Let the Games Begin

Needed Information

It's been two weeks since the 'shutdown' of YGGDRASIL, the once-popular online game. I thought as a last farewell, I would log in before time runs out and walk around the floating fortress me and my comrades had made. I would say goodbye to the memories and characters we created together. 

It's been two weeks, and I'm still in the game!

More like stuck in it, I've tried everything but I haven't been able to access the main controls no matter how many times I tried. I tried to find a way to contact the admins as well, no luck. I've basically given up already, it's hopeless. I have given up and forsaken my old life. Now, I live as Asteria, one of the Original Ten. Of course, only six of us were ever active after the game started to dwindle down in popularity, but that aside, I was an important being in the world.

It was actually by accident that I stumbled across the game. It was being advertised for early access for one lucky winner of a lottery contest. Hundredths of people had gathered together hoping on being that special person to win the prize. I threw in my dice for fun, see if I could maybe catch something. Needless to say, I came home that day with the early access and another reason to play online games.

"Sigh, so much work, and so little time." I hum softly, slouching back on the large seat in the center of a beautiful oak office.

"Your Grace, we still have many papers to go through and work out. Also, I believe we have our weekly mandatory meeting today and everyone will be attending today, unlike the last two weeks. I do again apologize for the few servants who weren't present at the last meetings you had called." The charming vampire spoke out, bowing down. His long sea-green hair flowed down his long slender shoulders, reflecting the sun.

I held up my hand. "No need to apologize Alucard, unavoidable, unforeseen circumstances."

"Thank you, Your Grace, your benevolence knows no bounds." Alucard's eyes were shining like gems from the blood moon, bright and cardinal. He is handsome, a blind man could tell so just from the smooth vibrancy of his voice, his sharp features could cut glass effortlessly. But every time I look at him, it just reminds me of my teammate, teenage-self, talking about how vampires are so hot and romantic.

Before I had the chance to reply, a small voice spoke out from behind the door.

"Astra-sama, I've brought the books you had requested. May I enter?"

"You know, Siofra, you don't have to ask for my permission to enter, you can just come in." I chuckle lightly. Right then, a small figure floating on a cotton-ball like cloud. Light, creamy, fluffy hair bounced around her round, small face. Her big round eyes peeked out from behind the pile of books she had with her.

"Excuse me then," Siofra piped up. "I brought the books you requested, Your Grace." She placed a good pile of books on the table in front, and with a heavy thud, a cloud of dusk erupted from the impact. I guess many of them are old and dusty from being unused for so long. The records of the time old, forgotten ages. Hopefully, I can read a little bit and understand why I'm stuck in this game, or if something is known about us at all.

I smile at the small spirit.

"It took a while for me to gather the books, I wasn't even aware of the vast number of forbidden books we have in the library." She started at the books longingly, salivating at the sights of the unread knowledge those books held. Her eyes became as large as saucers.

"Siofra, those books are only allowed to be read by the Original Ten. It is disrespectful to even think about what the books may contain, let alone think about reading them." Alucards' eyes sharpened while looking at the small spirit drooling. She quickly snapped from her dreams back to reality and bowed down.

"I'm very sorry Your Grace, I did not mean any disrespect."

"It's only natural for you to be curious, you are a knowledge-seeking spirit. To deny one's own nature is to deny your own roots, the foundation you have spouted from." I place my hand gently on top of the small spirit's head. She reminds me so much of my younger sister from back home when she was younger. Always looking for guidance and confirmation. Although, Siofra isn't my sister. She is older than I am technically, having lived for hundreds of years or so, while I had only lived for 22 years so far. A spirit who gathers knowledge from all around the world, with a little sister personality.

"Alucard, please prepare everything for the meeting, I shall finish the work here and join you later. Also, some refreshments, please. I'd like to relax with some hot tea if possible." Picking up a book from the pile, I speak to the alluring vampire without taking my eyes off the pages.

"Of course, Your Grace." He smirks. Even without looking at him, I could smell the mischief in his thoughts.

"Don't even try anything, if you know what's good for you Alucard. I won't be lenient with any punishment I give." I shoot him a warning glare; I won't tolerate any tricks. The last time I let him plan the meeting without supervision, he managed to separate me from the rest of the group who had gathered for the meeting. He basically hugged me to himself. No one was happy after that, it was a mess to sort out. He gulps loud and bows even deeper, his long silky hair mopping the shiny cold floor. 

I quickly humph and sign them to leave. I was stone cold on the outside, I had to be. I am scared, scared that one day they will leave me, and claim loyalty to someone else. I would end up all alone in this world since I haven't heard of any other YGGDRASIL player. I had looked into it, trying to find someone out there to share this lonesome world, but no luck. I've heard of no extraordinary people showing power from the sources I've sent out, no declarations of war from no country or group. No sign of any movements. I could feel my eyes sting, the tears deep within begging to come out. I breathe beep, stuffing my emotions down once again, and brush the leathery cover of the dusty book in my hand.

Outside, on the other side of the heavy door, the vampire lord was shaking. Siofra halted, her big brown sparkling eyes making their way towards Alucard in curiosity. He was dent over, arms around himself, shaking. Heaving heavily, he bit his lip and quickly pulled himself up, still holding himself while shaking with a wild look playing on his face.

There he goes again, Siofra thought as she watched the vampire squirm on the spot.

"Oh! That cold gaze, and the tone that strikes fear in the hearts of anyone. I could feel her murderous intent deep within me!" His breath came heavy and hot in between words, cheeks flushed. "I thought I was going to die on the spot, I could barely contain myself." He shivered. 

"Perverted masochist." Siofra huffed before floating down the hallway, away from the perverse vampire.

"Can't believe he is at the top of the headachy."