[ Zack watches the storm raging inside of Angeal burst out into the open, and he silently reflects on how strange it is that he feels so calm. He’ll think more about why that is later, but for now he just sits. Silent and unmoving until Angeal gets everything out.

After a carefully considered pause, he gives a quiet answer. ]

I’m not going to argue with you about this, Angeal.

[ He’s made his case, and that’s where he’s leaving it. That said— ]

The only other thing I’m going to say about this is — I didn’t share this with you so you could blame yourself for everything that happened. You weren’t there, and there were a lot of messy factors involved.

I told you so you could have context — not so you would punish yourself with this information.

I’m not washing my hands of him. Or you. I’m just not going to Warden you guys. Because I can’t.

But I did promise Sephiroth I wasn’t leaving this boat until he graduates. And that’s a promise I’m going to keep.