A Journey Within the Realm

“I think we have everything,” Miki said, from the other room, “Will you come out already!?!”

“Do I really have to wear this?” I asked, coming out of the changing room.

I walked over to the mirror. Here I was… wearing a tunic, just like Miki’s, and tights. Sure, the boots that I was wearing are comfortable, but I hated the whole idea. I still couldn’t believe she found a tunic that fits me. I sighed.

“Of course you have to wear that,” Miki answered, “You can’t just wander around the Magic Realm dressed like you were. I don’t even think there’s a shirt like yours in this realm. What is it called again?”

“It’s a t-shirt,” I replied.

“Whatever,” Miki said, “Let’s wait outside for Kuri.”

Miki picked up the two backpacks she had packed and walked outside. I took another look at myself. God… I hate this.

“Come on, Randy! Hop to it,” Miki called into the house.

I sighed. As I walked outside, I saw Kuri talking to Miki. Kuri noticed me and started to laugh.

“I told you that I looked strange,” I whined.

“Just deal with it, for crying out loud,” Miki replied, “Thanks a lot, Kuri.”

“I’m sorry,” Kuri said, as she stopped laughing.

“Are we ready?” asked Miki.

“I guess so…,” I replied.

“Then, take a backpack and let’s be on our way,” Miki said.

I picked up one of the backpacks and followed Miki. I stayed behind as Kuri and Miki talked. As we walked, I could hear everything they were saying.

“Where did you get that outfit for Randy?” Kuri asked.

“It was my mother’s,” Miki answered, “It was the only thing I could find that fits Randy.”

“Well, I think he looks cute in it,” Kuri replied.

I blushed. Suddenly, Kuri flew over to me. She smiled as she hovered next to me.

“How old are you, Randy?” Kuri asked.

“23. Why?” I answered.

“That young? That’s surprising,” Kuri replied.

“What do you mean, Kuri?” asked Miki, “Randy looks almost as youthful as me and I’m 23.”

“You mean that you’re the same age as me?” I asked.

“Exactly,” Miki answered, “and Kuri’s a little younger than us.”

“How old are you, Kuri?” I asked.

“21,” Kuri replied.

“Wow! I didn’t know you guys are that close to my age,” I said.

We kept on talking as we walked through the forest. We started on our journey around noon. It took us seven in a half hours to finally reach the forest’s edge. I looked up at the sky and saw the moon. It was beautiful.

“Come on, Randy,” Miki called out, “Help us set up camp.”

“Sorry about that,” I replied, walking over, “I was just staring at the moon. Isn’t it wonderful?”

“’Wonderful’ it may be, but also very dangerous,” Miki answered, pitching one of the tents.

“How come?” I asked, pitching the another one.

“Some magical creatures get affected by the moon,” Miki answered, finishing up with her tent, “The moon makes them act strange.”

“Like who?” I asked, finishing mine.

“I don’t know everything,” Miki answered, “Kuri is the one with the information.”

Kuri sighed, “Ghosts, vampires, and demons are the ones who mostly get affected.”

“That’s right,” Miki exclaimed, “And that’s why we can’t be in the ghost town after dark.”

“What? Why?” I asked.

“Ghost families lives in the town,” Kuri replied, “They can be quite cruel.”

“In what way?” I asked.

“They tend to play tricks on the living,” Kuri replied.

“And their tricks get worse at night,” Miki added.

“I would guess that,” I said.

Miki gathered some fallen branches and piled them in a circle. Then, she quietly muttered something as she touched the middle of the pile. Suddenly, a flame burst out of the circle. After brushing herself off, Miki unhooked the cooking pot from her pack and placed it on the fire. Once Miki poured the ingredents, it only took ten mintues for dinner to be ready. Miki poured some into three bowls and handed one to me.

“What is for dinner?” I asked, taking the bowl.

“Vegetable Chili,” answered Miki.

I took a spoonful of it into my mouth. Once again, Miki’s cooking was delicious. After two bowlfuls, I said my good-nights as I went to my tent. Oh boy, did my feet hurt! Hopefully, it isn’t very far to the ghost town. I closed my eyes and went to sleep.