Troll Infection AU

Intro the infection is spread by a creature called a "Twik," which bites Poppy and another troll while they are gathering gems. Poppy and her friends are later taken home, where Poppy notices the infection spreading up her arm. Branch brings her medicine and herbs to help, and Poppy recovers, suggesting a potential cure exists. The AU features different stages of the infection and explores the devastating effects on the various characters. Infection lore and effects The parasite: Theories suggest the infection might be a form of the cordyceps fungus or a parasitic hairworm, both of which are known to manipulate their hosts. Symptoms: Infected trolls exhibit frantic behavior, a peculiar craving for water, and the growth of white mold. The smile: A signature feature of the infection is that it forces infected trolls to wear a permanent, unnerving smile. Awareness: The infected can still retain some memory of their loved ones, making their plight all the more tragic. Immunity: Trolls and other creatures larger than a Twik are immune to the initial infection. Cloud people are also immune. Character fates Cooper: In one popular version of the story, he reaches Stage 2 of the infection, which causes alarming symptoms. Dinkles: Mr. Dinkles' dialogue reflects a declining sense of sanity, hinting that he is more affected by the infection than he realizes. Barb: Her fate is one of the most chilling in the AU. She is forcefully fused with a larger infected creature while still conscious, an example of body horror. Viva: At one point, Viva jumps on Poppy to hug her after Poppy recovers. Outcome In a rare happy ending for a horror AU, a cure is eventually found with the help of the cloud people. Poppy makes a full recovery and is seen surrounded by her friends and family. Reception and media The Trolls Infection AU has gained popularity on TikTok and YouTube, with creators covering the lore and making animated videos. Content creators like Violentberry.