Delve into the life of Zack Fair from Final Fantasy VII, whose legacy imparts essential lessons about honor, mentorship, and the pursuit of dreams.

Introduction - Zack's Enduring Influence

Learn how Zack's ultimate sacrifice teaches us about the depth of honor and the profound impact one individual's selflessness can have on the future.

Honor and Sacrifice

Discover the power of mentorship through Zack's guidance to Cloud, emphasizing the role of wisdom and encouragement in shaping destiny.

The Mentor's Role

Reflect on the enduring bond between Zack and Cloud, showcasing the transformative strength of true friendship through life's toughest battles.

True Friendship

Embrace Zack's infectious optimism, and learn to tackle life's challenges with unwavering enthusiasm and to find joy in every moment.

Living with Enthusiasm

Be inspired by Zack's determination to achieve his dreams, a reminder for us to pursue our ambitions with the same conviction and resilience.

Dreams and Determination

If Zack's journey resonates with you, embrace tools that can guide your personal quest.<a href="https://3826dajfq-4iyudps2vfx3u260.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=karbatos">Transformative Binaural Beat Technology</a> can aid in focusing your intent, while <a href="https://freemeditationscripts.com/">Free Meditation Scripts</a> can help navigate the complexities of the inner self, much like Zack's profound journey towards his dreams.

Charting Your Own Path

Zack Fair’s story may be understated in the shadow of Cloud's, but his lessons are monumental, teaching us about the essence of honor, the impact of mentorship, the power of dreams, and the unyielding force of friendship. His legacy proves that even the unsung can inspire the most harmonious of melodies in the epic symphony of life.

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

mindfulness

Mindfulness

movies

Movies & Shows

meditation

Meditation

anime

Anime

<ul><li><div><a href="#"> Explore </a> </div><div><ul><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Final_Fantasy_Wiki"> Main Page </a> </li><li><a href="/f"> Discuss </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Special:AllPages">All Pages </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Community">Community </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Special:AllMaps">Interactive Maps </a> </li> </ul> </div> </li><li><div><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Final_Fantasy_XVI">Final Fantasy XVI </a> </div><div><ul><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Characters_in_Final_Fantasy_XVI">Characters </a><div><ul><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Clive_Rosfield">Clive Rosfield </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Torgal">Torgal </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Joshua_Rosfield">Joshua Rosfield </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Jill_Warrick">Jill Warrick </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Cidolfus_Telamon">Cidolfus Telamon </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Hugo_Kupka">Hugo Kupka </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Benedikta_Harman">Benedikta Harman </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Barnabas_Tharmr">Barnabas Tharmr </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Dion_Lesage">Dion Lesage </a> </li> </ul> </div> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Locations_in_Final_Fantasy_XVI">Locations </a><div><ul><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Rosaria">Grand Duchy of Rosaria </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Dhalmekian_Republic">Dhalmekian Republic </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Waloed">Kingdom of Waloed </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Sanbreque">Holy Empire of Sanbreque </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Iron_Kingdom">Iron Kingdom </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Crystalline_Dominion">Crystalline Dominion </a> </li> </ul> </div> </li><li><a href="#">Other latest & upcoming games </a><div><ul><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Final_Fantasy_VII_Rebirth">Final Fantasy VII Rebirth </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Final_Fantasy_VII_Ever_Crisis">Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis </a> </li> </ul> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </li><li><div><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Final_Fantasy_series">Games </a> </div><div><ul><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Main_series">Final Fantasy I - VIII </a><div><ul><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Final_Fantasy">Final Fantasy </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Final_Fantasy_II">Final Fantasy II </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Final_Fantasy_III">Final Fantasy III </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Final_Fantasy_IV">Final Fantasy IV </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Final_Fantasy_V">Final Fantasy V </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Final_Fantasy_VI">Final Fantasy VI </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Final_Fantasy_VII">Final Fantasy VII </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Final_Fantasy_VIII">Final Fantasy VIII </a> </li> </ul> </div> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Main_series">Final Fantasy IX - XVI </a><div><ul><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Final_Fantasy_IX">Final Fantasy IX </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Final_Fantasy_X">Final Fantasy X </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Final_Fantasy_XI">Final Fantasy XI </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Final_Fantasy_XII">Final Fantasy XII </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Final_Fantasy_XIII">Final Fantasy XIII </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Final_Fantasy_XIV">Final Fantasy XIV </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Final_Fantasy_XV">Final Fantasy XV </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Final_Fantasy_XVI">Final Fantasy XVI </a> </li> </ul> </div> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Subseries">Subseries </a> </li> </ul> </div> </li><li><div><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Final_Fantasy_series">Contents </a> </div><div><ul><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Characters">Characters </a><div><ul><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Jobs">Jobs </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Races">Races </a> </li> </ul> </div> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Locations">Locations </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Gameplay">Gameplay </a><div><ul><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Items">Items </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Equipment">Equipment </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Abilities">Abilities </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Magic">Magic </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Enemies">Enemies </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Bosses">Bosses </a> </li> </ul> </div> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Music">Music </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Walkthrough:Index">Walkthroughs </a> </li> </ul> </div> </li><li><div><a href="#">Community </a> </div><div><ul><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Final_Fantasy_Wiki:Staff">Administrators & staff directory </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Forum:Index">Contact us </a><div><ul><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Forum:Rin%27s_Travel_Agency">Wiki business and feedback </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Final_Fantasy_Wiki:Discord">Discord chat </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Final_Fantasy_Wiki:Staff_Noticeboard">Staff Noticeboard </a> </li> </ul> </div> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Community">Wiki editor portal </a><div><ul><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Policies_and_guidelines">Policies and guidelines </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Final_Fantasy_Wiki:Scope">Scope </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Special:RecentChanges">Recent Changes </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Log">All logs </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Wiki_projects">Wiki projects </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Maintenance">Maintenance </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Special:CreatePage">Create article </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload">Upload file </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Special:MultipleUpload">Upload multiple files </a> </li> </ul> </div> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Final_Fantasy_Wiki:Let%27s_Play">Let's Play </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Final_Fantasy_Wiki:Podcast">Podcast </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Final_Fantasy_Wiki:Social_media">Social media </a> </li> </ul> </div> </li> </ul>

<ul><li><a href="https://www.fandom.com/explore">Explore Wikis </a> </li><li><a href="//community.fandom.com/wiki/Community_Central">Community Central </a> </li> </ul>

<ul><li><a href="/wiki/Category:Characters_in_Crisis_Core_-Final_Fantasy_VII-">Characters in Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- </a> </li><li><a href="/wiki/Category:Characters_in_Last_Order_-Final_Fantasy_VII-">Characters in Last Order -Final Fantasy VII- </a> </li><li><a href="/wiki/Category:Characters_in_Before_Crisis_-Final_Fantasy_VII-">Characters in Before Crisis -Final Fantasy VII- </a> </li><li><a href="/wiki/Category:Characters_in_Final_Fantasy_VII:_Advent_Children">Characters in Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children </a> </li><li><a href="/wiki/Category:Characters_in_Hoshi_o_Meguru_Otome">Characters in Hoshi o Meguru Otome </a> </li><li><a href="/wiki/Category:Main_characters">Main characters </a> </li> </ul>

<ul><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/de/wiki/Zack_Fair">Deutsch </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/es/wiki/Zack_Fair">Español </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/fr/wiki/Zack_Fair">Français </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/ja/wiki/%E3%82%B6%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E3%82%B9%E3%83%BB%E3%83%95%E3%82%A7%E3%82%A2">日本語 </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/pt-br/wiki/Zack_Fair">Português do Brasil </a> </li><li><a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/ru/wiki/%D0%97%D0%B0%D0%BA_%D0%A4%D1%8D%D0%B9%D1%80">Русский </a> </li> </ul>

<ul><li><a href="/wiki/Zack_Fair?action=edit">Edit source </a> </li><li><a href="/wiki/Zack_Fair?action=history">View history </a> </li><li><a href="/wiki/Talk:Zack_Fair">Talk (133) </a> </li> </ul>

<ul><li><a href="/wiki/Zack_Fair_(Opera_Omnia)">Opera Omnia </a> </li><li><a href="/wiki/Zack_Fair_(Theatrhythm)">Theatrhythm </a> </li><li><a href="/wiki/Zack_Fair_(Record_Keeper)">Record Keeper </a> </li><li><a href="/wiki/Zack_(World_of_Final_Fantasy)">World of Final Fantasy </a> </li><li><a href="/wiki/Zack_Fair/Other_appearances">All other appearances </a> </li> </ul>

<ul><li><div>Final Fantasy VII </div> </li><li><div>Final Fantasy VII Remake </div> </li><li><div>Before Crisis </div> </li><li><div>Crisis Core </div> </li> </ul>

Zack was a member of <a href="/wiki/SOLDIER">SOLDIER </a>division. He was from the countryside, a village from <a href="/wiki/Gongaga">Gongaga </a>, determined to become a hero. Under the mentorship of <a href="/wiki/Angeal_Hewley">Angeal Hewley </a>, Zack made SOLDIER First Class, and eventually inherited his <a href="/wiki/Buster_Sword">Buster Sword </a>, becoming one the company's most dependable elites alongside <a href="/wiki/Sephiroth">Sephiroth </a>. After a series of crises stemming from the <a href="/wiki/Shinra_Electric_Power_Company">Shinra Electric Power Company </a>'s SOLDIER program, Zack eventually passed on the Buster Sword to one of his best friends and comrades, <a href="/wiki/Cloud_Strife">Cloud Strife </a>. Despite the conflict around him, Zack remained steadfast and upbeat, drawing from his own moral compass, and committed to being there for his girlfriend, <a href="/wiki/Aerith_Gainsborough">Aerith Gainsborough </a>.

In Crisis Core , Zack is capable of using a wide variety of <a href="/wiki/Materia_(Final_Fantasy_VII)">materia </a>which grant him attacks. Introduced in the game, new attacks can be unlocked by mixing materia using the <a href="/wiki/Materia_Fusion">Materia Fusion </a>mechanic. Zack is also capable of wielding special abilities from the <a href="/wiki/Digital_Mind_Wave">Digital Mind Wave </a>, in which depending on <a href="/wiki/Slots_(ability_type)">slot reels </a>, he can wield attacks from a summon or a close ally against his foes.

<ul><li><a href="#History">1 History </a><ul><li><a href="#Before_Final_Fantasy_VII">1.1 Before Final Fantasy VII </a><ul><li><a href="#Early_life">1.1.1 Early life </a> </li><li><a href="#SOLDIER_2nd_Class">1.1.2 SOLDIER 2nd Class </a> </li><li><a href="#Genesis_War">1.1.3 Genesis War </a> </li><li><a href="#Nibelheim_Incident">1.1.4 Nibelheim Incident </a> </li><li><a href="#Experiments_and_fleeing_Shinra">1.1.5 Experiments and fleeing Shinra </a> </li> </ul> </li><li><a href="#Original_continuity">1.2 Original continuity </a><ul><li><a href="#Zack's_final_stand">1.2.1 Zack's final stand </a> </li><li><a href="#Legacy">1.2.2 Legacy </a> </li> </ul> </li><li><a href="#Remake_continuity">1.3 Remake continuity </a> </li> </ul> </li><li><a href="#Characteristics">2 Characteristics </a><ul><li><a href="#Appearance">2.1 Appearance </a> </li><li><a href="#Personality">2.2 Personality </a> </li><li><a href="#Abilities">2.3 Abilities </a> </li> </ul> </li><li><a href="#Gameplay">3 Gameplay </a><ul><li><a href="#Crisis_Core_-Final_Fantasy_VII-">3.1 Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- </a> </li><li><a href="#Non-playable_appearances">3.2 Non-playable appearances </a> </li> </ul> </li><li><a href="#Other_appearances">4 Other appearances </a><ul><li><a href="#Guest_appearances">4.1 Guest appearances </a> </li><li><a href="#Non-Final_Fantasy_guest_appearances">4.2 Non-Final Fantasy guest appearances </a> </li><li><a href="#Mentions_and_cameos">4.3 Mentions and cameos </a> </li> </ul> </li><li><a href="#Behind_the_scenes">5 Behind the scenes </a><ul><li><a href="#Concept_and_design">5.1 Concept and design </a> </li><li><a href="#Character_development">5.2 Character development </a> </li><li><a href="#Squats_champion">5.3 Squats champion </a> </li><li><a href="#Voice">5.4 Voice </a> </li><li><a href="#Reception">5.5 Reception </a> </li> </ul> </li><li><a href="#Gallery">6 Gallery </a> </li><li><a href="#Etymology">7 Etymology </a> </li><li><a href="#Notes">8 Notes </a><ul><li><a href="#Annotations">8.1 Annotations </a> </li><li><a href="#Citations">8.2 Citations </a> </li> </ul> </li><li><a href="#References">9 References </a> </li><li><a href="#External_links">10 External links </a> </li> </ul>

Zack was born <a href="/wiki/Final_Fantasy_VII_timeline#1984">1984 </a>in the town of Gongaga.<a href="#cite_note-ff7_10th_anniversary_ultimania_timeline-1">[1] </a> Having had childhood dreams of joining SOLDIER, he left for <a href="/wiki/Midgar">Midgar </a>in <a href="/wiki/Final_Fantasy_VII_timeline#1997">1997 </a>, at the age of thirteen, without notifying his parents, and joined the Shinra military.<a href="#cite_note-ff7_10th_anniversary_ultimania_timeline-1">[1] </a> <a href="#cite_note-Gongaga,_the_Village_of_Sadness-6">[5] </a>

Zack fighting a virtual form of Sephiroth.

Zack trained under tutelage of First Class Angeal Hewley in the <a href="/wiki/Virtual_Reality_System">Virtual Reality System </a>, and Angeal noticed Zack's restlessness. At one point during training, Angeal compared Zack to himself several months prior and saw minimal improvement, leading him to train against Sephiroth.<a href="#cite_note-7">[6] </a> By <a href="/wiki/Final_Fantasy_VII_timeline#0000">October of 0000 </a>, Zack had reached SOLDIER Second Class, working under Director <a href="/wiki/Lazard_Deusericus">Lazard Deusericus </a>in the 49th Floor of the <a href="/wiki/Shinra_Building">Shinra Building </a>. He had also befriended SOLDIER Second Class <a href="/wiki/Kunsel">Kunsel </a>.

Zack battles Wutai troops in Fort Tamblin.

In the prologue of Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- , Zack underwent another digital training session with his mentor in the Virtual Reality System. After victory, he was easily defeated by a virtual Sephiroth, as he was warned about his overconfidence.<a href="#cite_note-Prologue-8">[7] </a> In <a href="/wiki/Chapter_1_(Crisis_Core)">chapter 1 </a>, despite the debacle, in Zack's first face-to-face meeting with Director Lazard, Angeal recommended Zack for First Class, and Lazard deployed the two to <a href="/wiki/Fort_Tamblin">Fort Tamblin </a>in <a href="/wiki/Wutai">Wutai </a>. The two also learned that the First Class SOLDIER <a href="/wiki/Genesis_Rhapsodos">Genesis Rhapsodos </a>had deserted Shinra, taking a number of SOLDIERs of Second and Third Class with him.<a href="#cite_note-cc_chapter_1-9">[8] </a>

On the way to Fort Tamblin, Angeal told Zack about the origin of <a href="/wiki/Banora_White">Banora White </a>apples, his poor upbringing and friendship with Genesis in <a href="/wiki/Banora">Banora </a>, and the Buster Sword that had been passed down in his family. Once inside, Zack took out the enemy forces single-handedly. As well as encountering a nine-year-old <a href="/wiki/Yuffie_Kisaragi">Yuffie Kisaragi </a>, he encountered a group of Wutai warriors who tried to convince him Shinra were evil; despite disagreeing with their version of events and being ambivalent as to which side was best, Zack affirmed that he had made his choice to stick with SOLDIER and still fought them. After then fighting two anti-SOLDIER monsters, he was saved by Angeal using the sword, Angeal jokingly telling Zack he was "only a little more important" than his Buster Sword, and thus it was worth using to save him.<a href="#cite_note-cc_chapter_1-9">[8] </a>

After heading back, Zack was attacked by several <a href="/wiki/Copy_technology#Genesis_copies">copies of Genesis </a>summoning <a href="/wiki/Ifrit_(Crisis_Core_boss)">Ifrit </a>, and Angeal vanished. Sephiroth saved Zack, and concluded that Angeal had left with Genesis, something Zack refused to believe.<a href="#cite_note-cc_chapter_1-9">[8] </a> In <a href="/wiki/Chapter_2_(Crisis_Core)">chapter 2 </a>, Lazard assigned Zack to accompany <a href="/wiki/Tseng">Tseng </a>of the <a href="/wiki/Turks">Turks </a>to Banora to investigate Angeal and Genesis's abandonment (after Sephiroth refused the mission due to his friendship with them). There, Zack met <a href="/wiki/Gillian_Hewley">Gillian Hewley </a>, who had heard of Zack from Angeal's letters to her calling him "Zack the Puppy", but did not know his whereabouts. Zack and Tseng encountered Genesis, who taunted him and injured Zack who was saved by Angeal. Tseng revealed the village would be bombed to cover up the incidents, and after Zack returned, he found Gillian dead. Genesis sent <a href="/wiki/Bahamut_(Crisis_Core_boss)">Bahamut </a>to attack Zack, before sprouting a black <a href="/wiki/Wing_(term)">wing </a>and flying off, after which Zack evacuated on a Shinra helicon.<a href="#cite_note-cc_chapter_2-10">[9] </a>

In <a href="/wiki/Chapter_3_(Crisis_Core)">chapter 3 of Crisis Core </a>, during <a href="/wiki/Final_Fantasy_VII_timeline">April 0001 </a>, Zack was promoted to SOLDIER First Class, but was not as happy as he had expected to be. Genesis's army attacked Midgar, and Zack was sent to push them back, meeting <a href="/wiki/Cissnei">Cissnei </a>as the Turks were also deployed. Noting the wings on the Genesis copies, Cissnei told him they symbolized freedom, not monsters. Sephiroth called Zack to <a href="/wiki/Mako_Reactor_5">Mako Reactor 5 </a>, as Angeal had been sighted there; at Sephiroth's suggestion, they agreed to deliberately fail to eliminate Angeal. There, they found documents for <a href="/wiki/Jenova_Project_(Final_Fantasy_VII)#Project_G">Project G </a>(which they assumed was "Project Genesis"), and encountered the professor responsible, <a href="/wiki/Hollander">Dr. Hollander </a>. After chasing him, Zack was stopped by Angeal, who sprouted an angelic wing and told him that he was a monster; Zack pleaded this was not true and refused to fight, but Angeal destroyed the platform beneath Zack, sending him to the <a href="/wiki/Sector_5_slums">Sector 5 slums </a>below.<a href="#cite_note-cc_chapter_3-11">[10] </a>

Zack asking Aerith out on a date as repayment for waking him up.

In <a href="/wiki/Chapter_4_(Crisis_Core)">chapter 4 </a>, Zack awoke in the <a href="/wiki/Sector_5_slums_church">Sector 5 slums church </a>where he met Aerith Gainsborough, offering to pay her back with a date. Impressed with the <a href="/wiki/Flower_(symbolism)">flowers </a>that grew in the church, he suggested she sell them, and when the two visited the market, he bought her a pink ribbon that she always wore from then on. Their date was cut off when Zack was called to upper Midgar to repel another Genesis attack, this time to attack <a href="/wiki/Professor_Hojo">Professor Hojo </a>; en route, Angeal appeared, this time wanting to work with Zack. Zack, Angeal, and Sephiroth then fought Genesis, but after Zack fought a summoned <a href="/wiki/Bahamut_Fury">Bahamut Fury </a>, Angeal and Genesis were nowhere to be seen.<a href="#cite_note-name=cc_chapter_4-12">[11] </a>

Zack inherits the Buster Sword from Angeal.

During April, in <a href="/wiki/Chapter_5_(Crisis_Core)">chapter 5 </a>, on the way to visit Aerith, Zack was stopped by Tseng. He was sent to the mountain town of <a href="/wiki/Modeoheim">Modeoheim </a>with Tseng and some Shinra infantrymen, one of whom was Cloud Strife, and the two instantly bonded over their shared country village backgrounds. Zack infiltrated a <a href="/wiki/Mako">mako </a>excavation facility that they found, where he saw Genesis confronting Dr. Hollander over Hollander being unable to cure Genesis's genetic <a href="/wiki/Degradation">degradation </a>against his earlier promises. Hollander revealed that Project G was "Project Gillian", and her son, Angeal, was the perfect SOLDIER who had <a href="/wiki/Jenova">Jenova </a>'s power.<a href="#cite_note-cc_chapter_5-4">[4] </a>

Zack triumphed over Genesis and found Angeal. Angeal believed himself a "perfect monster" and fused with several <a href="/wiki/Copy_technology#Angeal_copies">Angeal copies </a>to become <a href="/wiki/Angeal_Penance">Angeal Penance </a>, which Zack defeated, his left cheek scarred in the process. On his deathbed, Angeal handed Zack the Buster Sword and told him to remember his dreams and honor. Distraught by the loss, Zack found comfort in Aerith's arms, strengthening their relationship. He succeeded Angeal's role as the emotional heart of SOLDIER, and passed on Angeal's mantra of "embrace your dreams" and "protect your SOLDIER honor" to the troops he commanded.<a href="#cite_note-cc_chapter_5-4">[4] </a> As Genesis was presumed defeated, the <a href="/wiki/Genesis_War">Genesis War </a>was considered over.

In Before Crisis -Final Fantasy VII- , on <a href="/wiki/Final_Fantasy_VII_timeline">January 16, 0002 </a>, Zack was sent to deal with the insurgency known as <a href="/wiki/Avalanche_(group)">Avalanche </a>in <a href="/wiki/Icicle_Inn">Icicle Inn </a>to destroy their base along with a Player Turk and his SOLDIER friends, <a href="/wiki/Essai_and_Sebastian">Essai and Sebastian </a>.<a href="#cite_note-13">[note 2] </a> Essai and Sebastian were kidnapped by Avalanche and turned into <a href="/wiki/Ravens">Ravens </a>, the personal guard of <a href="/wiki/Fuhito">Fuhito </a>. Zack attempted a rescue mission and brought them back to their senses, but they died. When the Player Turk left, Zack killed a Raven named Kyneugh, and after escaping the base, Zack made a grave for Essai and Sebastian with both of their swords crossing.

Zack at Costa del Sol with Cissnei.

In <a href="/wiki/Chapter_6_(Crisis_Core)">chapter 6 of Crisis Core </a>, early summer of that year, Zack rested in <a href="/wiki/Costa_del_Sol_(Final_Fantasy_VII)">Costa del Sol </a>with Cissnei watching him. His vacation was interrupted by Genesis copies, leading them to suspect Genesis was still around. They learned that Director Lazard had betrayed SOLDIER and worked with the copies to break Dr. Hollander out of imprisonment in <a href="/wiki/Junon">Junon </a>. Zack followed to Junon to prevent Hollander from leaving, but was unsuccessful; Sephiroth, arriving late, noted Zack's failure but forgave him, and gave him permission to return to Midgar to see Aerith.<a href="#cite_note-cc_chapter_6-14">[12] </a>

In <a href="/wiki/Chapter_7_(Crisis_Core)">chapter 7 </a>, Zack returned to find monsters released from Hojo's lab, and that an <a href="/wiki/Canine_Angeal_copy">Angeal copy </a>was protecting Aerith.<a href="#cite_note-15">[note 3] </a> He built Aerith a wagon and helped her sell flowers, and noted Tseng watching them. Zack entrusted Tseng as the only one who could be depended on to look after Aerith. Zack was to be sent on a mission to <a href="/wiki/Nibelheim">Nibelheim </a>, Cloud's hometown, alongside Sephiroth, Cloud, and two other Shinra infantrymen. Zack bid Aerith farewell and left.<a href="#cite_note-17">[note 4] </a>

During September 22nd of 0002 (depicted <a href="/wiki/Departure">chapter 8 of Crisis Core </a>, and multiple other titles), the three arrived in Nibelheim, with Sephiroth asking Cloud how it felt to return to his hometown. Zack asked if Sephiroth had any family, to which Sephiroth answered that his mother's name was Jenova, piquing Zack's curiosity and suspicion due to Genesis's earlier reference to her. A local named <a href="/wiki/Tifa_Lockhart">Tifa Lockhart </a>guided them up <a href="/wiki/Mt._Nibel">Mt. Nibel </a>to the <a href="/wiki/Nibel_Reactor">Nibel Reactor </a>, and a villager snapped a picture of Sephiroth, Zack, and Tifa on the way there.<a href="#cite_note-cc_chapter_8-18">[14] </a>

Zack and Sephiroth found several pods filled with <a href="/wiki/Makonoid">makonoids </a>at the <a href="/wiki/Mako_reactor">mako reactor </a>, and Sephiroth learned from Genesis that he was created as part of the <a href="/wiki/Jenova_Project_(Final_Fantasy_VII)">Jenova Project </a>, causing him to have a mental breakdown. Outside, Cloud was injured protecting Tifa from an attack from Genesis, and Zack escorted them back to the town; after Cloud lamented he could have protected them if he made SOLDIER, he responded that SOLDIER was like a "den of monsters". He expressed regret at himself for simply following orders with SOLDIER mindlessly, but when Cloud asked Zack about the Buster Sword, he was reminded of Angeal's mantra of honor, and had a renewed purpose. Meanwhile, Sephiroth hid in the basement of the <a href="/wiki/Shinra_Manor">Shinra Manor </a>reading files of the project for seven sleepless days, asking to be left alone when Zack attempted to talk to him.<a href="#cite_note-cc_chapter_8-18">[14] </a>

Zack sees Sephiroth with Nibelheim ablaze.

On October 1st, Zack attempted again only to find Sephiroth had snapped, believing himself to be the last <a href="/wiki/Cetra">Cetra </a>, and hating humanity for supposedly abandoning his forebears during an unspecified disaster. Sephiroth burned the town to the ground and headed to the reactor to find Jenova, with Tifa chasing him, and Cloud and Zack following. Tifa was cut down and refused to trust Zack when he tried to help her, and after failing to get through to Sephiroth, Zack fought him, being defeated after putting up a fight. Cloud took the Buster Sword and stabbed Sephiroth when Sephiroth was caught off-guard, and after a struggle, threw him into the <a href="/wiki/Lifestream">lifestream </a>, after which he and Zack lay there unconscious.<a href="#cite_note-cc_chapter_8-18">[14] </a> While Tifa was saved by <a href="/wiki/Zangan">Zangan </a>,<a href="#cite_note-19">[15] </a> Zack and Cloud were taken by Professor Hojo for his new experiment: the <a href="/wiki/Reunion_Theory">Jenova Reunion Theory </a>, where they were injected with Jenova cells.

Experiments and fleeing Shinra  [        ]

Zack encounters Genesis on the way back to Midgar.

Over the four years he was experimented on, Hojo's project was deemed a failure, due to Zack's strong tolerance to the Jenova cells from his SOLDIER conditioning, and Cloud's lack of tolerance causing toxicosis.<a href="#cite_note-cc_chapter_9-20">[16] </a> Awakening in Shinra Manor December <a href="/wiki/Final_Fantasy_VII_timeline#0006">0006 </a>,<a href="#cite_note-ff7_10th_anniversary_ultimania_timeline-1">[1] </a> Zack knocked out the researcher watching them and freed Cloud who had severe mako poisoning and was in an almost vegetative state; Zack dressed Cloud in a clean SOLDIER uniform before leaving.<a href="#cite_note-cc_chapter_9-20">[16] </a> <a href="#cite_note-zack_flashback_VIIOG-21">[17] </a> As escapees of Hojo's experiment, they were fugitives wanted by Shinra, and Kunsel <a href="/wiki/Mail_(Crisis_Core)">mailed </a>him to warn him of a battalion sent after them.<a href="#cite_note-22">[18] </a>

Zack takes a bite out of a Banora White, fulfilling Genesis's childhood dream.

In <a href="/wiki/Chapter_9_(Crisis_Core)">chapter 9 of Crisis Core </a>, they left the now-rebuilt Nibelheim, and on the way, Cissnei was ordered to take the escapees in, but betrayed orders and allowed Zack and Cloud to pass.<a href="#cite_note-cc_chapter_9-20">[16] </a> <a href="#cite_note-23">[note 5] </a> Their journey took them to Zack's home of Gongaga, where Cissnei warned Zack to stay away as the Turks had been ordered to look for him there. She told him she had already spoken to his parents and they were well. Zack found Genesis copies looking for Cloud, believing he possessed S Cells (Jenova cells from Sephiroth) that could cure their degradation; Hollander believed that Zack's S cells were useless due to his resilience and only Cloud's would help.<a href="#cite_note-cc_chapter_9-20">[16] </a>

Case report in Last Order .

Zack defended Cloud and killed Hollander once and for all, with the help of Lazard, who had since become an Angeal copy to take Angeal's strength. Lazard disavowed his past desire for vengeance and wished to help Zack stop Genesis and save the world.<a href="#cite_note-cc_chapter_9-20">[16] </a> In <a href="/wiki/Heroes">chapter 10 </a>, the three traveled to the Banora ruins to search for Genesis, and Zack fought him in the <a href="/wiki/Banora_Underground">Banora Underground </a>, now wielding the power of the lifestream to cure his degradation. Challenged once again for the title of SOLDIER First Class, Zack defeated Genesis and took him up to the surface.<a href="#cite_note-cc_chapter_10-24">[19] </a>

Together with a catatonic Cloud, a beaten Genesis, a dead Lazard, and the final surviving Angeal copy that had lived in Aerith's church, Zack ate a dumbapple to appease Genesis's dream of re-enacting the epic poem <a href="/wiki/LOVELESS">LOVELESS </a>. When he received a letter from Aerith delivered by the Angeal copy, he realized four years had passed during his captivity in Nibelheim, and desired to return to Midgar, taking Cloud and leaving behind a now-pacified Genesis.<a href="#cite_note-cc_chapter_10-24">[19] </a>

On the way to Midgar, the two hitched a ride on the back of a pick-up truck. Zack planned for him and Cloud to become mercenaries together, and pondered if he could stay with Aerith if her mother, <a href="/wiki/Elmyra_Gainsborough">Elmyra Gainsborough </a>, allowed it.<a href="#cite_note-zack_flashback_VIIOG-21">[17] </a> Meanwhile, while the Shinra army were deployed against Zack, Tseng separately ordered the Turks to collect him first, hoping to save Zack's life and deliver the 88 letters Aerith had written to him prior to the one that reached him.<a href="#cite_note-cc_chapter_10-24">[19] </a>

Cloud inherits the Buster Sword from Zack.

At the end of September <a href="/wiki/Final_Fantasy_VII_timeline#0007">0007 </a>, when the two approached Midgar, an army of Shinra soldiers awaited them, as the Turks had been unable to reach him first. The army gunned Zack down as the killing blows were landed by two soldiers and one commander,<a href="#cite_note-25">[note 6] </a> who ignored Cloud at the commander's orders.<a href="#cite_note-zack_flashback_VIIOG-21">[17] </a> In the lifestream after passing, Zack joined Angeal and told Cloud to "say hi" to Aerith for him, and asks if it was fair to say he successfully became a hero.<a href="#cite_note-cc_chapter_10-24">[19] </a>

Zack returns to the Planet with Angeal's spirit.

The combined trauma from the Nibelheim Incident, his mako poisoning, and witnessing Zack's death became too much for Cloud's mind to handle. Aided by the Jenova cells in his body, Cloud's mind was warped, and he adopted elements of Zack's memories and persona, combining them with an idealized image of himself to create a new personality and history for himself. Cloud arrived in the <a href="/wiki/Sector_7_slums">Sector 7 slums </a>and found Tifa again, who noticed his memory was off but kept quiet, and encouraged him to work for her and <a href="/wiki/Barret_Wallace">Barret Wallace </a>in <a href="/wiki/Avalanche_(group)">Avalanche </a>.<a href="#cite_note-Searching_for_the_You_of_That_Day-26">[20] </a>

In Final Fantasy VII , Cloud had several breakdowns during his journey due to his faulty memory. When he met Aerith (falling from the plate above to the church, as Zack had done), she noticed similarities between him and Zack, commenting on their rank and eyes.<a href="#cite_note-27">[21] </a> His version of events in "<a href="/wiki/The_Tragedy_of_Five_Years_Ago">The Tragedy of Five Years Ago </a>" had him retell the Nibelheim Incident where he swapped places with Zack, but went blank after confronting Sephiroth, something he could not explain.<a href="#cite_note-28">[22] </a> In "<a href="/wiki/Gongaga,_the_Village_of_Sadness">Gongaga, the Village of Sadness </a>", the party met Zack's parents, still waiting for his return; Aerith reminisced and wondered if Zack was still out there but had found someone else, while Tifa denied knowing Zack.<a href="#cite_note-Gongaga,_the_Village_of_Sadness-6">[5] </a> Tifa kept her knowledge of the Nibelheim Incident to herself until Sephiroth showed Cloud a vision of the true events in "<a href="/wiki/That_Which_Waits_in_the_Northernmost_Reaches">That Which Waits in the Northernmost Reaches </a>"; thereafter, in "<a href="/wiki/Searching_for_the_You_of_That_Day">Searching for the You of That Day </a>", she and Cloud helped repair his mind, and Cloud reclaimed his memory to accept his true identity rather than rely on his constructed persona based on Zack.

An apparition of Zack encouraging Cloud in his final battle.

When Aerith returned to the lifestream after <a href="/wiki/Aerith%27s_death">her death </a>, she reunited with Zack, as depicted in Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children .<a href="#cite_note-29">[note 7] </a> His voice, along with Aerith's, called out to Cloud after he was caught in <a href="/wiki/Loz">Loz </a>and <a href="/wiki/Yazoo">Yazoo </a>'s attack in Advent Children . In Advent Children Complete , Zack encouraged Cloud in his battle against Sephiroth by reminding Cloud about his SOLDIER honor and saying that, although Cloud did not make SOLDIER, it was his heart that counted, and he had already proven to be the stronger one. In both versions, Cloud saw both Aerith and Zack at the door to the Sector 5 church after his <a href="/wiki/Geostigma">Geostigma </a>was cured.<a href="#cite_note-VIIAC-30">[23] </a>

Yellow <a href="/wiki/Flower_(symbolism)">flowers </a>bloomed on the spot outside Midgar where Zack had died. <a href="/wiki/Denzel">Denzel </a>asked Cloud if it was someone's grave, to which Cloud replied it was not, but rather a place where a hero began his journey. A restored Buster Sword was relocated to Aerith's church to rest among the flowers.<a href="#cite_note-VIIAC-30">[23] </a>

In <a href="/wiki/Final_Fantasy_VII_Remake">Final Fantasy VII Remake </a> Zack's final stand (based on the Crisis Core depiction, where he comments on the price of freedom and repeats Angeal's mantra before fighting the Shinra army) was shown during "<a href="/wiki/Destiny%27s_Crossroads">Destiny's Crossroads </a>" when the party battled Sephiroth and the <a href="/wiki/Whispers_(VII_Remake)">Whispers </a>. After the Whispers' defeat, Zack's fate appeared to be altered, as he barely survived the encounter and defeated the army, before being knocked down by a burst of light from Midgar. He recovered and took a weakened Cloud to the city.<a href="#cite_note-31">[24] </a> In "<a href="/wiki/Episode_INTERmission">Episode INTERmission </a>", after an unknown period of time, Zack visited the Sector 5 church hoping to see Aerith, only to find her absent and the church full of refugees from the topside of Midgar.<a href="#cite_note-32">[25] </a> Whether these events occurred in the same continuity as the rest of Final Fantasy VII Remake is ambiguous, as there are inconsistencies between the two.<a href="#cite_note-33">[note 8] </a>

Zack's signature appearance is a tall, well-built man with spiky black hair, and the iconic sky-blue "<a href="/wiki/Mako">mako </a>eyes" common to SOLDIER members. In his most iconic appearance as a SOLDIER First Class, he dresses in black uniform, wearing gloves and boots, and wields the Buster Sword. He also has an X-shaped scar on his cheek, a silver stud earring in his left ear, and a single lock of hair hanging down in front of his face.

5 Life Lessons from Zack Fair: The Unsung Hero's Creed