He looked so sad; Rukia was sorry for having let the conversation move in the direction it had. "Sorry," she said quietly, then with more energy, "You're right, though. No sense in us talking about this!" It was unproductive at best, and even though she looked young, it was Rukia's part as one of the adults to keep the kids' spirits up. She didn't like kids as much as Renji did, but she still remembered what it was like to be one, and how sometimes all she had wanted was someone to tell her it would be all right.

"Besides, we'll all get out of here. With so many people working together, it's just a matter of time before we find the cracks in the walls, so to speak. We'll destroy this place, and then you'll see your mother and friends again."

Leaning forward, she lowered her voice conspiratorially, "I know some people have been to the basement. Have you?"