In The Stardust

Taking The Shots

It was springtime in Troll Village, and that didn't just mean flowers blooming, bees buzzing and birds singing. It also meant the return of the most popular sport in Troll Village: Squish ball!

It was a tight game, the score was tied. One more hit for either team, and they had to bite the dust.

“Here's what we're going to do," announced Branch, captain of the blue team. “When I give the signal, Willow will be launched into the air by Satin and Chenille, and she'll drop the squish ball on DJ, taking down the aerial attack so Guy and I can go after Cooper and Biggie. Go, Bluebirds!"

“Why are we called Bluebirds?" Guy Diamond asked. “That doesn't sound scary."

“Trust me, real bluebirds are terrifying," Branch assured them. “Now, let's move!"

Once the horn blared, both teams took action. The fashion twins launched Willow, and she prepared to drop the squish ball, but something pink in the corner of her eye caught her attention. She noticed Poppy, the queen of the Trolls, in Town Square sniffing a small, purple flower.

“Poppy..." she sighed, focusing only on her. Forgetting all about her assignment, Willow crashed into a safety net. DJ took notice, and looked down to find Cooper and Guy Diamond down.

“Well, well, well," she muttered, smirking. DJ waited for Branch to take down Biggie, let him have a brief victory party, and threw the ball into his face.

“Red team wins!" Smidge announced.

“But-- that's impossible!" Branch protested. “I had Willow--"

“Get her head in the clouds?" DJ interrupted, pointing up at the teenage girl, who had a smile on her face and a squish ball in her hand. Branch just growled.

“You're a radiant being illuminating our way..." Willow sang as Branch grabbed her with his hair and pulled her down.

“Willow, we went over phase 8π∆ two hundred and eighty-seven times!" he scolded as she remained in la la land. “You repeated it under your breath constantly, and... Are you even listening to me?!"

“I will write her name in the sky... as soon as I learn how to write."

Branch groaned. “Please don't tell me you still think you have a shot with Poppy."

At that moment, Willow snapped out of it.

“What makes you think I don't?" she asked angrily.

“Because!" Branch answered. “Poppy's not into Trolls like you. You're just... Willow."

“I see what's going on here," Willow said, her teeth clenched. “You want Poppy all to yourself."

“What?! Where would you get an idea like that?!" Branch laughed nervously. It was true, however. Branch was in love with Poppy just as much as Willow was. He only didn't admit it because he felt she was better off without him.

“Well, I'm pretty sure I stand a better chance than some paranoid, antisocial survivalist," Willow spat.

“I stand a better chance than a black-haired weirdo who can't even throw!"

“I can, too!" Willow argued.

“I dare you."

“I double dare you to game of one on one," she finished.

“Challenge accepted!" Branch agreed. “Misty Meadows in forty-eight hours. Don't be late."

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••