[Noel turns back to Hope at that, a frown tugging at his lips. The distant look in his eyes remains however.]

He asked me... if I wanted to save the world. [He swallows as he pauses. For all his memories had been fading when he thought of growing up, he remembered that conversation with startling clarity.] On top of the airship, staring out over everything, I told him I would do anything. [He sighs, left hand falling to his side as his right rakes back through his hair.] Next thing I remember was just about four hours before I saw you back on Selena.