Akasha/Stories

General Stories Misc

Quotes

On Sortied

On Entering a Room

When Quest Begins

Let us embark upon a journey of the infinite.

Is your heart prepared?

Response to Beginning of a Quest

Yes, I am at your side for all time...

I am ever ready.

When Controlling Character in Quest

When Receiving a Heal

Strength flows through me...

How kind you are.

When Entering a Boss' Room

Let the screams of our foes be the song of this day!

Oh ho! Shall we play?

Response to Entering a Boss' Room

Oh, I'll watch your back...

Yes... All things to the void...

Upon Getting to Low Health

How cruel you are to hurt me so.

I near my end...

Upon Opening a Chest

What was inside?

Behold! It is opened!

Boss on Low Health

I find the fear in your eyes simply WONDERFUL.

So weak...

Boss Enters Break State

You are rife with openings.

Your punishment nears!

Rare Enemy Spawns

My, this IS unusual.

Let us welcome our most unexpected guest.

Upon Death

Ah...sweet release...

Oh, my.

Player Uses Damaging Skill

You must be training hard.

Such a wonderful person you are.

When Shape Shifting is Ready

The dragon's power mingles here.

Let the dragon's revelry begin.

Shape Shifting into Dragon

Idle During Quest

If you are bored, perhaps we could play?

Be careful not to let your mind wander too much.

Quest Clear

Quest Failure

Home Screen Walking

Let us bask in the enigmas of a riddle.

The sun will set anon.

Shall we face the dawn together?

The world is hollow.

Dance in the tranquility of eventide.

We reach the depths of the midnight hour...

Home Screen Inside

The man who drank turtle soup died, mmm? Now why would that be?

Why does 6 fear 7? Ah, the answer is in the number's hunger...

I tend to be disliked by animals. When our eyes meet, they flee in terror.

...Hmm? How long have I been here? Eternally, my dear. Eternally.

Past and future rest upon the same plane. Thus, shall we engage in delights in the now?

Drowning in the sea of knowledge is pleasure. I would have you taste of this as well...

Home Screen Portrait

Collection Portrait

At The Halidom

Well then, let us take on some puzzles.

Purest green... I would like to pluck it...

Heh heh... Would you deign to think on this?

Adventurer Story Episodes

Episode 1

Invasion

Please note that this story contains spoilers for the Stirring Shadows event. ...... Akasha! Just who I was lookin' for. Oh? And what might I do for you, Luca? Well, I went a little overboard on the apple picking today, so I figured I'd come share a few with ya. Such a dear. Akasha, would you mind taste testing my latest recipe? But of course. Your cooking is ever so delicious, Cleo. Akasha, about that matter we discussed previously... Ah, yes. My ears are yours. Hey, Akasha! What's good, Akasha? Heh heh... ...... ...What's all this? Hmm, I remember her... That's Akasha... Heya Heinwald. Akasha just— Riddle me this, Ranzal. When exactly did you all come to know that woman? Akasha, that is. Whaddya mean? We've been buds with her what for ages. What...? Hello there, Heinwald. Fancy seeing you here. Quite. Though this is far from a chance encounter, I suspect. It seems something more treacherous is afoot. 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. Hm. An intriguing perspective. And terrific sophistry, besides. 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. I'm honored, truly—and yet I have to wonder why. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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? You imply there's no difference, but that is only more sophistry. Oh, play along, won't you? I have little need to be clung to by someone so inscrutable. ...I see. In that case... You aren't the only one who has attained something through knowledge. What is...? ...... That is me, from another time. And so begins the tale... 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. 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! Oh... Is something amiss, Akasha? You've been staring into space for some time. P-professor! Forgive me, I was lost in my research. Ha ha, yes, I know the feeling well. You're a researcher to your very core. Um, thank you, sir. What is it we'll be discussing today? 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. T-truly?! I would be honored, sir! It would make all the long days and nights feel all the more worth it. Yes, your contributions have been greatly appreciated. Which is why your name shall be included as a co-author. Er... Co, sir? 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. But... The work will be submitted with two authors—my name first, and yours after. As it should be, yes? ...Yes, sir. Akasha! Wh-what? You were heading to the library, right? Return this book for me, would you? Um, sure. Ha ha, thanks! I knew you'd be a pushover, teacher's pet and all. Oh, take these book too! And these! Whew, that's a load off. C'mon, let's hit the town. Ooo, I know a great place... ...I'd best return these books. I'm home. You're LATE. Surely you haven't forgotten about the fête in our manor this evening? *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. Father, do you remember the thesis I wrote? It will be presented at an upcoming academic conference. Yes, yes, very good. Now please, change out of those rags and into a proper gown. The party awaits! ...Yes, mother. 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... Might someone be able to assist me? Absolutely, professor! I'm happy to help with anything you might need. Mmm. I'd like you to conduct some research on this tome. What strange binding... Is it some manner of magic grimoire? Just so. It arrived from a nearby village, and according to the people there, it is cursed. Cursed...? 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? N-no, but... It does seem rather ominous... What's that? Did you not say you would assist me any way you could? I-I did indeed, sir. So... Ah! How about you have Akasha handle it? What? Me? Hm. Very well. I shall entrust this task to you, Akasha. ...Yes, sir. (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.) Whatever can you teach me...? All. Ah! Did I imagine that, or...?

Episode 3

Occult

(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...) 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! 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! Yeah, it ain't right. Who decided SHE gets to have all the fun? Not just the fun, but the glory too! Urgh! The way she works, it's almost like she's possessed... Wait. Oh ho ho, I just had a great idea. Yeah? What is it? Well... You want me to stop researching the grimoire? But why?! 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. I appreciate that, sir, but I assure you I'm fine. Furthermore, I couldn't possibly stop my research midstream. Oh, you needn't worry about that. Others will be carrying on in your stead. ...... 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? ...... Ha ha ha! Did you see her face?! Serves her right. She'll think twice about making fools of us now! Exactly. We just have to unlock the secrets of this grimoire while she's out. And once we do, the credit will be ALL ours! Ba ha ha! Huh...? Er... Did you hear something just now? ...Ummm... H-hey, what's wrong? Outside the w-window... (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...) ...But it's done. There is nothing I can do. Gyaaaaaaah! Huh?! Wh-what was that? A-agh... Are you okay...? Gu...rgh... Wha... ...... He's... He's dead. ...AHHHHHHHHH!

Episode 4

Extreme

Did you hear the news? Apparently some researchers at the academy died bizarre deaths. Makes you wonder what sort of research they were up to, don't it? To think the rumors would spread so far in mere days... I-Indeed, sir... 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. Sealed away... I'm home. We've heard the news, Akasha. Deaths, at that academy of yours? F-Father... I've always known that place was useless. What good is a school if it can't even keep its own students alive?! Complications can happen during research, mother, and sometimes— You KNOW I was against it from the start! Sending her to that institution just to curry favor with the headmaster... Such NONSENSE! 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? But... I have already dispatched a letter formalizing your withdrawal. You shall research no longer. ...No... You will be attending teatime from tomorrow, and parties as well. ...... 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! ...... ...... ...... (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... Now, where is the exit? *gasp* Wh-who are you? 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. Wh-what could you possibly know about me? Everything, my dear. That which was, that which is, and that which will be. All of it. But... No. That can't be possible. And yet you know I speak the truth. Here I stand before you, the image of what you can attain. Me...? *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? That's it? No other clues? 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. 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. But that option has been taken from you. ...Yes. With my thesis, and my grimoire, too. 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? I... What does the true Akasha want? What has she always wanted? ...... I... ...will open the gate. What?! More, more, more, more, more, more, more, more, more, more, more, more... MORE! I WANT TO KNOW MORE! A-Akasha! What in the blazes is going on?! What is this?! Akasha, stop, please! You're frightening me! Come unto me, O great knowledge. All shall be nothingness. My doubts have fled.

Episode 5

Resonance

Knowledge, stretching endlessly before me. On, and on, and on. All-Knowing is nothingness. I am One. He is All. He is the One-in-All. Oh... Does that mean I am, too? Yes. Yes, that's right. I am One. I am All. I am...Akasha. The name of the endless void. Akasha. ...So? Like you, I sought knowledge. And in doing so, attained it. You certainly did. But nothing more. What...? 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. 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. 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. Oh? But it's such a lovely sea. So vast, and so deep... Perhaps one day you'll allow me to rescue you from it. 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? You are truly incorrigible. One does what one must when adrift, my dear. You shouldn't restrain yourself. Join me, and free your desires... I... Heh heh. Take your time. I will always be near, after all. Always.