"I've never experienced rain before."

The honesty in that statement made me look up at her. "Really?"

Hope nodded. "I've only ever read about it in books," she continued, "so all I can do is imagine what it feels like."

"Huh. For some reason, that sounds...incredibly cruel."

The Pre-Cal looked at me, surprised. "Why would you say that?"

I shrugged. "Well, your 'Headmaster'"—I added the air-quotes for that freaking pompous title—"has kept you all away from the real world outside. You should have experienced a thousand different things from that world by now—not just rain. Yet here you are, deprived of any clues as to what's out there. And it's all because of that one bastard."

Hope paled slightly. "You shouldn't—"

"'Speak ill of Treglazov'?" I finished. "Relax. I'm not really worried about a man who believes himself to be a great leader. I'm worried about getting you away from him, and this forsaken place."

"But if he finds out about you..."

"If he does, then we'll make sure he can't do anything about it."

"I-I guess..."

"Don't worry. You'll be fine." I stood up, the ceiling one foot above me. "Right now, let's focus on getting to the surface. With any luck, you may get to experience rain for the very first time in your life."

Hope paused, then nodded, smiling that small smile of hers. "...All right." I was just about to head to the vent when she piped up: "And, um... Mister?"

I looked back at her. "Hm?"

"Thank you. For helping me get this far."

I paused, taken aback. Then I grinned, for the kid's sake. "No problem."