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efflorescence-au · 2 years

Text

There is a headache-inducing flash of light. As Messy blinks away their temporary blindness, something new and utterly confusing appears in front of them.

At the realization of what it is, they breathe a soft yet panicked,

“Oh no.”

Grow As We Go

An Efflorescence Au One-shot.

A Bloo × Messy x Hickory story.

Birds in abundance twittering about while dew dripped from nearby flora. While, in a kitchen, a tired looking Troll quietly searched around for something to eat. Cereal sounds perfect they thought. Something quick today, as they would rather not have their disheveled appearance questioned.

Another bright, sunny, early morning.

As fresh moth-milk is poured, the familiar 'scritching' of someone walking along the plush flooring somewhere in the pod, sounded. Somebody else must be up. The footsteps of a still not fully conscious Troll shuffled ever closer and stopped at the kitchen entrance.

“Mess?”

Bloo.

Turning their head towards their companion, another bite is taken. With hopes of staving off answers to the questions Bloo was sure to have.

“Where have you been?” Bloo asks soft, yet drowsily.“I've been worried about you. It feels like you’ve been trying to avoid everybody the past few days."

A crunch. A swallow. And then:

“Just been out.” Their voice coming out a bit harsher than intended.

The freckled Troll's eyes widen a bit in surprise at the tone, before squinting skeptically in return.

“I know you’ve ‘been out’. Last I checked though, when you're 'out' its anything but quiet or avoiding Trolls altogether. Are 'ya feeling alright? Have you caught somethin'? You look like ya haven't been sleepin' much.”

Messy averted their eyes to stare at the bowl in front of them. They couldn't bring it up. Not yet. Its too soon and who knew how Bloo would react. Hickory either.

Jaw set firm, they respond harshly.

“Stop worrying about it. When I'm ready, I'll let you know what's up. I just need to be alone.”

A poignant pause echoed loudly between two Trolls who had rarely been at a loss for words amongst themselves. Only to be disrupted by the clattering of a spoon against bowl, and another crunching mouthful of cereal.

“Alrighty then. When you're feeling up to it, just give me a holler. I'll just be here. Worryin'. The whole time.” Bloo bitterly retorts. Disheartened and exasperated that the Troll dearest to them was undoubtedly hiding something. Something that was obviously eating away at them. Turning on heels, eyes stinging with emotion and lack of sleep, Bloo left Messy to their thoughts.

Letting out a guilt filled sigh, the tusked Troll quietly finished the meager meal and washed the dishes, leaving them to dry in the rack.

"Better get back."

On the way out the door, Messy spotted Bloo's favorite flannel hanging precariously off a chair. Without a second thought, enraptured by its sweet sent, it was snatched up as they closed the door behind them.

The hiding spot wasn't far. In fact, it was just on the other side of the tree where the pod sat. Right at it's roots. True, a bit of a climb up for Trolls who aren't versed well at using their hair to climb or repel themselves, but it was the best place to find in a tight pinch. Being so high up, and on the other side of this tree, gave off a feeling of seclusion while still having a good view of Pop Village below.

This time while ascending to their hideaway, a bat critter and a dark haired Troll decending the same tree, were approaching the pod on the other side. Unnoticed.

*******************************

Finally.

Cozy, toasty warm comfort began engulfing the freckled Troll. Eyelids became heavy, sharp toothed maw yawned satisfactorily. The light snores of the nearby scruffy-faced Troll beside them began to lull them back to slumber. If there was one comfort that always held tried and true for this Troll, it was that sleep fixed a sour mood. At least that's what their father always said. Bloo smiled at that and as they drifted off. Reminding themselves to apologize to Messy later. Maybe they were being too pushy. It was completely possible that Messy really did just need some space and some extended alone time to themselves. Afterall, a lot had happened in the trio's lives recently that required some time to process. The biggest being, that it had only been a few short weeks since Messy had banished their birth father permanently from their life. Perhaps that was the cause of Messy's avoidance lately. That they were having some extra delayed emotions to sort out. Odd though, Bloo reflected. Considering that up until Messy began their seclusion, they appeared to be extremely high spirits. Practically glowing with joy...

"I'll make Mess' favorite dinner tonight, and maybe then..." Another long yawn escaped the Troll before rolling over, slipping into a deep, blissful, dreamless sleep.

*RATTA-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT*

Incessant banging at the front door rang violently through both sleeping Troll's ears. Jolting the pair awake. Hickory before his eyes even opened, snapped up, fists raised defensively as if ready for a fight to take place at the drop of a ten gallon hat.

"WAS ZUR HÖLLE?!" Grogily he roared.

Yet the rapping at the door continued.

*RATTA-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT*

"Hun, it's okay. Easy now. It's probably just--"

"Bleib dran, ich werde sehen, was ist ze dang ruckus goin' on out there?!"

Shaking his head at his companion and banishing the remaining sleep from his features, Hickory stomped out of the room. Neglecting both housecoat and slippers by the bedside. Far too eager to greet whoever was responsible for the unwanted wakeup call. All the while, continuing to grumble and curse in a mix of both yodel and country tongue.

Sighing deeply, Bloo got themselves up, throwing on their robe and at a leisurely pace. Following suit after the ex bounty hunter to see who would face the wrath of startling the poor fella awake. Guess some old habits die hard, huh?

"Branch?"

"It's about time! Quick, where's Bloo?"

"Hold up partner. I think you're the one needin' ta answer some questions of mine before ya come bombardin' me with yer own. You know what time it is? Even for us early risers?"

"Hickory, this can't wait. Where is Bloo?"

"Listen. Iffin' this is another one of your 'security thingys' gone screwy, I'm sure we'd be more than happy to help ya later."

Approaching closer to the scene, Bloo was surprised to see Branch. Friend and newly crowned King of Pop Village, in heated discussion in the front doorway with Hickory, while also shockingly in possession of Malicious. Bloo's own pet bat.

The nervousness coming off Branch, came off in waves. Enough to throw the Rock Troll for a loop. Paranoid Branch? Nothing new. Down right nervous Branch though? That was disconcerting. Mr. 'Crazy Prepared' looked as if he saw a ghost and got lost in some bramble while escaping it. More importantly, what was Malicious doing tangled up in Branch's hair? Granted, the bat liked to go off and get into mischief, but this was a new one to add to the books. As soon as the little horned critter saw it's master's face, he bellowed a long, pitiful yowl.

"Bloo! Perfect. I need you to see something important."

"What's going on?" Bloo inquired both Trolls as they plucked the fidgety critter from it's current nesting spot. As soon as the bat was cradled in a familiar embrace,

Branch’s words practically tumbled out of his mouth.

“Malicious showed me something. Something, uh--you both need to see. It's about Messy. They...well...Just follow me!"

With that, the teal Troll darted off faster than a bobsledge bug. With no hesitation Bloo chased after him. Hickory shortly following suit after a short pause to obsorb the situation.

Did Branch find the reason why Messy had been so distant lately? Had something happened to them? What could be going on with them that they felt they couldn't confide in Bloo? Eyes burning, throat tight, and heart racing, they ran harder than they could ever recall. Holding Malicious closely to their chest. Words echoing in Bloo's head.

"Together forever?"

"No matter whatever."

********************************

"Right here."

Branch had lead the two to a notch hole in the same tree their pod that resided at its roots. Very high up, but on the opposite side. Completely hidden away from any normal vantage. Due to placement, as well as being covered in leaves. It was no wonder how Bloo, who had lived here for quite some time now, never noticed it before. Not to mention the amount of hair power needed to help climb the majority of the way up. Hickory, having a few close calls due to his lack of experience using his hair to propel or swing himself.

The notch was dark and shaded. Nothing that would normally cause any alarm for the Troll. Afterall, Bloo had long since, lost track of how many times the two Rock Trolls on their travels, camped in spots just like this.

Wait.

Traveling...

Messy was always fondest of high places when it came to seeking shelter on their journeys. Always pefering it to Bloo's own preference of ground cover.

Was Messy...hiding? From what?

This hollow notch now made the freckled Troll tremble anxiously. What in the hair would they need to hide from, that they thought neither Hickory or Bloo could protect them from?

Malicious, ceasing the moment to break free from his master's tightening hold, slipped away. Flying up to the entrance, he sat down expectantly. Not going inside. Just sitting. Waiting. Like the smart critter always did after finding something interesting.

"Is Mess in there Mal?" The blue Troll quietly uttered. So quiet. As if afraid any octave louder would shatter their resolve.

The bat whined loudly in confirmation.

"Branch, what exactly are we gonna be layin' eyes on when we go--Branch?!"

Turning his head to question the Pop King, to Hickory's astonishment, Branch had silently left the two Trolls facing the entrance with their bat to face whatever he had lead them both to witness.

"Spooky..." He grimaced through gritted teeth.

"I'm going in."

"What? Bloo, hold yer horses! You don't know what's going in there. We gotta tread awful careful-like. 'Ya hear?

Hickory grabbed the crook of their arm, squeezing firmly to stop the Troll from walking forward.

But to no use. Yanking their freckled arm from their partner's grasp, they charged forward without looking back. Bloo didn't give a damn what might be going on. Whatever possible danger or worse was inside. Inside, lay answers to the questions Bloo and Hickory had been asking themselves for days, as well as their beloved Messy. No powers above or below in this whole wide, Trolly-World was going to stop them.

The tree and everything was deathly silent as the blue Troll rushed into the Tree knot. Hickory braced himself to chase after them. Readying himself for whatever was to come. To do whatever it took to make sure the loves of his life were safe.

It was only a moment. Two at most. As he began stepping forward, something that would chill any Troll to the bone happened. From the hollow knot the the great tree... A cry of pain from Bloo thundered.

Hickory charged in.

******************************************

Time. Time..Time...

That's all Messy kept convincing themselves they needed. More time to figure out what or how they were going to break the news to both of their partners. How would the two react? Would Bloo and Hickory be upset? Why did this have to happen now? When everything was literally perfect?

The three Trolls hadn't officially been together as a complete unit for all that long, so a conversation pertaining to this, wasn't even a thing that had been casually discussed. And as much as they rattled their brain, this was a senario Bloo and Messy had never really pictured either. Honestly, the duo had always lived their lives in the moment, a day at a time, and never planned ahead for a future. Other than always wishing for a life spent together filled with love, rock 'n roll, and adventure.

More importantly. What if? What if Bloo and Hickory wanted no part in this? This was a game changer afterall. 'What if'. All the 'what ifs' were what made them so afraid. What terrified them most though, the ‘what if’ that grabbed at the based of their heart and squeezed it near to bursting was...

"What if Bloo and Hickory leave?"

So tired. So hungry. But they couldn't leave again. At least not so soon. Who knew when it would finally happen. Who knew what might come snooping that shouldn't. Maybe they could nap, just a little while. Just to rest their eyes.

They felt the oppressive weight of sleep overtake them, activity from right outside the entrance jolted them awake. In reality, nothing altogether loud, but nonetheless shattered any trace of sleep away. Messy might normally insist that they hated having such long and pointed ears, but for situations like this, it was a blessing.

Due to the way the knot was hallowed out, it actually went a bit far back and down into the tree, giving it more privacy. The only source of light was a small jar of clapper bugs. Just enough to see around in the chamber they found themselves in, but not have it reach outside. Panic set in quickly. "Please. Please let it be just some critter out there snooping around, get bored and buzz off." The green Troll pleaded internally.

No such luck. Faint noises only grew louder and if they weren't mistaken, getting closer.

"Idiot."

Of all the things they had gathered up the last few days, they had forgotten to grab anything to defend themselves. Too late now. They just had their intellect and reflexes to go off of. Just like the good old days traveling, right? If they with Bloo's help were able to take down humongous critters before on their own, Messy could do this. They had to. Nothing was going to make its way into this spot. Claws and patience would have to do. Retreating from their spot in the corner of the space, Messy slunk to the left side of the entranceway. Waiting for their chance.

*******************************************

"How far did this go back?" Bloo wondered. After the enital plunge into darkness, they felt their nerve waver momentarily.

Marching forward, the Troll reached out both arms to either side to brush the walls with their clawed fingers. Not only to guide, but to gage the new, dimly lit surroundings. Thank-Trollness the low-light vision Rock Trolls were blessed with. This would be unnerving to any other Troll.

"Yikes. Sorry Hic." They thought.

An apology best saved for later though, as a tiny glimmer of something began brightening up the darkness. Continuing on, lowering their arms to their sides, fists clenched, teeth tugged on lower lip, Bloo's steps become more assured. Confident. Messy. Anything and everything Messy.

Closer now. And coming into view. That light source. They recognized that familiar buzz of clapper beetles. Towards the center of the space right before them, it sat. From first glance seemed to be a nest. Most likely made by some critter or bird. Had Messy been caring for some wounded critter? Were they carried in by a critter? A heat rose up inside as they felt beads of cold sweat build. Reaching the entrance to the source of the light, Bloo making themselves as imposing as possible, entered.

"Mes--"

There was no chance to say much more before a shadow was on them. Instinctively, the blue Troll maneuvered themselves backwards, and was able to avoid most of whatever had just...clawed at them? Adjusting their tactic, "If its a fight they want", Bloo thought, "they'd get--

"Aaaagh!!!"

Sharp, searing pain, blossomed acrossed the leftside of their face. Followed by that oh, so familiar warmth of blood. Bloo's mouth. By all that is Trolly it hurt. And was filling up with said, unmistakable, sickeningly sweet, sticky liquid. Spitting the majority of it out, pushing the pain to the back of their mind, they rushed the figure. Charging and knocking it backward into the nest in the center of the room. With them now ontop of the thing, with the upper hand in the fight. That's when eyes and gasps synced.

"Mess?"

"Bloo?"

Bloo immediately scrambled up and off of their green haired companion. Who now, looked even more disheveled than this morning when last they saw them. Now covered in Bloo's blood. Stepping back too quickly, they tumbled back onto their backside. Holding a clawed hand their injured, bleeding, face and mouth. Fully drinking in the scene.

Messy was on their back, propped up by their elbows, chest heaving. Horrified. Their own blood trickling down from a badly nicked ear. Undoubtedly earned from a swipe from Bloo.

The nest.

This wasn't any normal critter nest.

Yes it contained twigs and leaves, but scattered throughout were items belonging to the trio of lovers. Hickory, Messy, and themselves. Mostly clothing, blankets, and anything soft or cozy. Carefully tucked and placed throughout it. Bloo could swear they even spotted some old traveling gear they hadn't touched in ages. Items like sleeping bags, tarps, and tent fabric. So that's where Hickory's favorite vest had gone to? Where Bloo's favorite band-tee went? In the center, they finally got a better look at the jar containing clapper bugs. Snug nearby was something though that made them question if their vision hadn't got damaged in the scuffle. That couldn't be right. Raising both hands up, the injured Troll clapped twice. Loudly. Making the room light up entirely. A flash of light followed by some quick blinking and they had the answer. To absolutely everything.

"Eggs? Mess, d-did you have eggs?"

******************************************

Messy in awed horror could do nothing but stare at Bloo. They imagined almost every possible sanario for revealing the fact they had indeed, laid not one egg, but two eggs.

But none. None. Came close to a sanario of them attacking the love of their life. What had they done?! Looking at Bloo. Their normally, sweet, smiling face, torn by Messy's own claws. If not for their companion being a skilled fighter in the past, they would have faired far worse. From what they could see that wasn't completely splattered in that uniquely colored blood of theirs; an almost a coral and orange hue; they had gotten a small knick on her nose, a slash on the cheek, and a large slash from the top lip to bottom lip, stopping just before reaching her chin. All on the left side. It looked horrible. What had they done? Raising their hands, and sitting up to gaze at their nasty work. It was indeed all on their hands. And on their chest. The warm substance almost glittering in the now lit room.

"I'm going to be sick." Was all that swam in their head until a voice pulled them back.

"Darlin'?! Bloo?! Sugar, answer me--"Hickory heaved. Throwing himself through the entrance. All color drained from his features once he layed eyes on his two partners. "Messy? What the hair is goin' on in here?"

"I--I hurt Bloo. I--I didn't--a--accident. Couldn't--" Messy trembled. They felt their words failing. Choking on each soft utterance they managed to let out.

"Mess?" Holding back a large hiss of pain, Bloo's attention and gaze was held only for Messy.

They were utterly confounded. Why did Bloo not look angry? They should be furious. The calm on their lover's face just begged Messy to be punished. From deep down they were pleading for Bloo to scream. To come over here and tear them to shreads. Something. Anything! Anything to satisfy or relieve the building guilt swelling inside of them.

That's when Bloo did it.

That unique thing that only their eyes could do to any Troll. Stare deep down and melt any barrier. So wholly tender. So powder blue. So accepting. Despite the pangs of pain that occasionally danced acrossed the freckled Troll's injured face, they did what always came with those eyes. Gave that small, ardour, lovesome, smile. Accompanied by those reassuring, inviting, outstretched arms.

"Together forever?" They asked.

"No matter whatever!!!" They replied.

Sobbing, Messy lunged into the embrace.

The weight of all they had been carrying, falling away at last.

There the two sat for a while. Huddled together. Until the two became three. As Hickory knelt down alongside his two companions, holding them tightly. Thanking the stars above that they both were safe.

As Messy's sobs were subsiding and both Rock Trolls were looked over by their partner. Who was able to staunch the bleeding from both Troll's injuries. Thanks to a few handy items he kept stashed in his hair. As he did so, he finally drank in the surrounding scenery.

"Are those? By all that is Trolly...those ain't--are they?" He hoarsely whispered.

"Congrats cowboy, looks like we're parents."

"Parents? You mean I'm gonna be someone's Pa?”

“Well...pop my corn." A huge grin spread from ear to ear. A glimmer of tears springing up made an appearance on his handsome face.

"You're not upset? Why aren't you both upset at all of this?"

"Oh, don't get it twisted. I'm far from okay with this lovey. Far from it being about the eggs though. I'm mad at 'ya for hiding something as big as this from us. Thinkin' you can't trust us. For hiding yourself and them away. Going and neglecting yourself--"

Their clawed hand moved hair from their face and reached out to Messy's face. Caressing it gently. Thumb stroking their cheek, light blue eyes sweeping over the green Troll's emaciated form. From days of under eating and no doubt, lack of sleep.

"I'm uh--" Tears full-forced from seemingly nowhere, began to burst forth. "I was so damn worried about you, 'ya know? I thought...well I don't know what I thought, but what if we lost 'ya? What would I do? I had no idea what you were up to. What if you were hurt? In trouble? S-s-sick? And I couldn't--" The freckled Troll between choking back tears, began Hyperventilating.

Messy's eyes widened. Gripping their lover's sholders firmly, dark blue eyes stared back at light blue ones.

"Oi! Lovey. Sweetness. Beautiful, I'm going to be alright. I'm fine. I'm here. I won't do this again. I promise. See?" They brushed tears away as gently as possible. Not trying to irritate the injuries further. Finally gaining a grasp at where Bloo's worries truly were coming from.

June.

Ever since the death of Bloo's mother, any Trolls in their life that were ill or injured, Bloo made every effort to care for them. Their biggest fear in life, being that they would loose them too.

Ofcourse there was no way Bloo was at fault for their mother's illness or death. They were a child. However that irrational fear never left them. Especially when a Troll insisted their illness or injury was 'nothing to worry about'. Neglecting themselves. Afterall if June had put herself first, it was said there was a possibility she could have survived.

Hickory embraced both Trolls tightly. Also understanding where Bloo's outburst was coming from. He kissed Messy's forehead. Eyes brimming with tears of his own.

"Ya had us both worried sick, Sugar. This might all be a mighty big surprise to take in, but your well-being was the only thing on our minds. And now, it looks like we're gonna have two more...little folks who you are gonna mean the whole world to."

"I'm starting out as a real crap parent aren't I?" They sniffled.

"Shucks Shug, ya aren't crap. Just new at this. Uh, we're all gonna be." He chuckled. "But we can at least figure this all out together. Three's better than one. Right?"

Bloo giggled at that. Messy nodded. While both wiped tears away. The future just got a whole-lot bigger to the trio. And every step from there on out was going to be a new, uncertain, but thrilling adventure.

"How about it? Ready to give this a whirl? I'm ready to rock." Bloo winked.

"I'm honky-tonkin' stoked!" Hickory whooped and yodeled in delight.

"Let's do this. Together." Messy beamed.

Scooting over, the green Troll tenderly lifted and cradled the two ‘results’ of their ever growing love for the two Trolls who showed them how to love and be loved. Who together they were all learning that love is ever changing. The highs, the lows, the ebbs and the flows…

It grows as we go.

END

Song that inspired the title for this chapter:

This is technically the first Efflorescence Au fic I'm posting on this blog. It's obviously not in order of events. This takes place once Hickory, Bloo, and Messy become an established romantic unit. However, this was a cute one shot that was the brainchild of a prompt IRL Messy came up with a year ago that I just never stopped loving and working on. On how the twins Paloma and Absinthe, the trio's first kiddos came to be.

I hope you all enjoy! Eventually I'll get around to properly tagging, organizing, and posting things on this blog. But I had an urge I needed to scratch real bad to post this because I had just finished writing it. ^_^

Ttyl! Let's hope this is a start to getting back to making some Efflorescence Au content!

#Efflorescence au #one shot fic #bloo x hickory x messy #Spotify

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blooeyedtroll · 3 years

Text

Home on the Range

Rated PG-13ish Lolz. For occasional cussing and maybe innuendos(?). Lolz. This can also be read on Ao3. Feel free to read it there if you prefer.

More art scattered though out this fic, hope you like it!

Hello friend! Welcome!

This is a One shot fic that takes place in mine & @messybitch802 ‘s :

Efflorescence AU.

This is the beginning of our tale, I hope you enjoy.

This is in Hickory’s POV. I thought this would be a fun way to introduce Bloo and Messy. It also seemed fitting since Hickory will play a larger part as our tale unfolds.

However, I’d like to think this could be enjoyed as a fun one-shot Hickory & Dickory fic as well. This fandom needs more Yodel Brothers content!

Big thanks to @jade-green-butterfly and her random ask that kicked my butt in gear, giving me the inspiration to finally start writing:

Anyway, let’s get to it. Enjoy!:

HOME ON THE RANGE

"Rock Trolls... no doubt about that.”

The rugged, orange haired Troll put down his hammer and stepped away from the task at hand. Fence work could wait. This needed his immediate attention. Around this time of day he'd expect to see, at most, a tumbleweed passing by the entrance to the Ranch. Maybe. Nobody ever came out this way. Not since he'd been here anyway. At a good clip, it was about an hour trek away from Lonesome Flats. Which suited his needs perfectly.

The perfect place to lay low and still blend in.

"Bist du sicher?" whispered a muffled voice behind him.

"Of course I am. Now hush, I'm gonna check it out. Stay in character. An’ be ready, just in case."

The orange haired Troll patted the front of his jeans, freeing them of a satisfying amount of dust from the day’s hard work and checked his reflection in a nearby trough. Grinning as he placed a straw of wheat that was kept in the brim of his hat; between his teeth.

Perfection.

Who would guess otherwise, that the reflection in that water, was anything but a genuine Country Troll?

It took a lot of work shopping, trial and error, but he did it.

Well, they did it. The four legged, rugged, handsome, Country Troll was in actuality...two Trolls.

Two brothers to be precise.

Yodel Trolls by the names of Hickory and Dickory.

The last Yodel Trolls by their accounts, and they happened to be the best damn team of Bounty Hunters and Mercenaries in all of Trolldom.

For good reason.

The best tool to their disposal was their ability to blend in. So much so, it was only until it was “too late” for their marks, by the time their true colors were revealed. And this disguise has been their best yet.

Hickory, though the youngest brother, was the much taller of the two. So he was the face to this particular get-up. Making Dickory to be left with the tail end. Literally. Understandably, this was not ideal for him.

And he definitely made it well known on many occasions how he felt about having to play a literal “horse’s ass”.

But by gum, was he the best ass you could ask for.

At this point, Dickory had mastered the art of synchronizing with Hickory's movements, in such a way, it was now practically impossible to spot anything amiss. It was as if they shared one mind while under the guise of this centaur-esk being.

And while Dickory was fairly sour about the whole situation, Hickory found himself more and more, fond of living day to day as a Country Troll. Very much so to his brother’s shagrin. The look, the music, the lifestyle...everything.

It had been two months now since the brothers found themselves here, in Country Music territory. However, last anyone on the outside had heard about them, was that they had "yodelled so hard, an avalanche fell on them"...or something? Which was just what they wanted. For the time being anyway.

The brothers had struck a deal with their last mark.

For his freedom, he was to spread said rumor, so the Yodelers could lay low for a while.

Queen Barb, of the Hard Rock Trolls, was no stranger to the two brothers. As a matter of fact, she was one of their most frequent clients for the past few years. Which suited them just fine. Well, almost. The last few jobs they did for the young Queen, left a bitter taste in Hickory's mouth. Not so much for the tasks she asked of them, but because of something she said and what he saw on their last few visits to Volcano Rock City. Maps. Marked up. Plans of some sort. Hanging everywhere. The young ruler, looking the most tired he'd ever seen her, yet looking as if ready to burst from being too tightly wound, at any moment.

"Hopefully next time I see you dudes, one way or another, we'll all be singing to a different tune. It's gonna be so Rad."

Whatever was going on, both Yodelers agreed that it was definitely not worth getting caught up in. They could just feel it. Deep down. They were hired to track Trolls down and do what needed to do, to get by.

Both of them could be shady characters at times, but they had decent moral compasses to live by. So they told themselves.

That's why the presence of Rock Trolls at this moment made Hickory's blood run cold. Could it be possible somehow, some way, they had been found out? That whatever Queen Barb was up to, she was looking for them? What is it that she’d need them for anyway?

No. Their plan worked perfectly. Blend in as a Country Troll, lay low for a while, only do the occasional "job" when the opportunity presented itself, just until the Queen of Rock cooled her head or went through with... whatever she is planning.

Not a soul knew about Hickory and Dickory being here.

Well.

Unless you counted, July.

Miss July, the owner of the Ranch. A rather interesting Troll.

A Pop-Country Troll. The only mixed genre Troll around these parts. Unlike her four legged, centaur, Country loving neighbors; she walked on two legs... well, hooves. Her appearance could be compared to a more "Satyr" like build, with a perfect blend of both genres in her appearance. The bright colors of a Pop Troll, but the sturdy build of that of a Country Troll.

A Tough, stern older lady-Troll, with a heart of gold.

Running this place all on her own, while tending to her extremely elderly parents.

That's one of the reasons he never expected any visitors here. Nobody in town wanted anything to do with Miss July or her family. Didn't much like associating with “their kind” if they could help it. Though you'd never hear them say it in polite conversation. But that suited Miss July just fine. That's how she liked it. Ever since Miss July and her folks suffered a terrible loss to their family, decades ago, she rarely went into town if she could help it.

Which on one such occasion, is when she stumbled upon the Yodelers, in their first attempts at putting together their “Country Persona”.

They had been camping not too far from her Ranch and the Town, when she found them both, struggling to even walk in time together, in a pair of poorly made four legged pants.

July took their word as Gospel. That they were just fulfilling a lifelong dream of wanting to, in some way, be a Country Troll. So she offered them a place to stay and to show them the ropes on what it meant to be a Country Troll. If they agreed to work for her at her family’s Ranch.

"Until you feel you can stand on yer own four hooves!' She teased.

It could be easily wagered that July being an outcast in her own community, could be a factor of sympathy she felt towards them, making her wanting to help any way she could, and possibly what made her not judgmental in the least. That, and as tough as she put herself on as, she was sweet as apple pie, through and through.

Which did make Hickory especially, feel guilty about not being more upfront with her. As much as he could be anyhow.

Especially so, when the occasional “job opportunity" presented itself around Lonesome Flats during the Yodelers free time. Turns out, there were plenty of Trolls who had a bone to pick with others, or needed matters settled around these parts. Not to mention, crooks-a-plenty to turn in.

But both brothers always repented. By being very diligent working for Miss July on the Ranch. Anything she needed done, got done. It was the least they could do for what she had done for them for these last two months. So the last thing needed was for anything to get ugly around here.

As Hickory approached closer and closer, he could feel his brother tensing up.

"Easy.” He whispered under his breath, smirking, patting behind him in attempts to calm his hotheaded companion. While still maintaining a nonchalant and calm demeanor.

Having spent a fair amount of time in Volcano Rock City for past jobs, and even on several occasions for other clients; needing to spend time incognito as Rock Trolls, it was fairly easy to recognize them from afar.

Upon closer inspection, it did come across as rather curious to see them wearing Country attire. They couldn't be trying to blend in, could they?

No. Not by the way these two held themselves.

One Troll in various shades of blue in appearance, the other in peculiar shades of green from toe to tip. Both faces, still covered by wide brimmed hats. The blue Troll's demeanor was nervous right from the jump. Their green companion, holding them by the hand, grounding them. As if to keep them from sprinting away at a moment's notice. Both looking tired from the trek they must have taken from town to get to the Ranch property and from the sun's unforgiving afternoon rays.

Nothing but what seemed to be electric guitars and simple backpacks on their backs. However, these were definitely the most impressive guitars Hickory had seen in all his life.

The blue Troll’s, from what he could make out, was sage in color and looked as if it was made of some large critter's battered wing. Almost bat or reptilian in nature. The green Troll’s guitar, an imposing, venomous violet, crafted by what could only could be guessed as being once the claw and stinger of some scorpion-type critter. One he certainly wouldn't want to tango with.

Lackeys of Queen Barb’s? No... couldn't be.

"Nobody knows we're here"

"We've been so careful."

He repeated over and over to himself. Almost mantra-like. He really had no reason to be this paranoid he kept reminding himself.

“Who are the most feared Bounty Hunters and Mercenaries in all Trolldom?”

“The Yodel brothers. That's who.” He smirked at that last thought. Puffing his broad chest a bit more, in response to his inner pep-talk.

And no Troll, no matter now--

"H--Howdy!" The blue Troll, clearing their voice, shakily called out.

"Right fine day, isn't it?"

The traveler seemed to ease into the drawl like putting on an old pair of comfy shoes, and with each word, their confidence seemed to boost. Stepping forward from their green companion, they removed their wide brim hat and gandered up at Hickory, with a small smile that damn near made his heart leap through his throat. In a good way?

That was...unexpected.

His usual quick witted mind and tongue, on the spot turned into a train that just left the station.

Those eyes. Absolutely pierced him right through. Large, inquisitive, pale, cerulean eyes. Staring right at him under dark lashes, and surrounded by a cascade of cobalt freckles.

The closest shade of color he could compare those eyes to were a color he hadn't thought of in ages. Snow. Snow that as a Trolling he played in. Usually when you found yourself making forts or laying in heeps that came up so high, you would look, and you'd catch the glimmering sunlight, shining through it. A shade of blue that just melted you to the core and drew out a smile, without you being the wiser.

"Right fine.” he responded. Recovering from his wandering mind.

No time to be side tracked by an adorable, freckled, blue-eyed Troll. With sweet, curvy features, who has solid looking muscles that look they could easily crush--

"How can I help you? You folks seem a bit far away from home. Don't get a lot of Rock Trolls around these parts.”

Thank goodness his voice seemed to be the one on track; at the task at hand.

“Oi! What’s that supposed to mean?”

The green Troll stepped forward, hotly, removing their own hat, as to glare directly at him. Sizing him up. Only a tad taller, but much more lithe in figure to their companion. Definitely much more fierce. Not just in attitude, but in appearance. Their eyes, deep as sapphires. Teeth, the bottom row protruding two large tusk-like lower canines. Ears, pointed back and just as sharp as their claws, which he found himself one the other end of, being pointed at. Just as he felt his hair prickle, preparing himself for what was bound to happen next, the tension was immediately neutralized.

"It's okay Mess” The blue Troll cooed, calming the green one.

"Sorry to just come on over uninvited, but uh, does a Troll named July still live here?"

"You mean Miss July? Sure does. Why, if You don't mind my askin’?"

"Well you see, she's my... can--can I please talk to her? If she's around here today?”

A good long pause washed over the three.

Hickory could feel the trepidation radiating from Dickory behind him as he swished "their tail' in annoyance. Normally, if this was any other situation, it'd be too bad for these two. He'd send them right on their way, or worse if it came to it. They seemed capable. They had guitars, they were Rock Trolls. Random Rock Trolls, showing up, asking for not himself or his brother, but Miss July. Out of all the Country Trolls in Lonesome Flats.

But the waves of anxiety radiating from this freckled Troll were massive; and when their friend wasn't staring daggers at his direction, they were gazing so tenderly and sympathetically at them. These weren't agents of Queen Barbs. These seemed like folks on a sad mission of delivering news, or something of the like. They looked as though this was the last place they would ever want to be.

Dickory always insisted that Hickory was too quick to let his heart think first before his head when it came to their line of work. He didn't see it that way though. Hickory thought himself a good judge of character. Hell, that's why they found themselves in this situation now. Tipping his hat in a friendly manner, he smiled at the two.

"Well, why dontcha follow me then. I'm sure Miss July is making lunch right about now. You folks are just in time. Name's Hickory"

"Messy." replied the green.

The blue Troll remained silent.

"Adorabull got yer tongue cutie?" he teased

Those freckled cheeks lit up in seconds, a flushed lavender. Too cute.

"Somethin' like that' They smiled sheepishly.

All the while, as Hickory walked with the two up to the main building on the property, they stuck to idle chit-chat. About the weather or the nearby town. They passed by many of the fences that housed just some of Miss July's critters. As well as a few stables, paddocks, a decent sized workshed, and the small house the Yodelers had been staying in since they arrived here. It was once they passed that particular building, the blue Rocker stopped in their tracks momentarily. Just staring. Almost trance-like. They only moved again once Messy had firmly grabbed their hand and they followed.

Finally, they reached the main building's porch. The family home. Without any prompting, the two travelers waited at the bottom steps of the porch. Hickory nodded, thinking that might be best. He walked up to the open door. The wafting aroma of today's lunch filling his nostrils. Chili with sweet rolls? If he wasn't mistaken, he could smell fresh squeezed lemonade too. Knowing better to barge in while she was in the Kitchen...

"Pardon me, Miss July?" he called out.

"Dammit Hic, I told ya once, I'll tell ya again. Lunch is on when I ring the damn bell, that's when it’s good and ready!"

Hickory couldn't help but chuckle. That July was a firecracker.

"It's got nothin' to do with that Miss. You see, You've got yourself some visitors."

"For the last time Hic, just call me Jul--"

July emerged from the doorway, holding in each hand a glass of lemonade with mint garnish. No doubt as something to appease the Yodelers until lunch was done. As soon as her eyes met the two travelers, she stopped dead in her tracks. Glaring at them something fierce.

"These two are the visitors I was talkin' about."

"Rock Trolls, huh? Here? Whaddya want?"

The blue traveler, clearing their throat, voice cracking; they smiled, eyes glazed and sparkling with unshed tears. Staring at July as if a secret wish had been granted.

"Aunty Ju-Ju? It's m-me. It's Bloo. I'm home."

Bloo? That Bloo? Could it really be? Hickory didn't need to dwell on that too long though. July suddenly yelped out loud, in such a way that it startled absolutely everyone. Including herself apparently because those glasses in her hands dropped and shattered to bits.

"You couldn't be-- w-what kind of game are ya playin’ at?!"

July at a loss for words. This was serious. There she stood, knees buckling, lip quivering, tail thrashing. Unable to look away from the Troll in front of them at the end of her porch. A look of torment across their face.

Slowly, the freckled Troll smiled sadly, and reached behind their back for their instrument. Hickory acted quickly, putting himself between the two. Staring intently at the Rocker. They stared back, as they slowly brought the instrument forward.

"Please. Let me play?"

Hickory's nostrils flared, biting down hard on the straw in his mouth. How was he so stupid? Well, he wouldn't be fooled this time.

*~strum~*

Though the guitar was imposing and electric, with a stroke of their hand, it played a long, twangy, unmistakable, Country cord.

Silence.

Laying a hand on Hickory's shower, July gently moved him aside, her attention almost trance-like on the player. Waiting.

As if they understood, they shifted and picked up their guitar in earnest. Strumming again, but to a much more upbeat melody. Much more upbeat than most Country music Hickory had heard around town that he grew to enjoy. This sounded more... Pop? Much more like something he'd hear July singing on a day she was in a particularly good mood. Or something July’s elderly mother, the Pop Troll of the family might hum.

That's when they began to sing along, starting off slowly and gaining strength with each note. A large smile on their face as tears cascaded down their round cheeks. As if putting on the show of their lives. It was raw, and beautiful.

"She loves rock ‘n’ roll,

they said it's demons’ tongue,

She thinks they're too old.

They think she's too young,

And the battle lines are clearly drawn.”

“She's a wild one,

with an angel's face,

She's a lovely Troll in a state of grace,

When she was three years old on her daddy's knee,

He said you can be anythin’ you wanna be.

She's a wild one.

Runnin' free."

“She has future plans,

and dreams at night,

they tell her life is hard,

she smiles, sayin’ “that’s alright”, yeah!”

“She’s a wild one,

With an angel’s face,

She’s a lovely Troll in a state of grace,

When she was three years old on her daddy’s knee,

He said you can be anythin’ you wanna be.

She’s a wild one.

Runnin’ free.”

"She's a wild one”~~

"~~Runnin' free.” July finished and sobbed the last line.

"That was the song I wrote for your Mama... all them years ago..My Bloo. My little ‘Bloo-Jay’ came home!"

Hickory stood fully aside now, allowing the two to embrace, for what he now had realized had been the first time in more than two decades. An embrace that both warmed and broke your heart, all at the same time. This was July's pride and joy. Her niece. Bloo, the only child of July's older sister June.

June and July were extremely close sisters. Best friends even.

June was a very free spirited Troll who fancied herself a part-time singer at one of the local bars in town. On one of these trips to town, she met a traveling Rock Troll by the name of Ziggy. Busking for food and drink. Let's just say, it didn't take long at all until wedding bells were ringing and Ziggy was part of the happy family here on the Ranch. The couple waited a while before having a Trolling. The two were busy enjoying married life, Ziggy took June traveling, fulfilling her dreams of seeing life outside Lonesome Flats. And wherever they went, they were singing up a storm. When they returned home to settle down, at any bar or club, or bingo hall that would have them, they continued singing their hearts out. Occasionally even dragging July along. The three of them became inseparable. Especially after Bloo was born. The townsfolk even seemed to warm up to the entire, oddball family. It was all turning up roses for the family finally, after what felt like ages of trying to live in harmony. But it all came to a crushing end.

Shortly after Bloo turned five years old, a serious, contagious illness spread throughout Lonesome Flats. Most folks who caught it, eventually recovered, but there were eight fatalities in the end. June was one of them. The family was torn to pieces by June’s passing. Ziggy just wasn't the same Troll after. A year passed and just as they thought things might slowly start looking up, Ziggy and Bloo were gone.

Apparently he had packed himself and Bloo up one night, and just left without a word. July knew he had family back home in Volcano Rock City, and figured that is where he would take Bloo to raise them. But July dared not go there. For good reason. A Pop-Country Troll, travel to Volcano Rock City? Demand her niece back from a heartbroken father? While leaving her extremely elderly parents to fend for themselves? No. July would be turned away or torn to pieces. King Thrash at the time was feared for good reason in those days and most Trolls feared Rock Trolls the most out of all the other Tribes.

July and her folks basically moved on by learning to mourn the loss of June, Bloo, and Ziggy. They never expected to ever see Bloo or Ziggy again. Yet here Bloo was. Embracing their aunt, while Hickory and Messy looked on fondly. His smile grew wider as he realized how overjoyed July's folks: Clay and May, would be to see their grand-baby again. Something they thought they'd never live to see.

He could see it now that he got a better look at Bloo, as they were bombarded with kisses and hugs, that they did share a little resemblance to their Pop-Country Aunt. Though without a doubt, they took after their father Ziggy the most. No wonder Bloo wasn't easily recognizable at first glance, they looked so different in comparison to how they looked back then as a Trolling.

Who would have thought that he'd meet the Troll who's childhood pictures adorned the home he and his brother were staying in? Which happened to be Bloo's Old family home on the Ranch. The same house they had stopped to stare at on their way to the main house.

"Small world we live in!” He barked with laughter.

"Welcome home Miss Bloo, glad to meetcha." And he meant it, whole heartedly.

"Glad to be home again.”

END.

(Song used was Faith Hill’s ‘Wild One’. Tweaked for this story)

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