They turned around and… the first thing that caught their eyes was the most exquisite forest in the world. Not of pines or oaks, but of lollipops the size of ten-story buildings. Each one was sugared to glassy transparency, with rainbow veins glimmering inside like marble. It seemed that if you dared to lick one, your tongue would freeze solid to this candy dream forever.
Between the candy pillars loomed statues of stone pit bulls: some snarled, some yawned, but all of them occasionally puffed out thin streams of flame—just to set the mood.
A gentle breeze tiptoed through the clearing, brushing against the children's hair—then shrieked in fright and fled, leaving behind the prints of transparent feet scampering away across the air.
Yuki tucked her blue strand behind her ear and gazed in awe at the new sight.
As for Lil C.—well, no surprise what caught his attention. He sniffed at the cocktail of burnt sugar, toothpaste, and the faintly tragic smell of his school cafeteria. His mind was already made up: like a seasoned mountaineer, he was ready to scale the nearest lollipop and camp at its summit for a good ten days, minimum.
And there was water too—in glorious abundance. At the center of the forest towered a stone fountain shaped like a giant soda bottle, higher than both the candy and the stone dogs. From its spout gushed that sacred drink—the very one that made Lil C.'s throat instantly go dry.
-This place is perfect… he breathed dreamily.
-Yes, unbelievably beautiful, Yuki admitted. -But why did we land inside someone's subconscious without meaning to? Normally the gum sticks to our eyelids first, and we start in the waiting room.
-So many questions! Why think when you're in the middle of the best fantasy yet?
-Because we need to know if this place is dangerous. Yuki frowned—but even she was soon swept up by the wonder, following her brother deeper into the forest.
From behind a towering candy stick came the whirr of a hoverboard, and out rolled a familiar wool cap. The inseparable duo was back: Mami and Pom-Pom, hotly debating the superior place to bathe—under open skies or indoors.
-A fountain's way better than a bathtub, Pom-Pom declared. -You can rinse off, drink, and admire the view—all in whatever order you like.
-Absolutely not, colleague, Mami retorted. -Civilization invented the bathroom—complete with tub or shower—for a reason: maximum function, with every tool at hand.
-I've got that too! Pom-Pom raised his arms skyward. A tiny cloud appeared, sprinkling rain over his head. From it also tumbled shower gel, a loofah, and shampoo, landing neatly in his hands. -Watch how amazing it is to bathe in the rain.
He was just about to scrub his back when everyone shouted in unison:
-Don't!
-Oh, and our little short-stacks are here too! the muffin cheered. -Mami, ready to hit the road?
-Without a doubt, my brave companion! A new sparkle of romance lit Mami's eyes as she wriggled excitedly on her board. -Which way shall we venture this time?
-How was your concert? Did everything go well? Yuki asked politely—only to be met with blank stares.
-Concert? What concert? Nothing like that happened.
-…Riiight. So it resets here, she muttered. -Okay then. Let's head to that big hut made of burdock leaves. See it?
Between two crossed candy canes forming an arch, there really stood a huge structure made out of natural materials. Above it fluttered a flag with someone's photo.
When they got closer, they saw it was Yumi's picture — tongue out — and Lil C. proudly tapped on his sweatshirt.
— Now that's fashion sense.
His sister stomped forward, ready to give the jokers a piece of her mind, but her way was suddenly blocked by dandelion puff guards. They had fluffy plant legs and carried spears — though the -spear part was just a fan on both ends. Not too scary, but they started nudging her along.
— Okay, okay, I get it. I'll walk where you want.
The rest of the gang joined in, curious to see where they'd end up. It quickly became clear they were being marched straight to the hut, which was smeared all over with nail polish and glittering in acrylic shine.
At the entrance lounged a girl on an inflatable cushion. Around her, the dandelion puff guards waved fans to keep her cool. She was clearly some kind of queen, soaking in the attention like she was born to it.
As soon as she spotted the newcomers — prisoners? guests? — her eyes lit up. This mix of TikTok diva and seasoned witch had clearly been bored for a while. Her robe, custom-made, was silk drenched in golden ketchup that shimmered when she moved. Yes, it clumped and bubbled in places, but who cared — beauty over comfort!
Her cape was stitched from marshmallows, fastened with decorative kitchen utensils. On her feet, she wore thigh-high boots shaped from (and probably actually made of) porcelain plates. And instead of a crown, tiny candies and sugar bees orbited her head like Saturn's rings.
She fluttered her heavy, servant-curled lashes and addressed them:
— Well, if it isn't the twins. Sneaky little kids who think they can just bust into anybody's brain and get away with it.
— Who even are you? — asked a baffled Yuki.
— How dare you! — the girl shrieked, then reined herself in and spoke more smoothly:
— I am the Grand Princess Pestichida Carbonara! The living legend of this realm — because I made it myself, and crowned myself a Myth.
Right now, you stand in my subconscious, where I deliberately brought you. You see… — her voice rang with smug authority — I'm a dream-walker. I control my own mind. I don't need silly gadgets like glasses.
— You know about those too?! — Lil C. blurted out.
— Of course. I know everything. Which is why I need to decide what to do with you. And since I am royalty, I always consult my trusted advisor. — She beckoned Pom-Pom with her finger.
To the kids' and Mami's shock, the muffin shuffled forward and stood beside her, not meeting their eyes.
— Better half a job with Pestichida than full-time with boredom. At least here I'm warm and fed. Sorry, friends.
— Pom-Pom! — Mami's voice cracked like thunder. Everyone flinched. — No cartoons for you tonight.
— Nooo! — the muffin panicked, bowed to the princess, and sprinted back to the gang. — I'm a mercenary, remember? And cartoons about myself matter way more than royal politics. Especially if someone feeds me after. — He threw Mami a hopeful glance. — You're awesome. You're not just Mami anymore… you're GrandMami!
Yuki frowned.
— Sounds like an old hotel from the '50s.