Chapter 14
EXT. DRAGON ISLAND - DAY CLOSE ON
Tree trunks, being sharpened and planted into the sand at angled rows. Boulders being loaded into catapult baskets. And a war plan being scratched in the sand.
STOICK looms over it, looking determined. His generals are at his sides.
STOICK: When we crack this mountain open, all hell is going to break loose.
GOBBER: In my undies. Good thing I brought extras.
Snotlout dramatically gagged, desperately wishing he could erase the image from his brain. Hiccup, although slightly disturbed by the comment, chuckled appreciatively at his mentor's humor.
Stoick TURNS to face the men.
STOICK: No matter how this ends, it ends today.
Stoick nodded, completely immersed with the scene unfolding before him. A small part of his mind argued that they were in no shape to take down such the monstrous beast they had seen earlier, but Stoick shook it off. There was no turning back now.
He walks toward the base of the volcano wall, back by several hundred warriors. He raises his arm and drops it. A line of catapults UNLEASH their two-ton loads into the cliff wall. It cracks and flakes away. Several more hits tear away at the hollow shell of hardened lava.
Hiccup winced, staring at the screen in horrified curiosity. That's it, they were doomed. For a second, he wondered where he could be. Was he flying to the island too?
A final boulder shatters the fractured wall, creating a deep, dark opening to the cavern within. Silence. Stock raises his hand, makes a gesture. A flaming bushel is launched into the dark, lighting the wall... CHOKED WITH DRAGONS.
The Vikings gasped, amazed to see so many dragons in one place. They itched to get out of their seats to kill them all, but settled for just watching their future selves victoriously overtake the nest.
The dragons, on the other hand, were appalled. Who did these humans think they were, storming in and destroying the nest like that?! They didn't want to see the queen's reaction…
Stoick pulls his hammer and rushes into the cave, brazen.
STOICK: (CONT'D) (War cries and slashing efforts)
In a chaotic flurry, the dragons suddenly rush out like bats from a cave. The take to the air, bypassing the axe-swinging Vikings and fleeing the island in a mass exodus. The battle-ready Vikings drop their weapons, confused.
Stoick stared at the screen, slightly miffed.
Ali said, "Well, that was quick."
Well, that was a lot easier than he had expected. Vikings behind him whispered excitedly, finally happy they were able to bring peace to their village.
Toothless whined anxiously, beginning to stir more restlessly. Hiccup didn't bother calming him down; he felt just as anxious as he did. Little did Stoick know, this was far from over.
GOBBER: Is that it?
Above the island, dragons POUR from every crevice, fleeing to the sky. The sound of screeching dragons fades.
SPITELOUT: We've done it!
VIKINGS: (Cheering as one)
The Vikings cheered alongside the screen, overtaken by pride and victory. The dragons eyed them disdainfully, silently condemning them for believing it were that simple.
Hiccup eyed the screen, praying that maybe the queen was asleep and didn't feel the thunderous destruction of her nest or the blazing fireball that flew into her resting area.
Stoick doesn't celebrate. Something is not right. He glances back and notices Toothless on the boat, whining and still attempting to escape his shackles, as if trying to run from something inside the nest. Stoick's eyes widen in alarm.
STOICK: This isn't over. Form your ranks! Hold together!
The men SCRAMBLE to organize themselves as the nest begins to shake. A deep, rumbling ROAR echoes from the cavern. The ground underfoot TREMBLES. The ships rock. Their sails fill with a blast of air.
The Vikings in the room froze, terrified at the roar. Stoick watched the screen, a deep sinking feeling settling in his stomach.
The ground CRACKS. Stone tears away, cascading like an avalanche. And through the settling debris, the silhouette of a gargantuan dragon emerges - THE RED DEATH. Stirred and furious.
The dragons stirred fearfully; the Red Death outside of her nest? Something terrible was about to unfold.
The village stared in terror. Nothing they had could stand up to such a gigantic beast! Things were looking grim for the citizens of Berk.
Stoick felt himself fill with despair. He had brought this situation among his people. What had he done?
GOBBER: Beard of Thor...what is that?
Ali said, "Way to go, Stoick! You just led your own village to their deaths!"
Stoick looked horrified, this was not how he planned it to end!
STOICK: (AGHAST) Odin help us.
STOICK: (BEAT) Catapults!
The Vikings score direct hits. The burning stones BOUNCE off the dragon's skin. The Red Death focuses on the catapults. It crushes the first one - smashing it and its crew, rattling the beach underfoot. The Vikings scramble in all directions.
Many of the Vikings paled. Their catapults were their best weapon, and it couldn't even scratch the beast! There was nothing else they could do…
VIKING #3: Get to the ships!
STOICK: No! NO!
The Red Death BLASTS the ships like a mile-long flamethrower. The sails are torched. Vikings dive overboard and masts come down. Show Toothless on the ship, still chained up as the flames begin to surround him.
Hiccup suddenly felt very, very angry. He hated watching Toothless in this state, no one even paying attention to him as they were too worried for themselves! He desperately hoped someone would free him before it was too late.
Numerous Vikings averted their eyes, not wishing to watch their gruesome demise.
Stoick desperately wished he could do something to change this, make it so they never went to that dreaded island.
Gobber Joins Stoick.
GOBBER: Heh. Smart, that one.
Stoick looks up and down the beach for an answer.
STOICK: (GUILT-RIDDEN) I was a fool.
Hiccup didn't feel pride at Stoick's concession of being wrong; instead, he felt pure fear for the village. Sure, they had treated him terribly, but they were all he had, and he didn't want to lose them. But there was nothing the villagers could now except run…
The monster raises its head to the sky and BELLOWS. The sound SHAKES the beach, knocking Vikings off their feet. Stoick stops a Viking General.
STOICK: (CONT'D) Lead the men to the far side of the island.
SPITELOUT: Right. (turns to the others) Everybody to the far side of the island!
STOICK: Gobber, go with the men.
GOBBER: I think I'll stay, just in case you're thinking of doing something crazy.
Gobber grinned, thanking his future self for sticking with his closest friend even in the face of death.
Stoick grabs him.
STOICK: (EMPHATIC) I can buy them a few minutes if I give that thing someone to hunt.
Gobber removes Stoick's hand. Clenches his forearm, determined.
GOBBER: Then I can double that time.
Stoick grins. Friends to the bitter end.
Hiccup couldn't help but acknowledge the bond between Gobber and Stoick. They probably trusted each other with their lives, just like how he was with Toothless.
Stoick felt a wave of appreciation for Gobber hit him, turning to smile weakly at Gobber.
"I'm so sorry, dear friend. I don't know what I was thinking…" Stoick mumbled, troubled. Gobber pat him gently on the shoulder, offering a grin.
STOICK: HERE!
GOBBER: NO, HERE!
They BREAK COVER and dash into the open, SPLITTING UP. Stoick rips a sharpened post from the ground and hurls it into the monster's face.
Gobber whistled, still amazed at Stoick's strength. Quite an arm he had there!
It spots both of them. He fuels up to fire, glancing back and forth between the two men. He focuses on Stoick.
GOBBER: (CONT'D) Come on! Fight me!
STOICK: No, me!
The Red Death remains focused on Stoick - this is it. It rears back and inhales.
Hiccup's eyed widened in horror. He couldn't stop it this time, like he did with Toothless. Oh gods, he couldn't watch Stoick die, no matter what had happened between them.
The village sucked in a large breath, watching in terror as the queen dragon seemed to be sealing Stoick's fate.
Gas begins to amass, when... KABLAM! A BLAST explodes against the back of The Red Death's head. It turns distracted, as... ... a Nadder punches through the flames, banking across the sky. Followed by a Monstrous Nightmare, a Zippleback, and a Gronckle. They roll in unison, revealing the recruits riding on their backs. Hiccup leads, with Astrid clinging to his waist.
Hiccup released a large breath of relief, laughing shakily. Oh thank Thor…
Stoick couldn't believe his eyes. Saved yet again by Hiccup and dragons! His mind was racing. He had met so many bad dragons and seemingly good dragons today he didn't know what to think anymore.
GOBBER AND STOICK, watch slack-jawed, in awe.
HICCUP: Ruff, Tuff, watch your backs! Move Fishlegs!
Stoick couldn't help but admire seeing Hiccup finally take the lead. He truly did have potential to be a great leader…
TUFFNUT: Look at us, we're on a dragon! We're on dragons, all of us!
If the village's jaws could go any lower, they'd hit the ground. There was no way this could happen in real life!
Hiccup smirked, noting their reactions. Well finally, they can learn something about dragons!
ON THE GROUND
Gobber hobbles over to Stoick.
GOBBER: Every bit the boar-headed, stubborn Viking you ever were.
Stoick nods speechlessly.
Hiccup felt a burst of happiness at finally being like his dad in some way. Wait, no. His heart sunk again. He didn't have a dad anymore.
Stoick stared in awe; Hiccup and Ali had been telling the truth… about everything. Had he truly not been listening to anything he had been told? He longed to fix things with his son, but knew he couldn't do it now during such an important scene. He'd have to wait.
IN THE AIR
The group circles over the dragon's head.
HICCUP: Fishlegs, break it down.
FISHLEGS: Okay. Heavily armored skull and tail made for bashing and crushing. Steer clear of both. Small eyes, large nostrils. Relies on hearing and smell.
"Hey look, your knowledge actually helps for something, Fishlegs!" Snotlout teased, laughing. Fishlegs grinned in agreement; who knew his knowledge of dragons would finally come in handy?
HICCUP: Okay. Lout, Legs, hang in its blind spot. Make some noise, keep it confused. Ruff, Tuff, find out if it has a shot limit. Make it mad.
RUFFNUT: That's my specialty.
TUFFNUT: Since when? Everyone knows I'm more irritating. See. (IRRITATING SOUNDS)
The village groaned. For all they knew, they were equally irritating! Astrid rolled her eyes, praying that they'd at least follow Hiccup's orders.
HICCUP: (EXASPERATED) Just do what I told you. I'll be back as soon as I can.
"Wait, where are you going?" Fishlegs called out worriedly.
"Probably to find and rescue Toothless." Hiccup replied casually. Stoick felt a pang of regret at his comment, knowing it was him that had placed Toothless in that position in the first place.
TUFFNUT: Don't worry, we got it covered!
FISHLEGS: Yeah!
Hiccup and Astrid peel away. The teens bank and dive toward the monster, splitting up. The Twins race alongside the monster's head, taunting it.
TUFFNUT: Troll!
RUFFNUT: Butt Elf!
TUFFNUT: Bride of Grendel!
Ruffnut and Tuffnut cackled at the insults, sharing another high-five at their genius.
The Red Death unloads a spray of fire at the twins. They barely dodge it. The Red Death unloads a spray of fire at the twins. They barely dodge it.
Despite their near burning-to-death experience, Ruffnut and Tuffnut smiled broadly. That looked like a lot of fun! They couldn't wait to do that in the future.
Fishlegs and Snotlout hang behind its eyes, banging away at their shields, making a racket. The Red Death opens all SIX of its eyes, spotting them.
FISHLEGS: Uh, this thing doesn't have a blind spot.
Fishlegs gulped nervously. So much for limited vision! Did this dragon have any blind spots?!
ON HICCUP AND ASTRID ... searching for Toothless. Hiccup spots him among the burning ships.
HICCUP: There!
Hiccup sighed gratefully. Thank Thor, he found Toothless, and he was still safe! Toothless cooed happily, glad he was reunited with Hiccup.
He steers the Nadder over the deck and hands Astrid the reins. He lines up his jump... and hops off, guarding his face from the flames. He lands on the burning deck.
HICCUP: (CONT'D) (TO ASTRID) Go help the others! She and the Nadder take off.
Despite having followed Hiccup's order, Astrid felt worry stir inside of her, not liking the thought of leaving Hiccup and a chained dragon on a rapidly burning ship.
HICCUP: (CONT'D) Okay, hold on. Hold on.
He pulls off the muzzle and gets to work on the chains.
Stoick couldn't help but realize that there was no way Hiccup would be able to get those chains off the dragon. Only Vikings of his strength could do that quickly! He prayed Hiccup wouldn't get burned or injured.
ON SNOTLOUT AND FISHLEGS as they clang their weapons against their shields, making the monster wince.
SNOTLOUT: It's working.
The huge beast starts to sway its head dizzily.
FISHLEGS: Yeah! It's working.
Snotlout and Fishlegs beamed with pride. They were doing it! They were taking down the mighty queen dragon!
"You like that, babe? That's me up there." Snotlout crowed to Astrid, flexing his muscles once again. Astrid huffed in disgust and scooted her chair further away from Snotlout. Snotlout didn't falter though; wait till he took down that dragon any minute now! She'll come running.
PAN DOWN to reveal that the noise is also confusing the Gronckle and the Monstrous Nightmare. Both dragons lose their bearings.
Snotlout's grin slightly dropped.
The Red Death thrashes, knocking Snotlout off of his dragon and onto the monster's gigantic head. Snotlout bounces across the top and comes to a stop just shy of the hundred foot drop.
SNOTLOUT: Agghh!
Snotlout squeaked in terror, immediately preferring the dragon's back rather than this beast's head. Astrid smirked, so much for Viking macho!
Fishlegs' Gronckle goes down in a spin of confusion.
FISHLEGS: I've lost power on the Gronckle. Snotlout! Do something!
He hurls Snotlout his hammer. The Gronkle crashes and skids to a stop...
FISHLEGS: (CONT'D) I'm okay!
... then flips over, crushing Fishlegs.
FISHLEGS: (CONT'D) (FEEBLE) Less okay.
The Vikings laughed, for a moment forgetting the intense battle scene they were watching.
Fishlegs grinned slightly, but immediately grew frightened at the sight of being at the monstrous queen dragon's feet.
The Red Death eyes Fishlegs, raising a foot towards him as if to squish him. Fishlegs screams and attempts to paw his way out of under the Gronckle.
BACK TO SNOTLOUT ... who eyes the Red Death's gigantic, veiny eyes. He raises the hammer...
SNOTLOUT: I can't miss!
... and hammers the monster's eyes, playing whack-a-mole.
SNOTLOUT: (CONT'D) What's wrong buddy, got something in your eye?
The Red Death screeches in pain, losing his footing and barely misses crushing Fishlegs.
The victorious grin was back on Snotlout, basking in the glory of saving another Viking. A hero indeed!
Astrid flies by on her Nadder, catching Snotlout in all his heroics.
ASTRID: Yeah! You're the Viking!
Instantly, Snotlout brightened, eyes whipping towards Astrid. "Hear that, babe! It's you and me now!" Snotlout crooned as he inched closer to Astrid. Astrid reflexively shoved Snotlout away, glaring at him. "You're the last person I'd want to be with, Snotlout Jorgenson." She declared, annoyed. Snotlout stared, slightly hurt at her outburst. He quickly shook it off; it's not like he hasn't gotten that from her before!
Snotlout grins, finally vindicated in her eyes. In his distraction, he gets thrown and lands heavily on one of the Red Death's spines - clinging precariously. A close call.
Snotlout instantaneously forgot about the previous event and was overcome with fear. Please don't let him die! He was too young to die yet!
SNOTLOUT: Whoa!
ON THE GROUND
The monster's tail sweeps across the burning ships, snapping masts like twigs. We follow one down as it crashes onto a deck, revealing... HICCUP Working at the chains. Hiccup lets out a yell of surprise as the mast just barely misses him.
Stoick grew anxious once again, worried for both Hiccup and his dragon. Toothless seemed to feel the same, as he whined worriedly and curled closer into Hiccup. Hiccup, however, was only worried for Toothless. Chained up like that, he couldn't do anything to escape! He needed to get him out fast!
The monster's giant foot crashes through frame, smashing the bow under its impressive weight. Hiccup and Toothless are thrown into the water in a maelstrom of burning planks and rigging.
The village gasped, unable to tear their eyes from the screen. Stoick was breathing rapidly now; he knew Hiccup was by now ready to die for that dragon, and wouldn't leave until it was free. But, they could only hold their breaths for so long...
UNDERWATER
Hiccup swims toward Toothless. They're both caught in a mess of rigging, being dragged down. The heavy palette settles into the rocky bottom like an anchor. Toothless has stopped struggling. Hiccup takes one more hopeless tug at the chains he's almost out of air.
Hiccup felt tears stinging at his eyes. He couldn't do it. He couldn't save Toothless. Were they going to both die like this?
Ali's eyes widened at the sight as Adina moaned in worry.
Toothless crooned sadly at the screen, begging that Hiccup leave him underwater and save himself. He could hold his breath longer than his rider!
Suddenly, a meaty hand grabs Hiccup. STOICK explodes to the surface, pulling Hiccup to the shoreline through flaming debris. He lays him down, under the shelter of an overhanging rock.
Stoick felt his heart lift slightly, grateful that he saved his son. But the dragon…
HICCUP: (OVERWHELMED) Dad...?
Stoick dives back into the water between flaming flotsam.
Hiccup's eyes widened; was Stoick really going to…?
UNDERWATER ON TOOTHLESS, drowning. Stoick appears in front of him. Toothless freezes. Stoick tears the chains off of the yoke and lets it float free.
Hiccup froze, still processing what Stoick had done. He just… saved Toothless! The village watched the interaction between their chief and Hiccup's dragon, taken aback.
The dragons eyed the new, larger human curiously as well. Another nice human? But hadn't this one killed or captured many of them before?
Momentary stillness. They eye each other, through the churned up bubbles. Toothless lunges out of the bars - grabbing Stoick. BOOM! In an explosion of sea water, Toothless lands on the shore, setting Stoick down and releasing him. Hiccup is awed. Stoick gives way as Toothless mounts the rock and raises his wings. He turns to Hiccup and SNORTS – "Let's go."
HICCUP: (CONT'D) You got it, bud.
Hiccup climbs onto Toothless and buckles himself in. Stoick grabs his arm.
Hiccup held his breath, bracing himself for whatever Stoick was going to do. He was going to stop him, yell at him, drag him away…
STOICK: Hiccup. I'm sorry...for everything.
Both Stoick and Hiccup's eyes widened, processing different emotions. Stoick was filled with relief that he had finally been able to apologize to his son, wishing to make things right. Hiccup was filled with disbelief and surprise, definitely not expecting his dad to have apologized. He was then immediately filled with joy at his dad's apology. Maybe they could fix things…
HICCUP: Yeah...me too.
STOICK: You don't have to go up there.
HICCUP: We're Vikings. It's an occupational hazard.
Stoick beamed, fierce pride surging through him for Hiccup. He truly was his son, and he wouldn't ever forget that. His smile faltered; the question was, would Hiccup forgive him?
They exchange smiles.
STOICK: I'm proud to call you my son.
Hiccup beams, taken aback.
HICCUP: Thanks dad.
Stoick lets go of Hiccup's arm. Hiccup spurs Toothless on, charged with his father's belief in him. They rocket into the sky as Stoick watches.
It was only till Hiccup and Toothless took to the air on screen did Hiccup realize he had been smiling widely through the entire exchange. But could be forgive Stoick that easily? He had disowned him for crying out loud! The smile slowly slid off his face as he silently watched Stoick's large figure slowly rise from his seat again.
"Hiccup… Can you ever forgive me? I don't know what I was thinking, saying things like that." Stoick called out brokenly. He stared sorrowfully into the dark, hoping his son would accept his plea.
"Stoick, all you've wanted from me was to be the son you wanted me to be, not who I was" Hiccup's voice cut though the brief silence, strong and clear. Stoick felt his heart sink when he heard his name and not the word "Dad".
"You've yelled at me at home, you've yelled at me in front of the entire village! You never listened to anything I had to say, you only listened to what your mind wanted. When the entire village except for Gobber turned their backs to me, you know who I needed? It was you!"
Stoick couldn't respond, knowing Hiccup was right. He shut his eyes in pain, bracing himself for the harsh rejection. Ali said silently, "Hiccup... Don't."
"… But you're still my dad. And I know you only did it for my sake. I'm sorry too. And thank you for apologizing."
Stoick's eyes flew open, hoping that he hadn't imagined that last bit. He stared into the darkness once again, waiting to see if Hiccup had more to say, but was greeted with silence. He smiled.
"Thank you…son." He replied, voice thick with emotion. Ali sighed in relief as she smiled.
The village smiled, happy the chief and Hiccup were able to forgive each other. Hopefully they too could make amends with Hiccup later.
In the back of the room, Hiccup slid down next to Toothless once again, a light smile still playing on his face. Looks like he had a dad again. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he finally belonged. He turned to Ali with a smile of contention as she mouthed, "Told you." Hiccup mouth back, "Thank you." Toothless licked the side of Hiccup's cheek, cooing contently. Hiccup smiled and pet Toothless, eliciting a purr from the Night Fury.
"Welcome home, bud."