Chapter 11
EXT. TRAINING GROUNDS - DAY
The grounds have been transformed. Banners and flags flap in the morning sun. Surrounding the ring, a festive crowd had gathered. All of Berk has turned out for the event.
STOICK: (aloud to the crowd) Well, I can show my face in public again.
Hiccup frowned slightly at his dad's way with words. Sure, he's heard worse from the other villagers, but why did it hurt so much when his dad said them? Ali said, going right to the point, "This is why you are all here."
LAUGHTER AND APPLAUSE
STOICK: (CONT'D) (PLAYFUL) If someone had told me that in a few short weeks, Hiccup would go from being, well... Hiccup, to placing first in dragon training... I would've tied him to a mast and shipped him off for fear he'd gone mad. Yes! And you know it!
The village roared in approval at the screen, as if they completely forgot Hiccup's allegiance with the dragons.
STOICK: (BEAT) But here we are. And no one's more surprised...
ON HICCUP standing at the entrance to the ring, listening, looking burdened.
STOICK: (CONT'D) ... or more proud than I am. Today, my boy becomes a Viking. TODAY, HE BECOMES ONE OF US!
Stoick frowned slightly. He hadn't seen his son while he was delivering the speech, but he hadn't expected him to look so distressed.
CHEERS and ROARS. Astrid approaches Hiccup.
ASTRID: Be careful with that dragon.
HICCUP: (re: the roaring crowd) It's not the dragon I'm worried about.
"Well, what else is there to worry about? The dragon is the one that's gonna die right?" Tuffnut blurted out. Ruffnut groaned, "Did you not even pay attention to any of this? The dragon's not gonna die, idiot!"
Tuffnut looked even more baffled; he seemed to always be the one who didn't catch on until later.
ASTRID: (WORRIED) What are you going to do?
HICCUP: Put an end to this.
She eyes him, dubious.
HICCUP: (CONT'D) I have to try.
Gobber stared at the screen, a thoughtful look on his face. Hiccup really seemed to care about the dragons now, but how did he expect to have shown it to everyone without causing an uproar?
HICCUP: (BEAT) Astrid. If something goes wrong... just make sure they don't find Toothless.
Stoick was stunned. Even knowing the possible consequences of siding with the dragons in front of the village, he was worried for his dragon rather than himself! He never knew Hiccup could be that protective or caring for another. Ali looked proudly as she said, "Selfless, just like her."
ASTRID: (GRIM) I will. Just promise me it won't go wrong.
Hiccup can't. Gobber approaches.
GOBBER: It's time, Hiccup. Knock him dead.
Hiccup puts his helmet on and enters the ring. ON THE TEENS HOOTING and HOLLERING from the stands.
Hiccup shuddered at the memory; he had never felt more scared and anxious than he had in that ring. Deep inside, he knew something was going to go wrong, but there was nothing he could do about it.
Hiccup locks eyes with Stoick. Stoick nods with a smile. Hiccup returns a half-smile. Takes a deep breath. He hoists a shield onto his forearm and selects his weapon from a rack of many - a small dagger.
Stoick remembered his confusion at Hiccup's choice. He had figured 'Small Hiccup, small weapon'. With a start, he realized Hiccup never planned to use that weapon.
STOICK: (MUTTERED) Hrmph. I would've gone for the hammer.
Ali rolled her eyes in annoyance. Ali said, "It's his choice, not yours."
Hiccup turns to face a bolted, heavy door. Takes a deep breath.
HICCUP: I'm ready.
The door bolt is raised. The crowd grows quiet... Beat. BOOM! The doors blast open with a stream of sticky fire. Followed by a Monstrous Nightmare, coated in flames. It tears out of its cave like an irate bull - as the crowd roars and jeers. It climbs the walls and chain enclosure like a bat, hissing at the provoking crowd and blasting fire.
Toothless curled himself tighter around Hiccup, immediately tensing as he watched the screen. He let out a low growl, not liking his rider in danger without him around. Hiccup gently pets his snout, assuring him that he'd be fine, although Hiccup didn't sound too confident.
It spots Hiccup and descends, leering and licking the flaming drool from its lips. The crowd grows silent, bracing for the big fight. With the Monstrous Nightmare's eyes locked upon him, Hiccup deliberately drops his shield and dagger stepping away from them. The dragon pauses, confused. ON STOICK, also confused.
Stoick eyed the screen with a new perspective from the one he'd gotten at the ring earlier. He knew Hiccup was planning on taming the dragon like he had done before during training, but this was a Monstrous Nightmare! They were far more dangerous than the other dragons! Adina thought, Oh, be careful child, my kind can be dangerous sometimes!
STOICK: What is he doing?
The dragon presses closer, snorting. Hiccup extends his open hand. It snarls.
HICCUP: (WHISPERED) It's okay. It's okay.
The dragon continues to pace, focused on... HICCUP'S HELMET. Hiccup realizes, then reaches up and removes it. Taking a breath to acknowledge the point of no return, he tosses the helmet aside. It hits the ground.
Stoick closed his eyes, still feeling the same amount of betrayal he had felt before when Hiccup had tossed away the most important gift Stoick could have given his son. Ali said, "Do you even think he wanted that? You weren't basically Parent of the Year, you know!"
HICCUP: (CONT'D) I'm not one of them.
GASPS and MURMURS race through the crowd. ON STOICK, as all eyes turn to him. He's welling with upset. Hiccup avoids Stoick's glare and remains focused on the Nightmare, holding his hand out. It paces around him, calming down.
The village murmured, noticing how quickly the dragon was calming down. They had been so distracted by their anger with Hiccup that they hadn't notice how easily Hiccup was taming the dragon.
STOICK: Stop the fight.
HICCUP: No. I need you all to see this.
The crowd gets restless.
HICCUP: (CONT'D) They're not what we think they are. We don't have to kill them.
Stoick stiffened; the point where they were interrupted was approaching. Was it really going to show more? Ali said, "We have entered the point of no return. After this, all cannot be avoided."
STOICK: I SAID STOP THE FIGHT!
Ali said, "Boom."
Stoick whacks his hammer against the iron enclosure, rattling the arena with a terrible reverberating clatter. Spooked, the Nightmare snaps at Hiccup's outstretched hand. Hiccup YELPS and springs backward. The spell is broken. The Nightmare reacts to Hiccup's sudden movements and blasts another stream of fire. Hiccup SCREAMS and barely dives out of reach.
The audience stared, horrified for Hiccup. He was surely dead now. Stoick was beside himself with shock and guilt. Was this his fault for provoking the dragon? He shuddered at the thought of being the cause of his son's death.
EXT. COVE - CONTINUOUS ON TOOTHLESS
His ear plates shoot up. Panic flares in his eyes.
Toothless whined, not liking the distance between them. If only he could climb out of that cove! Hiccup smiled weakly at Toothless, "Sorry bud, you can't help me this time."
EXT. TRAINING GROUNDS - CONTINUOUS
Hiccup scrambles around the ring. The Nightmare pursues, snapping and springing from ground to wall. Stoick pushes through the crowd, rushing to the doorway.
STOICK: Out of my way!
ASTRID: Hiccup!
Astrid wedges her axe under the arena gate and squeezes through.
Hiccup sucked in a breath. What has Astrid thinking, coming in there too? It was too dangerous!
EXT. COVE - CONTINUOUS
Toothless bounds to the cove walls, clawing them in desperation. It seems he's as trapped as before, but with an incredible BURST of effort he HOOKS a claw over the upper lip of the stone wall.
The Vikings and dragons let out a noise of surprise, impressed the Night Fury made it out on his own. Toothless chirruped happily, proud that he finally did it! He can get it Hiccup now!
Ali gasped, "Go, Toothless!"
Hiccup however, was overcome with dread. No, Toothless couldn't go there! He'd get killed…
EXT. TRAINING GROUNDS - CONTINUOUS
A narrow stream of fire narrowly avoids Hiccup as he continues to dash around the ring, evading the Monstrous Nightmare. Desperate, he goes to the weapon rack in an attempt to arm himself, but the Nightmare quickly destroys the rack and closes in onhim.
EXT. COVE - CONTINUOUS
Toothless tears through the woods, bounding like panther and taking to the air in short bursts.
Despite their past feelings, Stoick and the villagers found themselves praying that the Night Fury would make it on time.
EXT. TRAINING GROUNDS - CONTINUOUS
Stoick wrenches the grated door to the arena and jumps through. The Monstrous Nightmare is only a few feet behind Hiccup. Astrid is now in the ring.
ASTRID: Hiccup!
She picks up a hammer and hurls it at the Monstrous Nightmare, hitting it in the head. It turns its attention to Astrid, and begins chasing her.
Hiccup, no longer concerned with his life, was more worried for Astrid. He didn't want anyone else hurt for his decisions! He bit his lip nervously, hoping that Astrid's speed and skill in dragon combat would help her.
Stoick raises the arena gate, waving her toward it.
STOICK: This way!
Astrid makes it through, but the Nightmare BLASTS the doorway, cutting Hiccup off. It pounces on him and prepares to finish him off.
Stoick and Gobber paled, not wishing to see this. Please don't let this be happening… Stoick's mind was racing with fear and shame. This was all his fault…
Suddenly, a terrible roar pierces the din.
Stoick perked up, staring at the screen intensely. Could it be? It was the…
GOBBER: Night Fury! Get down!
Toothless bounds over the crowd and BLASTS a hole through the chain enclosure. He flies through it and disappears in the boiling smoke. The Vikings rush to railings... in time to see a flurry of wings cutting through the dissipating smoke. Toothless and the Nightmare tumble into the clear, locked in a toothy, vicious fight. Toothless kicks the Nightmare off and plants himself between Hiccup and it.
Stoick lets out a small sigh of relief, thankful that Hiccup was saved. However, he knew that the Stoick on screen wasn't going to react as easily…
Ali sighed in relief as Adina groaned.
The Nightmare snarls, circling them. Toothless lunges and ROARS... causing the Nightmare to relent and back away. To everyone's shock and horror, Hiccup gets to his feet and grabs Toothless protectively.
HICCUP: (PANICKED) Alright, Toothless, go. Get out of here!
The crowd is gob-smacked, growing livid.
VIKINGS: Night Fury!
Hiccup blanched, fearing for Toothless' life. Toothless relaxed, only concerned that he was able to save Hiccup on time.
Hiccup tries to shoo Toothless away in vain. Vikings begin pouring clambering through the enclosure and dropping into the ring.
HICCUP: Go! GO!
Astrid and Stoick both stared at the screen, mystified. Toothless had saved Hiccup, so why was it still there? Within seconds, they both reached the same conclusion, eyes widening in surprise. Toothless thought the Vikings were going to hurt Hiccup...
Ali said, "Hiccup, Toothless didn't want to leave you because he believed that you were going to get hurt."
Stoick grabs an axe and charges into the arena. Astrid calls out to him, panicked.
ASTRID: Stoick no!
HICCUP: Dad! No! He won't hurt you!
The other Vikings surround and attack Toothless. He tosses them aside like rag dolls, his eyes focused on Stoick.
Hiccup's mind was tumbling with emotions. He knew Toothless was trying to protect him, but he didn't want his dad getting hurt! He began to pet Toothless almost mechanically, too worried to stay still.
HICCUP: (CONT'D) No, don't! You're only making it worse!
Ali said, "Huh, Valka said those five little words that night she was taken." Stoick heard Ali as he said, "Valka? You know her?" Ali placed a finger on her lips and said, "Shh, spoilers."
Stoick raises his hammer as he charges for Toothless. Toothless ducks and pounces on him. They tumble end over end.
HICCUP: (CONT'D) Toothless! STOP!
He pins Stoick and inhales. The familiar hiss of gas builds. Everyone braces...
Stoick shut his eyes. This was over. The village gasped in fear, terrified on the chief's behalf.
Hiccup was breathing quickly now, praying that the Hiccup on screen would stop Toothless. He could feel the tears stinging his eyes. Ali left her seat, sat next to Hiccup and gave him an hand of comfort.
HICCUP: (CONT'D) NO!
Toothless swallows back the blast and turns to Hiccup, not understanding.
Stoick opened his eyes, once again marveling at how the dragon seemed to follow his every command. The village stared as well, gaping at the near-death situation.
Hiccup let out a relieved sigh and collapsed back onto Toothless. He still remained tense, as he knew Toothless was definitely in danger now.
VIKING: Get him!
The crowd rushes him, piling on, and taking Toothless down. Astrid holds Hiccup back.
Ali yelled, "Astrid, what are you doing?! Hiccup should be helping his friend!" Astrid said, "But he would have been hurt!" Ali said, "But Astrid, Hiccup is hurt! Hurt that he can't get to Toothless! That dragon is more than a mere creature, he's the only one who loves Hiccup, much more than Berk ever did!" All the vikings eyes widen on what Ali said. Could they have been replaced in Hiccup's life with a dragon? Hiccup proved Ali's point by hugging Toothless as the dragon nuzzled him with affection.
HICCUP: (DESPERATE) No! Please...just don't hurt him. Please don't hurt him.
Hiccup's eyes welled, overcome with regret. He did this to Toothless. It was his fault Toothless was going to die, and he can't do anything about it. Toothless, although angry at the thought of those Vikings jumping him like that, seemed neutral now that Hiccup was no longer in danger.
Ali said, "You care for him, huh?" Toothless nodded at her.
Stoick gets to his feet, fuming, shaken. A Viking presents Stoick with an axe. He eyes Toothless a moment, then pushes the axe back into the Viking's hands.
STOICK: Put it with the others!
INT. GREAT HALL - DAY
ON HICCUP being shoved into the dank, dimmed hall. SLAM! The massive doors rattle and echo. Stoick pushes past him. He paces against a backdrop of shadowy tapestries and carved pillars - a legacy of heroes, all peering down in angered judgement.
STOICK: I should have known. I should have seen the signs.
Hiccup froze momentarily. Wait, "the signs"? Did that mean something like this happened before? His mind instantly thought of his mother, but he pushed that thought aside. He grinned to himself. "So there were others…" he thought, full of wonder. Ali said, "Liar, he would have ended this sooner if he had caught on. Too bad he didn't."
HICCUP: Dad.
STOICK: We had a deal!
Stoick pauses to say something, but stops short. He SNORTS and resumes pacing, repeating the cycle.
HICCUP: (FLUSTERED) I know we did... but that was before... ughh, it's all so messed up.
"You said it, I never thought any more chaos could come to Berk!" Tuffnut sang.
"But I like it!" Ruffnut added, grinning.
Ali said, "Will you two shut up?" The twins quieted down and said nothing more.
STOICK: So everything in the ring. A trick? A lie?
HICCUP: I screwed up. I should have told you before now. Take this out on me, be mad at me, but please... just don't hurt Toothless.
Astrid couldn't help but admire Hiccup's loyalty. He and Toothless truly were best friends now. Ali said, "That makes me like you even more, Hiccup. You care for him, huh?" Hiccup nodded as Ali said, "I can relate." Adina purred and nuzzled Ali as she hugged her best friend.
STOICK :The dragon? That's what you're worried about? Not the people you almost killed?!
HICCUP: He was just protecting me! He's not dangerous.
STOICK: They've killed HUNDREDS OF US!
HICCUP: And we've killed THOUSANDS OF THEM!
The village and dragons watched wordlessly at the heated exchange between the two. What Stoick said was true and was what all the other Vikings believed, but what Hiccup said seemed to make sense too…
Ali said, "I'm with Hiccup on this one, you killed more of those innocent and amazing creatures than they have killed Vikings. But who's playing fair? The Answer: No one is!"
HICCUP: They defend themselves, that's all! They raid us because they have to! If they don't bring enough food back, they'll be eaten themselves.
Hiccup began to grow nervous, staring at himself on the screen. Uh oh, he was rambling… When he rambles, he says more than others need to know... Ali said, "This won't end well."
HICCUP: (BEAT) There's something else on their island dad...it's a dragon like-
Stoick PAUSES.
STOICK: -Their island? He stomps back... pointing an accusing finger.
STOICK: (CONT'D) So you've been to the nest.
HICCUP: Did I say nest?
Hiccup goes silent - he said too much.
Hiccup groaned; he's done it now. Way to lead his village to their death. Ali said, "Hiccup! They can't know about the nest, they are going to die!"
STOICK: How did you find it?!
HICCUP: No... I didn't. Toothless did. Only a dragon can find the island.
Stoick GLARES. A moment passes, then an idea takes form on his face. His eyes flare. Hiccup watches, realizing. Stoick stomps toward the doorway.
Stoick's eyes widened, getting the same idea Stoick was getting on the screen. It made sense… They could find the island this way! Forgetting about the monstrous size of the queen dragon, Stoick began to get excited. Ali said, "Hiccup, don't make it worse!"
HICCUP: (CONT'D) Oh no. No, Dad. No.
Hiccup chases after him, panicked.
"What is it? What's happening? Where's the chief going?" Snotlout called out nervously. The other teens sighed, not even bothering to answer him. Ali said, "Oh Lord, have mercy please."
HICCUP: (CONT'D) Dad. It's not what you think. You don't know what you're up against. It's like nothing you've ever seen.
He grabs Stoick by the arm, tugging with all his might. He has no effect whatsoever.
Hiccup shook his head miserably; of course his dad won't listen to him. Watching his futile efforts to stop him made Hiccup more upset. Ali said, "Sorry, in war no one listens to anyone."
HICCUP: (CONT'D) Dad. Please. I promise you that you can't win this one.
Nothing.
HICCUP: (CONT'D) No. Dad. No. For once in your life, WOULD YOU PLEASE JUST LISTEN TO ME?!
He throws Hiccup off of him, SWATTING him to the floor. Icy stillness. Hiccup stares back, stunned.
The village held their breath, not wishing to interrupt this intense moment. Ali's eyes widened as she prepared for the words.
STOICK: You've thrown your lot in with them. You're not a Viking. (BEAT) You're not my son.
Stoick pushes through the door, leaving Hiccup alone, devastated.
A heavy silence filled the room. Did Stoick just disown his son? Astrid was lost for words, eyes as wide as they could go. The teens were just as speechless, even Snotlout unable to ask any more dumb questions.
Stoick stilled, realizing the implications of what he had just said. He was caught up in the heat of the moment. He was so upset that he had just disowned Hiccup! He unsteadily got to his feet, slowly turning towards the darkness where he knew Hiccup was. He opened his mouth to say something, anything, before he heard two voices.
"Fine. I'm not your son. You were never a father to me, dad. Gobber was as close as he could get to being a father to me, even Toothless surpassed you in just a couple of weeks! And Ali, she surpassed you from the moment we met. I don't want to hear anything you have to say, so don't say it, Stoick." Hiccup's voice sliced through the air, thick with anger and betrayal.
Ali got up from her chair and angrily shouted, "Stoick Haddock the Vast! That could be the worst thing you can do to him! If Valka was taken that night, she should have taken Hiccup with her! If she was next to me, you'd make her sick! In fact, she could regret marrying you and think about leaving you and taken Hiccup with her!"
Stoick found himself unable to speak, eyes wide with sorrow and surprise. He stood shakily for a couple of seconds more before silently sinking back into his chair, still reeling from the shock.
Even though Toothless could tell his rider was extremely upset, he remained quiet. This wasn't something he could fix, he knew that much. He sneaked a glance at his rider and was upset to see tears streaking down Hiccup's face. He was shaking terribly. Ali slid from her chair as she sat next to him and gave him the most motherly hug ever. Ali said while stroking Hiccup's back, "Hush, now. Its okay. I got you, sweetheart. I got you. It will be all right. There now. You poor thing." Toothless whimpered and curled himself completely around Hiccup and Ali, laying his head on Hiccup's lap. Hiccup silently burrowed his face into Ali's chest, trembling as he tried to collect himself. Ali continued to calm him down. Adina was watching this as a tear slid from her eyes.
Gobber saw them as he said, "Stoick, that could have been you giving the lad a hug right now." Stoick saw Ali hugging Hiccup and Toothless giving them comfort as he looked ashamed. He hurt Hiccup and now his son hates him as Adina rumbled in pity to the boy. Ali looked at Stoick like she was ready to murder him, now.
The screen turned dark, Hiccup quivered and silently cried. He realized the impact of what had just occurred. He didn't have a father anymore… It was just him and Toothless now, with Ali and Adina.