#oh wait yeah 5th world was more bittersweet than any of the others in my opinion btw

[enigmatic-bumble]

When you finish reading a novel and it's like

[rumpelstillsin]

Cinderella Phenomenon Review

Okay! It is officially time for me to write a full review of this game! I am super excited because this game has really had a positive effect on me. Let’s start with the whole plot line. ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. One of the best things about this game is that the MC isn’t a typical otome type. In fact she was based on other main characters rivals. I also love how the game was based on multiple fairy tales, I loved that it always kept me guessing things! Throughout the whole game I caught myself guessing parts of the plot and it later being proven or come out with a great twist! As for the good and bad endings, I think they are great. I love games and novels that can get you attached to charterers and their stories. This game even made me cry, which is a good thing ;) 

(Oh yeah also the art is the most beautiful thing I have ever laid my eyes on!!!)

Each route had amazing parts of the full story and great writing. I will review each in different sections. (In order of how you should play them)

Rod Benedikt Widdensov

Rod’s route is possibly the least plot informed. With his route you don’t learn much about Lucette’s past, other curses, or much going on outside of the palace. It still is story packed and an awesome play. Probably the worst thing about this route is the fact that they are step-siblings.. I don’t think that in itself is completely bad, but in the real world that would be pretty awkward.. The whole time playing this a part of me was hoping it would be revealed King Gennaro wasn’t Lucette’s real dad, of course that was just me wishing lolol. I think the ending (good route) was very bittersweet, as just before everyone had been so supporting. I have a feeling the Ophelia knew, but hasn’t been confirmed. I am very, VERY excited to see what they do with this route in Evermore. I think it will be interesting to see how others react and feel about this cute relationship :) Overall this route is very sweet and I really liked it! Rod is my fourth favorite!

Karma (Klaude Aidric Renaldi Mattheus Almonte)

I first thought that Karma would be a female love interest and I was very excited! However that wasn’t the case lolol. No worries though! I am far from disappointed with this route!! Karma’s route is full of secrets and sweet romance. This route holds a special place in my heart because of how Lucette decides to defend herself and protect others. The bad ending for this one broke my heart. In and out of the curse Karma has this aura that just pulls you in ;) I love his character development, I think it was VERY well written. This being the first route in the tavern you get to see more of whats fully going on. It doesn’t show everything, but you still get more than in Rod’s route. Overall this route for me is tied with Rumpel’s for 2nd place. :)

Rumpel (Chevalier Du Mont)

I am VERY passionate about Rumpel’s route. I love love love the character progress and how he finds himself as he figure out who he is. Even if he is a big flirt I think in the end he is a well rounded person who is just Ah amazing :) This one is also in the tavern, but know you get to know even more with him being a doctor. I was very happy with the small surprises you got with this route and I loved how Lucette’s character was. 

However I will be honest this route is probably the one that made me cry the most. Which is probably why it is so good in my eyes. I know some would be against the (good) ending, but I think it was worth it. I really do. Even if there was other ways i think what happened was very important and was part of the great story line, if anything else had happened I think I wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much. I hope everyone is able to see that like I do so they can enjoy this story. :) This one is tied with Karma because I don’t wanna just leave Karma like that :(((((( (but in all honesty he is probably the 2nd place winner).

Fritz (Varg)

I realized Fritz was Varg in the end of Rumpel’s route. (Am I a bit slow? Maybe.) I was SO incredibly shocked. I had been wondering what the red riding hood curse would be, I was never expecting THAT. Before saying too much about this route, I am going to say, this route was supposed to be the “everything goes wrong” route. Which, in a way I guess that left me,, disappointed? I’m not sure. I still think this route is fun too play, I just think it could have been more considering you don’t get too many moments with Fritz. The thing that made me the most sad about this route was Varg. I felt so bad how in the end he wouldn’t be the one Lucette fell in love with, and he knew it. Of course I think there wasn’t much to do about that and his sacrifice was a good end. He will be missed though :( I keep reminding myself he is still apart of Fritz, as he was always a part of him. I am pretty excited to see the Evermore for them, because of how little time they got alone. 

(This is also the first one where you see her mom, and that really,,, really shocked me. It was so interesting).

I am sorry for putting him at 5th place :( He is still a lovely character and I very much appreciate his route, it shows another view of what could have happened. (I think I am just VERY attached to Delora).

And now... the last one

Waltz Cresswell

Waltz,,, This is the route that was supposed to be like the “main” one. This is why this route gives you most to all of the answers to the plot, the past, and the curses. This route left me feeling complete. I was a bit off at first because well he was a kid lolol. His curse was broken pretty early on compared to everyone else’s (as theirs is usually the last piece to your curse). Waltz’ route was so super sweet. I love the game they played with the children, and I loved how Lucette was finally able to reconnect with her dad. I was so incredibly happy when they reconnected. I always had a hunch her dad was the one who left the birthday gifts, and boy am I glad it was true. You can just tell in this route that they really wanted this to be the main one. I adore Waltz as a friend in the other routes too, as knowing everything I know now, he is supportive and nice. I hope in the other routes him and Lucette are able to get closer too, seeing as he played a big part in her life (even if she doesn’t know it :’) ). 

Waltz is my 1st place. I loved how the story was written and I liked the feeling of completion. 

End Thoughts

This game is beautiful, has an incredible plot, and is fun. I really hope you play this! Or if you already have (since it has been out for a few years...) let me know your thoughts! 

Thank you SO much for reading! Please leave any games you want a review of and I will most likely do it. ;)

My next one will be of Locked Heart (another game by Dicesuki) which is relatively short, so the review will NOT be this long lolol. 

Can’t wait for Evermore~

@dicesuki​

[staliaqueen]

bittersweet | 05

pairing: stiles stilinski x oc a/n: this will be the last part from season 1. I know there’s a lot of long time-jumps, but bear with me. season 2 is going to be a bit more structured.  wordcount: 1214 warnings: none? mentions of rejection I guess. I don’t even think it’s worth putting in the warnings but oh well. 

<<prev || masterlist || next>>

Stiles

I was sitting on one of the chairs in the school gymnasium that had temporarily been transformed for the Winter Formal - and then Valerie Thomas sat down in the chair next to me.

“Don’t you hate me?” I asked, too confused about her choice of seat to stop myself.

She nodded. “Oh, I very much do.”

“Why are you talking to me then?”

“Because,” she said, “even though I absolutely despise your company, I’m too intrigued to resist asking. How in the world did Stiles Stilinski convince Lydia Martin to go to the Winter Formal with him? Depending on the answer you might actually win some of my respect.” 

I sighed. “I didn’t. Allison made her go with me to make up for the fact that she made out with Scott.”

Valerie snorted. “Wow. She’s going with you as a punishment? I’m losing respect for you, not gaining any.”

“You’re losing respect for me?” I asked, turning towards her. “I didn’t think you had any to begin with.”

“No. You’re right, I didn’t. It’s just going into the negative numbers now.” She smirked before taking a sip of her punch.

"So...” she started, breaking the awkward silence that had followed. “Where is she now?”

I sighed again, looking down at my hands. “Looking for the person she was meant to go with.” I didn’t have to say who it was, Valerie knew. Heck, I knew that even if it seemed differently, Lydia and Jackson had real, deep feelings for each other.

“Figures,” she said.

The silence returned.

“Do you have a date?” I asked before I could stop myself. I thought she was going to respond with some witty comeback, or punch me in the face, but she just shook her head.

“No. I don’t. Why are you asking?”

“Well...” I looked over at her. She was wearing a short black dress with bell-sleeves. Her hair was curled and she was wearing dark red lipstick, purple eyeshadow that matched the purple in her hair, and winged eyeliner. Her heels were tall enough so that she’d probably be taller than me if she stood up, which was weird to imagine. I’d never seen her this dressed up before. “This doesn’t really seem like your scene,” I said.

She nodded. “Yeah, you’re right about that.”

“So why are you here then? I mean, if you don’t have a date.”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. My dad thought it would be a good idea. I guess I hoped the music would be good. But unsurprisingly, it sucks,” she said, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. The gesture made me furrow my brows in thought.

Now, Valerie and I may not be very good friends, (or friends at all), but I’ve known her for long enough to be able to tell when she was lying - and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear was her tell.

I had no idea why she was lying, or what of what she said that was a lie. I could call her out on it, but as I said, we weren’t friends. It’s none of my business if she lied or not, so I just decided to let it go.

“McCall! I see you!”

Coach’s screams snapped me out of my thoughts, and they seemed to catch Valerie’s attention as well. “Come here, buddy. Come here. McCall! Get out of my way! McCall!”

Scott ran past us, Coach still hot on his tail, screaming at him.

Then Coach seemed to struggle to get past a couple of dancing students, and Scott took his chance and stopped at the table Danny was sitting at. Scott urgently tried to tell him something, but Danny didn’t seem to understand what he wanted. Finally, Scott just gave up and dragged him up to the dance floor. Placing Danny’s hands on his waist and putting his arms around his neck.

“Is McCall really pretending that Danny is his date?” asked Valerie, a bit stunned. I lost her respect but it seemed like Scott was gaining it.

“It would seem so, yeah,” I said, smiling. I loved Scott, but he wasn’t always the smartest person, so I was proud to see him find a way out of this.

“Mccall! You’re not supposed to– what the hell are you do– what the hell are you doing?”

We didn’t seem to be the only ones who were watching them anymore. The chaos had drawn nearly everyone’s attention. They had all stopped dancing in favor of seeing what was going on.

Scott tightened his grip on Danny, furrowing his brows in confusion, (faking it this time). “Yes, coach?”

Realizing what it looked like to everyone watching, Coach started to shake his arms in dismissal. “Okay, ho, ho, ho, ha, ha. Hold on, you– I was just saying he’s not supposed to– I mean, I wasn’t saying that he shouldn’t– you guys don’t think.” Coach started making frantic noises. Trying to convince everyone that he’s not against the couple. “You don’t– I– I was– just dance, everybody. Just dance! Dance! It’s a party!” And he walked off. Scott immediately thanked Danny and went off to find Allison. When he did, she took his hand smiling, and they went up to the dance floor and started slow dancing.

“I didn’t know McCall had it in him,” said Valerie, still stunned.

“Me neither,” I admitted.

We sat there together in silence until the slow song ended, and a more upbeat one followed.

Valerie seemed to mumble something under her breath, before sighing and standing up. “Okay,” she said, “I know both of us don’t like each other, but we’re also both having a crappy time. So can we just make the best out of it, put this rivalry aside for one night and just dance?” she asked, reaching her hand out for me to take.

I was stunned, to say the least. If someone told me yesterday that Valerie Thomas would ask me to dance at the Winter Formal, I would’ve thought they were insane. But sitting here in the moment - I wanted to dance with her. The past few minutes had been the only ones since the beginning of 5th grade where Valerie hadn’t looked at me like I killed her grandma, and it was... nice.

I opened my mouth and closed it again, still unsure of how to say yes, when my eyes narrowed on something behind her back. It was Jackson. I could see him walking out of the hall, but something was off. I couldn’t describe what, but I had a really bad feeling. Then I saw Lydia walking out as well, following him.

I stood up. “Uh, yes- I would love to dance, but there’s just something I need to take care of first. I won’t be gone long, er- just wait here.”

Valerie sighed, but nodded and sat down again. I shoot her a quick apologetic smile before sprinting off towards the exit.

When I reached the door, I looked over my shoulder at Valerie one last time. She was sitting on the chair, drinking her punch, looking to be in a way worse mood than before. I felt a small pang in my chest - knowing it was my fault.

(not my gif)

taglist: @idontgiveahufflefuck64 @woyee

bittersweet taglist:  @stiles-o-dylan24 @theholydestiny @1967-chevy-impala-called-roscoe @cherry-sweet-cherry @kingidols-blog @xceafh @purple286 @bilesxbilinskixlahey @chipster-21 @profoundscissorshandsdiplomat

[cromulentbookreview]

Sonata in A! K331! 3rd Movement!

Funny thing is, this is surprisingly accurate. 

And by that I mean: The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu!

You don’t have to be a music fan to know the name Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. In fact, you probably have no idea what in the hell a Sonata in K K331 Third Movement even is until you hear it. Then you’ll know it immediately. In fact, you can know nothing about Mozart but still be familiar with many of his pieces. Maybe you had the misfortune to be forced to watch the movie Amadeus* in your German class (a movie that is probably not appropriate to show public high school students even if it’s dubbed in German) or have seen the 30 Rock parody episode where, instead of writing music, they create a porn video game. My point is: you know Mozart. Everyone knows Mozart, especially kids who were made to learn piano. Or, in my case, piano AND violin**. The main reason for that is, well, public domain, but also because Mozart is the shit. 

I mean, I’m more of a Beethoven girl myself, and I have a lot of love for the 19th century Russians (Tchaikovsky and The Five FTW!), but, seriously, if you learn anything about music, you learn about Mozart. And, as someone semi-fluent in German, who has dedicated most of her life to learning German, you have no choice but to learn about the greats of German music. Yes, Austrians count as part of German music. As I’ve mentioned before, there was no “Germany” until 1871, and I’m including any and all native German speakers as part of German music. Austrians speak German. Kind of. I mean, 99.9% of my German teachers were either from southern Germany or Austria, so I may have a bit of a bias...though my main bias is against Swiss German which literally is not German stop calling it that, Switzerland!

What were we talking about?

Oh. Yeah. Mozart. 

You know he had a sister, right? One who was a musical prodigy in her own right, who used to play for the courts of Europe alongside her little brother, right?

No?

Yeah, you probably don’t. Because back in the 18th century, women weren’t allowed to be composers or musical prodigies. Once they grew up, they got married, had children and were subsequently erased from history while the men in their family achieve immortality. 

Meet Maria Anna Mozart, known by her family as Nannerl. 

The Kingdom of Back is Nannerl’s story.

Salzburg! 1759! Nannerl Mozart is only eight, but is desperate to please her father and prove her mettle as a musician. The Mozart family is in a perpetual state of one-missed-paycheck-away-from-homelessness, and Nannerl’s stage dad, Leopold, hopes to cash in on the whole child prodigy thing. Unfortunately, Nannerl’s first demonstration for a court musician goes wrong when she’s distracted by her baby brother, Wolferl. That night, Nannerl dreams of a beautiful kingdom full of music, and of a beautiful boy with glowing blue eyes. 

As she gets older, Nannerl is as shocked as her parents when Lil Wolferl shows a knack for music. She’s horrified to discover that she feels jealous of her baby brother, who idolizes her. One night, Nannerl and Wolferl are woken up by a strange light coming from their music room. When they investigate, they find the beautiful boy from Nannerl’s dream, in the flesh. He steals Nannerl’s music notebook then promptly jumps out the window.

Like so:

Complete with broken glass.

Anyway, the next time Nannerl sees the boy, she’s out in Salzburg with her brother on a shopping trip when she opens the door to a shop’s storage room, only to find it leads to the magical kingdom she’d seen in her dream. The boy, Hyacinth, wants Nannerl’s help to reclaim his throne. In exchange, he will make sure Nannerl gets her greatest wish: to be remembered forever.

Shortly after, Nannerl and Wolferl are called to Vienna to play for the Emperor and Empress. Wolferl puts on quite the show, charming everyone in the room and even proposing to the Emperor and Empress’s youngest daughter. It’s after this that Nannerl and Wolferl’s parents decide to take them on a massive tour of Europe. In the long, dull carriage rides between destinations, Nannerl and Wolferl come up with a name and origin story for Hyacinth and the magical kingdom that they saw: The Kingdom of Back. As the tour continues and Wolfer’s fame rises, Nannerl worries more and more about being forgotten - that her fate is sealed: she will never be a composer and a musician, instead she will become a wife and mother and nothing more than a footnote in history.

But the Kingdom of Back is more than just a fantasy story shared between two bored kids. Hyacinth’s magic has an effect on our world, causing calamities and illness. As Nannerl struggles to cope with her conflicting emotions, Hyacinth starts to seem less like a fairy prince and more like something sinister. But his promises of fame and immortality to Nannerl are so very, very tempting. I mean, wouldn’t you be a little jealous if your baby brother was an 18th century child rockstar? 

(Ok, the throwing of underthings may not have happened to Mozart, but it definitely happened to Liszt so that episode of the Simpsons isn’t entirely inaccurate).

 If you come into The Kingdom of Back expecting it to be something like Marie Lu’s other novels - namely, action packed sci-fi/fantasy serieses - you are bound to be disappointed. The Kingdom of Back is unlike all of Lu’s other novels - it is a standalone historical fantasy dedicated to someone who, in spite of her talent, was relegated to the dustbin of history just because she was a girl. I adore Marie Lu’s books (the Legend trilogy is probably one of the best YA trilogies ever - if you haven’t read it, stop everything and do that now, please) and I’m also a fan of music, 18th century Germans, and 18th century German musical composers so I wasn’t at all put off knowing that The Kingdom of Back wasn’t going to be like her other books. It was more like “holy shit, Marie Lu is wrote a book about Mozart’s sister, put it in my brain immediately, please.” The Kingdom of Back is just wonderful, you guys. Lu beautifully captures what it’s like to have a sibling that you love, but also envy. Lu’s writing is lyrical and enchanting without crossing into purple prose territory. Music can be difficult to capture in prose, but Lu manages to do so without alienating the reader with too many weird technical musical terms that would be off putting to the average reader (hi!). The way time works in the book is weird - you’re never quite sure when you are at any given time or how old anyone else, unless you have the timeline of the Mozart children’s grand tour open while you read. Months can go by in a single sentence which can be a bit jarring, but the book manages to condense a decade into 300 pages. I’d rather have 300 pages and a few pacing issues than way too much detail within 900 pages. 

My absolute favorite aspect of this book is Nannerl herself. Nannerl, as an 18th century girl, is bound by 18th century constraints - she’s not allowed to compose openly, as herself. She’s not allowed to talk back. She’s expected to look after her brother, as her position as older sister makes her mom-in-training. Nannerl is a good and proper 18th century lady, and she hates it. She hates the limits placed on her by society, but at the same time, she’s desperate to please her parents and earn their praise. Because what else can she do? It’s the shit situation women have experienced since time immaterial: conform, or else. Nannerl may seem meek and submissive compared to the likes of June from Legend or Emika from Warcross, but make no mistake, she is just as strong as they are. Her strength lies in her quiet resilience. Nannerl can’t exactly fight back against the system the way June and Emika do, so she rebels in other, quieter ways. She maintains eye contact for her father, waiting for him to break first or stays quiet when she’s expected to voice her praises. She creates a whole fantasy world in which to take refuge. Nannerl’s way of fighting back is subtle because it has to be. 

Unfortunately, it takes only a click of a Wikipedia link to know how Nannerl’s story ends. It is bittersweet and something that will definitely strike a chord (pun absolutely intended) with any girl or woman who reads The Kingdom of Back. 

RECOMMENDED FOR: Any girl or woman who has ever seen her accomplishments ignored or passed over in favor of a man’s, anyone with a sibling they’re just a little bit jealous of, music fans, Mozart fans, Marie Lu fans, anyone in the mood for a gorgeously-written YA historical fantasy.

NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: Haydn aficionados, Leopold Mozart, children who were forced to learn piano, men’s rights activists, people who would mistake an 18th century girl’s quiet resilience for weakness.

RELEASE DATE: March 3, 2020 - hey, I promise cromulent reviews, not “on time” reviews or “reviews in advance of publication.”

RATING: 4/5

MOZART RATING:

BEETHOVEN FANS, WHEN ENCOUNTERED BY MOZART FANS:

You can hear the 5th symphony with every haw.

*Please remember the movie Amadeus is also a historical fantasy - Salieri and Mozart were peers and were most likely friends, if not friendly. Also, Salieri had like, 8 kids and at least 1 mistress, he wasn’t some pious weirdo like he’s portrayed in the movie. I mean, he was Italian. F. Murray Abraham was awesome in it, though. My point is, don’t get your history from movies. It’s a bad idea.

Get it from Wikipedia, like a normal person.

That soundtrack, though. If you want an intro to Mozart’s music, that is a good way to go.

**Ahahahaha I was, then and now, and will forever remain, terrible at both. 

[batgirl-87]

For the MC + Jacob asks- how about 1 + 2 if you haven't done them already? :)

Thank you for asking! =) I have not done those ones yet!

(So this got kind of long…Hope I answered them well enough and I’m here to answer any more questions about my characters and their backstory =)  )

HPHM MC & Jacob Asks

1. How did you come up with your MC’s name?

Originally my MC’s name was Adira (based on another character I created for something and then never got to really use unfortunately) but then I decided to recreate my original HP character just in this new timeline. And as I developed this character more I knew I needed to have a more Irish name.

I wanted to stay true to the House of Black tradition (which I didn’t do with my original HP character when I should have but she originally was Sirius’ daughter and I doubted he would stick to their family’s tradition) and give her a greek/constellation name based on her Undine genetics, but much like Tonks wouldn’t go by her first name. And then seeing how her mother is French and Irish, and hyphenated names are common in French, I wanted her to have names that honored both those heritages and I wanted one to start with an ‘A’ for some reason. And I wanted one to sound like Adira so maybe that’s why I wanted the ‘A’ name? =p

After lots of research on names I eventually decided to just use my (omg I think my first ever that, tbh, I just alter as needed for most of my own main OC’s =p) original character’s name although I was trying to avoid it but changing the spelling (Kiara to Keira).

Hence Nereida Adelyn-Keira Black (Lafontaine - her mom’s last name and last name of the character I didn’t get to use for something else =(  She went by that until she embraced The House of Black side of her)

Nereida (Greek) - Nereids are sea nymphs, mermaids, etc. in Greek Mythology, daughters ofNereus and Doris, often accompany Poseidon. Can be helpful to sailors,symbolize the beauty of the sea, possessed melodious voices, depicted with redcoral crowns and white silk robes trimmed with gold

Adelyn (French) - Noble

Keira (Irish) - Little dark one/dark haired

Goes by Keira, Adelyn, Ady, Reida

So pretty much put way more thought into this than necessary =p

2. How did you come up with your MC and Jacob’s backstory?

As mentioned before, Keira was originally Sirius’ daughter (and with the name Kiara) but that wouldn’t work in this timeline because Sirius is like 13 years older than her and while I can see Sirius having some illegitimate child at like 16, 13 is way too young! Then the addition of Jacob, clearly couldn’t be Sirius’ kids. But I wanted her to still be related to Sirius, not just because Sirius one of my favourites but personality wise I, and therefore my OC =p, are very similar to Sirius and look wise she also looks like Sirius and a member of the House of Black and who doesn’t want to be a member of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black?! (okay probably plenty of people actually…) And I already had this character created that I love and wanted to use who was related to Sirius.

Anyways, so I adjusted (because I’m flexible and adaptable!) my original HP OC to be Sirius’ and Regulus’ little sister; however, my original HP OC was actually part Veela, like Fleur, and, as I also mentioned before, I created this other character, Adira, for something I never got to use (can you tell I’m salty over it?) and she was part Undine so I made Keira part Undine because, yep, never got to use that character and I worked hard and was excited to so dammit it’s happening!!! Plus who doesn’t like to have something different and unique to them? (In my defense I had no idea MC in the game was going to be Legilimens which is clearly unique but I was never going to my make my character one so I will not feel bad and be called some mary-sue or some shit like that)

Therefore, Walburga couldn’t be her mother, nor did I ever want her to be her mother anyway =p (crazy portrait bitch =p) and since we don’t know much about Orion or his relationship with Walburga (I did lots of research people I’m not just bs’ing to get what I want) besides that they’re second cousins (ugh…) I felt it was completely plausible for Orion to step outside his marriage, especially if there’s a pretty young woman, since would one really be all that happy and comfortable being married to their second cousin? And they technically fulfilled their pureblood responsibility by getting married and bearing children so if he found another woman outside his family who he developed feelings for I could see him straying. However, he’s accustomed to a certain lifestyle and has an image and reputation to uphold so leaving his wife (if he actually wanted to) was not going to be an option, so even though his mistress got pregnant (twice!) he wasn’t going to leave Walburga. 

Maybe I also just like a good scandal and some drama? (House of Black and their drama, right? =p) Anyway, obviously to have them be able to attend Hogwarts they have to be from the UK or Ireland, right? And being of Irish and French heritage myself, (and I loved visiting Ireland and can’t wait to go back), I had them born in Ireland and live there for a bit but after their mom dies (partially because she’s part Undine and they give up their immortality and live shorter lifespans when they fall in love with a mortal, and I personally believe their lifespan gets shorter when they have children and pass down their Undine genes) they move to Canada with some close friends of their mom’s who unofficially adopt them (this is sort of based on a family I’m close to who I feel unofficially adopted by =p) Plus, although they love their ‘adopted’ parents and appreciate all they’ve done for them, it really solidifies Keira and Jacob against the world because they’re all each other really has now and makes his disappearance more angstful for her.

And maybe also because I have been teased for talking funny with a weird accent (don’t even get my started) I wanted to put my MC through the same thing (because we love torturing our characters) so if I had her grow up in Ireland and Canada she would also have a weird accent and talk funny compared to the other students =p

I also wanted her to move into 12 Grimmauld Place, maybe do some redecorating and remodeling, but mainly because I liked the idea of her taking it over after Walburga passes and making it sort of like this hangout/safe place for her friends, mainly Barnaby who pretty much hangs out there all summer between 4th and 5th year and officially moves in summer after 5th year, and making this once abusive, toxic, prejudiced household into a place where anyone was welcomed and could find sanctuary (probably much to the rage of Walburga’s portrait bahahaha). Plus it’s closer to Diagon Alley and her other friends than living in Ireland or Canada, obviously. 

Remus becoming her guardian while over in the UK was sort of something that just happened and wasn’t planned but I realized she probably needed someone over there since Jacob is gone, everyone on her mom side that she knows of is dead, and she doesn’t know much of the House of Black besides she is apparently one but they refuse to acknowledge her existence, and while she could just live in their house in Ireland they still have, and she is quite independent, an 11 year old living alone probably isn’t the best idea… (and I’m sure Andromeda and Tonks would take her in in a heartbeat but none of them know about each other since Andromeda was disowned so she doesn’t know really what’s happening with the rest of the family and all Keira knows about is Orion, Walburga, Sirius, and Regulus. She doesn’t learn of others, like Bellatrix until she sees the tapestry in 12 Grimmauld Place where Andromeda is burned off so still didn’t know about her and Tonks until Tonks told her Bellatrix was her aunt). 

So I honestly couldn’t think of anyone else to take her in and take care of her and then thought, well, Remus has nothing to do =p And since clearly he’s one of Sirius’ best friends knows of his illegitimate siblings (Walburga was going to find out, please, we all know that, but they did their best to keep that secret in the immediate family and not let it out but then Jacob has to attend Hogwarts and be a butthead and inform everyone he’s a House of Black bloodline because he’s done being some shameful secret and even when it’s proved he and Keira do have House of Black blood still not acknowledged from that family) and being a good person he can’t let some eleven-year-old live alone! And she is like Sirius, and Jacob is like James, so it’s sort of bittersweet like hanging out with his friends again…Plus I hate thinking of Remus living in poverty on the streets all alone all the time until he gets his job as Hogwarts so... We all know Remus deserves better! (I have like a whole thing about Remus and Keira’s relationship for another time)

Oh! And as for Keira and Jacob’s relationship with each other I sort of based in on a couple people who were like older brother figures for me, one good, close friend I have primarily, and I guess what I imagine having an older brother would be like? Honestly always wanted one so I get to create one I’ve always wanted =p (is my life sad and lonely, oh yeah… =p)

Thank you again for asking! =)

[furederiko]

This is the LAST post for December, meaning it's also the FINAL post for the year. Anything special to publish in the conclusive day of 2017? NOPE. Just this... uhmmm, random ramblings. Ahahaha...

My internet went down completely for around 2 weeks since December 13th. The unexpected 'incident' (I apparently has burned my modem *sigh*) made me switched into my creative side and did genuine FUN non-internet related things instead. And I got all caught up by it... that I practically did NOT prepare anything for Tumblr.

Had a Random-News-Digest prepared for mid-December, but ditched it completely because the content would be highly outdated now. Wanted to do my monthly recap-view for "Kamen Rider Build", but haven't finished it so it'll have to wait until next month. The only thing I could pull off was the recap-views for "Uchu Sentai Kyuranger" last 2 episodes of the year. Though to be honest, that amazing show was part of my 'offline fun' as well. So yeah, unlike last year, there is no TOP 10 list this year. Didn't even publish anything for Christmas, because I completely FORGOT about it! LOL... (^^;)

Anyways, to make up for all of that, I've written a rough 'RECAP' of what went through my life this year. Entertainment-wise, of course, and not all but just some of the highlights. In list form! Why? Because I feel like it *grins*. Here goes nothing...

Movies, Oh movies...

- Watched even less movies on the theatre this year, and opted to wait several releases on home video. Only went to see the big guns, thus there isn't any disappointment. - Surprisingly, I loved the live action "Beauty and the Beast" more than the animated original. Dan Stevens' solo number "Evermore" is stuck in my head ever since. - Haven't seen "Coco", and really want to. Here's hoping the home video will be released soon. I guess I should see "Cars 3" first, huh? - "Dunkirk" was magnificent. War movie is usually not my forte, so I'm pleasantly surprised that Christopher Nolan managed to make me enjoy one. Was it the short duration, the all-out jerks of the army, or the non-stop intensity? Don't know. But if there's at least one thing I've gained from it: I disliked Harry Styles ever more now. No kidding. Poor French soldier... - I'm a visual guy so when I saw a disturbing scene, it usually stayed on my head for a good while. That bloody scene after the bomb explosion on "Stronger", for example? *sigh*. I hope Jake Gyllenhall receives an Oscar nomination for his work on this movie. - "Death Note" and "Ghost in the Shell"? Enjoyed the first one more, but both deserved better. - Tom Cruise's "The Mummy" was mediocre, but I'm among the minority who actually want to see more of Universal's Dark Universe. Even if just to see more of Russell Crowe going Jekyll. Charlie Hunnam's "King Arthur: Legend of the Sword" was the movie's kindred spirit, while "Kong: Skull Island" was the opposite. Kong will be meeting Godzilla in the coming years! - Comic book adaptations were generally top notch. Naturally the three Marvel Studios' releases; "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2", "Spider-Man: Homecoming", and "Thor: Ragnarok"; would be my top picks. Don't ask me to choose which one is the best though! All three were amazing and marvelous in their own unique ways, so I'd gladly rank them in the same spot just to be fair. - I admit, "Logan" and "Wonder Woman" were great too, but I didn't like them as much as everyone else on the planet. Not sure why, I guess... none of them was my cup of tea? Let's just say, there were problems on each of them that I couldn't quite tolerate and it reduced my overall impression on them. - Don't ask about "Justice League". I'll wait until I can borrow a copy when it's out on home video. Not wasting my money on a poorly reviewed DC Films. For now, "The LEGO Batman Movie" remains to be the best DC release of the year. - "Kingsman: The Golden Circle" was just NOT as good as the prequel. It was fun, but it felt like it's repetitive yet also missing something and trying too much.

Show Must Go On...

- Just realized that I've seen MORE TV series this year! Both the currently in broadcast, or titles from previouse years like "Westworld". Oh WOW... - Both Marvel's "Iron Fist" and Marvel's "The Defenders" were genuine duds. Both TV series were underwhelming and disappointing, that I have lost any urge to see Marvel's "The Punisher". - Haven't seen Marvel's "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." 5th season as well, because I haven't been feeling it. Though that will change in the near future because I'm itching to see its 5th episode. Hey, my boy Fitz and Hunter are the star of that episode, right? THAT I just have to see! I wonder if seeing that episode would be enough to convince me to watch the previous four episodes... - Currently following Marvel's "Runaways", though this 1st season might be my first and last. Don't know why, but not feeling it either. I think CW's "Riverdale" was a more watchable show, and even that one have been dropped after Season 1. LOL. I guess teenage soap-opera is just NOT my thing. - The 5th and final season of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" was kind of... all over the place too. This show should've ended with Season 3, if you ask me. It had a bittersweet ending, akin to "Samurai Jack". But it also did not ended gracefully, and far less enjoyable to follow. - "Stranger Things" Season 2 was amazing. It had a somewhat different vibe compared to the 1st one, but equally enjoyable to watch. Poor characters whose name starts with 'B'... - I think the 3rd and 4th Seasons of "Voltron Legendary Defender" were initially meant to be one unit. The show's first two seasons were impressive, but these latter two were... okay? I don't know why, but it felt like it has waned a bit. - "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" was somewhat similar. I had great time with Season 1 and 2, but Season 3 was a bit... uneven. Many of the jokes didn't quite hit, and some of the story development started feeling like a recycled trick. Still, I would love to see a 4th Season, and hopefully with better improvements. - Was expecting "Big Hero 6: The Series" to be as amazing as the Oscar-winning movie... but alas that didn't seem to be the case. Didn't quite enjoy the 2-episodes premiere as much as I wanted to. A complete opposite to "DuckTales", that hit all the right notes. The sole complaint I have about this reboot/remake, is that Scrooge McDuck's adventure isn't airing new episodes on a weekly basis! Aaaaargggh, the long wait is making me angry. - If you haven't seen "Thunderbirds Are Go", then what are you waiting for? I feel the 2nd Season had more and more amazing moments, to the point that I hope Season 3 will come sooner than later. - Comedies are taking my leisure time now! Have been following Seth McFarlane's "The Orville". It was mediocre to good, and desperately in need of improvements (hopefully in Season 2). Yet I keep going back and see it. Is it the star power of its guest stars? - Adam Scott and Craig Robinson's "Ghosted" is on my top priority watch. Sure, the quality has reduced a bit since the pilot, but the supernatural agents aren't going anytime soon from my house. - The same with Kevin Finn! Great goodness, I have only started watching "Kevin Probably Saves the World" since early this month (the benefit of NOT getting preoccupied by the internet LOL), but I'm already regretting why I didn't start sooner. Now I honestly can't wait to see more! Kevin is such an adorkable, likeable, and surprisingly relatable quirky lead. The kind of guy I would totally love to be best friends with in real life. Really though, the show is infectuous with its acts of kindness, heartwarming with its pleasant vibes, and also surprisingly engaging through its personal conflicts. If you hear me giggling, laughing out loud, or sobbing lately, you can probably thank Kevin, his guardian Angel, family, and friends for that! Seriously...

A Spoonful of Anime and Toku

- Turns out, "Kekkai Sensen & Beyond" wasn't the sequel that I expected to be. It's... 'different' than the first season. But when you get to see what the other members of Libra (even the team's butler) are doing in their daily lives, should one even be complaining? In the end it was indeed as amazing and fun ride as the first season, even if lead protagonist Leonardo Watch took a back seat most of the season. I'm already crossing my fingers to see more adventure of the team. But it likely won't happen in the near future, huh? Bummer... - "Ballroom e Youkoso" was a peculiar dance. I thoroughly enjoyed the first half, but after Tatara changed partner things got... hectic and irritating to follow? It was still good, but a rather uneven show if you ask me for honest impression. At the very least, it wasn't a wasted opportunity like "Kabuki-bu!" was. - "Houseki no Kuni" was of similar situation. Its animation was gorgeous, story was peculiarly engaging, and world building was great. But there were episodes that were undeniably better than the rest, and I didn't quite like how it ended. I guess that finale was teasing for more seasons? Hmmm... - It's been years since I follow a Pretty Cure series, and "Kira Kira Precure A La Mode" wet my appetite and got me back to the game. Unfortunately, while the design was interesting, and the sweets angle was neat, the story was somewhat weak. I have lost my initial enthusiasm after the first half, but I still watch it because it's going to end pretty soon. Not quite expecting a mindblowing finale though, especially if the animation quality is any indication. A common problem of TOEI Animation. Remember "Sekaisuru KADO"? - Dang it, what an impressive year it has been with Super Sentai. "Doubutsu Sentai Zyuohger" was kind of dull and boring last year, but had a great ending this year. And it was quickly followed by something even better. Yes, another show that has dragged me on a pleasant roller coaster ride is none other than TOEI's "Uchu Sentai Kyuranger". Since its premiere run on February, until its Christmas episode that wrapped up its 2017 run, I haven't been disappointed once with the series. Yes, I had an issue with the spin-off series of V-Cinema "Episode of Stinger", but that didn't count as the broadcast lineup. Though it's painful for me to soon say goodbye to this amazing season, I hope its last month will be memorable and a blast. Particularly because I'm currently having second thoughts about the 2018 season... - Just like its weekly storyline, "Kamen Rider Build" is still moving me back and forth. I'm honestly on the verge of dropping it completely, but I guess I'm going to check out several episodes from the next "Kamen Rider Wars" arc. I kind of feel it takes too long to get to this point when it could've been done earlier, but who am I to argue, right?

Name of the Game

- "Nintendo Switch" was a hit! Ever since its release on March 2017, the buzz and hype for this hybrid console only continue to increase. I wonder if I will be able to purchase one next year? Perhaps, just in time for the next Pokemon gen? - Speaking of Pokemon, the addition of Generation III from Hoenn region has made me go out and explore "Pokemon GO" again. The whole Raid Battle system and Niantic's handling of the Legendary Pokemon had disappointed so bad that I was close to give up on this App. Thankfully, now I have a horde of new reason to walk around the neighborhood. Problem is, can the same premise work in the long run? Niantic really need to consider new social features that enables players to engage with one another. - "Street Fighter V" had a weird set of DLC characters this year. The 2nd Season contained mostly new characters, that was a hit or miss with fans. Thankfully, things seem to be picking up next year with the Arcade Edition. Not just because my man Cody Travers is all dandy clean and returning to the game, of course. Question is, will I be able to play the game eventhough I don't have any plans to pick up a PS4? *giggles*. - I also haven't been able to play "Persona 5" due to the exact reason. LOL. Thankfully, "Persona 5 the Animation" has been announced to air next year. Sure, I'm a bit skeptical with the fact that A-1 Pictures and not Production I.G. will be doing the animation, but at least this will be my way of enjoying the game... WITHOUT actually playing it. - LEVEL-5 should do more of that worldwide Puzzle Quest! That was meant to be a prelude or some sort to "Layton's Mystery Journey: Katrielle and The Millionaires' Conspiracy", but I think the game developer should learn by now that it could work as a stand alone project. It made people come together in surprising way, and attracted fans to come back everyday to check out the new worldwide puzzle. Real FUN!

Oookaaay, that went A LOT longer than I expected. And I'm 100% sure that there are items that completely slipped my mind. As of writing this line, it's only just a few hours before the year ends! Aaaaarggggh *grumble*. Gotta publish this one soon then!

With that said, 2017 has been a difficult and challenging year. Particularly to a very discriminative and straight-out evil political atmosphere. One that allowed people to show their true despicable nature and selfishly trampled others for it. Last year I did say that "There's so many reasons to be hopeful about 2017", but reality had spoken differently as it turned out there were plenty more to discourage us throughout the year. Many people have even lost their fate in humanity this year.

But you know what? I'm going to say the same thing this day as well. There are SOOO many reasons to be hopeful about 2018. I don't know if it's because I'm currently caught up in the holiday spirit, or because I've been feeling extra thankful and blessed this month. One thing I can openly attest, is that things DO GET BETTER. So don't ever lose hope, and keep fighting the good fight in the name of just and goodness. I'm being lazy right now, so I'm just going to copy and paste my own words from last year: "Life can sometimes be hard, but all we need to do is stay strong, stay high spirited, and more importantly, keep moving forward! Happiness and blessings will surely find its way, in ways you might not imagine!".

And also this next one... because I'm going to be saying more or less the same kind of statements anyway: "Thanks to those who have been reading my blog all year long. I know I haven't spent much time (or any) to address you one by one, and heck, I might not even know you're there. But please know that I'll always be grateful for your presence, your time, kindness, and more importantly patience to walk through my long and sometimes pointless ramblings. What you've been doing means a lot for me, and I hope what I've been posting has and will somehow benefit back to you in return.". 2017 ends in just a few hours away, so let's enter and stride through 2018 with a hopeful and brave heart, the biggest and earnest smiles, the most sincere love and compassion for others regardless of their religion, race, or skin color. More importantly, let's make 2018 a year that we can be proud of. Where we take a stand for what's right and good! Where we become better human being than we are this year!

SEE YOU TOMORROW IN 2018!!!