I started TLO around June of 2002. Around that time, I often frequented online message boards. From time to time, people would post stories, sometimes original tales, sometimes involving board members. Most of these were sub-par, in my opinion, and I wanted to give my shot at one. Rather than use board members as the story itself, I formed characters from the members, placing them into a story which I thought was interesting. I blended the two methods together, placing the board members in an original story.
And thus, The Last One was born. My first few chapters were very short, and I released them daily. Hence, they were written in a very simplistic matter. After I made a few, however, I began to draw myself in. Instead of a simple fan fiction, I began to formulate an epic in my head. Wherever I would go, I gathered new ideas I could use in the story, and I figured out plot twists and turns. In truth, I began to like my story more than anyone else. Thus, my chapters began to be more elaborate, and I took more time in developing my characters. I eventually drifted away from it, but came back around a year later, and started renovating my old chapters. And here I am now, writing on a deadline for this website, and I couldn’t be happier, my story is beginning to see light again! What is “The Last One?” I don’t want to spoil anything, but this plays a major role in the story later on. Many would think the last one refers to the last Planeswalker, Ben. This, however, is a mistaken point of view. All I can say is that the story will reveal what the last one is, and how it relates to Yamakai itself. What’s “Yamakai?” Yamakai is the world where the majority of TLO takes place. It is almost a primitive world, without electricity or modern technology, and many medieval weapons and customs are used. Yamakai is a world where all inhabitants can use chi, or a variation thereof. It can only be reached from earth through the use of a Planeswalker, an ancient Chi mage specializing in the transport between worlds. What are some of your inspirations? Many story details are inspired by a number of things. For instance, anime has inspired me, as well as video games. You may notice this from the overall structure of the story. Also, mythology has influenced certain parts, as well as other literature. Nature inspired some scenes, such as Yamakai’s ocean (you’ll get there soon enough). Finally, music inspired other scenes. These are just a few of my inspirations while writing this story. This story is so cliché! Good, I’m glad you think that! Let me remind you that TLO has a very twisting plot. The start will seem very cliché, as this is my intention. However, as the plot progresses, I will rip and shred your concept of a cliché. Let’s just say there are some very unorthodox occurrences in the story, but I’m sure you’ll like them. Patience is a virtue, as they say, so wait and see! What are the different races in TLO? They are: Humans, Elves, and Mu’Alkirk. All three races were originally the same species, but eventually developed different characteristics over time. The humans are normal people, who live in central Yamakai, and have a farming lifestyle, with a democratic government. The Mu’Alkirk are a nomadic beast people, wandering the western planes of Yamakai. The Elves are a secluded species, living off the forests of southeastern Yamakai. A fourth race also exists, but naming it would be giving a spoiler. Read, and find out! What else can you tell me about TLO? Watch out for small details. For instance, each of the main characters has a rival, which he or she will eventually face in their travels. Also, ‘Easter eggs’ are hidden throughout the story. Look at town names carefully. For all your hard work reading this, I’ll give you one here. The human’s capitol city, Etanes, is the word ‘Senate’ backwards. This is fitting, as the human senate is based in Etanes. Also, pay attention to culture. I tried to make Yamakai as believable a world as possible, and I eventually made an entire culture for it. Also, at some point in the story, religion* will come into play. Pay attention to that as well. When will TLO be finished? If I start formulating my ideas and writing consistently, I hope to write a chapter every week. With my current planning scheme, this equates to between half a year to a year of new chapters. Hope you have fun. How should I read TLO? Although some might be tempted to wait and read it all as a whole, I recommend reading the chapters in a week-by-week method, in order. This way, you’ll get the full experience. I personally find anticipation to be a great spice to any form of entertainment. Hell, it might even remind you of a weekly TV series. If so, one of my intentions has been fulfilled. Cheers. On a closing note, I hope you like the story. I certainly do. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, email me at Malus1010@aol.com . I’ll answer any letter I receive, so don’t be afraid to write. Have fun, and enjoy the story! *~ Religion is used to create a captivating story. It reflects neither the author nor the website owner’s personal views.