[His eyes briefly open to look at the small kitten huddled in Tifa's arms. His guard is clearly up, not really wanting to talk about it. No matter how "comfortable" or "ready" he might be to, it's just not a pleasant topic. But seeing Clover's face, a soft mew escaping her that reaches his ears...

...

There are several long seconds before he finally heaves a large sigh and stares out the window.]

...I lost my entire family and village in one single moment. I was out in the forest looking for the wolf pup I took care of when I saw the flash of light. That light was so bright and searing, it's what caused the damage to my right eye. When I managed to get back to my home...everything was alight in flames, completely destroyed. My own home was gone, as if it never existed. Everyone else...

[...He just briefly closes his eyes, the truth too horrific to describe so he just leaves it at that.]

I was the only survivor and I was found by the one who would later become my superior and pseudo guardian. Even though I was only nine, it wasn't unusual for the organization I work for to recruit orphans who lost their families and homes due to similar tragedies. But as you can imagine...while they weren't heartless and provided what we needed, it wasn't exactly a place to "coddle" children intended to be soldiers.