Disclaimer: Genesis Rhapsodos, LOVELESS and all other things relating to Final Fantasy VII belong to and are property of Square Enix AND NOT TO ME XD;

A gentle breeze rustled the leaves on the trees, sending a hushed whisper that travelled through the air. Distant rays of sunshine began shining their light over the quaint village, casting long shadows over everything. The whispering breeze merged with the trill sounds of the morning birds and created a lifting melody, which signalled a new day. Sunrise in Banora was always like this, with the warm rays of sunshine combining their colours with those of the night to create a spectacular view. The dawn of that day signalled the beginnings of a new stage in life. At least, for some.

The sunlight crept in through the closed window of a bedroom in the largest structure in the village. The town's minute size made the antique mansion stand out all the more, being among envy by many who took up residence in Banora. The large estate belonged to the most wealthy family in the whole of the town; the Rhapsodos family. The most famous landmark of the village was an enormous twisted, white tree, growing on their estate, which stretched for acres in every direction. Not that Banora White trees were rare; they grew all around the village and thus produced a large crop of fruit. Dumbapples, as they were affectionately named, were the town's most prized possession and produce, providing much of the needed income to support the townspeople.

Despite being a legendary land mark, the Rhapsodos family tree was not one that was respected. Thieves could be expected at any time of year, depending on the bloom of the Banora White apples. Of course, there was no need for concern currently, as the dumbapple season was not nearing any time soon, or it was believed. The last of the apples had just been picked fresh from the trees, leaving them to continue on in their life cycle and produce a new round of dumbapples at their desired time. Of course, Banora Whites were always unpredictable in their blooming patterns.

As the sun rose higher into the sky, movement stirred inside one of the many bedrooms of the large mansion. The sheets were flung off the bed in a sudden rush, with the youth of the household out of bed before one could blink. Sounds of feet dashing down the large staircase signalled that this was no ordinary day. Within minutes, the pleasurable smell of toast wafted throughout the house. A young Genesis hovered around the toaster, getting impatient. The one morning he needed to be out of the house early, the household appliances decided to run slowly. With a dejected sigh, the young member of the Rhapsodos family waited by the bread toasting machine, feeling like he was aging a year for every second that past. If that were true, he would have been 60 years old when the toast popped out of the warm vents of the machine.

Forgetting his impatience, Genesis quickly pulled up a chair at the kitchen table. Before taking a seat, he removed the tub of butter from the fridge and a knife from the draw. He would have to keep quiet about having buttered toast again, knowing that his parents would have a fit. To Genesis, his parents were nuts about making sure he ate healthy. However, just as he was about to sit down, a thought struck him. His parents didn't get up for at least another half hour, so that meant he could take a short trip to the study and back. Sneaking down the hallway, the sixteen year old youth stealthily made his way into the study. Bookshelves lined the walls, but there was only one piece of literature that he was looking for. Genesis quickly made his way up to the far left corner, reaching right hand up onto the fourth level. His fingers closed around the smooth, hard cover of a book titled 'LOVELESS', a novel that he'd found recently while looking for a history textbook. The epic poem that he had found himself intrigued him after the first time he'd picked it up. Tucking the small book under his arm, he quickly dashed back into the kitchen, in order to finish his toast. Maybe, just maybe, he could sneak it into his backpack before his parents awoke.

Finally taking his place at the table, Genesis proceeded to munch quietly on his toast with the 2nd act of LOVELESS opened in front of him.

Loveless - Act II

There is no hate, only joy

For you are beloved by the goddess

Hero of the dawn, Healer of worlds

Dreams of the morrow hath the shattered soul

Pride is lost

Wings stripped away, the end is nigh

The eyes of Genesis Rhapsodos narrowed as he scanned the page, contemplating what the poem was actually intending. He'd been stuck on this part of the book for about a week or so, determined to uncover the actual meaning. He'd gone through enough text analysis in his final years of schooling to learn to actually enjoy looking at some things in greater depth.

Shoving the final peace of toast into his mouth, Genesis quickly took hold of the book and nimbly dashed up the stairs towards his room. He definitely wanted to take LOVELESS with him. Once a mystery had Genesis involved, he wasn't off the case until he had a straight answer. He eyed his wheelie suitcase, which was gently propped up against the wall. It was packed with personal belongings, documents, spare clothes and just about anything one could need when signing up for SOLDIER. Thank goodness it was a small suitcase, or he'd look like he'd even brought the kitchen sink with him. That certainly wouldn't leave a good impression with ShinRa, and definitely not…him.

More than anything, Genesis was longing to meet the one person he looked up to. Even at the age of seventeen, Sephiroth was an elite 1st Class SOLDIER, fully qualified and an expert in his job. It did make Genesis wonder if Sephiroth had grown up like a normal teenager…with friends, family and a school life. Genesis shrugged at the thought. Surely Sephiroth must have, to be such a wondrous member of SOLDIER. Satisfied at his reasoning, the Rhapsodos teenager grabbed his clothes for the day and headed off to the shower.

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The moment Genesis stepped out of the bathroom, an enraged parent was there to meet him.

"Genesis Rhapsodos." His mother waved the tub of butter in his face. Oh crap…here comes another lecture…

"Exactly how many times have we told you not to use the butter?"

"Yeah yeah, too many…" Genesis mumbled. Why couldn't today be an exception?

"You know how we're very health conscious, young man."

Young man!? I'm sixteen, for pity's sake…

"Yeah, health conscious of me." Genesis rolled his eyes in frustration.

"You have special requirements. Haven't we told you take ever since you were little? You can't eat poorly. The doctors were very hushed about it. Not even myself or your father know the real reason."

"Far out, mum. You're my mother, for crying out loud! Didn't they tell you everything about your own son?"

Mrs. Rhapsodos tensed up a little bit. "They told us it was best that you maintain the best possible health that you can, seeing as you have had aspirations to become SOLDIER since you were small. There were difficulties when you were born, so in order for you to achieve your dream, you need to be healthy! We're only disciplining you for your own good, Genesis."

"But, how come-"

"Hurry up! If you don't get a move on, you're going to miss the train. Angeal will be waiting for you. Even with a poor family he's far more organised than you are."

"Gee, thanks mum…" Genesis trailed off, turning around to enter the bathroom to re-dry his hair.

"Oh, and there's an apple for you on the table. Don't forget to take it with you. It's a long way to Midgar, you know." Genesis' mother called down from the kitchen.

"Oh, so one apple's going to satisfy the journey, huh?" The young teenager added with sarcasm, laughing to himself.

"If you'd let me finish…there's also lunch for you. You know you need to have at least one Banora White a day. It's for your health regulations, in case you forgot since yesterday."

Far out, my mother still packs my lunch…how embarrassing. They'd better give out dumbapples in the cafeteria, or she's gonna have a fit…

Genesis continued to ruffle the towel over his head, closing his eyes tight to avoid the water droplets flying an all directions. By the time he lifted the towel from his head, Genesis' hair was a complete and utter mess. He grumbled, reaching for the comb and running it quickly through his chestnut coloured hair.

"There, that'll do…I'll try and bypass mum again and hopefully it'll be tidy enough. I swear, she babies me too much…"

With that thought, Genesis reached for his toothbrush and proceeded to brush his teeth. He took a glance at the time on the hallway clock and proceeded to brush a lot quicker. He was meant to meet Angeal at his house at 9:00 AM. It was getting onto that time pretty quickly already, leaving Genesis with little time to check his packing and steal an extra dumbapple or two. I'd better hurry…Angeal will be waiting at this rate…

To be continued in CHAPTER TWO 8D

A/N: Okay, finally got a good idea for a fic! This will somehow incorporate my other previously posted 'teaser' fan fiction (located on deviantART - same penname xD Lioneh)…somehow. XD; Anyway, hoped you enjoyed the first chapter of -- Genesis: The Beginning -- ! (: I know this chappie's a little short, but I hope to make the other ones longer as I was eager to get this up :)