A/N: This is a modern story and an AU. There might be canon pairings. In this fan fiction, Square Enix doesn't exist. Well, the company is here but Kingdom Hearts and the Final Fantasy series don't exist. I DO NOT OWN FINAL FANTASY VII NOR ANY OTHER ADVERTISEMENTS WITH COPYRIGHTS! With that said, the canon characters will not be recognized as video game characters. If it's illegal to write such a thing, please notify me. Thank you!


Modern Final Fantasy VII:

"Dearly Beloved"

~~~PROLOGUE~~~

Beginnings X Fate X Mysteries


S.T.A.R. Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada

October 13th, Year 2000

4:15AM

Lana has always been a sadomasochist…and she still couldn't have been more perfect for the word until now. For unknown reasons, she barely gets enough sleep lately. Scratch that. She barely got sleep, to begin with!

Through all that, she could care less.

Lana found nothing wrong. She actually felt comfortable and relaxed just as how she always does. She wasn't having any nightmares either. Yet no matter how tired she feels, three hours seemed to have become the standard amount of sleep she gets.

Her best friend, Cyndi, became worried and banned Lana from drinking and eating anything with sugar and caffeine, six hours before going to sleep. Still, Lana didn't mind either way. She complied with her friend's request—or command, rather—just to escape the very long lecture that's bound to come, if she did otherwise.

At first, Lana just does whatever she wants. Though mostly, it involves finding amusement by annoying or disobeying her best friend. In Lana's opinion, Cyndi looks so goofy whenever the latter is freaking out or scolding people, especially when it comes to her friends.

However, as time passed, Lana just became bored and annoyed with hearing the same things over and over again from the very same person.

As frantic as Cyndi was about her 'condition', Lana just took it as an opportunity to do more work. Thinking about it, her body can tolerate more stress and it seems satisfied with three hours of rest. Seeing that everything's fine, she ignored it.

"I'll worry about it when I get sick or collapse because of it." Lana thought.

The young woman finalized the sketches of fashion designs on her desk. These were supposed to be the next releases for the season. She's actually two weeks early, so she has free time for her hobbies and other businesses.

She stood up and stretched. "*yawn* Might as well take a nice long bath to energize and start the day." Lana said. She then turned and reached for the phone on her nightstand "Hello, Room Service? I would like to request a breakfast meal at Room 109 in 6:15AM. … Thank you very much! Yes, it's Room 109." She then put the phone down and went towards the bathroom.

Los Angeles, California

(Meanwhile…)

A boy sighed as he sat on the branch of a huge acacia tree. It's always been the where he waits for the sun to rise and set. This was first a hobby of his, and even if he wants to oversleep, it became too much of a habit to do so.

A few minutes later, the boy heard footsteps. He neither opened his eyes nor looked down, already knowing who joined him.

"Do you even know what time it is, Genesis?" asked his new companion.

Genesis opened his eyes, and looked down to see his stern and eldest friend, Angeal Hewley. "You can join me if you want to, Angeal." He replied.

Angeal just smirked, and started climbing towards another branch. He chose his usual spot that was on the opposite side of the tree, but lower than Genesis' branch. He merely leaned sideways on the trunk with his arms crossed, his smirk still on his face and a leg behind another.

"I'm a bit surprised." He said "I expected you to have a book and catch you reading when I get here."

"There aren't any interesting books to read nowadays." Genesis replied "Besides, I feel a bit drowsy today."

Angeal's smirk widened. "Why?"

"I didn't get enough sleep."

"Really? Could it be that the great Genesis Rhapsodos is troubled with something?"

"Careful, Angeal. Our friend there could've been plotting something instead." A new yet familiar voice stated.

Both Genesis and Angeal turned their gaze away from the horizon, and looked down. They both saw their other best friend and fellow outcast, Sephiroth Crescent.

"Sephiroth," Angeal greeted. Genesis, on the other hand, gave a casual nod on his way. But then, he finally noticed Sephiroth's previous remark. His eyes narrowed as he asked "What do you mean by 'plotting something'?"

Sephiroth met his eyes and replied "I meant that as euphemism for 'making trouble'."

Genesis frowned and glared at him. "Hn."

Angeal snickered as Sephiroth gave an amused chuckle.

Genesis rolled his eyes and gazed at the horizon, noting that the sky is starting to brighten. It need not be spoken, but this comfort that they receive in solitude was something they shared significantly and deeply.

All three of them are outcasts in the orphanage. They can do things that average four-year-olds can't. Adults have observed that the trio also think and act more like teenagers than little toddlers. They even excel in their advanced classes.

Aside from their behavior and prowess, people around them tend to be biased because of their appearances.

Angeal had shoulder-length jet black hair that seemed to be pulled back. A strand of hair can be found on either side of his face. His eyes are dark blue, and seem to hold a stern expression. Angeal's personality is stern and strict, always valuing honor and dignity in one's actions. He's like the peacekeeper among the three of them, striving to keep their group out of trouble and harm.

He, however, is more interested in active things like sports…especially martial arts.

Sephiroth is the real outcast in terms of appearance. He has silver hair that grows faster compared to its average growth. It now reaches his lower back, and he tied it in a low ponytail that draped loosely over his right shoulder. His eyes are bright green with cat-like slits as pupils. He's the kind of kid that seemed to be composed by nature yet can be intriguingly mischievous and cunning in many ways.

Sephiroth's loyalty towards his two best friends is one of his strong points, even though he has a sarcastic nature. He is a force not to be underestimated, no matter how stable he may look with his emotions.

Genesis, on the other hand, is the rebel of the group. Most of the time, he is relatively calm in handling business and personal matters. However, he was truly known for his arrogance and brutal honesty. His chin-length auburn hair—which is almost red—is both well-groomed and neat, though it partially covers his right eye. He's usually seen with an emotionless mask or scowl, but his bright blue-green eyes naturally hold arrogance and confidence.

In contrast to his aggressive personality, Genesis' tastes and preference are undeniably elegant.

Genesis excels in swordsmanship and does well in archery, like his two best friends. He always brings a book to read, thus gaining a nerdy reputation. However, he is fully capable of defending himself when words of reasoning are disregarded by the bullies. Generally, he prefers to read poetry and literature. History also somewhat interests him. At some point, the other two refer to him as a 'Man of Classics and Tradition'.

Looking back, they realized that each of their smiles could only show with either of their company.

"But seriously, Genesis," Angeal began "you should stop causing trouble. Plotting a little escapade would only make matters worse."

"I don't know what you're talking about." Genesis denied, keeping his gaze on the sky.

"Don't deny it, Genesis." Sephiroth said "Angeal and I have seen you wandering around the hallways late at night. You've been trying to find escape routes, weren't you?"

Genesis remained silent. He didn't expect his friends to find out so soon. It would seem that he wasn't discreet enough with his actions…then again, his two friends aren't idiots.

"Why are you even doing this?" Angeal asked anxiously. Genesis turned and looked at the orphanage building before closing his eyes. "I want a new beginning for us." He murmured to himself. He knew that Angeal and Sephiroth heard him, feeling their confusion from his words.

Genesis then continued, "I'm sick of the foolish brats and hypocritical adults around here. Every day and night, we have to withstand their insignificant orders and insults. They all walk around calling us 'freaks', while they're nothing more than money-worshippers."

"Then why didn't you just accept the adoption offer three weeks ago?" Sephiroth asked.

"Didn't you both do the same thing?" Genesis retorted.

"Only because you refused first…" Angeal reasoned "…and the fact that those people were jerks."

"Exactly, they're probably just going to use us as some kind of money-making goons or their lackeys anyway!" Genesis immediately exclaimed.

Observing things fully, Genesis has a point. Each of them was left behind by their parents. The caretakers said that Angeal was involved in a car accident and lost his memories partially, but he was the only survivor; Sephiroth was left at the orphanage's doorstep; and lastly, Genesis' mother died at childbirth as he was left at the hospital by his father.

They shared the same pain of abandonment, and that's what brought them together. Unfortunately, it was also the same reason why the other kids started calling them 'freaks'. The caretakers and teachers were no different. A smile is always plastered on their faces, but the trio knew they were faking.

Angeal sighed as he sat on his own branch. He left his arms crossed while his legs are in an Indian sitting posture. Sephiroth touched the trunk with his right hand, while he had a small smile on his face with his eyes closed. Genesis' right leg dangled on the tree branch, while the other was pulled up to his chest. His left arm was placed on his left knee. He spoke, "I want a new start outside of this prison. It's your decision whether you want to come with me."

Together with his two best friends, Genesis gazed at the sky which was turning into a somewhat orange color. Angeal chuckled as Sephiroth tapped the tree softly. That was all it took for Genesis to bring out a soft smile.

Now, they were given a new reason to stay together and believe in their dreams.

(Back at the Hotel)

Lana let her eyes linger on her reflection in the bathroom mirror, in front of her sink.

Her usual wavy chocolate brown hair is wet, and was starting to stick to her face. I t has a layered style and stops at her mid-back. Her dark emerald orbs are staring right back at her from the mirror. They are slightly narrow and framed with long eyelashes. She has a fair complexion, and well-defined jawline and cheekbones.

For Lana, her appearance is just above average, if not mediocre. However, for Cyndi and other people, she is 'Astraea the Nymph'. Her best friend always teases her about having at least three goddesses as godmothers. Aphrodite gave her beauty, Athena gave her intelligence, and Artemis gave her guts.

Then again, Cyndi has always been exaggerating about matters that have something to do with Lana.

The brunette sighed as she exited her luxurious bathroom. Room service seemed to have prepared her meal while she was bathing. It was served on the round table with a cushioned chair by the large windows.

Lana grabbed the remote on the coffee table, and pressed a few buttons. The navy blue curtains started to move to the right until the window fully shows the view and landscape outside. She then walked towards the round table, and sat on the cushioned chair.

The windows reached both the ceiling and the floor, looking like a whole wall. It was framed with railings that are covered with artificial vines and red roses. Her floor was made with dark mahogany wood, and was covered with a maroon carpet that was designed with cherry blossoms and turquoise butterflies. The walls were painted with a beige color. There was also a large lava lamp at the center of the room with stairs that led to the rooftop. There were four bedrooms: two on the left, and another two—including hers—on the right.

For Lana, the place is a bit lonely.

Since she was seven-years-old, she had felt alone. Her mother died of tuberculosis, while she and her father have gone back to their homes in Tennessee. Everything was going well with the fresh start that they're having…until that incident…

Lana froze for a moment, with the memories of that night in mind. Right now—as she sat on the cushioned chair near the window—Lana realized that the 'fresh start' she was supposed to have, still hasn't come.

She stood with her cappuccino in hand. She walked towards the window, and fiddled with the roses hanging from the railings. (The windows were divided into four segments. The cushioned chair and round table were aligned with the second one.)

"Maybe I should get to work." She thought. Lana then heard her phone ring from her bathrobe's pocket. She picked it up, and flipped it open.

"Hello?" she asked. At first, there was silence in the other line; but then, she heard an annoyance named Cynthiah Marie Smith. "HI~! How are ya, best friend?" Cyndi exclaimed.

Lana moved the phone away from her dearly troubled ear. "Maybe I should just hang up…? She'd probably explode the moment I see her next time. I mean this is Cyndi that we're talking about!" She thought.

So, instead, she put the phone in loud speaker and sat back down. "You were planning to hang up on me, weren't you?" Cyndi accused, hearing nothing but silence from her friend.

"What did you want?" Lana asked, stifling a chuckle.

"I just finished my recording yesterday. I wanted to hang out with you today."

Cyndi is an idol. She sings, acts, and models for many designers. Lana is actually one of them, not to mention the fact that Cyndi loves her designs the most. They both usually share the same tastes in fashion, after all. Moreover, Lana's inspiration always comes naturally from people's everyday lives, yet she somehow finds a way to make every single strand, cloth and color look unique and original.

"I have some work to do." Lana reasoned, resuming her meal. "Liar, I know you finished the designs already." Cyndi interrupted.

Lana had to admit, and while she's at it, be amazed. Her idiotic best friend is becoming sharper these days. The brunette could've sworn that the idiot was actually stalking her.

"Yeah, I've finished it." Lana admitted.

"See? So that means—"

"However, I have other matters to attend to."

"Eh? What would that be?"

Lana contemplated on telling her about it. If there's one thing that she couldn't tell Cyndi about, it was her weakness. Although the idiot already knew, Lana still finds it difficult to voice it out. Nevertheless, she spoke, "If you want to hang out with me so much, you can come."

"Are you serious?" Cyndi asked softly.

"Yes."

There was shocked silence from the hyperactive idol. Lana couldn't blame her. All this time, she never let her friend intervene with her work. Finally, Cyndi responded just as Lana finished her meal.

"Can you meet me here?" she asked.

"Sure, but you'll have to be ready when I get there. It's going to be a long ride, so we need to leave as soon as possible." Lana replied.

"Where are we headed?"

"Los Angeles."

"See you then!"

Lana didn't respond nor became surprised that Cyndi didn't question her any further. In Cyndi's perspective, whatever should happen will happen. If there are mysteries, there will be discoveries. Everyone knows that life is a mystery itself. Maybe that's why Cyndi is so hyperactive…she never gets bored by solving mysteries and finding discoveries.

The young woman stood up and looked at the clock, to find that it's already six o' clock. 'If I want to leave early, now is a good of a time as any.' She thought.

Taking one last look at the sunrise, she made her way towards her bedroom to get dressed. Little did she know, she'll find the biggest discovery of her life in her trip's destination:

ARTEMIDOROS ORPHANAGE…


Please R&R! Thank you!