•──────✦❅✦──────•

Snow was falling along to the shivering winter breeze, running between the naked tree branches covered with a blanket of thick ice.

Out in the storm, his feet letting the trace of his path in the snow, a troll was busy preparing his precious critter for the danger; covering the bug with a huge cover so it wouldn't be too cold for her, his glasses allowed him to see where he placed his feet as he carried food in front of her;

- C'mon girl ! He encouraged, rubbing his hands together, Just a few bites, okay?? You gotta be strong !!

Oh what a shame... Earlier Trolls had placed stands, decorated of course, where young and adults trolls would have been playing various winter activities; snowtrolls, dancing and singing, snowball fights, and of course the classic.. just being together. But again, this christmas eve was not the perfect one you would imagine.

On the side of the critter a door opened; another troll stood there, his eyes shrinking because of the wild wind;

- JOHN !! QUICK, COME BACK IN HERE !!

- COMING, BRUCE !! The troll shouted back.

He made sure that his precious friend had eaten enough, hugged her and went back inside.

•──────✦❅✦──────•

The door closed behind him and John Dory removed his hiking goggles, shaking the snow off his leather jacket; now back inside of Rhonda they were all safe and warm. He had made sure she could handle the storm.

- So, how's Rhonda doing ? One of his brothers, Clay, the middle child asked.

He was wearing reindeer antlers on his head and eating all the christmas cookies he had made earlier before the activities got cancelled by the storm. John petted the walls, knowing the critter would feel the soft gesture;

- She can do it, she's strong, he assured, She's a good girl, it's not the first snowstorm she's gotta face !

- Well for sure, no big party this year ! Floyd, one of the babies of the family, pink hair and emo vibe, sighed, We are locked up in here just like I was in that diamond jail ! Do we know when the storm is gonna end ??

John Dory had no answer to this; he shook his head and Floyd grumbled, dissapointed. How would they celebrate Christmas now?

The silence was up for a few more seconds, until Bruce, purple hair, the second oldest child raised from his seat;

- I KNOW !! We can celebrate Christmas Eve all together, just like when we were kids !! He proposed, We stay up, eat the dinner all together, play games and then we wait until midnight to open the gifts !!

Clay and Floyd's gaze lit up and John Dory had to admit; this was a wonderful idea !! After all when everyone had quickly left to hide inside of their pod, most of the things the brothers had brought were already in the van so it wouldn't be destroy by the storm. They had everything they needed to make a party !

In about 20 minutes the family had then re-organized everything; the tree, decorated with childhood ornaments, had been placed in the middle of what used to be the living room and a delicious Christmas dinner was in the oven for later this night.

All of the brozone brothers had now their ugly holidays sweater on and were all discussing and enjoying their time; a stupid snowstorm wouldn't ruin their holidays, right??

- I GOT MORE COOKIESSS !!! Clay had to raise his legs to not walk on anyone's card game as he went back to his seat on the ground.

- GIMME !! Floyd tried to reach for them.

- You should focus less on the cookies and more on the game ! John Dory warned him, GOT YA !!

He placed a green on Floyd's card [the pink haired troll screamed out in shock] and then turned toward Bruce;

- So what are you going to do about this now?? John smirked, Clay giggled loudly in the background knowing what was going to happen...

- I DON'T HAVE A GREEEEN !!! Bruce cried out laughing, picking another card, AGAIN.

Everyone was laughing and having a great time, except for one troll that we still hadn't mention in this story; Branch was the youngest of the five brothers, this grayish blue troll with dark blue hair was sitting in a corner of the room, on a bench close to the window with hot chocolate that hadn't been touched next to him. Watching pictures of someone he missed in the moment, he looked sick. Even his christmas sweater was a grumpy cat.

- WAIT A SECOND, John Dory stopped the game, 1, 2, 3....

He had the habit to always count his siblings to make sure everyone was there... only, he panicked, where was Branch??

- I'm right here, Branch answered behind him.

Why had he still not joined ? His siblings called for him; they wanted Branch to enjoy the holidays too!

- What's going on Branch?? Bruce tried to get his attention.

- Yeah ! You haven't say anything in a while, Clay gestured.

Branch just gave them an heartbroken look and turned toward the window to watch the snowstorm, as if all he wanted in the moment was wait for it to end.

The brothers looked at each other concerned, asking each other if they knew what was up with him with hands gestures, but they just random started to dance out of confusion.

Finally, Floyd rolled his eyes and standed up. He went to pat the poor Branch's shoulder. The troll looked at his closest brother with a sigh;

- Guys, just do your thing ! He grumbled, annoyed, wrapping himself more tightly in the blanket around him.

- Well, you are part of the thing ! Floyd told him, tell me, what's on your mind, hm?

No answer, so Floyd took the pictures he had been looked at; Branch reacted immediately, jumping out of his covers.

- No, that's mine !!

- NOT ANYMORE !! John Dory took the album now that he was behind the seat, as Branch tried to get it back, he opened it; Oohhhh!! That's pictures of you and...

There was another troll on the picture; one he had saw before and he knew meant a lot to his sibling. None other than the queen of Pop trolls herself... Queen Poppy.

Now demasked, Branch just grunted.

- Oooh, your girlfriend !! Bruce saw the picture, Awww, Bitty B!! c'mere !!

He hugged the poor troll who broke free with a hiss, and turned toward the window again to wait for the storm to end. The poor troll was upset; he had planified this party with Poppy and had wanted the two of them to spend the night together, and now his plan was ruined ! Because of a stupid snowstorm ! She had told him to hide inside of the van while she helped the last trolls to hide, and now his good behavior had trapped him inside of this place !!

DRINGGG!!!

- Oh ! Dinner is ready ! Clay ran toward the kitchen.

- Wait, let me help ! Bruce followed, hungry for whatever Clay had cooked for everyone.

JD and Floyd stayed next to the poor sick Branch. John Dory hesitated before he started to pet his baby's brother royal blue hair. Branch sighed, all the tension in his body leaving. John Dory felt rassured he didn't got pushed away.

- You know what this situation remind me of ? Floyd tried to change the subject, That reminds me of when John Dory was obsess with his christmas gift and couldn't enjoy christmas !! He giggled, trying to make Branch laugh.

- Oh gosh- Bruce was back in the room and placed a fluffleberry cake on the table accompagned with freezyfluff chocolate pudding, How many times do I have to say it.. IT NEVER HAPPENED WE NEVER WENT TO THE NORTH POLE.

- North Pole ..? Branch frowned in confusion.

- You were there !! Clay placed more plates on the table as he talked to Bruce; pasta salad and delicious leaf beef, You got traumatized by the Snuggly hugs !!!

Floyd rolled his eyes too; he knew this happened ! He remembered it like it was yesterday ! John Dory gasped offended;

- I wasn't THAT obsess with my christmas gift, Floyd ! He defended himself.

- What are you guys talking about?? Branch turned toward all of them, What do you mean we went to the North pole ??

- Awww c'mon guys let's tell tell him the story !!! He was like what... 10 months old back then? Floyd hugged Branch and sat down with him.

Everyone turned toward John Dory, since he was the oldest he could probably remember this story the most. He sat down and cleared his throat;

- Alright...

•──────✦❅✦──────•

The snowflakes were falling, the wind was making the bells ring, and the bergens were still eating... but not that day ! Everything is magical but only because it is the most wonderful time of the year !

YOUR BIRTHDAY !??

no- wrong- that's the wrong script-

Oh okay !!

...

It's Christmas Eve ! Trolls loves christmas; it is the perfect time of the year to share and show your family that you love them...

For us, the brozone brothers, it is... quite a different story.

Back around 25 years ago in the past (to not say 30-), in a lovely pod, hanging in the Troll tree, a family was getting prepared for Christmas the next morning.

On the TV, (because yes, trolls have TV in this story-) the baby program was playing Crocko the Crocodile's Holiday Special. Sitting in a swinging chair, the youngest of the family, none other than Branch, was completely captivated by the blue animal on the screen.

It was an adorable view if you ignored the chaos going on behind him-

Like the little perfect angel that he was, Branch's closest brother, Floyd, was working on present for his beloved Grandma Rosiepuff; he wanted to make the best gift of all because he loved her so much ! In front of him were different objects; like drawings, toys, or toilet paper for some reason, but he couldn't come to a decision; which gift was the absolute best of all ?

As he was thinking, what you could qualified as something similiar to a magpie snatched the tape away; Clay, the middle child with the yellow hair, had took it without asking, and that was a very bad thing to do according to Floyd;

- HEY, THAT'S MINE !! I NEED IT TO WRAP GRANDMA'S GIFT ! He complained.

He got up akwardly on his little legs, being a 4 year old was tough ! He angrily walked up to Clay and tried to take the tape back.

- SORRY FLO ! His brother took the tape above his head, But I need that to finish my super trollmas machine !

He showed the big pile of strings, balls, and buckets around the living room. One of the strings was even attached to Branch's chair ! Clay proudly climbed on the couch to overlook the room; and started his speech;

- Introducing... the Santa Paws catcher 3000 !! He opened wide both of his arms, That thing is little pure genius... First! Santa walks in... second, he goes to place our gifts under the tree but thennn...

To illustrate the effect of the machine, he jumped back on the ground, where a big X had been paint on the expensive carpet with not washable pen and glitter; he faked being hit by something on the head and fell on his back on the ground, screaming out loud- Floyd just watched quietly the 7 year old make a fool of himself.

- ....three ! it throws a bucket of 6 cups of freezyfluff chocolate pudding on his head and rings to bell to wake us up ! He explained, Then... we can get to the fourth part of the plan....

He rubbed his hands and giggled an evil laugh, to which Floyd walked away, scared. On the couch, one of the older trolling rolled his eyes, still being called by his dead name;

- You can always dream, Clay, but Santa Paws ain't real ! Spruce claimed.

- ExCuSe mE ?!?!? The trolling turned toward him, shocked by the statement made by the purple haired 10 year old, very serious.

This reaction was pretty calm compared to the second youngest child;

- HOW COULD YOU SAY THAT?? Floyd cried out, panicked, HE COULD BE OUT THERE RIGHT NOW, he looked around him, worried, Watching, waiting... listening... his eyes were wide open in fear.

Spruce made the longest sigh in history and turned toward his two brothers, annoyed by their baby stories; he was grown up now ! He couldn't believe that Clay and Floyd still trusted everything the adults would say !

- Santa Paws is a story made for children !! C'mon guys, think about it... Snuggly hugs that makes gifts and then, Santa knowing SOMEHOW where we live to give everyone what they asked for in one night ?? Use your common sense, do you seriously wanna stay like him ??

He pointed to Baby Branch that was still watching Crocko on TV and clapping his hands with baby noises.

- ...What's common sense ? Floyd raised his hand like in school.

- ... Nevermind, Spruce went back to watching the baby show, he maybe wasn't that much of a grown up as he wanted it to look.

Suddendly, rushing in, the oldest of the brothers, John Dory with his typical goggles on his head, got in the living room and took the remote; he sat down on the couch in a hurry and changed the channel to a very full of explosions and big voices commercial about the Christmas gift he had asked for this year...

- MOVE ! He pushed Spruce off the furniture, IT'S GONNA START!! He couldn't stay still his seat, kicking the couch.

DO YOU WANNA CARE FOR SOMETHING ELSE THAN YOUR ANNOYING SIBLINGS??

- YES !!! John Dory screamed in response.

THEN CHECK OUT THE ONE AND ONLY...

- OH NO ITS GONNA BE THE DEEP VOICE !!! Floyd cried out, pluging his ears that fell down in fear.

👹 R H O N D A 👹

SHE'S NOW ON SALE !

YOU CAN GET HER FOR THE LOW PRICE OF 10 DOLLARS. WHAT A DEAL !

- GRANDMA SHE'S ONLY 10 DOLLARS, John Dory was shaking like a maniac.

...shipping is 556,50$

Clay started to count their saved cash curiously;

- I don't think we can afford that...

👹 R H O N D A 👹

SHE CAN RUN FASTER THAN A BLINK !

AND SHE CAN ALSO DO TRICKS !

JUMPS, SWIM...

RHONDA, ROLL OVER !!

💥 D E S T R U C T I O N 💥

The explosions were reflecting in Baby Branch's eyes as he took all the violence and explosions in his little baby brain;

👹 R H O N D A 👹

FORGET YOUR BORING, GRANDMA'S OLD CATERBUS AND GET THE MOST TRENDY CRITTER AROUND !

👹 R H O N D A 👹

E A C H R H O N D A S O L D S E P A R A T E L Y

CALL THE NUMBER NOW TO GET 0.1% OFF.

rhondadoesnotactuallydestroyyourpodbutstillmustbesurpervisedbyanadult.

- WOOOO!!! John Dory was jumping on the couch, GO RHONDA ! YEAAAAA!!!!

At the same moment, the grandmother of the 5 brothers walked in the room to place a fluffleberry cake close to the window; the kind woman grabbed the kid and placed his feet back on the ground so he wouldn't hurt himself in a brainless accident;

- John you know how much your younger brother gets scared of that commercial, she gestured to Floyd that was shaking, he had wrapped himself up in gift paper, You watch it almost everyday anyway !

- BUT GRANDMA, the turquoise trolling whined, ITS 👹 r h o n d a 👹

- NOOOOO, the 4 year old whined, got free from the wrapping paper and ran away to the kitchen.

- WE KNOW THAT ! You talk about her ALL THE TIME, Clay facepalmed, And I don't even need notes to know that !

Everyone just stared at the square headed child.

- ... no I dont-

FLASHBACK...

Clay is taking a bath with lots of bubbles. As he's playing with his favorite fake waterproof monopoly money, John emerges slowly from the bubbles...

Clay just stared at John, scared before John went ;

👹 R H O N D A 👹

...

Spruce is reading fan letters because well he has to, and he opens one of them... only to find out it was written by someone named Rhonda. He tries to open other letters but ....its just Rhonda everywhere.

JD randomly appeared behind him, smiling like a maniac as he read the letters;

👹 R H O N D A A A A A A 👹

....

It was very late at night, on an ipad, little Floyd was watching the entiere Five Night at Freddy lore. A shadow appeared from the side, and he jumped, letting out a little gasp of fear;

- H-!

John showed him baby Branch.

- BRANCH ! Floyd smiled

The baby suddendly changed into a demon;

👹 R H O O O N N D A A A A A A 👹

- WAAAAAA!!! Floyd sobbed out loud, waking up everyone.

- What the hair are you all doing, it's 3 the morning !? Rosiepuff opened the door.

....

END OF FLASHBACK...

- BUT SHE'S THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT I WANT HER. RIGHT. NOOOW !!! John stomped his little foot on the ground with each period.

Spruce scoffed;

- You know well that SaNtA pAwS won't bring it till christmas morning tomorrow ! He made air quote with his fingers, And that's if you're not on the naughty list...

- What's the naughty list?? Clay asked him.

- The list that YOU'RE ON.

- ... but what is it ??? Clay laughed.

Baby Branch had somehow walked up to them and was holding a book called "Christmas for Dummies" for Clay to read. The middle child read the pages and gasped out loud;

- ....WHAT??? THAT'S NOT FAIR !!

As he said that, he throwed his arms open without looking, causing his Santa Paws catcher 3000 to turn on. He kept talking as the machine did what it was meant to do...

- Uh... Clay?.... Floyd tried to get his attention.

- I'm not on the naughty list ! I've done lots of good thing this year ! Like the time I shoved Baby Branch down the toilet...

- Oo ? Branch raised his huge head, with wrapping paper around his royal blue hair.

- ...To wash his hair of course ! Toilet water is even more clean than normal water ! .... and the time I changed Floyd's eyeliner to neon greennnn....

- THAT WAS YOU ??? Floyd forgot about the machine.

- Green is the best color- .... and the time I changed the expire dates on every article at the Trolls Market to make the food good again !

- And he's still complaining he's not "funny", John Dory said in the background.

- The entiere village got sick for an ENTIERE WEEK !! THAT'S WHAT MAKES YOU A NAUGHTY KID, TROLL CUD HA !! Spruce pointed out.

- THAT AINT TRUE !! Clay screamed out in a high pitch screech, his voice cracked, I MEANT GOOD NO ONE EVER TAKES ME SERIOU-

- HEY GUYS LOOK !! Rhonda is on TV again!! John Dory was just sitting on the couch.

He acidentelly let go of the remote which ended up IN the TV screen.

- Oh-

- YES IT IS !! Spruce ignored him.

- STOP FIGHTINGGGG!!! Floyd bawled, hopeless.

Branch just laughed, falling backward.

At this moment, their Grandma Rosiepuff walked in the living room, very stressed out; she had no time to handle 5 little demon spawns !! She had told them they could open their gifts at midnight but now she wasn't so sure anymore... she had to prepare the food for tomorrow morning after all, and she couldn't do anything with those brothers doing chaos in the house.

- OKAY, WHAT'S GOING ON NOW ???

And just like in slowmotion, the bucket full of freezyfluff chocolate pudding fell on Grandma's head.

Everyone was now dead silent.

- ....Branch do not- John Dory started.

Branch bursted out laughing.

- Oh uh- Clay knew they were in trouble

- OKAY ! The woman removed the bucket from her hair, I had enough of all of your shenanigans ! I'm already stressed enough because of Christmas tomorrow, I DONT NEED MY GRANDSONS CONSTANTLY FIGHTING TO ADD MORE STRESS ONTO MY SHOULDERS!

The boys all felt immediately bad about stressing Grandma so much. John Dory just pouted.

Floyd's eyes were starting to build up tears, Rosiepuff regretted that she screamed at them immediately apologied for her mistake;

- I'm sorry boys... that's not what I meant to say my sweet little peachfuzz- she hugged Floyd so he wouldn't cry, I think we are all tired, it's late, let's get a good night of sleep and we can talk about this tomorrow, okay?

- Okay Grandma... the boys all left to their shared bedroom, only John was still pouting.

The brozone brothers were soon all in their beds, wrapped in their blankets. Inside of his baby bed, Branch was already sucking on his little thumb.

As he climbed the ladder to led him to the bed above Clay's, John Dory still had a frown on his face. He was still upset and angrily moved the blankets to lay down, turning his back to Rosiepuff.

- I can't wait for tomorrow, I want her right now ! ... his anger finally broke down to reveal his pain, as if... it wasn't just about Rhonda.

- I know that very well, John, she comforted him, knowing how much it meant to him, but right now it's time to sleep.

- But I can't sleep ! He throwed the blankets at the end of the bed and turned toward the purple troll, I can't sleep because I want Rhonda right now !!

Something dared to roll down on his cheek, and Spruce gasped;

- Woooah, is John... crying ?? He asked, a bit worried.

- N-NO, I'M NOT ! He chased it away, embarassed to show any kind of vulnerability.

- Alright, boys that's enough ! John, baby, try and get some sleep, okay? Everything is gonna be alright, Rosiepuff calmed everyone down before the arguing started again.

- Wait !! John Dory raised from his pillow, Grandma, I forgot to count everyone !

She smiled to him, Spruce just screamed into his pillow;

- Seriously ?? Why do you always do this??

- I think that's pretty nice, Floyd smiled, John Dory wants to make sure we are all safe !

- It's literally the one nice thing that he does, Clay chuckled.

- 1... 2....... 3...........................Where's Branch??

The baby wasn't in his bed anymore !! But it wasn't long before they knew where he went;

- EAAAAA!!! There's something in my bed !!?? Floyd screamed when something touched his foot.

- Aah! Branch's head popped from the blankets.

- Oh ! Hey Branch ! Floyd hugged his brother, Grandma can Branch please stay in my bed ??

- We talked about this sweetie, you two gotta stay in your own bed tonight.

- Aww okay...

John Dory focused and, with one head mouvement sent his turquoise hair around the baby. He placed him back in his bed.

- .... and 4 !

- OH MY GOD, HOW DID YOU DO THAT?? Clay gasped, grabbing the bed frame to look at him impressed that his brother could use his hair so easily.

- All I did was put him back in his bed--

- Okay boys ! Time to sleep !! Grandma reminded them.

She gently pushed the oldest child down on his bed, pulling the blanket on his shoulder. To help him relax, she used her pinky to close his eyes, humming a lullaby.

- Just close your eyes and relax, she whispered to him, You'll see, morning will be there soon.

Once he seemed asleep, she kneeled down to kiss Floyd's forehead one last time, to which the 4 year old grabbed her face and gave her a eskimo kiss. He giggled and waved goodbye as she went toward the door. Before closing it, she smiled to all of her grandsons;

- Goodnight, boys !

- Goodnight grandma, they all said.

The door closed, and silence was the only thing you could hear in the room... until a little hum was heard;

Christmas, Christmas time is near !
Time for toys and time for cheer ~
We've been good, but we can't last !
Hurry Christmas, hurry fa-

- FLO ! Shut up ! Clay whispered.

- But I wanted to help everyone to sleep ! Floyd explained

- We would be sleeping if you wouldn't be singing that stupid christmas song !! Spruce complained.

- Okay.... Goodnight ! HHRRR...

He closed his eyes and just in a few seconds you could hear the disturbingly audible lamentations of his subconscious.

At this moment, John Dory sat up and looked around, and then climbed down the ladder. Clay looked at him going out of the bedroom but just shrugged and got back to sleep.

John Dory moved quietly to the living room, watching Grandma fixing the mess they had made. Without being noticed, he grabbed his scarf and he got out the pod by the window. Best option was the outside of the pod for fresh air.

As he sat down just there, he hugged his knee, still pouting. He frowned still not knowing why he felt this way... he just wanted Rhonda !! So he started to sing quietly to himself;

I want a Rhonda for myself for Christmas !
Only a Rhonda for me will do...
I don't want a doll, no dinky Tinkertoy
I want a Rhonda for myself to play with and enjoy !

....

John Dory jumped back on his feet and started to play a beat on his knees, having his typical smirk on his square head;

I want a Rhonda for myself for Christmas !
I don't think Santa Paws will mind, do you?
He won't have to use our dirty chimney flue..
Just bring her through the front door
That's the easy thing to do !

The older sibling sat down in the snow and started to draw what he was picturing tomorrow to look like;

I can see me now on Christmas morning...
Creeping down the stairs !~
Oh, what joy and what surprise
When I open up my eyes
To see my Rhonda hero standing there !

I want a Rhonda for myself for Christmas !!
Only a Rhonda for me will do !
No crockodiles, or cuddle pups at all !
I only like my Rhonda for me
And Rhonda for me likes me too !

John Dory danced around the yard even though it was 10 pm and he should have been sleeping... he was lucky Grandma hadn't noticed him since now, he was singing even more loudly;

I want a Rhonda for myself for Christmas !
Only a Rhonda for me will do
No crockodiles, or cuddle pups at all !
I only like Rhonda for me...

And....

👹 R H O N D A 👹

.... likes me too !~

•──────✦❅✦──────•

- Okay so... all of this 4000 hundreds words to tell me that John Dory sang a song ?? Branch grumbled.

At least now the grayish blue troll was drinking his hot chocolate, thinking about something else than his pain about Poppy not being there. Since it worked, Floyd encouraged him to keep listening to the story;

- Yeah wait !! The best part is coming !! Floyd ruffled his hair.

- I got it, let me tell it !! Clay took John Dory's place, clearing his throat, so....

•──────✦❅✦──────•

The window of the boys' bedroom slammed open; the winter breeze rushed inside of the pod and woke all the brozone brothers up; John Dory yelled;

- ALRIGHT LOSERS GET UP WE'RE GONNA GO FIND SANTA PAWS !!

- Oh look the square man is done singing finally, Spruce mocked, Ain't no way in hair you aboutta make me get up and move my feet at this hour..... for someone that, I remind you, DOESN'T EVEN EXIST.

- BUT GUYS I REALLY WANT 👹R H O N D A 👹

Floyd cried out;

- STOP SAYING THAT !!

- ..alright, I'm in.

It was Clay, he had already his scarf on and was out of his bed. Spruce held into the frame of his bed to look at him;

- What ?! -

- There's no way I'm staying on that naughty list! Clay gestured to the "Christmas for Dummies" book, I'm making... MY MOVE ! Plus how did I even get on there ??

- You, out of all of us, DESERVES TO BE ON THAT NAUGHTY LIST, YOU'RE THE TOP TROLL ON THE LIST NEXT TO JOHN DORY !!

- HEY- WHAT DOES THAT MEAN !?

- NOW LAY DOWN, Spruce layed back down.

- No! I'm going ! Clay replaced his hair in a fancy way and wrapped his scarf around his neck like a bow tie, Me and Santa Paws are gonna have a discussion about his secret taxes evasions !

- THIS IS RIDICULOUS, Spruce was over it.

- SHHHHHH!! Floyd leaned foward to see his older brother, Santa Paws will never come tonight if you keep screaming !! He grounded them

- AND WHAT IS BRANCH DOING IN YOUR BED ??? Spruce pointed to the baby.

- Uhh... Floyd looked over at Branch that had, of course, joined him during the night.

- UGHHHHH!! Spruce finally raised, YA KNOW WHAT?? IM GOING TOO! This way I can proove to all of you that Santa Paws is just a kids story !!

- YEAAA!! John Dory celebrated, LET'S GO GET 👹 R H O N D A 👹

Clapping his little hands, someone cheered to the proposition;

- YAY! Branch made a cute baby sound.

- Branch, you can't seriously be going to ?? Floyd somehow understood his closest brother.

- You won't let Bitty B go alone right? That would make you a baaaad kid... John Dory manipulated him.

Floyd was dumbfounded and he nervously played with his hands... would he really be Branch's best brother friend forever if he really didn't come with him on that roadtrip ?

- Well.. I guess I could get inspiration for Grandma's gift... he tried to convince himself he wasn't doing something bad.

- Yeah, you can also consider the amount of money it will take on your last pa- Clay started before Spruce smacked the back of his head.

Every brother now convinced, we, the brozone band discretely left our beds; packing our belonging, we snuck outside to create a portal that would lead us to the north pole...

....WE RAN AWAY?

shut up and listen-

- You got the Snuggly-hugs magic dust, Clay??

The brothers were walking in the snow, stars were up in the sky. JD and Clay were in front of the group, followed by Spruce that kept complaining, recording the whole thing with the ipad;

- Its flour-

- Yep ! Clay showed the flour bag, it says in this book that I borrowed from the sad book club.... that to make appear a portal to the north pole... you need a baby ! Which....

They turned their heads around to look at Floyd holding Branch as both were trying to catch snowflakes on their tongues.

- 'ook 'anch ! I 'ot one ! Floyd proudly showed the snowflake on his purple tongue.

- Oo ! Branch showed the snowflake had melted.

- Oh ! Let's get another one !

But before they could restart the game, Clay took the baby away from the safety of the second youngest child's arms.

- BROTHER !!! Floyd reached for Branch that was taken away from him

- Floflo !! Branch cooed dramatically.

- NOO!! Floyd jumped on Clay's back, DO NOT TOUCH BRANCH- NO ! NO, GIVE HIM BACK!! I WAS PLAYING WITH B-BRAAAANCH F-F-FIIIIIRST!!!

- LET GO OF ME !! Clay pushed him off.

Floyd fell face first in the snow;

- snif... WAAAAAAAA!!!!! He just laid there in the snow, crying.

- I'm starting to wonder if all this crying will not get him on the naughty list too- Clay whispered to himself as he made another X on his list of all the times Floyd cried for no reason.

- Stupid legends not based off scientifics facts- Spruce went to help Floyd up.

- ALRIGHT, GIVE IT TO ME- John Dory took Branch from Clay's hands, AND THEN WHAT??

- DON'T CALL HIM A "IT" !! Floyd was trying to jump higher to reach Branch.

- ..... and now you pull on his finger, Clay smiled.

Everyone got quiet.... even Floyd.

- ....no-

- Yes.

- You all are SO lucky we're outside right now, Spruce placed his hand over his nose.

Suspence, tension was filling the atmosphere still clean from any disturbing baby perfum... John Dory's hand was shaking as he took Branch's finger in his.

Branch gave him a death glare. As if he was saying " do it. "

- NO WAY AM I DOING THAT ! John let go of the deadly weapon.

- Meeh ! Branch blew a raspberry and got prepared to pull on his own finger.

- NOOO- everyone tried to stop him.

Branch pulled on his finger.

....

- Oh, well nothing happ-

💥 F A R T S 💥

- AAAAAAHHHHH!!!! The brothers screamed out and covered their noses.

- snif... it doesn't smells so bad ? Floyd raised an eyebrow at them.

- COUGH, COUGH-- CLAY YOU TOLD US PULL HIS FINGER, WHERE'S THE MAGIC PORTAL THAT'S SUPPOSE TO TAKE US TO SANTA ?? John Dory was trying to literally stuff in his scarf up his nostrils.

- MAYBE CHECK INSIDE OF HIS DIAPER ?? Spruce suggested, not daring still to do so.

- WE NEEDED A BABY LAUGH, HE DID NOT LAUGHED, Clay shoved his book in his face so he wouldn't die from the smell.

- COULDN'T YOU JUST SAY THAT BEFORE CAUSING MASSIVE SOFFOCATING TO EVERY SPECIES LIVING IN THIS TREE ??? Spruce yelled at him.

- Yeah! There's a more easy way to make Branch laugh ! Floyd popped back in the conversation.

- OH YEAH, LIKE WHAT?? Clay frowned, upset his idea hadn't worked out the way he thought it would.

- Tummy tickles ! Floyd throwed his hands in the air, smiling.

- ....

- What?? Floyd didn't understood why everyone was staring at him this way, It works ! Watch...

- Floyd don't be stupid there's no way it's gonna-- Spruce started to talk.

But thanks to Floyd's idea, Branch started to giggle his heart out when the pink haired toddler tickled his tummy.

- Oh... it works, Spruce realized.

Clay took the opportunity to throw some magical dust/flour on the ground and in a swirl of colors, a wormhole appeared.

- Yeah, okay- That's just a coincidence, Spruce still did not wanted to believe it.

- OKAY LET'S GO !! John grabbed his hand and both jumped in the portal.

Clay took Branch and followed short after. Floyd made an hesistant step toward it, but didn't dare jump;

- I'm not sure I wanna do this...

Branch's hand grabbed his and pulled him inside the portal.

- AAAHH !!! Floyd got carried inside.

•──────✦❅✦──────•

- ....why y'all telling me a story of me farting- Branch took the plate of leaf beef to serve himself a second plate.

The brothers were eating the christmas dinner, now that it was done. Surprisingly, even Branch was having a good time !

- 'Cause your farts are magical, bro ! Clay gladly answered, John, would you pass me salt ?

- The what?

- The smurf-

- That never happened, Bruce rolled his eyes, picking food with his fork.

- But I wanna know the rest ! Branch complained.

Floyd made a sign to Bruce to keep telling the story since Branch was doing way better and was interested in the story; the purple haired dad rolled his eyes;

- Okay... alright ! Fine ! I'm gonna tell you what they told me ....

•──────✦❅✦──────•

- AAAAAAAAHHH !!

John Dory got shoot out of the portal and ended up face in the snow. He shook himself, slowly getting up a bit dizzy;

- Urghhh, oww... huh?

- .....eeeeeEEEEAAAAAAARRR !!!

With his characteristic high pitch scream, Clay fell on JD, followed by Spruce that fell on top of them both. Floyd was then throwed on the hill in front of them.

- Oww ! John Dory grumbled when his two brothers fell on him, Okay, 1.. 2... 3..... WHERE IS BRANCH??

Branch just landed on top of the pile safely thanks to a parachute, giggling happily.

- Oh yeah ! Laugh it up, Branch ! John Dory grumbled in the snow.

- I think I just broke 7 bones... Clay complained.

- Guys ? .... Floyd had already climbed the little hill, Come here and check this out...

Curious, the brothers joined him to look in the distance...

Down the hill was a village, full of christmas lights with a big tree in its center. Could it be ?....

- SANTA !! Branch clapped his hands, excited.

- WOAAAHH... the older brothers gasped.

- Is that Santa Paws' world ? Floyd guessed.

- Nan, it's the bathroom-- OF COURSE IT'S SANTA PAWS' WORLD, IDIOT !!! Clay shouted in his face.

- Ooooh ! Floyd slowly nodded, so that means Santa Paws lives here ?

- YES YOU MORRON-- Clay pulled on his two ears.

- OKAY! YOU KNOW WHAT?? Clay added, Deep breathes... Not worth it... I don't need another reason to be on the naughty list...

- What were you gonna do to him? John asked, still staring at the village.

- If it's the fifth option, you don't wanna know-

- THEY WERE FIVE OPTIONS ?? John Dory grew worried for once.

- Fourteen actually, Clay said calmly, looking at a list.

Yeah, Jaden, he made a list.

Turning away and laying down the snow behind them, Spruce wouldn't believe the existance of the Santa Paws' world.

- Okay ! Its a dream ! I'm gonna wake up soon to the pleasant morning perfume of baby poop in the room ! And everything will be NOOOORMAL..... GOODNIGHT GUYS...

He made a blanket of snow on him and tried to get back to sleep.

- Cmon guys ! John stood up and kicked Clay's side for absolutely no reason, Quit messin' around ! My trollmas present is waiting !! I'M COMING MY BABY !! He started to run away, down the hill and toward the village.

- But Branch is right there, Clay pointed to Branch that was sitting there, looking at Spruce having a heart attack.

- I MEANT 👹 R H O N D A 👹

- AAH ! Floyd fell backward in the snow, scared by the deep voice, HH! WAIT FOR ME I GOT LITTLE LEGGSSS!!!! He used his hands as a support to stand up and ran after his older brother.

- C'MON SPRUCE, THEY'RE GETTING AWAY ! He ran away.

Branch just sat there.

- Oh ! Right ! C'mon Branch, I will carry you ! Clay came back to get Branch sitting on his head and then ran away, GET UP FROM YOUR LAZY ASS, SPRUCE !!

- ITS ALL A DREAM... ITS ALL A DREAM... The young troll still laying in the snow was spiraling, HUH?? NO DONT LEAVE ME HERE !!! CLAAAAY!!!! He rolled down to follow them.

Spruce's wonderful dream was certainly not over; the brozone members ran down to the little winter town in hope to-

-oh, go on John Dory??

THANKS THAT WAS ME I WAS TALKING.

But Bruce was good at it-

LET ME TALK.

- OKAY ! I'm going to get Rhonda, John Dory explained the plan, Spruce, you get all the pictures you need, Clay; go find that naughty list, and Floyd... Floyd, just watch Baby Branch-

The sun shined on the baby, making him glow like an angel.

- Okay ! Floyd smiled and took Branch in his arms.

- PERFECT, SEE YA, LOVE YOU !! Clay did the middle finger thinking it was a innocent gesture

- Clay that's not- Spruce started, Nevermind-

- Hmm... Floyd tried to control his fingers to do it too, It's the daddy finger....

Clay rushed to what seemed to be a barn, even though he was searching for the naughty list.

- CAMERA READY !!! Spruce took his ipad and started to record.

- Ooh ! Look Branch I- Floyd realized that everyone was gone except John, Oh- Oh let's go explore !

- WAIT WE DIDN'T COUNTED EVER-- uh nevermind... RHONNNNDDDAAAA ?????

No need to say who screamed that last one- You should know since this story has like 6000 words at this point.

Okay my turn again, John your telling it wrong !!

...All of us brothers went off to our search, while Floyd- oh right. Why do you expect from us... Problems were starting already!

Floyd had sat Branch down on a giant peppermint candy chair and took a blocknote out of his pink mane;

- So Branch it's just you and me... together I'm sure we can think of the perfect gift for Grandma- Branch ?

As he glared above his shoulder, he noticed the empty seat.

- OH NO !!! HE PROBABLY GOT KIDNAP OR... ATTACK BY A BIRD OR.... OH NO, WHAT IF HE EXPLODED ??? BRAAAANCHHH !!! He searched around, panicked.

...

Meanwhile, Spruce was literally just taking a fun walk in town with his ipad in hand, trying to proove that everything was fake. He was doing a vlog as he talked to the camera;

- HEY LADIES, ITS YA BOY SPRUCE, He grinned way to close to the camera to the point all you could see was his nose, And welcome to "Santa Paws is actually just a creepy old man part 1" ! BE SURE TO LIKE, COMMENT, AND SUBSCRIBE- AND CHECK OUT MY PROFILE FOR FUTURE VIDEOS JUST LIKE THIS ONE 👍

He showed his channel that was called "Sprucethemuppet121"-

But then a little creature looking very close to a snug-a-lug pulled on his pants. The 10 year old looked down at it, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

It was a snuggly hug, the loyal helpers of Santa Paws. Since Spruce did not believed they were real, he just assumed that those were deformed penguins.

- Oh hey, hi !! Oh you wanna be in my vlog too?? He smiled to the adorable critter.

... before the snuggly hug kicked him in the nuggets and snatched the ipad away since it wanted to play with the it.

Spruce fell on the ground with a cry of pain;

- OW !!! THAT HURTS!! WHY DID YOU-- COME BACK WITH THAT! EXACTLY 24 FOLLOWERS COULD BE WATCHING RIGHT NOW!!! He chased it around the main town.

....

In the center of Santa Paws' town, John Dory was looking up at the golden star on top of the giant tree. His blue eyes slided to what was under the evergreen; thousands of gifts were ready to be given to thousands of trolls tonight.

SO WHERE IS RHONDA ???

- Hmm....

He picked up one of the packages and shook it next to his ear, but impossible to say what was hidden inside.

- I... have....an.... IDEAAA !!! John Dory smirked.

He jumped in the gifts like you would jump in a pool and started to unwrap every. single. gift.

He opened a first one: it was a soccer ball.

- Nope, Not Rhonda...

He opened a second one; it was a Barbie doll.

- That ain't Rhonda....

He opened a third package only to take out a Poppy recalled doll.

- DEFINITELY NOT RHONDA...Who even thought this was a good idea ??? He glared at the wattpad camera.

He kept searching, destroying the hard work of the Snuggly Hugs to prepare all those presents, but then, a huge bag got closed on him; the Snuggly Hugs were starting to place the presents in Santa's sleigh!!

- W-WOOAH! He screamed, WAIT NO!!

He tried to open the bag from the inside but there was nothing to do. He realized he was in big trouble;

- Oh sh-

....

Clay was trying to find the place where the list was hidden from the naughty kids like him. He opened everydoor he found but they were all leading to Snuggly hugs' houses. He sighed to himself as he did an X on his plan of the village he had just made;

- How many houses does a Snuggly Hug needs ?? I'm a rich kid and I don't even own one ! Maybe I should check the budget again...

He then noticed the barn; a tall, red house with christmas lights decorating its walls. Clay's eyes sparkled, amazed.

- Oh that looks big enough to hide a list !

He wrapped his scarf around his head as if he was a ninja, and sneaked inside.

It was something he had never saw before; the room was cold like outside, and there was what seemed to be stalls. The middle child climbed on one of them to look inside; there was nothing there.

- Hm... weird... Welp ! No list here apparently... next o- AAH!!

As he looked behind him, a rather enormous animal had leaned in their head to snif his golden hair. It was a Christmas Swag Stag !! He cried out, it almost looked as if he was trying to melt into the stall's door, scared of the animal... there was 8 of them !!

- Huhhhhhh..... Clay was sweating even in the cold winter, do you like jazz ?

...

The doors bursted open and there was Clay holding on dear life, screaming at the top of his lungs in a high pitch even Branch couldn't reach.

-EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!

...

I'M JUST FLOYD,
WHEN I SEARCH FOR BRANCH, HE'S ALWAYS GONE....
WHAT DID I DO WRONG ?
IT FEELS
LIKE A VOID WHEN MY BROTHER
IS GOOOONE... ~

Floyd was wipping away emo baby gay tears, singing his pain as he thought his little baby brother was gone for good... until in a blurry blink, he saw something blue on a treadmill machine carrying gifts.

- Is that ?....BRANCH ! He cried in joy and climbed on the treadmill to follow him.

Branch heard the call and reached out for Floyd, cooing. The two brothers hugged each other joyfully, happy to find back each other.

- Branch, I thought you had exploded !!

- Ooo !! Branch grabbed his cheeks to try eat his nose.

- I know ! But I'm only 4, what do you expect me to imagine ?? OW !

He playfully pushed Branch's big head away before he noticed that the treadmill was changing into a roller coaster.

- ... Branch, do you know if we have permission to ride this one ?

- Meh, Branch held for dear life into his brother, sure they were done for.

....