Cloud had heard the gunshots. It startled him and broke him out of his mako-induced dreams. Everything was a dark, fuzzy haze but his determination to find the sound's source was strong.

He blinked a couple times to adjust to the sunlight. He grunted a bit and forced himself into a crouching position. The blonde breathed in sharply and crawled over to a black mass he saw in the distance. His wonder carried him to it. He looked up and his mind began putting the pieces together.

That black mass was his best friend. His heart sparked in realization. His motivation spiked, somehow giving him more strength. Cloud inched his way to his friend's side until he could see his face. Dripping in his fresh blood. Cloud gasped and collapsed. He caught his breath and forced his head up to gaze at the devastating sight.

"Z... Zack?" He stuttered.

The raven-haired man looked at Cloud.

"Cloud..." Through all the pain, both physical and emotional, he managed to smile.

The younger of the two used his hands to sit up.

"Zack. Please don't..."

Zack continued to smile and put his hand on his partner's shoulder. Cloud's brows furrowed. "Cloud... I hate to leave you behind..."

"Don't talk. Save your breath." Cloud begged. The blonde grimaced and summoned his strength. He put an arm under Zack's shoulders. The first class soldier's blood met Cloud's skin, but he didn't care. His vision blurred briefly but he desperately dug for his phone in his pockets. He pulled out the device and dialed a number. He watched Zack with dread as his eyelids fell closed. Then someone answered.