Akasha

Akasha
First Appearance	Dragalia Lost
Species	Human
Year Created	2019
Created by	Cygames
Voiced by (English)	France Perras
Voiced by (Japanese)	Shizuka Ito

Akasha is a playable character in Dragalia Lost. She is a minor antagonist who attempts to awaken Nyarlathotep within Lathna.

Official Description

A beautiful priestess of the Church-of-All, which worships the Ancient One. Though tolerant and affectionate, her eyes glow with a bewitching light, as if gazing upon a different world. She has a tendency to lead people astray.

Official Description (Halloween Akasha)

A priestess from the Church-of-All, now dressed as a vampire. She seems almost childlike as she cavorts about town, but sometimes shows a smile as bewitching as the full moon. Is her heart empty, or is there something there...?

Adventurer Stories

Akasha

Adventurer Stories Episode 1 Invasion Please note that this story contains spoilers for the Stirring Shadows event. ???: ...... Luca: Akasha! Just who I was lookin' for. Akasha: Oh? And what might I do for you, Luca? Luca: Well, I went a little overboard on the apple picking today, so I figured I'd come share a few with ya. Akasha: Such a dear. Cleo: Akasha, would you mind taste testing my latest recipe? Akasha: But of course. Your cooking is ever so delicious, Cleo. Elisanne: Akasha, about that matter we discussed previously... Akasha: Ah, yes. My ears are yours. Ranzal: Hey, Akasha! Notte: What's good, Akasha? Akasha: Heh heh... Heinwald: ...... Heinwald: ...What's all this? Hmm, I remember her... That's Akasha... Ranzal: Heya Heinwald. Akasha just— Heinwald: Riddle me this, Ranzal. When exactly did you all come to know that woman? Akasha, that is. Ranzal: Whaddya mean? We've been buds with her what for ages. Heinwald: What...? Akasha: Hello there, Heinwald. Fancy seeing you here. Heinwald: Quite. Though this is far from a chance encounter, I suspect. It seems something more treacherous is afoot. Akasha: Heh heh. Merely a mark of my admiration for you. Besides, are my methods truly so treacherous? I may well have met the people here in the past, or perhaps even the future. It's simply coincidence that it's only come to light now. And thus my presence here, in this way, at this time, is exceedingly natural. Heinwald: Hm. An intriguing perspective. And terrific sophistry, besides. Akasha: Ooo, aren't we frigid. We're on the same team now. Let us form a warm bond. I came here only to see you, after all. Heinwald: I'm honored, truly—and yet I have to wonder why. Akasha: Since the moment we met, you have remained ever in my thoughts. I came to realize that the two of us could surely understand each other. Heinwald: And there we have our first point of discussion. Precisely what do you mean by "understand"? I worry we may not be quite as attuned as you would like. Akasha: Pishposh. You seek knowledge, and attain it. As luck would have it, I am one and the same. I suspect that is only the beginning of our commonalities. Heinwald: You are right about one thing, at least: I do crave the truths of the world. But I think you prefer riddles to knowledge itself. Akasha: Heh heh. Think on this then, mmm? Say a person loves a labyrinth. What do you suspect they enjoy more: the entrance, or the exit? Heinwald: You imply there's no difference, but that is only more sophistry. Akasha: Oh, play along, won't you? Heinwald: I have little need to be clung to by someone so inscrutable. Akasha: ...I see. In that case... You aren't the only one who has attained something through knowledge. Heinwald: What is...?  ???: ...... Akasha: That is me, from another time. And so begins the tale... Heinwald: These theatrics are a bit much for a simple memoir, no? But so long as you're going that far, I do hope you make it entertaining. Akasha: Heh heh. Anything for you... Episode 2 Book ???: Akasha... The name of the void.  ???: Akasha... The name of one who has nothing.  ???: Akasha... It is my name.  ???: Akasha! Akasha: Oh... Professor: Is something amiss, Akasha? You've been staring into space for some time. Akasha: P-professor! Forgive me, I was lost in my research. Professor: Ha ha, yes, I know the feeling well. You're a researcher to your very core. Akasha: Um, thank you, sir. What is it we'll be discussing today? Professor: Ah, yes. Regarding your recent thesis; your approach was quite refreshing. I was truly impressed. As such, I would very much like you to present it at our upcoming academic conference. Akasha: T-truly?! I would be honored, sir! It would make all the long days and nights feel all the more worth it. Professor: Yes, your contributions have been greatly appreciated. Which is why your name shall be included as a co-author. Akasha: Er... Co, sir? Professor: Why, without my expert advice, the work would not have been possible, yes? I think it is more than fair to say this thesis is born of my OWN knowledge. You simply synthesized and summarized it neatly. Akasha: But... Professor: The work will be submitted with two authors—my name first, and yours after. As it should be, yes? Akasha: ...Yes, sir.  ???: Akasha! Akasha: Wh-what? Researcher 1: You were heading to the library, right? Return this book for me, would you? Akasha: Um, sure. Researcher 1: Ha ha, thanks! I knew you'd be a pushover, teacher's pet and all. Oh, take these books too! Researcher 2: And these! Whew, that's a load off. C'mon, let's hit the town. Researcher 1: Ooo, I know a great place... Akasha: ...I'd best return these books. Akasha: I'm home. Father: You're LATE. Surely you haven't forgotten about the fête in our manor this evening? Father: *sigh* You spend too long cooped up in that drab academy. Your noble life is passing you by! Many girls would trade their little fingers for a seat at the tea parties you so often spurn. Akasha: Father, do you remember the thesis I wrote? It will be presented at an upcoming academic conference. Mother: Yes, yes, very good. Now please, change out of those rags and into a proper gown. The party awaits! Akasha: ...Yes, mother. Akasha: It... It doesn't matter. Nothing that happens around me matters. But that's fine. I have my place in the world of knowledge. Knowledge will take me far away from here. So I'm okay. I don't mind being alone... Professor: Might someone be able to assist me? Researcher 1: Absolutely, professor! I'm happy to help with anything you might need. Professor: Mmm. I'd like you to conduct some research on this tome. Researcher 2: What strange binding... Is it some manner of magic grimoire? Professor: Just so. It arrived from a nearby village, and according to the people there, it is cursed. Akasha: Cursed...? Professor: There were rumors of it being sealed away long ago, or stolen by some manner of beast, but we don't deal in rumors here, do we? Researcher 1: N-no, but... It does seem rather ominous... Professor: What's that? Did you not say you would assist me any way you could? Researcher 1: I-I did indeed, sir. So... Ah! How about you have Akasha handle it? Akasha: What? Me? Professor: Hm. Very well. I shall entrust this task to you, Akasha. Akasha: ...Yes, sir. Akasha: (I admit I'm a bit hesitant after all that talk of curses and the like, but... I suppose it doesn't matter what happens to me anyway.) Akasha: Whatever can you teach me...?  ???: All. Akasha: Ah! Did I imagine that, or...? Episode 3 Occult Akasha: (What a grotesque creature... I've never seen magic like this. The deeper I delve, the more fascinating this tome becomes. Deciphering it will prove quite the challenge—but what fun it will be! I seek, and you answer. You shall be the place where I belong...) Researcher 2: There she goes again, off in her own little world. And what happened to the curse?! We could've handled the study if we knew it was just some old book! Researcher 1: It's always the same with her. All nonchalant and meek, rolling with whatever life throws her way, and then WE end up getting hosed! Researcher 2: Yeah, it ain't right. Who decided SHE gets to have all the fun? Researcher 1: Not just the fun, but the glory too! Urgh! Researcher 2: The way she works, it's almost like she's possessed... Wait. Oh ho ho, I just had a great idea. Researcher 1: Yeah? What is it? Researcher 2: Well... Akasha: You want me to stop researching the grimoire? But why?! Professor: I've received some disturbing reports since you began your work with it. That you've become "a woman possessed." And considering the nature of that book... You're too valuable to this academy; I believe it best that you take a break. Akasha: I appreciate that, sir, but I assure you I'm fine. Furthermore, I couldn't possibly stop my research midstream. Professor: Oh, you needn't worry about that. Others will be carrying on in your stead. Researchers 1 & 2: ...... Professor: These two volunteered after expressing concern for your well-being. You are not even aware of your own altered state. Take some time to recover. Understood? Akasha: ...... Researcher 2: Ha ha ha! Did you see her face?! Researcher 1: Serves her right. She'll think twice about making fools of us now! Researcher 2: Exactly. We just have to unlock the secrets of this grimoire while she's out. Researcher 1: And once we do, the credit will be ALL ours! Ba ha ha! Researcher 2: Huh...? Researcher 1: Er... Did you hear something just now? Researcher 2: ...Ummm... Researcher 1: H-hey, what's wrong? Researcher 2: Outside the w-window... Akasha: (They took the grimoire from me... I wanted to know more. I wanted to be brought somewhere entirely new. That feeling of reverie... It was a completely new sensation. I wanted to feel it more, but... But...) Akasha: ...But it's done. There is nothing I can do.  ???: Gyaaaaaaah! Akasha: Huh?! Akasha: Wh-what was that? Researcher 2: A-agh... Akasha: Are you okay...? Researcher 2: Gu...rgh... Akasha: Wha... Researcher 2: ...... Akasha: He's... He's dead. ...AHHHHHHHHH! Episode 4 Extreme Villager 1: Did you hear the news? Apparently some researchers at the academy died bizarre deaths. Villager 2: Makes you wonder what sort of research they were up to, don't it? Professor: To think the rumors would spread so far in mere days... Akasha: I-Indeed, sir... Professor: Listen well, Akasha. No one must learn of our research on that tome. We will cease it at once, and I will see the grimoire itself sealed away. Akasha: Sealed away... Akasha: I'm home. Father: We've heard the news, Akasha. Deaths, at that academy of yours? Akasha: F-Father... Mother: I've always known that place was useless. What good is a school if it can't even keep its own students alive?! Akasha: Complications can happen during research, mother, and sometimes— Mother: You KNOW I was against it from the start! Sending her to that institution just to curry favor with the headmaster... Such NONSENSE! Father: It seemed wise at the time, but...The headmaster can have no qualms with us withdrawing her now. You are to stop attending that academy, Akasha. Do you understand? Akasha: But... Father: I have already dispatched a letter formalizing your withdrawal. You shall research no longer. Akasha: ...No... Mother: You will be attending teatime from tomorrow, and parties as well. Akasha: ...... Mother: You'll need new dresses as well, and room to store them. You can start by throwing out all those musty old books. After all, what need will you have for books and research? Your days will be spent in blissful luxury from here on! Akasha: ...... Akasha: ...... Akasha: ...... Akasha: (It's fine. Nothing matters. It's fine. Nothing matters... Nothing. Not my research, not my grimoire...not me. What's done is done. There's nothing I can do. Nothing I can do. Nothing... ...But. But but but but but. I want more. More. More more more more MORE. Nothing matters. But more. Nothing. It's fine. But more...)  ???: A lonely, lonely maze of solitude... Akasha: Now, where is the exit? Akasha: *gasp* Wh-who are you? Akasha: Who indeed, my dear. And who could say? But that matters not. Let's have some fun! How about a riddle? You like riddles, yes? Searching for the truth is the place where you feel most at home, after all. Akasha: Wh-what could you possibly know about me? Akasha: Everything, my dear. That which was, that which is, and that which will be. All of it. Akasha: But... No. That can't be possible. Akasha: And yet you know I speak the truth. Here I stand before you, the image of what you can attain. Akasha: Me...? Akasha: *giggle* How about that riddle? A gate lies before you. One shut tight with a lock of silver. What could be through that gate, I wonder? Akasha: That's it? No other clues? Akasha: Not a one, my sweet. And like all gates, you face two options with this one. Turn your back and walk away, or open it and walk straight through. Spend all the time you like imagining what lies within, but only by opening it will you know the truth. Akasha: I... I can't just leave without opening it. Acquiring knowledge is the only pleasure I've ever known. Regardless of what people said or did, I was okay being alone because I could escape into the pursuit of knowledge. Akasha: But that option has been taken from you. Akasha: ...Yes. With my thesis, and my grimoire, too. Akasha: And now, even the place you found for yourself, the knowledge you have clung to for oh so long, has been taken away. What will you do? This riddle's answer is whatever you wish. You always surrender, so sure that nothing you do will matter. But is that true? Akasha: I... Akasha: What does the true Akasha want? What has she always wanted? Akasha: ...... Akasha: I... Akasha: ...will open the gate. Mother & Father: What?! Akasha: More, more, more, more, more, more, more, more, more, more, more, more... MORE! I WANT TO KNOW MORE! Father: A-Akasha! What in the blazes is going on?! What is this?! Mother: Akasha, stop, please! You're frightening me! Akasha: Come unto me, O great knowledge. Akasha: All shall be nothingness. My doubts have fled. Episode 5 Resonance Akasha: Knowledge, stretching endlessly before me. On, and on, and on. All-Knowing is nothingness. I am One. He is All. Akasha: He is the One-in-All. Akasha: Oh... Does that mean I am, too? Yes. Yes, that's right. Akasha: I am One. Akasha: I am All. Akasha: I am...Akasha. Akasha: The name of the endless void. Akasha. Akasha: ...So? Like you, I sought knowledge. And in doing so, attained it. Heinwald: You certainly did. But nothing more. Akasha: What...? Heinwald: I'm afraid you and I are incompatible. What meaning is there in being told the answer, just because the question appears unsolvable? I believe I would have gotten on quite well with the old you. How unfortunate that our paths did not cross then. Although, I suppose I can't guarantee that what I just witnessed was in fact the truth. Akasha: Heh. You are not mistaken there. Honestly, I don't even remember whether what I've just shown you is my truth or not. It was one vain event, experienced by but one of my selves—of which there are many, existing simultaneously across all times and dimensions. Heinwald: Which is precisely why you and I are incompatible. For me, knowledge is nothing more than a tool to attain truth. But for you, it is everything. I have no interest in drifting aimlessly through a sea of information. Akasha: Oh? But it's such a lovely sea. So vast, and so deep... Heinwald: Perhaps one day you'll allow me to rescue you from it. Akasha: Goodness, what a kind man! You would stretch your hand out to offer salvation? ...Perhaps I ought to grab hold and pull you in with me? Heinwald: You are truly incorrigible. Akasha: One does what one must when adrift, my dear. You shouldn't restrain yourself. Join me, and free your desires... Heinwald: I... Akasha: Heh heh. Take your time. I will always be near, after all. Always.

Halloween Akasha

Adventurer Stories Episode 1 A Curious Halloween Case Euden: Are you in here, Heinwald? Euden: I'm sorry to barge in, but we—  ???: Salutations, Euden. Halloween Akasha: And you've brought your whole entourage. My, my. Well, if it's Heinwald you seek, you'll find him in his laboratory. Everyone: ...... Notte: I'm gonna go ahead and ask for everybody: Why are you in Heinwald's manor? Halloween Akasha: Oh, sweet little Notte. You have the most adorable look of confusion right now, with just a hint of accusation. Halloween Akasha: Let us make a riddle of the answer, shall we? Why do YOU think I'm here? Go on, then. Give it your best shot. Notte: Wait, we're doing riddle contests now? Oh man, okay. Uh... Euden: I guess you always were a big fan of riddles, Akasha. Ha ha...ha? Halloween Akasha: Indeed. What finer labyrinth for the mind? What more tantalizing depth to plumb armed only with the sum of one's wits? Halloween Akasha: I do hope you'll partake of this one, dear prince. Why is it, do you think, that you have discovered me here? Euden: Huh. Well, let me think...  ???: You can think until smoke pours from your ears, but you'll never find the answer. Heinwald: For this riddle—like most of those which come from Akasha's twisted mind— in fact has no answer. Euden: Nice to see you, Heinwald. Oh, and I'm sorry for interrupting your work like this. Heinwald: Not at all—guests with common sense are a pleasant change of pace. Why, you even deigned to come in through the door! Cleo: Did someone NOT use the door? Heinwald: Yes, I fear I've been facing something of an invasion of late and haven't had a moment's peace. Heinwald: Today included, as you no doubt noted. Euden: And this invader of yours is... Halloween Akasha: Let the record show that I DO thank dear Heinwald for the hospitality every time I arrive. I'm not a total boor. Halloween Akasha: And I'm afraid you're mistaken on one count, Heinwald: My riddle does, in fact, have an answer. Halloween Akasha: As I've mentioned each passing day of late, I hope you'll take a closer look at my Halloween costume. ...MUCH closer. Notte: Wait, are we still riddling here? I am VERY confused. Notte: So, wait. You came over here to show Heinwald your Halloween costume? Halloween Akasha: My, my! Notte's guessed the answer! Here, you may have this treat as a prize. Notte: Dude, it's a bat-shaped cookie! I'm totally horfin' this sucker down. Cleo: Bat cookies to match your vampire costume, is it? How delightful. Euden: They both suit you splendidly, Akasha. Halloween Akasha: You are far too kind, and I am touched. Dear Heinwald, I fear, has been a touch more stingy with his praise. Heinwald: Have I? I think it suits you well. You've captured a certain...ambiance. Heinwald: An ambiance of something inhuman, but ambiance nevertheless. Halloween Akasha: That's quite the wicked little compliment. Heinwald: It is not my intention to be clever. I'm simply giving my honest response. Halloween Akasha: Mmm, I see. Then I shall take it as a Heinwaldian compliment, sincerely given. Heinwald: If that is what you wish to think, I'll not stop you. Heinwald: Now then, Euden. I assume you needed something? Euden: Yes, actually. I need your help with a certain matter. You see... Heinwald: ...Serial livestock exsanguination, is it? How very fascinating. Cleo: The first incident happened right around the start of Halloween. Cleo: A handful of local farmers complained their goats and cattle were being drained of blood in the night. Euden: Human footprints were found at the scene, so it appears to be a person doing it, but we don't have a clue who it might be. Cleo: Then, a few days ago, a human was attacked in the same manner, making the situation increasingly more dire. Halloween Akasha: How terrible. I hope the victim is all right? Euden: They'll live—but so long as the perpetrator is at large, other people and livestock are going to be at risk. Halloween Akasha: That sounds quite dangerous, especially considering all the seasonal festivities. Cleo: Precisely. The locals here dress up in costumes to celebrate, which makes the region a destination for tourists. Cleo: All the new people has made it nearly impossible to track down a suspect—not to mention increasing the possible pool of victims. Euden: Will you help us, Heinwald? I want to nip this in the bud as fast as possible. Heinwald: A case of Halloween bloodsucking, eh...? Halloween Akasha: Why not offer your expertise? It does seem to be a case teeming with the sort of luscious mysteries you so enjoy. Heinwald: Regretfully, I must decline on the grounds that your particular case does not interest me in the slightest. Notte: So you're fine with people getting turned into flesh raisins?! Heinwald: Worry not. This isn't the sort of case that comes with a body count. Halloween Akasha: You speak as though you've already solved it. ...Have you? Heinwald: It's a meager specimen, as mysteries go— to the point that I'd tell you it's safe to simply ignore it entirely. Cleo: How can you say that when people have already suffered real harm? Heinwald: I see no issue. Once Halloween is over, the matter will disappear on its own. Heinwald: Now, why don't you all get dressed up and enjoy the festivities? Halloween Akasha: *sigh* You really are quite cold at times. These people are asking for your help. Halloween Akasha: Well then, if Heinwald is unwilling to lend himself to the matter, perhaps I might help you in his stead. Euden: You? Halloween Akasha: Indeed. Mysteries are within my bailiwick as well, so I may be of at least some use. Cleo: I, for one, would welcome your advice. Euden: We'll take all the help we can get if you're willing to lend it. Halloween Akasha: But of course. Allow me to join you in Heinwald's place as we suss out the truth. Heinwald: To listen to someone more uncanny than a vampire talk of rooting out the truth... Hah! Thank goodness THAT particular storm finally blew itself out of here. Heinwald: I can only imagine what is to follow. At the very least, it should make for an entertaining show... Episode 2 Seeking Unknown Truths Halloween Akasha: Let us waste no time in beginning our investigation. We must discover where our serial bloodsucker lurks. Cleo: I'm afraid we haven't a single clue so far. Halloween Akasha: Surely you're not without at least SOME information? Euden: Just the reports of those harmed in the incidents so far. Euden: They all claim the perpetrator was dressed as a vampire. Halloween Akasha: A Halloween costume, then? Cleo: Yes, though it's unclear why they would go to the effort. Halloween Akasha: Unless it isn't a costume at all. Notte: Ha ha ha! Gimme a break, lady. Vampires only exist in spooky stories. Halloween Akasha: Heh heh. I suppose you have me there. Thankfully, I have another theory... Halloween Akasha: The perpetrator is a human who wishes to be SEEN as a vampire. Notte: I'm all for folks flying their freak flag, but are vampire wannabes even a thing? Halloween Akasha: The world is full of people who desire to be different from everyone else—and to be both feared and respected. Halloween Akasha: It would scarce surprise me to find someone yearning to become a fearsome and spectacular beast of legend. Cleo: The desire to change oneself is common enough, but you think this person actually wants to incite fear? Euden: If that's the case, they're likely to act out in ever more extreme ways in the future. Cleo: We have to find them before they put someone at real risk. Notte: Sooooo what's the plan? We wander around looking for somebody dressed up with their teeth hangin' out? Halloween Akasha: I propose a simpler solution: Let us encourage the perpetrator to show themselves willingly. Notte: I don't think Dr. Bitey's just gonna accept an invitation, Akasha. Halloween Akasha: Then perhaps this calls for a devilish little trick. Heh heh heh... Everyone: Uhhh... Later that night... Merchant 1: Barely made it in time for Halloween, but we're finally here! Merchant 2: Good thing, too! This is the only time'a year we make coin sellin' rotted pumpkins! Merchant 1: Plus I've always wanted to see everybody dressed up in costumes like they do here. Halloween Akasha: Good evening, my fine merchants. Merchant 1: Hot pot of coffee, look at this welcoming committee! I TOLD ya Alberia is the best! They sent a dame in a vampire costume! Halloween Akasha: Whatever do you mean, my dear? This is no costume. Merchant 2: Uh, buddy? Maybe we oughta steer clear of this gal? She's kinda creepin' me out... Halloween Akasha: Mmm, what a wild imagination you have. Now won't you join me for the evening's revels? Merchant 2: Ugh... I can't sleep.  ???: ♪♪♪ Merchant 2: Is that a lullaby? Merchant 2: It's kinda...nice... Halloween Akasha: Poor, sleepless little lamb. I'll gladly cuddle until you fall into a deep and soundless slumber... Merchant 2: Are you a...a vampire? You feel so... so warm and cozy... Halloween Akasha: Heh heh heh... Cleo: I'm afraid we're getting more and more reports of townspeople saying they've seen a vampire, Euden. Euden: Sounds like our perp is on the move! Cleo: Er, no. It's not that. Um... Merchant 1: Eyyy, Akasha! Lookin' gorgeous as always! Come sink those chompers in my neck! Merchant 2: No! Bite me first! Man: No, me! Elder: For heaven's sake, show some decorum! ...Also, I'M first! Merchant 2: I'm a little scared, but if it's Akasha doing the biting, then... Woman: You're looking more radiant than ever, my dear vampire lady... Halloween Akasha: Heh heh. No need to fight over me, darlings. Form a line and I'll see to each and every one of you in turn. Crowd: Ahhh... Together: ...... Cleo: ...So yes, I'm afraid Akasha managed to seduce the entire town. Euden: In a single night? Just what did she do? Notte: It's like she's a real vampire! Ha ha ha! Halloween Akasha: Mind your words, Notte, or you're liable to make the actual vampires jealous. Halloween Akasha: ...Like that one, for example. Notte: Muh? Young Man: Pah! "Real vampire," my foot... Notte: Hey, yeah! That guy was mixed in with the crowd, but he wasn't swooning over Akasha like all the rest. Cleo: Quite the opposite, in fact—he seemed rather displeased by the whole scene. Halloween Akasha: Almost as if he didn't take kindly to me being called a vampire and being made the center of attention. Euden: Ah! Then that was— Halloween Akasha: Mmm. Our perpetrator is attempting to use the guise of a vampire to stand out. Halloween Akasha: Surely such a person would find another vampire stealing their limelight to be unwelcome in the extreme. Halloween Akasha: Perhaps even enough for them to emerge from hiding so they might size up the competition firsthand. Notte: Dude, look at the big brain on YOU! So boyo over there is our guy, then? Halloween Akasha: It's too early to be certain, but it seems a lead worthy of following. Euden: Pretty impressive stuff, Akasha. Let's follow him! Episode 3 A Foreboding Sigil Notte: Looks like our guy went into that house. What's our next move? Cleo: Perhaps we can avail ourselves of a peep through that window. Euden: Well? Can you see anything? Notte: Nothing weird, really... Hey, wait, there's something written on the floor. Halloween Akasha: It is a magic sigil, drawn in blood. Notte: BLOOD?! Oh man, total creepshow. Cleo: It must have required a fair amount of blood to paint all... Oh! Euden: The exsanguination incidents. I think it's time for us to have a chat with this particular fellow. Euden: I'll go to the front door—you guys watch the windows and back to make sure he doesn't slip away. Cleo: Right! Halloween Akasha: ...... Euden: Akasha? Is something wrong? Halloween Akasha: I am struck by one minor point of concern, Euden. Halloween Akasha: If possible, I should like to research the matter straight away. Might I leave this scene to you for the moment? Euden: What has you concerned? Halloween Akasha: A small matter involving the sigil that I hope is naught but idle worry. Halloween Akasha: However, if my fears prove true, this becomes a somewhat more vexing case. I feel it would be best to know before proceeding further. Euden: In that case, go ahead. We'll rendezvous as soon as we secure the suspect. Halloween Akasha: Much appreciated. Farewell for now. Euden: All right, time to catch our mark. Cleo: We'll hear what he has to say for himself, then check in with Akasha. Euden: ...Then you admit to it? You made the sigil and drained all the blood? Young Man: Yes! All was done so I might see this sigil completed! Cleo: What does it DO, exactly? The energy it gives off is exceptionally unpleasant... Young Man: It grants my wish! Young Man: It is the key to eternal life! Notte: An immortality spell?! Young Man: Of a sort. To be more specific, it's a summoning circle for a particular fiend. Young Man: If I can bind it to my will and share its power, I will never grow old! Never die! ...Or that was the plan, at least. Cleo: I am not fond of the "was" portion in that particular sentence. Did the spell fail? Young Man: Oh, the spell worked like a charm—but the moment the thing appeared, it took off without so much as a look back! Young Man: But I won't be humiliated like this! I'm going to track that thing down, and when I do, I'll— Euden: Right! Okay, then. I think we understand what's going on now. I take it you have some way to find this thing? Young Man: Would I be standing here if I did?! I heard rumors earlier, but that turned out to just be some woman in a costume that people were fawning over. Cleo: Akasha, I presume. Euden: Which explains how irritated you were when you saw her and realized she wasn't the creature you were looking for. Notte: So you're NOT a vampire wannabe. Cleo: But why bother with the costume and trappings of a vampire in that case? Young Man: Costume? What are you talking about? Cleo: Don't try to muddy the waters now. The victims all reported that their assailant wore a costume. Young Man: And who told you that? The cows? 'Cause I haven't attacked any people. Everyone: ! Notte: Wait, wait, wait. What's going on here? If HE didn't attack them, then who did? Euden: You know, this reminds me of a story about a certain creature... Notte: Hey, yeah! Didn't you read me a story about an immortal monster thingie once? Euden: An immortal monster that seduced victims, drank their blood, and turned them into one of its own kind. Cleo: Stop. You're not actually suggesting that— Euden: That those villagers weren't attacked by a person in a costume? Yes, Cleo. That's exactly what I'm suggesting. Euden: It was a REAL vampire! Notte: Oh, I get it nowwwWHAAAAAAAT?! Halloween Akasha: (If memory serves, that sigil is the forbidden vampiric summoning circle.) Halloween Akasha: (The source is indistinct, but I sense otherworldly mana, which means the creature is most certainly here.) Halloween Akasha: But where, exactly, is—  ???: Good evening, madam.  ???: Ah, but your beauty is captivating. Halloween Akasha: ?! Episode 4 Beyond the Dream Cleo: We've handed the perpetrator off to the town guard. Well done, all. Euden: Now to meet back up with Akasha and track down that vampire. Cleo: Knowing her, Akasha will have predicted all of this and taken action accordingly. Cleo: Her research may already have turned up something useful. Let's hurry back to her. Notte: Yeah, before things get ugly. Er, well, ugliER, I guess. Halloween Akasha: Nnngh... This is...inside the castle? No, not the Halidom.  ???: I trust you slept well, my beautiful guest? Vampire: No, the word "guest" does you disservice, for tonight, you are my bride! Halloween Akasha: Ah, I see. This is your illusion, then; a castle within a dream. Vampire: Is it not to your liking? But say the word, and I will provide any backdrop you desire. Vampire: Well? What would you ask of me? Halloween Akasha: My, what a lovely bit of spellcraft. It is EVER so fascinating... Vampire: Is that so? Then perhaps you will cede your body unto me and make an offering of your blood. Vampire: Believe me, a far more delicious dream awaits you on the other side. Halloween Akasha: And might that dream be the glamour your kind casts upon their prey when they dine on human blood? Halloween Akasha: I've read how no greater pleasure exists. Rather a shame that all who taste it lose their lives in the process. Vampire: Your beauty is matched only by your wits. Truly, you are a prime specimen! Vampire: To merely take your blood would be a crime without measure. No, you must share MY blood—and my unending life along with it! Halloween Akasha: Unending life, you say? Vampire: The very thing countless humans have sought for in vain. Eternal life—eternal BEAUTY! Have you truly never hungered for such? Halloween Akasha: Heh heh heh heh... Vampire: Do I amuse you, dear? Halloween Akasha: Ah, forgive me. I'm simply tickled to meet a vampire who is so very...VAMPIRE-Y. Halloween Akasha: Why, I'm fit to burst with joy! Vampire: I do not understand. Halloween Akasha: To think I would make your acquaintance on this of all nights... Halloween Akasha: I couldn't ask for a more perfect fit for Halloween, that time of strange costumes, song and dance, and tricks or treats. Halloween Akasha: Oh yes. You will be the perfect sacrifice. Vampire: You...you are not human. But then, what ARE you? Halloween Akasha: What am I indeed! Oh, I know: Let's make a riddle of the answer. Halloween Akasha: What do you THINK I am? Go on, now... Halloween Akasha: Have. A. Think. Vampire: S-stay back! This dream is a world of MY creation, and if anything happens to me, your consciousness will share my fate! Halloween Akasha: Oh, that's VERY sweet—but you needn't worry your pretty head about me, dear. Halloween Akasha: Now, I know you vampires enjoy the dark, so I think I have just the spot... Halloween Akasha: Ah, yes. Here we are! A fitting prison to hold my lovely new sacrifice. Vampire: My illusion...shattered? But how?! How is this POSSIBLE?! Halloween Akasha: Hush, dear. No cause for fear. Tonight is Halloween, so let's enjoy the evening together, you and I. Halloween Akasha: Now...trick or treat. ♪ Vampire: Stay back... STAY BAAAACK! Halloween Akasha: Oh dear. It looks like someone didn't bring any candy with them. Halloween Akasha: In that case, I don't suppose you can complain when you get tricked, mmm? Vampire: No no no no no NO NO NOOOOO! Halloween Akasha: My master beckons... Halloween Akasha: Slake his hunger. Euden: Akashaaaa? ...AKASHAAAAAA! Cleo: Answer if you can hear us! Halloween Akasha: ...I am here. Notte: Akasha! You're inside this house?! Halloween Akasha: I fear the vampire took me by surprise. Euden: Hold on. I'll break down the door! Euden: Are you all right, Akasha?! Halloween Akasha: Perfectly fine, thank you. When I fought back, the vampire turned tail and fled back to his own world. Notte: Wait, so you chased a vampire out of this entire material plane by YOURSELF?! Halloween Akasha: Indeed I did. I'm quite strong, you know. Cleo: Though I am very glad to see you safe, I wish you had not been so reckless. Euden: Me too. But with the vampire gone and the man who summoned him arrested, I suppose we can put this behind us. Halloween Akasha: Yes, that would seem to resolve the matter. Euden: Well, chasing a vampire off sounds like pretty tiring work, so let's get back to the Halidom and let you rest. Halloween Akasha: A capital idea.  ???: ...ooOOOOooo... Notte: Uhhh...? Halloween Akasha: Something the matter, Notte? Notte: Did you not...hear that? Just now? Halloween Akasha: Hear what, dear? Notte: My ears must be crammed full of candy or something, because I could swear... Halloween Akasha: It has been a long day of running about for all of us, so what say I bring some leftover cookies along as a post-dinner treat? Notte: Seriously? Score!  ???: ...o...oooOOOOooo... Heeeelp...meee.... Vampire: *gasp* *pant* C-can anyone hear me?! Help! Get me out of here! Vampire: Aah?! Wh-what was that?! Vampire: Where IS this place? There's nothing here! Nothing...anywhere... Vampire: Just an endless void...of nothing... Vampire: Ah. Vampire: Aaaaaaah! It's coming! Something comes! Vampire: GYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH! Episode 5 A Mischievous Smirk Notte: Man, this rules. Why don't we get cookies after EVERY mission?! Euden: They ARE delicious. Thank you, Akasha. Halloween Akasha: Please, think nothing of it. Cleo: It's not just the cookies: You lured the perpetrator out AND chased the vampire away single-handedly. Cleo: You've done us all a great service, and I hope you will accept this with our thanks. Halloween Akasha: Oh? This is... Cleo: A pumpkin pie. We all helped make it. Euden: Actually, Cleo did all the difficult work, but I at least scooped out pumpkin goo. Notte: And I put all the pretty flowers on top! Their nectar's super sweet, so make like a vampire and suck 'em all dry! Halloween Akasha: Heh. You are all far too kind. I shall enjoy this treat throughout the season. Notte: Yeah, let's enjoy what's left of the holiday together, Akasha! Halloween Akasha: Of course, my dear Notte. Heinwald: *sigh* Entering uninvited yet again?  ???: Oh, but I did thank you for your hospitality when I entered. Heinwald: I heard nothing of the sort—though what I DID hear is a rumor that you managed to crack that case most brilliantly. Halloween Akasha: My, but word travels fast here. Heinwald: Quite. A certain inquisitor enjoying his Halloween babysitting told me of it. Apparently, you're the talk of the town. Heinwald: Shame it's all a farce. Halloween Akasha: Whatever do you mean? Heinwald: For starters, there's the fellow who supposedly summoned the fiend. Heinwald: I'm told the fool has only the most rudimentary grasp of magic. Heinwald: Quite the feat for an ignoramus to summon a high-level being from another world. Halloween Akasha: Indeed it would be. Are you implying he had an accomplice? Heinwald: I'm implying the incident was a farce, but yes, that has something to do with it. Heinwald: After all, the one who taught him that sigil stands before me now. Heinwald: But even given the knowledge, otherworld summonings are a rather laborious affair. So much preparation and hassle. Heinwald: For someone trying to enjoy her Halloween like you, it must have been convenient to find a man willing to do all the busy work. Halloween Akasha: ...... Halloween Akasha: Don't be silly. I'd never met that man in my life, as the others will all attest to. Heinwald: You needn't have met. Simply drawing the correct magical sigil into the sorry facsimile of a grimoire he was using would suffice. Halloween Akasha: Ah... Yes, that would certainly be possible. But the vampire DID abduct me and nearly drain me dry. Heinwald: Yet here you stand, still firmly in possession of every last drop. Halloween Akasha: Oh, but you are simply a MARVEL! Heinwald: Stop. I'll blush. Heinwald: As to motive, I suppose you wanted a suitably mischievous sacrifice to offer up on this most dark of days. Heinwald: The uncanny revels of a costumed crowd are just the sort of tacky affair your master would go ga-ga over. Halloween Akasha: And yet, one glaring hole remains in your otherwise airtight logic. Heinwald: Oh, do go on. Halloween Akasha: Had I really orchestrated a summoning and chosen to loose a vampire on the town, a single slip would have meant the deaths of any number of human victims. Halloween Akasha: Yet the other day, you yourself dismissed this case as "not the sort that comes with a body count." Halloween Akasha: Just what gave you the confidence to make such an assertion? Heinwald: Ah. That. Well, with you pulling the strings behind the scenes, I knew you'd intervene if and when the time came. Heinwald: And so you did. You used yourself as bait to prevent the fiend from killing humans. Halloween Akasha: An easy claim to make after the fact. But what cause would I have to do such a thing? Heinwald: Because you were enjoying Halloween. Heinwald: A creature of pleasures such as yourself would never dream of ruining an event that you found fun. Halloween Akasha: ...... I'm...enjoying Halloween... Halloween Akasha: Pfft. Aaaaah ha ha ha! Halloween Akasha: My, my. It seems I've fallen for the biggest trick of the season. Heinwald: And? Did you enjoy it? Halloween Akasha: Oh, yes. Thoroughly.

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Posted by the Dragalia Lost Twitter account on June 8, 2022.

• Hobbies: Riddles
• Talents: Seduction
• Likes: Knowledge
• Dislikes: Perceptive people