Chapter Text
Teal Beach
Today was a big day for Trollstopia, the first Cultural Exchange Party sponsored by the city in the hopes to integrate better the different cultures into eachother’s lives. The whole thing was thoroughly planed out as to make the experience authentic and fun for everyone involved with the help of many trolls and each tribe giving their own input on the party as to make it comfortable for everyone
The idea was that so each week a party would be hosted by a different genre, that way the trolls of each culture could interact and experience the many kinds of music and fun. Of course, no one was forced to go to them, but it was really encouraged in hopes to bring trolls together like before the split
The first ones to start would be the techno tribe, followed by funk, country, classical and rock. As everyone had at this point experienced pop culture seeing that the city was built around pop village, they would be the last ones to host the culture exchange party, rock would be the second last because everyone was still a bit skittish of rock music since the rock world tour
The party location would be hosted in a beach a few minutes away from the city as to make the experience feel the most authentic possible for all, the techno trolls would finally have a great space of salt water to swim freely and the other genres wouldn’t have to use diving gear to experience the party, the best of both worlds!
Which leads us to now…
“hey Synth! Where do we leave these lasers?!” a random troll asked on the distance, they were so far he was actually surprised anyone could notice him in the middle of the ocean
“leave it close to the DJ stand! My guys will take care of it!” he screamed towards the beach before disappearing beneath the waves. He missed this, god how he missed this, the feeling of the warm water on his scales, the smell of salt, the kelp brushing his body as he swam around
It felt almost like home…
Almost
But it was close enough for him
Don’t get him wrong the place he and the other techno trolls got back in Trollstopia was great! But nothing beats the ocean, he could breath better here, he felt refreshed in a way he didn’t even think was possible, he felt energy coursing through his veins like he was a small little guppy again
And so did the other techno trolls, as he saw schools of his friend swimming around happily, darting between coral and kelp taking full advantage from the free space, yes techno lagoon was pretty big, but it was not deep enough for a lot of things, here they could again play in the currents, feel the pressure on their bodies be free
This idea Poppy had is fantastic! For the first time in a while they would be able to rave like they were home, and with more trolls than ever! they all had parties back in Trollstopia but it was pretty clear that many still were a bit askeptical about other genres making music together, with these cultural exchange parties they would be able to show harmony between the tribes was not only possible, but sometimes even better than the original
He wanted to spend the whole day down here, but being an ambassador, he has his own set of chores to do
“hey Laguna! Get some sea urchin quills for me to use later please?” he said looking at the light blue down at the sea bed collecting the spiky creatures, they nodded their head and gave Synth a thumbs up before going deeper into the kelp looking for the better ones to use
Getting out of the water, Synth saw just how big of a party this will really be, the size of the DJ boot was insane, this rave would most likely than not only be surpassed by one of Trollex’s raves back home, it filled Synth with excitement about the night to come, he would be the DJ as usual but to him this would be a great milestone on his career
It also filled Synth with dread
He had to make everything perfect, he had to select the best of the best, the shiniest of the glowsticks, the greatest fog machines, the most awesome lasers! He even borrowed an holo-projector from Trollex after he explained everything to him!
They just had to set up everything right and this party was bound to be the greatest rave Synth had ever DJed ever!
It took a while to get everything up, there were a few minor hiccups with the cables of the subwoofers and a few of the LED decorations were faulty, but with the whole of the techno lagoon helping plus a bit of repairs made by some funk trolls, it was all right where it should be
Synth couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of accomplishment looking at it, he dreamed of an opportunity like this since he was just a guppy and now he would finally do it, he would be the DJ for the whole city
To say he was happy was an understatement, he was downright ecstatic about it, everyone was!
And there was still time to have some fun before everything started, with all of the funk gadgets, the ability to fly of the classicals and the strength and endurance of country and rock they were pretty damn ahead of time on the schedule
That could only mean one thing
“BEACH DAY!” he heard Poppy scream to everyone beating him to it, the afternoon sun was warm and the water was refreshing for everyone, he could see the trolls that had already completed their assigned duties now putting down umbrellas and changing into better clothes for a swim
Poppy and Val were already in bikinis splashing eachother in the shallow water while smidge and Lowtone destroyed some random trolls in a beach volley match. Holly was sunbathing relaxed in a beach lounger
The waves here were nowhere as big as on Techno Reef but they were just big enough for Synth to show off his moves to everyone, he needed to be in the best headspace possible and nothing better than a bit of surfing for him…
And a certain teal troll he knew…
Thinking about it, where even was he? He saw Branch helping out with, well, everything seeing that he was very familiar with setting up electronics and making places secure, but now that the work was over he didn’t even catch a glimpse of his friend
He couldn’t have gone back to the city, he kept telling Synth just how awesome the party would be and how he wouldn’t lose it for anything, but he also couldn’t see him anywhere in the beach
Had he gone underwater? Nah, Branch wouldn’t just go alone down there
What if he is* with someone?
Maybe he went out to explore the shoreline? It was a beautiful day and while Synth didn’t think it was all that special it must be pretty damn cool for the trolls that don’t see the beach everyday
Being dragged around by some creep trying to take him away from the party…
Before Synth could get too caught up on his mind he finally located his friend sat under the shade of some palm trees, he was farther away than everyone else, and even though he sometimes just acted like that Synth felt a bitter taste on his mouth seeing him all alone here, this was supposed to be fun for everyone, not everyone but Branch
As Synth approached he could see that Branch hadn’t changed into more beach appropriate clothes, nor had he even got himself a chair or parasol. At first, he thought the teal troll was actually sleeping because of how still he was, a part of Synth wanted to prank him just to lighten up the mood and start it off a playful manner
he crouched down the best he could and started to creep towards Branch the best he could, his flippers glided over the sand in silence as he approached his victim with mischievous intent
Synth was just a few steps away from Branch, he was so close! Oh this is going to be fu-
“Synth, can you stop? You’re giving me the creeps acting like some kind of kidnapper…” Branch said without even looking at Synth. The techno troll deflated like a balloon from having his sneak attack uncovered
“Wha- how? I didn’t even make any noise?!” he asked incredulous, he was the best at spooking people like this! He even got Val once, though it did come with consequences, he remembered rubbing his still a bit sore ribs
“well you are a tall, bright purple talking tuna that breathes as loud as an angry puffalo, quite hard to miss…” Branch said not missing a beat smirking at the opportunity to tease Synth with the nickname
“you done?” Synth huffed in fond annoyance, when they first met Branch refrained from using sarcasm or teasing humor with Synth as he was not sure how the techno ambassador would react, but as time went on and their relationship grew he got a lot more comfortable
Sometimes to the detriment of Synth’s pride in sneaking up on people…
Branch could only let out a chuckle at his friend’s failed attempt to scare him, after all you don’t survive in the jungle for more than seventeen years by being clueless to your surroundings
“sooo… what you doin’?” Synth asked “not going to have a ‘beach day’ as you land trolls love to call it?” he mocked in a playful manner how even though this was a very mundane thing to him, the trolls that couldn’t breathe underwater treated it like it was a holyday or great event
“last time I’ve checked you are the one who has been spending most time here out of water, bothering me, so I think you are one of us ‘land trolls’ already” Branch sassed to Synth, they both loved these playful talks with each other, Branch was elated that someone else appreciated his kind of humor, and Synth felt refreshed from not having to measure his words with everyone else seeing he was in fact the ambassador of his people
“like you’re one to talk, I swear if you keep going down to techno lagoon everyday you will grow fins soon enough” Synth said turning the tables
He had to admit, the mental image made Synth blush a bit…
“yeah, okay you win this round…” Branch chuckled before letting out a sigh looking again to the beach
“c’mon dubstep! The waves are real nice for a bit of surfing!” Synth said grabbing his friend by the hand and dragging him towards the beach
Branch seemed uneasy at the prospect of going for a swim while Synth brought him along, but went with him anyway. Before Synth could jump in the water dragging Branch along, he felt a hard pull back making him face plant in the wet sand
“What is it now man?” he asked not bothering to look at Branch’s most likely smug face
“I’m not in a swimsuit” he said though missing a bit of his cheerful nature
“That looks like a you problem” was all warning Synth gave before splashing a bit of water on Branch’s face using his powers, Branch sputtered a bit not expecting the salt water attack before letting out a sigh, so much for trying to keep his clothes dry…
“Go change, then we will show these guys what real surfing looks like” the techno ambassador said trying to hype up his friend. Branch was acting a bit weird today, he sometimes did like to spend time alone but today he was acting like he didn’t want to go into the water at all
“yeah… sure” he said, uneasiness dripping from his tone, Synth watched as the teal troll walked away and a pit on his stomach formed, he didn’t like to see Branch like this, today was going to be the greatest rave his friend has ever been part of, he needed to cheer up Branch so he could experience the party to the fullest
Looking back at the ocean he watched as the other techno trolls played and jumped out of water, a rainbow of shining colors amidst the sea surface. It made him happy that everyone else was enjoying their time here
“s-so what are we waiting for?” he heard Branch say from his side, looking at him Synth noticed he was wearing a full body black swimsuit, while yes, it was the recommended clothing for a swim Synth couldn’t shake off the weird feeling he got seeing Branch all covered up
It just felt wrong to him…
Techno trolls along with a few other subgenres and the glitter trolls didn’t wear clothes, at all, and they really preferred that way, their bodies were a way to express themselves, to show to the world who they are and how proud they are
Sure, he didn’t expect Branch to see it that way, but any time they went out to surf on the whirlpool or when he went underwater for the 4 A.M rave he never hid his body this much, he showed himself with pride along him and the other techno trolls
Synth had noticed something very peculiar with Branch, well not only him all the ambassadors noticed it, Branch always seemed more at ease with them than any other pop troll. At first, he they all thought they were just projecting on him seeing that he was a really nice guy and a good friend
But as time passed some signs showed themselves, Holly recalling how he liked Delta’s song even though it was the first time he had ever heard different music compared to the reaction of his group, Val noticing him being one of the few pop trolls that went to her shows and bought the CDs, Lowtone seeing him so at ease on his ship compared to the tense way he sometimes acted on his own village, hair! Branch woke up everyday at four A.M to go underwater and rave with him!
Synth knew there was something bothering the teal troll, but as always, he chose to keep it secret from him
It honestly hurt Synth a bit…
But if he didn’t want to talk about it he wasn’t going to push, he could now only stay with his friend and hope to make him feel a bit better for today
“took you long enough dubstep! Let’s show them what surfing techno stile looks like” he said with a grin. Both rented their boards on a small cabin before running back to the water
The waves closer to the shore were too small to surf on, Synth dragged the boards with Branch on top to the deeper part of the beach were the waves came in a good size before crashing
“ready for it dubstep?” Synth edged on, a big wave was forming a little bit behind them and with Synth’s powers they would be able to ride it all the way back to shore
“always” Branch said showing a bit more of his playful side, the wave was already halfway formed, gaining size and speed by the second, both trolls watched it grow with barely contained excitement
Slowly at first their boards were being pushed by the wave, gliding across the water before they stood up and really started to surf
With the help of Synth’s power the wave grew and grew but never threatened to crumble on top of them, both darted with speed on it as droplets of water came flying around them making the whole scene even more magical
It was a great feeling for both, of being free for a single moment, nothing outside the wave, only them and peace, their hearts beating with vigor out of excitement yet never feeling anxious at all
Synth watched as Branch laughed at, well, nothing, just for the fun of it, just because it felt good, the water making his skin shine in the light and the reflection of the water on his swimsuit made it even prettier
It made his heart swell in a way that was way better than just surfing…
Before the wave crashed into the trolls relaxing at the beach, Synth made the water slowly lose its momentum making the great wave go from a mighty wall of water, to but a shallow ripple in a few seconds
They both repeated this a few times, sometimes getting a bit too close to the people on the beach lounging and sunbathing for both their and Branch’s liking, seeing the sun slowly go down Branch finally noticed how long it had been
“Hey... just this one more and we have to stop, you don’t want to be late for your rave now do you?” Branch asked looking at Synth’s eyes, they were beautiful, deep as the sea
“our rave dubstep, you still haven’t experienced what a true rave is and believe me; after today I think you will turn into a true techno troll” he chuckled as he pulled the boards
They went again to the deepest parts of the beach, again waited for the wave, again did it come, but this time it felt different, wrong, Synth felt his heart heavy as the wave got bigger in size
Without his help…
It was as if the sea itself felt mad at Synth for playing with it the whole day, the water came in raw, uncaged fury. To the outsider, and even most techno trolls, this was just an ordinary wave like any other, but Synth could feel that it was wrong, the best way he could describe it was as if there was some great creature slowly charging at them
Branch was none the wiser…
Synth felt his limbs grow heavy and his mind foggy, struggling to keep the raging water under control
He noticed too late that he wouldn’t be able to stop it
“DUBSTE-“ his voice cut from the roar of water as the wave crashed down like a hammer on an anvil
His whole world spun as he lost control, the sheer force of the wave sent him very far underwater in the middle of the coral reef
It took but a single second for him to regain his bearings
And even less to start to panic
They were too far away from everyone
And he couldn’t see Branch
Synth immediately started to look everywhere around the coral fearing he hit his head or hurt himself badly
That and the fact that he couldn’t breathe underwater made everything even more nerve wrecking
He darted over coral and rock, swatted kelp away every time it got on his way, all in the hopes that if he found Branch everything would be fine
It was strange, he felt he was crying as he desperately looked for his friend, yet the tears never blurred his vision, his eyes just continued to sting more and more
This was not how thing were supposed to go
He just wanted to cheer up Branch
Where was he?
Why couldn’t he find him?
It was hard to breathe…
He was so stupid
He should have never brought Branch here
This was a mistake
He was a mistake
Why?