Apologies for the long wait. I do see all your comments, but feel at ease because my exams are almost over which will give me more time to write. For now. Enjoy!

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"We have to go after them!" BDB pleaded, swimming back to the shoreline when pursuit became impossible.

Poppy knelt down to the frantic fish, "We'll get him back I promise."

"How?" Branch asked, "it's the three of us vs the entire rock troll population. We don't stand a chance.

BDB began to panic with the odds against them, swimming in a pacing motion. Poppy entered the water and gently halted him before turning back to Branch. "You're right, we don't have the numbers we need to rescue Trollex. Once we get help from the other nations of trolls we'll be able to not only save Trollex, but also stop Barb from collecting the other strings and destroying all music."

"What makes you think they're going to help? The trolls obviously split up for a reason otherwise this problem would've never occurred" Branch crossed his arms, giving a hmm face.

"All we can do right now is try. If the trolls were all once united, we can surely work together now."

BDB nudged Poppy's arm. "I'm coming with you!"

"Are you sure, it could be dangerous?"

BDB looked determined. "Absolutely, if it means saving Trollex I'll do anything."

Poppy smiled and quickly went to the balloon, returning with a small bowl that was a perfect fit for BDB. She dipped it into the water and BDB swam inside. Soon transferred to the same water filled container Trollex used during flight. After Branch and Poppy had finished gathering up the rest of their supplies the fire was lit and they were off again.

Trollex banged his fist on the glass of the water filled tank he was being kept trapped in. "Let me go! You've already taken my string and terrorized my home, what more do you want?"

Barb pushed herself up from her chair made of found objects. The rock trolls weren't the most organized considering all the objects scattered about the ship, but they still managed to maintain a dark decorating style. Barb grinned as she circled the tank, running her finger across the glass as she walked. "You see Trollex as you no doubt have guessed, I want to get rid of all music except for rock. However, I'm willing to allow one type of music to remain if that troll helps me collect the other strings."

"Trollex glared at her. "You want me to betray my friends and help you destroy music? No way."

Barb remained unfazed, stopping in front of the tank and meeting Trollex's glare. "Think about all those techno trolls back in your home. Swimming around without their precious leader or music to fill their little hearts. I bet right now they're losing their hopeful colours and turning grey and lifeless."

Trollex looked away. He hated to consider her words to be true. He'd left his home without a word and most likely put his trolls into a state of panic with no music or leader to guide them. With a force as powerful as the rock trolls did Poppy even stand a chance of stopping her? The other nations would surely be only concerned with protecting their own given music's divided history in the past.

Barb linked her hands behind her back and leaned to find Trollex's gaze again. "What do ya say? Just help me collect the other strings and techno music is safe."

Trollex's hands curled into fists. "Deal."