Branch wandered through the forest, collecting sticks, as Creek, and the rest of the snack pack (minus Poppy) watched.
"That kid is a freak," Creek said, crossing his arms, as he glared at Branch, who didn't even notice them. "Yeah. He never sings," Satin said.
"He never dances," Chenille continued.
"And he's never happy," both Satin and Chenille say together.
"I think we need to get rid of him," Creek said, and evil smirk on his face. "For good..."
"Hmm..." Branch said, as he picked up a stick, looking at it carefully. There was a leaf stuck to it with a small caterpillar on it. The caterpillar was eating the leaf.
"Hey there, little guy," Branch said, smiling. "I'm sorry, but I'm gonna need this stick."
The caterpillar looked at him, still crunching on the leaf.
Branch chuckled a little, as he watched the caterpillar.
"Ok. Ok. You can keep this one." He gently put the stick down, giving the caterpillar one last happy smile, before standing up straight, and turning around.
"Hey, Branch."
"AHHHHH!" Branch screamed, shocked to see the group of trolls standing in font of him. He stumbled backwards, falling to the ground, as he dropped his sticks.
"Umm... ugh..." Branch said, looking at the group of trolls in fear, as they stood over him.
"Watchya doin?" Creek asked, walking slowly around Branch. He moved his head, keeping his eyes on Creek.
"I... umm... collecting sticks?"
"Ooo... sticks!" Creek said, sarcastically. "Cuz all trolls love sticks. They're our favorite things after all. Oh wait... no they're not. Singing, dancing, and hugging are our favorite things. But you don't like that stuff... do ya, Branch?"
He didn't know what Creek was getting at, but he didn't like his tone.
Branch stood, getting defensive. "What is it that you want, Creek?" he asked angrily.
"Glad you asked. I want you to get away from Troll village."
"What?" Branch was confused.
"You don't belong here."
"But... but..." Branch stuttered, backing away.
"You're not a troll."
"Y... yes I am..."
"No. You don't like singing, you don't like dancing, you're never happy..."
"Maybe I'm not happy, cuz I have to deal with jerks like you," Branch snapped, angrily. Creek did not like what Branch had just said. He shoved him, Branch stumbling backwards, and almost falling.
"You're a freak!" Creek said. "You hurt everyone you love! And then you push everyone else away! You're not a troll... you're a monster!" He shoved Branch again, this time knocking him to the ground.
Branch looked around at all of them, as they stood around him, laughing. He could feel the tears forming in his eyes, but then his sadness turned to anger.
He stood, clenching his hands in tight fists, as he stared at Creek.
"What's the matter?" Creek said, mockingly. "Little baby gonna cry? Gonna go cry to your grandma. Oh wait... you don't have a grandma. Cuz you killed her!"
Without thinking, Branch flung his fist forwards, punching Creek right in the face.
He stumbled back a little, but then stood straight, glaring over at Branch. Branch immedioutly regretted his decision.
"Listen, Creek. I'm sorry. I... I didn't..." he shuddered, backing away in fear. Creek shook his head, glaring angrily at him. "I... I'm sorry," Branch whimpered.
"Oh... you will be sorry."
Creek pounced forewords, tackling Branch to the ground. They other's cheered, joining in, and kicking Branch.
"Stop!" Branch cried out. "Please stop!" They didn't stop.
"Hey! Knock it off!" It was Poppy. She stood, looking angry at her group of friends. They all looked at her, and Creek smiled.
"Oh, hey, Poppy. Wanna join in?"
"No! Why are you guys doing this!?" She walked over to Branch, helping him sit up. He looked at her, crying in fear, and pain.
"You all outta be ashamed of yourselves!" The snack pack looked away, ashamed of the way they had been behaving, but not Creek.
"He started it!" Creek yelled.
"You insulted my grandma!" Branch yelled back, through his tears. Creek raised his fist, Branch cowering away.
"Stop it!" Poppy yelled, putting herself between Creek and Branch. "Now all of you! Apologize to Branch, right this instant!"
They looked at her, and then at Branch, who still sat on the ground, crying softly.
"Sorry Branch," they all said, simultaneously. Creek just crossed his arms and looked away.
"Creek?" Poppy said, crossing her arms, as she glared at him. He looked at her, and sighed. "Ugh, fine! Sorry, Branch," he mumbled, quietly.
"I didn't hear you," Poppy said, tapping her foot in anger.
"I said, sorry, Branch! Ok!? Geese." He turned away again, crossing his arms.
"Now go," she said pointing.
"But, Poppy," Creek objected.
"I said, go!"
Creek rolled his eyes again, and then began to walk away. The snack pack looked at Poppy and Branch, sadly. They really did feel bad about what they had done. Then, they turned, fallowing Creek out of the forest.
Poppy sighed, and then turned back to Branch.
"Are you ok?" she asked, concerned.
"I... ugh... yeah. I'm fine," he said, standing up. Poppy tried to help him up, but he refused, pulling away from her. "I said, I was fine!" he snapped. Poppy blinked, backing away a little.
Branch looked at her, whipping his tears away, and then turned to walk home. Poppy watched after him for a moment, and then sighed, turning to walk back to her home.
Slowly, Branch stopped walking, sighing deeply. "Poppy," he said. Poppy stopped, turning to look at him, but he still faced the opposite direction. "Thank you," he said, turning his head to look at her.
Poppy smiled at Branch.
"Your welcome," she said. Branch smiled, and then turned, walking home.
