Chapter three: A meeting with the autochthons
Strawberry Shortcake woke up because someone, or something, was pecking her face. She carefully opened her eyes, and the only thing she saw was a little yellow head.
-Hello, she said, and the little creature jumped forward. Strawberry sat up and looked around her. She had fallen asleep on the beach. The backwash's sound was low and regular, and the soft sand made a perfect bed. The sky was blue and the sun was shining, anyone could have guessed a storm had happened here, a few hours before. Newt to her, a yellow hen was staring at her, with curiosity and fear.
-Hello, Strawberry repeated nicely, and she was sure the hen would smile if she could.
-Hello miss, answered the hen with a high-pitched voice.
-My name is Strawberry Shortcake and I washed up here. And you?
-My name is Billina and I was with you on the boat, don't you remember?
Strawberry Shortcake racked her brain, but she couldn't remember the presence of any hen on Coco Calypso's boat.
-Never mind, said Billina, sadly.
-Why won't we explore the island? Strawberry suddenly asked. She felt embarrassed for Billina.
-It works for me, the hen said.
The island didn't look inhospitable. Strawberry Shortcake, closely followed by Billina, left the beach. A little path weaved between the tufts of grass and leaded them all the way to a very particular tree.
-Have you ever see something else? Billina asked.
Strawberry shook her head. Of course, she used to see trees, but this one was different. Instead of fruits, it carried baskets.
-That's strange, muttered the little girl.
She carefully gathered a basket and glanced inside it.
-It's wonderful! She cried.
Strawberry had found two sandwiches, an apple and a carton of juice in her basket.
-I want one, too! Billina claimed.
Strawberry picked a basket for her and they both sit down on the grass to enjoy their lunch.
-It's the first time I see those trees, Strawberry said with her mouth full, "But I can tell for sure we need them in Strawberryland!"
-Where is it, Strawberryland? Billina asked.
-Well, it's a wonderful place, beyond the sea…
After their lunch, Strawberry Shortcake and Billina carried on their walk.
-You see, the girl explained, "We need to find a town, or a house, at least somewhere where we could find a phone or a post. I'll tell Coco Calypso where we are and she'll pick us up!"
-What is it? Billina asked, running through a board.
-It must be an indication panel, Strawberry said.
Unfortunately, the only thing what was written on the panel was "Beware the wheelers!"
-Have you ever heard of "the wheeler"? Strawberry asked.
-No.
-Hmm, I don't think they're friendly.
As she said that, she saw a smokescreen, further on the path, going right toward them.
-Strawberry, I'm scared, Billina whimpered.
Strawberry wedged her under her arm and went into hiding behind a tree, as the smokescreen was approaching. From her hideout, Strawberry looked at the cloud more carefully. It was caused by a man, whom hands and foot ended by wheels, and who was wandering with way, rolling on all fours.
-He was certainly a wheeler, Strawberry said. "I think he's gone now."
Strawberry Shortcake and Billina get out of their hideout, but no sooner had they reached back the path they heard a loudly laugh behind them. The wheeler was after them.
-Ho no! Strawberry shouted.
Strawberry Shortcake ran as fast as she could, with a screeching Billina on her arms, but the wheeler was noticeably faster than her.
-He'll catch us! Billina screamed. "He'll catch us and then he'll eat us!"
-Lord save us! Strawberry answered.
Her lungs were blazing and her legs were weakened. The wheeler was gaining ground.
-The mountain! Billina shouted. "Climb the mountain!"
Billina was doubly right: They were indeed running the length of a cliff, and the wheeler, who had neither hands nor foot, couldn't follow them here. Without thinking longer, Strawberry Shortcake changed tack and hurried toward the face. The wheeler, surprised, sustained his momentum. Strawberry started to climb the cliff and quickly reached a molding on which she could comfortably stand.
-Are you okay, Billina?
-Yes, I am. Thank you Strawberry Shortcake.
Strawberry looked below and saw a frustrated wheeler retraced his steps.
-We left him behind! She said proudly.
-Strawberry, look! Is it a door in the face?
Strawberry Shortcake turned over. Billina was right: there was a door on the face. And, beside the door, they saw a tiny key. Strawberry picked it up.
-Are you sure we should open that door? Billina asked, shivering.
-Of course, Strawberry said, smiley. "Let's go!"
To be continued…