For a brief moment, Cloud's life flashed before his eyes. It was a short and simple life, but it was still his and he wasn't about ready to give it up. Knelt by Sephiroth's side he was limited in his options though. If he moved, Sephiroth would get hit. There was no way he'd get his own sword up in time to block this attacker either.

When Tear interceded it wasn't much, but it at least gave him a chance. The larger Manikin stumbled and its weapon struck the grown with a heavy blow. But clear of anyone who might have been broken by it. A few precious seconds had been purchased.

His eyes went back to Sephiroth. Moving him didn't seem like the best idea right now, but leaving him here in the middle of the fight was even worse. Carefully he hefted the First Class to his knees and then over his shoulder. He remembered the time they fought together back in Esdham. They were both stronger now. Why was this happening?

Cloud had only managed a few steps when he heard Vincent call out. Foolishly he halted to look over his shoulder rather than keep looking. His eyes widened as he watched Vincent transform. He knew a few things about the man; that they'd be allies in the future and what he was capable of, but experiencing was far different than knowing.