httyddragonfox

[httyddragonfox]

My thoughts on the live-action

7.5 or 8 out of 10

Mostly a good time.

I had some qualms.

Dialouge seemed a little rushed. It almost seemed they were trying to get past the old lines so they could get to the new ones they threw in.

Toothless expressions....eh. It's almost if they had trouble getting his eyes to slit or his face to fall. 3/4 of his expressions looked the same...close to happy or slightly scared. You could tell when we he was angry, once when he was annoyed. I could make out his emotions mostly because I remember the old one,but for trying to keep his eyes the same because they are his character he "doesn't have many lines."

Teens jeering, a tad weird. As I mentioned before, they think Hiccup is a nepotism baby. Of course Tuffnut and Astrid mention they want Hiccup's future job.

How to deep dive this...the writing is tricky to handle so it's not the same. The teens probably think it's unfair the screw up is Stoick's son. They hate him, wish he wasn't around, want him banished. Of course based on my experience with Teens, they can assume things if they don't like you. There is no proof Hiccup is getting special treatment, when has stoick banished anyone for uselessness, when has dragon training been hard to get into (the twins flunked 4 times).

When you're jealous you can assume...they probably believe Hiccup is getting special treatment because they don't want him around. I understand that because I faced a similar situation. My classmates thought I was a snob and a brat who got undeserved special treatment, they didn't realize I had mental health issues and needed time out of class for counseling and my episodes and earmuffs for my misaphonia. Kids can be cruel and dumb.

That's how I can forgive this writing flub.

4. Astrid...a little weirdly written.

She's never perfectly written as it's difficult to write strong female leads to match the male leads. Astrid in the animated movies was the love interest, and before that point she wanted to do the best in training. She got a little heated when Hiccup started doing well, because dang it it was her thing and he was taking it away.

They try to give Astrid more here. She's friends with the other teens, but even then she sees them as in her way. Ruffnut tries to befriend her but even she admits she will turn on her eventually. To be fair the rest of the teens are a bunch of goofballs compared to Astrid, it's just this version that points it out.

She also thinks Hiccup is a nepotism baby. The teens mention he should be banished it's her that mentions he isn't because he's the chief's son. This one also doesn't want him around. Animated Astrid wanted him to stay out of her way but otherwise ignored him.

Later, she let's him have it. In the animated, she accuses him of taking the training as a joke and tells him to start taking things seriously. She calls out everyone in that scene in live action, she her chewing him out is earlier. She accuses him of not even noticing what's going on, accusing him of being able to coast through life if he wanted because of his privilege. She's blaming his status for his mindset, while she's taking the war seriously. She doesn't want him to expand chief because of this and thinks she would better fit the role. He agrees, and admits his dad would prefer her as his kid.

Of course, she's a bit mean about it. It could've been written better. She could've said, "I know this much, I'd be much better as the next chief than you." Instead she tells him "I'm coming for your big fancy house." After admitting she came from nothing and wants to make a name for herself. She could have said, "You don't understand what an honour it is to be chief, to have a name like that and you're wasting it." Instead, she's antagonizing him. She does tell him to stay out of her way, which is in line with her character, and Astrid is a cold character at first which Hiccup warms up, but this makes people ask questions about their relationship later.

As I said before, it should take more than a magical ride to win her over. In the live action, she comes to see Toothless as someone to apologize to, and admits Dragons are amazing, but she's not entirely won over. That's nice.

Of course, over the flight they find that dragons are being forced into war, and that is when she becomes an ally. She drops her need to be apart of the war against them. She also comes to realize that Hiccup opened her eyes, he saw the dragons first as they really were. He has an immense compassion for others that is endearing. Does this merit a kiss on the cheek? Maybe more of a hug. She's warming up to him, doesn't hate him anymore, but I'm not sure if she'd be infatuated yet.

Astrid takes the lead against the red death, which negates Hiccup's chiefliness. To be fair, Hiccup put her in charge because he has faith in her. He bonded the teens with their dragons, he lead them into battle, then he was busy so he put Astrid in charge. Once he's done he takes over and becomes a hero of the tribe, saving everybody, something even stoick couldn't have done. First time gobber mentions Hiccup will be chief.

It's pretty deserved at this point, yet, Hiccup isn't making many commands. He does know everyone's strengths and puts them to equal tasks. That's chiefly, if anything Astrid could be his number two like in the animated (all but said in which).

Astrid probably has faith in him at this point, she already thought he was great when giving him a pep talk, but after saving the village she'd probably have faith in him being a leader. After his big hero move would probably get her infatuated with him. She's the type of girl who takes what she wants. So the ending fits for her. It was getting there that was weird.

Those are all my qualms. If you want to talk about what I liked we'd be here all day.

[httyddragonfox]

Httyd: Criticism of the movies, the Fandom and the franchise. (How to Accept your Media) (How to train your How to train your dragon fan)

Listen here Httyd fans: you could love what's coming or not, but one thing is certain...there's too much hate here.

Racists against the multi-racial casting, purists wanting the animated movie to be untouched, the live action to burn in dragon fire for it's flaws.

I've always been told I'm very accepting of live actions, here's why...they are not the originals. The originals are their own thing. You watch the movie, just forget the original exists for a moment, if you weren't busy comparing it would it be good? That's the question to ask.

I've ingested every bit of httyd media. This franchise saved my life, the original pulled me out of a dark place. I felt like I had nothing and no one, much like hiccup, he found something and someone and it gave me hope.

Now I've looked into every movie, special, performance, t.v show and game, even rescue riders and nine realms. I've got two things to say, everything is good, but also everything has problems. Even the first movie has at least one problem, with Astrid. She's demoted to satellite love interest once she's won over, always failing the bechdel test. I still love her character though.

Race to the edge had the twins be inconsistent to work with gags, the episodes fumbling with what they wanted you to take from them. I still enjoyed myself.

The shows definitely negated the fact that there should be plenty more people and dragons and people with dragons. I still had fun.

Epic universe has Valka and vegans associated even though she's a dragon mega fan and dragon's eat fish. I still want to go, even if berk has an uncharacteristically hot climate and the dragon's are obviously people in suits and animatronics.

I take what each thing sells me even with the bitterness that comes with it.

This live action doesn't have the magic of the first one, of course not. This movie isn't going to save me from any depression except the one where there's no more httyd merch readily available to me.

The way I see live actions, they're like a school play, an arena spectacular (which had acting more choppy than this), or an alternate dimension. Berk never had ethnic groups living amoung them, this berk has gathered vikings from all other. That's the case in this dimension.

Hiccup is less resentful in this dimension, Astrid is friendlier, Stoick is more grief filled, and Toothless is...cuter? Friendlier? Dog like instead of cat like?

You also have to realize the rules of the real world take more effect than a fantastic world where anything can happen in animation. People's pupils are wide when eyes are shut, so of course they're wide when just opened. The eye thing in the animated is just an animation error they threw in. Toothless might look blank in some thing (red death lair) because sometimes you shut your emotions off when dealing with trauma.

Astrid is apologizing to toothless here because she wants him to stop and realizes Toothless is someone to apologize to. (I never did understand how just the flight got her to change her mind in the original).

Yes, some scenes feel rushed in the acting and dialog. Much like everything I've seen, those are it's flaws.

A portion is going to give the movie a chance. One group thinks it'll be okay, another thinks it'll be just as good, another just misses httyd too much.

Yet here you all are bashing, spewing hate. We can't scroll through one of our favorite tumblr pages because you're busy raving, crying, whining, and ranting about the "god awful live action." Why can't we focus on the love we share for this franchise instead of moping about what's being ruined, because it's really not. Nothing can ruin it.

[httyddragonfox]

The flavour of the two: Animated and Live Action

I can already tell this movie is going to be good: It was made by fans who remember how the first one felt. They would put the same energy into this one.

That being said, it's not going to be a carbon copy of the animated. Each have their own interpretations of the dialouge and the scenes. As I did with my post "Not one of them" (See post here) I will be analyzing the differences.

Let us start with the scene of Stoick telling Hiccup he's in dragon training. In the animated, when Hiccup says he can't kill Stoick says "But you will kill dragons" in a hopeful tone, a reassuring tone. In the Live action, when Hiccup says he can't kill, Stoick says "But you will" with certainty.

In the animated, he seems to comforting his son with his self doubt, saying "Don't worry, you may suck now, but with this training you'll be better. I have faith in you."

In the Live action, it's very matter of fact. Saying "This is going to happen, wether you like it or not, it is time for the uselessness to end."

Animated is very encouraging, and Live action is very strong willed and unbending, seeing as animated stoick's tactic switches to that after animated Hiccup refuses to let up I can see why live action went with that approach from the start.

2. Second scene being when the teens first enter dragon training. They all seem very scattered in the animated talking amoungst themselves, but mostly speaking to the open air, not talking to anyone in particular. Astrid retorts "Yeah it's only fun if you get a scar out of it," very casually and more to herself than anyone, like she's stating a fact. Hiccup retorts sartcastically, "Yeah, no kidding right, pain, love it." In the live action, the teens are walking side by side ecstatic about the training, whilst talking about the injuries they hope to get, Fishlegs mentions he rather not get any. Astrid whilst side hugging the twins tells fishlegs "Come on, everyone knows it's only fun if you get a scar out of it." Hiccup comes up from behind them and says nervously "Yeah, I know right, Pain, love it!""

For starters, while the teens hang out in the animated they are more peers and classmates rather than friends. Astrid also seems more like a lone wolf. Hiccup is a little resentful to be there with the people who laugh at him and honestly feels like the only sane person in not wanting to get maimed, not understanding the appeal.

In the live action, Astrid and the teens seem more like friends, seeing as they spend a lot of time together already. Astrid seems to have a soft spot for them and is a hardened warrior the rest of the time. Hiccup is just trying to be included even if he doesn't understand the mindset, which is why his enthusiasim is a little awkward.

This makes sense as Hiccup in the animated thought they had a cool job and wanted to join them, why wouldn't he want to join their friend group as well. In this version they seem like a friend group to want to be apart of. In the animated Hiccup brought them all together as friends instead of just peers, and in the Live Action Hiccup seems less resentful, more friendly. I can understand this choice as Hiccup is an empathic person who befriends a dragon. I also can understand the animated's decision to make him resentful and sarcastic as years of belittling can do that to a person.

2a. It seems, (from what I've seen) there is two different ways the teens treat Hiccup. In the animated, they laugh at him, they think he's a loser who constantly messes up. They're just waiting for him to get eaten. They don't want to associate with him. In the Live Action, Ruffnut comments "Daddy must've pulled some strings (to get him in dragon training)" Nico parker said when talking about her character is that she rather be chief because Hiccup is squandering the potential position.

In the animated, they see Hiccup as an ordianry loser, not even remembering he's the chief's son as that info doesn't seem to matter. They probably figure he's going to die before he gets to that point. In the Live Action, it's like they see Hiccup as a Nepo baby. Stoick goes easy on him (probably should've banished him), gets him involved when he shouldn't be, and he's supposed to be their future chief, which is just rediculous, because he's a loser.

In the animated they don't bring up Hiccup being chief until they're sure of it, and they don't even question it until the third where Snotlout thinks Valka's going to make him chief once Hiccup flubs it. It's because by this point Hiccup is amazing. In the Live action, it's a fact they have to live with for a while is the fact Hiccup is going to be a weak leader, and that's just not fair. They could be a whole lot better. I wouldn't be surprised if they considered overthrowing Hiccup one day at that point, or trying to convince Stoick to disown Hiccup and make one of them his successor.

3. This is a small one, this is the fight against the Gronkle. In the animated when Hiccup is forced to face the Gronkle he is cowering behind a hurdle. In the Live Action, he's out in the open and as the Gronkle fires at him he has a look on his face that says you've got to be kidding me or Here we go, it's an eye roll. When talking to Astrid in the Animated her response to "it's just you and me" is "nope just you." In the Live Action, it's "Nope, just me."

In the animated they are highlighting that Hiccup is fearing for his life inside that arena, believing he does not have the skills to survive. In the Live Action, his expression is a non-verbal I told you so to his non-present father, probably thinking I knew this would happen. It's basically the trope "This is gonna suck." It's a more humorous take on the situation. It's like Hiccup looking at the camera going, "I'm screwed." I'm pretty sure he's also going to be freaked out, but sarcastic Hiccup has to be in there somewhere.

As for Astrid, in the animated she was highlighting the fact she was abandoning him. In the live action, she's highlighting the fact that she will beat the Gronkle. This plays into Astrid being nicer, even if it's a silent, "Are you kidding? You suck, I'm going to beat this thing." Also highlights the fact she's a confident warrior. In the animated it's more, "Don't get your hopes up, buddy. We're not teaming up."

Overall, in the animated it seems the teens were more scared of the situation as this was their first time. In the Live action, it's like they have a silent hope that, "this is the first fight, they won't kill us the first fight." To be fair the twins have been in dragon training several times in this version, so the teens probably figure they might survive.

4. Another major difference is in the flight with Astrid. I'm not sure, but it seems like she eventually has fun in the sheer dives in the Live Action. That could just be her screaming though. I guess in the live action they show her the thrill of flying as well as the beauty of the sky. That's just a guess though.

5. This goes back to what I was saying in my other post, but when Hiccup faces the Monstrous Nightmare. In the animated he says "It's okay, It's okay, I'm not one of them." Whilst in the Live Action he gently places his helmet on the ground as he says that. What I said in my last post still stands but it also seems as if he's focusing on trying to keep the dragon calm in the Live Action with no sudden movements. Whilst in the Animated he made sure the dragon was calm, made his defiant gesture, then went back to the dragon.

In the Animated, Hiccup is addressing his people and the dragon, he's not just showing peace, he's showing resentment. In the Live action, Hiccup is just showing peace. As I've said before, Hiccup's less resentful in the live action.

6. There is the fight with Stoick. In the animated Stoick says frustratedingly, "They've killed hundreds of us!" and Hiccup says defensively, "And we've killed thousands of them." In the Live Action, Stoick is sobbing as he says this, and Hiccup is yelling.

In the animated, Stoick can't believe Hiccup has the gall to defend Dragons after what they've both lived through, almost like "Try to get it through your head," or "How could you do this after everything they've done to us?" Hiccup is a simple defensive response, whilst a little frustrated, "Because what we do to them is worse."

In the Live Action, Stoick is betrayed not just upset. "How could you, my own son, stand with those murderers?" And Hiccup is like,

"You think they're murderers!? What about what we've done to them?! Why wouldn't I side with them?! What we do them is unfair, and you have no right to get upset with me!"

Hiccup in the animated seems used to arguing with his father. He was more begging than angry, more worried for Toothless. In the Live Action, whilst Hiccup doesn't get angry for himself, he does get angry for others. Hiccup in the animated already had his anger represented, in the Live action Hiccup was focused on the Dragon at the time so now whilst begging for Toothless, this is also his moment to get angry.

The movies have this in common, in both instances Hiccup is choosing the wrong time to get angry. But both instances Hiccup has reached his boiling point. In the animated, it was realizing he was nothing like his people, and it was a tranquil fury. In the Live Action, he's fed up with not just his father but his people for their way of life and what it's put his friend and other dragons through.

So in the animated it's a more personal anger, and in the live action it may come from a personal place (his people are so stubborn), it's more of an empathetic anger.

Hiccup in the animated is focusing on his own journey, whilst the Live action is focusing on a journey found through his friendship and escape from his isolation.

Both interpretations of each example are good in their own ways, but I will still indulge in both versions for their own flavours of the same wonderful story. Like two different flavours of the same dessert.

[httyddragonfox]

Aaravos' pettiness and the Rayllum Kids

It's a legitimate fear that Aaravos or Claudia might go after their children as a form of revenge or leverage. Of course based on what we've seen Aaravos won't go out of his way to target people unless it coinsides with his plans, or they happen to be around.

Let's look at our evidence:

Killing Khessa and taunting her before she dies: he needed the primal stone, she just happened to be in the area. In all pettiness did all that while he was there.

Taunting Zym before killing him: Why not? Yet Viren was attacking him for his quest for power, he wouldn't send Viren after him unless conquering Xadia was the goal.

Taunting the Dragang: They contacted him, so why not?

Killing Sol Regem: He needed Claudia to recieve his prison easily without being caught, and he hates that guy so two birds with 1 stone.

Giving Callum the apple: He was nearby. It could put Callum on the proverbial shelf.

Killing Akiyuu: She was capable of stopping him, but he only went after her after everything was set in motion.

I notice he's pettier when he was in the prison. I guess since he wasn't going anywhere he might as well taunt Janai with the nightmares, and he had no reason to get vengeance on her.

From what we've seen, he'd probably only go after their children should they discover a way to defeat him for good. Something akin to making them feel what he felt should they stop him; his pain would live on through them.

[httyddragonfox]

Callum:I am not the man you fell in love with. I am not the man you once adored. I am not your kind and gentle husband. And I am not the love you knew before.

Callum:Would you fall in love with me again. If you knew all I've done? The things I cannot change. Would you love me all the same? I know that you've been waiting, waiting for love.

Rayla:I will fall in love with you over and over again. I don't care how, where, or when! No matter how long it's been, you're mine. Don't tell me you're not the same person. You're always my husband and I've been waiting, waiting. Waiting, waiting. Waiting, oh. For you.

[httyddragonfox]

Eri's Epilogue

I'm admittedly a little upset at Eri's Epilouge. More acurately, I'm of split opinion.

I'm glad she's doing something to make others happy, doing what she wants to do with her life. Of course, I feel like she could really help people with her quirk.

I felt like it was building up that Eri was going to go to U.A, at the same time I don't see her fighting villains in the future.

More of the case I feel that she could be a competent healer.

Who am I to dictate what Eri should do with her life, that's the writer's job. Eri wants to be recognized, but on her own merit, yet if people knew of her amazing healing abilites they might ask too much of her. There's also the fact that she has to stockpile for a while before it can be used, so how much could she really use it?

To deal with this epilouge I'm theroizing a compromise.

Her main job is to brighten people's worlds and lift their spirits, but she might use her powers on the side or during her performance like Pop Step.

Theory #1: During some occasional special concerts she holds not only will she heal people's spirits but during her performance she will have trained her quirk enough that she can target multiple people and heal the injured who come to her concert.

Theory #2: If she gets recognized enough as a musician, she might be able to visit people in the hostpital where she can gift them a little rewind.

Theory #3: If she ever retires from music, she can take up a position similar to Recovery Girl. She'd have to train her quirk in maybe the support course so that it could be used more often, or otherwise she'd just be called in for the special cases.

Edit: Also she apparently goes to U.A and lives with Mandalay.

If she were to go to U.A I believe she'd either be in the support course or in general studies as I see her more as a healer than a fighter of villains. It'd be enough to train her quirk but not to become a certified hero.

As for living with Mandalay, her and Kota were cute together. Will they become a couple or are they more like brother and sister? Who cares, they are cute together.

Of course she has a close dynamic with Aizawa, the fans were calling him Dadzawa. Living with Mandalay she'd get something close to a normal life, but who says she can't have that with Aizawa? My theory is that they have split custody, occasionally Eri wants to stay with Aizawa so she does. Or sometimes Mandalay needs a sitter so the kids stay with Aizawa.

[httyddragonfox]

Bibilical Allegory within Dragon Prince

I've seen a few in this show, mainly concerning Aaravos.

Let's go back to the beginning of the chronological stories in both the bible and the show.

The story of Adam and Eve:

God created the the universe in six days and rested on the seventh. Of course, to God a day could be a different length of time. On the planet of earth, he created a garden called Eden, where every living creature lived in harmony and splendor. To govern this garden much like God governs the universe, he created Man from dust and named him Adam. Adam grew lonely seeing that every creature in the garden had it's mate and he ws alone. Hearing Adam's internal prayers of partnership, God took a part of Adam and made him a wife. Adam and Eve were able to enjoy the luxeries of the garden on the condition that they do not break the one rule, to take in the knowledge of good and evil for humanity. The serpent was a petty animal, and disliked the favoritism God gave the humans, and so tricked Eve into taking in the knowledge. This caused God to be furious for the defiance displayed, and so Eve was punished, her and all her descendants will die, and it will feel like death if she ever brings life into the world. She was also cast from the garden.

Some other details the story holds is that Adam immedetely sinned after Eve was found Guilty, and the Serpent suffered due to his involvement as well.

Some stories say that Adam had a first wife who left him, or that Satan or this first wife became the snake. Of course the version I heard fits more with this allegory.

The allegory is a little switched up, instead of Husband and Wife, it's Father and Daughter.

The Story of Elarion (much like Eden):

The stars (the startouch) created the world, and within this world grew a great city named Elarion. In this city Elves, humans, and animals all lived in harmony. Of course, humans were created weaker than elves and animals. A startouch came to live amongst these creatures around Elarion, and in his loneliness made a daughter named Leola. There was a wyrm (latin for serpent), a dragon who despised humanity, thinking them nothing but pests. Amongst the Cosmic order there was one rule that could not be broken, human cannot take in the knowledge of magic. Leola in her innocence, chose to help humanity, not knowing of the rule or it's consequences of breaking it. The Wyrm told the stars of Leola's sin, and they thus decided she is to pay the ultimate price for breaking the rule, she was to be put to death. Elarion fell after her destruction.

The Adam figure (Aaravos), chose to sin after his daughter's mistake, corrupting Humanity further; and after the wyrm's involvement, he suffered greatly. This, much like biting the apple, doomed humanity.

The difference here is that in this story Adam turned into Satan. Let's not forget the scene where Aaravos offered Callum the apple which would have corrupted or killed him, thus signifying him as the serpent/Satan.

Now for the next part of the allegory: Callum as the messiah.

Going back to the apple scene, there is a part in the bible where Christ is tempted during this 40 day fast by Satan three times. Aaravos does tempt Callum in this rocky plain, but he is saved. Also seeing as there were three tests of Christ, Callum ended up doing Dark magic three times before it stuck with him. Unlike Christ who resisted Satan fully, Callum doesn't let this stain upon his soul corrupt him, and it is never enough to fully do so. Satan doesn't win, Aaravos doesn't get Callum's soul.

Then there is the final confrontation: Jesus ends up dying to save everyone from the cruel fate of God. Saving them all from Hell.

Callum decides that he will sacrifice himself in order to save everyone from the satanic figure, and yet Callum like Christ doesn't end up fully perishing.

It also helps that Callum is becoming an archmage, which is something akin to the works of God, in this case it's nature's magic being channeled through him.

Those are the two Allegories I found, the tradegy of the beginning, and our saviour in the end.

[httyddragonfox]

"I'm not one of them"

I was going through the Live Action Trailers of How to Train Your Dragon. Not that I don't want to see the movie, but I'm already noticing a difference. It's in the scene with this line.

Let's go over what we know so far:

In the trailer, it starts with him tossing his dagger, and then setting his helmet on the ground as he tells the dragon he's "not one of them."

In the animated movie, he drops the dagger, drops the shield, and then after heistantly removing his helmet, tosses it to the ground.

These different displays displays two different variations of Hiccup's character mindset. I don't one or the other is bad, just different.

Let's start with the animated scene: After the dragon is released, Hiccup is understandingly terrified of what comes out. The dragon is pure aggression, what if it won't listen to reason? Now this might not change much in the live action, maybe Hiccup will breathe heavily in this scene to show his fear. Now for the major changes.

Hiccup drops his dagger and shield, as opposed to when he tosses his dagger. What is the mindset when someone "drops" something? It is stopping an attachment to an activity or item because of an interruption of some sort, as opposed to the action of "Tossing" which is a removal. When you drop something, it's implied you're going to pick it up again but won't in that instance because of a particular reason.

Hiccup dropped the dagger and sheild. He is not saying he is giving them up entirely, he just won't use them in this instance. He's telling the dragon "I won't use them for you," for the viking crowd they might assume he's scared and can't use them at that moment. They were confused at this instance not appalled.

If you've seen the show, Hiccup advocates for offense and defense at multiple times, usually when regarding other humans, sometimes for agressive dragons. To show peace towards the Nightmare, he tells it "For you I won't use these." To make someone an exception to your rule is very telling in both positive and negative affects. This is already a huge gesture in brokering peace.

Next, he tosses his helmet, a gift from his late mother, someone who was taken during a raid, believed to be killed by dragons. Not only that, but every viking worth their salt has a horned helmet; it represents everything they are, their warrior culture, their people, their tribe.

He tosses the helmet. He hesitantly takes it off his head, and in a look that mixes anger, disgust and disappointment, he tosses it to the ground. He's hesitant because it's his mother's, he's hesitant because he's been apart of these people his whole life, they were his home.

He tosses the helmet because he realizes he's not like them and he doesn't want to be. He's angry at what they are (These people shunned him for not being like them, they never accepted him, the dragons do), he's disgusted by what they are (his own people would mindlessly slaughter these amazing creatures, his best friend, they make it their mission to kill them. Why do they have to do that?), He's disappointed by them (They are his people, his family, they never accepted him which is all he ever wanted, and now he has to reject them, to save the dragons).

He's outright rejecting his own people. Later he gets disowned, but Hiccup in a way is disowning himself from his own people. He's saying "I'm not like them and I never will be."

This is appaling to the others, Stoick gets out of his seat, the other Vikings gasp in shock. Stoick is outright furious and rightfully so. Hiccup did an equivalent of giving everyone the finger. Then Hiccup tries to explain that what they're doing to the dragons is wrong. Now this might of worked (probably not) if Hiccup didn't just give the equvalent of the finger to everyone just a moment ago.

Insulting everyone and then trying to explain why endangered animals need our help is not exactly the best way to go about things, but Hiccup was feeling a lot in that moment.

Now for Live Action: My guess, toss the dagger, drop the shield and set the helmet on the ground. Real life reason probably being you don't want to break the helmet by throwing it on the ground, it's only a costume, it's not really made of horns.

Anyways, the shield will probably still be dropped, but the dagger and helmet get different treatments. The dagger is tossed here. Hiccup is now overtly against agression towards the dragon. Similar with Toothless before, he was tossing the dagger as far away as possible. He's telling the dragon, "There is no way I would ever hurt you or anyone." It's a major way to gain trust, even if it's not entirely true (They probably still kill the Red Death). This more highlights Hiccup's character in general, to try to broker kindness and peace before agression. He doesn't even want the dagger in the room when there is an aggressive dragon. He is still throwing away something of his people, their warrior nature. He's saying "I'm not a killer and I never will be." This would be confusing, how are you going to be a viking and not a killer.

He later sets his helmet on the ground. It's important to him, it was his mother's (Maybe?), and even if not it's what symbolizes him as one of his people. He cares about his people still, they are his people after all. They are his home, he could never truly abandon them. He removes the symbol, but he doesn't throw it away. He may keep it, but he won't wear it. It's apart of his life, but it's not how he chooses to live.

This is actually a lot more mature than how Hiccup in the animated dealt with it. Hiccup here is trying to be calm as he explains to his people "You know that way you want me to be, I'm sorry but I can't be that way. You don't have to be that way either."

Vikings however are stubborn. Try telling them that they're wrong. Try telling your father, who's had to deal with the trauma of the war for so long that you don't have to kill the enemy; that you're not going to kill them because you sympathize with them.

It's also telling that in a later scene, Stoick is crying when arguing with his son about the Dragons, and Hiccup seems more angry than him. In the animated, Hiccup was mostly worried about Toothless even if he was angry in that fight. Also Stoick seemed angrier there than in the Live action. The argument in the live action is probably is done being reasonable and just lets his anger because his best friend was just taken from him and his father has the audacity to say he's in the wrong. In the animated, Hiccup knows he's betrayed his people, betrayed his father, but also knows his friend's fate lies with them, so he's trying to appeal to them mainly. In the Live Action, I feel Hiccup is going to try to appeal to him but then when Stoick mentions how he's been betrayed, Hiccup snaps and goes on about how no one ever accepted him except for Toothless.

So these characters seem to have the same emotions, but they display them at different times. Hiccup being angry during the final exam vs trying to be reasonable, Hiccup trying to appeal to Stoick through self sacrifice vs anger. Also Stoick getting angry from an insult and betrayal vs just the betrayal, as well as Stoick getting upset after disowning Hiccup vs getting upset because he just doesn't understand how his son could betray him.

Overall, I find the story told these two different ways to be very interesting and I hope it does well.

[httyddragonfox]

The Dragon Prince X Epic The Musical is something that can be so personal

[httyddragonfox]

Is it you? Have my prayers been answered? Is it really you standing there, or am I dreaming once more? You look different, your eyes look tired Your frame is lighter, your smile torn Is it really you, my love?

[httyddragonfox]

Hanako-kun Manga->Anime

Okay....so it seems we get 12 episodes a season with this bundle. Let's say it's usually 1 episode per 2 chapters. Here's my guess for what's going forward:

1st season: the ghost boy hanako arc, mistaking stairs arc, (young exorcist arc/^*somewhat), 4pm bookstores arc, Mitsuba arc, tea party arc, hell of mirrors arc, little mermaid arc,

2nd season: the three clockkeepers arc, summer lights arc, picture perfect arc,

3rd season(2nd season 2nd part): sacrifice of the grim reaper arc, red house arc

4th season(Season 3): far shore arc, nightlife arc, and the omen arc

The remaining chapters of the arc we're in now only make about 4 episodes, and we're not even out of the dark woods yet. We have at least 2 more episodes (4-5 chapters) until the arcs concluded.

Not sure how much left of the manga there is? Could there be eight seasons like Mha, or are we nearly done?

[httyddragonfox]

Are you a fan of reincarnation stories as well as dragons, well I have something that might tickle your fancy.

Heartflame: Reborn as a Dragon

I've just gotton some promotional art, so if you're interested, visit fictionpress and give it a read.

[httyddragonfox]

Leola's Mother fic: Grief and Hope

This is a third part to the fanfic I wrote. Takes place after season 7.

The world saw darkness, the restless dead roamed the earth, then peace came again. The cost was dire, nearly all the archdragons were now dead. Aaravos will come again, to finish what he started. To bring forth chaos anew. All you could do was sit here and watch as everything fell to ruins and then was built for peace. It would be eons before you turn to dust, there was nothing to do but talk to when spoken to.

"I am surprised," you said one day. "He is so determined to enact vengeance that he would return to the one place he despises most of all."

You do admit it though, if all that was left of you was your essence, you'd be close enough to Death to relieve your suffering. It was tempting. Unfortunately, you thought of the last time you were there, it wasn't worth it.

It would be seven years before his return. The humans and elves were building a new elarion, one they call Everkynd. Good for them, but sadly good things always meet tragedy in some way or form.

You saw no point in interfering, what good would it do? Warning them of the tragedy would only have them prepare and face it anyway, humans and elves were stubborn like that. It is an endearing form of stubbornness nonetheless, Enduring any hardship to come out even stronger, it's what makes them beautiful.

At one point in those seven years, a human mage came upon your mountain. Touched with darkness as they usually are, but not as corrupted as most others.

He came seeking answers, he was searching for secrets of magic and power, and he wanted to investigate some rumors he had heard regarding your mountain. You couldn't help but smile, his was a refreshing spirit.

"Why have you sought me out, young one?"

"Oh...first of all, hello, hi, my name is Callum. I'm the high mage of Everkynd. I just came here...because...I heard this place had ancient knowledge and I wanted to see what it had. So I guess it's you...I'm sorry, is it rude to ask how old you are."

You chuckled. "I am ancient, as the rumors say, and also as they say I have knowledge for whomever asks, it all depends on the question."

"Do we only get one question? Th-that's not my question, it's just..."

You chuckled again. "I'm certainly not going anywhere, yet most only have one thing they wish to know. So Callum, what is it you desire to learn?"

"I don't really know," said Callum nervously. "I want to know all I can."

"I'm not in the business of giving that to you. You need to find the deepest of your questions, and I will do my best to answer. I have all the time in the world."

"You're immortal...like Aaravos?" Your face went grim.

"Near immortal, there are only a few ways we can actually due."

"You're of his kind!"

"Yes," you said solemnly as you removed the hood, allowing Callum to see your sorrowful eyes.

"Why didn't you help us against Aaravos? Are you on his side?"

"No," you said simply.

"Then why, your help would have been very well liked!"

"The truth is complicated."

"Could you?" said Callum, slightly calming down.

"Yes."

"Then why didn't you?"

"For starters, he's more powerful than I. If I had died out there you all would have been in grave peril. Second, I did not wish to die, as that means returning to the heavens as I do not wish to do. The only death I desire is a permanent one."

"Sorry," said Callum, recognizing your saddness and seeing he was a jerk. "You had your reasons. It's just...I don't want the world to go through that again."

"You are very kind, but it is inevitable. There is a prophecy concerning Aaravos: The Fallen Star shall be defeated, the land will suffer greatly and the cost will be dire, but defeated he will be."

"Haven't we reached that?"

"The prophecy isn't concluded until he is, for good."

"How then? How do we stop him for good?"

"Impossibly," you said with sadness. "Startouch elves are said to end much like a star does. Only after hundreds of hundreds of years are they said to breathe their last. They can be permanently killed, but they must be in the heavens, the only ones capable of entering the heavens are beings of the heavens."

"Why don't you go there now, and get rid of him?"

"It's merely his essence that is there, not easy to strike down. As for Why I refuse to go...what do you know of Aaravos' pain?"

"He lost his daughter, she was executed because of an act of kindness, giving humans magic."

"It's my pain as well." Callum gasped.

"She was your...Aaravos was your...?!"

"Yes, we were a family, the three of us. Our happiness was taken from us, all because our daughter was kind to everyone around her." You were shaking with sorrow and rage. "Aaravos let his grief destroy him in a way that he was filled with rage, my grief destroyed me so now I'm filled with sorrow. My pain is doubled knowing what my beloved became."

"I am...so, so, sorry," said Callum, now seeing the full picture. He placed a hand, hesitantly on your shoulder. You smiled at the gesture.

"You are very kind Callum, yes I see both of them in you."

"Both of what?"

"Like Aaravos, you are curious of the world and it's secrets of knowledge and power. Willing to compromise yourself for your goals. Of course, you are also like Leola. You are so kind, clever and quirky, only wishing to do your best for everyone. There is both Light and darkness in your path, and your destiny is entertained with Aaravos.

"I know, I just want to make sure no one else gets hurt, but I want to make sure Aaravos is not a problem for the future."

"You have your question?"

"How do I do that?"

"Complicated indeed. I can't teach you the star arcanum, and I can't tell you what you need to know. Ir's not my destiny to reveal it."

"You said you would answer my question," said Callum unnerved.

"Depending on the question. You already have the means to find the answer you seek, I can give you help. The cube you have, the key of aaravos, pointing to Elarion. What you seek is knowledge when you search for power. Find our old home, where us three had lived in happiness eons ago, what you seek is there."

Callum turned to leave, but hesitated.

"Again, I'm sorry...for everything. It wasn't fair what happened to you."

"When you succeed, so will I."

You don't know what happened to your daughter's soul after all these eons. Meeting Callum gave you some hope though, Leola's wish was being heard and answered.

[httyddragonfox]

Asking Runnan

A little imagining on how asking Runnan could have gone.

"Runnan, there is something I need you to do," said Callum, resolute.

"What is it?"

"Kill me," said Callum with a breath.

"What?" Asked the Assasin.

"No-Not-Not right now, later."

"Why?" Asked Runnan perplexed. Callum took a breath.

"What do you know about Aaravos?"

"I know what I've heard and what you've told me."

"What have you heard?"

"He's a great evil, a manipulator, pitting everyone against each other to ensure chaos reigns in this world." Callum's breath was shaky.

"Do you know what he does to those who use dark magic?"

"He "gifted" humans dark magic, and in turn they became devoted to him." Runnan's eyebrow was raised, what was Callum getting at.

"Well, that's partially true." Callum steeped himself and continued. "When Rayla and we're at the Starscraper, they explained it. Apparently, using Dark magic creates a hole in your spirit, which Aaravos can use to access control of people. I used...dark magic before-but it was only twice, and I just turned some chains into snakes in order to save people."

Runnan looked a little surprised; true, he thought humans were all capable of this a while ago, but Callum...he was good. Rayla loved him, yet she must've loved him despite this. He guessed if she could still see the good in him, he could try to look past this as well. The boy was able to look past him killing his father after all.

"Anyways," Callum continued. "Even because of that, Aaravos has controlled me in the past. It's the reason we're all in this mess."

"I already told you to stop blaming yourself," said Runnan. Was Callum hoping to atone? Why ask to be killed?

"I know, it's just...at the starscraper I did a ritual to expell all that darkness so he wouldn't be able to do it anymore"

"Callum, what are you getting at?"

"The downside is...if I use dark magic again it won't be a small amount like last time, I'll be fully corrupted. It would be so easy for him to possess me, even if he was trapped." There was some silence. "There is a spell that can imprison Aaravos, but it's dark magic."

"You want me to cut him off." Runnan finally understood.

"I asked Rayla before if it came to this, but I know she doesn't want to, I also know how much this will hurt her. I want you to relieve her of that burden, don't make her kill the one she loves."

"Understood, I'll do it," said Runnan. Callum still looked downcast, knowing what was to come. Runnan put a hand on Callum's shoulder "She'll come to understand your choice."

"I hope so."

[httyddragonfox]

Villain intrigue

Aaravos seeing Callum as his favorite, seeing an affinity between them, curious to know his next play, but also taunting him whenever he fails. He even comes to see him as a bit of a nuisance at one point.

This reminds me of someone else who was intrigued with the hero. Viggo saw himself as playing a game of maces and talons with Hiccup, the hero of Dragons: Race to the edge.

Aaravos notices Rayla and Callum are a thing with barely any clues, just like Viggo noticing a thing between Hiccup and Astrid.

Hiccup eventually tells off Viggo to stop seeing the Affinity between them and to stop the mind games because they are not alike. I could totally see Callum doing that to Aaravos.

[httyddragonfox]

Final Encounter

What would be going through Callum's head during the final confrontation with Aaravos? Well that's what I'm here for.

Akkiyu is dead, so there is only one other way to imprison the Startouch elf. Of course you'd be willing to do it, all to save everyone, especially the one you love. They may not love you anymore, but it's worth it to save her.

You ask Runnan to help you and he agrees. This seems to be a foolproof plan. You reunite with everyone on the battlefield, Aaravos already completed his plan, the only hope now is to imprison him.

Rayla embraces you, happy to see you in all of this chaos. You would probably feel guilty knowing what you're about to do to her. Of course, you wouldn't say no to a final embrace, a final kiss. Luckily Runnan makes it so you don't have to tell her the horrible truth. He has faith in you, you've won over your beloved's father, that's a plus.

Astrid tells you that the world will be saved by one with dark eyes choosing to die. You are filled with resolute confidence. You already know what you have to do, but at least you know this will work.

Aaravos tells everyone that if you manage to kill him everyone will die, and that there is no hope for you. This is it, the moment where you confront him, the elf you hate, the one you want dealt with more than anything.

"There is a way!" You call out defiantly.

He takes notice of you, of course he does, he's had his eyes set on you for a while. He wonders what your plan is. You tell him you're going to imprison him. He says that Akiyuu has already been dealt with. You show him the coin.

He mockingly acts scared, and details what you both already know, that once you corrupt yourself, he will be able to control you, use you as his puppet to do horrible things.

Why would you tell him all of this? You've been scared of him for a long while, and he could kill you. Perhaps, you are doing this to no longer be scared. Maybe, you would confront this evil that haunts your dreams and say 'you can't control me, I'm not yours!' That is a way to Steel yourself for what's to come, what you must do.

You tell him you have a way out, an Assasin will kill you so you can't be controlled. He says Rayla won't do it. You tell him it's not her. You are making sure he knows you have him cornered, that you beat him, that he won't have you. You are free. You don't want to die, you don't want to leave the ones you love, but you will to ensure they succeed.

He actually looks furious, you've got him. Of course then you find out your sibling is coming to kill Aaravos, you can't let that happen. What's worse is Aaravos is goading you on, still confident he could win. There goes that short lived victory. Still, you have to save everyone, despite your lover's pleas.

Suddenly, Runnan is out of range. There goes the way out, now you're trapped again. If you imprison him now, everyone will lose, something Aaravos mocks you on. Man, you hate him, you'd be mad if you didn't feel so helpless. Luckily, Rayla picks up the bow, willing to sacrifice as well, willing to save you and everyone, by killing you. You both know that this will hurt her, but there's no other option.

You start the spell, there's no going back. Aaravos, a little shocked, is still confident in his victory. He can't even let you have this. The strain is too much, trying to capture a behemoth, it's like your very essence is being tugged about, your knuckles turn white under the strain, something wet leaves your nose. All your focus is on trying to capture the titan.

The spell is interrupted, you let go, and much like the first time, your body feels weak and you collapse. When you come to, everyone is okay and archdragons are preparing their sacrifice. You hold onto the one you love so tightly, hoping to never let her go.

I guess you'd be a little relieved you didn't have to die, but the white in your shows you've been deeply touched by dark magic, and aaravos will be back in seven years.

You spent so long being sad and afraid you'd want to focus on what's good. You are alive, Rayla has her family, you have your family, and most importantly, Rayla and you are together again. Let's focus mainly on that while there is peace.

[httyddragonfox]

Aaravos and Callum

there is such a strong affinity between two characters who barely interact.

Callum first hears about him in season 4, and understands his threat when he is possessed by him. Ever since that moment, Callum is understandably terrified of Aaravos and how the dark elf could use him.

He doesn't run into him again for a while, just understanding the potential threat he could be to others; making it worse with his use of dark magic.

Aaravos shows Callum he is still a threat by controlling him and giving him nightmares. This pushes Callum to act, ensuring Aaravos can't be a threat at all.

Aaravos had said in their one encounter that He liked Callum, and that Callum was going to do as he wishes one day.

Aaravos doesn't really talk about Callum when he's not around him or anyone in his circle.

Aaravos doesn't need him, he's not his priority. He uses Callum minimally with little fanfare. Once he's free, he has a small encounter with Callum and Corvus.

He could have just killed the two if they were real threats to him, but instead he diverts them. That's what you do with something that may be irritating but not threatening. If corvus and callum investigated the island, they may have found Claudia, which they didn't want. Of course, Claudia may not have been there, it was Aaravos though. They wouldn't have found anything he didn't want them to. So them investigating may have been no real problem.

He didn't have to show himself to the two, but he did.

He does like Callum. He even offers Callum a "gift." What could a half-honest aaravos meant by "gift?" The apple was poisoned. If he wanted to kill Callum he wouldn't need to go through with the ruse, unless he was doing it for the lolz. Is the "gift" similar to his gift of dark magic to humans?

Did Aaravos use that instance to try to corrupt Callum or kill him? Did he want him as a pawn again or did he want him out of the way? It sounds more Aaravos to make contingencies and do the first one, but I don't know the whole story.

When talking to Ezran, he again talks about how he Admires Callum and sees a kinship between them. Of course, he never brought up Callum with Claudia so I feel this is mentioned here more to taunt Ezran. He tells Ezran once Callum does dark magic again he will belong to him and offers the young king to join his brother. He obviously knew Ezran wouldn't go for it, he was mainly trying to goad Ezran into wanting to kill him, wiping out most of his enemies.

He likes Callum, but he doesn't need him, one of his plans had Callum getting killed.

When they interact for the finale it's the only instance where it's honest face-to-face. Callum is defiant in the face of his tormenter and would-be enslaver. Aaravos is actually sorta happy to see him, his favorite, he was wondering when he'd show up and what he might do. Aaravos and Callum have a conversation detailing what callum will attempt to do against Aaravos, Aaravos having a rebuttal for every detail. He had Akiyuu killed, dark magic is a bad ticket for Callum, Rayla can't kill.

Callum has outsmarted Aaravos though, by getting an actual assasin to kill him. Aaravos is actually a bit upset by this, as this plan might actually work. Of course he still has contingencies, there is one more quasar Diamond and Claudia is still out in the world. So he just goads Callum on.

Perhaps at this point, he sees Callum as a threat and if Callum is killed in this attempt to stop him he won't have to deal with him anymore. He doesn't attempt to squish him though, so maybe he was a little impressed and wanted to see if Callum had the stones to do it. He does like him. It almost seems as if he pushed Ezran to kill him so Callum would do the dark magic and he'd get him. Either that or neither of the brothers would act and he'd still get what he wanted.

Claudia is being helpful though, knowing how bad the plan sounds, she takes Runnan away from Callum, there isn't enough time to get back up there. Now Callum is not going to try anything, and if he does he'll belong to Aaravos, and soon either Aaravos will get away with his schemes or everyone will die due to Ezran.

What he doesn't expect is Rayla willing to sacrifice Callum to save everyone. He's a little shocked, but he's still determined to continue, even if it's not according to plan.

So that's it for their interactions, hopefully for now. When Aaravos comes back he might still see Callum as the most intriguing of his enemies, but he might also see him as a small threat.