Curse of the Weretroll (rewrite)

Chapter 83

"Just... be careful..." Poppy pleaded, her voice soft and filled to the brim with concern as she and Branch stood together in the spaghetti shaft exit, the two of them hidden from sight of the snack pack who stood only a few feet away. "Don't be seen... ok...?"

Branch nodded, giving Poppy one last hug before they would have to split ways for the night, his heart aching to have to say goodbye... even if it was only till morning...

"Get yourself and the others inside as soon as possible..." he warned with a slightly croaky voice. "Don't come out into the woods at this time of night... it's not safe..."
"I won't..." she promised. "I'll come find you in the morning..."

Another deep calming breath, and Branch gently pulled away from Poppy, the young princess giving him a soft comforting kiss on the forehead to let him know that everything was going to be alright before climbing out of the bunker and rushing over towards her friends...

     "Guys!"

     He heard the cheers of their friends as they suddenly spotted Poppy running towards them with open arms, the young survivalist allowing a small longing smile to come to his face as he watched the inevitable group hug form...

     And... as he watched solemnly from a distance... for some reason he didn't even fully understand... he kinda wished he could be a part of it...

     With a soft sorrowful sigh, Branch watched as the hug broke off. He could see that Poppy was now talking to Creek about something, but couldn't quite hear what...

     Ugh... that jerk... Branch almost couldn't even stand the sight of him at this point... and to think... they used to be inseparable best friends...

     Branch watched with a look of disdain as Creek now seemed to be suddenly yelling at his girlfriend, the Weretroll's hands curling involuntarily into tight fists by his side...

     He wanted so badly to just storm over there and give that jerk what was coming to him... but... he knew he had to stay hidden... he had promised Poppy he wouldn't be seen... and he wasn't going to let her down...

Stealing a quick glance back to the bunker entrance, Poppy could see Branch peeking his head out of the realistic fake rock in which he was still hidden, the young princess giving a subtle nod of her head as a signal that it was safe for him to go...

Ok... now or never...

Nodding back, Branch cautiously climbed out of the spaghetti shaft, the former village grump quickly making a break for the forest beyond...

     He just needed to get to the secluded pond... it wasn't too far... as long as he stayed hidden... everything should be fine...

Right...?

     As he ran through the darkened forest only lit slightly by the moon and stars shining brightly above, Branch suddenly froze dead in his tracks as he shoved his way through a bush, instantly coming face to face with one of the hunters out on patrol for the wolf...

He stumbled back as the troll suddenly turned on him with their gun, his hands instinctively flying up in a plea of 'don't shoot'...

"Branch...?" their voice was filled with confusion as they realized who it was in front of them, the troll quickly lowering their gun. "What are you doing out here...? I thought King Peppy gave you time off to recover after your... accident..."