Magic Is Real Now

When he asked his second question, she followed him with her eyes and saw what he was looking at. Gasping at the sight, she didn’t stop herself from bounding past him to get close to the branch.

“Those are so beautiful! Wow, I’ve never seen something so…alive…” She touched the flowers on the branch, too mesmerized by the soft pinks near her hand to noticed that the entire tree burst into bloom as she touched the petals. Instead, she looked out to the rest of the tree and simply seemed to assume that it had all been in bloom already.

“Wow! This tree…it seems so happy! I can’t believe how much it’s blooming compared to the rest of the garden…” She giggled, her face bright with wonder as any remaining anxiety melted away.

Her happy energy and laughter seemed to make the tree ever so slightly shake with happiness with her, as if reflecting her own emotions. “Aww, it seems like it’s laughing with me, so cute!” She joked, thinking that the small tremors were simply wind blowing through the branches. “I know it’s silly to say that, but I like to imagine it to be true..” Her cheeks flushed in embarrassment. “Sorry, I’m a bit of a crazy nature nut.”

✿.｡.:* reply for: astonishingfantasy | nicholas & alycia

☆:**:. It all happened before he could truly register what was going on. At first, it had been nothing but a dead plant. He had stopped caring for it a long time ago, the need and want to gone when he had taken over the company and been burdened with endless work that certainly got heavier as he got older. That and there was just no need. It was only a plant. What use did it have in his life except to be decorative?

          So he knew that it was supposed to be bare. There was supposed to be no sign of life.

          Yet, with one touch it had bloomed and continued to do so. The flowers were full and healthy. They seemed to respond to her as if they could read her emotions and wanted to be one with her.

          He couldn’t believe his eyes. Surely, he had to be dreaming. How could it be? Why was it happening?

          No, no. The better question was how was she making it do that? Who was she? And how didn’t she seem unfazed by the whole thing? Was this something she did on a daily basis?

          “Hey,” he started. “What’s going on?” He took a step forward and pulled her back. “There’s no way you’re just a crazy nature nut. You just made that whole thing come to life. First, it was the spirits and then the nightmare with disembodied voice now this. Even your appearance changed a bit earlier.”

          His eyes narrowed as he continued to stare at her. “Are you some of divine being? A demigod? A goddess? Seriously, please tell me the truth.” He thought he was past this supernatural phase of his life, yet, here he was. God, this night was getting crazy.

Magic wasn’t physically real, that’s what she knew. She didn’t just believe that, she knew that. It was just…physically impossible. No matter how much she wished it wasn’t.

His reaction reminded her all too much of Him- the man who had hurt her, the man who had convinced her to join Them and that she was special for some reason. He too kept going on and on about gods and goddesses and Power and magic. How she was the key to keeping Them all safe…how she could change the world for the better…Until Their true ambitions came to light in the worst way.

Of course, it had been too good to be true.

“I…I need to go.” She pulled herself away from Nicholas and hastily picked up a sweater she had shed earlier, only to drop it due to her hands shaking.

I have to get out of here. He’s one of Them, he has to be. This was a mistake.

She rushed past Nicholas to the bedroom door, but…it was locked.

Terror spread to her entire body as she tried desperately to turn the doorknob. “No no no no no!! Please open PLEASE!!!” Tears streamed down her face, and she fought off a panic attack and adrenaline surged through her as she banged her whole body against the door in an effort to break it down. When that wasn’t enough, she turned to look at Nicholas with all her terror written on her face.

“Please, I’m begging you. I’ll disappear. I’ll—I’ll live out in the middle of nowhere! I promise! I won’t tell anyone about the Order! I’ll stay far away from any living being! Please just let me go! Don’t make me go back!! Please, I promise! Do-don’t make me go back!” As if in an attempt to make herself small and invisible, she slid to the floor, hiding her face on her knees and holding her head with her hands.

It would most likely help to mention that the branch had been completely dead before.

✿.｡.:* ☆:**:. reply for: astonishingfantasy | nicholas & alycia

☆:**:. Apprehensive feeling had somewhat disappeared, left with only dregs of thinking someone was watching him even when there was no one around. “I’ll be back,” he said before he took his leave and went out into the hall, his feet leading him to where he needed to go.

          Somehow, he managed to grab a few more blankets and make his way back to her. The party was still going on, a nuisance he wished would end. But as soon as he stepped back into the room, the boisterousness and chaotic nature of the event below faded away until it was just the two of them.

          “Here,” he said, handing over the blankets. “How you holding up?”

          He caught sight of the flower and his brow raised. “Where did that come from?” he asked, taking a step towards it.

When he asked his second question, she followed him with her eyes and saw what he was looking at. Gasping at the sight, she didn't stop herself from bounding past him to get close to the branch.

"Those are so beautiful! Wow, I've never seen something so...alive..." She touched the flowers on the branch, too mesmerized by the soft pinks near her hand to noticed that the entire tree burst into bloom as she touched the petals. Instead, she looked out to the rest of the tree and simply seemed to assume that it had all been in bloom already.

"Wow! This tree...it seems so happy! I can't believe how much it's blooming compared to the rest of the garden..." She giggled, her face bright with wonder as any remaining anxiety melted away.

Not to mention, they weren’t afraid to kill if anyone got in their way.

In the midst of her panic and Nicholas’s confusion, a sudden loud noise was heard from the window that caused Alycia to jump.

Her head snapped over to find a large owl, who had emitted a hoot. It stared straight at Alycia, meeting her eyes with its bright yellow gaze. She began to feel the panic dissipate within her, and a deep sense of warmth and calm replaced it.

Safe. She was safe here.

It was strange, how the owl’s presence comforted her. Within seconds, the owl flew away, and Alycia was finally able to relax, mumbling an apology to Nicholas.

“I…I think I’ll stay the night here, if it’s ok. I don’t want to be alone in my apartment right now.” She added, nodding to herself slightly. “Sorry for the intrusion…”

✿.｡.:* ☆:**:. reply for: astonishingfantasy | nicholas & alycia

☆:**:. He doesn’t know how long his poor heart can take all of this. Bad enough that he doesn’t know what the hell is happening, the poor organ is practically ready to crawl up his throat and fling itself off the balcony when the owl comes along. Though, when he’s over the initial shock of it all, he notices the oddity of the animal’s behavior. The creature is different, a sense of humanness to how it looks at ALYCIA, almost like a guardian in disguise of the nocturnal bird of prey. He feels her relax, body unwinding - a much better tactic than what he had attempted earlier.

☆:**:. At her apology, he’s vigorously shaking his head in protest. “Seriously, don’t apologize,” he says, dismissing her words with a simple wave of his hand. “And you can definitely stay as long as you need. Don’t really mind. I’ll make sure no weirdos come into the room while you’re resting.”

☆:**:. He glances at the window, wondering the bird would come back. Nothing. “Anyways, let me get you some comfier blankets. Silk isn’t exactly the most soothing or warm thing in the world.”

Hey there!

I have realised that DnD is fun and all, but not my favorite thing. I actually would love to meet once a week online with friends to play multiplayer video games together, like Worms, Dead By Daylight, Deceit, Shellshock, Raft, GTA, even Cards Against Humanity and more! This would all be online, on PC, and we'd communicate through Discord. If you don't have a Discord and need help making one, I will happily help you out.

If you're interested in joining this group with me, hit me up through DMs. Let's make this a thing! If you want to stream it on Twitch, I don't mind it either, so streamers welcome!

That’s when the anxiety set in.

She suddenly tried to jump out of the bed, only to wobble and lean against it as her knees gave out. She began to mumble apologies and “I should go” hurriedly. She couldn’t put someone in danger on her account.

You have to do this alone. You are only going to be a burden. Trust no one. You will always be alone.

Always alone.

✿.｡.:* ☆:**:. reply for: astonishingfantasy | nicholas & alycia

☆:**:. Surprise isn’t much of a word when she attempts to jump out of bed and run away. In an instant, he’s at her side, helping her. Eyebrows knit in the middle of his forehead as he listens to her stammer. What is she afraid of?

☆:**:. He looks around, trying to gauge how dangerous the situation is. As much as he never really spoke of it, he had a couple of moments where monsters had stalked him. When he had been younger, he had feared stepping outside, always thinking they would come and take him. Over time, and after his mother had talked to him, he had forgotten such things. But now… god, does he really have to believe in things like this again? Still, judging from what he can see, there’s nothing at the moment of concern.

☆:**:. “You clearly shouldn’t. Hey, listen, it’s fine. I’m going to help you, okay? Just relax and rest. You’re going to drain yourself. When you breathe a little easier then you can go. Deal?”

Not to mention, they weren't afraid to kill if anyone got in their way.

In the midst of her panic and Nicholas's confusion, a sudden loud noise was heard from the window that caused Alycia to jump.

Her head snapped over to find a large owl, who had emitted a hoot. It stared straight at Alycia, meeting her eyes with its bright yellow gaze. She began to feel the panic dissipate within her, and a deep sense of warmth and calm replaced it.

Safe. She was safe here.

It was strange, how the owl's presence comforted her. Within seconds, the owl flew away, and Alycia was finally able to relax, mumbling an apology to Nicholas.

✿.｡.:* ☆:**:. reply for: astonishingfantasy | nicholas & alycia

☆:**:. He follows her, chuckling softly. He doesn’t even know where his stepsister is, but it doesn’t matter - he’s more than used to not seeing her for weeks on end ( it’s just a common trait in this household ). “Honestly, you can probably grab one of her suitcases and just stuff it with a bunch of clothes and shoes. She’s got some jewelry too. Just treat yourself. If she does say something, I’ll just tell her that I burned it all.”

Alycia wasn't the type to pick out anything flashy, and most of the clothes seemed that way to her. As most women's fashion entailed, the clothes were far more focused on "attractiveness" than comfort.

After a while of sighing and shaking her head, she finally began to take a couple of modest tees, sweaters, and a casual dress or two that were all clearly worn once, if ever. The amount of clothing was barely enough to fill her arm, and she already was content.

In a cage, in a set of handcuffs, in a room, cell or dungeon, or anything else they can be locked up into, it’s up to you!

“You seem like you have a lot on your mind, and well, I’m here if you need someone to listen. I’ll even do you a favor and not give unsolicited advice if you don’t want it.”

✿.｡.:* ☆:**:. reply for: astonishingfantasy | nicholas & alycia

☆:**:. He snorts, knowing full well that by the end of next week his sister will be discarding most of her clothes and replacing her closet with the newest trends. He’s not at all worried about ALYCIA taking a few items. What he is worried about is her question and how much he’s ready to reveal. It’s not that he doesn’t trust her but baring his soul open and discussing family matters especially in regard to his mother isn’t something he enjoys. 

☆:**:. He chuckles softly, shaking his head. “It’s nothing. I think work is just getting to me a bit but I should be fine. Let’s go steal some clothes from my sister’s room since she’s not here and I don’t feel like sleeping yet.”

send “can I sleep with you?” for my muse to go into your muse’s room in the middle of the night after having a nightmare. | MEME OPEN ✿.｡.:* ☆:**:. nicholas ask - for alycia | @astonishingfantasy

☆:**:. Her daily visit to his place is common at this point. The guest bedroom she usually occupies is marked with her presence so much so that he’s had thoughts of closing it off and giving it to her. He doesn’t even remember when it had started or why but he doesn’t really mind - better having her as company rather than his obnoxious stepsister. At least, ALYCIA doesn’t give him any headaches. That and they had grown to be friends who can simply sit in silence, something he never thought he could have.

☆:**:. So when she enters his room as he’s typing away at his laptop, he’s not at all disturbed. He glances in her direction, eyebrows furrowing when he sees her. Setting aside the device, he goes over and wraps her up in an embrace. “Yeah of course. You okay? What happened?” he asks, pulling back and leading her to the bed.

She left his embrace and sat down on the bed. "I don't think I ever told you much about before I came here. Mom was...not the healthiest person to live with. I had a nightmare that was more like...a memory from that time. Back when she'd bring out my biggest doubts and fears and such." She looked down at her clasped hands. "I didn't realize until much later that she was abusive. Dad helped me get out of there."

She sighed and chuckled. “I know, I must be insane. Hallucinating. If you are tempted to check me into some hospital, I get it. Just…don’t.”

✿.｡.:* ☆:**:. reply for: astonishingfantasy | nicholas & alycia

☆:**:. Oh… so not what he had been imagining. He doesn’t know whether or not he should be relieved that she is connected to some other otherworldly thing but he doesn’t have time to dwell on it as she continues to speak. He remains silent though his eyes flit around to catch any sign of what she’s talking about. Of course there’s nothing. It’s a bit frustrating not knowing what he’s up against or what’s hurting her. He had just met her but dealing with malicious things he doesn’t want to deal with seems right up his alley. 

☆:**:. “You’re not insane,” he reassures her. “I believe you.” He hesitates then decides against revealing the truth about himself - maybe later. “Do you want me to stay and make sure nothing else comes by?”

That's when the anxiety set in.

She suddenly tried to jump out of the bed, only to wobble and lean against it as her knees gave out. She began to mumble apologies and "I should go" hurriedly. She couldn't put someone in danger on her account.

You have to do this alone. You are only going to be a burden. Trust no one. You will always be alone.

Despite their attempt at reassurance, Alycia felt far from being unafraid. They had to be insane to think she, who could never hope to fight them off, could be anywhere near comfortable. Not to mention her being torn away from her life so suddenly and unwillingly.

“…” She simply stood in silence, spending all her concentration on the attempt to stop shaking in her boots.

And suddenly, she felt deep frustration and anger come out of nowhere. Her fear melted, replaced by rage. How DARE they.

“If you really wish to win this so-called ‘game’ you have all started, you will have to do much better than that.” Her eyes flickered for a moment before settling in a glowing silver as she crossed her arms. “I, for one, do not give so easily. Just ask my mother.”

It was as if her entire demeanor had changed, from a meek, anxiety-filled human girl to something much stronger, older, and far scarier.

The two brothers bickering were blind to the way their new guest was reacting to their sad attempt at hospitality. It was surely something they were bound to get an earful for later, but that wasn’t a present concern for either of them. Until she addressed them once more, momentarily both stunned into a state of silence. Which, with how chatty they had been demonstrating to be, was a rare state.

Ryeouk was the first to respond, a small chuckle of amusement falling from his lips as he cocked his head to the side. “You better be careful, I love a good challenge. There hasn’t been one pet that I haven’t managed to break down into liking me yet. You’ll crack eventually, after all… we are the only company you have now.” It was a harsh reality that she didn’t need to be reminded of and it was cruel of him to do so.

Kun let out a small snort as he shot the other a look of skepticism, “If you plan to win her over, that’s no way to do it.” He mocked the other, using his own scolding words against him. He proceeded to cross over to Alycia, a small smile spreading across his lips. “There must be some way to soften you up… but I’m not going to press that. Maybe instead, you’d enjoy a tour around the manor? You can be as angry and upset at us as you’d like, but I’m sure you’d like to learn the best hiding spots around the mansion for when you want to escape from us.”

Everything about her demeanor had changed once again. The confidence had melted and morphed into anxiety, and she resumed her shaking.

She was far more confused by the way they were treating her. None of it felt friendly, and what was it about wanting to win her over? Did prey need to be won over? Did her blood taste better when she was calm and not terrified out of her mind?

She was getting mixed signals that were all over the place, but she knew she had no choice here but to play along. Maybe, just maybe....she'd find a way to escape the mansion for good.

Alycia knew some things in life were unplanned and surprising, but this far surpassed anything she could have ever imagined. Until a few days ago, she believed that vampires only existed in the astral realm. Until now, she was denying their physical existence. But the moment she stepped into the mansion, everything changed.

She didn’t understand how she got here- how her life had become turned upside-down and flipped over and twisted into all directions. One moment, she was walking to her retail job. The next, she was in a cage in a van. A cage. Kidnapped. Treated like an animal. Sold off….to vampires.

Vampires…trying to win her favor? She was just a victim of human trafficking, and now they wanted to win her favor? Forget that, smelling her blood? She was going to be sick. She was just a regular human after all, and being unique was not going to go in her favor here.

“I…” She struggled to stay standing, her whole body shaking with fear and anxiety. She wanted to throw up. To wake up from this nightmare. “I-I’m Alycia.”

The strong approach of the two siblings wasn’t probably the warmest of welcomes, but they couldn’t help themselves. A small chuckle fell from Ryeouk’s lips the moment she introduced herself, taking note of her disposition. “Alycia, that’s a pretty name. It suits you.” His words rolled off his tongue with ease as he continued to scan her over, practically sizing her up. “My name is Ryeouk and this my brother, Kun. He has zero manners most of the time, so you’ll have to ignore him.” The blonde offered the other a polite bow, stuck in the ways of the past.

A small scoff was uttered on Kun’s behalf as folded his arms tightly across his chest, “I do have manners! I’m just hungry…” He grumbled, a pout appearing on the shorter male’s lips.

"..." She simply stood in silence, spending all her concentration on the attempt to stop shaking in her boots.

And suddenly, she felt deep frustration and anger come out of nowhere. Her fear melted, replaced by rage. How DARE they.

"If you really wish to win this so-called 'game' you have all started, you will have to do much better than that." Her eyes flickered for a moment before settling in a glowing silver as she crossed her arms. "I, for one, do not give so easily. Just ask my mother."