What if Poppy had a different personality?

Chapter 1

This story is basically *Trolls 1*, but Poppy has a different personality. If this story goes well, I will post more. The photo shows what Poppy is currently wearing. Let me know if there are any mistakes or if I should change something, and feel free to share ideas for the next chapter!

I woke getting ready for the day, I put on my usual leg warmers on . My oversized hoodie was as pink as my hair, which I lazily piled into a messy bun. It was a bright new day, but honestly, I'd rather just chill in bed, Still, duty calls. So I got ready and slouched over to the mirror, barely looking at myself as I adjusted my signature green headband with blue flowers. Gotta keep the brand consistent, right?

"Yo, Dad!" I called out as I passed his room, heading out of our oversized tree-pod. "I'm heading over to read to the kids. Don't wait up."

He didn't respond, too busy probably planning some troll-worthy parade or something. I grabbed my favorite snack (a half-eaten gummy worm) and stuffed it in my pocket before heading to the school-pod. The Troll kids were gathered around, waiting for me to start reading. I sighed, settling into a beanbag chair with my scrapbook in hand. At least I wouldn't have to sing today not feeling it today.

"Alright, my dudes," I began, trying to hype myself up a bit, "storytime. So, like, once upon a time or whatever, in a happy forest, there were the Trolls. And we were super happy, living our best lives. Singing, dancing, all that cringe stuff. But then the Bergens showed up."

The Troll kids gasped, like they always do at this part. I rolled my eyes, continuing. "Yeah, so the Bergens were basically a whole vibe of suck. Like, they were total buzzkills. No hugs, no dances, just like, taxes and frowns. So, of course, they wanted to eat us to feel what we feel."

"Eww!" one of the Troll kids squealed, and I nodded in agreement.

"Right? Major yikes. So, every year, they'd eat one of us at this creepy party they called 'Trollstice.' But my dad, King Peppy, led us to escape to the Forest. We've been safe ever since. Well, mostly."

The kids looked up at me with wide eyes. "So, like, do they still want to eat us?" one of them asked.

I shrugged. "Probably, but it's not like they know where we are, so, chill. Anyway, we're throwing this massive party tonight, and it's gonna be epic. Everyone's invited."

After leaving the school-pod, I started handing out invites to everyone in the village. I kept the vibes low-key, just passing them around with a quick "sup" and a nod. No need for extra drama. I wasn't in the mood for singing in public, which everyone thought was weird, but whatever.

"Hey, DJ Suki," I said, finding my bestie mixing some beats. She was always in the zone, her headphones practically glued to her head.

"Poppy! Ready for tonight?" she asked, flashing me a grin.

"As ready as I'll ever be," I muttered, tossing her an invite. "Just gotta make sure the whole squad's there."

I continued through the village, distributing invites like they were concert tickets. Biggie, Cooper, Guy Diamond—they were all pumped, especially Biggie, who was already tearing up at the thought of the party. I rolled my eyes, secretly hoping he'd keep it together for once.

As I made my rounds, I spotted Branch lurking behind a mushroom, his usual scowl in place. Unlike everyone else, he wasn't all that into the whole party scene. I didn't really care if he showed up or not.

"Branch," I said, walking up to him, "got an invite for ya." I held out the invitation, not really expecting him to take it.

"Pass," he grumbled, barely looking at me. "Not interested."

"Cool," I shrugged. "Didn't think you'd show anyway."

He glanced at me, surprised that I wasn't pushing him to come. Usually, I'd be all up in his business, trying to get him to smile or something. But now? Nah, I was over it. If he wanted to be a grump, that was his deal.

"Is that it?" he asked, clearly expecting more.

"Yup," I said, popping the 'p.' "No singing, no glitter, just this invite. Do what you want with it."

For a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of something in his eyes, but it was gone as quickly as it came. Branch turned to leave, muttering something about 'survival bunkers' and 'Bergens.'

"Whatever, man," I called after him. "Live your truth."

As I turned to go, Creek showed up, floating in on his weird bug thing. He flashed me one of his usual flirty smiles, but I wasn't really feeling it today. Dude was too into his whole zen vibe, and honestly, it was getting old.

"Hey, Poppy," Creek said, his voice smooth as ever. "You good?"

"Yeah," I replied, nonchalantly. "Just handing out invites."

Creek glanced at Branch, who was still sulking in the distance. "Branch giving you a hard time again?"

I shrugged. "Nah, just the usual. Dude's gotta chill, but it's whatever."

"Well, if anyone can get him to come around, it's you," Creek said, trying to sound encouraging. But I wasn't buying it. Branch was Branch, and he'd always be that way.

"Maybe," I said, giving him a small smile. "But I'm not losing sleep over it. See you at the party?"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," Creek grinned, giving me a playful wink.

I waved him off and headed back to my pod, ready to crash before the big party tonight. No more trying to please everyone, no more fake smiles. Just me, my hoodie, and a playlist that slapped. If Branch wanted to be a loner, that was his problem. As for Creek? Well, he could keep his flirtiness to himself. I had better things to do, like planning the craziest, most lit party the Trolls had ever seen.

And no singing required.