Level 6/The Dawn

You've been in the dark for quite a while, haven't you?
 Perhaps... you need some light. Some... brightness. 
 It's always darkest before the DAWN.
 THE DAWN IS COMING. PREPARE YOURSELF, WANDERER.
 ACCEPT YOUR FATE. TRANSITION TO THE OTHER SIDE.
The stars... they're all disappearing.
The darkness... it's all dissipating.
I've found something. A source of light. A sense of hope in Level 6.
What could it be?
 Darkness is about to engulf you, child.
 Yet... you see something in the distance.
 A tunnel of light. Your only escape. Finally. FREEDOM.
 Step closer. It's begging you to walk.
 The sound of footsteps. The FREEZING, sensational air.
 You're approaching. Out of the darkness, into the UNKNOWN.
It's getting brighter.
Perhaps this is my salvation.
The dawn of a new age.
 Shivering, child? Don't be terrified. There's nothing to fear.
 You're taking the next step. The next big leap. From dark to light.
 The air will only grow colder. Below zero... and continuing.
 WALK INTO THE LIGHT. YOUR JOURNEY IS NOT OVER.
The light's flashing.
I want an exit. Any exit.
I'm seeing... things.
 Are the memories flowing back? Typical physical response.
 It's all part of the process. Give it a few more minutes.
N-no way. It can't be. You've been... It's been years.
I don't understand... What is this place?
It's finally good seeing you again.
M-mom?
I remember back when you were just a wee little one. We had a little record player back then that we gifted you for Christmas. You were... really emotional. The next day, you gave that thing a spin — those TLC songs still resonate with me today. You and I, dancing around the room, losing track of time... I'd love to re-experience all of that again. With you.
The landscape morphs into the interior of a home. The lights appear to be on and music appears to be playing from the old record player.
Still willing to dance?
I remember that. But... mom, you died. Long ago. Before my 9th birthday.
Oh, I'm not dead. Just 76 years young!
Y-you're not real. This isn't real. Nothing's... real.
The landscape morphs to a classroom. A teacher is busy giving a lecture on geometry at the front of the classroom. The transition is in its final stages. Our subject is sitting in Desk 18. The girl behind him motions with her finger.
This is... Mr. Faulkner's classroom. What am I doi-
Hey! Pssst, over here! Did you hear about that little rumor with... Andy? Some say he's... spending time with someone. How lovely!
You sound just like my mother. [Pause] Yeah, I've heard about Andy.
Oh, great! Wanna spy on him? Maybe we co-
No. I did this last time. It did not end well.
What last time? You haven't even done the first step!
And that would be...?
The landscape morphs again. Our subject is now a passenger in her "friend's" sedan during a midnight drive. The car enters a long, dark, tunnel. The car radio is on, playing music.
Ooh, it's dark here. Gotta get to the other side of this tunnel.
Wh-where am I now? Where are we going?
Oh, there you are! I've been waiting for you to wake up.
 This is 84.5 Level 6 FM. I'm your host, Gera-
I love this station. It's got the perfect blend of mystery and existentialism. Listen to it. You'll enjo-
I don't have time for this. What the hell is going on?
You seem distressed. What's wrong?
I've wandered hours in a place where no fucking light shines. Now you mean to tell me we're "going through a tunnel" and arriving somewhere?
 Alright, radio listeners. This is my favorite track of them all.
 Have a taste of "Purgatory" by The Angels.
Wh-what?
Just go back to sleep. It won't be long.
No. No. Gotta... keep... my eyes... open.
Ah, there's the end of the tunnel. A little bright, isn't it?
I don't feel good.
 84.5 Level 6 FM. Next track's guaranteed to be a killer!
No... Fuck. I'm not dying here. Not in this stupid dark hellhole.
 It's over. Dawn has arrived. Hope you like the new light.
 Welcome to the other side. Scared? You shouldn't be.
 You're dead, but you won't be forgotten.
 You'll feel nothing... for all of eternity... HERE.
You......
Category:Tales