A Journey Within the Realm
Chapter 2-2: Miki’s Friend, Kuri the Fairy

“Good morning,” Miki sang, “Wake up, sleepyhead. It’s time for breakfast!”

I sat up, rubbing my eyes. Whew… I had made it through the night. I went into the small room and changed back to my so-called odd outfit. Then, I walked outside for breakfast. At least breakfast should be the same as my realm. When I saw Miki, she was wearing a tunic and pair of leather boots. I sat down at the same spot that I was yesterday and smiled. Miki replied with a smile and handed me a plate with eggs and bacon. I thanked her and began eating.

“We have a big day ahead,” Miki said.

“Why?” I asked, taking a bite of my bacon.

“First, I’m introducing you to Kuri,” Miki explained, “Then, we’ll travel to Crystalstaff to seek the wisdom of the Elder.”

“’Crystalstaff?’ What’s that?”

“Oh, my bad… I forgot you don’t know anything in this realm. Crystalstaff is the town for witches and mages.”

“How far is it to the town?”

“It will take us about three days.”

“How come that long?”

“It will take most of today to get prepared and to get out of the forest. After that, we have to go through this ghost town that borders the forest. Once we finish that, we just follow the path to the town.”

“Is the Elder we are going to talk to a witch or a mage?”

“Mage. I have a feeling she will have the answers we’re looking for.”

“Well… let’s get started,” I replied, placing the empty plate down and getting up.

“Very well,” Miki said, doing the same, “I will take you to Fairy Springs.”

Miki started to walked through the forest. I quickly followed her. After passing tree after tree, we found ourselves in a small clearing with a pond and a waterfall. There were flowers everywhere and the pond was filled with Koi fish. When the sun hit just right, the whole place sparkles. Over to the left of the pond was a very large mushroom with a door in its stem.

“Does Kuri live in a mushroom?” I asked.

“She does. It’s small, but cozy,” Miki replied, walking over to the shroom.

She tapped on the door.

“Good morning, Kuri,” Miki sang… again.

The door slowly opened. I watched as a cute, pink haired fairy with light blue eyes sleepily flew up to Miki.

“Yawn… Good Morning, Miki,” Kuri said, “What’s up?”

“I would like you to meet the man we found wounded,” Miki answered, “His named is Randy Nelson.”

Kuri looked at me for a second, then smiled.

“Hello, Randy. I’m so glad you’re okay,” she said, “My name is Kuri.”

“Nice to meet you, Kuri,” I replied.

Kuri flew down to her house and sat on top of the roof. She then, rubbed her eyes and yawn.

“What time is it?” asked Kuri.

“It’s nine fifteen,” Miki answered.

“That late huh? I guess I should be having some breakfast,” Kuri replied.

She flew into her house and came out eating a small mushroom. Then, she flew over to me and pulled out another one from her tiny pocket.

“Want one?” Kuri asked.

“What are they?” I asked back.

“Magic mushrooms. Very yummy,” Kuri answered.

“No thanks,” I replied, giving her a weak smile.

“You’re cute when you’re nervous,” Kuri said, finishing her mushroom.

“Now that you mention it… you tend to be nervous a lot. Why?” asked Miki.

“I’m not used to be around beautiful women. I’m usually very nervous when it comes to that…,” I answered, blushing.

“That’s so sweet,” Miki exclaimed, “So that’s why you were sobbing in your sleep last night. You were sharing a bed with a me.”

“What!?! You and Randy were in the same bed together!?!” Kuri yelled.

“I only had one bed and I didn’t want him to sleep on the floor.” Miki replied.

“I envy you…,” Kuri said.

“Oh boy…,” I said to myself.

“Anyway, I’m taking Randy to Crystalstaff to see the Elder Mage. Do you want to come?” asked Miki.

“I would love to,” Kuri exclaimed, “Let me pack some stuff and I will be ready.”

“Great! Meet us at my house when you are ready,” Miki said, grabbing my arm, “Let’s go, Randy.”

I stumbled as Miki dragged me back to her house.