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Zack appears in Olympus Coliseum looking for Phil, who is known for training people into heroes and hopes to become his trainee. He meets Hercules and [[Ventus]] during an [[Unversed]] attack and shows his skill in front of Phil. Since Phil only trains one trainee and already has Hercules, he "decides" to form a competition between the two boys to help make his decision: Hercules or Zack. Phil enters them both in only one of the two main blocks in the tournament, since there was another strong contender in the other block (presumably Terra). To be fair to Zack, Phil refuses to train Hercules until he "wins" his match with Zack, prompting Hercules to train with Ventus.
Zack appears in Olympus Coliseum looking for Phil, who is known for training people into heroes and hopes to become his trainee. He meets Hercules and [[Ventus]] during an [[Unversed]] attack and shows his skill in front of Phil. Since Phil only trains one trainee and already has Hercules, he "decides" to form a competition between the two boys to help make his decision: Hercules or Zack. Phil enters them both in only one of the two main blocks in the tournament, since there was another strong contender in the other block (presumably Terra). To be fair to Zack, Phil refuses to train Hercules until he "wins" his match with Zack, prompting Hercules to train with Ventus.


During Herc and Zack's showdown in the semi-final round, an army of Unversed appear in the city of Athens (the Town Near Thebes) and Ventus volunteers to deal with them so as not to ruin Hercules and Zack's match. Not wanting their friend to get hurt, Herc withdraws from the competition just one second before Zack does. By default, Zack wins the match. However, by the time Zack arrives, the monsters are already defeated. Phil then arrives and tells them that part of a hero's important quality involves the will to do what is right and quick acting, and, since Zack withdrew after Hercules, Hercules once again "becomes" Phil's trainee. Ventus secretly asks Phil whether he ever intended to stop training Hercules at all. Phil admits that Hercules was in a rut and needed their competition, but Phil acknowledges Zack's potential. Though disappointed, Zack faces his defeat cheerfully.
During Hercules and Zack's showdown in the semi-final round, an army of Unversed appear in the city of Athens (the Town Near Thebes) and Ventus volunteers to deal with them so as not to ruin Hercules and Zack's match. Not wanting their friend to get hurt, Hercules withdraws from the competition just one second before Zack does. By default, Zack wins the match. However, by the time Zack arrives, the monsters are already defeated. Phil then arrives and tells them that part of a hero's important quality involves the will to do what is right and quick acting, and, since Zack withdrew after Hercules, Hercules once again "becomes" Phil's trainee. Ventus secretly asks Phil whether he ever intended to stop training Hercules at all. Phil admits that Hercules was in a rut and needed their competition, but Phil acknowledges Zack's potential. Though disappointed, Zack faces his defeat cheerfully.


In the meantime, Terra arrives in the Coliseum, and [[Hades]] tries to find a way to make Terra succumb to darkness. Frustrated by Terra's advancement in the tournament, Hades spots Zack entering the Coliseum and uses the darkness in his heart to control him. When Terra reaches the final round, Zack becomes his opponent but is defeated. As Terra turns to leave, Zack gets up and attacks again, this time using the power of darkness and more powerful attacks. Terra wins again, freeing Zack from Hades's control. After their second battle, Terra helps Zack up and he introduces himself. Zack tells Terra he reminds him of a [[Sephiroth|certain hero]] he admires by his attitude, though Terra denies the compliment.<ref name="Sephiroth">'''''[[Kingdom Hearts Ultimania|Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Ultimania]]''''': "As in the original game, it's Sephiroth. In "KHI FM" and "KHII" Sephiroth was portrayed as a being of darkness, but at the time of "KH BbS" we don't know whether or not he was a being of darkness."</ref> Zack doesn't listen and says being a hero or not isn't something you choose yourself, and after watching their battle, both the crowd and him consider Terra a hero. Before Terra leaves, the two promise each other a rematch, one where Zack would use his own strength.  
In the meantime, Terra arrives in the Coliseum, and [[Hades]] tries to find a way to make Terra succumb to darkness. Frustrated by Terra's advancement in the tournament, Hades spots Zack entering the Coliseum and uses the darkness in his heart to control him. When Terra reaches the final round, Zack becomes his opponent but is defeated. As Terra turns to leave, Zack gets up and attacks again, this time using the power of darkness and more powerful attacks. Terra wins again, freeing Zack from Hades's control. After their second battle, Terra helps Zack up and he introduces himself. Zack tells Terra he reminds him of a [[Sephiroth|certain hero]] he admires by his attitude, though Terra denies the compliment.<ref name="Sephiroth">'''''[[Kingdom Hearts Ultimania|Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Ultimania]]''''', '''Interviewer''': "Who is the hero "similar to Terra" that Zack aspires to be like?" / '''Tetsuya Nomura''': "As in the original game, it's Sephiroth. In ''Kingdom Hearts Final Mix'' and ''Kingdom Hearts II'', Sephiroth was portrayed as a being of darkness, but at the time of ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'', we don't know whether or not he was a being of darkness." [https://www.khinsider.com/forums/index.php?threads/bbs-ultimania-plot-mysteries-nomura-interview.147009/ Translation via Krexia].</ref> Zack doesn't listen and says being a hero or not isn't something you choose yourself, and after watching their battle, both the crowd and him consider Terra a hero. Before Terra leaves, the two promise each other a rematch, one where Zack would use his own strength.  


Later, Zack meets Aqua while she is talking with Phil and Hercules about Terra. As Zack talks about fighting Terra in the finals after their match, Aqua is confused, but Phil explains the tournament rules and about the East and West blocks (the two main blocks mentioned earlier). Both Phil and Hercules leave, and Zack explains to Aqua how he met Terra and about how Hades controlled Zack with darkness and how Terra saved Zack. Aqua is relieved to hear this news.
Later, Zack meets Aqua while she is talking with Phil and Hercules about Terra. As Zack talks about fighting Terra in the finals after their match, Aqua is confused, but Phil explains the tournament rules and about the East and West blocks (the two main blocks mentioned earlier). Both Phil and Hercules leave, and Zack explains to Aqua how he met Terra and about how Hades controlled Zack with darkness and how Terra saved Zack. Aqua is relieved to hear this news.
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Both Zack and Aqua fight in their match, and Zack loses. Zack accepts defeat cheerfully, and Hades appears. Hades comes to check out what happened, and Zack is angered to see him again. The god leaves after insulting Terra and admitting he would be fought in the title match, while Zack tries chasing after him. Zack is now disappointed in his loss, having lost potentially his only chance to fight Hades after Hades tried to use him, but he tells Aqua to take revenge for him and Terra.
Both Zack and Aqua fight in their match, and Zack loses. Zack accepts defeat cheerfully, and Hades appears. Hades comes to check out what happened, and Zack is angered to see him again. The god leaves after insulting Terra and admitting he would be fought in the title match, while Zack tries chasing after him. Zack is now disappointed in his loss, having lost potentially his only chance to fight Hades after Hades tried to use him, but he tells Aqua to take revenge for him and Terra.


[[File:Advice for a Hero 01 KHBBS.png|thumb|right|Zack asks Aqua out on a date.]]
[[File:Advice for a Hero 01 KHBBS.png|thumb|Zack asks Aqua out on a date.]]
Aqua shows up for her match, while Zack cheers from the stands. Hades shows up with the [[Ice Colossus]], claiming the rules allowed back-up. Zack immediately comes to Aqua's aid, but she tells him to leave both of them to her. She emerges triumphant, and the pair leave the Coliseum together. Zack wants to celebrate her victory, so he asks her on a date. Aqua shakes her hands in embarrassment, blushing, saying she's on a journey and she's still a trainee. Zack then makes Aqua promise they'd go on a date as soon as he becomes a true hero. Although Aqua says she can't make such a promise, Zack doesn't listen and says now he has to get serious about his training and he runs off outside the gates.
Aqua shows up for her match, while Zack cheers from the stands. Hades shows up with the [[Ice Colossus]], claiming the rules allowed back-up. Zack immediately comes to Aqua's aid, but she tells him to leave both of them to her. She emerges triumphant, and the pair leave the Coliseum together. Zack wants to celebrate her victory, so he asks her on a date. Aqua shakes her hands in embarrassment, blushing, saying she's on a journey and she's still a trainee. Zack then makes Aqua promise they'd go on a date as soon as he becomes a true hero. Although Aqua says she can't make such a promise, Zack doesn't listen and says now he has to get serious about his training and he runs off outside the gates.


Some time after the battle at the [[Keyblade Graveyard]], Zack is seen with his familiar habit of leaning against walls. He leans by the door to Olympus Coliseum while watching Phil train Hercules. A black feather is shown fluttering beside Zack, and he looks around in surprise. All that is then seen of him is a single, black feather drifting down where he once stood.<ref name="Sephiroth"/>
Sometime after the battle at the [[Keyblade Graveyard]], Zack is seen with his familiar habit of leaning against walls. He leans by the door to Olympus Coliseum while watching Phil train Hercules. A black feather is shown fluttering beside Zack, and he looks around in surprise. All that is then seen of him is a single, black feather drifting down where he once stood.<ref name="Sephiroth"/>
{{-}}
{{-}}


==Appearance==
==Design==
Zack sports his original hairstyle of short, thick black spikes with bangs framing his face. His eyes are a bright blue. Due to his appearance in Olympus Coliseum, he wears armor similar to that of Hercules, though his is grey, as opposed to Hercules's orange. Other than this additional armor, Zack wears his SOLDIER uniform of two silver pauldrons, black gloves, a brown guard over his abdomen that is worn over the armor, two belts over the aforementioned guard, and his blue pants and turtleneck, significantly brighter than Zack's original navy-colored clothing.
Zack sports his original hairstyle of short, thick black spikes with bangs framing his face. His eyes are bright blue. Due to his appearance in Olympus Coliseum, he wears armor similar to that of Hercules, though his is grey colored, as opposed to Hercules's orange. Other than this additional armor, Zack wears his SOLDIER uniform of two silver pauldrons, black gloves, a brown guard over his abdomen that is worn over the armor, two belts over the aforementioned guard, and his blue pants and turtleneck, significantly brighter than Zack's original navy-colored clothing.


Zack's brown, knee-high sandals also bear the vague design of his original black, knee-high boots, and he wears black socks underneath them. Small parts of his outfit have had swirls added to them and his physique is slightly different, likely to fit more with the style of Olympus Coliseum. Finally, Zack carries his original SOLDIER sword as a weapon. The SOLDIER's logo is seen both in his sword and in his brown guard, just above the belts.
Zack's brown, knee-high sandals also bear the vague design of his original black, knee-high boots, and he wears black socks underneath them. Small parts of his outfit have had swirls added to them and his physique is slightly different, likely to fit more with the style of Olympus Coliseum. Finally, Zack carries his original SOLDIER sword as a weapon. The SOLDIER's logo is seen both in his sword and in his brown guard, just above the belts.


Zack's concept art for ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'' has a visible outline of the Buster Sword upon his shoulder, but the blade does not appear in the game proper.
Zack's concept art for ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'' has a visible outline of the Buster Sword upon his shoulder, but the blade does not appear in the game.


Zack wears a Gladiator-style helmet during Terra's first fight against him.
Zack wears a silver Corinthian helmet during Terra's first fight against him.


==Personality==
==Personality==
Zack's personality can somewhat be compared to Ventus's. He is happy, cheerful, and good at making new friends, and he quickly befriends Terra, Aqua, Ventus, Hercules, and Phil. He is also shown to be a good sport, seen once Phil chooses to train Hercules, and again when he is defeated by Aqua. Zack does have his fair share of patience and seems to take disappointment rather well, dismissing it as "lousy luck". An example of this would be when Phil picked Herc over him. Zack's biggest ambition is to become a hero, much like his ''Final Fantasy'' self, and it proves to be his primary motivator. He can be very persistent and earnest, chasing Phil around town, and he relentlessly pursues his dream of becoming a hero, so much so that Phil nicknames him "Captain Eager".
Zack's personality can somewhat be compared to Ventus's. He is happy, cheerful, and good at making new friends, and he quickly befriends Terra, Aqua, Ventus, Hercules, and Phil. He is also shown to be a good sport, seen once Phil chooses to train Hercules, and again when he is defeated by Aqua. Zack does have his fair share of patience and seems to take disappointment rather well, dismissing it as "lousy luck". An example of this would be when Phil picked Herc over him. Zack's biggest ambition is to become a hero, much like his ''Final Fantasy'' self, and it proves to be his primary motivator. He can be very persistent and earnest, chasing Phil around town, and he relentlessly pursues his dream of becoming a hero, so much so that Phil nicknames him "Captain Eager".
{{section-stub}}
 
Zack looking up to Terra as a hero mirrors how he looks up to Sephiroth in ''Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-''. Zack's line when asking Aqua on a date is the same he says to Aerith in ''Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-''.
{{sec-stub}}
<!--mention how he likes doing squats-->
<!--mention how he likes doing squats-->


==Abilities==
==Abilities==
===Fighting Style===
===Fighting Style===
{{Q|You like my new super-warrior? See—right here, this—it's the power of darkness.|Hades, possessing Zack.}}
[[File:Zack Boss.png|thumb|left|Zack using Reverse Omnislash against Terra.]]
[[File:Zack Boss.png|thumb|left|Zack fighting Terra.]]
Zack is fought twice within Terra's story and once in Aqua's story. You must talk to Hades or Phil in the Coliseum Lobby to fight Zack. He is a very strong opponent and can be very difficult to defeat if not prepared properly. Terra fights Zack both normally and when possessed, while Aqua fights him only normally.   
Zack is fought twice within Terra's story and once in Aqua's story. You must talk to Hades or Phil in the Coliseum Lobby to fight Zack. He is a very strong opponent and can be very difficult to defeat if not prepared properly. Terra fights Zack both normally and when possessed, while Aqua fights him only normally.   


Zack easily uses his sword in combat, specializing in quick one-handed and double-handed strikes. Zack is agile and quite capable of backfilps, ten-foot leaps and fast strikes, which he excels at. He tends to use hit-and-run tactics, back-flipping to a safe distance when done. He is also able to use Dark Braver and a light based spell, which involves swinging his sword to channel energy on the ground.
Zack easily uses his sword in combat, specializing in quick one-handed and double-handed strikes. Zack is agile and quite capable of backflips, ten-foot leaps and fast strikes, which he excels at. He tends to use hit-and-run tactics, back-flipping to a safe distance when done. He is also able to use "Blade Beam", which involves swinging his sword to channel energy on the ground.


When controlled by Hades in the second battle, Zack becomes a killing machine. He is able to use "Hero's Pride", which consists of lethal high speed slashes while teleporting. He can also call down a slew of meteors, as well as fire a dark based version of Dark Braver. He is much stronger and can prove to be a tough opponent for Terra.
When controlled by Hades in the second battle, Zack becomes a killing machine. He is able to use "Reverse Omnislash", which consists of lethal high-speed slashes while teleporting. He can also call down a slew of meteors. He is much stronger and can prove to be a tough opponent for Terra.


Some of Zack's attacks are variations of {{ff|Digital Mind Wave|DMW}} limits used in ''Crisis Core''. These include Meteor Shots, Octaslash and Rush Assault. He also uses a variation of Cloud's Braver Limit Break, which greatly resembles the way Zack uses the Jump Materia in ''Crisis Core'', and the Blade Beam Limit Break that Cloud used in ''Final Fantasy VII''.
Some of Zack's attacks are variations of Cloud's {{ff|Limit (Final Fantasy VII)|Limit Breaks}} from ''{{ff|Final Fantasy VII}}'', including '''{{ff|Blade Beam}}''', '''True {{ff|Climhazzard}}''', and '''Reverse {{ff|Omnislash}}'''. '''Meteor''' resembles both Cloud's {{ff|Meteorain}} and Zack's {{ff|Meteor Shots}} Limit Breaks.
<center><gallery>
<center><gallery>
File:Zack's Sword KHBBS.png|Zack's sword.
File:Zack's Sword KHBBS.png|Zack's sword.
</gallery></center>
</gallery></center>


===D-Link===
===''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep''===
{{main|Game:Zack (D-Link)}}
Zack briefly assists Ventus when fighting the Unversed in the [[Town Near Thebes]].
[[File:DL Sprite Zack KHBBS.png|190px|right]]
{{AllyBBS
Zack becomes a D-Link for Terra, Ventus, and Aqua after their separate encounters. While in link with Zack, they can perform powerful blows with increased speed as well as create wave beams to blow their enemies aside.
|ev1='''Ventus:''' Fighting the Unversed in [[Town Near Thebes]]|hp1=48|str1=16|def1=9|ask1=33%
{{-}}
|atk1={{nihongo|'''Jump Downswing'''|ジャンプ振り下ろし|<br>Janpu Furioroshi}}|el1=Physical|pow1=1.0
|atk2={{nihongo|'''Continuous Sword (Ground Combo)'''|連続剣（地上コンボ）|<br>Renzokuken (Chijō Konbo)}}|el2=Physical|pow2=0.43 + 0.43 + 1.0
|atk3={{nihongo|'''Blade Beam (Shock Wave Scatter)'''|破晄撃（衝撃波飛ばし）|<br>Hakōgeki (Shōgekiha Tobashi)|lit. "Break Clear Attack (Shock Wave Scatter)"}}|el3=Physical|pow3=Sword: 1.0<br>Shock wave: 12.0
|coop1={{nihongo|'''Avenger Tornado'''|トルネドカウンター|<br>Torunedo Kauntā|lit. "Tornado Counter"}}|coopel1=Neutral|cooppow1=2.5|coopstat1=Stun (50%/3.3s)|coopgauge1=+20|coopdesc1=Used after covering an ally by guarding. Swings weapon sideways while jumping to unleash a tornado attack.
}}
 
====D-Link====
Zack becomes a D-Link for Terra, Ventus, and Aqua after clearing Olympus Coliseum. While in link with Zack, they can perform fiery spin attacks.
 
Zack's Slot Edge command refers to the {{ff|Digital Mind Wave}} system in {{ff|Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-}}, which resembles a slot machine. Zack's Fire Strike and Quick Blitz commands may refer to the {{ff|Fire Blade (Crisis Core)|Fire Blade}} and {{ff|Jump (Crisis Core)|Jump}} commands from ''Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-''. Zack's ability icons are colored orbs, similar to {{ff|Materia (Final Fantasy VII)|Materia}} from the ''{{ff|Final Fantasy VII series}}''.
 
{{D-Link|char=Zack
|sprite1=Zack (Helmet) Sprite
|sprite2=Zack Sprite
|deck0={{AT|att}} [[Fire Strike]]<br>{{AT|att}} [[Quick Blitz]]<br>{{AT|att}} [[Fire Strike]]<br>{{AT|att}} [[Quick Blitz]]<br>{{AT|att}} [[Slot Edge]]
|deck1={{AT|att}} [[Fire Strike]]<br>{{AT|att}} [[Quick Blitz]]<br>{{AT|att}} [[Fire Strike]]<br>{{AT|att}} [[Quick Blitz]]<br>{{AT|mag}} [[Stop]]<br>{{AT|att}} [[Slot Edge]]
|deck2={{AT|att}} [[Fire Strike]]<br>{{AT|att}} [[Blitz]]<br>{{AT|att}} [[Fire Strike]]<br>{{AT|att}} [[Quick Blitz]]<br>{{AT|att}} [[Fire Strike]]<br>{{AT|mag}} [[Blackout]]<br>{{AT|mag}} [[Stopra]]<br>{{AT|att}} [[Slot Edge]]
|fin1=[[Hero's Entrance]]
|fin2=[[Hero's Pride]]
|abi1=Berserk|abi1l=Berserk (ability)
|abi2=Attack Deflector
|em0=12%|em1=8%|em2=5%
|atk=x0.4 (Base) / x0.35 (Enhanced)
|bon=Perform a Counter
|bonrate=25%
}}


==Origin==
==Origin==
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{{ff|Zack Fair}} first appeared as a minor character in ''{{ff|Final Fantasy VII}}'' before appearing as the protagonist in the prequel, ''{{ff|Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-}}''. Having wielded the legendary Buster Sword before [[Cloud]], Zack was an aspiring 1st class member of the elite troop known as SOLDIER owned by the Shinra Electric Power Company and aimed to become a hero.
{{ff|Zack Fair}} first appeared as a minor character in ''{{ff|Final Fantasy VII}}'' before appearing as the protagonist in the prequel, ''{{ff|Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-}}''. Having wielded the legendary Buster Sword before [[Cloud]], Zack was an aspiring 1st class member of the elite troop known as SOLDIER owned by the Shinra Electric Power Company and aimed to become a hero.


''Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-'' portrays Zack's journey. After learning the truth behind SOLDIER and being injured in battle against his former hero [[Sephiroth]], Zack escapes Shinra confinement along with Cloud Strife, to whom he had become a friend and mentor. Attempting to return to his love interest, [[Aerith|Aerith Gainsborough]], Zack is finally confronted by Shinra troops outside of Midgar. Zack fights a long and exhausting battle protecting Cloud, but is eventually defeated.  Near death, he gives Cloud the Buster Sword with his last smile. A white feather representing the spirit of his mentor Angeal then descends from the sky and Zack wonders whether he has become a real hero.
''Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-'' portrays Zack's journey. After learning the truth behind SOLDIER and being injured in battle against his former hero [[Sephiroth]], Zack escapes Shinra confinement along with Cloud Strife, to whom he had become a friend and mentor. Attempting to return to his love interest, [[Aerith|Aerith Gainsborough]], Zack is finally confronted by Shinra troops outside of Midgar. Zack fights a long and exhausting battle protecting Cloud but is eventually defeated.  Near-death, he gives Cloud the Buster Sword with his last smile. A white feather representing the spirit of his mentor Angeal then descends from the sky and Zack wonders whether he has become a real hero.


Zack also played a minor role in ''Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Complete'', encouraging Cloud from the afterlife during his battle with Sephiroth. Cloud's memories of Zack appear throughout the film, as Cloud still has lingering feelings of guilt regarding his death. He is seen again at the end of the movie in the church in the slums of Midgar together with Aerith.
Zack also played a minor role in ''Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Complete'', encouraging Cloud from the afterlife during his battle with Sephiroth. Cloud's memories of Zack appear throughout the film, as Cloud still has lingering feelings of guilt regarding his death. He is seen again at the end of the movie in the church in the slums of Midgar together with Aerith.
{{-}}
{{-}}


==Trivia==
==Notes and references==
*Zack asks Aqua out on a date with the line "Hey, how about one date?", which is the same line he uses to ask [[Aerith]] in ''Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-''.
{{reflist}}
*During the credits sequence, Zack leans against the door at the Coliseum just as he does at the end of ''{{ff|Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children}}'' (and ''{{ff|Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Complete}}'').
*Zack's theme in ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'', ''A Date With Fate'', is an upbeat and brass-heavy version of ''Successor'', from ''Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-''.
*Although Zack's first official appearance was in the North American, PAL, and International versions of ''Final Fantasy VII'', the Reports in ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep'' list his origin as ''Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-''.
*Zack's journal entry states he looks up to Terra as a hero, mirroring how he looks up to Sephiroth as a hero in ''Crisis Core: -Final Fantasy VII-''.


==Notes and references==
{{reflist|1}}
{{Party}}
{{Party}}
{{BBS}}
{{BBS}}
{{FFCharacters}}
{{FFCharacters}}
[[Category:Allies]]
[[Category:Allies]]

Latest revision as of 08:34, 18 April 2024

Zack

Zack

Japanese ザックス
Rōmaji Zakkusu
Voice actors (Ja:) Kenichi Suzumura
(En:) Rick Gomez
Homeworld Olympus Coliseum
Origin Final Fantasy VII
Game Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep
Themes Header.png

KHBBS tracks
Character theme - A Date with Fate
Zack

Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep
Crisis Core - Final Fantasy VII -

A boy who longs to become a hero. He heard that Phil specialized in training heroes, and competed to become his next student, but Hercules ended up edging him out. (V) Hades manipulated him and turned him into a warrior of darkness, but Zack's heart was freed when Terra defeated him. (TA) Now, he looks up to Terra as a hero. (A)

Nothing fazes Zack, who smiles his way through the worst of troubles. (V)
Kingdom Hearts Union χ
Zack
KINGDOM HEARTS BbS (2010)
An optimistic and cheerful boy who longs to become a hero.

HD Zack
KINGDOM HEARTS BbS (2010)
A happy and cheerful young man who dreams of becoming a hero.
"Whoever wins, no hard feelings."
—Zack to Hercules.

Zack is a character in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep that appears in Olympus Coliseum and is the only Final Fantasy character introduced in the game. Inspired by Terra, Zack strives to be a hero, teaming up with Ventus to fight off the Unversed. Zack meets Hercules through this Unversed attack, becoming friends with Ventus and Aqua, the latter whom he flirts with. He also sought training under Philoctetes to become a hero, but Phil chose to continue training Hercules in the end.

Story[edit]

Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep[edit]

Zack stands ready to fight several Unversed along with Phil, Ventus, and Hercules.

Zack appears in Olympus Coliseum looking for Phil, who is known for training people into heroes and hopes to become his trainee. He meets Hercules and Ventus during an Unversed attack and shows his skill in front of Phil. Since Phil only trains one trainee and already has Hercules, he "decides" to form a competition between the two boys to help make his decision: Hercules or Zack. Phil enters them both in only one of the two main blocks in the tournament, since there was another strong contender in the other block (presumably Terra). To be fair to Zack, Phil refuses to train Hercules until he "wins" his match with Zack, prompting Hercules to train with Ventus.

During Hercules and Zack's showdown in the semi-final round, an army of Unversed appear in the city of Athens (the Town Near Thebes) and Ventus volunteers to deal with them so as not to ruin Hercules and Zack's match. Not wanting their friend to get hurt, Hercules withdraws from the competition just one second before Zack does. By default, Zack wins the match. However, by the time Zack arrives, the monsters are already defeated. Phil then arrives and tells them that part of a hero's important quality involves the will to do what is right and quick acting, and, since Zack withdrew after Hercules, Hercules once again "becomes" Phil's trainee. Ventus secretly asks Phil whether he ever intended to stop training Hercules at all. Phil admits that Hercules was in a rut and needed their competition, but Phil acknowledges Zack's potential. Though disappointed, Zack faces his defeat cheerfully.

In the meantime, Terra arrives in the Coliseum, and Hades tries to find a way to make Terra succumb to darkness. Frustrated by Terra's advancement in the tournament, Hades spots Zack entering the Coliseum and uses the darkness in his heart to control him. When Terra reaches the final round, Zack becomes his opponent but is defeated. As Terra turns to leave, Zack gets up and attacks again, this time using the power of darkness and more powerful attacks. Terra wins again, freeing Zack from Hades's control. After their second battle, Terra helps Zack up and he introduces himself. Zack tells Terra he reminds him of a certain hero he admires by his attitude, though Terra denies the compliment.[1] Zack doesn't listen and says being a hero or not isn't something you choose yourself, and after watching their battle, both the crowd and him consider Terra a hero. Before Terra leaves, the two promise each other a rematch, one where Zack would use his own strength.

Later, Zack meets Aqua while she is talking with Phil and Hercules about Terra. As Zack talks about fighting Terra in the finals after their match, Aqua is confused, but Phil explains the tournament rules and about the East and West blocks (the two main blocks mentioned earlier). Both Phil and Hercules leave, and Zack explains to Aqua how he met Terra and about how Hades controlled Zack with darkness and how Terra saved Zack. Aqua is relieved to hear this news.

Both Zack and Aqua fight in their match, and Zack loses. Zack accepts defeat cheerfully, and Hades appears. Hades comes to check out what happened, and Zack is angered to see him again. The god leaves after insulting Terra and admitting he would be fought in the title match, while Zack tries chasing after him. Zack is now disappointed in his loss, having lost potentially his only chance to fight Hades after Hades tried to use him, but he tells Aqua to take revenge for him and Terra.

Zack asks Aqua out on a date.

Aqua shows up for her match, while Zack cheers from the stands. Hades shows up with the Ice Colossus, claiming the rules allowed back-up. Zack immediately comes to Aqua's aid, but she tells him to leave both of them to her. She emerges triumphant, and the pair leave the Coliseum together. Zack wants to celebrate her victory, so he asks her on a date. Aqua shakes her hands in embarrassment, blushing, saying she's on a journey and she's still a trainee. Zack then makes Aqua promise they'd go on a date as soon as he becomes a true hero. Although Aqua says she can't make such a promise, Zack doesn't listen and says now he has to get serious about his training and he runs off outside the gates.

Sometime after the battle at the Keyblade Graveyard, Zack is seen with his familiar habit of leaning against walls. He leans by the door to Olympus Coliseum while watching Phil train Hercules. A black feather is shown fluttering beside Zack, and he looks around in surprise. All that is then seen of him is a single, black feather drifting down where he once stood.[1]

Design[edit]

Zack sports his original hairstyle of short, thick black spikes with bangs framing his face. His eyes are bright blue. Due to his appearance in Olympus Coliseum, he wears armor similar to that of Hercules, though his is grey colored, as opposed to Hercules's orange. Other than this additional armor, Zack wears his SOLDIER uniform of two silver pauldrons, black gloves, a brown guard over his abdomen that is worn over the armor, two belts over the aforementioned guard, and his blue pants and turtleneck, significantly brighter than Zack's original navy-colored clothing.

Zack's brown, knee-high sandals also bear the vague design of his original black, knee-high boots, and he wears black socks underneath them. Small parts of his outfit have had swirls added to them and his physique is slightly different, likely to fit more with the style of Olympus Coliseum. Finally, Zack carries his original SOLDIER sword as a weapon. The SOLDIER's logo is seen both in his sword and in his brown guard, just above the belts.

Zack's concept art for Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep has a visible outline of the Buster Sword upon his shoulder, but the blade does not appear in the game.

Zack wears a silver Corinthian helmet during Terra's first fight against him.

Personality[edit]

Zack's personality can somewhat be compared to Ventus's. He is happy, cheerful, and good at making new friends, and he quickly befriends Terra, Aqua, Ventus, Hercules, and Phil. He is also shown to be a good sport, seen once Phil chooses to train Hercules, and again when he is defeated by Aqua. Zack does have his fair share of patience and seems to take disappointment rather well, dismissing it as "lousy luck". An example of this would be when Phil picked Herc over him. Zack's biggest ambition is to become a hero, much like his Final Fantasy self, and it proves to be his primary motivator. He can be very persistent and earnest, chasing Phil around town, and he relentlessly pursues his dream of becoming a hero, so much so that Phil nicknames him "Captain Eager".

Zack looking up to Terra as a hero mirrors how he looks up to Sephiroth in Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-. Zack's line when asking Aqua on a date is the same he says to Aerith in Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-.

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Abilities[edit]

Fighting Style[edit]

Zack using Reverse Omnislash against Terra.

Zack is fought twice within Terra's story and once in Aqua's story. You must talk to Hades or Phil in the Coliseum Lobby to fight Zack. He is a very strong opponent and can be very difficult to defeat if not prepared properly. Terra fights Zack both normally and when possessed, while Aqua fights him only normally.

Zack easily uses his sword in combat, specializing in quick one-handed and double-handed strikes. Zack is agile and quite capable of backflips, ten-foot leaps and fast strikes, which he excels at. He tends to use hit-and-run tactics, back-flipping to a safe distance when done. He is also able to use "Blade Beam", which involves swinging his sword to channel energy on the ground.

When controlled by Hades in the second battle, Zack becomes a killing machine. He is able to use "Reverse Omnislash", which consists of lethal high-speed slashes while teleporting. He can also call down a slew of meteors. He is much stronger and can prove to be a tough opponent for Terra.

Some of Zack's attacks are variations of Cloud's Limit Breaks from Final Fantasy VII, including Blade Beam, True Climhazzard, and Reverse Omnislash. Meteor resembles both Cloud's Meteorain and Zack's Meteor Shots Limit Breaks.

  • Zack's sword.

    Zack's sword.

Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep[edit]

Zack briefly assists Ventus when fighting the Unversed in the Town Near Thebes.

Stats
Event Max HP Strength Defense Ask for Help
Chance
Ventus: Fighting the Unversed in Town Near Thebes 48 16 9 33%
Attacks
Technique Element Power
Jump Downswing (ジャンプ振り下ろし
Janpu Furioroshi?)		 Physical 1.0
Continuous Sword (Ground Combo) (連続剣（地上コンボ）
Renzokuken (Chijō Konbo)?)		 Physical 0.43 + 0.43 + 1.0
Blade Beam (Shock Wave Scatter) (破晄撃（衝撃波飛ばし）
Hakōgeki (Shōgekiha Tobashi)?, lit. "Break Clear Attack (Shock Wave Scatter)")		 Physical Sword: 1.0
Shock wave: 12.0
Special Commands
Technique Element Power Status effect Command Gauge
Avenger Tornado (トルネドカウンター
Torunedo Kauntā?, lit. "Tornado Counter")		 Neutral 2.5 Stun (50%/3.3s) +20
Used after covering an ally by guarding. Swings weapon sideways while jumping to unleash a tornado attack.

D-Link[edit]

Zack becomes a D-Link for Terra, Ventus, and Aqua after clearing Olympus Coliseum. While in link with Zack, they can perform fiery spin attacks.

Zack's Slot Edge command refers to the Digital Mind Wave system in Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-, which resembles a slot machine. Zack's Fire Strike and Quick Blitz commands may refer to the Fire Blade and Jump commands from Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-. Zack's ability icons are colored orbs, similar to Materia from the Final Fantasy VII series.

0 emblems 1 emblem 2 emblems Command Gauge
Deck Commands Attack Command Fire Strike
Attack Command Quick Blitz
Attack Command Fire Strike
Attack Command Quick Blitz
Attack Command Slot Edge 		Attack Command Fire Strike
Attack Command Quick Blitz
Attack Command Fire Strike
Attack Command Quick Blitz
Magic Command Stop
Attack Command Slot Edge 		Attack Command Fire Strike
Attack Command Blitz
Attack Command Fire Strike
Attack Command Quick Blitz
Attack Command Fire Strike
Magic Command Blackout
Magic Command Stopra
Attack Command Slot Edge 		Zack D-Link KHBBS.png
Finish Commands Hero's Entrance Hero's Entrance Hero's Entrance
Hero's Pride 		Regular Sprite Enhanced Sprite
Abilities — Berserk KHBBS.png Berserk Berserk KHBBS.png Berserk
Attack Deflector KHBBS.png Attack Deflector 		Zack (Helmet) Sprite KHBBS.png Zack Sprite KHBBS.png
Emblem Chance 12% 8% 5%
Command Gauge Fill Rate on Attack x0.4 (Base) / x0.35 (Enhanced)
Command Gauge Bonus Perform a Counter +25%

Origin[edit]

Zack CCFFVII.png

Zack Fair first appeared as a minor character in Final Fantasy VII before appearing as the protagonist in the prequel, Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-. Having wielded the legendary Buster Sword before Cloud, Zack was an aspiring 1st class member of the elite troop known as SOLDIER owned by the Shinra Electric Power Company and aimed to become a hero.

Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- portrays Zack's journey. After learning the truth behind SOLDIER and being injured in battle against his former hero Sephiroth, Zack escapes Shinra confinement along with Cloud Strife, to whom he had become a friend and mentor. Attempting to return to his love interest, Aerith Gainsborough, Zack is finally confronted by Shinra troops outside of Midgar. Zack fights a long and exhausting battle protecting Cloud but is eventually defeated. Near-death, he gives Cloud the Buster Sword with his last smile. A white feather representing the spirit of his mentor Angeal then descends from the sky and Zack wonders whether he has become a real hero.

Zack also played a minor role in Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Complete, encouraging Cloud from the afterlife during his battle with Sephiroth. Cloud's memories of Zack appear throughout the film, as Cloud still has lingering feelings of guilt regarding his death. He is seen again at the end of the movie in the church in the slums of Midgar together with Aerith.

Notes and references[edit]

  1. ^ a b Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Ultimania, Interviewer: "Who is the hero "similar to Terra" that Zack aspires to be like?" / Tetsuya Nomura: "As in the original game, it's Sephiroth. In Kingdom Hearts Final Mix and Kingdom Hearts II, Sephiroth was portrayed as a being of darkness, but at the time of Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, we don't know whether or not he was a being of darkness." Translation via Krexia.
Party
Playable characters
Sora | Riku | Roxas | Mickey Mouse | Data-Sora | Terra | Ventus | Aqua | Lingering Will | Kairi | Player | Xehanort
Mission Mode
Xemnas | Xigbar | Xaldin | Vexen | Lexaeus | Zexion | Saïx | Axel | Demyx | Luxord | Marluxia | Larxene | Xion | Donald Duck | Goofy
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Hercules | Cloud | Terra | Ventus | Aqua | Prince Phillip | Zack | Experiment 626 | Woody | Buzz Lightyear | Rapunzel | Eugene Fitzherbert | Sulley | Mike Wazowski | Marshmallow | Baymax | Eraqus | Hermod | Bragi | Urd | Vor
Dream Eaters
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Summons
Simba | Genie | Dumbo | Bambi | Tinker Bell | Mushu | Cloud | Chicken Little | Stitch | Peter Pan | Meow Wow | Wreck-It Ralph | Ariel
D-Links
Terra | Ventus | Aqua | Cinderella | Snow White | Maleficent | Mickey Mouse | Zack | Experiment 626 | Peter Pan | Donald Duck | Goofy | Pete | Vanitas
Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep
Characters
Party members
Terra - Ventus - Aqua - Lingering Will
Prince Phillip - Mickey Mouse - Hercules - Zack - Experiment 626
Antagonists
Xehanort - Vanitas - Braig - Terra-Xehanort
Maleficent - Lady Tremaine - Anastasia and Drizella - Lucifer - The Queen - Magic Mirror - Gantu - Experiment 221 - Hades - Ice Colossus - Captain Hook - Captain Dark
Non-playable characters
Aeleus - Ansem the Wise - Aurora - Captain Justice - Chip and Dale - Cinderella - Crocodile - Daisy Duck - Dark Figure - Dilan - Donald Duck - Dr. Jumba Jookiba - Enchanted Brooms - Eraqus - Even - Fairy Godmother - Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather - Goofy - Grand Councilwoman - Grand Duke - Horace Horsecollar - Huey, Dewey, and Louie - Ienzo - Isa - Jaq - Kairi - Kairi's Grandma - Lea - Lost Boys - Maleficent's Goons - Maleficent's Raven - Merlin - Minnie Mouse - Moogle - Peter Pan - Philoctetes - Pluto - The Prince - Prince Charming - Rabbit - Riku - Scrooge McDuck - Seven Dwarfs - Mr. Smee - Snow White - Sora - Tigger - Tinker Bell - Vanitas Remnant - Winnie the Pooh - Yen Sid
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Places
Dive to the Heart - 100 Acre Wood - Chamber of Waking
Terms
Bequeathing - Blank Points - Keyblade - Keyblade Armor - Keyblade Glider - Keyblade Master - Keyblade War - Kingdom Hearts - Mark of Mastery exam - Million Dreams Award - Princesses of Heart - The End - Unversed
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Arena Mode - Command Board - Command Style - D-Link - Deck Commands - Shotlock - Special Command
Music
Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep & 358/2 Days Original Soundtrack - Simple and Clean
Archives
Artwork - Bosses - Enemies - Keyblades - Removed content
Final Fantasy characters
Characters introduced in Kingdom Hearts
Tidus | Selphie | Wakka | Cid | Squall Leonhart | Yuffie | Aerith | Cloud | Sephiroth | Moogles
Characters introduced in Kingdom Hearts II
Seifer | Raijin | Fujin | Vivi | Setzer | Auron | Tifa | Yuna, Rikku, and Paine | Wantz | Wallace | Biggs | Wedge | Jessie
Characters introduced in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep
Zack
Characters introduced in Kingdom Hearts Union χ
Dr. Mog | Elarra | Exdeath | Gilgamesh | Kefka | Lann | Lightning | Reynn | Tama | Terra | Tyro | Warrior of Light
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