The movement among the rest of the heroes brought Cloud some hope, even if it was a miniscule amount. With Ishtar still working to defend the others and keeping Terra's attention Cloud could at least focus on the greater threat. He didn't want it to be this way, the never SOLDIER always wanting to take everything on his shoulders, but a small corner of him was relieved that he wouldn't have the esper girl coming at his back.

The blonde swordsman lurched back as Sephiroth's blade came up, the tip of it catching the bridge of his nose and pulling first blood from this conflict. The following strikes were dodged more ably, twisting out of their way as he coiled up his own body. At the height of his movement he clutched onto the hilt of the Buster Sword with both hands and then leaped up. His feet caught the hilt of the First Tsurugi, separating two of its blades which he kicked in Sephiroth's direction.

He wasn't counting on the swords to actually hit, knowing Sephiroth was better than that, but the attack would at least give him enough time and space to get back on his feet. Yanking the Buster Sword from the ground he landed in a crouch before exploding forward in a thrusting stab with the massive blade.

"Sephiroth! It ends here!"