8. Snail Trail

Chapter 7 - Snail Trail

On another sunny day in Amphibia, the gang decided to go out of the farm for a while. They were out on the road with their snail companion, Bessie. Hop pop was driving her, while the kids were sitting by his sides. Polly was sitting on Hop pop's head. Darrel and the Salamanders were sitting behind them on Bessie's shell.

"Ahh, a leisurely outing with Bessie," said Hop pop. "Why we could really go anywhere, do anything."

That's when Sprig got an idea, "Oh oh, can we get swamp slushies? They have new flavors." Hop pop just laughed it off and said no.

Then, Polly decided on something else, "Can we go off roads? Do some crazy stunts?" Hop pop also had to say no to that. "Double no."

Suddenly, Anne asked Hop pop, "Oh, can I drive?"

Darrel rolled his eyes from behind, 'Come on, Anne. You really think Hop pop's going to say yes?' Darrel thought. But, Hop pop said something that surprised him. "Sure."

Anne didn't listen to his response and said, "Oh, come on Hop pop." Darrel snapped her out of it. "Anne, Hop pop just said yes."

"He did?" Anne asked. "Absolutely," said Hop pop. "I've been trying to teach this guy for years." He points to Sprig, and Sprig nods, "It's true.

"Even you can learn to drive Bessie, Darrel," said Hop pop. Now Darrel really was surprised. "You really mean it, Hop pop?" Hop pop nodded, "Of course. I've seen how you tend to Bessie when you prepare for farm work every day. If Bessie trusts you, then so should I."

Darrel smiled, and so did Anne. "What do you say Anne?" Darrel asked. "Wanna learn how to drive Bessie?" "You bet," said Anne. "Give us those reins, Hop pop. We're ready to drive."

However, their lesson was to be far more complicated than that. As they got back to the farm, Hop pop plops a large book on a tree stump. "Not before reading this, you both ain't," he said.

"What is that?" Darrel asked. "That is Bessie's history," replied Hop pop. "Before touching a snail's reins, you got to know them. Feel their heartbeat next to yours, and become one."

Darrel opens the book and flips through a section. "Wow, I didn't know Bessie had history," he said in amazement. Anne, however, wasn't having any of it. "Hop pop, it's just a vehicle. We have a family car back home, it's no biggie." That's when Darrel put the book down and turned to Anne. "Anne, owning a snail that big is like owning a horse on a ranch. You can't treat an animal like it's an inanimate object."

"He's right," said Cronaxx. "So unless you want to end up caught in a slimy situation, I would suggest taking Hop pop's advice and read Bessie's history. Cover to Cover."

Hop pop nodded to the wizard's statement, but Anne felt nervous for having to read a whole book. "Are there pictures?" Anne asked. "There are diagrams," Hop pop replied. Anne shouted at the top of her lungs, "NOOO!"

"Dramatic much?" Hop pop asked. "Now if you all would excuse me, Polly's due for a wash." He takes Polly out of a mud puddle and makes his way back to the house. Polly shouts the whole way, "I'll just get dirty again. You can't stop me! I learned this from watching you Anne!"

Cronaxx gives off a yawn, "Since we're back, I'm gonna rest my eyes." He looks to Darrel and Tint. "You kids stay out of trouble okay?" Darrel and Tint nodded, "We promise, Uncle Cronaxx."

As Cronaxx left, Anne groaned and sulked with the book in her hands. "I'll be old before I finish reading this thing." "Depends on how much you want to drive Bessie," said Tint. "Yeah, page five is as far as I got," said Sprig. "So much description, not enough plot."

Anne decided not to read the book, and put it in Bessie's satchel. "This is ridiculous. I don't need history, I need experience." She gets on Bessie's saddle and comes up with a devious idea. "Hey, what do you guys say we take this for a harmless test drive? Prove to Hop pop we're fast learners?"

Anne reaches out to the three boys, but Darrel wants no part of it. "No no no no no no. I'm not running before I'm walking." "Darrel's right," said Tint. "Riding a snail is like performing a magic formula. You need to know how to finish what you started."

"I got a feeling you got that from your uncle," said Darrel. "Oh, I did. Believe me," said Tint. "So, this could be a situation that we'll look back and say, 'ooh boy, we probably shouldn't have done that?'" Sprig asked.

Anne was able to convince Sprig with his weakness. "We'll get swamp slushies while we're out." Sprig hops onto Bessie's shell and says, "No regrets!" Then, Tint gave in. "Well, I kinda am getting thirsty." He climbs onto Bessie's shell next to Sprig.

Now all that's left was Darrel who stood with his arms crossed and his staff in his hand. He looks to the three with smiles on their faces. He knows in his gut that they're going to get into trouble. He smiles and sighs in defeat. "If we get into trouble, I'll do what I can to help get us out." He climbs up Bessie's shell and sits next to Anne.

"That's what I like to hear," said Anne. She whips the reins and Bessie starts to move. The four kids cheered down the road, passing other drivers. Sprig tried his hand at road raging against an elderly frog driving a ladybug. The results were exhilarating. Tint was just poking his head out of the side of the shell to feel the wind flow through his skin. As for Darrel, he starts reading Bessie's history just in case they run into trouble.

"Are you actually reading that phonebook?" Anne asked. "I want to," said Darrel. "I like to see how Bessie joined the Plantars in the first place." Anne scoffed, "Bookworm." Darrel ignored her criticism and dove back into the book.

The kids get swamp slushies, as Anne promised. Then, Anne takes Bessie off road, surprising Tint. Darrel was nose deep in the book, he didn't pay attention to what was going on.

Eventually, the group got winded and they decided to get back on the main road. But Bessie wasn't moving, instead she was hiding in her shell. The stillness grabbed Darrel's attention at last. "What's going on? Is Bessie okay?" Darrel asked.

"That's what we're trying to figure out, Darrel," said Sprig. "Yeah, I mean is there no fuel in the tank? Is the oil low?" Anne asked. Darrel chuckled, "You seriously think a snail needs fuel and oil?"

"Maybe we can push her? Give her a jump start?" Anne asked. "Maybe we can," said Tint. The four get behind Bessie's shell and try pushing her. But the shell wouldn't budge.

"Whew! That snail is strong," said Darrel. "Can't you levitate it with your magic, Darrel?" Anne asked. "I can try," Darrel replied. He takes his staff and points it at Bessie's shell. The eternal staff gives off a faint red glow, surrounding Bessie. But Darrel couldn't budge her.

Eventually, Darrel stops. "She won't cooperate," he said. "What do you mean?" Sprig asked. "For the levitating spell to work, the caster must link minds with who he casted," said Tint. "Bessie's mind, however, is tucked deep in her shell. So she's not going anywhere."

"What are we going to do?" Sprig asked. "We're stuck." Anne sighed in defeat, "We have no choice, I'll stay here with Bessie while you guys hitch a ride back to the farm. And...ugh. Go get Hop pop."

Darrel looked at his friend and said, "I'll stay here too, in case something goes wrong." "You sure Darrel?" Anne asked. "Who else is going to keep you from going nuts, being all alone?" Darrel smirked. This gave Anne a few chuckles.

"Okay, Sprig it's up to us. Let's go!" Tint cried. "We'll be back in a flash," said Sprig. Tint grabs on to Sprig as he launches his tongue to a tree and hops off.

Now only the two humans remain with the hidden snail. As the two waited, they watched ants marching by, clouds floating in and out of their eyesight, but they soon got really bored so quickly.

Darrel soon realized that Anne is at a point to read anything. He immediately came up with an idea. "You know, there may be a reason Bessie is hiding in her shell." Anne perked up, "There is?" Darrel takes out Bessie's history, making Anne groan. "I found the answer while we were driving Bessie. But, I forgot what page it was on. Perhaps if we could read this together, maybe it'll help us get home."

Anne grew hesitant, she still didn't want to read Hop pop's phone book. However, Darrel wanted to help her get rid of her boredom. "Do you remember when we first met?" Anne perked up, "Yeah. It was shortly after you met Sasha in the first grade."

Darrel nodded, "It was recess, and I was trying to read my favorite book…"

(Flashback)

It was recess time, one of the kids favorite times of the day during school. Kids were playing four-square, swinging on the swingsets, climbing on the jungle gym, even playing ball on the fields. In the midst of all the physical fun, Darrel was sitting by himself under a tree.

He was trying to read his favorite book, but was struggling to focus on the words. He was more mesmerized with the images. And because he struggled with reading, he hardly ever spoke.

While he tried to read, Sasha came up to him. "Hey Darrel," she said. Darrel looked up with a shy smile. He waved hello. "There's someone I like you to meet. I think she could help you learn how to read."

Darrel looked confused, then Sasha brought Anne to her side. "Darrel, this is Anne Boonchuy. Anne, this is Darrel. The boy I saved from a couple of bullies." Darrel smiled shyly and waved hi. "Hi Darrel," said Anne. "Whatcha reading?" Darrel closed his book and showed her the title: The Wizard, the Knight, and the Dragon.

"That has great pictures," said Anne. Darrel nodded, as Anne and Sasha sat down by his sides. Anne starts to read from the book, and Darrel listens. "The wizard traveled far and wide. Through dark tunnels and steep hills. The wizard meets the knight and says-"

Before Anne could say anymore, Sasha stopped her and pointed to what the wizard said to Darrel. "Read what the wizard said." Darrel looked at the words Sasha was pointing. He looked at the words as if they looked like strange symbols. Anne gestured to him to breathe slowly. He did that, and saw the words clearly. He started to put the words together, and slowly said, "Brave knight, I have come to aid you on a quest!"

Anne smiled, "That's it. Now what does this say?" Anne points to another set of words and Darrel slowly reads out loud. Sasha smiled at Anne helping out Darrel. And smiled at Darrel for making progress. For the rest of recess, the three kept reading Darrel's favorite book.

(Flashback ends)

"If it weren't for you, I would've failed reading and english class,"said Darrel. The two sat side by side, next to Bessie's shell. Anne smiled, "I'm amazed you remember that day." "It was the day you helped me," said Darrel. "And now I want to help you, by reading that phone book."

Anne knew that Darrel wanted to help her out, "You sure you know that the answer is in that book?" Darrel nodded. "You know what I do with books that have no pictures? I visualize the words in my head as an actual movie. Give it a try." Darrel opens the book to the very first page and the two start reading.

Later in the day, the two got into Bessie's history. They ate leaves as snack food, they laughed, they cried, but in the end, they started to understand Bessie. There were times, each unaware, that they looked at each other while they were reading.

Eventually, they read something important. "The reason Bessie had hidden in her shell, was now clear to me," Anne read. "A predator was close," "That's it!" cried Darrel. "And not just any predator, a natural enemy of snails."

Then, out of nowhere, they hear rustling not far from where they were sitting. "Uhh, hello?" Anne called. "Sprig? Tint? Is that you?" Darrel asked. The two look to the book for more information on snail predators.

They find a diagram of what looks like a hedgehog. "Aw, it's actually pretty cute," said Anne. "What's so scary about that?" Darrel asked.

Suddenly, a vicious looking hedgehog scared them, just as they put the book down. As they looked around, they realized they're not alone. More hedgehogs came out of hiding and started circling around the two humans.

Anne and Darrel climb on top of Bessie's shell, trying to fend off the hedgehogs. Darrel uses his staff to whack the hedgehogs. "Is there any way to get her moving again?" Darrel asked. Anne flipped through the pages and found out what to do.

"Darrel, hold on," she said. Not bothering to ask questions, Darrel held onto Bessie's shell. Then, Anne cried, "Bessie! Things are gettin' MESSY!"

Bessie pops out of her shell, and zooms out of the hedgehog's circle. The two humans cheer as they ride back to the main road. However, the hedgehogs weren't going to let them go so easily. "Eat our dust, hedgehogs!" Anne shouted.

Darrel saw one of them about to shoot their quills. "Get down!" he cried. He grabs Anne's arm and pulls her down just as the quills hit the seat. "Woah, thanks Darrel," she said. "Don't celebrate until we're out of here," he replied.

The chase lasted a while longer, until Anne read more on how to escape the hedgehogs. She opened up Bessie's front shell and grabbed a sack. "Darrel. On my go, freeze outside Bessie's snail trial," said Anne.

Darrel nodded, "Alright." Anne climbed on Bessie's neck, as Darrel climbed on the back of her shell. "Let's do this thing, Bessie!" Anne cried. Bessie chirped in response and ate the berries.

As she did, Bessie spewed out pink slime. "Darrel, now!" Darel heard Anne's signal and casted an ice spell from his hand. The ice and slime made the hedgehogs slip and slide. Bessie turned onto the main road and the hedgehogs slipped out of sight.

Darrel and Anne cheered, "Yeah! We sure showed them!" "Way to go, Bessie! You are the Queen of the Road." Bessie chirped as Anne hugged their snail companion. "You too, Anne," said Darrel.

Anne looked at him with surprise. "If you hadn't read more of Bessie's history, then all three of us would've been hedgehog chow." He strokes Bessie's neck, making her pur. "It was your quick thinking, and devotion to riding Bessie that saved us. Me? I just did what you told me to do. You are amazing, Anne."

Anne blushed with glee, "Aww, thanks Darrel." Darrel smiled and replied, "You're welcome. Now let's find Sprig and Tint, and get back to the farm." Darrel climbed onto Bessie's shell and sat next to Anne. She gave a whip on the reins and the three set off on the main road.

As they journey back, they find that Sprig and Tint found help and were given a lift back as well. But as it turns out, they were stuck on the same ladybug being driven by the same elderly frog they drove past. Her name is Mrs. Croaker. She finished singing a song Tint tuned himself out of, and drove Sprig almost insane.

Anne drives Bessie alongside them, "Any of you guys need a lift?" Tint opens his eyes and climbs onto Bessie. "You betcha," he said. "Guys!" Sprig cired, "Thank goodness." He hops up and hugs Anne tightly, finally free from Mrs. Croaker's slow moving vehicle.

"Thanks for giving us a lift, Mrs. Croaker," said Tint. "You're welcome, boys," she replied. "But next time, try to keep that road rage in check." Then she whipped her reins and the ladybug zoomed past the group, leaving them shocked. "Guess she played us good," said Darrel. "That woman is everything I want to be," said Anne.

The four ride back to the Plantar farm, completely exhausted. "We made it!" Sprig cheered. "And it looks like Hop pop is still washing Polly." He looks into the window watching Polly escaping Hop pop, and getting filthy again.

Suddenly, a voice was heard behind them, "Ahem." The four look behind to see Cronaxx smiling mischievously. "Oh crud," said Anne. "We're busted for sure," said Sprig.

"So, how was your little joyride?" Cronaxx asked. "What? We didn't go on any joyride," said Sprig, trying his best to hide the truth. "Yep, we were here this whole time," said Anne sweating.

Cronaxx just smirked, and Tint and Darrel sighed. "It was quite a blast," said Tint. Darrel nodded in defeat. "Any trouble along the way?" Cronaxx asked. "Just some predators," said Darrel. "But, we escaped thanks to Anne's quick thinking."

"Look, if anything, it was my fault," said Anne. "I convinced them to come along-" Cronaxx just put his hand up signaling Anne to stop talking. "As long as you guys don't do anything like that again, I won't say anything. Besides, Tint told me telepathically that he and Sprig were safe from the predators."

"How did you do that, Tint?" Sprig asked. "Remember when I sat patiently on Mrs. Croaker's ride?" Tint replied. Sprig recalls their ride and puts the pieces together. "Oh, okay."

"Now come on, kids," said Cronaxx. "It's getting late. We should get some rest." "Okay Uncle Cronaxx," said Tint. Both he and Sprig prepare to turn in for the night. "You guys coming?" Sprig asked Anne and Darrel. "I think I'm gonna spend a little more time with ol' Bessie, here," replied Anne. "Make that both of us," said Darrel. "Suit yourselves," said Tint as he makes his way back to the stable.

Anne and Darrel had Bessie all to themselves. Darrel looks to Anne as takes out Bessie's History. "Have I told you I read the whole thing?" asked Darrel. "You what?" Anne asked surprisingly. "I told you, if it weren't for you, I would've failed reading and english," said Darrel with a smirk. "You cheeky bookworm," said Anne.

Darrel sits on Bessie's side while Anne sits on top, ready to read more of Bessie's History. "Now where were we?" Darrel looks to the stars until, "Hey Darrel, thanks for motivating me to read more of this," said Anne. " You're awesome." Darrel smiled as the Eternal Staff glowed a shade of pink. 'You really are amazing in many ways, Anne Boonchuy,' he thought.

The very next morning, the two enter Hop pop's bedroom all tired from reading Bessie's History. Anne throws the book onto Hop pop, waking him up. "What the hey-" Hop pop looked at the tired humans. "Good morning Hopediah," said Anne in a groggy tone. "Anne? Darrel?" "We did it, Hop pop," said Darrel. "We both read the whole thing all in one day. Anne read it in one night,"

"Impressive," said Hop pop. "Kind of scary, but impressive." Anne slouched back onto Hop pop's chair as Darrel leaned into it from behind. "I was wrong about Bessie," said Anne. "She's not just a vehicle, She's a noble beautiful creature."

"And now that you both read this," said Hop pop. "All you two need now, is experience." Darrel and Anne shot their eyes wide open when he said that. They had no idea what they went through, and they agreed not to tell him. Anne laughed insanely away while Darrel just walked out. But not before turning his head and telling Hop pop, "Watch your back."

Hop pop stares at the entrance to his closed bedroom door, taking Darrel's warning to heart. "I don't feel safe," was all he said. The rest of the morning drew quiet.