Look at yourself now,

Swinging that sword around.

You think there's something there,

But you're just fighting air.

You can't do this alone.

"Training's over." The training scenario faded as Angeal stepped forward. "Aw, come on. I almost had it.", Zack said as he took of his virtual reality helmet. Angeal sighed as he picked up Zack's sword, which had been knocked out of the younger SOLDIER's hand during the training fight. "You rush into things too soon, Zack. You can't do everything alone. There's more to being a hero than just swinging a sword around. You need to have honor and dreams. Embrace your dreams, Zack.", he said as he handed the 2nd Class his sword.

Hush, little boy, don't say a word.

Don't you know Daddy's got this one?

Hey, little boy, bury your sword.

Jesus already won this war.

"So, Zack, what is your dream? To become 1st Class, is it?", Lazard asked. Zack shook his head. "Nope. I wanna become a hero.", he told the director, grinning. Lazard nodded. "Good. Unattainable dreams are the best kind.", he said as he turned back to his computer. "Uh, thanks. I guess….", Zack said, looking confused.

Heroes will be heroes.

The first to volunteer.

But, no one her is asking

And all the lines are clear.

All those who are weak, at ease.

"NO! Angeal would never betray us!", Zack yelled. Lazard just shook his head. "It looks as if he already has. He's joined Genesis."

You push yourself to hard;

And your feet get so tired.

Can't look back just yet,

Or you might lose this fight.

This is not your fight.

"Zack?", Cloud said softly, looking down on his injured friend. He couldn't tell how many times Zack had been shot, but he could tell that his friend wouldn't hang on much longer. "For the both….of us…..", Zack gasped. Cloud looked confused. "Both…of us?", he whispered. Zack nodded slowly. "You're gonna….", he trailed off. "I'm gonna….", Cloud urged him on. Zack reached one shaking hand up, resting it on the back of Cloud's neck. He pulled Cloud's face down until the blonde's forehead rested on his bloody chest. "….live.", Zack finished. "You'll be my living legacy." He released his grip on Cloud's neck and picked up the handle of the buster sword, handing it to Cloud. He gently rested his shaking hand on Cloud's for a moment. "My honor, my dreams. They're yours now.", he breathed as his blue' Mako-enhanced eyes closed.

Hush, little boy, don't say a word.

Don't you know Daddy's got this one?

Hey, little boy, bury your sword.

Jesus already won this war.

"That girl…..She said she was afraid of the sky. But, it looks so liberating.", Zack thought as he opened his eyes. Black and white feathers were falling all around him. The sun shown warm on his face. Zack smiled. The pain of his wounds was gone. "It feels good…." Angeal's hand reached towards Zack, pulling the young SOLDIER into the Lifestream. "Those wings…..I want them too. If you see Aerith, tell her I said hi. Hey, would you say I became a hero?"