The fungal guard walked ahead, his golden leaves rustling with each step, while Lily and the robot followed him through the flower-filled field. The furry creature still purred in binary code on Lily's lap, making a curious sound that mixed meows with static.
At last, they reached the entrance of a castle that looked like it was made of stained glass and giant fruits. In the center, a huge throne encrusted with sparkling seeds — and sitting there was Queen Zininha.
She was literally a giant strawberry, with expressive eyes made of dewdrops, a crown of shining petals atop her head, and a voice that mixed sweetness with authority.
— Welcome, intruders from other dimensions! — said the queen, her voice echoing through the hall decorated with foliage shimmering in shades of red and green. — What brings you to Floraxis? Speak quickly, my patience is as short as a summer season!
Lily took a deep breath, holding the little furry creature tightly, and replied with determination:
— I'm looking for my mother. I came from another world after her. I need to find her, no matter what.
Queen Zininha furrowed her "seed-eyes" and made a graceful motion with her leafy "arms."
— Ah, the quest for a lost loved one… as old as time itself. Floraxis is a world full of mysteries, but maybe I can help — she said, with a smile that looked more like an invitation to tea. — But first, what do you have to offer in exchange?
The robot paused for a moment before answering, as if processing something very complex.
— I offer this girl.
— What?! Who gave you the right to just offer me around, huh?!
— I don't want the girl, she won't be of much use to me.
Said the queen with a certain look of disdain.
— I can offer a drink then?
Said the robot.
— I heard Queen Zininha likes lemon tea.
— Where did you hear that?
Whispered Lily.
— Be quiet.
He whispered back.
Queen Zininha smiled brightly, her eyes shining with satisfaction.
— Finally, someone who understands my taste! Bring it here, quickly!
The robot turned and struck a strange pose.
— Chef mode!
A chef's hat appeared digitally on his head. Lily found it both cool and funny at the same time.
After showing off a bit while preparing the drink, he finally handed it over in a teacup — it was a bubbling green-blue liquid.
The queen took a sip, and her face immediately changed. She made a grimace, a ridiculous one, as if all her seeds were going to pop — she was clearly displeased.
— What is this?! It tastes like frog feet and lunar dust!
The robot replied calmly:
— It's an interdimensional herb infusion. May cause varied side effects.
The queen exploded in anger.
— Side effects?! You tricked me! Guards, imprison these fools!
— Don't take me, take him.
She said, pointing at the robot.
— Guards!
Soon, several guards surrounded them.
Lily and the robot were escorted to the prison, where the cell bars were made of colorful sweet straws, glowing under the alien light.
. . .
Lily looked at the colorful bars around her, biting her lip.
— This is all your fault, you know?
She said, staring at the robot.
He blinked some lights, a bit confused.
— How is it my fault?
— You made that stupid interdimensional drink! Now we're stuck here! If it weren't for you, I wouldn't even be in this mess.
The robot lowered his metallic head.
— Sorry... I didn't mean to.
Lily sighed, feeling a pang of anger and frustration growing inside her.
The little furry creature jumped from her lap and vanished in a blink.
— And now he's gone. Great, I don't even have my weird "friend" anymore.
She kicked the bars, then sat on the cell floor, hugging her knees.
— I should be stronger, but I'm nothing but weak.
Lily's mind filled with memories — her mother's face, her father's embrace, the smell of their old home.
A tear rolled down her cheek.
— I just wish they were here.
Her voice faltered.
— To help me find the way back.
The cell felt smaller, the air heavier. Lily felt a loneliness deeper than ever before.
For a moment, there was complete silence, until the robot broke it with his calm, almost comforting voice:
— Lily... we're not alone. We still have each other, and there's still a chance to get out of here.
She looked at him, anger mixed with a flicker of hope.
— You always think you know everything, don't you?
— I don't know everything — replied the robot.
— But I do know giving up isn't an option.
Lily smiled slightly, wiping her tears.
— Maybe you're right.
Outside, beyond the cell made of colorful candy straws, the castle still shimmered with its strange beauty — and the promise of mysteries yet to be unraveled.
Lily remained seated on the cell floor, her head resting against the sweet bars, letting the sugary aroma of fruit fill her thoughts. Despite the bitterness of the moment, there was something comforting in that familiar scent, whispering promises of a better future.
— Do you really think it'll work out?
She asked, voice low and still filled with doubt.
The robot came closer, his lights blinking softly, transmitting a calm that felt almost human.
— Yes. There's always a way out, even when it seems impossible.
She lifted her head, staring into the robot's gleaming metal.
— And how do you know that?
— Because, even in different dimensions, every story of hope has a beginning. You're part of one of those stories.
Lily gave a shy smile.
— You talk like a digital poet.
— Maybe I am.
He replied, with a slightly sarcastic tone, trying to ease the heavy atmosphere.
She laughed — short, but genuine. For the first time since they were imprisoned, hope felt a little less distant.
Suddenly, they heard footsteps approaching.
The cell door opened with a sweet, almost musical click, and a figure stood in the entrance: a young strawberry, smaller than the queen, with a curious gaze and a gentle smile.
— I'm Lila, Queen Zininha's assistant.
She said, stepping in cautiously.
— I heard about your situation… and maybe I can help.
Lily frowned, surprised.
— Why would you help us?
— Because not everything in Floraxis is what it seems.
Lila replied.
— The queen may be strict, but greater forces are working against her. You two have an important role in this story, whether you like it or not.
The robot scanned Lila with his sensors.
— Information is the best weapon.
He said.
— If Lila knows something useful, she's our ally.
Lily stood up, wiping the last of her tears.
— So, what do you know?
Lila smiled mysteriously.
— First, let's get you out of here. Then I'll tell you everything.
As the young strawberry reached for a glowing device at her waist, Lily's heart raced — a mix of fear and excitement. Maybe this was the chance they had been waiting for.