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γγZackβs narrative heavily shapes the backstory of Final Fantasy VII. He starts as a generally upbeat guy, chasing a vague dream of becoming a hero, which results in Zack aligning with Shinra Manufacturing, a suspicious employer. Along the way, he digs into himself, adapting to whatβs thrown at him in order to climb the ranks and achieve his dream β only to be repeatedly confronted with the company's cruelty. Though he grows disillusioned, he feels trapped by his own choices. There's not much room for self-reflection or change, though, what with all the trauma and violence heβs forced to endure. Ultimately, he dies saving Cloud's life.Β
γγMy take explores an alternate path: what happens if Zack survives and is forced to confront those choices? He holds honor as a core moral value, yet his actual actions often contradict that ideal. In this narration, Zack survives his intended death but spirals under the weight of his decisions. He runs away to figure out who he really is, beyond the restraints of fate and choice, before eventually returning to help save the day.
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γγNo ifs, ands or buts, Zack is incredibly strong. Heβs been training and toning physique and strength since he was a child. Heβs not the biggest beefcake on the counter, but heβs not small or weak, by any means. I encourage antagonistic dynamics / moments, but please understand that Zack will not easily be put down.Β
γγZack is not unintelligent. While he lacks a formal education, Zack is an enthusiastic autodidactic, training himself in combat, tactical competence, physical resilience, weapons proficiency, and swordsmanship. Heβs a smart observer, learning how to listen and connect with his people, and confident in his decision-making capabilities. Heβs a competent and effective leader thatβs confident in how he moves through life.
γγIβve reworked Gaia / Midgar to fit within Earth as we know it [ it fits within fantasy / scifi settings, as well], so I expect your muse would simply treat the country like they would with any other one that theyβre unfamiliar with. There will be very occasional and sparse references to the battles / war Zack served in, but itβd be similar to speaking to any other veteran : maybe your muse knows of it, maybe they donβt. Thereβs even space for your muse to be from Gaia, like Zack, but thereβs no need to overthink it.Β
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γγFollowing his short coma, Zack is not in the best mindspace. Heβd been long since grappling with the weight of his choices and all the harm he was willingly part of, and is struggling with some inner turmoil. Wanting to be a hero is all well and good, until you realize the effort that needs to go into it. Never one for much introspection, Zack isnβt entirely pleased to be dealing with these thoughts. Heβs also not pleased with the fact that heβs been used, experimented on, hunted down and technically killed by the very company he swore loyalty to. Zack, in this headspace, is a little moody, a little less willing to share. He wonβt be entirely unpleasant, not right off the bat, but he is not the excited puppy of Crisis Core.Β
γγThat being said, despite himself and how illogical it is, Zack can be quick to trust, especially if heβs able to witness moments of bravery, courage or kindness. With the trust comes a warmer, friendly attitude, one that allows Zack to share more of himself and his past.Β
γγHe is, however, driven by his compassion. Zack is pretty much unable to help himself from getting involved in other peopleβs business, especially if he thinks he can be helpful / of use. Zackβs the type to offer to help old ladies cross the street, hold a door and help you bring in groceries, put whatever heβs doing on pause to help direct you to where you need to go, or play along with some strange kidβs street games. Appealing to his kind nature is probably the quickest way to connect with Zack.
γγNote that Zack is pretty confident, even in the midst of this turmoil, and will fall back onto his ego. Heβs not overtly showy about his skills or talents, but heβs strong and capable, holds himself to high expectations, and expects that out of others, as well. Very chivalrous [ occasionally to the point of sounding outdated ] towards feminine presenting individuals and children. Can also be moderately dismissive of the problems of masculine presenting individuals. Once again, a little bit rooted in slightly outdated and traditional ideals. He means no harm by it, for the most part.
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γγLet it be noted that, with how Iβve structured his canon, Zack is able to be placed literally anywhere. Physical location does not matter. Zack is in a self imposed exile as he works through his trauma, purposefully leaving Gaia in hopes of achieving clarity. Keep this in mind for plotting purposes!
γγThe easiest way to establish contact through Zack will most likely be through employment β Zack moonlights as a mercenary / muscles for hire / bodyguard / etc. in order to make funds. Heβs approachable, but professional when βclocked inβ, leading to easy conversations and emerging connections.Β
γγHeβs also a social creature! Even in his exile, Zack isnβt the type to isolate himself completely. Heβs active, no matter where he lands, often going out to bars, gyms, parks, community centers, etc., all in order to get some sort of external stimulation. While not currently overeager in his mannerisms, Zack is more than approachable.Β
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γγNote that Zack is approachable, and easy to win over in regards to forming friendships, but initially, he will be a little distant. Zack is only just beginning to dismantle his trauma, and coming from Gaia, he often feels as though heβs from another planet entirely. Heβs warm and kind, but there will be parts of him that he holds separate. He isnβt the type to lie outright, but if your muse gets the sense that heβs withholding certain information β¦ he most likely is!
γγThat being said, it is easy to earn Zackβs trust. If he witnesses an event that shows details into your museβs character, itβs easy for him to make up his mind about your muse. Heβs easily won over by displays of courage, kindness, bravery, etc. Heβs a little slow to warm up, at least in his current headspace, but once Zack is warm, heβs won over completely. Zackβs the kind to throw his entire lot in with someone else, especially with anyone who heβs able to help, so understand that if your muse has found an ally in Zack, heβs also become a lifelong friend!
γγZack also has an attachment to the underdogs of the world. Still grasping at the ideal of being a hero, Zack is drawn to helping the little guys of the world, in whatever way he can. Let it be known that Zack is a big personality, loud and exuberant, and can find himself affectionately bullying his friends. Once friendship and trust has been established, expect to get a Zack with no boundaries or filters.Β
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γγRomance is not at the forefront of Zackβs motives, not currently. As stated above, Zack is now shouldering the true weight of his decisions and introspection, and itβs something new and hefty for him. Heβs not drowning in it, but heβs coping to the best of his abilities, and Zack isnβt thinking about romance in any way, shape or form.
γγThat being said β heβs a social creature. Zack likes and craves connections, and even with all the turmoil heβs dealing with, he isnβt in the habit of denying himself creature comfort. Zack is tactile, and flirty without intention. He is the type to indulge in casual, protected sex, if in a safe enough environment. If the situation presents itself, and the person involved isnβt someone Zack has to worry about being hostile, heβll engage without consideration. In his pursuit of exile, however, Zack will be upfront about his mess of an inner life, and insist on a forced casualness, no attachments, no feelings.Β
γγPlease keep in mind the above, and also know that Zack himself will fail in this regard. Creature comforts quickly become habit, and Zack wouldnβt have the strength to deny himself this, so it is extremely likely that Zack will develop infatuation and affection for those he sleeps with. It will be love, and Zack will be eager, though that will also usher in a host of complicated feelings that Zack wonβt want to puzzle through. Chemistry is key for Zack to develop feelings, but the sex wouldnβt happen without chemistry, so understand that a hook up will most likely lead to more, for Zack. This is something he knows about himself, and yet, it has not swayed him from getting intimate with others.
γγZack is bisexual, with no gender preference. Enthusiastic, eager. Definition of service top. Typically monogamist, but can operate in a shared / open relationship so long as clear lines are drawn and communication is clear and consistent. Has no problem playing the perfect boyfriend, even if there are no labels. Can be a little driven by his emotions, though heβs working on not relying on his heart so much. A little bit of a mess, but any sort of fling with Zack would be fun, at least, so feel free to get freaky with him. As an aside, any sexual content is regulated solely to the R18+ sideblog.Β
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γγZack is not meant to replace Cloud, in any setting. Thatβs not the story Iβm interested in writing, and honestly, Zack would beat my ass if I tried that. So, instead, if youβre writing a FFVII muse and want to write with Zack, please understand that Iβm not interested in a FFVII rewrite with Zack as the protagonist.Β
γγThat isnβt to say he canβt appear within the constraints of canon! Fleeing from Shinra and Aerith, Zack wouldnβt exactly go searching for any of the crew, but that isnβt to say their paths canβt cross. I think itβd be really interesting to delve into that, actually, but itβs something I would like to plot specifically with those interested, as opposed to a vague verse. That being said, Zack would still be a little distant, overwhelmed, unwilling to share much about himself. There could be some slight recognition, from his efforts in Wutai, but Zack isnβt a household name like Sephiroth, and enough time has passed in canon that most of the characters wouldnβt be too familiar with him. I can see Zack meeting the team in isolated events, maybe slowly getting drawn into the bigger scheme, but he would be slightly unwilling, in his current headspace.
γγAlso note, Zack would not have the Buster Sword. He wouldnβt even want it, at this point in his journey. Zackβs time with the sword has passed, and he wouldnβt want it back, not after ensuring it to Cloud.Β
