True Colours

Chapter 8 - Cloud Guy

A thick layer of fog laid over the forest the next morning, as the trio walked up to the old escape tunnels. But there were many openings that lined the earthen side, making them pause and look around at all of them.

"So, one of these tunnels leads to the Troll tree?" Popper asked.

"That's right." (Y/N) confirmed.

"There's so many of them. I wonder which one."

Branch kneeled by one of them, inspecting the ground for any kind of clue as he stated, "I don't know."

"Choose a hole wisely!" A deep, ominous voice suddenly sounded out around them.

They swiftly turned around in fear, Branch instantly standing in front of his sister and Popper, to protect them from whoever the voice belonged to.

"For one will lead to Bergen Town and the others, to certain death, death, death!"

Branch narrowed his eyes, looking around for the source of the voice as he asked, "Who said that?"

"It was..." They all shifted their gazes to where the voice sounded from, holding their breaths in anticipation, but were taken aback when eyes and a goofy grin suddenly appeared on a cloud. "Me."

They were left confused as the cloud guy, with a much softer and more chill voice, sprouted long skinny legs and arms from his fluffy body. The only clothes he wore were a pair of socks and they all watched as he eased his way down a tree trunk, calmly making his way over to them.

"Hey, guys, how's it going? Welcome to the root tunnels. I just wanted to warn you. One of these tunnels leads to the Troll tree and the others to certain death, death, death, death..." He echoed at the end, making them all stare at him with varying degrees of concern.

But, despite this, Popper still managed to ask him, "Do you think you can tell us which is the right one?"

"You bet!"

"Great!"

However, Branch quickly intervened, pulling both his sister and Popper away from the cloud guy as he stated, "No, that's okay. We're fine, thanks."

"Branch. He's trying to help us."

"I don't like the looks of him." Branch muttered, gazing over at the cloud guy who was busy picking his teeth. It was only when he noticed their gazes that he stopped to give them a friendly wave. "I mean, who wears socks with no shoes?"

"Maybe his feet are cold and shoes make him uncomfortable." (Y/N) supplied as an answer.

"Don't make excuses for him!"

"Plus, he seems to know what he's talking about."

Branch wanted to argue but he knew his sister had a point...even though he just wished he could ignore that fact. So, with a sigh, he begrudgingly gave in and turned back to face Cloud Guy.

"Okay, fine. Which way do we go?"

"First, you have to give me a high five. Then I'll tell you." Cloud Guy countered.

"What?" Both siblings questioned.

"Oh, oh, I love high fives. I'll do it." Popper excitedly agreed, his hand already held up and ready.

"Oh, I know you'll do it. But will he? All right, dumpy diapers, up high!"

However, Branch just crossed his arms and shook his head. "Nope, I don't do high fives."

"Slap it, boss."

"Not gonna happen."

"Party on the top floor."