14 Chapter Fourteen

All the trolls in the village began retreating into their pods, another storm rolling from the skies in the East. It didn't look to be a horrible storm, but no one wanted to be caught if the wind blew too hard. The oncoming cold front made the air chilly and the sprinkling of rain felt like soggy ice.

Branch and Creek somehow avoided one another when returning home to the depths of the bunker that night. Each troll locked themselves away in their respective bedrooms, keeping quiet and getting ready for sleep. Creek was nervous about seeing Branch and was quite thankful he had more time to gather his thoughts. Little time passed since he came to live here, but with each day he was scattered farther out of the norm. He had so many questions, so many feelings that didn't have structure, and in the back of his mind he felt he was running out of time.

His life before Branch was solid, peaceful, and always the same. Creek had a simple routine and followed through with what everyone expected of him. He taught his yoga classes, per Poppy's request, and he used most of his free time to meditate. He had deep, dark feelings that would only rise to the surface once in a blue moon… otherwise, things were fine. Ever since he spotted the dark troll, heard his beautiful voice, and spent some time observing him after so many years of ignoring him, something shifted and changed inside Creek. He'd become anxious, needy, and thought of Branch constantly. If he was totally honest with himself, he'd pull the blue moon down from the sky if that's what Branch wished for. In the midst of all his wandering about and questioning, somehow his need to find his fated companion and his need to bring Branch happiness were merging into the same path.

The book that King Peppy gave to him, Troll Cultures and Tales of Love, seemed to be his only chance to fill in the missing gaps. Tonight, he was going to scour through the entire thing and make a decision before going to sleep, then tomorrow morning he would act that decision without looking back.

Feeling motivated, Creek slipped into some warm pajamas and crawled on top of his bed with the novel. He laid on his stomach, supporting his upper half with his elbows and opened the book against his pillow. Turning to the first page, Creek began to read.

For thousands of years, mating between Trolls has evolved and changed, as all things do, for better survival of the species, but one unique aspect has always remained the same; the conjunction of a split soul. Every Troll born is compromised with the task of seeking out and rejoining the pieces of their souls. Mysteries remain when wondering why souls are divided in the first place and how this phenomenon occurs, but the season of mating has become ritualistic in order to obtain the true feeling of happiness when a Troll couple is whole once more. Focusing on only this aspect, determined Trolls from around the world come together at the Sanctum of Eden during the early days of Spring in hopes of discovering their destined counter part.

Biting the inside of his cheek, Creek squinted at the introduction tidbit. He knew most of this already, but what surprised him was the mentioning of the Sanctum of Eden. He'd never heard of such a place before, but it would make sense if he imagined that there were other villages of Trolls out there besides his own. He'd never thought about other Troll races and where they might be. His heart and mind was always nestled safely in his own world and there wasn't any need to venture out and explore.

It was no wonder why it was so difficult to find your soul mate. Chances of actually coming together with them down the road of destiny was slim to none if you factored in all the Trolls in existence! Creek had been only looking inside his own village. His mate could be out there, hundreds of miles away, completely unaware just as he was.

The impossibilities were beginning to weigh down on Creek's enthusiasm while he flipped gently through the pages of the old book. He adjusted his position on the bed, laying his head on his upper arm while supporting the book in his other hand. His body was tired and sleep tugged but he wanted to know more, so with a tiny yawn, Creek skipped through, reading each chapter title… Lessons of Loving Unconditionally, The Troll Meaning of True Happiness, The Art of Mating Between Souls. He paused at the last chapter and a small blush touched his cheeks while he scrolled through the page.

… physical sex is necessary when procreating in Troll culture, except in the instances between soul mates. Life Energy Exchange is a studied concept that happens between two destined mates. Odds of success vary with every generation, but same-gendered mating will produce offspring in the instances when Life Energy is involved. The most recorded cases of this unique pregnancy are between two female soul mates, where penetrative intercourse is not possible. Secondly, two male soul mates are also affected, the dominant Troll passing his traits through sex and/or Life Energy. Male pregnancy is uncommon, but not impossible. Thirdly, male and female Trolls…

"That is a bit more information than I needed," Creek said to himself, turning the pages quickly and passing over the entire chapter while he was red in the face. Ghostly images of Branch played across his mind and he chewed his lip. He tried to read the next chapter but couldn't concentrate while the figment grey troll danced in his eyes, so he laid the book down and pressed his nose into the mattress to think about him.

Branch…

He couldn't doubt there was an attraction to him. Branch wasn't an ugly troll, not by a long shot. When Creek looked past the dull hue of his skin, he found an intelligent, strong, dignified troll that could care for himself. He was attractive in so many ways that even his sharp tongue gave a little excitement. He was unhappy, yes, but that only drove Creek forward with stronger purpose. He needed to know if Branch was his mate or not. Creek couldn't dismiss the notion any longer after so many instances. He felt awkward and embarrassed for being curious about whether they were a destined pair because if they weren't, then where did that leave him? Pining after a troll that wanted nothing to do with him in order to fill the void in his chest? It seemed like such a selfish notion… but just when was Creek going to give in to the selfishness? He's always doing things for others, ignoring his own wants and needs. That's how he ended up with such a depressing life.

Taking the book into consideration, if they were, hypothetically of course, mated… that meant that either he or Branch could actually become pregnant from it. Creek blushed again as he imagined having a little trolling child of his own, running around his legs and enjoying life without a care in the world. He suspected his baby would be gorgeous, more so than any troll in the entire village. Their color would mimic either his or Branch's, or they'd be a mixture of the two. Regardless of that, there was no doubt in Creek's mind that their trolling would be beautiful. They'd be sweet, kind… smart and strong, just like their grumpy daddy.

It almost seemed insane the way he was already thinking about their potential life together. He rattled his head and tried to be reasonable with himself. All the talk about mating was making him pass boundaries that didn't need to be crossed right now. Taking a breath, Creek raised his face and opened the book again towards the back. Conflicts and Struggles. This looked a little more promising...

… There is no such thing as a perfect world, and it also applies to the struggles of life outside the normality of Troll living. Sickness, famine, poverty, and the like, all run the course in our existence. There are occurrences between soul mates that could prevent the achievement of merger, such as disability, adultery, and irreversible loss of color.

"I-Irreversible..." Creek stuttered. His worries blossomed painfully at his core and he grazed down the words, refusing to believe it.

… prolonged loss of color in a soul mate has many life-changing side effects. When a Troll loses their color, it is similar to being drained of their Life Energy, leaving an empty shell of who they once were. The causes of this are many, far and in between, and most cases stem from the root of losing something important. The matter is always different per individual, though loss of color is not a permanent illness. The Troll in question may have a change in personality and other contributing mental deficiencies. Effects may include changes such as uncontrolled aggression, introversion, depression, anxiety, and nervousness.

Unfortunately, the effects of this ailment are not one sided. The other half of the afflicted soul is also damaged. Troll mates feel the same negativism as their counter part, even if they are divided.

Color loss can be amended, but there is no known medicine or cure to date. If the colorless Troll cannot help themselves, the ramifications could be severe for both mates and are not limited to death itself.

He couldn't read it anymore.

Creek closed his book and set it aside on his wooden night stand, tears spilling over his cheeks because the emotion was just too much to handle. He knew already what Branch was like, but it seemed more unsettling when reading it from an old book written by a scholarly Troll who more than likely wasn't alive today. Branch had lost his colors twenty years ago and has been suffering by himself ever since that day. Creek abandoned him. He abandoned his best friend who couldn't do anything for themselves as a small trolling. No family, no friends, and Creek hammered the last nail in his coffin.

Creek sniffed and let out a tiny sob, leaning into his pillow and squeezing his eyes closed, swiftly shutting down the urges to cry.

He didn't want Branch to live the rest of his life in this misery, for whatever years the troll had left. Soul mate or not, Creek had to do something. If Branch didn't have any Life Energy, as the book says, then he would give him his own. He didn't know how to do it, but if it was similar to his beliefs in emanation of auras then it was possible.

A crack of thunder echoed through the survival bunker and Creek's ears perked up to the noise. The storm was in full effect above ground, rain splattering against the entrance hatch. Creek could hear the pitter-pattering of the droplets and the shaking of the forest trees. While he listened to the rain, an ominous shroud hung over his head.

Something wasn't right, he could feel it in his bones. Getting out of bed, he straightened his pajamas and went to his bedroom door, opening it and moving down the hall to Branch's bedroom. The floor was frosty and the sounds of rain were louder in this area, probably because it was closer to the elevator. Creek stopped outside Branch's door and hesitated. Would Branch really appreciate him coming in again like before? It was highly doubtful but Creek couldn't pull away from the tug that bound him. Raising his hand, he went to rap on the wood.

The door swung open unexpectedly before Creek could knock and it startled him a step back. Branch stood in the entry way, his darkened gaze cast away to the side. There were prominent circles under his eyes and they were slightly pink and puffy. The grey troll looked incredibly exhausted and panicked.

Creek faltered and rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "I just – wanted to check on you because it's storming," he said quickly. "Are you doing alright?"

Branch still didn't meet his look and Creek noticed there was a fidget in his shoulders. "Hurry up inside, it's cold," he said faintly. Branch turned and retreated back to the black depths of his room, leaving the door open. Creek blinked a few times at the unanticipated reply then followed him inside quickly, shutting the door behind him with a tiny click. Taking a moment for his vision to adjust in the dim lighting, Creek caught the outline of Branch's figure getting in bed on the left side. A rumbling thunder crawled through the storm above them and the dark troll curled into himself. Just last night they had shared a searing kiss in this same bed, which ended tragically for both trolls. Creek was afraid of repeating the scenario but he wasn't about to leave his friend alone. Not this time, and not ever again.

Butterflies danced through Creek's stomach while he walked to the right side, gingerly taking up the edge of the blanket in his hand. Branch didn't say a word, so he took the cue and slipped under the cover as carefully as he could to not disturb the mattress. Adjusting his right arm under the pillow, Creek laid on his side facing Branch's back. They were only a foot apart, separated by the dip of a thin sheet. A particularly loud thunder crack rattled the bunker, items from across all rooms shifting and clinking into one another.

"C-Creek," Branch stammered, his pointed ears flattening as far as they could go.

Without delay, the purple troll took him about the waist and pulled him back to his chest. Creek wrapped the blanket around them both and held him close, his face resting near Branch's ear. He'd be damned if he was going to ignore Branch crying out his name in such a way.

"I'm here," he said softly. "I'm right here."

Branch nodded vigorously and let out a shaking breath, bringing his hand to clasp Creek's wrist. His palm was clammy, fingers digging into his skin.

"I need help," Branch pleaded quietly, his voice beginning to break while he lost hold of his control. "I feel like you're the only one that understands." His words were forced out with all the strength he could muster. Branch was burying his pride, reaching out to Creek for support.

Creek's heart twisted. He did understand and he wasn't going to reprimand Branch for having these intense doubts and fearful thoughts. He understood more now than he ever did his entire life. Instead of responding to Branch's comment, he started to hum softly. Just like last night, and every stormy night when they were young, he would sing their song. Their lullaby that they wrote together, Creek would sing for him alone.

"When the lights disappear, know that I won't let go. When you're cold, when you're lost, and you fall from the light," Creek sang to him under a low whisper. "I will stay by your side with the song for the night."

Branch rolled in Creek's arms, adjusting his position so that he was facing the troll. He planted his face into the crook of his neck, hands holding fast to his night shirt. Creek rested his chin into the stalk of black hair, tightening his hold in return.

"Tonight you'll find, some peace of mind... knowing you'll be safe, asleep tonight."

As quickly as the rain fell, the Fall weather passed by without any more disturbances. Branch fell asleep in as little as an hour, nestled warm in protective arms. Creek yawned quietly, keeping himself awake until he knew that Branch was settled. He listened to the soft whispers of Branch's breath, feeling puffs against the skin of his neck. He felt... contentment.

Listening to the beat of his own heart while he looked down at Branch's serene, sleeping face, the corner of Creek's mouth turned up and he closed his eyes to the weariness. I can hear you now, Creek thought to his heart. I love him.