Jinman's colleagues didn't appreciate seeing him get out of the dirty business and speaking up in court against a fellow mercenary for war crimes. That's betrayal on the highest level, right? They were supposed to be brothers-in-arms, right?

Thus, Babylon retaliated and hunted down everyone he ever loved. It only took a moment. And their hunt has been successful, aside from one incident - the little girl, the seven-year-old Jian, that had survived against all odds.

At what cost? The chance to ever have a normal life again. Not a single night goes by without the girl having nightmares or drawing pictures of her dead parents on paper drenched in tears. Her mind is loud, refuses to quieten, but her temporarily mute self cannot voice them - effect of the trauma.

"She has to face this on her own", the rugged man insists as the knife in his hands skillfully dances across the cutting board. Jinman is a firm believer in independence and is the personification of tough love - an uncle, not a dad. Because what if he's not around? What if his allies are not around? For all the weapons hidden in every corner of the house, poisons and other equipment, he remains a man that can meet his end with a single bullet. It only takes a moment.

"Jian is too old to be coddled like this, get over it."

The cut vegetables swiftly glide down the board and into the bowling water on the stove. Despite having only ever stepped into the kitchen twice in his 33 years of living, he finds it incredibly easy. Its not that different from taking orders out on the field, except less violent. But it also distracts him from-

Wait. Did Jian just laugh?

Sure enough, she did. Was it because of a silly joke you made? He's not sure, but...the sight is refreshing, welcome and domestic. And you look...ah.

It only takes a moment to be loved a whole life long.

He stares for so long that he doesn't notice how the screaming stove wants his attention. The food is saved, but his hand ends up burned: "Oh haiya!"