(Part 4) Reincarnated as an Elf Mage’s Cell

Within the depths of Lyrielle’s stomach, boiling acid gradually digests the plethora of well-chewed contents floating within it. Various meats, fruits, chocolates and liquids enter from the esophagus in their unique forms, but are ultimately forced to become uniform colorless mush.

Relaxing in the midst of this chemical soup are two cells who are resting their backs against the mucus covered stomach wall. One in particular blushes with pleasure, unlike his friend who seems indifferent.

“Ahh, this is heaven…”, Zerk effortlessly exhaled those words just as easily as he breathed.

“Heaven? We are boiling in Lyrielle’s stomach acid. ‘Heaven’ isn’t the first word that comes to mind, far from it.”

“But come on my brother, how does it feel?”

Kaden instinctively prepares to continue his rebuttal, yet he pauses. After silently wading in the acid, listening to the sounds of soft gurgling, his tension releases.

“...like a relaxing jacuzzi.”, Kaden exhales out reluctantly.

“Sounds like heaven to me!”

With his flexible limb, Zerk grabs a small chunk from a floating piece of food. It’s beyond unrecognizable due to being thoroughly chewed and partially digested, though nevertheless he consumes it whole. Kaden finds himself quietly gazing, like he’s watching wildlife in its habitat.

“You know, female elves eat a lot more than I thought. Given Lye’s slender figure, I’d never guess that she could…what? Why are you starin’ at me like that? I don’t mind sharing, but there’s a perfectly good piece of whatever the hell this is floating near you, bro.”

“No, it’s not that. I’m just astounded at how accustomed you’ve gotten to this new life in just over a month. Relaxing in a stomach like it’s a spa, cleaning Lye’s mouth by eating leftover pieces of food stuck between her teeth, helping to ease congestion in the bowels, taking a nap inside her waxy ears when she’s listening to classical music…you do it all like it’s natural.”

“Now that you mention it, I suppose it is pretty weird, huh. I swear, I feel like my mind has become more like a cell than a human. You seem to have more of your human brain left than I do, but you can relate to my experience, right?”

“Even after all this time, I’m still trying to hold on to my humanity–it’s all that I know, you know? But my new cellular body feels otherwise, yet I constantly fight against it.”

“All for what benefit? We’re not humans anymore, we aren’t even human cells. Nothing about us is human, so we might as well give in to our new nature. Before you know it, you’ll develop habits without thinking twice! I think that's a good thing, by the way. I feel so free!”

Zerk shines a glistening smile, caught up in his sensational feelings of pleasure. His smile is so bright, so natural, Kaden can’t help but to return it back.

“Even in this life, you still know how to put your friends at ease. Even though you’re an elf’s cell, you’re still Zerk.”

“And you’ll always be the brother I never had; I love Rukara to death, but she can’t do what a brother can. So with that being said, when are you going to visit the boo–the breasts with me? It’s not quite as exciting as I expected, but it’s a cool hangout spot nevertheless. Don’t leave a brother hanging!”

“Pass. My heart still isn’t ready for that part.”

“Behold the acclaimed hero, brave enough to take on the demon lord head-on, but too cowardly with women! If you would’ve taken my advice, you could’ve dated Lye, you know. Heck, you could’ve had both her and your ex wife.”

“Oh yeah? Please tell me how being in relationships with multiple women worked out for you–and not just the ‘fun’ parts.”

“Pass. My heart isn’t ready either.”

The two friends laugh, enjoying the moment while exchanging a few words here and there. A large piece of hard candy drops straight into the stomach like a cannonball, subsequently creating a ripple effect throughout the acid; even that disturbance is not enough to damper the positive vibes.

“I’m glad that Lyrielle seems to have a very calm life compared to when we were alive during the demon lord’s reign. It is admittedly mundane, but as long as she is enjoying it, I’m content.”

“Totally, bro. I mean, this is what we fought hard for! Our friends and descendants can enjoy a peaceful age, free from the demon lord’s chaos specifically.”

“Speaking of him, do you think he got reincarnated too? Could you imagine that?”

“Ha, what a funny thought. What would he even be? That bum should become a low-level human and experience the headache demons cause for himself!”

“At least his little daughter is way more mellow–there have been absolutely no problems from her apparently.”

“Oh, so Lye told you too? I couldn’t believe it myself; in fact, I want to see it.”

“Well…not exactly…”

“?”

Kaden’s voice trails off, dissolving into the acid. Zerk raises an eyebrow, careful not to miss any follow-up that is impending. The longer Kaden takes to gather his words, the more he rubs his head sheepishly.

“I may have learned about that from peeking into Lyrielle’s memories the other day…”

“Ooo, you poked around her brain, didn’t ya? You just couldn’t help yourself after all, huh?”

“My curiosity got the better of me, okay? That’s all.”

“Nah, face it bro, you are a suppressed degenerate yearning to be set free. No doubt your heroic legacy would be stained if the people found out about this side of you–it’d be hilarious!”

“Ha, that’s ironic coming from you, Ze.”

A sudden snarky voice startles Kaden and Zerk, though for Zerk, that only lasts for a split second before he sighs heavily.

Looking down from the top of a piece of spherical hard candy, Rukara patiently waits with her arms folded.

“Goddamn it Ru, can’t you let the boys hang out? I’ll spend time with you later–you can talk or rant my ears off then, capeesh?”

“Well I’m sorry to interrupt your precious bro session, but Lyerielle told me earlier that her left nostril felt congested and it’s throwing off her sense of smell, which also affects her sense of taste.”

“So she told you to clear her nose?”

“Correct, Kaden…well technically she didn’t request that, but she implied it. You know the girl still struggles with direct requests; she can be too considerate for her own good.”

“Yeah, that’s our Lyrielle. Wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Cool story Ru, but I’m still waiting for the part that explains why you are here and not in the aforementioned nose. It’s inconsiderate to keep a friend waiting, no?”

“Because I want help, silly. Do you think I want to do something like that by myself? Did I need to spell it out for you?”

“That’s gonna be a ‘no can do’ from me, sis. Lye told you about her nose and not us for a reason. At least let me finish relaxing, then I’ll happily reconsider.”

Fed up with her brother’s sarcasm, gritting her teeth was no longer sufficient for containing her rage. Circumspect of the incoming danger, Kaden quickly raises his hand and projects his voice to ensure that Rukara’s attention is redirected.

“I’ll go with you, Rukara. I think I’ve had enough of the stomach acid soaking for a while. Catch you later, Zerk.”

The red in Rukara’s eyes dissipates, returning to its natural color. She takes a moment to regulate her breathing, the end result being an uplifting smile.

“Thank you for being reliable as always, Kaden. Let’s get this over and done with.”

As the two swim through the stomach acid making their way towards the esophagus, one cell remains–Zerk. He silently salutes his comrades for their valiant efforts, then reclines deeper into the acid, and closes his eyes.

He smiles blissfully without a care in the world; not even the incoming gas bubble could disrupt his heavenly paradise.