How Old is Zack Fair in Crisis Core and Beyond?
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The question of Zack Fair’s age in the Final Fantasy VII universe, particularly during the events of Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (FF7CC), is a common point of curiosity for fans. To answer it directly: Zack is 16 years old when Crisis Core begins. This pivotal starting point sets the stage for his journey through the ranks of SOLDIER and his eventual tragic demise. However, his age evolves throughout the narrative and this article will explore that and other related questions.
Zack’s Age Progression Through the Timeline
Zack’s timeline is relatively well defined, and his age can be traced from his initial entry into SOLDIER to his final moments. Here’s a breakdown:
Early Life and SOLDIER Entry
- Age 13: Zack joins the Shinra Electric Power Company military. He’s driven by his childhood dream of becoming a First Class SOLDIER.
- Around Age 15-16: Zack achieves the rank of Second Class SOLDIER. Crisis Core begins with Zack at the age of 16.
Crisis Core and the Nibelheim Incident
- Age 16: The events of Crisis Core unfold. He meets Aerith in Midgar and continues his missions as a SOLDIER.
- Age 18: Zack is present during the Nibelheim Incident, where Sephiroth burns down the town. This incident is a turning point for both Zack and Cloud.
Post-Nibelheim Imprisonment and Escape
- Age 18-22: Zack and Cloud are captured by Shinra and subjected to experiments for four years by Professor Hojo. These experiments significantly impact Cloud’s psyche.
- Age 22-23: Zack escapes the Shinra Manor with the incapacitated Cloud. They become fugitives, evading Shinra forces for approximately one year.
Final Confrontation and Death
- Age 23: Zack meets his tragic end in a heroic final stand against an overwhelming number of Shinra soldiers just outside Midgar. He dies protecting Cloud and passing on his dreams and legacy.
The Significance of Zack’s Age
Zack’s age is significant because it highlights the youth and potential that is brutally cut short by the events of the narrative. He was a young man on the cusp of realizing his dreams and his story adds emotional depth to the world of Final Fantasy VII. Zack’s tragic tale of sacrifice and heroism impacts many of the key characters, particularly Cloud. The fact that he reaches the prime of his life, only to meet such a premature end is a central emotional aspect of the plot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Zack Fair
To provide even more clarity about Zack’s role, history, and relationships, here are some frequently asked questions related to him:
1. What is the age gap between Zack and Cloud?
Zack is generally considered about two years older than Cloud. When they meet in Midgar, Zack is 16, and Cloud is 15. In the original Final Fantasy VII, Cloud is around 21, while Zack would have been 23.
2. Why was Zack gone for four years?
Zack and Cloud were experimented on by Professor Hojo after the Nibelheim Incident. These experiments lasted for four years and involved using cells of Jenova to recreate SOLDIER.
3. Was Zack a clone of Sephiroth?
While the experiments involved injecting them with Jenova cells (the same cells as Sephiroth), Zack is not a clone of Sephiroth. The process attempted to turn him into one, but it failed because he had already been through the SOLDIER process which protected his mind, meaning he retained his own will.
4. How old was Zack when he became a SOLDIER?
Zack formally joined the Shinra military at age 13 but was not yet a SOLDIER. He became a SOLDIER later after going through the process and ranking up to Second Class around age 15-16.
5. Is Zack Fair stronger than Cloud?
Zack is stronger than Cloud at the beginning of their stories, as he is a fully fledged SOLDIER, but Cloud surpasses Zack by the end of Final Fantasy VII. In Crisis Core Zack is an incredibly powerful soldier. Both have different styles and levels of skill.
6. Were Zack and Aerith dating?
Yes, Zack and Aerith develop a romantic relationship in Crisis Core. They become intimate lovers, and their relationship is an important part of the game’s narrative.
7. Why does Cloud have memories of Zack?
After Zack’s death, Cloud’s mind was warped by trauma and Mako poisoning. He adopted aspects of Zack’s persona and history, including many of his memories. This led Cloud to believe he was a First Class SOLDIER as Zack had told him he would one day be, a role he never actually achieved in his own right. This is due to the influence of Jenova cells and the trauma of the Nibelheim incident.
8. Are there two Sephiroths?
Not technically. There’s the real Sephiroth, plus an “Illusion” that only Cloud can see, a “Black Hood” figure, a “Flashback” version, and an “Unknown” existence that appears to others. However, there is only one Sephiroth.
9. Is Zack not dead in the FF7 Remake?
In the Final Fantasy VII Remake, a late-game scene suggests that Zack is alive in an alternate timeline. However, this is a departure from the original ending where he died. It’s not clear whether this is related to the new timeline created by the events of Remake. In Crisis Core: Reunion the ending remains the same, with Zack dying at the hands of Shinra forces.
10. How old is Sephiroth?
Sephiroth is roughly 27-30 years old in Final Fantasy VII, which takes place about five years after the Nibelheim incident.
11. Is Cloud a Sephiroth clone?
No, Cloud is not a clone of Sephiroth. He was a regular soldier and was subjected to similar experiments involving Jenova’s cells in an attempt to turn him into a SOLDIER. This process failed, which is why he retained his will, however he is still strongly connected to Sephiroth.
12. Does Cloud love Tifa?
Cloud’s feelings are complex. Cloud has very strong feelings for both Aerith and Tifa. In the end, Cloud deeply cares for both Tifa and Aerith.
13. Why does Cloud not remember Zack?
Cloud does not forget Zack completely, he is simply unable to process what happened to him, and what role he actually played in Nibelheim. Instead he believes that he is Zack, based on memories of what happened in the last year of Zacks life and his interactions with Zack, which are all mixed up with his own history and memories of events. The trauma and experiments effectively caused him to forget himself and then incorrectly remember events which ultimately led to him becoming the Cloud he is in the original game.
14. Why is Zack so beloved by fans?
Zack is beloved because of his positive personality, his willingness to help and connect with others, and his selfless sacrifice. He represents an ideal of heroism and embodies an optimistic outlook despite the tragic nature of his story. He has a natural charisma that is clearly missed within the group of main characters in the story, and this makes him popular with the fandom.
15. Is Aerith Sephiroth’s sister?
Aerith was originally considered as Sephiroth’s sister during early development. This idea was eventually abandoned and she was instead made a former lover who recognised him in Cloud. Ultimately her romantic interest became Zack. Aerith and Sephiroth are not related in the final canon.
Final Thoughts
Understanding Zack Fair’s age is crucial to appreciating his character arc and his impact on the Final Fantasy VII narrative. From a 13-year-old recruit to a 23-year-old hero, Zack’s story is filled with adventure, romance, and tragedy. His legacy continues to resonate with fans, cementing his place as one of the most beloved characters in the Final Fantasy universe.