Cloud was your friend back in your hometown of Nibelheim, but it has been seven years since you last saw him. When you see him again, he has no recollection of you—his memories taken over by that of his friend during his SOLDIER days, Zack Fair. He saves your life from a pack of Wererats as you are exploring the slums one day.

Cloud is an arrogant and proud swordsman, a tough mercenary for hire—but he has a softer side underneath his tough exterior, a young boy striving to open up.