Cloud gave one last nod before lowering his head and used the sheer bulk and weight of his armor to push through the crowd. He was getting exhausted but there was no time to rest. Gunshots barked out from his sword each time he slashed it at the soldiers. They were crushing against him now and he could feel the heat of the small bursts on his face.

He chanced a glance up and saw the doors of the coliseum ahead of him. One last push and he was at the top of the stairs, turning to kick a soldier out of the way. He jogged a few steps to the door and turned to check on Sephiroth's progress. All they had to do was get inside and bar the door and they could catch their breath.

What Cloud didn't see was the Imperial Dark Knight walking out of those self same doors. The Imperial raised his greatsword to strike the young hero, the sounds of battle drowning out his own movement and giving him the opportunity of surprise.