[Much too long. It truly felt like forever to Cloud at the time. He nods a bit.]

Couldn't tell you why, but somehow by the time it was over, I was able to drag myself over to him. He really did take down the whole army on his own. He was...incredible. But...when I got to him, he was bleeding out. He told me...

[For all the things Cloud still has trouble remembering with clarity, Zack's words that day are etched indelibly in his memory. He closes his eyes as he speaks them to Aerith.]

That I'd live for the both of us. That I'd be...his living legacy. That his honor, his dreams...were mine now. He gave me his sword, and he...he smiled. And I...

[Cloud's eyes open again, but he stares into the middle distance.]

I swore I'd never forget. But...it was a promise I couldn't keep.