This takes place before the movie
Five year old Princess Poppy was wandering around woods admiring the view. The little Princess stopped when she heard rustling in the bushes.
Poppy: H-hello....? W-who's there....?
Everything was silent til the bushes moved again. Poppy backed up in total fear not knowing what's gonna pop out. Suddenly, a snake popped out of the bushes scaring the princess. No matter how fast Poppy ran, the snake would always catch up to her. Not paying attention, her leg gets scratched by a thorn & she falls down.
Poppy: Ugh...! Ow...I can't get up..
The snake got closer to Poppy looking really angry. Poppy backed up till her back touched a tree behind her.
Poppy: *tears flow* Get away from me....!
As the snake rushed towards her getting ready to strike, Poppy closed her eyes & braced for impact.
Poppy: NO!
Nothing happened. When she opened her eyes, there was a grey troll whipping his hair in front of the snake making it back up.
?: Get back!
Poppy: *thinks: Who is that? I've never seen him around before. If only I could see his face.*
By the last whip, the snake wandered off. When the grey troll turned to her, Poppy started to blush a bit. She couldn't help but stare at his bright blue eyes.
?: Are you alright, Poppy?
Poppy: Yeah....Wait, how do you know my name?
?: You're King Peppy's daughter, right?
Poppy: Yes. Ugh....!
Blood was dripping out of Poppy's leg. The grey troll took out a red bandana & tied it around her injured leg. He tightened it to stop the bleeding.
Poppy: Ah!
?: Sorry, but I have to tighten it so that more won't fall out. Here, let me carry you.
Poppy: *nods* By the way, what's your name?
?: It's Branch.
The grey troll carried Poppy on his back & started walking to the village. Poppy felt slightly embarrassed about being carried by another troll besides her father. All she could think of is how bright his eyes are, she could get lost in the for a minute.
Poppy: Um, thank you for saving me back there.
Branch: It's not a problem, I couldn't let a princess die like that.
Poppy's face flashed red instantly. Was she falling in love with someone she just met, or was it just in her head? She didn't know the answer to that. After that has happened, Poppy got tired & fell asleep. Branch could feel her breathing on his neck, which made him blush a bit.
?: Poppy! Poppy, where are you?!
Branch: King Peppy?
King Peppy: Branch! Oh, you found her. Where was she?
Branch: It's a long story, sir.
On the way to the Village, Branch told King Peppy what happened. As they reached the Royal Pod, Peppy placed Poppy in bed & tucked her in.
King Peppy: I appreciate you bringing her back safely
Branch: It's not a problem, I'm just glad I could help.
The sun was setting & Branch was heading home. Thing is, he doesn't live in the village. He lives in a bunker a few minutes away from the village. Branch's heart was still racing, thinking about his first encounter with the princess. He then swore that nothing will happen to her.
Branch: I'll always protect you, Princess Poppy.
