Chen walked with a purpose towards her home. She had made a gift for her Father and wanted to get home as soon as possible so she could show it to him. It was in an envelope that had been sealed and had the words To Baba written on the front of it. A look of excitement was on the girl's face as she walked closer and closer to her home. "I hope Baba likes his gift aru," Chen said to herself.

The Chinese girl opened the door to her house and found her Father's back facing her as he worked in the kitchen. Baba must be cooking dinner aru, she thought as she tiptoed inside to try and hide her gift from him. She hid it under one of the potted plants and then went over to her Father as he chopped up some vegetables in the kitchen.

"Hello Baba," Chen greeted. "How was your day?"

"China" didn't reply. In fact, he didn't even look at her. That was very concerning for Chen since China would always greet her with a smile and a warm hug whenever she came home.

As she turned to walk away, Chen felt Xiao's hand on her shoulder. At first she was filled with glee because she felt that her Father had finally noticed her, but she soon felt a little terror in the pit of her stomach when she saw her Father's eyes were blood-red instead of amber brown. His red eyes seemed to stare directly through her.

"I-I-Is something wrong Baba?" Chen stuttered, trying to not seemed frightened. Is this even Baba? The look he's giving me is making me wonder if he really is my Father.

"Go change," Xiao growled. "Now."

Chen looked down at her outfit. What was wrong with it? In fact, China was the one who picked it out for her and now he was telling her to get out of it? It was a child-sized, green Cheongsam with lilies on it. "But, you're the one who-"

That's when Xiao painfully squeezed Chen's arm, causing her to wince in pain. "Do not make me repeat myself."

Chen nodded and then Xiao released her. She then went upstairs to change into a different outfit. She found an outfit similar to her Father's, except her shirt was a lighter shade of red then China's was. She hesitantly went down the stairs to find that her "Father" was setting up the table for dinner.

Maybe he's just irritable today, Chen tried to reason. She then rubbed her arm that had been squeezed. Still, Baba wouldn't put his hands on me unless we are doing martial arts training aru. And his eyes, they were so cold and distant.

"Chen, come here right this second," Xiao demanded, knowing that Chen was right behind him without even having to turn around.

The young girl gulped silently as she cautiously approached the man. "Y-Yes Baba?"

Xiao turned to look at Chen and then simply nodded, meaning he approved of the simple outfit she had changed into. He then sat down at the table and motioned for Chen to sit down as well. Chen did as she was told and sat down at the table.

"Baba what have I done wrong?!" Chen shouted before Xiao could speak. "I know you're mad, but I don't know why. Have I upset you somehow?" Tears pricked her eyes. "If I have, I'm sorry aru. I didn't mean to make you angry. I-"

"Stop." the man interrupted. He then looked at Chen and wiped her tears from her eyes, being a bit more gentle with her. "Stop your pointless crying."

"Pointless?! How is my crying pointless?!"

Xiao groaned as he rubbed his temples. Kids were so whiny. "Pack a bag."

Chen turned her head in confusion. "What?"

"Pack a bag, as if you were going on a trip."

"Why do I-"

"Do it now!"

Chen gulped and then went up to her room to pack a bag. She put in a few changes of clothes and then went downstairs. Xiao placed a few packages of food into her bag, along with a water bottle. "Why did I need to pack my bag Baba?"

Xiao then bent down so that he was eye level with Chen. "Let's get one thing straight; I'm not your Baba."

Chen gasped. "Then....who are you, aru?"

"Let's just say that your Baba and I go back. He isn't here but he is here."

"...I don't understand."

Xiao sighed. "All you need to know is that you need to go, now."

"But, who are you? What are you talking about? Where is my Baba? And where do I need to go?"

"Don't ask anymore questions!" Xiao shouted, making Chen jump in fright. "Now, I'm trying to help you, not because I care though. I just don't want to follow stupid orders given out by an idiot."

Chen was beyond confused. Who in the world was this man? What was he talking about? Was this just some crazy dream?

That's when Xiao opened the back door that led to the Bamboo forest. "Get away from here as fast as you can," Xiao instructed. "And whatever you do, don't come back."

"But-"

"Don't come back. Just run away from here."

Chen hesitantly nodded. Then she went up to Xiao and gave him a quick hug before running out towards the forest like he had ordered. When she was out of sight, Xiao closed the door and went to tell "the boss" that Chen had escaped.

That's when Xiao noticed the envelope underneath one of the plants. He picked it up and opened it to find that there was a picture that Chen drew. It was a bit childish but still had a sense of style to it. The picture had Chen and China on it smiling. On the back, Xiso saw that, written in crayon, were the words; Thank you for being the besy Baba ever. I love you very much.

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