Having a Dream

Do you want to see what's behind this door? Then you'll have to do something for me first.

Oh, it's...you. Uh... Aldo, right?

Huh? How do you know my name?

Hm, I wonder. I've known you would come here for a very long time...I think.

You're kind of a strange one... Who are you, anyway?

Me...? I am one who charts the course the dimensions traverse. That's all I know. Everything else, even my own past, is a little fuzzy.

You lost your memory? Boy, that's gonna make things more difficult... Do you remember your name, at least?

My name... No, not even that.

Huh... Do you have any idea how you ended up here?

An idea... I do have one dim memory. Actually, it's more of a single image. Everything around me is completely dark, and I have the sensation of swaying lightly back and forth. Where could that be? A world without light... A cradle that knows no morning nor night... So dark, so cold, so quiet it makes me want to cry...

It's no good. I can't remember...

That's too bad. I wish we had some clue where to start...

Would you take a look around on the other side of this door for me, then?

This thing? It looks like just a door on its own. How can it lead anywhere?

Apparently, this door appeared when I came here... But that's about all I know. My memory and this door may be linked by some shared fate...

It's worth a try, I guess. Does that mean we've got your permission to pass? Just leave the rest to us!

Oh yes... You need a key to open this door. One key per challenge. Here, I'll give you one now.

Just let me know if you run out of keys.

Welcome back. How was the other side?

What even was that?! It looked just like a place I'd seen before, but different somehow...

It would appear this door is connected to a different time layer.

Time layer? Uh, never mind that. Did you remember anything?

Yes... It's still fuzzy, but I do feel like I've recovered a lost memory.

That's great! What is it?

In that world, dominated by darkness, a single light came into being. It grew into a flame and gradually took form... Smothered by the darkness, that poor soul began to drift, as if buffeted by a strong current. And...I heard a voice. A tiny whisper, like the first cry of a newborn angel... It's no good. That's all I can remember.

What a weird memory... It only raises more questions about who you are and where you came from.

But I'm sure if we persevere we'll get closer to the truth, little by little. Tell me if you ever feel like exploring the world beyond this door again.

Welcome back. You've explored many places now, huh?

Yeah. I'm starting to get used to that other world.

That's good to hear. For my part, I have a new memory to share.

That's great! What is it?

Last time I told you about the lost soul floating in the darkness. I believe we were inside that soul. We... Yes, I wasn't alone. There were lots of other kids just like me. When we were born, we heard the cry of an angel. And the soul gave us a mission. We made a promise, that we must keep no matter what...

A soul?

Who could it be... They have such a kind heart, to create and nurture us so... That's all I can remember. You've explored all there is beyond the door, for now. I cannot say why, exactly... ...But when some new territory opens up, it may lead to new memories. Until then, this is as far as we go...

I wish we could help more...

You helped me remember some things. That's enough. These memories are precious to me. I wouldn't have awakened to their warmth if not for you. Promise me you'll come back when the world beyond the door expands again?