Name of fan fiction: The Past That Yawns Behind
Rating: 9/10
Review: I quickly discovered that I could discuss this story for an extremely long period, but for the sake of a reasonable length, I will, for once, show some restraint, heh heh heh.
This is a story of Pterano’s return and is focused on him and how he adapts to life in the Great Valley after his banishment comes to an end. Unfortunately, any possible adaptation is quickly cut short by a false accusation towards him. While he was welcomed back at first, seemingly forgiven, how quickly they turned on him shows the lack of sincerity. Everyone was kept canon. Cera’s father was accusatory, and Littlefoot’s grandfather was logical, during the meetings to get to the bottom of things. To keep the conflict lasting, the author caged the protagonist in a prison of right and wrong, both sides having a tempting allure. To do right meant he must suffer but his loved one would be alright, and to do wrong, meant ill for another while his own misery would reach its end. The protagonist is constantly haunted by a dreary past that he tried to forget that current events keep bringing up, so he is subjected to torture both new and old before the conclusion.
The author introduces side characters, both canon and original, who all play a role in progressing the engaging storyline. While some can be taken at face value, and others have more than meets the eye, he adds even more variety by using a canon character who has more to offer as time goes on, doing things for the wrong reasons at first, but becoming wholesome in the end. This particular character was unique because he acted as a friendly nemesis, not really bad at all anymore, though hiding the good behind a mask of indifference. Examples of such characters are Vegeta from Dragon Ball Z, Tokiya from Flame of Recca, and Ren from Shaman King. These characters are like M&M’s, as they’re true content is hidden inside a voluntary shell, and the author worked this into his story brilliantly.
This story was not a single road to walk, as it can be boring to watch the exact same characters perform in a straight line from beginning to end with no change of focus. He divided the characters into groups, though these groups shifted as well for even more variety through new combinations, and so the scenes could have a unique approach. Furthermore, no group was created as a filler. Each scene played a role in progressing the plot to its end. Even the side romance which was added to keep this story feeling fresh played a significant part in justice being done. The author did not leave room for unimportance. Everyone does their part to help out with the dilemma, and this provides a much more satisfactory ending than if the main character had done everyone important alone.
The detail is magnificent, allowing for constant visuals even to those with weak imaginations. The dialogue was realistic, canon, witty, and interesting all at once, allowing for long conversations to be easily enjoyed. He added character development not only throughout the story but also before the story itself which was explained during the story. The plot contained a mystery for most of the chapters, but the author allowed for reader interaction by letting the conclusion be revealed for those perceptive enough. Some clues stood alone to help readers out, but interestingly enough, some clues did not mean anything until much later, meaning that the author interwove his information with long threads. The author creates numerous surprises, some more shocking than others, and the plot keeps people guessing with its unexpected turns. Full of emotion, readers can connect with the story through their hearts, not just analyze it with their minds.
Readers feel sympathy for Pterano, admiration for Littlefoot’s kindness, wisdom, and acceptance, fear for Petrie’s life, anger at Mr. Threehorn, happiness at the love between several characters, hatred of the villain, followed by doubt of that hatred, and much more. The story was simply engrossing. Even explanations and bridges between parts were not boring. The author found a way to thrill from beginning to end. The ending was beautiful, as it left readers with the sheer joy of the change that took place. Pterano ended up becoming exactly like Littlefoot was when he tossed that food down for Cera long ago and said nothing about himself in the process. Yet, while the ending was a closing, it left something open as well. The intentions of the villain are now unclear, so readers have to, in a sense, end the story themselves with what their heart deems is best.
Now then, despite being a masterpiece, this fan fiction is not quite perfect. There are some grammar issues, mostly in the quotations from using periods were commas should be and occasionally in other areas, such as using a comma before a coordinating conjunction when the part after the conjunction is a dependant clause. One section of the story brought a sense of mystery, but it was never explained, leaving readers guessing with no clues. When fastbiters invade the Great Valley, Chomper mentions hearing them say it was part of some plan. However, not only is it never explained how the villain was able to communicate with them, being a leaf-eater, and the story never says if any of his henchmen can communicate with them either, but it only adds to the confusion how the villain worked this out with them yet not allowing for his own safety, as he attacked some and could have been killed. When a villain devises a plot, it is unusual when he could die from it, especially with one so determined as the antagonist in this story. Lastly, readers never actually get to learn what the plan actually is. All that can be assumed is that they were asked to come in and attack on sight.
This was masterfully done, and is a good read for LBT fans and non LBT fans alike. The author shows us a world, shows us characters in this world, then throws them into a situation that just grows darker and darker. Though it ends with light, it leaves a gray area for readers to enjoy their own theory, meaning the author generously gave readers some control here as well. Everyone is likable or dislikable, meaning that each character was portrayed with unique characteristics that really showed. This was a puzzle with no extra pieces; nothing was pointless. Tiny details could be fixed, but none of them detract from the epic experience one has when he or she picks up The Past That Yawns Behind.
