. Spears and swords had long tassels, both for flair and distracting enemies in battle. The blades of every sharp weapon had some sort of carving: a name, initials, or even a symbol for strength, bravery, cunning, etc.

Satin and Chenille were a pair of conjoined twins. Satin had pink skin and blue eyes, wearing a jumpsuit and leg warmers. Her sister Chenille had blue skin and dark pink eyes, wearing a dress. Their blue-lavender hair connected to create an arch between them. When Branch and Symphony entered the shop, the twins worked on their own projects behind the counter: Satin did some embroidery for a leather shield and Chenille carved a symbol into the blade of a butterfly knife.

"Hello Branch!" the twins greeted simultaneously.

"Is my dagger ready yet?" Branch asked excitedly.

"Right here!" Chenille answered with just as much excitement. She reached under the counter and pulled out a wooden box. Both twins opened the box to reveal an ornately decorated dagger. The grip on the hilt had sapphire blue ribbon wrapped around it, the pommel a silver cap, and the metal cross-guard was polished clean. The blade was also cleaned spotless, with a dragon carved into it. The scabbard was made of sturdy wood, painted midnight blue.

Branch lifted the blade into his hands and twirled the dagger a bit. "Guys, this is great!"

"We knew you'd love it." Satin said confidently.

"You guys do the best work in making weapons!" Symphony pointed out. "Even the Furious Five get all their weapons from you!"

"Well, we don't want to brag, but….." Chenille grinned with pride.

"What do I owe you?" Branch asked.

"Nothing." Chenille said. "It's all yours."

"But guys—" Branch wanted to protest, but Satin shushed him.

"Consider it an early holiday gift." Satin said.

Branch ducked under and through the open space in the counter so he could properly hug the twins. "Thanks, guys."

Symphony looked to the clock in the corner when it chimed. "Oh, Branch! We better get back to the restaurant."

"Duty calls." Branch gave his new dagger a few more skillful twirls before tucking it away in its scabbard. He hid the dagger in a pocket in his vest and hurried out the door with Symphony trailing after him. Branch paused at the door to the restaurant, and he stared in the direction of the Troll Tree. He sighed, his stare full of longing. The palace in the branches of the Troll Tree was magnificent enough. But the most meaningful part of the Troll Tree was the holy site sitting at the base of the great tree. It was the grave of the former master of the Troll Tree: Peppy's father, Master Ryu. The entire Troll Valley mourned for Ryu when he died, but they had hope still. A legendary sword sat embedded in the supposedly indestructible gravestone: the Dragon Blade. Legend has it the secret to unlimited power is carved into the blade of the sword, and only the Dragon Warrior can free the sword from its chains. Master Ryu gave his life to lock the sword away and protect it from those who would use it for evil. The trolls waited ten years now for the Dragon Warrior to be chosen. Who knows how much longer they would have to wait?

Sighing again, Branch entered the restaurant and looked around. He worked in this place for years with his grandmother, Rosiepuff, and his best friends, Biggie and Fuzzbert. Those two wouldn't show up for a few more hours. Branch and Rosiepuff took turns preparing the restaurant to open at lunchtime. Biggie and Fuzzbert worked as waiters, and would help with opening the shop when it was closer to opening time. It was the same routine over and over again. Branch dreamed of adventure, of being a warrior. Right now, his only connection to kung fu was Satin and Chenille with their weapon- and armor-making. Both of his parents were warriors. Why couldn't he be one too?

"Branch?" Symphony floated in front of Branch's face with a grin on her lips. "Come on! Time to start the day!"

Branch grinned a little. Rosiepuff and Symphony were Branch's only family now. He found Symphony as a boy, when she was only an egg. He brought her home and raised her, and now she was like a sister to him. Though a tiny dragon, she could still fly; as for her fire-breathing abilities, she's better suited lighting candles, but she could also shoot sparks like itty-bitty fireworks. No matter what his mood, Symphony was there to make him smile again.

"Right. Let's go." Branch nodded. He and Symphony journeyed to the kitchen. Branch patted the dagger hidden under his vest. "Hey Symphony? Do you think I'll ever be a real warrior?"

Symphony thought about it. She looked over Branch. "I guess. Why would you want to, though?"

"Uh, because it's cool?" Branch spoke with a tone that came across like, "Duh?"

"You do realize you have no fighting ability whatsoever?" Symphony pointed out.

"Excuse me." Branch scoffed. "I am self-taught. Check this out." He let out a flurry of his kung fu moves he taught himself from watching the Five fight.

"Yeah, great." Symphony laughed as Branch stood in a weird position in front of her. He looked like a crane standing on one foot and spreading its wings. Branch wobbled like gelatin in an earthquake, and had to relax before he fell over.

"Okay, well how about this?" Branch picked up a steak knife from the counter and tossed it up into the air. The knife spun and twisted in the air, and Branch skillfully caught it by the blade without cutting himself. He threw the knife, and it stuck perfectly between two frying pans hanging on the wall. There was very little space between the two round parts of the pans, showing off the true impressiveness of Branch's accuracy.

"You only know how to do that because you've been cooking all your life." Symphony said.

Branch rolled his eyes and pulled the knife from the wall. "Must you always do that? So what if I want to leave?"

"Why would you want to?" Symphony shrugged. "This place is awesome. Who would ever want to leave?"

Branch snorted. "I don't want to spend the rest of my life in this restaurant, no matter how good Grandma's Spaghetti Special is. When will my life begin?"

"Oh, come on, Branch." Symphony nudged him comfortingly. "It's not so bad here."

Branch sighed as he opened the drapes to let the sunlight stream in. It was time to start the day, just like he had done for years. It really only took about an hour for them to finish their morning chores. Symphony loved to help Branch with his chores and restaurant work; but whenever they finished quickly, it left them with almost nothing to do until the restaurant officially opened. Luckily, they were prepared with things they can do to kill time, including writing poetry, singing together, and (for Branch, at least) secretly practicing his self-taught kung fu.

About an hour before opening the doors, Biggie and Fuzzbert arrived. Biggie was a tall, rotund troll with blue skin and pale blue hair, dressed in purple shorts and a vest. Fuzzbert was basically a giant tuft of green hair on orange legs. Both of them started working at Rosie's Place five years ago, and they were a couple of Branch's closest friends. When they arrived, they put on their aprons and Rosiepuff gave them their jobs to do. Branch reluctantly shed his vest, and Symphony took it up to his room. Branch pulled on his own apron and heated up the stove to start cooking. It wasn't long before the lunch rush arrived.

While setting down someone's risotto and wine, Branch felt something cold wiggle down his thigh. It didn't take long to figure out that Fuzzbert slipped an ice cube into Branch's shorts. Branch chased after Fuzzbert, which only caused them to hit Biggie while he carried food to another table. The boys managed to save the dishes, but couldn't stop the food from raining down on them. Rosiepuff stood in front of the boys, tapping her foot and raising an eyebrow while Symphony and the rest of the restaurant struggled to hold back their giggles.

Branch didn't usually work as a waiter. His official title was sous chef, and he almost always worked in the kitchen with his grandmother. Symphony stayed with Branch, handing him the ingredients he needed for every dish he made. When Rosiepuff wasn't looking, Branch would take moments out of his day to practice his kung fu. Of course, if Biggie and Fuzzbert saw him, they would start snickering. Branch just stuck his tongue out at them.

"The Furious Five!" someone gasped. Everyone crowded around the large windows at the front of the shop. Branch climbed onto a chair, and Symphony perched on his shoulder. They watched as a quintet of trolls passed by the restaurant. One troll had pink skin, hair, and eyes, wearing a blue and green dress and a green headband with blue flowers. The second had red skin, curly orange hair, and pink eyes, wearing capris, a crop top, bangles, yarn-covered headphones, and a gem stud in her belly button. The third troll was much smaller, with yellow skin and tall light blue hair and blue eyes to match. She wore a pink dress with a blue button and a pink bow in her hair. The fourth troll was actually a llama-troll, pink-furred with dark pink stripes and blue legs, dreadlocks, and eyes. He only wore a green hat. The last troll wore nothing at all; most glitter trolls didn't, including this one who had silver glitter skin, white hair with sparkles in it, a green nose, and indigo eyes.

Poppy, Suki, Smidge, Cooper, and Guy Diamond. The Furious Five.

Oh how Branch longed to be by their side, to be a warrior like them. If only his grandmother would be more open to the idea. Branch returned to the kitchen, and he stared out the window towards the Troll Tree. He sighed heavily.

"Chin up, Branch." Biggie said as he and Fuzzbert entered the kitchen to drop off dirty dishes. "Who needs kung fu when you got this place?"

"I do." Branch scoffed. "I want to be a fighter. I want to protect the valley, like the Furious Five and Master Peppy and Master Ryu."

Fuzzbert made a garbling sound. "Fuzzbert's right." Biggie said. "You have no real fighting skills, Branch. What kind of warrior would you make?"

"I can fight." Branch insisted.

Fuzzbert snickered.

"Shut up, Fuzzbert." Branch snapped.

"He's got a point, Branch." Symphony said. "Your odds of getting into an elite group like the Furious Five are not good."

"All right, all of you out of here." Branch shooed them out of the kitchen, armed with a wooden spoon. "I got cooking to do!"

"That's right!" Biggie teased. "Just like you do every day!"

Branch growled to himself as he angrily stirred the basil marinara sauce on the stove. Slowly, his stirring became less violent. Maybe his friends didn't mean to be hurtful with their words, but it still chipped at his confidence.

The restaurant closed at eight p.m. Biggie and Fuzzbert cleaned up the dining area while Branch, Rosiepuff, and Symphony worked on the kitchen. Once everything was clean, Biggie and Fuzzbert left for home. Branch took the stairs two at a time so he could change back into his vest. By the time he returned to his grandmother and pet dragon, their dinner was ready. They always ate dinner together after the restaurant closed. Tonight, Rosiepuff made them carrot-parmesan risotto. Branch and Symphony set up a table in the dining area, and Rosiepuff brought out a small saucepan with their dinner.

Branch sat down and eagerly reached for the serving spoon. But Rosiepuff smacked his hand. "Ah, now what do we do before we eat?"

"Right." Branch nodded. "I think it's your turn tonight."

Rosiepuff sat up straight in her chair, folded her hands, and closed her eyes. Branch and Symphony mimicked her. Rosiepuff slipped into a slight Italian accent as she spoke their dinner blessing. "Siamo grati per questo pasto e perle benedizioni che riceviamo ogni giorno."

"Grazie." Branch and Symphony said at once.

Rosiepuff allowed Branch and Symphony to eat, and they gobbled up their food. Rosiepuff grinned in amusement as she calmly ate her own dinner. After a few minutes, however, Rosiepuff noticed something. "You're awfully quiet tonight. Usually we talk up a storm during dinner."

Branch shrugged. "Guess I don't have a lot to say."

"Don't talk with your mouth full." Rosiepuff scolded gently. "You're only quiet like this when something's bothering you. Now what's wrong?"

If one thing was true about Rosiepuff, she was perceptive. Sometimes it was scary how well she could pick up on these kinds of things. Branch knew it would be futile to try and trick her into thinking everything was fine. He told her about Biggie and Fuzzbert's jibes, and even pointed the finger at Symphony. The dragon busied herself with eating so she wouldn't be caught in the conversation.

"Branch, they're just trying to poke fun at you." Rosiepuff said. "Ignore their jibes. They don't really mean it."

"Do you think I'll make it?" Branch asked hopefully.

"I think you should follow your dreams." Rosiepuff said. "I did. It was always my dream to open a restaurant like this. Only a small part of me is from the land of Italy, and that is a part of me I inherited from my grandfather. He meant the most to me, made the biggest impact in my life. This is me honoring his memory, by creating the food he taught me to make and sharing it with others. But let me say this, Branch, and don't be offended by it: you just don't have the proper fighting skills. You're more skilled with cooking than fighting."

Branch shrugged. "I mean…I guess I could learn…"

Rosiepuff finished her dinner and added a second, smaller helping to her plate. "Sometimes, Branch, we must find happiness where we already are instead of searching for it elsewhere."

Branch nodded slowly. "I understand." He pushed his food around on his plate. Rosiepuff certainly had a point. However, this didn't make his situation any easier.

After dinner, Rosiepuff offered to do the dishes and dismissed Branch to his room. He hugged her tight and smiled a little when she kissed his head. He loved her so much. Rosiepuff raised Branch since he was an infant. She made him who he was today. But he didn't know what to do with her advice. Should he abandon his dream for now? Should he go for it? If he had the chance, why shouldn't he try and be a warrior if that's what he really wanted?

His inner turmoil didn't go unnoticed by Symphony. She decided to let him figure it out on his own, and she helped Rosiepuff with the dishes. Symphony enjoyed working and living with Rosiepuff and Branch. Who knows where she might've ended up if Branch hadn't found her egg? When they finished cleaning up, Rosiepuff and Symphony headed up to their rooms, bidding each other goodnight.

Symphony entered Branch's room and blinked in surprise to see he was nowhere to be found. But she could easily guess where he might be. The little dragon flew out the window and floated willowy up to the roof of the restaurant. Sure enough, Branch lay on a little platform he built on the roof, and he stared at the stars. He always did this when he was lost in thought. Symphony flew over and settled beside him.

"Still thinking about that kung fu dream?" the dragon guessed.

"Of course I am." Branch sighed. "I want to train and fight with Master Peppy and the Furious Five. Why shouldn't I? I could learn."

"How are you going to do that?" Symphony asked. "I don't think they offer intro-to-kung-fu lessons."

Branch sighed. He pulled out his new dagger from his vest and stared at it. "I just want to be like my mom and dad."

Symphony nudged him comfortingly. "Maybe you should just be yourself."

"But being myself doesn't make anyone happy." Branch said. "My real self wants to be a warrior, and no one else is giving me a chance. What am I supposed to do about that?"

Symphony didn't have an answer for that. The two of them sat in silence for a long moment.

"Branch?" Symphony spoke up. "You've got so many things to be thankful for. You've got your grandma's love, and a roof over your head, and a place to call 'home.'"

Branch sighed. "Yeah. But I just don't have the thing I want most in life. What's so wrong with wanting more than a simple life?"

A/N: So far, so good? I forgot how much I love doing adaptations. Yes, the characters may seem a bit OOC (especially Branch), but let's just roll with this and see how it goes. :D

The dinner blessing translates to "We are thankful for this meal and the blessings we receive every day." And "Grazie" means "Thank you."

And don't worry about those waiting on answers to that cliffhanger from The Flame of Happiness. I'll be updating that soon enough.