Chapter 3
VIKING: Hoist the torches!
Massive flaming braziers are raised on poles, lighting up the night sky... and revealing swirling dragons of all types. Below, Hiccup crosses an open plaza and ducks into an open building with a tall chimney.
INT. BLACKSMITH STALL - CONTINUOUS
He crosses behind a counter, where a peg-legged, one-armed hulk of a Blacksmith reshapes blades with a hammer and tongs appendage.
GOBBER: Ah! Nice of you to join the party. I thought you'd been carried off.
Gobber chuckled slightly. He and Hiccup maintained a close relationship throughout the years, and seemed like one of the few people who didn't seem to be repelled by Hiccup's close association with these dragons. Ali thought, At least Hiccup didn't grow up alone.
Hiccup dons a leather apron and starts to put away Gobber's scattered appendages.
HICCUP: Who me? Nah, come on! I'm way too muscular for their taste. They wouldn't know what to do with all this.
Hiccup strikes a bodybuilder pose.
At this, the teens burst into laughter, Snotlout close to tears as he grabbed his abdomen. Hiccup turned a bright red and shrunk closer into Toothless, slightly embarrassed by his action. Appalled at their laughter, Ali shouted, "Hey! It's not that funny, when it's you guys being humiliated, then it's funny!" Then teens quieted at her remark as Ali gave a nod. Hiccup looked at Ali with amazement as she sat and said, "I hate bullying and bullies. It's sick."
"The Gods hate me… I can't believe they're gonna see all the dumb things I've done when I thought I was alone with people I was comfortable with.", Hiccup mumbled with a sigh. With a start, he realized what Ali meant about full disclosure. Were they going to show how he and Toothless first met? Hiccup groaned; his fear upon seeing the Red Death for the first time would be nothing compared his terror of witnessing his father's reaction. Bracing himself, he drew his eyes back to the screen.
Ali saw this and said, "Look, I'm so sorry, but it's the only way to stop all this and warn them of what is coming. So bear with me. I promise you, things will be ok. Do you trust me?" Hiccup thought for a moment and gave her a nod.
GOBBER: They need toothpicks, don't they?
Hiccup gets to work, transferring bent and chipped weapons to the forge as Vikings crowd the counter for replacements.
HICCUP (V.O.)
The meathead with attitude and interchangeable hands is Gobber. I've been his apprentice ever since I was little. Well...littler.
"Hey, what do ye mean, 'meathead'?" Gobber drawled out as he turned around to face Hiccup, sounding slightly miffed at Hiccup's description. Hiccup, however, was obscured from his view due to the numerous Vikings settled in the rows behind him.
"Don't worry Gobber, you're the best meathead I know!" Gobber could still hear Hiccup's voice clearly, and smiled at the comment. Ali thought, Reminds me of my relationship with Uncle Oscar and Aunt Myrna.
EXT. VILLAGE - CONTINUOUS ON STOICK
STOICK: We move to the lower defenses. We'll counter-attack with the catapults.
Armed men rush past, flanking others who carry sheep to safety. Stoick follows up the rear as, overhead, a dragon strafes the rooftops with Napalm-like fire.
HICCUP (V.O.)
See? Old village. Lots and lots of new houses.
VIKING: FIRE!
In response, the fire brigade charges through the plaza - four TEENS, tugging a large wooden cask on wheels. From it, they fill buckets of water to douse the flames. One among them is a cute, energetic Viking girl. Hiccup leans out of the stall to watch her.
Astrid eyed the screen more closely, amazed to see herself on the screen as well. She was surprised Hiccup would watch them put out fires. With a pang of regret, she remembers she never really cared enough to notice him when they passed each other in the village.
Meanwhile, Hiccup groaned and prayed that he wouldn't look too stupid or think anything that would humiliate him in front of the village. He didn't want to the ruin the tentative friendship they created after the flight on Toothless the other day.
Ali said, "Huh. Funny how that worked, right Toothless?" Said dragon looked annoyed at the mention when he met Astrid.
HICCUP (V.O.)
Oh and that's Fishlegs, Snotlout. The twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut. And...
(DREAMY) Astrid.
A SLOW-MOTION explosion erupts behind her, framing her in a sexy ball of fire. The others join her, looking awesome and heroic.
Astrid blushed slightly at Hiccup's response to her appearance while the other teens hooted and hollered, cheering on their respective selves as they dramatically strutted away from the fire, looking admirable and courageous in their eyes.
Ali groaned, "Ugh, it's always the firemen that get the most glory."
Hiccup turned bright red and sank even lower to the ground, causing Toothless to eye him curiously. He cooed and gave the teen a big lick on the cheek, resulting in a sound between a groan and chuckle emitting from the boy's mouth. He turned towards the dragon, face turning back to its regular hue. "Thanks bud, I'm fine now." Ali noticed this as she said, "You sure like being with him." Hiccup said, "Yeah, I do. Much more than being with my dad or in Berk." Ali looked down and said, "I don't blame you. I think everyone deserves some care and to be noticed, don't you think?" Hiccup nodded.
HICCUP (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Their job is so much cooler.
Hiccup tries to join them as they pass, but he's hooked by Gobber and hoisted back inside.
HICCUP (CONT'D) (PLEADING): Ah, come on. Let me out, please. I need to make my mark.
GOBBER: Oh, you've made plenty of marks. All in the wrong places.
Stoick and Gobber both let out a low chuckle. Gobber couldn't have put that better! Ali turned to back of her left hand and stared at the burn scar she got when she was little.
HICCUP: Please, two minutes. I'll kill a dragon. My life will get infinitely better. I might even get a date.
"HA, Hiccup? Get a date? Yeah, like that'll ever happen – I bet he can't even get a date before me! Isn't that right, Astrid?" Snotlout exclaimed loudly, earning a harsh glare from Astrid and a heartless glare from Ali. He flinched and shrunk back into his seat, still smirking at the prospect of Hiccup getting a girlfriend before him. Little did he know…
GOBBER: You can't lift a hammer. You can't swing an axe...
Gobber grabs a bola (iron balls connected by rope).
GOBBER (CONT'D): ... you can't even throw one of these!
A Viking runs by and nabs it out of Gobber's hand, hurling it at a dive-bombing Gronkle. The bola binds its legs, sending it into a heavy crash.
"Yeah, but I don't have to throw it myself…" Hiccup whispered quietly to himself as he remembered the invention he had created months ago. Ali said, "It would save people from getting sore arms and muscle pain. Those are the worst kind of pain. I'd like to see you spin those bolas for a long time and then you can talk to me about pain."
Stoick stared silently at the conversation unfolding before him. It was true; Hiccup couldn't properly use any of those weapons. How did he ever survive dragon training? Maybe he learned to use a dagger or a bow and arrow!
HICCUP (ready with the answer): Okay fine, but...
He rushes to the back corner of the stall and presents a bizarre, wheel barrow-like contraption.
HICCUP (CONT'D): ... this will throw it for me.
Hiccup OPENS the hinged lid of the device. An arm springs up, equipped with twin bows. They prematurely launch a bola, narrowly missing Gobber... and taking out a Viking at the counter.
VIKING: Arggh!
The crowd burst into laughter, Hiccup's best efforts always had an unintended consequence. Said Viking looked indignant and cried out, "Hey! That actually hurt!", only drawing more laughter from the group. Ali yelled at the Viking, "I thought all Vikings can get past pain! So man up and get over it!" Said Viking looked down with embarrassment as the crowd laughed again.
GOBBER: See, now this right here is what I'm talking about.
HICCUP: Mild calibration issue.
GOBBER: Hiccup. If you ever want to get out there to fight dragons, you need to stop all...
Gobber gestures in Hiccup's general direction.
GOBBER (CONT'D): ... this.
HICCUP (ASTONISHED): But... you just pointed to all of me.
GOBBER: Yes! That's it! Stop being all of you.
The teens giggled at Gobber's blunt exclamation. Gobber laughed heartily, this conversation was one that was repeated often between him and his apprentice. Ali tried to hold in her laughter as Hiccup also cracked a smile, enjoying being able to witness the close bond between him and Gobber.
HICCUP (THREATENING): Ohhhh...
GOBBER (MIMICKING): Ohhhhh, yes.
HICCUP: You, sir, are playing a dangerous game. Keeping this much, raw...Vikingness contained. (BEAT) There will be consequences!
Ali sang, "And there were."
Gobber tosses him a sword.
GOBBER: I'll take my chances. Sword. Sharpen. Now.
Hiccup takes it begrudgingly and lobs it onto the grinding wheel. He stews... fantasizing...
The crowd of Vikings smiled at the friendly relationship between the village blacksmith and his apprentice. They hadn't seen this side of Hiccup before!
Stoick, although smiling, looked slightly disheartened. He had never seen Hiccup interact this comfortably with him before. Does he view Gobber as a more fatherly figure?
HICCUP (V.O.)
One day I'll get out there. Because killing a dragon is everything around here.
Hiccup winced as his past self said that. He could never stomach killing a dragon, especially now. He looked at Toothless gratefully, thankful that he never had the guts to hurt his best friend more when he had the chance. Ali said to the teen, "If you didn't, imagine your future without him, killing dragons isn't worth it. Trust me."
The rest of the dragons noticed Hiccup's reaction, Ali's words, and grew more curious. The two humans seemed as if he was regretting what he said about killing dragons and her enthusiasm of befriending the dragons. Could they really be siding with them?
EXT. VILLAGE - LOWER PLAINS - CONTINUOUS
Nadders land, gathering like seagulls around a seemingly vacant house.
HICCUP (V.O.)
A Nadder head is sure to get me at least noticed.
A group of Nadders lifted a head at their name and watched proudly as they made their onscreen appearance. But others looked offended, surely they are worth more than being noticed.
The Nadders clamber onto the building, tearing the roof and walls apart. Sheep pour out and SCATTER. Elsewhere, hippo-like Gronckles pick drying racks clean of fish and fly off like loaded pelicans.
HICCUP (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Gronckles are tough. Taking down one of those would definitely get me a girlfriend.
A few Gronckles lifted their heads lazily, grinning proudly as they watched themselves flying across the screen.
A stealthy, snake-like dragon head peeks over a rooftop, breathing gas into a chimney.
HICCUP (V.O.) (CONT'D)
A Zippelback? Exotic, exciting. Two heads, twice the status.
A few Zippelbacks lifted their heads, staring around the room at the other dragons proudly as they were acknowledged for their exotic nature. Some even head-butted in pride.
A second head pokes through the door and lights it. KABLAM! The two heads fly through the explosion, their necks zipping together to reveal a single body. It flies past Stoick as he climbs to the top of a CATAPULT TOWER.
CATAPULT OPERATOR: They found the sheep!
STOICK (FRUSTRATED): Concentrate fire over the lower bank!
CATAPULT OPERATOR: Fire!
Boulders are catapulted at the corralling Nadders... Just as a huge red dragon whips past, spraying the base of the catapult with sticky fire.
HICCUP (V.O.)
And then there's the Monstrous Nightmare. Only the best Vikings go after those. They have this nasty habit of setting themselves on fire.
It emerges from the flames, climbing the catapult with a leering, toothy grin.
A horde of Monstrous Nightmares grinned at their species on the screen. They looked fearsome and cool! A few went on fire as Ali cleared her throat as they smiled sheepishly as Ali said, "I know you guys are happy, but try to keep it low, ok?" They nodded as an amber colored Monstrous Nightmare approached her and bowed it's head in front of her as she cooed and scratched its head. Hiccup said, "Looks like this one likes you." Ali chuckled and said, "I think you're right." Hiccup said, "Here. This is what you do." Hiccup taught Ali on training her dragon as she immediately trained her Nightmare. Said dragon was now sitting next to her new rider and purring.
STOICK: Reload! I'll take care of this.
Stoick takes on the Nightmare, face to hammer. Suddenly, a LOUD BALLISTIC MOANING streaks overhead. The catapult crew ducks.
INT. BLACKSMITH STALL - CONTINUOUS
ON HICCUP, looking up from his work, reacting to the same sound.
HICCUP (V.O.)
But the ultimate prize is the dragon no one has ever seen. We call it the—
VIKING: Night Fury! Get down!
Vikings everywhere take shelter. The moaning sound BUILDS.
The crowd grows restless at the incoming danger of the Night Fury. They know it's not happening in real life, but the sound of the Night Fury about to fire still sends chills down their spine.
Hiccup merely grins at the sound, recognizing his friend before anyone else could. Ali said joyfully, "Here it comes!"
STOICK: JUMP!
KABOOM! The Catapult EXPLODES as though hit by an artillery shell... sending Stoick and the crew leaping for their lives.
HICCUP (V.O.)
This thing never steals food, never shows itself, and...
The sound recedes, leaving the crippled catapult in flames.
HICCUP (V.O.) (CONT'D)
...never misses.
Stoick sat angered by the mysterious Night Fury. One day he'll finally catch that beast and prevent any more destruction to come to their catapults.
Hiccup and Ali grinned and turned to the dragon. "Look bud, it's you!" Toothless snorted and stared at the screen, curious as to how it could be there and here next to Hiccup at the same time. Ali said, "This is you when you were still flying. Before you met Hiccup." Toothless finally understood as he turned back to the screen.
(BEAT) No one has ever killed a Night Fury. That's why I'm going to be the first.
"More like I am! I'm gonna be the best dragon killer ever!" Snotlout puffed out his chest and looked around confidently. Meanwhile, the smile slid off of Hiccup's face. Those were some of the few words he regretted ever thinking. How could he ever imagine killing his closest friend? He shifted around towards Toothless and gave him a hug.
"I'm never going to let anything happen to you, bud. Don't worry." Toothless cooed and nuzzled his rider on the cheek. Ali let out an 'Awwww.' as she gives a kiss to the Nightmare, who cooed at her touch as she said, "Those stupidheads will have to go through me before they kill you." The other dragons watched in awe; the humans were showing affection for the revered Night Fury and the Nightmare, and the dragons were responding with the same amount of affection!
IN THE STALL Gobber trades his hammer for an axe.
GOBBER: Man the fort, Hiccup, they need me out there!
Gobber pauses. Turns with a threatening glare.
GOBBER (CONT'D): Stay. Put. There. You know what I mean.
Deciding to tease his apprentice, Gobber said, "Roll over! Sit! Stay!" Hiccup played along by whimpering and giving out the cutest puppy dog eyes and barking like a dog. Ali laughed hard as a few Viking children laughed. The Monstrous Nightmare and Toothless also did a dragon's laugh as Astrid quietly laughed to herself.
Gobber charges into the fray, HOLLERING.
ON HICCUP, a smirk crosses his face.
"Oh no, Hiccup, I know that look anywhere. Why don't you ever listen to me, lad?" Gobber groaned from his seat. Stoick shook his head slightly, bracing himself for the chaos Hiccup would cause once he stepped out. Ali said, "Dude, he's just a kid. What do you expect?"
EXT. VILLAGE - MOMENTS LATER
WHAM! Hiccup pushes his wheeled contraption through a wall of clustered Vikings. He weaves through the ongoing mayhem, as fast as his legs can carry him.
VIKING #6 (O.S.): Hiccup, where are you going!
VIKING #7: Come back here!
HICCUP: I know. Be right back!
ON THE PLAIN BELOW
The Nadders have cornered the house-full of sheep. They close in, ready to spring upon them. Stoick suddenly appears, HURLING FISHING NETS over them. The surprised Nadders are caught. Stoick and his men rush in. A Nadder blasts a hole through its net. Stoick leaps onto it, clamping his thick arms around its head, forcing its jaws shut.
STOICK: Mind yourselves! The devils still have some juice in them.
Hiccup and Ali felt a bit of anger stir within them. They weren't devils! If anything, the devils were the villagers, attacking the dragons when they had no choice at all but to get food. Hiccup couldn't blame them though, they were none the wiser; he hoped that would change soon. Ali said, "I blame the queen." The Nightmare agreed with her as it let out a soft roar.
ON THE PLAIN ABOVE
Hiccup reaches a cliff overlooking the smoking CATAPULT and drops the handles to the ground. He cranks several levers, unfolding and then cocking the bowed arms of his contraption. He drops a bola onto a chamber and then pivots the weapon on a gimbal head toward the dark sky. He listens, with his eye pressed to the scope, hand poised on the trigger. He hears the NIGHT FURY approaching... and turns his aim to the defense tower. It closes in for the final strike, completely camouflaged in the night.
HICCUP (TO HIMSELF) Come on. Give me something to shoot at, give me something to shoot at.
KABLAM! The tower topples. The blast of fire illuminates the dragon for a split second. Hiccup pulls the trigger. KERTHUNK! The flexed arms SNAP forward, springing the weapon off the ground. The bola disappears into the sky, followed by a WHACK and a SCREECH.
A stunned silence falls upon the crowd. Many simply sat there, mouth opening and closing like a fish as they struggled to comprehend what they thought was the impossible. Hiccup took down the legendary Night Fury? Snotlout's jaw dropped, taken aback at what he had just seen. Astrid stared at the screen, finally understanding why Toothless needed Hiccup in the first place. Stoick stiffened. His son had been telling the truth!
Ali yelled out, "I mean come on, has he ever lied, like ever?!"
The brief feeling of shame at not believing him was quickly replaced by pride. His son wasn't a failure after all! Ali's eyes widened as she covered her mouth.
Hiccup averted his gaze and stared at ground, tears stinging his eyes. This was the moment he'd stripped Toothless of his freedom. Albeit he would've never met Toothless if this never happened, he still regretted hurting his friend like that. Ali placed a hand on Hiccup to give him a bit of comfort. Toothless gently nudged him in the shoulder and curled his tail around him, assuring him that it was alright. Hiccup sighed and nuzzled back into the comforts of his friends, wondering what his father was thinking at the moment.
HICCUP (CONT'D) (surprised, then elated) Oh I hit it! Yes, I hit it! Did anybody see that?
Hiccup's victory is short-lived. A Monstrous Nightmare appears, slithering up over the lip of the cliff.
HICCUP (CONT'D) Except for you.
Ali groaned, "Oh come on!" The crowd burst into laughter at Hiccup's comment and Ali's outrage; he still managed to bring out that sarcastic humor even when facing death!
While everyone else chuckled casually, Stoick and Gobber had tensed. Hiccup was in serious danger! They could only hope that someone would make it in time to grab little Hiccup away from the jaws of death.