When the Gemberries stopped glowing

Written for Retro Mania

Chapter one: New adventure, new troubles

If you ask Strawberry Shortcake about her hobbies, she will certainly answer "Cultivate strawberries and meet new people". For her, it was always exciting to meet new people, which are as much potential new friends… provided they are friendly and in the same mind ship.

A few days sooner, Strawberry Shortcake had met a strange police officer. He had no name, as he only describe him as "Member 2003". Of course, he was no longer a child, he was already an adult. But it wasn't the problem with him. If some adults were very kind with Strawberry and her friends, he wasn't. Apparently, he took perverse pleasure to terrify her and laugh at her. On top of that, he considered every try of forging links with him, like offer him tea and cake, as an attempt of bribery. For these reasons, he couldn't be Strawberry's friends. Luckily, she had only seen him once, after their return to Strawberry Land he disappeared and she never heard about him again.

For the moment, Strawberry was consulting sadly her photo album, encircled by Pupcake and Custard. Angel Cake just left them. Strawberry had invited her to tell her all that Member 2003 made her suffer, but, of course, Angel Cake didn't trust her. Strawberry had insisted, swearing she was saying the truth, but Angel called her a liar and left the house. It was why Strawberry felt so sad ad angry now. She had never been alone before, and now it was just as if nobody could understand her. It was the first time she lived that… and it was Member 2003's fault.

Pupcake barked. Someone was knocking at the door.

-I hope it's Angel Cake who wants to apologize, muttered Strawberry.

But it wasn't Angel Cake. It wasn't either Member 2003.

-Hi, Dragonfly. What are you doing here? She asked.

-Princess Glinda sent me, Miss Shortcake. She would like to see you as soon as possible.

-Glinda? What's wrong with her? Strawberry shouted, as cold sweat started flow through her back.

-Glinda's all right, Drangonfly sighted; "It's about… the Berrykins."

-Member 2003 promised me they were alright! What did this betrayer do to them?

-Are they… (Strawberry swallowed) "Are they… dead?"

Drangonfly looked at her, shocked, and then burst into laughter.

-Dead? Of course they're not! Who gave you this idea?

Strawberry didn't answer, upset.

-The problem comes from the Gemberries. How can I put it? They have all passed away.

-It's impossible! Strawberry shouted. "The Berrykins know how to protect them. Glinda promised she would keep watch over the plans! What turned wrong?"

-It's not the Witch's fault, Miss. Apparently, the Berrykins forgot your lessons, and all the plans died. It's why Princess Glinda wants to see you-to find together a way to replace the Gemberries.

Dragonfly winked at Strawberry.

-And she heard you had a fight with one of your friends. She thought it could lift your spirit.

Strawberry smiled. Glinda was right! But…

-I'm sorry, but I can't follow you. I have to ask… someone for the permission first.

-Really? Weird. Well, if you need me, just call me and I'll join you. See you soon, Miss Shortcake!

-See you soon, Dragonfly.

After Dragonfly disappeared in the horizon, Strawberry said loudly:

-I think I should go to Oz as fast as possible.

No reactions.

-If Member 2003 doesn't protest, that means he agrees with me.

The result wasn't long in coming. Member 2003 immediately transported himself beside Strawberry Shortcake.

-Well, my dear. You want to visit your friends, don't you? Did you forget you're banishing from Oz?

-I didn't forget, my dear. But you might know they need my help. Do you think I can drop them… as you did with me so many times? (Strawberry thought this last sentence).

-Drop them? As if they couldn't manage by themselves. No, my dear, you'll stay here. They don't need you.

They don't need you. It was as if he threw a bucket of freezing water on her. Being abandoned by her friends, that was her biggest fear.

-I'm sure they'll find a solution… without you. You won't disobey me, will you? If you do, I'll be… furious.

Member 2003 prepared himself for his travel back.

-I'm sure I can trust you. You don't want to meet my anger, right? And remember: If you disobey, whatever you could be, I'll find you.

He disappeared. But Strawberry Shortcake wasn't scared, she was just thinking:

-I'm cleverest than you, and I'll find a way to help my friends… even if I can't leave Strawberry Land. And if I have to disobey… I'll did it.

To be continued…