This Chapter goes out to my friends especially to Seif114 who inspired me to write. I especially recommend her stories. They're very well written. And of course thank you to those who added my story onto their subscription. A review or two more would be nice.

Hope you enjoy!

Edited 9\9/2012

The One They Call Beautiful

Chapter 2

3 ½ Years Earlier-location: Lab

Jenova Project

"Hey Vincent, are you alright?" Lucrecia asked.

"Huh? Oh-uh. Yeah, why do you ask?"

"Well," She sighed as she got out of her chair, "you've been spacing out more than usual and it looks like you're suffering from insomnia." She tilted her head and crossed her arms.

Vincent scratched the back of his head, "I don't know what you're talking about. I don't have insomnia and I don't stare into space." 'Besides it's already bad enough that Hojo gives off a bad vibe.' He added mentally.

"That's not what your eyes tell me." She pointed to her own eyes and smiled, "Remember Vincent, I'm a scientist, it's my job to observe."

There was a silent comfortable moment between the two… until his stomach growled loudly enough to make an echo in the lab.

"Ha, ha, ha," she laughed lightly. "Come on, let's go eat. I'm starving as well." Both of them walked out of the lab and into society. Lucrecia failed to notice Vincent's slight blush of embarrassment.

They made their way through the poor streets of Nibelheim trying to figure out what to eat for lunch. It wasn't until late afternoon that both of them agreed to a small picnic.

"Hey Vincent, could you find a place for us to eat? I need to get a few more things." She mentioned to the basket in her hand. Apparently she had forgotten the jam and other fruits.

(A/N: "Vitamin String Quartet- She will be loved")

"Yeah, sure. I'll meet you in front of that store in half an hour." Both of them nodded and walked the opposite direction. As she was walking down the familiar street, the brown haired scientist couldn't help but to stop and listen to an enchanting tune. Lucrecia followed the mesmerizing sound and saw a little girl no more than ten years old playing the violin. Every so often the violin would make a loud squeaky noise because of the worn out bow and the four strings. The scientist took another look at the girl and she was in rags…she was poor and her hollow eyes gave away of her hardships she goes through.

Said girl let out a sad sigh but kept on playing. The way she played was so very lovely that she started to attract a small crowd. Lucrecia felt as though she was surrounded by angels and a light aura, feeling as if she could do anything. The song came to an end. The little girl looked down at her violin case and noticed that she had only made a few gils. The look in her eye said it all. She was not going to survive tonight without food or water. The crowed had died out and left only leaving Lucrecia.

Lucrecia was touched by the way the little girl had gracefully played the song even if the violin was old. She clapped and the young violinist was startled by her being so forward. "Such lovely music shouldn't go unrewarded little one." She reached down into her pocket, pulled out a at least 500 gil and placed it into the small hands of the little girl. The little shy girl said no and nodded her head very fast.

"I cannot accept this. It's too much money."

"Really I insist."

"Th-thank you" she whispered as she put her hard earned money away and sat down on the curve of the dirty sidewalk. A silent pause was in the air as people walked by minding their own business.

"Do you mind if I joined you for a while?" She nodded no and moved her violin to the other side of her. "Have you been doing this for a long time?"

She nodded yes and responded," Ever since I ran away from my parents."

"Why would you ever want to run away?"

"…some things are better left hidden, especially in Nibelheim."

"Alright then, may I ask how old you are?"

"Eleven…you ask too many question you know that?"

"Because I want to help you silly."

"Why? What do you get out of it?" she arched her eyebrow at Lucrecia.

Lucrecia only smiled lightly at her and gave her a hug. She could see from the look in her grey eyes that she was dying inside very slowly. She could guess why she left her parents behind. "Silly little girl, I thought you would've figured out by now." The young violinist showed no emotion as she pulled back from her hug. "It's because I care. It's unfair how you must survive on your own without any kind of help." Her eyes widened slightly at that comment.

"Since you'll be seeing me now and I'm going to be your regular customer, it's only proper that I tell you my name. I am Lucrecia Crescent. What's your-"

"Lucrecia!" Dr. Crescent turned to hear the sound of Vincent's voice and found him jogging towards her. "We have to go; it's almost time to go back to the lab."

"Alright but I still need to-"she turned around and her smile faded. The young violinist had disappeared without a trace and left without telling her name.