Analysis: The Planet, Jenova, & Genesis after [ ν ] – εуλ 0010

When Jenova Cells are inserted into the host, the ones who have a successful reaction to them actually undergo a form of cellular mutation, and their cells change to accept the reaction, thus amplifying their abilities. Mako enhances this, likely because it’s a processed form of the Lifestream’s current that creates life, and this allows the cells to undergo adaptation more easily, similar to what they do when they’re forming. (Though intense/constant Mako exposure also causes monstrous mutations by turning humans into Makonoids, it’s likely that the process is measured by the state at which the subject’s eyes begin to glow). Since Sephiroth received this treatment while in the womb, he had a true development in adapting to the cells, rather than the mimicked development through Mako exposure on adult subjects, like Gillian. These experimentations produced the following results:

• J-Cells: Jenova’s original cellular matter.
– Regenerate seemingly any damage.
– Capable of completely mimicking any Life form.
– Triggers a Reunion of all cells for effective resurrection.

• G-Cells: Gillian’s mutated cells (strongest in Genesis).
– Subject to cellular degradation.
– Are able to create true Copies.
– Don’t appear to respond to, or trigger Reunion.

• S-Cells: Sephiroth’s mutated cells.
– Not subject to cellular degradation.
– Incapable of creating true Copies.
– Capable of triggering and responding to Reunion.

These cells also produce distinct physical characteristics on their primary hosts:

• Jenova’s Head (J-Cells): Slitted pupils, white hair, glowing left eye.
• Genesis’ Head (G-Cells): Normal pupils, normal hair, glowing left eye.
• Sephiroth’s Head (S-Cells): White hair, slitted pupils.

• Jenova’s Body (J-Cells): Small right wing, large left wing.
• Genesis’ Body (G-Cells): Large left wing.
• Sephiroth’s Body (S-Cells): Smaller right wing.

Due to the rivalry in ShinRa’s Science Department, and Hojo/Hollander/Gast’s unwillingness to share experimentation data or work together, these projects were never combined, each believing their own projects to be superior, and not pieces of a whole. However, when S & G cells combine, they seem to fuse the abilities of both, as seen when a G-Copy absorbs S Cells by ingesting Zack’s hair. The resulting reaction causes pure Lifestream, dark Lifestream (possibly Negative), and orange bubbles to begin to dissipate from the host. This reaction condenses before violently exploding energy outwards, completely transforming the subject, and leaving him in a crazed, feral state. Even in an inferior host like a G-Copy, the union of S & G Cells produces a subject that bears features with incredible similarity to Jenova, even more strongly than those of Sephiroth or Genesis.

The G-Copy grows three spider-like arms on both sides of their body, and mandibles on their face. It also gains a large dorsal wing, and two wing-like structures ending in hands, and clawed feet. Feather-like scales are also present on the host’s entire visible body. All unnatural limbs are now orange, blue, and grey – the colors of Jenova’s natural state. A similar mutated G-Copy is seen with heavier feathering, no face, and different coloration, though its origin isn’t as clearly defined, though it seems to be shifting towards a lighter coloration, like Jenova Synthesis.

The only other noteworthy Jenova experiment is the one that Hojo performs on himself, resulting in the monstrous deformity of Heretic Hojo that later refines to Lifeform Hojo. Lifeform Hojo bears a striking resemblance to Jenova Synthesis. Whether this was some last minute discovery of Hojo’s before the end, or nothing more than a freak accident is wholly unclear, though one thing is certain- Hojo’s physical capabilities are nothing unique, meaning that he’s far from the ideal subject for the Jenova Cell implantation, regardless of his potential discovery. As with the G-Copies, their smaller wing size, comparative weakness, and inferior mental stability as compared to Genesis is due to the capabilities of the human host being far inferior to those of Genesis. The fact that this union of S & G Cells is shown to work on a Genesis Copy suggests that a perfect synthesis could be formed with the original, and makes Genesis the ideal candidate.

The Planet has selected Genesis for a greater purpose to help him regain his pride and complete the duty as a SOLDIER. Because of this, it chose to cure Genesis of his degradation, despite or perhaps because of the fact that he is one of the few beings on Gaia who is gifted with the powers of its mortal enemy.

Genesis’ abilities are clearly super human. He and Sephiroth have the capacity to endure a massive transformation. Genesis transforms with the “Gift of the Goddess” at the end of Crisis Core, and Sephiroth transforms into Bizarro Sephiroth before his final form. While both Hojo and Sephiroth have a secondary, refined form, Genesis does not. Instead, he reverts back to his human form. It is likely that Genesis’ body possesses the capabilities to merge S and G cells into something that may (almost) be a true copy of a J-Cell generated from his own cellular material’s continued mutation, a true Synthesis.

With the protection of the Planet, it’s also likely that his body would be able to completely avoid any degradation. The interesting point here is that Genesis is waiting to be used by the Planet, and has been sleeping under Midgar, and waiting to be awakened. With no Weapons, he is likely the Planet’s final defense against Jenova. If there can be a truly generated Jenova Copy, the main question is whether or not Genesis as a Jenova Copy could overcome the original, like Cloud does with Sephiroth, or if he would then fall under its control.

Due to Jenova’s nature, it’s likely that even with Genesis as a Jenova Copy, he wouldn’t be able to destroy her. Much like the Cetra, she would need to be contained. With Genesis’ ability to transform, it’s likely that he would be capable of absorbing all of Jenova’s cellular material on Gaia. The difficulty comes from containing or gathering her will from the Lifestream that may require the assistance of the Planet, or some other method. If this can be accomplished, the only task that remains is purging Jenova from Gaia.

Omega and Chaos have both been shown to be capable of almost, if not completely breaching Gaia’s atmosphere through their wings and the power of the Lifestream (high enough that Omega’s remains stay in orbit). With Genesis’ augmented abilities as a Synthesis Copy, combined with the Will of the Lifestream manifesting through him, to rid itself of Jenova, he should possess all of the energy and wings needed to permanently remove Jenova from the Planet. It’s appropriate that “Genesis” is the name of the final defense of the Planet that could restore life to normal on Gaia.

Genesis has long been obsessed with the play LOVELESS, a wisp of Lifestream and a black feather are seen writing out the final verse at the end of Crisis Core. Genesis seems to have taken up the role of the Prisoner. The following uses information from the Interpretation of LOVELESS listed in the Final Fantasy wiki.

In Act II, “the Prisoner is saved by a woman of the opposing nation.” This matches the female entity of Minerva opposing Jenova & ShinRa, yet saving Genesis. “He begins a life of seclusion, but his guilt over not fulfilling his oath to his friends grows.” This matches with his abandonment of his “brothers” in Deepground, and everyone else.

Act III speaks of “the war sending the world towards destruction”, matching with the events of the “Jenova War” in Final Fantasy VII, Advent Children, and Dirge of Cerberus. “The Prisoner embarking an a new journey” matches Genesis’ departure from the caverns below Midgar. “Though no oath is shared between the lovers, in their heart, they know they will meet again.” This matches Genesis’ and the Planet’s wordless agreement from their meeting in Crisis Core.

In Act IV, “the Prisoner meets the friend who wandered. The wanderer is dying and the world is ending.” The Wanderer perfectly describes Sephiroth, wandering the Lifestream, and becoming weaker. The original text of the Wanderer’s words help sell this: My soul, corrupted by vengeance Hath endured torment, to find the end of the journey. “The wanderer knows that, in order to end it, one of them must die, and initiates a fight to the death.” With a complete merging of S & G Cells, either Sephiroth or Genesis must die. Of the two, Sephiroth seems like the aggressor, especially in his state of desperation. “The Prisoner is unable to kill his friend and allows himself to be killed.” Genesis allowing Sephiroth to win would allow Jenova full confidence to enact a complete Reunion, and gather all of her cells back together, both halves re-united, and the Synthesis complete.

Finally, in Act V, “The prisoner’s sacrifice was the gift of the goddess, and its realization saved the world.” Through Genesis sacrificing his life to allow a complete Reunion, the Planet should be able to utilize Genesis’ Synthesis to banish Jenova, bringing life back to Gaia. This perfectly describe Genesis in character, his role, and in the meaning of the word, and bringing an ending his story poetically: