The Age of Destiny: How Old Was Zack Fair When He Met Aerith Gainsborough?
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Zack Fair, the SOLDIER with a heart of gold, first crossed paths with the flower girl Aerith Gainsborough in the bustling slums of Midgar. At the time of their fateful meeting in Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Zack Fair was approximately 16 years old. Aerith was also around 16 years old making them approximately the same age when their paths crossed. This encounter sparked a heartwarming and ultimately tragic romance that deeply impacted the Final Fantasy VII saga. Let’s delve deeper into the timeline and surrounding details of this pivotal moment.
The Blooming Romance in Midgar
Zack’s introduction to Aerith is quite memorable. He literally falls into her life, crashing through the roof of the Sector 5 church in the Midgar slums. Aerith, with her gentle nature, helps him, and a bond quickly forms. Their connection is instant and blossoms into a genuine romantic relationship during Zack’s time in Midgar.
Their early dates are iconic. Zack is taken by Aerith’s affinity for flowers, encouraging her to sell them, and even buying her a pink ribbon as a token of affection that she cherishes. The pink ribbon becomes a symbol of their relationship, highlighting the innocence and purity of their love.
The Tragedy of Separation and Loss
The bliss of their romance, however, is short-lived. Zack, being a SOLDIER, is called away on missions, and eventually becomes embroiled in the dark conspiracies surrounding Project G and the Shinra Corporation’s experiments.
He becomes entangled in the Nibelheim incident and is subsequently held captive in a Mako chamber for four long years in the basement of the Shinra Mansion. During this time, Aerith diligently sends him letters, patiently waiting for his return.
Zack’s escape from Shinra is a desperate attempt to keep his promise to Aerith and return to her. Sadly, his journey ends tragically just outside Midgar, where he is killed defending Cloud from Shinra forces. His death is heartbreaking, leaving Aerith devastated and unknowingly paving the way for Cloud’s journey.
The Enduring Legacy of Zack and Aerith
The relationship between Zack and Aerith has resonated with fans for decades, cementing their place in the annals of video game romance. Although their time together was cut short, the love they shared had a profound effect on both their lives and the wider world of Final Fantasy VII. Even after Zack’s death, his influence remains strong, shaping Aerith’s interactions with Cloud, and inspiring Cloud himself, ultimately influencing the entire storyline of Final Fantasy VII.
Their story is a reminder of the power of love, loyalty, and the lasting impact one person can have on another, even after they are gone. You can find more information about storytelling in games at the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Zack Fair and Aerith
How old was Aerith when she met Zack?
Aerith was also 16 years old when she met Zack. They were of similar age when they met in the church.
How long did Aerith and Zack date?
The exact duration of their romantic involvement is not precisely specified, but their relationship developed and progressed over the period that Zack spent in Midgar before being deployed on further missions, which was a period of weeks to a few months.
How long did Aerith wait for Zack?
Aerith waited for Zack for four years while he was held captive by Shinra. She consistently sent him letters, demonstrating her unwavering love and hope for his return.
Did Aerith love Cloud more than Zack?
The nature of Aerith’s love for Cloud compared to Zack has been a topic of much discussion among fans. Many feel that Zack was her first love, while her relationship with Cloud was more complex, influenced by Cloud’s partially inherited memories and mannerisms from Zack himself. The official sources suggest that she had different kinds of love for both men.
Why does Cloud have Zack’s memories?
Cloud’s partial memories of Zack come from the experiments conducted on them by Professor Hojo. Cloud was exposed to Mako radiation and Jenova cells alongside Zack, and because he was mentally weaker, he absorbed some of Zack’s memories and experiences, blending them with his own to create a distorted sense of self.
Was Zack a SOLDIER?
Yes, Zack Fair was a member of SOLDIER, Shinra’s elite military unit. He aspired to become a hero and climb the ranks to become a 1st Class SOLDIER, a goal he eventually achieved.
How did Zack get his Buster Sword?
Zack inherited the Buster Sword from his mentor, Angeal Hewley. Angeal, also a SOLDIER, carried the Buster Sword as a symbol of his honor. Before his death, Angeal entrusted it to Zack, who then passed it on to Cloud at the end of Crisis Core.
Is Zack stronger than Cloud?
This is a debated topic among fans. At the end of Crisis Core, Zack is likely stronger than Cloud. However, Cloud’s experiences throughout Final Fantasy VII allow him to surpass Zack in terms of strength and ability.
Did Zack and Cloud escape together?
Yes, Zack and Cloud escaped from the Shinra Mansion together. After four years of experimentation, Zack broke free from his confinement and rescued Cloud, who was in a vegetative state. They then embarked on a journey towards Midgar.
Why was Zack experimented on?
Zack, along with Cloud, was subjected to experimentation as part of Professor Hojo’s attempts to create super-soldiers using Jenova cells. These experiments were designed to replicate the powers and abilities of Sephiroth, and were the same experiments done to Sephiroth as a child.
Who killed Zack Fair?
Zack Fair was killed by Shinra infantry. While trying to reach Midgar with Cloud, Zack was ambushed by a large contingent of Shinra soldiers, who were ordered to eliminate him due to the threat he posed to the company.
Does Aerith know Zack is dead?
It is implied that Aerith has a sense that Zack is no longer alive, due to her connection to the Lifestream. However, she continues to cherish his memory and keep his spirit alive through her actions and thoughts.
Is Zack Fair in Final Fantasy VII Remake?
Yes, Zack Fair makes an appearance in Final Fantasy VII Remake and subsequent parts. His role is expanded compared to the original game, suggesting that he will play a significant part in the new narrative.
How tall was Zack Fair?
Zack Fair was known for his height, standing at approximately 6’2″. This made him one of the taller characters in the Final Fantasy VII universe.
What is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion?
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion is a remaster of the original Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, offering enhanced graphics, improved gameplay, and a deeper exploration of Zack Fair’s story. It provides further insight into his relationship with Aerith and the events leading up to Final Fantasy VII.
These FAQs provide a deeper insight into the character of Zack Fair, his relationship with Aerith, and his significance within the Final Fantasy VII universe. His tragic story continues to resonate with players, making him a beloved character in the series.