Chapter 14
EXT. ICE CAVE - DAY
(Scene 1350 - Meet Drago)
Astrid and the gang stealthily approach a cluster of tabular icebergs, collapsed against each other at the mouth of a maze. Stormfly drops Eret to the snow, but before he can flee, she lands atop him and nests like a hen with her egg.
The teens and Ali unsuccessfully tried stifling a snicker, stealing a glance at the indignant look on Ruffnut. She crossed her arms and glared at the screen, eyes flashing with disapproval at the way they were treating Eret.
Ali said, "Aww. Isn't that sweet, she likes him." Astrid snickered at Ali's remark.
ERET: Agghh! Okay! I got you here, now get this thing off me!
ASTRID: Never take a toy from a dragon. Don't you know anything?
"Clearly not." Snotlout snorted, the smirk still on his face. He flinched when Ruffnut's fist instantly met his shoulder afterwards, the hit nearly sending him tumbling off his seat. "What was that for?"
Ruffnut equaled his glare, offering no words as she turned back towards the screen. Snotlout rolled his eyes, muttering quietly to himself as he tried to rub the feeling back into his shoulder.
Stormfly crushes him in place under her weight, using her wings to shovel snow in and encase Eret within.
ERET: (strained) Gah! Why does this keep happening to me?
Astrid grinned, amused at Stormfly's antics. Clearly the Deadly Nadder had taken a liking to the dragon trapper, but she couldn't bring herself to be as trusting of the man yet.
Astrid crawls up the rising ridge to reveal...
A MASSIVE FLOTILLA, moored together like a floating camp in the deep water between collided icebergs.
Thick chains run deep into the water, where great blasts of bubbles erupt on the surface. The unseen creature rocks the ships. Its effect alone describes it as gargantuan.
Many of the villagers shifted uncomfortably at the sight, more worried about the teens' safety than anything. Nothing about that area looked safe and inviting.
Stoick prayed that Astrid would have the sense to realize the place wasn't safe enough for them to go barging into, even if they did think he or Hiccup was in danger. With that many ships, and whatever was underneath the water, there were so many things that could go wrong.
ASTRID: What's down there?
Fishlegs rifles through his note cards contained in his belt pouch.
FISHLEGS: Large diameter bubbles, massive lungs, cold water deep dweller, I'm thinking class five leviathan, maybe six.
"Wait, a minute, you made little note cards on dragons?" Tuffnut laughed, slightly impressed at how dedicated Fishlegs was to knowing his dragon info. Fishlegs flushed at the fact, although his face was shining with admiration and pride. Dragon cards seemed like a pretty handy idea! Just like for situations like the one they were in on the screen!
Hiccup drummed his fingers on his knee, too busy trying to gather Fishlegs' quick tidbits of information to concentrate on the teens speaking near the front. A dragon that large living under the water sounded new to him, and to see it on the enemy's side was unnerving.
Suddenly, Stormfly is alerted to an encroaching menace and takes wing. BLOW DARTS whiz through the air, hitting the other dragons. The effect is immediate - they fall to the ground, unconscious. Drugged.
Dread flooded Stoick's stomach—there goes any chance of them escaping in time. He cursed under his breath at the unfortunate turn of events, but he knew he couldn't blame them. Astrid was making the right calls when she suspected something went wrong, and he did leave them alone like that on the iceberg for quite a while. But at this point, they were going to be hand-delivered straight to Drago, which definitely complicated things.
The dragons hissed at the sudden violent attack, especially the teens' dragons, feeling irritated to be knocked so easily. Toothless growled menacingly at the screen, bristling at the unknown threats. Hiccup shushed him quietly, although his eyes were filled with the same fear and worry that his dad had.
FISHLEGS: Meatlug! What's wrong, girl?
Eret spring to his feet and draws his blades. Astrid and the Gang find themselves surrounded by soldiers, camouflaged in polar bear furs, and poised to fire darts. They're outnumbered. Fishlegs raises his hands, dropping the cards.
"Uh oh." Tuffnut mumbled.
"So much for a rescue mission." Ruffnut added in defeat.
Astrid's mind was racing, already trying to think of a way they could escape the attackers. But what could they do? They were outnumbered, and their dragons were knocked out. In the back of her mind, she remembered Stormfly had flown off before the attack. Could she have gone to fetch Stoick or Hiccup? Her chest lightened slightly at the possibility. Just slightly.
EXT. DRAGO'S SHIP - DECK - MOMENTS LATER
DRAGO BLUDVIST, a hulking figure draped in a dragon skin cloak, crouches over the prow of the fleet's grisly flagship, adorned in massive dragon bones and skulls. His scarred face is masked by thick, grizzled dreadlocks.
Stoick stiffened at the figure, eyes narrowing in hostility. Even after all these years, Drago looked exactly the same. Oh, how he wished he could go through the screen and give the bloodthirsty man a piece of his-
"Looks friendly." Gobber piped up, chuckling nervously. At Stoick's fierce glare, the blacksmith cleared his throat and went back to his silent nature.
ERET: (O.S) Drago!
Drago grumbles and turns to see Astrid, Eret, and the Gang being forcibly escorted onto the deck. Eret SHAKES HIMSELF FREE.
ERET (CON'T): Get off me!
In the background, a sledge, loaded with Hookfang, Meatlug, Belch and Barf - all unconscious - is dragged onto the deck by armored dragons.
"I don't see this ending well." Snotlout whispered, catching the worried look on Astrid's face. She didn't respond this time, too busy intently watching the scene, trying to catch any opening for escape.
Hiccup had straightened up, hands clenched on top of his knees as he nervously watched the scene unfold. This was bad, really bad. As smart as Astrid was, this definitely looked like a losing situation for them. Maybe his dad was nearby and would track them down with his dragon. That was all he could hope for at this point.
ERET (CONT'D): Always great to see you, my friend! Keeping warm up here?
The soldiers disarm him, pushing him forward as Drago approaches.
ERET (CONT'D): Well, as you can see, I'm right on time with a new batch of dragons, just like I promised.
"He's just handing our dragons over? We kidnap him and bring back to Drago and this is how he repays us?" Tuffnut exclaimed indignantly, his aversion to Eret growing stronger with each passing second. He turned towards the others, suddenly grinning triumphantly. "Told you guys he was bad. I called it."
Fishlegs had paled immensely, looking like he would pass out any second. Ruffnut's face had been frozen in a mix between hurt and disbelief, while Snotlout and Astrid just looked... worried.
Hookfang awakens, groggily shaking off the effect of the blow- dart. He rears as soldiers struggle to reign him in.
SOLDIER #1: Watch out! He's waking up! Keep him steady!
SOLDIER #2: Give me some backup here!
Snotlout perked up, eyes lighting up with anticipation. "Yeah, just watch. Hookfang's gonna save the day! Cause he's my dragon! And I'm the best! Snotlout Snotlout, oi oi oi!"
At this point, even Astrid didn't have the time to be annoyed by the teen's bragging, also hopeful that Hookfang could pull something off or at the least create a diversion for them to plot an escape.
DRAGO: Drop the ropes.
They do so. Hookfang bucks and roars, chasing off the soldiers, then focusing on Drago as he closes in. The armored dragons avert their eyes and cower as Drago passes.
Hookfang HISSES a warning, but Drago approaches and growls back, undaunted.
Hookfang BLASTS. In a blur, Drago wraps himself in his dragon skin cloak. The sticky, napalm-like fire splatters against the fireproof scales, enveloping Drago in dripping flames as he persists forward without missing a step.
The whispering in the crowd intensified, alarmed at the fire-proof cloak the man wielded. It could even withstand Monstrous Nightmare fire! Snotlout had deflated, watching the screen in horror at the turn of events.
As the blast ends, Drago drops the cloak, closing in and holding a cold stare. Hookfang lets out a ferocious ROAR. Drago YELLS back with a fierce, savage scream, interrupting Hookfang and causing him to recoil. Drago whirls his bull- hook overhead and STABS it into the deck planks.
The yell had everyone in the room jumping in surprise except for Stoick and the dragons. Never had they seen someone yell so aggressively to subdue a dragon. As terrifying as it was, it seemed effective; many of the dragons in the back of the room had quieted, some even subconsciously backing away from the screen in response.
Hiccup watched Drago nervously, disturbed at how he was interacting with the dragons. It was the complete opposite of what he did to befriend the dragons on Berk. Drago was forceful, aggressive, dominant. Hiccup was more patient, quiet, inviting.
Hookfang stirs, his aggression fading in the face of Drago's unflinching show of dominance.
After a moment, Hookfang averts his eyes and lowers his head in submission. Drago places his boot upon Hookfang's snout, pressing it into the deck planks.
Snotlout stiffened in anger, nearly jumping out of his seat as if to stop the man. "Who does this guy think he is, stepping on Hookfang like that?" He yelled, eyes alight with resentment. Astrid held the boy back and firmly pushed him back into his seat, although her expression held the same anger Snotlout possessed.
Stoick glared at the screen, hating how easily Drago took control of the situation in all the wrong ways. The man was definitely someone who couldn't be reasoned with. Hiccup should know that by now.
SNOTLOUT: Hookfang!
RUFFNUT: Hey!
ASTRID: What are you doing?!
DRAGO: (quiet, to the dragon) You belong to me, now.
Hookfang growled threateningly from the back of the room, echoed by the snarls of the other dragons. She only belonged to Snotlout, and the dragon would give her loyalties to no one else.
Drago notices the saddle on Hookfang's back. His eyes wander to the saddle on Meatlug. Alarm flashes in Drago's eyes.
ERET: And as an added bonus, I also caught you their riders. No extra charge.
Ali said, "This is way I rather be single."
Astrid muttered a curse under her breath, pointedly ignoring when Tuffnut yelled "I told you so!". She had gotten them all in this mess, and she wasn't sure how she was going to get out of it.
Stoick had gotten completely tense, fearing for their lives. This was bad, extremely bad. And there was no one there to help the kids.
"Come now, Astrid's a smart lass. I'm sure she'll figure a way out of this mess." Gobber whispered, laughing half-heartedly in an effort to lighten the mood. Stoick nodded mechanically, although he barely registered what the blacksmith had told him.
Toothless grumbled in surprise when Hiccup suddenly straightened, pulling out of the comfortable position he'd been in against the Night Fury's side. The dragon could smell the fear from his rider before he could read it in Hiccup's eyes as he turned towards him. "Oh Gods, this is bad. This is really bad..." He mumbled, eyes wide with concern. His friends were in trouble, and it looked like there was nothing he could do to help. Just that thought was enough to frustrate him to no end.
ASTRID: What?! Are you kidding me?
RUFFNUT: Aw, but you were so perfect!
"More like the perfect enemy, am I right?" Tuffnut laughed, nudging his sister provokingly. Ruffnut growled and immediately punched her brother on the shoulder, starting a brief fistfight that Fishlegs hurriedly stopped from escalating.
ERET: Turns out, there's a whole bunch of them out there. They -
In a flash, Drago stops toward Eret and seizes him by the throat.
Hiccup winced at the action, subconsciously leaning back towards Toothless. Drago definitely seemed as cruel as his dad described him.
DRAGO: How many?
As Eret chokes, stammering, Astrid whispers to the gang.
ASTRID: Drago doesn't have them after all.
"A great deduction." Snotlout deadpanned, and his words were enough to have Astrid whipping around towards him, eyes blazing.
"Will you stop with that? Do you not see the situation we're in?" She snapped, hands clenched as if to hit him. Snotlout didn't withdraw this time, turning to glare back with equal intensity. "Yeah, and whose fault is it?"
The question seemed to drain all the anger out of her, replaced with guilt. He was right, and they all knew it. She slumped back against her chair with a long sigh, and Snotlout coughed uncomfortably next to her, the anger seemingly gone from him as well. She felt him awkwardly pat her shoulder before saying, "Don't worry, we'll survive this. I mean, we've survived a dragon the size of an island!"
Ali said, "For once, Snotlout makes a good point." Astrid grinned weakly at the comment, mostly grateful for his reassurance, but the doubt didn't clear from her eyes.
DRAGO: HOW MANY?
ASTRID: Hundreds! A whole island full!
His grip tightens around Eret's neck as he turns to Astrid.
The crowd muttered, unsure of how the girl's plan would pan out. With their limited knowledge of this Drago, they weren't sure how he'd take it. Would the possibility of an island full of dragons scare the man away?
ERET: I wouldn't worry about it. My men are hunting them down as we speak. They won't know where you're hiding. I promise you that.
From behind, Astrid nods a covert signal to the Gang - she has a plan.
ASTRID: Oh, yes they will!
Hiccup gripped the edge of his tunic nervously, growing even more concerned with what Astrid was saying. Was this route really the best plan to drive Drago away? From what he saw, he didn't look like the type to get scared that easily.
Astrid had gone still, watching the screen intensely in the hopes that she wouldn't mess up again. She'd already gotten them in a big enough hole; hopefully, she could do something to get them out of it.
Drago drops Eret as Astrid advances, staring Drago down. Eret tries to signal her to stop, but it's no use.
ASTRID (CONT'D): They know we're missing and they have tracking dragons. If you so much as touch us, Hiccup is gonna kick -
DRAGO: - Hiccup?
ERET: He's not a problem. Really. Trust me.
Hiccup made a noise of indignation, crossing his arms. What was that even supposed to mean? Sure he was small, but he'd outsmarted Eret both times they'd encountered each other. Toothless rumbled with laughter, and Hiccup threw the dragon a dissatisfied glare.
Stoick shifted uncertainly—Drago was a wild card, but he could assume that mere threats wouldn't make Drago back down. In fact, it might just be a challenge that he would want to beat.
ASTRID: He's only the son of Stoick the Vast...
Drago's eyes narrow upon hearing Stoick's name.
ASTRID (CONT'D): ... his heir to the throne of Berk... and the greatest dragon master this world has ever seen!
"Um, I think I'm the dragon master?" Snotlout countered confidently, puffing his chest. "You wish you were." Tuffnut replied, cackling with his sister.
Hiccup flushed at the amount of praise Astrid was saying to Drago about him. He'd never heard her compliment him that much, and it was nice to hear, even in the midst of the situation they were in.
DRAGO: Dragon master? I ALONE control the dragons!
TUFFNUT: Nope, mm-mm.
FISHLEGS: Sorry!
Snotlout and Ruffnut chuckle in response.
Aside themselves, the crowd laughed at the nonchalant nature the teens had, even when surrounded by hostile figures.
ASTRID: And unless you let us go, right now, he will blast through here on his Night Fury and blow your entire fleet of ships to splinters!
Toothless purred in agreement, clearly liking the idea of blasting enemy ships.
Eret fidgets uneasily, trying to avoid the tension.
RUFFNUT: Then they'll be crying like babies!
SNOTLOUT: Funny and beautiful.
FISHLEGS: Good one, babe!
Ruffnut groans, exasperated by their smarmy advances.
"That's still weird and gross." Ruffnut gagged, shuddering in terror. Fishlegs and Snotlout coughed uncomfortably, still unsure what to make of their advances on the twin. Never in a million years would they have expected to make moves on Ruffnut.
TUFFNUT: Yeah. Like babies. They always cry. Real tiny ones...
Drago grabs Eret by the face and bears down on him.
DRAGO: First there was one rider. And now all of Berk? (to Eret) And YOU led them to me?!
He THROWS Eret across the deck.
ERET: Drago!
"Ooh, that's gotta hurt." Tuffnut grinned, loving the horrified look on Ruffnut's face.
"What if he injured Eret's beautiful face?! That was not okay!" Ruffnut cried, reaching for her own face as if it were Eret's.
DRAGO: CEASE ALL PREPARATIONS! WE MUST ATTACK THE DRAGONS RIDER'S NEST AT ONCE! (savoring it) WE WILL TAKE DOWN THEIR ALPHA... AND THEN WE WILL TAKE BERK!
Soldiers CHEER in the thousands as Astrid looks around in shock, dread dawning in her eyes.
An audible gasp resonated through the Vikings, mixed with frantic mutterings spreading amongst them. Were they doomed? Could their dragons handle his army?
Astrid felt her heart drop to her stomach—it's as if everything that went wrong happened in one terrible moment. She'd definitely done it now.
Ali said, "Way to go, Astrid! You just endangered Berk!"
Stoick glared at the screen, his resentment for Drago reaching an all-time high. He knew Astrid would beat herself up over this, thinking it was her fault. He didn't blame her though; from what he could tell, Drago was already preparing to begin attacks along the archipelago anyways. He couldn't pin the madman's actions on her.
"Well that's just lovely." Hiccup mumbled, leaning heavily against Toothless. It wasn't Astrid he blamed though; Drago was the one making the bad calls, and he needed to talk to him before he went to attack Berk. Hopefully, the future plays out the way he hoped and things could get resolved peacefully.
ERET: Drago!
DRAGO: And get rid of him.
"What?!" Ruffnut squeaked, seemingly more concerned for his life than hers. Tuffnut rolled his eyes in exasperation, letting out a long sigh.
ERET: Drago, please!
The soldiers HURL throwing knives at Eret...
But Stormfly lands in a blur of wings, shielding Eret from the flurry of blades. She whips her tail, throwing spikes in all directions.
ASTRID: Stormfly!
Stormfly ROARS protectively, hiding Eret within her wings, until a well-blown dart sinks into her neck, bringing her down... revealing Eret, stunned.
Astrid couldn't believe it. To see Stormfly protecting someone who had just given them up to the enemy was something she couldn't imagine. But she never doubted Stormfly's instincts before... Why did she protect Eret?
"Yeah! You go Stormfly!" Ruffnut cheered, the only giddy one among the gaping faces of the other teens. None of them could believe what Stormfly did.
Hiccup tilted his head curiously, half surprised and half confused. He'd nearly forgotten that Stormfly had escaped the initial capture, but to see her come back and risk herself to protect Eret was... unexpected.
ASTRID (CON'T): NO!
She pulls at her restraints, trying to tug free from the soldier holding her back. Eret uncertainly gets to his feet, eyeing the downed Stormfly in shock.
Astrid's mind was racing, unable to comprehend what had just happened. Her fear of her fate was quickly replaced with fear for Stormfly's life. And just when she thought things couldn't get any worse...
INT. DRAGON MOUNTAIN - OASIS - MORNING
(Scene 1800 - Family Reunion)
Hiccup reattaches his flight suit while standing on a ledge overlooking the utopian nest, teeming with dragons. Several babies race in to hassle Toothless as he naps.
Guilt raced through Hiccup; here he was relaxing at the Dragon Sanctuary, oblivious to the amount of trouble his friends were in. The added knowledge was a painful burden.
HICCUP: (determined) Well, bud, we can't wait around for Drago to attack this place. We've gotta find him first.
The baby dragons continue to nip at Toothless until the Night Fury finally lets out a loud roar, scattering the dragons away. He looks off indignantly when he pauses, turning to lift his tail, revealing one more dragon still chewing at his tail. He lets out a warning growl, but it only encourages the dragon to hold on.
Only a select few of the crowd let out a small chuckle, the majority still concerned with the fates of the other teens. The mood had reached a silent air of worry, especially to Stoick.
HICCUP (CON'T): Let's go.
Suddenly, a thick hand clamps down over Hiccup's face - muffling his scream!
Hiccup startled, Toothless' growls ringing in his ear as the Night Fury curled himself closer to his rider. There was no way that was Drago, he was on his ship! But who would be attacking him like that? One of his henchmen?
Stoick's heart raced in horror, eyeing the screen worriedly. As if things were bad enough for the others, things were going wrong with Hiccup too!
Toothless whirls around to find STOICK, towering over Hiccup. He calms Toothless with a raised hand as Hiccup tugs his hand off and breaks free.
STOICK: Easy now.
Hiccup collapsed against Toothless, exasperated. What would possess his dad to think approaching him like that would be a good idea? Toothless relaxed as well, nuzzling his rider once with a rumble of reassurance.
Stoick blew out a breath, immensely relieved. It was good to know he was with his son, and that he was safe.
HICCUP: Are you kidding me? How'd you get in here?
STOICK: The same way we're getting you out.
HICCUP: We?!
Gobber appears in the arch of a tunnel.
GOBBER: All clear!
Hiccup sat up, alarm ringing through him. They couldn't leave yet! His mom was there, and his dad had to see her! They wouldn't just run off without her knowing, would they?
Stoick grabs at Hiccup's arm, turning to drag him away.
STOICK: Toothless, come.
HICCUP: Uh, uh wait! Okay, uh, there-there's something you need to know!
They hurry back into the winding corridor.
STOICK: Yeah, yeah, tell me on the way.
Hiccup stifled an irritated groan, wishing he could just shake his dad by the shoulders. After all those years, he was still just as stubborn, and it was getting tiring.
HICCUP: This isn't an on-the-way kind of update, actually...
STOICK: I've heard enough, Hiccup.
"They're not gonna just leave... are they?" Snotlout's question seemed to voice everyone's thoughts. Even Stoick was anxious with the thought, terrified at the thought that he'd just miss reuniting with his wife like that.
HICCUP: More-more of the earth-shattering development variety.
STOICK: Yeah, just add it to the pile.
"I'm pretty sure nothing can be more earth-shattering than this..." Hiccup mumbled, growing more and more worried that they might actually not meet. Of all the times that his dad ignored him, this was probably the most frustrating moment.
HICCUP: Yeah, I, uh, Dad, unlike most surprises I spring on you, this is one you'll like. I promise!
Toothless follows closely behind as Stoick and Hiccup squeeze through a tight opening between rocks. Going forward, Toothless' head doesn't fit, and the Night Fury struggles to pull himself back out. After a moment, Toothless tilts his head sideways and easily slides through.
The teens chortled at the dragon's antics, although Astrid remained in deep thought, still bothered by the uncertainty of their fate. She refused to believe that she won't go down without fighting. There's gotta be a way for them to escape before Drago gets rid of them.
"I'm surprised you managed to figure that out!" Hiccup teased playfully, laughing as he ducked the tail that immediately came swooping past. Toothless rolled his eyes, but let it slide, glad to see his rider smiling.
HICCUP (CON'T):You just have to handle it delicately, so...
They round a tight bend in the corridor to find Gobber staring blankly at something unseen in the next chamber. He shuffles past Stoick and Hiccup, dazed.
GOBBER: Uh, you might want to take this one. Oh, boy.
"That about sums it up, don't ya think?" Gobber laughed, nudging Stoick in anticipation. Many of the audience had leaned forward, excited to finally see the chief reuniting with his long lost wife. Stoick held his breath, eyes wide as he waited for the big moment.
Stoick draws his SWORD, then braves into the chamber ahead.
Hiccup startles at the sword unsheathing, quickly trying to calm the situation.
HICCUP: Oh, uh, Dad, can you put the sword away... please?
"That's a nice way to greet your wife." Tuffnut barely got the words out before others instantly shushed him, not wanting to disturb the moment as they watched the screen intently.
Hiccup stifled a grin—leave it to his dad to go into everything like it was a battle. He hesitated for a moment, another thought hitting him. His dad wouldn't be mad that his wife was there, would he? Would he be upset that she never came back when she was clearly alive?
Stoick passes through the opening, glaring ahead when his eyes widen in surprise. He gasps, as if seeing a ghost.
Valka stands some twenty paces ahead of him, blocking the path.
Stoick stares, frozen in shock as Hiccup and Gobber pop out from behind him, gauging his reaction. Stoick drops his sword to the ground with a clatter and quickly removes his helmet.
The room had gotten pin quiet, all sharing the moment with the chief as he finally laid eyes on his long lost wife. Even Astrid momentarily forgot about the intensity of the past events, curious to see this play out.
Ali silently coughed as she said, "Well…"
VALKA: (rattled) I know what you're going to say, Stoick. How could I have done this? Stayed away all of these years. And why didn't I come back to you? To our son.
Stoick steps towards her, wide-eyed and speechless. Dragons emerge from the recesses behind Valka, hissing protectively.
Stoick swallowed heavily, never tearing his eyes away from the screen. He couldn't deny those questions had come to mind when he first realized she was alive, but that wouldn't have been the first words he would ask her, he knew that for sure.
VALKA (CONT'D): Well, what sign did I have that you could change, Stoick? That anyone on Berk could?
Her question was difficult because it was true. To think that she felt like she had no choice but not return because of the war on dragons was almost too painful to hear. It was because of his refusal to see the good in dragons that kept her from returning.
VALKA (CONT'D): I pleaded so many times to stop the fighting, to find another answer, but did any of you listen?
"This conversation sounds pretty familiar." Hiccup whispered to himself, grinning as Toothless purred in agreement. He wondered what was running through his dad's mind, still focused on gauging how his dad on screen was reacting.
GOBBER: This is why I never married. (beat) This and one other reason.
Stoick threw a sidelong glance at the smithy, and Gobber returned his dubious look with a grin.
Stoick continues to close the gap, mesmerized. With every step, Valka becomes increasingly flustered, clutching her staff in front of her nervously.
VALKA: (tearful) I know that I left you to raise Hiccup alone... but I thought he'd be better off without me. And I was wrong, I see that now, but...
It was almost as if she was speaking to him right now in the present and not in front of a screen. To think he'd ever hear her voice again was a miracle within itself. Stoick felt the surprising sting of tears in his eyes, wishing he could step through the screen and tell her how much he'd missed her.
She backs into an ice wall, with nowhere to go, and Stoick just a few paces away.
VALKA (CONT'D): Oh stop being so stoic, Stoick. Go on... SHOUT, SCREAM, SAY SOMETHING!
Stoick gently reaches a hand toward her face, and she startles at the contact.
STOICK: You're as beautiful as the day I lost you.
Stoick's chest tightened at the words, knowing that was exactly what he would say should he ever see her again. Intense longing tugged at his heart, and he gripped the edge of his seat, trying to find something to anchor him to the present and not fall apart.
His words snuff her retort, rendering her speechless. She softens despite herself, yielding her cheek to his palm. He caresses her skin as a reluctant tear runs through his fingers. He PULLS her into a KISS. The surrounding dragons softly RETREAT in kind as Valka and Stoick pull away to stare at each other.
Almost every eye in the room was tear-filled, all touched to witness such a reunion. Gobber smiled at Stoick, whose eyes were shining with unshed tears, but also with love.
Hiccup was surprised at how happy he'd become at the sight, not knowing how much he'd truly wanted to see his parents reunited. Seeing them together was something he'd only imagined in dreams, and now it was happening right before his eyes.
"Are you crying?" Snotlout's voice broke through the happy silence, the boy staring at Tuffnut as he hurriedly swiped as his eyes before glaring back. "Was not!" He started, before pausing and leaning closer towards him, examining his face. "Wait a second, you have tears too!" Snotlout stiffened before wiping his eyes quickly, face slightly red with embarrassment. "I have no idea what you're talking about." Snotlout finished, facing the screen and ending the conversation.
Ali remembered the day she got her mom back after four years of suffering and agonizing depression, how she cried happily on the inside and the outside, knowing her life would be whole again. And now it was Hiccup's turn to feel what she felt: Pure joy.
Hiccup gapes, warmed by the sight of his parents reunited.
EXT. ICE CHANNEL - DAY
(Scene 1750 - Eret's Turn)
Drago's massive flagship leads the flotilla, pulled along forcefully by whatever's at the other end of the enormous chain.
Drago WHACKS the chain with his bullhook, spurring it forward.
The sight of Drago erased any sort of calmness that had overcome Astrid, as anger quickly built back up in her chest. There was no way she was ever going to let him win.
An uneasy silence had replaced the crowd at the change in scene, and Stoick's expression instantaneously hardened, any sort of affection for his wife replaced with a cold demeanor.
On the other side of the ship, Eret, Astrid, and the Gang are escorted to the stern, surrounded by several of Drago's soldiers. Wrists bound. Spear tips pressed into their backs.
SNOTLOUT: Could this day get any worse?
TUFFNUT: Uh, let me see. You'll jump into freezing cold water and then die from drowning.
"I mean it could get worse," Snotlout started, ignoring the glare Astrid shot him. "For all we know, we could get eaten by a dragon too."
Fishlegs, who had been relatively quiet throughout the time, began rocking nervously in his seat, face gone pale.
"Oh Odin, we're going to die. We're going to die. This is the end." He chanted frantically before turning towards Tuffnut and grabbing his shoulders. Tuffnut cried out in surprise and Fishlegs eyed him anxiously. "WE'RE GOING TO DIE!" He screamed as Tuffnut weakly tried pulling away from his tight grasp.
"Fishlegs!" The boy paused at Astrid's voice, his fearful eyes meeting hers. "Calm down. Nobody's dying. Yes, I know things look bad right now, but I'm sure we'll figure a way out. We're not dead yet." Fishlegs calmed down slightly at her words, nodding numbly and sniffling before releasing Tuffnut, apologizing as the twin grumbled and slumped back in his seat.
They reach the gang plank. Eret peers overboard at the deep, icy water below.
ERET: Looks refreshing.
He turns to Astrid, meeting her glare with mock chivalry.
ERET (CON'T): Please, ladies first.
Hiccup's eyes narrowed at his words, hating how he was endangering Astrid's life like that. If only he was there to give that man a piece of his mind...
Astrid bristled at the mocking tone, fists clenching in her lap. She should have dropped him in the ocean when she had the chance.
A pair of soldiers GRAB Astrid by the arms.
ASTRID: You are a steaming heap of dragon –
ERET: – duck.
Eret WHIRLS around, ROUND-HOUSING both soldiers. They GO DOWN, heavily.
Ruffnut's cheering was the only thing that echoed through the room, everyone stunned silent for the second time. Confusion dawned on everyone's faces, especially Astrid and the teens, many blinking as if they'd imagined the entire situation.
He catches one of their spears with his bound hands and slices his ropes free. They fall away as he catches the other spear, brandishing both in invitation.
Stoick blinked once, unable to understand what had just happened. Was the trapper on their side? Hadn't he been with Drago, capturing dragons for his army?
SOLDIER: Warn the others!
The other soldiers push past the teens while one runs off to send the warning.
RUFFNUT: Get 'em, you son of an Eret!
Eret twirls both spears, spinning them to send one soldier flying as another soldier accidentally sends the dart flying into another soldier, knocking him out. Eret swings again, hitting the other soldier and sending the dart blower flying.
Hiccup gaped, watching the fight unfold in amazement. What was Eret doing? Why the sudden change in heart? Even Toothless had perked up, eyeing the screen curiously.
Ali said, "I bet he finally understood the words you mentioned earlier."
Stoick watched closely, approving of the man's fighting tactics. He couldn't deny that he owed the man a thank you for saving the teens' lives... if that was his intention.
As the downed soldiers SCRAMBLE to their feet, Fishlegs FALLS OVER, CRUSHING them under his weight.
Fishlegs flushed with pride, catching the impressed look on Tuffnut's face. "That was me! I did it!" He cried happily, turning back towards the screen excitedly.
Eret CATCHES the falling tube from the second soldier and BLOWS the dart at the fleeing third. The soldier DROPS, unconscious - just shy of the Captain's Quarters.
Snotlout whistled appreciatively, nudging a stunned Astrid. "I taught him that." He whispered pointedly. Astrid snapped out of her trance at his nudge, rolling her eyes in exasperation.
RUFFNUT (CON'T): Okay, I love you again.
Ruffnut skips past Snotlout on her way to Eret. Snotlout watches, crestfallen.
TUFFNUT: Ugh. Pathetic. You can still jump.
"Jump! Jump! Jump!" Tuffnut chanted, Ruffnut joining in quickly after. Snotlout pouted at the words, ignoring their calls as he crossed his arms. He made a mental note to not fall in love with Ruffnut in the future. There was no way he was letting that happen.
Eret avoids Ruffnut and turns to Astrid.
ERET: So? Are we going to save your dragons and get out of here or not?
Astrid couldn't believe it, a surprised smile growing on her face. His sudden change of heart had just saved their lives, and she had to admit they owed him their lives. Drago attempting to get rid of Eret had probably been the reason for his counterattack.
Astrid grins smugly at him, slightly impressed yet suspicious. He reclaims his sword and dagger from the unconscious soldier who took them and cuts Tuffnut free.
ERET (CONT'D): Check every trap. They're here somewhere.
Ruffnut sighed dreamily, watching the screen in adoration. Tuffnut frowned, his accusations of Eret being the bad guy quickly dissipating in light of the man's actions. He'd need to think of another reason to dislike Eret now.
Hiccup felt himself relaxing, running a hand through his hair in relief. "Who would have thought that would happen, huh bud?" Toothless cooed, resting his head on his paws.
EXT. DRAGO'S SHIP - MOMENTS LATER
Astrid slips under a tarp and cranks open a metal trap. She peers between its massive iron teeth, discovering Meatlug within, bound and chained to its base as bait.
ASTRID: Meatlug?
"Oh no! Meatlug! How could they do that?!" Fishlegs cried out, wringing his hands in panic. In the back of the room, Meatlug growled in displeasure, watching her future self in chains. She should be with her rider, not in there!
In another area, Eret carefully cranks another trap, wincing at the sound. The iron jaws of the trap open wider with every CLICK.
ERET: Anyone coming?
RUFFNUT: I don't know. You just keep doing what you're doing. Keep crankin'...
Ruffnut "stands guard," fixated on Eret's rippling biceps.
"Cranking is good. I could watch this all day." Ruffnut sighed happily, a blissful smile on her face. She glared at the disturbed looks the other teens were giving her, crossing her arms pointedly. "Hey, he saved our lives! Let me appreciate him!" She snapped, grinning triumphantly at the reluctant agreement on her brother's face.
Eret squeezes between the cocked teeth, finding Stormfly within, muzzled and chained. She looks up at Eret, calming immediately. He pauses, then approaches slowly.
Astrid felt her hatred for Drago flare angrily at the sight of her dragon chained up like that. He was going to pay dearly for this for sure. It was just a matter of time.
Eret carefully holds out a hand, inches away from Stormfly's muzzle. The dragon watches him intently.
ERET: Thank you, for saving my life.
At his words, Stormfly purrs and lifts her head to close the distance, pushing her muzzle into Eret's hand.
ERET: Now let me return the favor.
Recently, everything Eret had been doing seemed to surprise Astrid. Never would she have expected him to go on their side, but she had to admit she owed him a lot. Stormfly seemed to have figured that out earlier than they had when she protected him from Drago's soldiers. She grinned, knowing Drago had no idea what was happening on their side of the ship. He definitely won't see this one coming.
A renewed sense of hope coursed through Hiccup at the interaction as he turned to look at Toothless excitedly. "Bud, if they could change Eret's mind, then maybe I really can change Drago's! I mean they did it, so why can't I?" Toothless growled quietly at Drago's name, but let his rider ramble on, noting how happy he looked.
Hiccup grinned, knowing there was no way his dad could doubt him now. There was a chance to convince Drago to see the good in dragons, and he could do it. If it was going to end this war between humans and dragons, there's no way he was going to hesitate in taking that chance.