A Journey Within the Realm
Chapter 2: Miki the Elf

I awoke with a splitting headache. As I slowly opened my eyes, my vision cleared. I looked around. Apparently, I was in someone’s house. I carefully sat up. Hmmm… this house is very native. But, where am I? I crossed my arms, to replace out they had been bandaged. Who took care of me and treated my wounds? I got out of bed and started to explore. Just then, I caught the scent of food. It was coming from outside. I walked over to the front door and peeked outside. There, by the fire, was a green haired woman wearing clothing of furs from animals. I think it was wolf skin. Then, something caught my eye. Her ears… were pointed. I watched silently as she cooked. Just then, her ears wriggled.

“I’m so glad you’re awake,” she said, turning her head towards me, “How are you feeling?”

“F-f-fine,” I said, nervously.

I hate this… I’m always nervous around women. I was like this all through my teen years and I still have it. Why me?

“I’m so glad,” she replied, “I bet you’re hungry. Come.”

She smiled. Her beautiful green eyes sparkled in the light. It calmed me down enough to step outside and sit across from her.

“Here,” she said, giving me a bowl and a spoon, “Hold it out so I can pour.”

She poured the stew into the bowl. I said thank you and sniffed the food. Mmmmm… smells good. I took a spoonful and plopped it into my mouth. Delicious.

“This is great,” I said, “What is it?”

“Lamb stew,” the elf replied, smiling.

After I finished my meal, the woman and I stayed sitting where we were. I had many questions about her and this place. I bet she had some questions for me too.

“Let me introduce myself,” I started to say, “my name is Randy Nelson. Believe it or not, I was sucked into a book titled The History of the Magic Realm and appeared here in what looks like a forest.”

“It is a forest,” she replied, “And my name is Miki. My friend, Kuri, and I heard a crashing sound and went to replace out what it was. That’s when we found you.”

“Where am I?” I asked.

“You’re in the Killum Forest. It’s the biggest forest in the Magic Realm,” Miki answered.

“So that book did transport me to the Magic Realm. Go figure…,” I said out loud, “Can you tell me about this realm?”

“Well… as you can see, I’m an elf,” Miki began, “In the Magic Realm, there are many magical beings. My friend, Kuri, is a fairy. Outside this forest are gods, demons, even witches. However, you’re not like anyone in this realm.”

“Why is that?”

“You’re a man.”

“What?”

“You see… there are only women in the Magic Realm. There hasn’t been a man here for a long time.”

“How come?”

“To tell you truth, I don’t really know. Being young myself, I just know the process in order to have a daughter.”

“’Process?’”

“There’s a spell ritual that a woman needs to undergo to become pregnant. However, it seems we can only bear daughters.”

“I think it’s because of genetics.”

“What do you mean?”

“You see… women only carry one type of chromosome while men carry two. The one that women don’t have is the one needed to have a son.”

“You’re very wise for someone your age.”

“Thanks.”

Miki climbed to her feet and yawned.

“Well, Randy… it’s getting late and we seem to have a problem,” Miki said.

“What is it?” I asked.

Miki chuckled, “There’s two of us and I only have one bed.”

My heart skipped a beat. I swallowed before speaking.

“Is there a couch?” I asked.

“This is a forest hut. Do you really think I would have a couch?” Miki replied.

“I guess not…”

“Oh well… I guess we share the bed,” Miki said, grabbing my arm, “Come on, Randy. We have a big day tomorrow.”

I cried a little. This was way too much for me to handle. Sleeping with a girl? I have no freakin’ clue how to deal with that. Suddenly, Miki stopped and turned around. She stared at me as if she was pondering something.

“Tell me…,” Miki began, “Is that odd looking outfit the only thing you have to wear?”

I looked at my clothes. I was wearing a basic green t-shirt along with a pair of cargo pants and a pair of slip-on sneakers. I guess in the Magic Realm, this outfit would be considered odd. However, no way will I wear wolf skin clothing, even if my life depended on it. I just smiled weakly and nodded.

“I guess being sucked into a magic book doesn’t allow time to pack some stuff. However, I’m thinking even if you were able to pack clothes, they would be as odd as these,” Miki said.

I chuckled nervously. Miki sighed and went into a chest. Before long, Miki pulled out an oversized shirt made of cloth.

“Guessing you would be a person who would not care to wear animal skin nor fur, this will have to do for now,” Miki said, tossing me the shirt, “My mother gave me this. Not being a cloth fan myself, I will let you use it for the time being. You can change in the room next to my bed.”

“T-t-thank you…,” I replied.

I stepped into the small room and changed into the shirt Miki had given me. There was plenty of room and the fabric felt nice. I took a deep breath and stepped outside to were Miki was waiting. When she saw me, she smiled.

“I’m glad it fits,” Miki said, “Is it comfortable?”

“Yes, thank you,” I said.

“If you don’t mind, I will wear what I have on,” Miki said.

“I thank you for that.”

“Shall we get into bed?”

“I guess I’m ready as I’ll ever be.”

“You get in first.”

I careful got into Miki’s bed, followed by her.

“Good-night, Randy,” Miki said, blowing out the candle by the bed, “Try not to get fresh in the middle of the night.”

I just wimpered. I faced away from Miki. As I fell asleep, I wondered what godforsaken reason sent me to this realm of women. What would become of me? I just hoped I could replace my way out of here before things got worse. I just hoped…