Genesis Rhapsodos

Genesis Rhapsodos is a character in the Final Fantasy VII series, serving as the main antagonist in Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- and making a cameo in Dirge of Cerberus -Final Fantasy VII-. He is a childhood friend of Angeal Hewley, who both joined SOLDIER together in hopes of becoming heroes, eventually attaining the rank of SOLDIER 1st Class and also befriending their inspiration, Sephiroth.
Initially loyal to Shinra, Genesis learned he was genetically degrading due to being infused with Jenova cells and started a rebellion against the company, forming an army entirely composed of copies of himself with the intent of finding a cure. He is obsessed with the epic LOVELESS which drives his actions, constantly quoting passages from it and viewing himself, Angeal, and Sephiroth to be its protagonists. 
==History==
===Early life===
Genesis was born sometime in 1982 as part of a Shinra science project, and his biological parentage is unknown. At birth, he was infused with Gillian Hewley's cells, who in turn had been infused with Jenova's cells, as part of Hollander's "Project G", but was deemed a "failed experiment". He was adopted by a wealthy landlord in Banora and became friends with Angeal Hewley despite him being poor. At some point during his youth, Genesis read LOVELESS and started researching it, eager to decipher its secrets. Inspired by Sephiroth's heroics, Genesis and Angeal joined SOLDIER together, eventually being promoted to SOLDIER 1st Class and also befriending Sephiroth.
While the 2nd Class SOLDIER members were away, Genesis, Angeal, and Sephiroth snuck into the training room to compete with each other. During these sessions, Genesis would read verses from LOVELESS, causing Sephiroth to eventually memorize which act each line was from. One day during an intense VR training session, Genesis insisted on dueling Sephiroth one-on-one, but ended up seriously injured after a piece of Angeal's broken sword sliced his shoulder, triggering his degradation, where his genetic information would begin to "leak", weakening him in both body and mind. His wound was tended to by Hollander who lied and said he needed a transfusion. Sephiroth offered his blood, but Hollander stated it was incompatible and Angeal donated his instead.
Grateful to seemingly have his wound and degradation healed, Genesis allied with Hollander, who secretly wanted revenge on Hojo and Shinra to prove his Project G superior to Hojo's Project S. Under Hollander's orders, Genesis deserted Shinra with a mass force of 1st and 2nd Class SOLDIER members during the final stages of the Wutai War, which allowed Hollander to transplant Genesis's cells into the deserters and ultimately build a rebel army of copies before going into hiding.
===The Genesis War===
In chapter 1, Lazard Deusericus reported that Genesis disappeared on a mission in Wutai a month prior, sending Zack Fair to investigate and finish it. Genesis copies ambushed Angeal, Zack, and Lazard outside the recently sieged Fort Tamblin, forcing Zack to escort Lazard to safety while Angeal stayed behind, who vanished by the time Zack returned to help.
Zack and the Turk leader, Tseng, were dispatched to Banora to question Genesis's parents in chapter 2, only to find the village overtaken by Genesis copies, reprogrammed Shinra mechs, and Genesis's parents' graves. The two encountered Genesis in the local apple juice factory and were greeted with cryptic LOVELESS quotes. He spoke ill of his parents and Shinra before incapacitating Tseng with fire as Zack rushed him. Angeal appeared and defended Zack from an attack. Genesis welcomed his friend, understood his decision, but questioned his loyalties. Genesis and Angeal departed for Angeal's family house while a pursuing Zack and Tseng fought off copies, eventually finding Genesis and Angeal standing over Gillian Hewley's corpse. An ominous Genesis told an angered Zack that Angeal could no longer live in their world, tripped him as he chased after his mentor, and summoned Bahamut. After Bahamut's defeat, Genesis unfurled a single black wing, called him and Angeal "monsters" without "dreams" and "honor", and flew away.
After Shinra bombed Banora, they formally declared Genesis and Angeal "killed in action".
Genesis and his army, under Hollander's orders, launched an attack on the Shinra Building in chapter 3. Genesis stopped Zack and Sephiroth from arresting Hollander after they defended Sector 8 and pursued the scientist through Mako Reactor 5. He quoted a passage from LOVELESS, detailing three friends entering battle and only one emerging as a hero. He asked a rebuffing Sephiroth that if they were to reenact the scene, would he become the hero. Sephiroth was not interested and a petty Genesis denied Sephiroth's glory, believing it should have been his, and that he sought to obtain the "gift of the goddess".
Genesis attacked the Shinra Building again during chapter 4 with the intent of killing Hojo. He descended before Zack and Angeal who were protecting Hojo, quoting a LOVELESS passage about cruel fates, the lack of dreams and honor, and the bow of the goddess. Hojo dismissed LOVELESS as "pure drivel" much to Genesis's disappointment, Angeal wondered how the fated duel between friends would end, and Hojo responded it would be unknown since the final act was still missing. Genesis commented on theories related to Act IV, pondered the meaning of the mysterious "gift of the goddess" and what it meant for Angeal and Sephiroth. He held Hojo at sword-point, but backed away when Zack stepped up, quoting an excerpt from LOVELESS regarding a soul corrupted by vengeance, torment, salvation, and eternal slumber before flying off toward the roof. Angeal flew Zack up top to confront Genesis, but he summoned Bahamut Fury. Zack defeated the summon, Genesis secured Hollander, and the two fled to Modeoheim.
During chapter 5, Genesis held a frightened Hollander at sword-point in a mako-excavating facility, who reminded him that he needed him. Genesis made demands about Jenova cells, but Zack arrived and saved Hollander from being killed before clashing with Genesis. A defeated Genesis quoted a passage from LOVELESS about shattered dreams, the loss of pride, the stripping away of wings, and a nearing end. A disagreeing and questioning Zack spoke of SOLDIER honor, but Genesis responded with a LOVELESS segment detailing a barren future, and that if the world sought his destruction, he would take it with him. He sent himself falling over the ledge to his presumed death.
Genesis's army was still wreaking havoc some years later. Sometime after Zack and the Turks successfully defended Costa del Sol and Junon in chapter 6, Genesis ate a dumbapple from an unknown location and quoted a LOVELESS passage about a friend desiring the bringer of life and gift of the goddess, a legendary sacrifice at the world's end, and a quiet wind over a water's surface.
Genesis appeared before Zack and Sephiroth in the Nibel reactor during chapter 8. He affirmed Sephiroth's birth and origins related to Jenova, requested his aid, and informed him of "Project G" and "Project S". He added that Sephiroth was unable to degrade, asked for his cells, and quoted a LOVELESS passage that portrayed him as the "bringer of life". His quotes continued, detailing a war with beasts, light and dark wings, and the goddess guiding her believers to everlasting bliss. He departed, leaving behind a dumbapple.
Genesis intercepted a fleeing Zack and Cloud Strife on the highway in chapter 9 and echoed his quotes from the Nibel reactor to Zack as two copies restrained him. He told Zack he was a subject in Hojo's new experiment and a modified version of Jenova's powers ran through him, stating his cells would be the gift of the goddess and the cure to his degradation. He responded to Zack's insults by calling him a discardable "monster", repeating the same LOVELESS quote from after the Junon raid, and flew off.
At some point, Genesis nearly killed Hollander, causing him to "borrow" and inject himself with Genesis's cells in order to survive, also inheriting his degradation as a result.
Genesis confronted Zack with Hollander in Gongaga, declaring they needed pure S cells to cure themselves, and that Zack and Cloud were the only two in the world with them. He quoted LOVELESS again, mentioned the legendary sacrifice at the world's end, and asked if Zack read Act IV, but received a criticizing answer. An insulted Genesis retorted that Zack did not understand the beauty in those words, acknowledging he was the same at first. Genesis confidently theorized that Act IV's mystery involved the lifestream and he would prove it to Zack before leaving to Banora.
Zack and Lazard's search for Genesis led them to the ruins of Banora in chapter 10. After collecting the seven Goddess Materia, Zack found Genesis deep underground. He quoted a passage from LOVELESS, mentioning the war of the beasts, the gift of the goddess, and a reunion of three friends. Zack, having a piece of both Angeal (Buster Sword and being Angeal's "living legacy") and Sephiroth (S cells) within him, offered to help. A resigned Genesis responded that all would join the lifestream, Zack was not an exception, and proclaimed the planet to be his guardian. A potent energy surged through Genesis as he siphoned the power of the colossal natural materia he had found. Zack attempted to get through to him, but his words fell on deaf ears, which prompted Zack to charge him, and he transformed into the Genesis Avatar. After the avatar was quelled, a seemingly cured Genesis quoted a LOVELESS passage about a soul corrupted by vengeance, the torment endured on his journey to find salvation, and an eternal slumber. Zack asked if he knew all along and Genesis encouraged they duel. While an ultimately defeated Genesis was unconscious, he envisioned himself in the lifestream, saw the goddess Minerva, and approached her with open arms before she vanished and he fell into the void.
Zack carried a pacified Genesis out of the depths and laid him beside Cloud and a deceased Lazard. He fetched a dumbapple for himself, Cloud, and Genesis, who asked if the apple tasted good and stated the dream came true. Zack and Cloud departed and left Genesis behind. Later, a Shinra helicopter piloted by Deepground SOLDIER members Weiss and Nero arrived to collect Genesis, intending to make him their "brother" and wondering if he would accept his fate willingly. Genesis provided the missing act to LOVELESS, describing a barren future, a vow that nothing would forestall his return, and he would become the dew that would quench the land, spare the sands, seas, and skies, as well as offer a silent sacrifice. Whether this is the true missing final act or Genesis's own addition to it, is up for the player's interpretation.
===Aftermath===
During "Deliverance from Chaos" in Final Fantasy VII Remake, Hojo made a proposal during a meeting with Shinra executives, suggesting G type SOLDIER members as possible candidates for "breeding" with Aerith Gainsborough as a solution to "mitigate the risks" and ensure further studies on the Ancients to reach the promised land, indicating that "Project Gillian" still had some legacy within the company.
Sometime before the events of Dirge of Cerberus -Final Fantasy VII-, Genesis declined Weiss and Nero's attempts at persuading him to join their rebellion against the Restrictors, the leaders of Deepground at the time. He sealed himself in a flooded cavern far beneath Midgar, awaiting the day he would be needed to protect the world in Sephiroth and Angeal's stead. Vincent Valentine eventually learned via Scarlet's private files that the Tsviets were spliced with Genesis's cells and subjected to dark experiments to see how they would react.
Following Omega's destruction, Weiss's body laid in the flooded cavern and sent out a shockwave that awakened Genesis. He approached his "brother", told him "it is not yet time for slumber" and they had much work to do before picking him up, spreading his wings, and flying off into the night.
The Crisis Core Complete Guide explains that Genesis has reappeared to protect the planet, and his final lines in Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- (i.e. his finale of LOVELESS) explain his return, but in more of a riddle. Because Dirge of Cerberus -Final Fantasy VII- is the last chronological entry in the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII, save for the final scenes of Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Complete, Genesis's current status is unknown.
==Characteristics==
===Appearance===
Genesis is a roughly 25-year-old man with a lean and athletic build. He has lightly tan skin, medium-length reddish-brown hair, and blue mako eyes. He wears a long red coat with metal shoulder-pads over a modified SOLDIER uniform resembling Sephiroth's, tall black boots with buckles up top, and red gloves. He wears a dangling silver earring similar to a dagger on his right ear and a silver stud earring on his left ear. He has a black wing on his right side. As Genesis's degradation accelerates, his skin, eyes, hair, and clothes fade in color.
Genesis's physical appearance is based on real-world Japanese singer-songwriter and actor Gackt.
===Personality===
Genesis is a prideful, arrogant, and flamboyant man devoted to achieving his goals. He takes pride in the figure he cuts, his fighting skills, and the popularity they garner him. He is otherwise reserved and keeps his true feelings to himself, only opening up to his companions Angeal and Sephiroth. He feels betrayed by both his biological and adoptive parents, seeking out and learning the truth about his birth, which leads him to resent Shinra and eventually start a rebellion. Though bitter about his origins, he has fond memories of his childhood and hometown in Banora, often seen with dumbapples in hand and establishing a secret underground base where he used to play.
Genesis is obsessed with LOVELESS, which seems to only amplify as his degradation advances. He read it as a child and began conducting research on it, eager to decipher its meaning and taking its words literally, and makes it a large part of his personality. He comes to view himself, Angeal, and Sephiroth as the three protagonists of LOVELESS and constantly quotes its passages in a dramatic, cryptic, and ominous way. He believes that by fulfilling its words, he will receive the "gift of the goddess" and be cured of his degradation. Even after his degradation was cured, Genesis continues quoting LOVELESS, implying his eventual return and the bigger role he is meant to play.
Genesis considers Angeal and Sephiroth his closest friends, only opening up to them about his feelings. He grew up with Angeal despite their different upbringings and they eventually joined SOLDIER together, inspired by Sephiroth's heroism and ultimately being promoted to SOLDIER 1st Class. They befriended Sephiroth and the three would often train together. Despite their friendship, Genesis has a rivalry with Sephiroth, challenging him to an intense duel, envying his fame, believing it rightfully belongs to him, and striving to become better. During the rebellion, Genesis still values his friendship with Angeal and Sephiroth, thinking the three of them to be the protagonists of LOVELESS and unsuccessfully asking for their help. He felt entitled to become a hero like his friends, but upon being defeated by Zack and cured by the goddess materia, he expressed gratitude and respect toward him. Genesis stated his dream came true to serve Sephiroth a dumbapple, since a piece of him was within Zack in the form of S cells. With a renewed perspective, Genesis wants to reclaim his SOLDIER honor, protect the world, and seals himself away until the time when he was needed.
===Abilities===
Genesis is a SOLDIER 1st Class with superhuman prowess, but his strength pales in comparison to Sephiroth. He wields a rapier and is an impressive spellcaster, able to send out homing fireballs, create electric needles, and conjure magical swords that can be launched at foes. He is capable of leeching health from others to heal, render himself invulnerable, enchant his rapier with magic, and channel blazing energy into his hands to detonate whatever he touches. He is skilled with summon materia, unleashing Ifrit, Bahamut, and Bahamut Fury on his adversaries. Genesis can also walk on water.
As a subject of "Project G", Genesis degrades, but can use his cells as a conduit to transfer his abilities to people, turn them into copies, and also command them. He is unable to transfer his abilities to monsters, unlike Angeal. When he becomes Genesis Avatar, he calls forth enhanced copies and summons from the lifestream to cast spells.
As a result of being born from "Project G", Genesis can manifest a single black wing and use it to fly. He can scatter its feathers to deal damage to those they touch.
Genesis was interested in the cultivation and agriculture of dumbapples as a child, once winning a prize in the "National Agriculture Awards, Processed Foods Category". He also has a great memory, able to recite the entirety of LOVELESS without references.
==Gameplay==
===Boss===
Genesis is fought three times. A degrading Genesis is fought at the Mako Excavation Facility with his wing present. He is fought as Genesis Avatar in the Banora Underground after being transformed by the lifestream from the Goddess Materia. Immediately after this the player fights Genesis in human form, restored to full strength.
A simulation of Genesis based on his abilities in the battle in the Mako Excavation Facility can be fought in Mission 5-1-5.
Genesis Rhapsodos from Crisis Core Reunion cinematic render.png|In-game cinematic model in Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion.
Genesis from Crisis Core Reunion Modeoheim Boss Render.png|In-game battle model in Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion.
Genesis from Crisis Core Reunion boss render.png|In-game battle model in Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion.
Genesis Crisis Core Model.png|In-game model in Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-.
Genesis-ccvii-winged.png|Winged model in Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-.
Genesis-ccvii-degrading.png|Degrading model in Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-.
Genesis-ccvii-degraded.png|Degraded model in Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-.
Crisis Core Rapier.png|Genesis's rapier.
===Digital Mind Wave===
Genesis is added to Zack's Digital Mind Wave allowing him to unleash Genesis's Limit Break, Apocalypse. Genesis Mode is a special mode where Genesis's portrait is added to the reel. This is the final check the game makes; if the game fails to enter both Summon Mode and Chocobo Mode, there is a chance Genesis Mode will activate. The base chance is 12.5%, but it can be boosted further with DMW Materia.
Genesis Mode still does not mean Apocalypse will activate. After Genesis Mode has been activated once, Genesis's portrait stays in the reel until it is reset, such as during a storyline event or by drinking the Potion from the Shinra employee in the Shinra Building lobby.
Name	Obtained 	Level/Power	Level/Power	Level/Power	Level/Power	Level/Power	Image
Name	Action 	1 	2 	3 	4 	5 	Image
 	Defeat Genesis in Chapter 6 	66 	76 	86 	96 	120 	
 	Magical attack on all enemies.	66 	76 	86 	96 	120 	
==Other appearances==
=== Pictlogica Final Fantasy ===
PFF Genesis Illust.png|Portrait.
PFF Genesis.png|Sprite.
=== Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade ===
;Ability Cards
FFAB Dancing Sword - Genesis SSR.png|Dancing Sword (SSR).
FFAB Grade 4 Rapier - Genesis SSR.png|Grade 4 Rapier (SSR).
FFAB Homing - Genesis SSR.png|Homing (SSR).
FFAB Dancing Sword - Genesis SSR+.png|Dancing Sword (SSR+).
FFAB Grade 4 Rapier - Genesis SSR+.png|Grade 4 Rapier (SSR+).
FFAB Homing - Genesis SSR+.png|Homing (SSR+).
FFAB Dancing Sword - Genesis UR.png|Dancing Sword (UR).
;Legend Cards
FFAB Dancing Sword - Genesis Legend SSR.png|Dancing Sword (SSR).
FFAB Grade 4 Rapier - Genesis Legend SSR.png|Grade 4 Rapier (SSR).
FFAB Homing - Genesis Legend SSR.png|Homing (SSR).
FFAB Dancing Sword - Genesis Legend SSR+.png|Dancing Sword (SSR+).
FFAB Grade 4 Rapier - Genesis Legend SSR+.png|Grade 4 Rapier (SSR+).
FFAB Homing - Genesis Legend SSR+.png|Homing (SSR+).
FFAB Dancing Sword - Genesis Legend UR.png|Dancing Sword (UR).
===Final Fantasy Record Keeper===
FFRK Genesis.png|Character sprite.
FFRK Genesis VIICC.png|Boss sprite.
===Final Fantasy Brave Exvius===
=== Final Fantasy Trading Card Game ===
Genesis appears in Final Fantasy Trading Card Game as Ice-elemental Forward cards.
Genesis TCG.png|Genesis [3-024S] Chapter series card.
Genesis 3-033L from FFTCG Opus.jpg|Genesis [3-033L] Opus series card.
==Behind the scenes==
Gackt's original involvement with Square Enix was singing the theme song for Dirge of Cerberus -Final Fantasy VII-, and appearing in a minor role in that game, playing Genesis. Hideki Imaizumi, the producer of Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII, thought such a passing role was a waste, and asked for more involvement. Imaizumi and Gackt came up with Genesis's design, describing everything from his attitude to his clothes. "I went to eat with him one time and described the Final Fantasy VII universe in rich detail. And it turned into this process of collaboration, creating the character together. Then we went to the studio and recorded the Japanese voice with all that in mind. So he really was a creative partner in all of this. And we really wanted the connection between Dirge of Cerberus and Crisis Core."
According to the Crisis Core Complete Guide, Genesis's fan club, the Red Leather, is sponsored by his foster parents in Banora. Despite initially seeing their task of raising Genesis as a mere job from Shinra, their affections for him grew over time.
The Crisis Core Ultimania Scenario Q&A details that Genesis used the remains of the abandoned Banora mine as a "secret base" or child's playground when he was young. The Crisis Core Complete Guide explains that the desk installed there, the one the player views when first entering the Banora underground, was Genesis's desk from his childhood. Items found here include a trophy cabinet, containing the prize for winning the "National Agriculture Awards, Processed Foods Category," scattered photos from Genesis's youth, and a book that appears to be his journal.
Genesis-Artwork.jpg|Concept art of Genesis's original design in Dirge of Cerberus -Final Fantasy VII-.
Genesis's_Coat_Display.jpg|Replica of Genesis's coat on display.
===Voice===
In the English releases of Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-, Genesis is voiced by Oliver Quinn in the original and Shaun Conde in the remaster, as well as Robin Atkin Downes in Dirge of Cerberus -Final Fantasy VII-. He is voiced by Gackt in the Japanese releases.
== Etymology and symbolism ==
Genesis originally being known only as "G", likely refers to Gackt who played him.
The Fruit of Knowledge that caused Adam and Eve to fall from Eden is often depicted as an apple, and Genesis often carries one with him. It is used as a symbol of temptation, as he offers it to people he wishes would join him. Genesis was the first to learn about the "sin" of the Jenova Project, but unlike Sephiroth, achieves salvation, as well as spiritual and physical healing, from the gift of the goddess.
 Thus, Genesis's name may be interpreted as meaning "the original performer of the epic poem", which could refer to his desire to reenact LOVELESS, or his rebellion against Shinra that Sephiroth would repeat years later.
==Notes==
===Citations===
==References==
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de:Genesis Rhapsodos
es:Genesis Rhapsodos
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ru:Генезис Рапсодос
Category:Characters in Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-
Category:Characters in Dirge of Cerberus -Final Fantasy VII-
Category:Antagonists