He was exausted. Weary legs carried him onward, but he didn't know how or why. His mind had shut down, no thoughts to be had now. His whole body screamed for rest, for the release of his monotonous march-- always forward.
Where was he going?
Everyone was dead. So much blood, so much death, so much pain.
And for what?
Tears formed, fell from sky-blue eyes.
Where was he? He didn't truly know, nor did he care. The only thing that matter was living-- and to do that, he had to reach his destination. So he picked up one shaking foot and put it down in front of the other. Midgar was so close, but so far. And he was so alone.
The world shifted, rushed up to meet him and cradle him in the dust. There was the dull thud of a sword on the ground, and for a moment, Cloud thought he'd been found. Well, so much for being Zack's living legacy. He squinted up at the darkening sky and realized that it was Zack's sword that had made the sound, lying beside him on the earth.
Zack.
Cloud rolled weakly onto his side, almost silent whimpers and sobs shaking his body softly. He didn't have the strength to cry properly, and his little hiccups sounded warped to his own ears. But who cared? He was alone, lost.
'Cloud?'
He paused in his mourning for his friend.
Zack?
No, he's losing it. He laughs softly, the sound burning his dry throat. Then it comes again.
'Cloud.'
No question this time, just the deepness of his friend's voice. He wanted to stand, to look and see Zack standing there, but he knew he wouldn't be there. No, there'd be nothing but the endless landscape.
'Cloud, just move.'
The blonde had no choice but to obey-- he'd never been able to refuse his best friend. He struggled to roll, then pull himself up, head between his knees so that he wouldn't fall backwards. Falling now meant he'd never get up again, that he'd join Zack in the Lifestream not long after.
'No, Cloud. No dying. Now, pick up my sword and get to your feet.'
Cloud sobbed as his body protested the movement, but somehow, he managed to do as he was told. Standing shakily, the huge sword held firmly in both hands, he kept his head bowed. Until...
'Cloud, look at me.'
Blonde locks moved slightly as Cloud shook his head. No, an utter refusal to look, only to see nothing.
'Cloud, dammit, look at me!'
Blue eyes darted upward, and Cloud gasped and stepped backwards. Zack was, indeed, standing before him, only it wasn't the Zack Cloud knew. He was thin, insubstancial, a ghost. He grinned wryly.
'Surprised? I'm not gonna leave you-- as a matter of fact, I'm going to stay with you, forever.'
Cloud shuddered as Zack stepped toward him, met him with a gentle touch, then he felt his friend's essence fade into him. All of Zack became Cloud, and Cloud was no longer himself, but the essence of himself and his best friend. Feeling renewed, and somehow no longer alone, he hefted the huge sword up over his shoulder and walked onward-- always onward, with Zack as part of him.