on my first reading of this, I found this chapter really sad because Hiccup is mindlessly following the orders of the red death. On a reread, I noticed the multiple times that Hiccup feels that something like the smithy or the helmet is familiar, only for the abomination of that fake queen to destroy those feelings, and that is just depressing. The fact that it also is using Hiccup's knowledge of viking villages to it's advantage is really horrible. additionally, when the queen smirks after Hiccup kills that viking, knowing full well that it(the queen) is erasing Hiccup's pacifist nature that was able to survive his memories being sealed away, that's the sign of a soulless monster.

The conversation in this chapter between Hiccup and AstridFishlegsthe TwinsSnotlout is so well written. The way that Fishlegs is open to Hiccup's statements, while Astrid is wary of Hiccup's claims, and Snotlout is outright hostile are all so in character for them. The way that Hiccup also struggles with his identity in this chapter alone is so sad and well written. On a reread, Hiccup's unclear identity of trying to remain human, but rapidly becoming more dragon to the point where Astrid promises to kill him if he becomes too dragon is really really sad, considering what happens to him in a couple chapters.

The ending portion of this chapter is still as impactful on a reread as it was on my original reading. the way that Hiccup is aware that Astrid isn't immediately hostile towards him and basically asks her to forgive him for taking fish is so touching. Then snotlout ruins the moment and causes Hiccup to panic, and reduce Astrid's sympathy for Hiccup in one big blow. such an impactful moment.

Even on a reread, the fact that Astrid of all people, Astrid before she chills out, it the one who gets Hiccup to leave the village to avoid being killed by his own father. The fact that Astrid is also able to outrun and defeat Toothless is impressive and a show of her skill. The little detail that she didn't make fun of Hiccup for his screw ups because she knew he always had good intentions and never wanted to cause damage to Berk is also touching.

Wow, Hiccup's transformation sounded REALLY painful and really messy. A very well written scene.

Damn, this is a gorgeous piece of writing. the whole way that Hiccup slowly comes to terms that he is stuck as a Night Fury is so well written and one point of every chapter is just so sad(there were multiple moments were I tearing up). It didn't help that I was listening to the Tarrey town night theme from Zelda since that track is relaxing but paired with this fic, the track just is perfect for the quiet and sad moments, and now I hear more somber tunes in the track. I will say that while the ending is nice, I have alt endings I would like would such as: if Hiccup and Toothless could still communicate like they did when Hiccup was a Night Fury or that Hiccup, or Hiccup could have gotten the ability to change between his human and Night Fury forms freely, or if Hiccup and Toothless did die, but reunited in the afterlife and got to be with each other freely and forever.

Wow! The way Hiccup broke free of the red death's mind control was really well written. I was so sad when he was brainwashed by the red death because I thought his status as 2/3 dragon and 1/3 human might offer him resistance or immunity. I also really hoped that the White Bewilderbeast might show up and kill the red death thus freeing Hiccup or that the mind control could be ended by being hit really hard in the head like how Hawkeye is freed from Loki's mind control. Then I saw that this was published before either How To Train Your Dragon 2 or Avengers 1 and was curious how the mind control would be broken.

Insane story, prob one of my favorites, but I kinda wish Hiccup stayed a dragon.

Fun fact the word toothless is in this book 890 times (i found out while i was editing it to make it into a personal physical copy (im swapping out swears for non swears etc))

Ive listend to this twice now and its still like one of my most favorite books/group of books (listend to via the app (text to speechalthough in my minds eye hiccup is white for some reason except when it mentions him camouflaging in with something, i dont know why exactly

can definitely tell this story wasn't written by an adult

reading this when I was younger it was the best story I've ever read. but now that I'm older and re-reading it, it's pretty meh. everything is blown out of proportion, for example the fact that hiccup stole kept being repeated so much that it became so boring, like we get it move the story forward already.

another thing is that hiccups behavior reminds me of a 5 year old that's trying to impress everyone and not make anyone mad at him, and at any sign of conflict he goes to his "I'm sorry" head down mode. it gets old pretty quick.

I love re-reading this for the hundredth time :D

Love the way you portrayed the village’s general reaction to Hiccup’s transformation. It sounds horrific just in written word; imagine having to witness it.

From the description you’ve given, Dragon Hiccup’s coloration could make him almost look like a Sand Wraith.