For the LULZ (Author's Speakage): Now this chapter right here…this is a filler type chapter. It's just random crap with Genesis. There may be some story development, but it's mainly for humor purposes. And VIAMB, since you said you like 'Genesis Humor', this one's mainly for you then.

Chapter XXI – (Reality of Genesis)
Nothing may come from Nothing

Sephiroth was hunched over a coffee table in an outwardly uncomfortable position, furiously scribbling and shifting through papers every couple of seconds. What ever he was writing must have been extremely important because he didn't even acknowledge my presence when I entered.

I'd been looking for someone else in particular, but happened to run into the General himself while searching. This was fine. He would know the whereabouts of the individual, wouldn't he?

I strolled into the room, trying to make as much noise as possible while still being courteous in some respects. I wouldn't address him first; he would speak to me if I disturbed him enough. Something caught my eye as I crossed the threshold, halting my brilliant plans momentarily.

A few inches from the doorway I entered, located on one of the larger tables was a massive stack of papers. They leaned dangerously, threatening to fall with even the slightest stimulation and upon my entry. Two or three sheets fluttered to the ground from atop its impressive peak.

I crept carefully, not wanting to be the one that brought down the giant. Once safely past, I planted myself in front of the coffee table Sephiroth was perched at with a scowl as he worked. There was one pile next to him, considerably smaller than the mammoth just a few feet away.

Someone had been busy this morning. I supposed I should cut him a break if that's the case.

I cleared my throat to get his attention. "Do you know where Angeal is?"

"Personal leave." So curt. He hadn't even looked at me once since I entered the room, most likely in a fowl mood. I could relate. I wouldn't be in the best frame of mind either after taxing endeavors for long hours.

Currently, the two of us were located in a conjoined lounge with the barracks, a place that was continuously as quiet as an abandoned library. No one came in here unless they wanted to read, work, or relax without interruption, or human contact in his case. A certain man decided to bring his work to Junon, along with the stacks I'd purposefully, decisively left back in Midgar that were addressed to me. He probably believed he was doing me a favor by shoveling that nuisance here, wherever it was.

Of course I wasn't going to do myportion and for compelling reasons: I'm on vacation.

"I knew that," I complained. "But do you know where he is and what he's doing?"

Angeal had disappeared on me. It was almost eleven in the morning and he was nowhere to be found. Neither was his student present by the fact of me having banged on both their doors and getting no response. That meant they were off base somewhere, but I wanted specifics.

They better not have ditched me.

"No, why?" He responded calmly as always, appearing utterly sincere. I'm not the only one kept in the dark, now am I? He might have been left out of the loop same as me.

Then again, Sephiroth could be an excellent liar.

I waved away his question as I switched on a radio located near a bookshelf, not bothering to ask if the other soldier had any objections to the action. "No reason." This was beginning to annoy me.

"Do you need to get in touch with Angeal?" I did, but he never picked up his damn phone. So why not approach him in person to solve the communication problem?

"Not at all. I was just asking," I semi-lied.

"Well if you were 'just asking' then how about you settle down and do some of your leftover paperwork."

"Why?"

"Why, you ask? That's why." He glanced up at me for the first time since I had entered the room, pointing with his pen at the table with the enormous heap of papers; I would go so far as to call it: the colossus.

I traced where he was directing in casual observation. "What about it?"

"That's yours."

"You're kidding!" The travesty! That's a lie. I refuse to believe it.

"I'm not. I figured you didn't want to deal with the workload when you returned to Midgar, so I brought it along just in case." Didn't want to deal with it when I returned to Midgar? I don't want to deal with that now!

"I don't recall the pile being so large. You did something to it," I accused, venom seeping from my claim.

"True," the fiend admitted, returning his attention downward to the few remaining pages he had left. "There were a lot of confirmation signatures for missions required so I passed them off to you once I completed those forms. Think of it this way," he added, lightening his tone somewhat. "All you have to do is sign your name on those types."

"Couldn't you do that for me?"

"That's forgery," Sephiroth notified straightforwardly, "And illegal."

"It's not illegal if I give my consent."

"I am not participating in your schemes. Do what you want, so long as your part is completed eventually. If you're going to start now, you can have my seat. I'm finished." As he straightened out the table, having restacked all the loose pages neatly. He pushed his small stack to the side, giving me room to go about my business. "If you do begin now, I'll consider helping you a bit later." Was he baiting me? It wasn't a bad proposition. Considering how much I had to complete, his offer was looking extremely enticing.

I nodded reluctantly as a reply, sighing in defeat.

I only wanted to know where Angeal was and look what happened…

Sephiroth stood, and the motion alone was enough to set off an avalanche from the colossus a short distance away. The top half staggered onto the floor, the bottom staggering but having enough stability to regain its balance.

There was a bit of uncomfortable silence following that occurrence.

I turned to the green-eyed commandant after having observed the devastation he caused.

"I'm not picking that up," I declared indignantly.

I'd been slaving away for an eternity.

Why must I be subjected to such menial tasks? I was supposed to be a soldier, not a reporter or writer. The executives didn't have to know every detail of missions—and why do I have to read mission testimonies from lower SOLDIER members anyways? Shouldn't that be reserved for the person that was paid for this action?

This is ridiculous. I'll never finish this so forget it. I will save this hassle until later, or the worst-case scenario when I need a cure of monotony over the next few days—which I pray will conveniently never happen.

I looked up and across the room to Sephiroth who had picked up a book and was reading quietly. He was facing me, comfortably resting on one of the recliners and didn't give the impression to have even a tiny care in the world.

At the moment, on the other hand, he felt more like a warden for the prisoner that I was rather then that of an ally was supposedly 'helping' me.

I wonder how much time Sephiroth spent in this room. Probably since dawn with how little he had left when I'd arrived. Then again, he was always good for keeping up with his duties.

But for myself, this was torture. "How long has it been?" I grumbled with frustration, wanting this torment to end. I'd already made a mountain of my own, just reading and signing off on trivial matters. "Two…three…four hours?"

"Fifteen minutes."

That long? More than I expected. Perhaps I was getting through this task quickly after all.

I tapped my pen on the table, doing the math in my head. If I worked to get at least five pages done per minute, I could go through three hundred per hour. Then again, I didn't know the amount of work involved, or what was necessary to read over, or how many pages I had in my soaring pile.

It was hopeless, why bother? Figuring out the predicted time only depressed me more.

What was he reading anyways? I took a quick glimpse at the title, not wanting to seem like I was staring. 'Count of Goldblum Mansion'? That hardly seemed like a choice Sephiroth would read willingly, unless there was nothing else in the immediate district for miles. Even then, I doubt he would have touched that book if it were the last piece of literature on the continent with how humorless he was.

Why not? I'm already sidetracked in ever interpretation of the word. "What are you reading?"

"A recommended novel," he replied in monotone.

"Recommended?" Who would have told him to read something like that? Is that another reason why he's here in this isolated place, so that no one will see him enjoying that narrative? "By whom exactly? Isn't that a children's novel?"

He shot me a thoughtful yet irritated glare. "…Not entirely." Yes it was. I knew my literature.

"Oh, really? What's the version you're reading about?"

"Does it matter that much to you?"

"But of course! You know I'm an enthusiast of the arts," I proclaimed.

"I'd rather you not pry into my business, Genesis. You would do well to drop the subject," he warned, focus returning to the book. "That is, if you want me to help you," Sephiroth added in a sinister way.

How underhanded! He threatened me indirectly!

I growled, knowing it was a losing battle, and went back to my heap once more.

I'm sidetracked again—but it's almost not even my fault since I would be more inclined to work had this not been my vacation. If I were on duty, then naturally I would be going about this task professionally, but this isn't the case. I'm not on duty. I'm doing this when I could be enjoying myself elsewhere.

I would be dedicated if I were in Midgar, and clocked in…and getting paid for it.

Keeping that in mind, I was biding my time until I reached my limits for sitting here.

I'd stopped doing what I was supposed to roughly ten minutes ago. Instead, I'd found little note cards stored in a drawer attached to the coffee table. Ever since then, I had been hard at work…on other tasks.

It was only now that I finished my side quest and needed an excuse to withdraw from this meaningless chore given to me.

In the midst of all that heartache, I made the gift of flashcards for Cloud. Honestly, when he spoke, it sounded as if he were in pain, despite him denying it every time I'd asked. So, just in case he was trying to be polite in some odd way, I made flashcards—written with words and phrases he used frequently, though I spiced it up with a few other terms as well. Now if I could only give them to him…

The excuse didn't necessarily have to be good, but it had to be believable enough for him to let me leave with no inquiries as to my motives. Something that I could also use as an alibi in the long run. What was I always able to get away with…?

"Also, do you mind if I head out for a bit, specifically to the bay area? I've a date with a highly attractive celebrity, since everyone's schedules have been so empty lately," was my sudden excuse. I found myself suddenly standing and pacing around the room nervously as I laid out my explanation. This stretch did me nicely also. I had been laboring away for all of about thirty whole minutes. "We might even take a nice sail around the coastline if weather permits tonight." I made myself smile playfully, though smiling was the furthest thing from what I wanted to be doing. I took a place by the window, staring outside before turning back to gaze at Sephiroth. "Who knows, I might get lucky…"

It was subtle, but it was there—that look of disappointment that slid across his face as he turned his head little by little to stare vacantly at me. Then he sighed, looking away to his book again. He didn't like what was being imposed.

I was originally going to turned my supposed 'date' down, but she conveniently fit herself snug into my plan, even if it was only verbally as an excuse to escape.

"You're leaving me here to do your paperwork too?" He asked, catching the hint that I was abandoning the project indefinitely.

"What?" I said derisively, but toned it down a tad for his sake. "You like this type of activity! It's your trademark, you perfectionist workaholic!"

"I don't like to work, seeing as though I enjoy it as much as you do. It just happens that it's part of my job, and I do it. Nothing more, nothing less. Moreover, don't you have anything else better to do rather than going skirt-chasing?" It almost sounded like he was insisting for me to stay with that little monologue of his.

"Of course I do," I disclosed, swiftly trying to find something else to look at as I spoke. I felt sorry for him, truly I did. I suppose that I really was abandoning him to my responsibilities, perhaps even Angeal's—but only temporarily. "That involves actually doing things, however. Besides, I thought I might purchase a gift for her in one of the downtown shops. I'd just drop by for a bit, pick a nice trinket and keep going."

"Drop by? You're going to the city's center. That's not dropping by; it's out of the way."

"Still…I just planned to see the sights for a bit. I heard they were selling Loveless themed statuettes, since the movie just came out in theaters. I wanted to get my courtesan a figurine of herself."

"Is this really necessary?"

"She's been a faithful patron ever since her acting career began, donating much of her income to Shin-Ra's charities. Naturally, I should oblige and even award her for such loyalty, am I right? You do the same… once every blue moon. I'll be quite busy most of today, in fact."

When I faced him again, Sephiroth was staring at me. I couldn't tell what sort of look was in his eyes. Disdain, more disappointment with me, possibly irritation—which I knew he deserved to show.

His role was to maintain order with the SOLDIER units. As far as I saw, he was always very likely being too busy to even notice things happening around him. Like earlier when I'd come in, he didn't seem recognize I was here until I addressed him. That, or he didn't care about my arrival.

"I'll look the other way—just this once, and do sixty percent of your assignments. Feel free to come back sooner if things don't work out." He wasn't joking about the 'come back sooner' part judging by the disheartened tone in his voice. "But you'd better have all your paperwork done by the end of the week when you return. Keep up your end of the bargain and no getting out of it since I'm playing my part early."

"I don't plan to," was my reply.

"I just ask that you neatly put everything away," he pleaded frostily.

"Don't worry. I'll try and make this as painless as possible."

I guess I'd better start being nicer to Sephiroth.

His phone was vibrating; I could hear it in his pocket. Doing my best to ignore it, I went ahead and began sorting out what I would leave for later.

"Hello?" He paused. "Go ahead. I don't mind—and yes, I'm able to talk now," he informed the person on the other end, his voice considerably softer from what he normally utilized. I stopped shuffling through the papers upon witnessing the change in his tone, curious of the reasons. He never sounded so polite with me, but I guess the notion was mutual. Perhaps if I listened hard enough… "It's broken? Where are you?" Was all he said for a good long while. "I know the city fairly well so it's no hassle… This may be the easiest and quickest way to help you, seeing that you have no idea how to go about navigation. No, no—you're not impeding."

An acquaintance? A lady friend? Who was it?

"I know, I did say…" He trailed off, listening to the other person. "So you won't be requiring a guide?" Sephiroth asked, a barely perceivable dejection in his accent. "If you'll feel uncomfortable then that is understandable. Though I don't see the reason." He paused again. "Ah, yes. When I mentioned that earlier, it was a bit of a joke on my part to lighten the mood. I thought that our meeting was a bit overdue and I, at least, owe you a proper introduction in person, is that not so?"

So, what does this mean? He either hasn't met this individual or hasn't seen them in quite the while. This was different… I hadn't known Sephiroth to have any friends outside of Shin-Ra, since he had such a daunting aura. Who would naturally approach him without being unfortunately shoved in his direction?

Maybe it was a fan of his. We were supposed to be polite with them. That made sense, along with piecing together his other statements. Probably the head of one of his fan clubs or another magazine looking for a story on 'the great Sephiroth'.

Then why was he putting on a nice and understanding guy act? That wasn't part of his persona. He should be his honest, unwelcoming self.

"One moment." His eyes flashed up to study me, who sat unmoving—listening in from my comfortable seat on the couch and definitely not hiding the fact I was eavesdropping from ten feet away. He hadn't forgotten my presence for even a second. "Shouldn't you be gone, Genesis?"

"Then I'll take my leave now." I shrugged off the expulsion and got up, brushing off my coat and heading for the doorway. I would interrogate him later on whatever this was about.

That rookie Zack was gone and with him left Angeal, wherever they went. Those two really stuck with each other, didn't they? Even if they weren't going to the same place, they had the tendency to call each other endlessly.

They might as well have been in the same room with how often they contact one another.

Then again, this togetherness of theirs might have been payback for the time Angeal was missing for all of about two weeks.

I arrived at the hospital, casually strolling into the lobby just as I had done last night. It was considerably livelier than yesterday. The storm had passed already, faster than what we had been told. People were out of their hiding places, mingling with their friends.

Inside the reception area, I approached the front desk. The one manning the station was not the same dreary older woman from last night, but a younger, bouncier female in her early-twenties. I was narrowly guessing her age. The young woman beamed and waved enthusiastically as if she knew me—which I could only assume she did in some form or manner seeing that she was quiet the looker. For all I know, I could have had a nice, intimate night with her previously and didn't remember. She did have the looks for it, though not the status.

All the same, she was the complete opposite of the receptionist from yesterday…

"I'm here to see the patient Cloud Strife in Room 402B," I declared, recalling the number from last night as I checked in. I couldn't pass unless I registered.

She typed away, but not nearly as fast as the woman last night. When she finished, she flashed me an energetic smile yet again. "I'm sorry, but he's not taking visitors today."

I frowned at her reply. "Why not?"

"I don't know, sir. He's just not taking anybody today."

"I see…" I sighed. This was a surprise that destroyed my plans. But I guess there were adequate reasons for this development. There could have been something wrong and he wasn't strong enough to take visitors, despite his basically healed condition I witnessed last night. Prying would do me no good, even if I wanted to do so badly. I'll let it go this time and be back first thing in the morning. "I understand. Thank you," I told the young woman as I turned and trudged towards the exit.

Once outside, I supposed I didn't really know what to do next. I restlessly lingered for a few seconds. As I pondered my next alternative, a glossy cobalt-colored car rolled up to the curb at the front entrance, parking in a zone not meant for emergencies.

Out stepped an identifiable round frame and the aged face of a man beyond his prime, his brown hair streaked with gray. Of course I recognized this man who emerged the vehicle, having seen his visage on numerous occasions, including recently.

Upon his coming out, his attention snapped to me, eyes reflecting his surprise at my being there.

"Hollander? What are you doing here?" I asked, loosening my stance.

"It's been some time, hasn't it, Genesis? However, I'm afraid that I'm currently in a hurry so if you don't mind…" I reached out to shake his hand as an act of formality and respect, since he was one of the scientists assigned to care for me when I first joined SOLDIER, and in return he gave a brisk nod as an introduction and parting. "Excuse me."

Then he turned and entered the hospital without so much as a glance back in my direction.

That was a quick reunion… I had greeted him and a second later the conversation was over, him leaving me outside awkwardly staring after him with my hand outstretched. I let it fall to my side.

I might as well go back to base, or call on that overly annoying woman I'd mentioned to Sephiroth earlier, since I really and truly had nothing else better to do.

It was my destiny to complete that paperwork, be tending to that talkative woman all day…

I stopped in my tracks, mulling over my fate. Were there actually no other activities I could be participating in right now instead of those accursed tasks?

There had to be. I would find something…

I don't care what it is at this point.

Ambling down the street, I scanned the area for something, anything that might take up time.

Bookstore? I could handle my mother's shopping request now.

Or have an early lunch at a café, but I would rather dine with a companion if possible. And I'd already had a meal not too long ago so that notion was out the window fairly rapidly.

What else could I do?

I could go visit one of the different, less bothersome ladies I knew in the area. Then again, it was much too early in the morning for those types of activities. I had very few male acquaintances here, a fact I was currently regretting.

There was a little booth for vendor at the side of the road, selling snacks and trinkets to the people who paid them a visit. This was around the tenth time since leaving the hospital I'd seen a merchant with the specific logo and the title 'Paséve Hill Caravan', selling object the side of the road. Those people were everywhere, smiling as the handed out items to the children and waving goodbye as their customers left. I watched as an older woman who worked at one of these stations dug into a cooler attached to the stand and retrieved a sweet snack for a little boy, not charging him.

I daresay those vendors were getting more business over the course of an hour then the local shops themselves. At least considering how many of those stalls lined the streets…

I was tempted to stop and one and see what all the fuss was about, since I had nothing but time, only to decide against it at the last second when a young couple eyed me suspiciously.

I continued my search after dropping by a shop to get my mother's desired book and had it mailed within the hour, six or seven times stopping to give an autograph to people on the street.

Then, all too suddenly, I saw the demon woman from previously. She was looking around with a confused and frazzled expression as if she was worried or lost.

Finally, someone familiar, even if it was only slightly. But I would still have preferred a male friend.

Ex Nihilo Nihil Fit (Author's Note): Yes. 'Count of Goldblum Mansion'. Yes. Goldblum. Yes. I was in fact, for some odd reason, thinking of Jeff Goldblum. Therefore, his surname is now part of a title of an imaginary children's book series.

Summary: Could best be described as "Genesis' Wasted Day". I just threw something together for him since I felt like doing something humorous. He was looking for Angeal, but for no specific reason, and doesn't find him—so he goes and asks Sephiroth, who is finishing up his paperwork. Needless to say, Genesis is drug into completing his duties, but slips out of the task all the same.

I like the big "Don't Ask" moment between the two when Genesis questions what Sephiroth is reading.

-Vincentre