Final Fantasy Medley featuring Lindsey Stirling!

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

Sounds of Hope and Light: A Hopurai fanmix on 8tracks

I made this fanmix after learning what happens in Lightning Returns. 

Some of the songs could be spoilerish for those who haven't seen/ played Lightning Returns. 

I'm also open to suggestions. 

If you have recommendations for Hoperai songs, please share them :)

Listen to the fanmix here: 

http://8tracks.com/sarahbelle624/sounds-of-light-and-hope-1

Music tracks : in chronological order

"Save the Hero" by Beyonce

- This song is Lightning's theme song. She's so focused on saving the world, and even though she would never admit it, she probably wondered who would save her. 

"The Gapra Whitewood" from the FFXIII soundtrack

- This music represents the moment that Lightning first started to believe in Hope, and she listens to his troubles. I chose the piano track for a softer tone.

"Wait for you" by Artist VS Poet

- This song is Hope's frustration on trying to get closer to Lightning. Throughout the first game he deals with her coldness by asking questions, and his admiration of Lightning is obvious. 

"State of Grace" by Taylor Swift

- This song seems to be Lightning's thoughts after meeting Hope, and the adventure they go on. She never saw him coming.

"My Hands" by Leona Lewis

- This song is pretty straight foward. It plays at the end of FFXIII when Hope and Lightning are standing next to eachother, smiling at their success to save Coccoon.

"The Garden of Everything" by Maaya Sakamoto

- This song is Hope's theme song in FFXIII 2. He's always searching for Lightning, and truly believes that he will find her. 

"Save Me" by Nicki Minaj

- This song is Lightning's theme throughout FFXIII 2. She's constantly battling Caius and she seeks out help. 

"Anywhere but Here" by Safteysuit

- Hope would rather be anywhere but where he is. He wants to find Lightning, and bring the team together again. He tells Serah in the second game that he's lonely. He misses Light. 

"Madness" by Muse

- When Hope becomes a pawn of Bhunivelse, he goes through torture after torture, and the only thing that kept him alive was thinking of Lightning.

"Not Alone" by Red

- Lightning is back, and Hope wants to be there for her, just glad to be with her again. No matter what, he will help her.

"Only One" by Alex Band

- Hope has realized that he only has so much time to live. He must make his time with Lightning something special. Regardless of the roles they have to play, Lightning and Hope can accomplish anything. 

"Lifeline" by Imogen Heap

- Lightning is grateful to have Hope as her partner again. With him there, she can feel a little more human. Hope is her lifeline.

"Up in the Stars" by Swimming With Dolphins

- Hope will be wherever Light is, even after the final battle. 

"Closing In" by Imogen Heap

- This song fits the epilogue, when Lightning steps off the train, she's on her way to Hope. Where they can live a happy life together, free from the Gods. 

Character Problems

It happens. You're writing a story and then the character goes out of control. You lose track of where they are in the story. They no longer want to walk the path you intended fof them. Sometimes this can be a blessing in disguise, but other times, it becomes a writer's block. 

I've been having trouble with this lately, so I decided to find some tips to get me back on track. 

Here's what I've found:

1. Observe your favorite characters from other stories. 

         Chances are that their goals, wishes and characteristics speak to you in some way. Are they          complex? What do you like about them. Is there a story you see behind the scenes? Sometimes reading or watching a favorite story can help you continue writing your story. 

2. Write from that character's point of view. 

        If you're writing in any other point of view than the character's, it's difficult to see things as they see them. What do they want? Who are they? Do they have goals? Sometimes tapping into a character's head can help you understand why they have gone of course in your story. 

3. Interview your character/ Make a character profile

        It may seem silly, but what's their favorite color? What's their deepest fear? What do they want?Some of these questions may bring the answer you need to move forward with your story. It may not seem important to you as the writer, but the details of a character matter to them and help them stand out from any other character in your story. 

4. Make a collage/playlist for your character

        This is a great way to discover your character's emotions. What would inspire your character? What would they be interested in? Find out what makes your character special or important. Why should the audience care about them?

5. Reread what your character has done or said

       Do they say what they mean? Does their dialogue reflect who they are? Do their actions portray the type of person they want to be? What makes them human? Relatable? Empathetic? Do they change from chapter one to chapter 20? Are they consistant and "in character"? 

6. Put yourself in the character's shoes

       What would you do in their situation? Would they act the same way or different? Pretend you are the character and the story is actually happening to you. Wohat goes through your head? Your heart? Would you accept the role your character has? Would you choose a different role? Why?

Hopefully these tips will help anyone who (like me) is stuck with character problems. The important thing is to never give up on your character, sometimes they know the story more than you do.  

The Sunleth Waterscape

Noel and I fell from the time gate onto soft green moss. The Sunleth Waterscape. I remember Sazh telling me about this place, when he traveled with Vanille. It was not as green as he described, a soft orange tint was brushed on the leaves, and blue flowers grew instead of the red ones he mentioned. I looked at Noel who stared at the mini flan, as red as Sazh mentioned, but not as tall or threatening. This place had changed over the course of 300 years. Without the control of the falcie, the plants grew wild and even the crystal structures seemed taller than Sazh said. 

I looked at Noel, tense and stoic. Every once in a while I wondered if he smiled, or had even smiled in his life. The future he told me was grim and sad. A while ago, Snow and I realized he didn't even know what an amusement park was. Mog hovered by me, and uttered a soft "Kupo."

It was a wonder, this place, and even for a brief moment, I wanted to enjoy this time, traveling to different places and learning about them. 

Lightning, when I was sleeping in crystal, you went to different places, fought many battles and created a miracle. I know you're still alive, and that you sent Noel and Mog to me so I could find you. Noel reminds me of you, you know. He's so serious. You would laugh, but he's the polar opposite of Snow, and even when we travel to new and amazing worlds, he's always focused on the task at hand. I hope, even if he hides it, that he enjoys himself  even for a little while on this journey. We're going to change the future, I'm going to bring you back. After all, you saved me. You never gave up on saving me. Now it's my turn to save you. 

Gullwing Yuna Polyvore Set

After creating the Summoner Yuna outfit, I took on the challenge of her Gullwing attire. I tried to get the best skirt, since Yuna only has a half skirt and stayed with the color scheme of white, coral pink and blue.
View the entire set here:
http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=73441416

FF 30 day challenge day 30: Has Final Fantasy made an impact on your life?

Prompt: Has Final Fantasy made an impact on your life? If so, how? If not, what do you like about the whole series itself?

Yes.
Final Fantasy has a powerful formula for story telling. I would say that the game series, particularity Final Fantasy X has inspired me to create world and tell a story by coming up with my own mythology and honoring the hero's quest. The game series has impacted me by challenging my knowledge of  mythology and learning the steps of a hero's journey.
The stories of the games are philosophical and connect with the human condition in a way that involves the creation of different worlds. The characters have human elements, and even the deities and villains show powerful symbolism that relates to epic folklore.  The pattern of a Final Fantasy story is varied, but asks the same questions: What is true purpose? What makes someone a hero?
These questions are powerful keys in storytelling.
The other characteristic of a Final Fantasy game is world building. How was this world created? How does magic work in this world? What kind of civilization thrives here? Do they have a close or distant relationship with their deity? Is there more than one world? Does time play an important factor in this environment?
And of course: character building is a crucial part of a Final Fantasy story.
How strong is this character? How do they view themselves? How do they view others? How do they act/react? Do they have a goal? What motivates them? Who matters in their life? What choices do they have to make?
Final Fantasy impacted my life by helping me understand a complex and advanced story. By exploring new worlds and following many different characters, I have learned what stories I can tell. I know what worlds I want to create, and what makes my characters heroes or villains. Final Fantasy has taught me that stories can have many layers, and characters can change depending on their history and the changes they must cope with throughout their journey.
Final Fantasy has inspired me to tell great stories.

FF 30 day challenge day 29: How many Final Fantasy games do you own?

Hmm . . . that depends. Does Kingdom Hearts count as well?

Final Fantasy X
Final Fantasy X2
Final Fantasy XIII
Final Fantasy XIII 2
Final Fantasy Dissidia
Final Fantasy Dissidia Duodecim
Final Fantasy Theatrhythm

Kingdom Hearts
Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 days
Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep
Kingdom Hearts 3D Dream Drop Distance

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 26: Favorite weapon

Mog

Searh Farron's weapon is actually Mog, but Mog turns into a sword and bow and arrows. I like most of the weapons in the Final Fantasy XIII world because they transform in a steampunk style and change with a flick of the wrist.

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 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 19: Favorite Battle System

I got used to the faster battle system of Final Fantasy X2 and now I think that the faster battle system is my favorite. I really understood Final Fantasy XIII's battle system from the beginning and still enjoy the paradigms.

This is my other favorite battle system, just because it is my favorite game.

FF 30 day challenge day 18: Least Favorite Job

Being a Lcie

Seriously you only had two choices. Follow your focus and become crystal or rebel your focus and become a ceith. The Falcie controlled what you did, but they wouldn't help you. You had to do their bidding, but on your own. The only positive thing about having a job as a Lcie was gaining the ability to do magic. Other than that, you had no control in your life and people wanted you dead. Not a fun occupation, particularity if you were branded from a Pulse Falcie and had to fight Cocoon Falcie in order to survive. Even the Falcie's gift of an Eidolon came with a price. They challenged you once you sunk into despair, and you'd either die, or gain the ability to summon them.

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 13: Favorite Job

Sphere Hunter/ Gullwing

I loved this job. Fighting fiends and collecting spheres (while searching for Tidus). It was fun performing shows at the Moonflow, going against machina and following clues to discover where spheres were hidden.

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 :(