Cloud shook his head. He was hoping Sephiroth would find what he was looking for, maybe be able to face down the things that were bothering him whether or not he could give voice to them. He knew this was a possibility but he hoped Sephiroth would be able to rise above it. He hoped that the Hero would be able to prove it to himself.

But now this was all wrong, and while everyone was fighting he couldn't bring himself to do it. Hefting the shield he brought, not the new one he was having made, he braced himself behind it and stood Sentinel.

"Sephiroth!"