Cloud lands before the attack comes his way, so he rolls under it to get closer to the beast. Much as he'd like to take Sephiroth on while he's distracted by this thing, the monster won't discriminate. So: take it down first, then deal with the other monster here.

He strikes hard and fast, relentless, and the beast roars but seems hardly the worse for wear despite taking every hit. "What is this thing?" he says, pausing to sheath his blade in crackling lightning.