Happy 15th Anniversary Final Fantasy X!

Happy Anniversary to the magical and epic video game Final Fantasy X!

This story inspired me to write my own epic fantasy tale that echoes the philosophy and creativity of this story.  (I'm currently in the process of heavily editing it, and getting ready to publish it by December ^_^)

From its unforgettable characters to the powerful messages Final Fantasy X will always hold a special place in my heart. 

One of my favorite elements of this game is the world where the story takes place. The country of Spira is a fascinating and exotic place. 

Not only the world, but the culture, folklore and the religion in this game are interesting and unique perspectives to view a story. 

The brave warriors who became the Aeons that aid Yuna on her journey each have their own history for why they made that choice. This adds depth to the spiritual journey that Tidus, Yuna, Khimari, Wakka, Lulu, Rikku and Auron take to save the world from evil and destruction. 

Their journey brings not only physical challenges but emotional and spiritual obstacles. The characters are tested by their very belief in the way of the world they live in. 

This is not an easy story to tell, but it leaves the observer with a powerful message that anything is possible as long as you stay true to what you believe you can do. 

Guest Post: Summoning Character Development

I am happy to announce that I was recently given the opportunity to write an Arcticlt for The Fictorians: a group of savvy writers who discuss storytelling, writing and wisdom in the writer's career. 

I wrote an article about Yuna, and how she grows through the Final Fantasy series. 

You can read the article here: 

http://www.fictorians.com/2016/04/28/summoning-character-development/

And for more fun, check out the Fictorian's website here: 

http://www.fictorians.com

Final Fantasy Medley featuring Lindsey Stirling!

Because this beautiful medley needs to be on my blog. Lindsey Stirling and Final Fantasy!

Happy Anniversary FFX!

It's a day late, but happy anniversary to Final Fantasy X! 

I love this game. The world, the characters and the story are amazing! 

I drew a lot of inspiration from this game for my upcoming novel Starlight. The conflict was interesting, and Yuna is my favorite character. Her pilgrimage, and the lessons she learns along the way are powerful elements in the story. Tidus, the narrator also grows from an easy going athlete to a quick thinking hero. These two characters were my favorite, but I also looked up to Auron, the wise and strong warrior. Rikku's optimism, Wakka's determination, Lulu's guidance and Kimihari's dedication added to the team. 

This story from ignorance to enlightenment: doom to hope still impresses me, no matter how many times I play it. 

The world is beautiful, from the mythos to the geography. 

My favorite places were the Moonflow . . . 

and Macalania Woods.

This game has so much imagination and philosophy. It asks the big questions in a beautiful setting with magic and adventure. 

And who could forget the laughing scene ^_^ 

FFX has been a major influence on my life, from the moment my friend Becca first introduced it to me ^_^

I have dressed up as Yuna a few times.

I gave Lightning her outfit in Lightning Returns

I saw the FFX display at Artina Cafe.

And the soundtrack is part of my writing playlist: 

Final Fantasy X is one of my favorite Epics. 

Final Fantasy X/X2 trailer!

Cannot wait for this!

Two Worlds: One city

Yuna stood at the edge of the crumbling city. Pyreflies surrounded the rubble, and their short songs echoed through the dark and deserted place. She didn't like coming here, be she felt that she had to. It reminded her of him, Tidus. To Yuna, Zanarkand wasn't just a city of ruins, or even the former temple of Yunalesca. It was Tidus's home. He had described it to her countless times. The lights on in every tall building. The great Blitzball stadium where people came to watch Tidus, star player of the Zanarkand Abes. People would run on the giant walkways. Kids would play on a platform surrounded by stars. He had always told her that she should see it. She caught a glimpse of his world when Seymour showed them the memory sphere. It had seemed so amazing! People rushed past her. Signs flashed and whooshed by as they watched the sphere fly through the city. It was full of life instead of memories of the dead. Bright and thriving instead of dark and desolate. If she stood there long enough and closed her eyes, Yuna could almost see what Tidus saw. She could walk where he had walked and imagine people, tall buildings and bright lights. She she walked among the pyreflies, she could see the busy street, the great statues guarding the stadium, and the giant sphere of water that made the Blitzball Stadium. It was all so beautiful, and yet it was sad. She missed him. Sometimes she would expect him to walk around the corner or run up to her with one of his smiles. At the time, nothing mattered while they journeyed together, but now Yuna knew they were from different worlds. 

She whistled, then brushed away a tear. He wasn't coming back. Not here. She would have to find him another way. Still, she thought she heard his whistle, as if it came from far away. But the sound could also have been an echo of her own whistle, just as Tidus was now an echo of an amazing dream. 

The Summoner

The summoner stood in the water, staring at the moon and sky. The world was now against her, calling her the traitor of Yevon who had doomed all of Spira to the wrath of Sin. The shimmering crystals  glow all around her, yet her shoulders are slumped, and she stares at the sky as if she has lost everything to her name. Even the most beautiful scene of lights and the moon's reflection couldn't distract her from the choice she had to make. Would she continue her pilgrimage? Would she give up and live for herself? 

Yuna. It hurt seeing her this way. She was always smiling, hiding her sadness and pain with a muffled laugh or a cheerful remark. If only I had known she was supposed to die. If only they had told me when I walked into that temple that I had to be careful what to say around her. 

I remembered that moment, one I still cherish, where we watched the sunset and I told her "after we beat Sin, that's when you can worry about the future." 

It must have been so painful for her. 

Kimahari stared at me as I walked toward the pond, every step careful and quiet. With a nod of his head, Kihamari said it all. It was okay, I could pass, and he knew that Yuna might want some company. 

I stood there for a moment, not knowing what to say. "I'm sorry" didn't seem good enough. And the words I really wanted to say, I knew they just wouldn't help.  She had been through so much with Seymour. Asking even more of her, especially in that department would not do anything to heal her pain. I wanted to be there for her. I wanted to make her smile again, and let her know that whatever she decided, I would support her. But I didn't want to interrupt this moment she seemed to be having, thinking about the world, and herself, possibly for the first time. 

Words at this time were useless, but I was still standing there, not moving, wondering what to do. Finally, I decided that I would do what I always did, plunge in head first without thinking. I dove in the water, and let the pieces fall where they would. 

FF 30 day challenge day 28: Favorite mini game

I love Macalania Forest, and this game was my favorite requirement in the to do list for the legendary weapons. It was so calming compared to the Chocobo racing and the Lightning dodge. The only downside was catching the wrong butterfly and having to fight fiends, but it wasn't as annoying to go through the whole path again compared to riding a Chocobo in the Calm Lands against a fast racer who always managed to reach the finish line before you could.

FF 30 day challenge day 27: Favorite scene in any game

This is a tough one. But the scene that immediately comes to mind is the laughing scene in Luca from FFX. When you first see this scene, you laugh, because at the time, you think it's ridiculous and funny. There's more to this scene than that. It's a moment of comfort for both Tidus and Yuna. Tidus has just found out that his father is alive, and Spira's greatest threat. He's also found Auron again, reverting back into the kid he once was around him. Yuna has discovered that Tidus might leave, so she is worried that she will literally never see him again. In her own way, she tries to cheer Tidus up, because even though they will continue their journey together, something seems off about Tidus. He's not cheerful or carefree. So she shares something really important with him, a coping mechanism. She has a way to deal with sadness, and she knows that life is more precious than people understand. Her life is slowly coming to an end in her mind, and she is ready to say hello and goodbye to each place they go to. But at that moment, when she's worried that she'll never see Tidus again, she finds out that he's not leaving her and, just for a little while, she is genuinely happy. But her concern for Tidus is obvious when she tries to make him laugh.
No one else really understands what's going on in this scene, except maybe Auron, who knows why Tidus is upset, but even so, this is a moment that Tidus and Yuna get a little closer to each other. Tidus shows a different side, expressing how he really feels about being in a strange new world. Yuna shows a different side too. She lives in the moment, for the first time since Tidus has met her. It's a strange role reversal because Tidus is always happy, and if you notice, Yuna is always sad. In this scene, Tidus is the sad one, and Yuna cheers him up the way he cheers her up.
I think that's what makes this scene memorable and iconic for Final Fantasy X.

FF 30 day challenge day 25: Favorite Monster

Coeurl

They're so graceful and very pretty. I love them so much that I made some. Using tiger figurines, wire, felt, epoxy and paint.
I really loved fighting them because they were patient and quiet.

FF 30 day challenge day 24: Favorite Quote

"This is my story."

No matter how many times this quote is mentioned, it is still my favorite of the Final Fantasy quotes. Both Tidus and Yuna say this when they have to make a tough decision or when they think back on what has happened. It's a powerful statement that encourages them to do what they believe is right. Whenever they feel lost or confused, Tidus and Yuna say, "This is my story" to help them move forward, no matter what the consequences are.

FF 30 day challenge day 23: Favorite Black Magic Spell

Another odd question, but I have always liked Waterga.
It's literally a giant wall of water that surrounds your enemy and pretty much destroys them.

FF 30 day challenge day 22: Favorite Theme

It's a tie between Tidus and Yuna's themes.

Memories and Lightwaves is my favorite Final Fantasy theme and I always listen to it when it shows up on my playlist. But Tidus's theme has been growing on me lately. It's perfect to write to and it fits Tidus's personality.

FF 30 day challenge day 21: Favorite Boss Fight

Hmm, I can think of a lot of boss fights that are on my least favorite list. Every one of them involves Seymour except one, the first Seymour fight at Macalania temple. This is where Yuna obtains my favorite aeon Shiva, and this fight is where she stands up for herself and finally listens to her heart. I like the fight probably because of where it ties in with the story. Yuna's guardians rush in to help her and once Yuna realizes that she isn't alone in dealing with Seymour, she takes a stand and the fight begins. This was probably a difficult decision that she thought about over and over again, until her guardians came and stood by her side. From that moment on, Yuna decides to listen to herself and continues to resist Seymour, even when he kidnaps her. It's a sign of self confidence that Yuna did not show before, and it was that moment that Tidus stepped in and decided to get involved.I guess this boss fight is memorable, because it represents a moment of strength for Yuna and an important decision for Tidus. At this point, they both decide to take charge of their lives and call the shots instead of do what everyone expects of them.

FF 30 day challenge day 20: Favorite Chocobo theme?

No version tops this one :)
 
The Final Fantasy Song by Legendary Frog

FF 30 day challenge day 14: DAY 17 - Least Favorite Summon

Yojimbo
 
You have to pay him to make him do anything. Yet he fights you for free in Final Fantasy X2. I will say that he had a pretty intro and an awesome overdrive, but the cost for that was annoyingly high. Not to mention every time he finished an attack, he'd hold out a hand expecting more money without even addressing you. The rudest and most selfish aeon ever >_<

FF 30 day challenge day 12: Favorite Summon

Shiva has always been my favorite summon. After encasing her enemies in ice, all she has to do is snap her fingers, and the battle is over. I also like her side story, and she has an important role in the main plot as Yuna's ally against Seymour. When you have to destroy your aeons at the end of the game, I always saved her for last :(

FF 30 day challenge day 11: Favourite Type of Transportation

The Shoopuf!

It's so cute :) and the driver has a cool accent. I enjoyed the extra stories that Kimahri tells about Yuna's first trip and Auron's story of Jecht's first encounter with a shoopuf. In FFX2 the shoopuf is still around and becomes the stage for a music band on the Moonflow.

I also found this on tumblr yesterday:

Final Fantasy 30 day challenge day 10: What is your favorite race?

The Ronso.

You don't learn a lot about their culture until FFX2, but I always thought Kimahri was a cool character in FFX. The Ronso reminded me of panthers, but now that I've seen Avatar . . .

There is quite a resemblance! It's no wonder I love the Navi!

FF 30 day challenge day 7: Favorite Couple

(I'm skipping ahead because I've never played Crystal Chronicles)

Tidus and Yuna

I love their story, and how their personalities compliment each other. Yuna is very reserved, while Tidus is always joking around and trying to lighten the mood. Considering the journey Yuna was on, without Tidus, she might not have had the strength to continue on. Tidus showed her how to have fun, and taught her to believe in herself. Yuna taught Tidus how to be responsible, and she gave him the courage to do the right thing. Both Yuna and Tidus were never the same after meeting each other. They even have a sweet side story in Dissidia, where Yuna tries to help Tidus overcome his anger toward his father and remember the journey they had together. Because of these two, I had to get the best ending in FFX2 and bring them together again. I was a little sad that they never met in Kingdom Hearts.