The ball had been a wonder. Wonderful. I… don't think I had ever had so much fun in my life…The Professor was that.
It really…surprised me that he let me out of the lab. Perhaps it was because it was dark…I have been out in the light only on that day Vincent and I played in the rain.
Sephiroth was admired by all. I was only spared one dance, sadly, and the Professor and I sat and talked most of the event. We danced once. I suppose… I had grown very fond of him. Like me, he wouldn't age. To much exposure to chemicals I think. He didn't age as fast as everyone else. In truth, he looked much like when I first remember him. Tall, thin, very pale with long black hair pulled back into a pony tail.
We spoke for hours of his experiments. Of… this one little girl in particular. Her and her mother.
When…Lucretia left, becoming more ill with every moment she walked past Sephiroth's glass prison, Hojo went in search of Gast. It was… my fault, I think. Hojo realized he must have been near by, for he had found me. About two years past…Finally, Hojo had tracked Gast down. He had heard the Professor had married and Ancient, or Cetra, by the name of Iflana. A child was born to them. Her name was Aeris.
Hojo went to them, killing Gast. The man was kinder the Hojo but…I never much cared for him. I do not understand rightly why.
Iflana and Aeris were brought to the Shinra building. The little girl was taken from her mother, and studied for some time. I would play with the child, for Hojo wished her to grow up as normal a life as we could offer. I became… somewhat attached, much like Hojo is to me.
Hojo took blood from them both, and found they were truly Ancient's. He wished to further study their powers. We had had no time that evening, for the ball was going on. Hojo, despite never telling his son that they were father and son, wished to see Sephiroths moment, like a father figure should. Study him to, perhaps.
He turned to me, watching Sephiroth swing Scarlet about the floor, and smiled. "My gem, I have noticed you have become fairly attached to Sephiroth."
I was taken by surprise at his words, and peeled my eyes from the young man to stare at Hojo. "Professor, you are mistaken."
I needed and excuse. Why?…I wasn't quite sure. I wanted to keep our friendship as secret as I could. Especially when it came to Hojo finding out. I was frightened. I didn't wish for Sephiroth to be torn from me.
"He has seen the outside world, and I have yet to live in it. I admire him."
Hojo laughed, and stood, taking my hand. "Come with me, my diamond." He cooed, pulling me along with him. I tripped over my heels, but followed his step next to him. We were going to the door. "Sir, Professor, where are we going?"
"Ah, just follow me my diamond."
I was pulled along in till we reached the door way. And then, we went out.
Wind sent my loose hair adrift. A slight, bitter smell hung in the air. It was not as pleasant as back in Nibelheim. The music from indoors still played loud enough for me to hear over the racket of the city bellow.
Hojo smiled, looking about. "How do you feel, my dear? To finally be outside?"
It was…A different emotion. Not one of excitement or fear…but…
Release…Freedom.
I took a few timid steps, looking about this city with interest. I had seen pictures of Midgar, but never expected it to be so…Grimy…and…ugly.
"Ah, it is not a pretty as so many other towns. My dear, one day I shall take you about the world. Wouldn't you enjoy that?"
"Do…these places get rain?"
He smiled, just as lighting stuck above us. Carefully he went to me, putting his cold hands on my bare shoulders. "Watch diamond." He pointed up into the sky.
I had never seen such a thing in all my life…
The sky lit up with purple lights, and streaks began to fall in sheets. He was smiling, pleased, and I had my mouth hanging open in astonishment.
The rain whipped us both, but as the droplets pounded on my flesh I grinned.
I remember grabbing his hand, pulling him with me as I went. He hadn't looked to pleased at first, but as I looked back on his pale face, smiling, gradually my smile became contagious to him. He grinned and before I realized, we had begun to dance along with the faint music inside.
It was… marvelous. Dancing here in the rain. With the man who had allowed me out into it. For a split second, I was back with Vincent, being chased through the street.
As the song begun to die, I found we were both soaked to the bone, very close. Hojo was laughing.
"My gem, I haven't danced in so long. It felt nice to finally be able to let go for once."
I nodded, as the song died. Suddenly, my mind raced back to the day I came to the Shinra Tower.
"p-professor…Wh-…"
I bit my lip. I didn't wish to know, now. I wanted only to be here, in this rain, and forget everything.
"Yes, my diamond?"
"Is…that my name?"
His eyes must have flashed red, I think. He didn't answer me, but his grip on my arms tightened. I whimpered and lost all strength, afraid to be hit.
"Professor?"
My head snapped up, and I peered behind Hojo's shoulder. Standing in the rain, watching us, was Sephiroth.
"Yes?" The man asked, voice trying to hold back his anger.
"Sir, it happens to be getting fairly late. The DJ's have said that this song shall be the last of the evening. I promised Diamond a dance and I have yet to give her one."
Hojo smirked bitterly, and looked down at me. "Be sure to bring her back to the lab once the song ends." The man directed, and closed his eyes. He leaned his head in, momentarily, but quickly jerked it back and turned from me. I watched him stalk past Sephiroth, glaring at him. Sephiroth watched him with no emotion.
As soon as he disappeared into the thick crowd in the building, Sephiroth came to me.
"What was that about?"
I shook me head. "I'm…not sure. Nothing, I suppose."
Sephiroth gave me a cold stare, but upon getting nothing more, sighed and took me hand. "Shall we then , my diamond." He gave me a smile, and slowly began to spin me along with the music.
