Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Hiccup, Astrid, and Toothless had just returned from the frightening flight the Dragon’s Nest and had decided to wait until the next day to do anything.

Astrid punches Hiccup in the arm.

ASTRID
That’s for kidnapping me.

Hiccup looks to Toothless for some kind of support. Toothless dismissively snorts.
Astrid grabs Hiccup who braces for another hit. She surprisingly kisses his cheek?

Astrid (cont.)
That’s for everything else.

Suddenly a brilliant flash occurs blinding both teens. Upon recovery they find themselves in a room filled with the rest of the tribe. Noticing how close to each other they are the two flush red and jump apart.

Villagers have mixed reactions of worry and battle preparation.

“WHOSE DONE THIS! SHOW YOURSELVES!” Stoick shouts hoping to face whoever has committed this witchcraft.

“That would be me.” Everyone turns to see a young girl wearing shorts and an oversized sweater, her long black hair braided back standing in the doorway. She snaps her fingers, and everyone’s weapons disappear resulting in screaming.

“QUIET!” everyone startles. “You’ll get them all back I promise. I just can’t have you guys armed when the rest of our guests arrive.” She snaps her fingers once again and there is another flash of light.

“DRAGONS!” every villager starts forward. Only to be frozen in place.

“This is why I took all your weapons.”

“Well sweetheart,” Snotlout saunters over and grins. “Why don’t you tell us why we are here then.”

She rolls her eyes and backs away “First of don’t ever call me sweetheart, the name is Cassie. And don’t even think about hitting on me or I’ll beat you into the ground.” Astrid grins at the girl in solidarity.

“Second, I have brought you all here to see the end of the war between Vikings and Dragons” most of the Vikings cheer. Meanwhile Hiccup and Astrid look hopeful.

“Just not the way you think…” they stop cheering perplexed.

“And on that note let’s get started! Everyone grab a seat. Hiccup, Astrid you two can sit wherever you feel most comfortable.” The two quickly rush over and take a seat next to Toothless.

“WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING?! GET AWAY FROM THOSE BEASTS!” Stoick shouts while the teens jump and huddle closer to Toothless. Toothless sensing their panic curls around them snarling at Stoick.

“SETTLE DOWN! Just find a place and let’s get started. Do you want to be here longer than you need to?” Cassie asks. Stoick lets the issue go, only because he’d rather get back to Berk where he can get those two away from the creature.

The rest of the villagers follow suit, many less sure, while Cassie double checks that everything is set up.

“Okay, so we are going to be watching a set of moving pictures, called a movie. And I will tell you now if you start to cause problems for anyone, dragon or person, you will be punished however I see fit, understand?” many gulp loudly seeing the harsh look in her eyes.

“Let’s begin” smiled Cassie as she walked away from the front of the room. As she leaves the wall comes to life with a silhouette of a boy on a moon.

Chapter Text

We skim above a dark, wild ocean and turn towards a lone island. Berk. A huge chunk of rock jutting straight out of the water.

“Hey, it’s Berk” someone shouts from the back excited. Many of the villagers just stare in awe at the view from above. It was amazing!

“Is that how you see Berk?” Fishlegs manages to ask, turning to the dragons. A few nod while others grunt in agreement.

HICCUP (V.O.)

This is Berk.

Many Vikings jump while the rest look over at Hiccup who flushes and burrows into Toothless.

Snotlout laughs “Thank for stating the obvious, Useless!” Hiccup just rolls his eyes, the action seen by Stoick and Gobber. Stoick looks on believing it to be good natured ribbing, while Gobber sighs worried about how long it will be until Hiccup snaps during this so-called movie.

HICCUP (CONT.)

It’s twelve days North of hopeless, and a few degrees South of freezing to

death. It’s located solidly on the meridian of misery.

Gobber snorts and nudges Stoick “I remember you calling it something similar when we were his age.” Stoick smirks good-naturedly.

The view drifts over hills to reveal the village.

HICCUP (CONT.)

My village. In a word, sturdy. And it’s been here for seven generations, but every single building is new.

“IT’S THOSE DAMN DRAGONS FAULT!” Spitelout exclaims.

Snotlout is quick to agree “YEAH!”

“Oh, just watch the movie!” both Astrid and Cassie reply before smiling at each other.

The view pans closer, circling the village.

HICCUP (CONT.)

We have fishing, hunting, and a charming view of the sunsets.

Snotlout and the twins snort at the last one. “He’s right,” stated Bucket, who everyone looked at in surprise. “We do have amazing sunsets. The people just stare at him, amazed that he was even paying attention.

“What?” everyone quickly turns back to the wall.

We now see a group of sheep grazing on the grass.

HICCUP (CONT.)

The only problem are the pests.

Many villagers nod in agreement. Gobber on the other hand snorts, Hiccup has definitely picked up on his sarcasm.

Suddenly a pair of legs snatches up one of the sheep. The others look up and quietly move over to the now free spot.

HICCUP (CONT.)

You see, most places have mice or mosquitos. We have…

“What? What do we have?” the twins ask jumping in their seats. Their parents just facepalm and groan while everyone rolls their eyes in exasperation.

CUT TO:

INT. STOICK’S HOUSE – CONTINUOUS

A door is pulled open… as a DRAGON swoops directly towards it, BLASTING FIRE. The door is SLAMMED. The fire shoots through the slats of wood, illuminating HICCUP, a gangly teenage viking.

HICCUP

…Dragons

Hiccup looked over the image. He nodded. ‘Yup, that’s me alright.’

EXT. STOICK’S HOUSE

He reopens the sizzling door and leaps off of the front porch. He weaves through the erupting mayhem as Vikings pour out of the buildings, ready for a fight.

HICCUP (V.O)

Most people would leave. Not us. We’re Vikings.

“What’s that have to do with anything?” someone asks loudly.

We have stubbornness issues.

“Oh.”

Vikings sound the alarm. A loud siren can be heard all through the village while men and women pour out into the streets, axes in hand.

We see Hiccup darting through alleys, staying under eaves, making his way through the battle.

“Why can’t you just stay inside?” Stoick asks.

Hiccup straightens with the courage to finally say what on his mind for once “One the house was on fire, you don’t actually expect me to stay in a burning building, right?” Stoick flushes.

“Two, I had to get to the forge to do my job. You know the one you wanted me to get.” At this point Stoick just looks back at the screen, while Gobber sighs and shakes his head. ‘These two are just too alike in the worst of ways’

Astrid squeezes Hiccup’s hand while Cassie just pats his shoulder. Hiccup sighs exhaustion creeping in.

HICCUP (CONT.)

My name’s Hiccup. Great name, I know. But it’s not the worst.

‘Does Hiccup not like his name?’ Stoick mentally questions. ‘To be fair, it isn’t one of the best.’

Parents believe a hideous name will frighten off gnomes and trolls. Like our charming viking demeanor wouldn’t do that.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” One Viking whispers.

Dragons sweep back and forth, dodging axes and blasting the Vikings who throw them. A burly warrior gets tossed in an explosion, knocking Hiccup to the ground.

VIKING

(FIERCE)

ARGGGHHHHH!

(cheery, insane)

Mornin’!

Said Viking flushes, embarrassed.

“Sorry, I had just finished off a barrel of mead” he mutters leaving the others to laugh.

Hiccup gets to his feet and continues to rush past gigantic men and women.

HICCUP (V.O)

Meet the neighbors. Hoark the Haggard…

HOARK

What are you doing out?

“Running out of my burning house” Hiccups says dryly.

HICCUP

… Burnthair the Broad…

BURNTHAIR

Get inside!

HICCUP

… Phlegma the Fierce…

PHLEGMA

Get back inside!

Cassie snorts “Nice neighbors.”

The villagers to cringe. Did they always talk to Hiccup like that?

HICCUP

… Ack,

He passes a silent ox of a viking, picking his ear.

Many dragons look on curious.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Yup, just Ack.

Enter STOICK, the biggest viking of all. He yanks Hiccup from the path of a strafing dragon and holds aloft to the crowd.

STOICK

(accusingly)

Hiccup!?

(to the crowd)

What is he doing out again?!

Stoick cringes, ‘That may have been a bit too harsh.’

(To Hiccup)

What are you doing out?! Get inside!

The flames light up his scowling face and matted red beard. He sets Hiccup down and turns to the sky, searching.

HICCUP (V.O)

(In awe) That’s Stoick the Vast. Chief of the tribe. They say that when he was a baby he popped a dragon’s head clean off of its shoulders.

Stoick and Gobber snicker. That rumor was still going around?

Do I believe it?

Stoick grabs a wooden cart and hurls it, knocking the staffing dragon out of the sky.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Yes I do.

Stoick puffs up with pride. Meanwhile Hiccup just shakes his head sighing.

An EXPLOSION forces Vikings to DUCK> Stoick stands firm, brushing flaming debris off of his shoulder.

STOICK

What have we got?

VIKING #1

Gronckles. Nadders. Zipplebacks. Oh, and Hoark saw a Monstrous Nightmare.

STOICK

Any Night Furies?

VIKING #1

None so far.

STOICK

(Relieved) Good

This time Toothless puffs up, only to be elbowed by Hiccup causing him to grumble. Astrid giggles at the two, causing many to look over at her shocked. It’s the most relaxed many have ever seen her.

VIKING #1

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.

“Hey it’s me!” Gobber cheers.

GOBBER

Ah! Nice of you to join the party. I thought you’d been carried off.

Hiccup dons a leather apron and starts to put away Gobber’s scattered appendages.

“I swear if it wasn’t for me you would have no idea where half of your stuff actually is Gobber!” Hiccup states.

“OI! You’re the apprentice! Cleaning is in the job description!” Gobber replies smiling as he remembers what happens next.

HICCUP

Who me? Nah, come on! I’m way to muscular for their taste. They wouldn’t know what to do with all this.

Hiccup strikes a bodybuilder pose.

Everyone laughs while Hiccup buries his face in his hands. Seeing this Astrid just smirks and nudges his shoulder.

Stoick on the other hand scowls, pondering. ‘Are they truly that close? Hiccup and I never joke around like that?’

GOBBER

They need toothpicks, don’t they?

“Toothpick implies that I could still outlast you Meathead!” Hiccup giggles.

“Oi, who you callin’ Meathead, Toothpick?!” Stoick scowl deepens.

Hiccup gets to work, transferring bent and chipped weapons to the forge as Vikings crowd for replacements.

“No way Useless actually picked all that up so easily!” Snotlout exclaims.

“Course he can! He’s been my apprentice for years! If he couldn’t then he wouldn’t be in my forge!” Gobber is quick to defend.

HICCUP (V.O)

The meathead with attitude and interchangeable hands is Gobber

“Watch it Toothpick!”

I’ve been his apprentice ever since I was little. Well… littler.

The teens snicker, “Walked right into that one Useless.”

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.

Snorts are heard throughout the room at Hiccup’s sarcasm. Stoick on the other hand was shocked. Hiccup normally never spoke like this, at least not around him.

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.

Gobber snickers. ‘Ah young love.’

HICCUP (V.O)

Oh and that’s Fishlegs,

Fishlegs smiles.

Snotlout,

Snotlout flexes and kisses his muscles.

The twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut.

The twins bash heads.

And…

(DREAMY)

Astrid.

Astrid flushes while Hiccup slouches into his chair.

A SLOW-MOTION explosion erupts behind her, framing her in a sexy ball of fire.

“Ha! Like she would ever look at you when she could have my beautiful self?” Snotlout laughs.

“Then why has she been sitting with me this whole time, and never gives you the time of day?” Hiccup retorts.

Villagers snicker. That shut Snotlout up.

Gobber just grins, proud of his apprentice, he was the closest thing he would ever have to a son.

The others join her, looking awesome and heroic.

“We look so badass!” The twins shout. Snotlout smiles they do look rather good.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Their job is so much cooler.

“Do you not like working in the forge with me?” Gobber asks worried.

“Of course I do, but so far being a blacksmith has gotten me absolutely no recognition while they get a bunch just putting out fires.” Hiccup explains. Many villagers cringe realizing how true it is.

Stoick frowns. Did Hiccup not get enough attention? Stoick had always seen him with people, or at least he thought he had.

Hiccup tries to join them as they pass, but he’s hooked by Gobber and hoisted back inside.

“What is it with people grabbing me by the back of my tunic?”

HICCUP (CONT.)

(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 groans in exasperation. Next to him Gobber just smiles. Hiccup had made a few positive marks throughout the village; many just didn’t know about them.

“Most of those were accidents!”

HICCUP

Please, two minutes. I’ll kill a dragon. My lie will get infinitely better. I might get a date.

“Ha! The day you take down a dragon is the day I stop calling you Useless!” Snotlout pitches.

“Deal.” Hiccup dryly replies knowing full well what happens next.

Astrid grabs his hand. ‘Maybe training a dragon will get me a girlfriend instead.’ Hiccup thinks looking at their paired hands.

GOBBER
You can’t lift a hammer.

“Of course I can, just not the ones that weigh more than I do.”

You can’t swing an axe…

“Not successfully.”

Gobber grabs a bola (iron balls connected by rope).

GOBBER (CONT.)

… you can’t even throw one of these.

“That’s due to clumsiness.” Many snicker, amused from the byplay.

Stoick was wondering how Hiccup had gotten so good in Dragon Training if he couldn’t use most of the weapons.

A Viking runs by and nabs it out of Gobber’s hand, hurling it at a dive-bombing Gronckle. The bola binds its legs, sending it into a heavy crash.

Said Gronkle whines near Hiccup who gently pats it.

HICCUP

(ready with the answer)

Okay fine, but…

He rushes to the back corner of the stall and presents a bizarre, wheelbarrow-like contraption.

HICCUP (CONT.)

… this will throw it for me.

“Whoa, where did that come from?” Fishlegs asked intrigued.

“Hiccup made it. He’s made a bunch of stuff like that.” Gobber replies offhandedly. Many are surprised. Just how much does he make?

Hiccup OPEN 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!

“Cool! Can we borrow it?” ask the twins. Everyone’s face pales at the thought of that idea.

“Sorry it got destroyed.” Sighs of relief are heard.

GOBBER

See, now this right here is what I’m talking about.

HICCUP

Mild calibration issue.

“You know if it hadn’t been destroyed it would have been a great help during raids.” Gobber states cheerfully. Hiccup smiles at his mentor.

“Useless making something helpful? No way.” And there’s Snotlout.

“Son, do you know how tiring it gets to throw those over and over again?” asks Spitelout. “I may not agree with many of Hiccup’s schemes, but I will freely admit that that one could actually be useful.”

Hiccup beams, but quickly begins to frown. ‘If I hadn’t made that then Toothless would be able to fly.’

Toothless sensing Hiccup’s inner turmoil slaps his head with his tail.

“Ow! What was that for?” Toothless snorts, nodding back to the screen.

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.)

…this.

Toothless growls. What was wrong with Hiccup being Hiccup?

HICCUP

(ASTONISHED)

But… you just pointed to all of me.

GOBBER
Yes! That’s it! Stop being all of you.

Gobber cringes realizing how that sounds.

HICCUP

(THREATENING)

Ohhh…

GOBBER

(MIMICKING)

Ohhhhh, yes.

HICCUP

You, sir, are playinga. Dangerous game. Keeping this much, raw…Vikingness contained.

(BEAT)

There will be consequences!

Snotlout and the twins burst out laughing.

Stoick is once again frowning at how close Gobber and his son seem to be. ‘Why are Hiccup and I nothing like that? Am I really not close to my own son?’

Gobber tosses him a sword.

GOBBER
I’ll take my chances. Sword. Sharpen. Now.

Many stare as Hiccup held a sword almost as long as he was tall.

“I told you he can lift stuff!”

Hiccup takes it begrudgingly and lobs it onto the grinding wheel. He stews… fantasizing…

HICCUP (V.O)

One day I’ll get out there. Because killing a dragon is everything around here.

The dragons perk up. Maybe this would explain why it was such a big deal to kill 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.

The Nadders huff. Surely they were worth more than that.

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 (CONT.)

Gronckles are tough. Taking down would definitely get me a girlfriend.

Gronckles smiled smug at the Nadders.

A stealthy, snake-like dragon head peeks over a rooftop, breathing gas into a chimney.

HICCUP (CONT.)

A Zippleback? Exotic, exciting. Two heads, twice the status.

Zipplebacks cheered.

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 Monstruous Nightmare. Only the best Vikings go after those.

Nightmares shrieked. Clearly, they were the best.

They have this nasty habit of setting themselves on fire.

People snort at Hiccup’s sarcasm.

It emerges from the flames, climbing the catapult with a leering, toothy grin.

STOICK
Reload! I’ll take care of this.

Stoick takes on the Nightmare, face to hammer.

Many Nightmares wince, while other noticed Hiccup did as well.

Suddenly a LOUD BALLISTIC MOANING streaks overhead. The catapult crew ducks.

Both Hiccup and Toothless are quick to perk up, excited.

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 –

Toothless puffs out his chest. Viking look over. Is that small dragon a Night Fury?

VIKING
Night Fury! Get down!

Vikings everywhere take shelter. The moaning sound BUILDS.

EXT. VILLAGE – CATAPULT – CONTINUOUS

The Monstruous Nightmare suddenly stops fighting and takes flight. Stoick looks skyward.

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 (CONT.)

… never misses.

Hiccup looks over at Toothless smirking.

(BEAT)

No one has ever killed a Night Fury. That’s why I’m going to be the first.

“No way Hiccup would ever come close to taking down a Night Fury! If anything, it’s gonna be me! Right babe?” Snotlout asks Astrid, who rolls her eyes.

“Snotlout I wouldn’t speak too soon otherwise you’ll be eating your words from earlier.” Warns Cassie grinning.

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.)

Stay. Put. There. You know what I mean.

“Sit. Roll over, boy.” Hiccup barks, playing along.

Stoick frowns once more (it’s going to happen quite a bit) at the byplay.

Gobber charges into the fray, HOLLERING.

ON HICCUP, a smirk crosses his face.

“Oh no. That’s your scheming face.”

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

Hiccup, where are you going?

VIKING #7

Come back here!

HICCUP

I know. Be right back!

“No one went after him?” Stoick bellows. Those Vikings hunch their shoulders.

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 scowls. “They are not devils.”

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.

Everyone – even the adults look on in awe. They had to admit the craftsmanship was impressive.

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.

“I bet Useless doesn’t even get close to hitting it.” Says Snotlout.

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.

The Vikings scoot forwards on the edge of their seats.

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.

The Vikings erupt with cheers completely forgetting about the dragons in the room.

“I guess you’re not so useless after all Hiccup!” cheers Snotlout.

Hiccup, meanwhile, felt absolutely horrible. This was the reason why Toothless could no longer fly alone. However, Toothless and Astrid wouldn’t let him mope. Toothless laid his head on Hiccup’s lap while Astrid rested her head on his shoulder. Hiccups smiled and gave Toothless a scratch, leaning his head against Astrid’s.

Other dragons noticed and moved forward, curling around the trio adding to the comfort.

HICCUP (CONT.)

(surprised, then elated)

Oh I hit it! Yes, I hit it! Did anybody see that?

Hiccup’s victory is short-lived. A Monstruous Nightmare appears, slithering up over the lip of the cliff.

“Man, your luck is insane. A one in a million shot only to be found by the only Nightmare during that raid!”

HICCUP (CONT.)

Except for you.

“Love the sarcasm Hiccup.” Cassie snorts.

ON STOICK, holding down the netted Nadders. He hears a familiar HOLLER and looks up to see…

HICCUP running through the PLAZA, SCREAMING, with the NIGHTMARE fast on his heels.

“Nice scream there, Hiccup.” Tuffnut snickers.

Alarmed, Stoick abandons the Nadders and runs off.

STOICK

(to his men, re: the Nadders)

DO NOT let them escape!

IN THE PLAZA

Vikings scatter as Hiccup dodges a near fatal blast. The Nightmare’s sticky, Napalm-like fire splashes up onto buildings, setting them alight.

Hiccup ducks behind the last standing brazier – the only shelter available. The Nightmare blasts it, spraying fire all around him. Hiccup peers around the smoldering post. No sign of the Nightmare.

He turns to find it leering at him, blocking his escape.

“I’ll say it again, your luck is insane.”

It takes a deep breath. Hiccup is finished.

Suddenly, Stoick LEAPS between them, tackling the Nightmare to the ground. They tumble and wrestle, resuming their earlier fight. The Nightmare tries to toast him, but only coughs up smoke.

STOICK (CONT.)

You’re all out.

He smashes the Nightmare repeatedly in the face, driving it away. It takes to the air and disappears. Winded, Stoick turns to Hiccup.

HICCUP (V.O)

Oh and there’s one more thing you need to know…

“What? What do we need to know?” Tuffnut asks.

The burnt brazier collapses, sending the massive iron basket crashing. It bounces down the hill, destroying as it goes and scattering the Vikings who were holding down the netted Nadders. The freed dragons escape… with several sheep in tow.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Sorry, Dad.

The dragons stared. This violent big Viking sired the dragon-friendly teen? How was he so close to the Night Fury then? It just didn’t make sense.

EXT. VILLAGE – UPPER PLAZA – CONTINUOUS

The escaped Nadders fly past with sheep in their clutches. The raid is over. The dragons have clearly won. The murmuring crowd eyes Stoick, awaiting his response.

HICCUP

(SHEEPISH)

Okay, but I hit a Night Fury.

Stoick grabs Hiccup by the back scruff of his collar and hauls him away, fuming with embarrassment.

HICCUP (CONT.)

It’s not like the last few times, Dad. I mean I really actually hit it. You guys were busy and I had a very clear shot. It went down, just off Raven Point. Let’s get a search party out there, before it –

Stoick cringes at what he knows is coming next. Give him a break he was scared. He had almost lost his son.

STOICK

STOP! Just… stop.

He releases Hiccup. Everyone goes silent, staring expectantly.

STOICK (CONT.)

Every time you step outside, disaster follows. Can you not see that I have bigger problems? Winter’s almost here and I have an entire village to feed!

Hiccup looks around. All eyes are upon him.

HICCUP

Between you and me, the village could do with a little less feeding, don’t ya think?

A few rotund Vikings stir self-consciously.

The Viking do the same as their counterparts. What did Hiccup mean by that?

STOICK

This isn’t a joke, Hiccup!

(EXASPERATED)

Why can’t you follow the simplest orders?

HICCUP

I can’t stop myself. I see a dragon and I have to just… kill it, you know? It’s who I am, Dad.

“No, it’s not, and it never will be.” Hiccup mutters, just loud enough for Astrid and the dragons to hear. Stoick looks over curiously at Hiccup who seems to be curled in on himself.

STOICK

You are many things, Hiccup. But a dragon killer is not one of them.

Sting. Hiccup looks around to see many nods of agreement.

‘Ouch, okay then.’ Hiccup thought. Many Viking look down with guilt.

STOICK (CONT.)

Get back to the house.

(TO GOBBER)
Make sure he gets there. I have his mess to clean up.

“How exactly is the mess his fault?” Cassie questions. “He was being chased by that Nightmare.”

Stoick looks over at Hiccup apologetic.

Stoick lumbers off in the opposite direction. Gobber leads Hiccup through the walk of shame. They pass the teen fire brigade as they snicker.

TUFFNUT

Quite the performance.

SNOTLOUT

I’ve never seen anyone mess up that badly. That helped!

HICCUP
Thank you, thank you. I was trying, so…

Hiccup avoids Astrid’s glare and heads up toward a large house, standing prominently on the hill above the others.

Astrid squeezes Hiccup’s hand in apology.

HICCUP (CONT.)

I really did hit one.

GOBBER

Sure, Hiccup.

HICCUP

He never listens.

GOBBER

Well, it runs in the family.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Father and son yell. They turn to Gobber who only replied,

“It’s true and you know it.”

HICCUP

And when he does, it’s always with this… disappointed scowl. Like someone skimped the meat in his sandwich.

(MIMICKING STOICK)

Excuse me barmaid. I’m afraid you brought me the wrong offspring. I ordered an extra large boy with beefy arms. Extra guts and glory on the side. This here. This is a talking fishbone.

‘Is that what Hiccup really believes I think of him? Yes, I wish he was a tad more bulky, but he’s my son. Of course, I love him.’ Stoick sighs.

The rest of the village was silent as they register just what Hiccup says. Snotlout on the other hand is snicking at the “talking fishbone.” Cassie snaps her fingers and a sandbag falls on Snotlout who yelps.

GOBBER

You’re thinking about this all wrong. It’s not so much what you look like. It’s what’s inside that he can’t stand.

“Gobber, please tell me that is not what you told my son I think of him?” Stoick scowls at Gobber who quickly looks away.

BEAT

HICCUP

Thank you, for summing that up.

They reach the doorway.

Gobber

Look, the point is, stop trying so hard to be something you’re not.

Hicuup SIGHS heavily.

HICCUP

I just want to be one of you guys.

All eyes cringe, ashamed that their heir felt that way.

Gobber eyes him sympathetically. Hiccup turns and goes through the front door…

And straight out the back door. He hurries off into the woods, determined.

“GOBBER! I said to take him home!” Stoick shouts.

Gobber turns and replies “I did. You didn’t tell me to KEEP him there.” This causes Stoick to just gape at his friend.

Chapter Text

INT. GREAT HALL – DAY

A noisy din of PROTESTING VOICES leads to…

STOICK, glowering in the firelight. Surrounded by his men.

STOICK

Either we finish them or they’ll finish us! It’s the only way we’ll be rid of them! If we find the nest and destroy it, the dragons will leave. They’ll find another home.

“Hate to break it to ya Stoick, but that plan wouldn’t work.” Cassie states. Stoick looks over perplexed. “If the dragons were forced to leave their nest, the closest piece of land is Berk.”

Stoick looks around to see many dragons nodding, confirming her statement. ‘If we can’t get rid of them then what can we do?’

He sinks his blade into a… LARGE NAUTICAL MAP, spread out on the table… the blade pierces the middle of an uncharted corner, swirling with painted sea monsters and dragons.

STOICK (CONT.)

(DECIDEDLY)

One more search. Before the ice sets in.

VIKING

Those ships never come back.

STOICK

(MATTER-OF-FACT)

We’re Vikings. It’s an occupational hazard. Now who’s with me?

Stoick throws up his fist. No one follows. The crowd shifts in restless silence. Head scratches. Eyes averted.

VIKING

(FEEBLE)

Today’s not good for me.

VIKING (CONT.)

(EQUALLY FEEBLE)
I’ve gotta do my axe returns.

STOICK

Alright. Those who stay will look after Hiccup.

Hands jump into the air, volunteers galore. Enthusiastic murmurs of prep and packing fill the room.

“Is that really how badly people want to be away from me? They would risk their lives just to avoid me?” Hiccup shrinks into his seat close to tears.

Astrid and Toothless are quick to comfort Hiccup, glaring at the rest of the room.

Gobber looks at his pseudo-son in worry. He had never seen Hiccup so heartbroken before. Stoick and the rest of the Vikings watch the trio in shame and guilt.

PHLEGMA THE FIERCE
To the ships!

SPITELOUT

I’m with you Stoick!

STOICK

(DRY)
That’s more like it.

Stoick’s guilt builds.

The Vikings rush for the door, leaving Gobber and Stoick alone. Gobber gulps back the contents of his tankard attachment and scrapes back the bench.

GOBBER

I’ll pack my undies.

“Undies?” The twins question.

“Trust me you don’t want to know.” Hiccup replies slowly coming out of his depression.

STOICK

No, I need you to stay and train some new recruits.

GOBBER
Oh, perfect. And while I’m busy, Hiccup can cover the stall. Molten steel, razor sharp blades, lots of time to himself… what could go wrong?

“Oi! I wouldn’t be that bad!”

“Really?” Gobber replies. “Do you remember when you were 10 and you decided-”

“Okay, you’ve made your point, Gobber!” Hiccup hastily cuts him off. Gobber turns away satisfied.

STOICK

What am I going to do with him Gobber?

GOBBER

Put him in training with the others.

“Wait, are you saying that Hiccup was never given any type of training before?” Ruffnut inquired.

“Both Gobber and I meant to, but we both are just way to busy most of the time.” Stoick replies sheepishly.

“To be fair, I know that Hiccup can pick things up fairly quickly, so I’d explain some things in general and see him practice some, but that’s about it.” Gobber adds.

“But then it really shouldn’t be so surprising that he would struggle in Dragon Training unlike the rest of us…” At this Stoick is quick to look away.

STOICK

No, I’m serious.

“Wow what confidence you have in me.” Hiccup deadpans. Stoick slides down his seat.

GOBBER

So am I.

“Thanks, Gobber.” Hiccup smiles at his mentor, thankful.

Stoick turns to him, glaring.

STOICK

He’d be killed before you let the first dragon out of its cage.

“What did you think we would kill him?” Snotlout asks. “We may not really like him, but he is the heir.” Stoick slumps further.

Hiccup gapes, shocked at the defense from his cousin.

GOBBER
Oh, you don’t know that.

STOICK

I do know that, actually.

GOBBER

No, you don’t.

STOICK

No, I actually do.

GOBBER

No, you don’t!

STOICK

Listen! You know what he’s like. From the time he could crawl he’s been… different. He doesn’t listen.

“I do listen!” Stoick and Gobber look over at Hiccup dryly.

STOICK (CONT.)

Has the attention span of a sparrow. I take him fishing and he goes hunting for… for trolls.

Hiccup stands up quick, quoting what suspiciously sounds like Gobber, “Trolls exist! They steal your socks. But only the left ones. What’s with that?”

This causes many kids to giggle, including Astrid which Snotlout hears and seethes over.

GOBBER

Trolls exist! They steal your socks.

(DARKLY)

But only the left ones. What’s with that?

Queue harder giggles, this time adults included.

STOICK

When I was a boy…

“Oh, here we go.” Hiccup grumbles.

GOBBER
(GRUMBLING)

Oh here we go.

The villagers are looking back and forth between mentor and his apprentice. Just how alike are these two?

STOICK

My father told me to bang my head against a rock and I did it. I thought it was crazy, but I didn’t question him. And you know what happened?

“You got a headache.” Deadpanned Hiccup. He had heard this story plenty of times, even got a concussion when his dad had him do this after hours of him asking why.

GOBBER

You got a headache.

‘They really are alike.’ Stoick thinks. ‘Maybe I should have him take a break from blacksmithing.’

STOICK

That rock split in two. It taught me what a Viking could do, Gobber. He could crush mountains, level forests, tame seas!

“Literally no one, but the gods and dragons can do any of those things.” Hiccup refutes.

Even as a boy, I knew what I was, what I had to become.

(BEAT)

Hiccup is not that boy.

‘And there it is.’ Hiccup slumps down in his seat. That hurt to hear. Toothless whines distracting Hiccup from his thoughts.

GOBBER
You can’t stop him, Stoick. You can only prepare him.

(BEAT)

Look, I know it seems hopeless. But the truth is you won’t always be around to protect him. He’s going to get out there again. He’s probably out there now.

ON STOICK, as Gobber’s words hit their mark.

EXT. WOODS – DAY

ON AN OPEN NOTEBOOK

A drawn map of the island, covered in X’s.

Hiccup looks up from it and peeks over a gorge, expectantly. Sees nothing. He adds another ‘X’ to the page, then scratches his pencil over the whole map in frustration. He snaps the book closed and pockets it.

“Gee, what did that book ever do to you?” Fishlegs questions.

“One time a book hit my head and I was unconscious for two days.” Hiccup states.

“Oh.”

HICCUP

Uggh, the gods hate me. Some people lose their knife or their mug. No, not me. I manage to lose an entire dragon.

Hiccup WHACKS a low-hanging branch. It SNAPS back at him, hitting him in the face.

Snotlout and the twins burst with laughter. Hiccup groans in frustration, while Astrid hides her giggles in his shoulder.

He looks up to see a snapped tree trunk. His eyes follow it to a long trench of up-turned earth. He follows it to a downed, black dragon, its body and tail tangled in a bola. It appears dead. Hiccup approaches, beaming.

Murmurs of ‘He actually did it’ and ‘Is that really a Night Fury’ breakout. Hiccup tears up hiding his face in Toothless’ side.

HICCUP (CONT.)

(IN SHOCK)

Oh wow. I did it. I did it. This fixes everything.

(ELATED)

Yes!

He strikes a victory pose, planting his foot on the fallen Night Fury.

HICCUP (CONT.)

I have brought down this mighty beast!

It suddenly shifts.

Stoick sucks in a haggard breath. ‘Yes, he shot down the beast, but do I really want him to kill it himself?’ Hiccup couldn’t hurt a fly, should he change such a fundamental part of who he is?

HICCUP (CONT.)

Whoa!

Hiccup springs back, terrified. He turns has blade on it. Rattled, Hiccup creeps along the length of the week, wounded dragon, dagger poised to strike.

As he reaches the head, Hiccup fins the Night Fury staring coldly at him. Hiccup tries to look away, but he’s drawn back to its unnerving, unflinching stare. With the dragon safely tangled in the ropes, Hiccup jabs with his dagger, puffing himself up with false bravado.

HICCUP (CONT.)

I’m going to kill you, Dragon. I’m gonna cut out your heart and take it to my father. I’m a Viking.

Stoick sighs. He is so proud of his son, yes, he has made mistakes, but he always comes out learning something. But this? Killing a dragon? That’s not who his son is and, in that moment, Stoick just wants his son to walk away.

(BEAT)

I am a VIKING!

Hiccup raises the dagger, determined to prove his Viking-ness. The dragon’s labored breathing breaks Hiccup’s clenched concentration. He opens an eye, uncertainty leaking through.

The dragon holds the stare. Something profound is exchanged.

Finally, the Night Fury closes its eye and lowers its head, resigned to its fate.

“Hiccup’s not killing that dragon.” Gobber is quick to point out. Many look at him confused eyes darting back to the screen.

Hiccup tries to go through with it, holding the dagger aloft… fighting himself… until finally lowering it with a frustrated sigh.

“How did you know?” someone asks curious.

“Cuz that look the dragon had is the same one Hiccup gets whenever Snotlout and his band of idiots picks on him. He’s just resigned to what is going to happen.” Gobber explains.

Snotlout and the twins look down. Is that really what Hiccup feels?

Stoick frowns. ‘Are the other kids really so bad that Hiccup has gotten so used to what happens?’

He looks over the dragon’s chaffed rope wounds.

HICCUP (CONT.)

I did this.

Hiccup is quick to blink away the tears that threaten to fall. Toothless croons in comfort. Hiccup gives him scratches in order to distract himself from his thoughts.

He turns to leave. Pauses. And glances back at the dragon, chest heaving.

‘Just walk away son.’ Stoick watches on.

Hiccup GRUMBLES. He checks over his shoulder to ensure that no one is watching… then hurries back to cut the ropes.

The Night Fury’s eye shoots open. With the dragon watching his every move, Hiccup hurriedly saws through the bola ropes. As the last rope falls free, the Night Fury suddenly POUNCES! In a blur, the dragon is upon him, pinning Hiccup down, grazing his neck. Looking like it’s about to kill him.

Stoick sucks in a sharp breath, worried for his son. Yes, his son is clearly alive, but Stoick still prays to the gods for his safety.

Hiccup is paralyzed. The dragon’s breath ruffles his hair. Hiccup opens his eyes to find the Night Fury’s wolf-like stare boring into him. The exchange is intense, profound.

The dragon draws a deep breath, as though it’s about to torch him…

Gasps ring out and everyone hold still, fearful for what will happen.

(CONT.)

… then, lets out an ear-piercing scream instead.

“That really hurt you know bud?” Hiccup tells Toothless, who just snorts.

It turns and takes flight, flapping violently through the canopy of trees. It bashes against a nearby mountain side, recovers, and drops out of view some distance away.

Winded, Hiccup struggles to his feet, staggers a few steps…

“How are you able to stand after that?”

“I have no idea. It doesn’t last though.”

…collapses to his knees, and faints.

“Hiccup,” Stoick starts and looks over at his son. “I’m proud of you.”

“What?” Hiccup asks surprised.

“I may not be happy you let the dragon go, but you did something important.” Hiccup looks on confused. “You stayed true to yourself, son. You didn’t kill it. That’s something that make you who you are. You see the good in everything, just like you did that dragon.” Stoick explains, behind him Gobber nodding along.

Hiccup beams and turns back to the screen. ‘But what will he say when he sees me train with Toothless? Colluding with the enemy, that’s completely different from sparing a life.’ Hiccup asks himself worried.

INT. STOICK’S HOUSE – CONTINUOUS

Hiccup enters to see…

STOICK, seated on a thick slice of tree-trunk. He is slouched over the fire-pit, stirring the coals with his axe. Embers waft around his beard.

Hiccup tries to sneak past, up the stairs to his room. Stoick seems none the wiser, when…

STOICK

Hiccup.

“Busted.” The twins snigger.

HICCUP

(CAUGHT)

Dad. Uh…

Stoick stands, takes a deep breath.

HICCUP (CONT.)

I, uh… I have to talk to you, Dad.

STOICK

I need to speak with you too, son.

Hiccup and Stoick STRAIGHTEN at the same moment.

The village held its collective breathe while Gobber on the other hand sniggers at the similarities of father and son.

HICCUP STOICK

I’ve decided I don’t want to I think it’s time you learn to fight dragons. to fight dragons.

(BEAT) (BEAT)

What? What?

STOICK (CONT.)

You go first.

HICCUP

No, you go first.

“I should’ve gone first.” Hiccup said, while the villagers giggle at the interaction.

STOICK

Alright. You get your wish. Dragon Training. You start in the morning.

HICCUP

(SCRAMBLING)

Oh man, I should’ve gone first. Uh, ‘cause I was thinking, you know we have a surplus of dragon-fighting Vikings, but do we have enough bread-making Vikings, or small home repair Vikings…

“Bread-making Vikings? If anything, you’d be in the forge with me boy!” Gobber looks at Hiccup confused.

“I’m not good under pressure, okay?” Hiccup defends.

STOICK

-You’ll need this.

Stoick hands Hiccup his axe. Hiccup avoids taking it.

HICCUP

I don’t want to fight dragons.

STOICK

Come on. Yes, you do.

HICCUP

Rephrase. Dad, I can’t kill dragons.

STOICK

But you will kill dragons.

HICCUP

No, I’m really very extra sure that I won’t.

Stoick sighs deeply. He really needed to focus on what his son was saying.

STOICK

It’s time Hiccup.

HICCUP

Can you not hear me?

“Usually the case.” Hiccup mutters. Stoick cringes.

STOICK

This is serious son!

Stoick forces the axe into Hiccup’s hands. Its weight drags him down. He looks up to see Stoick under-lit with firelight.

STOICK (CONT.)

When you carry this axe… you carry all of us with you.

“That’s a lot for one person to carry.” Hiccup tries to lighten the mood.

Which means you walk like us.

“Like I’m strapped to a log?” Kids giggle.

You talk like us.

“No thanks,” Hiccup says sounding like Stoick.

You think like us.

“Noo! Not my brains! It’s the one thing I have”

No more of…

(GESTURING NON-SPECIFICALLY AT HICCUP)

…this.

Hiccup had a hurt look on his face that is quickly hidden behind sarcasm.

HICCUP

You just gestured to all of me.

The hurt is well-hidden, but still faintly comes through the quip.

“Is that, like your catchphrase?”

“Seems that way doesn’t it?”

STOICK

Deal?

HICCUP

This conversation is feeling very one-sided.

“Most are,” Hiccup murmurs causing Stoick to brood.

STOICK

Deal?!

Hiccup glances at the axe in his hands. It’s a no-win argument.

HICCUP
(RESIGNED)
Deal.

Stoick sighs. ‘Why do I always tune out my son?’

Satisfied, Stoick grabs his helmet and duffel bag… and heads for the door.

STOICK

Good. Train hard. I’ll be back. Probably.

“Oh, like that’s reassuring, Dad.”

HICCUP

And I’ll be here. Maybe.

“That isn’t much better, son.”

Stoick heads out the door, leaving Hiccup holding the axe. Burden weighing heavy on his shoulders.

Chapter Text

EXT. TRAINING GROUNDS – DAY

Gobber raises a massive iron gate at the entrance of a vast stone area.

GOBBER
Welcome to dragon training!

The recruits file through the gate, and out onto the arena floor. They take it in like gladiators entering the colosseum. The walls are covered in scorched silhouettes of blasted Vikings. It’s a grim yet awe-inspiring place.

Sounds of awe can be heard from the younger children who had yet to see the arena.

ASTRID

No turning back.

TUFFNUT

I hope I get some serious burns.

RUFFNUT

I’m hoping for some mauling, like on my shoulder or lower back.

“Lass, your lower back is one of the worst places to get mauled,” Gobber scolded. “You could end up not being able to walk!”

As expected, the twins fail to see the point. “We could lose our legs? Cool!”

“Let’s go break our backs!”

ASTRID

Yeah, it’s only fun if you get a scar out of it.

Astrid cringes as her parents shoot her a look. “I was just joking,” she mumbles. Hiccup snickers at her.

HICCUP (O.S.)

Yeah, no kidding, right? Pain. Love it.

“Hiccup you really need to work on toning down your sarcasm,” Cassie comments.

The recruits turn to see Hiccup behind them. Groans all around.

TUFFNUT

Oh great. Who let him in?

Stoick frowns. Does Hiccup have to deal with comments like that daily? ‘He doesn’t seem surprised hearing it.’

GOBBER
Let’s get started! The recruit who does best will win the honor of killing his first dragon in front of the entire village.

SNOTLOUT

Hiccup already killed a Night Fury, so does that disqualify him or…?

The recruits LAUGH and chatter in the background.

TUFFNUT

Can I transfer to the class with the cool Vikings?

“Only one class, boyo,” Gobber cheerfully informs the teens, not realizing the sarcasm in the question.

Stoick’s frown deepens hearing the teens comments.

Gobber throws a supportive arm around Hiccup and ushers him along.

GOBBER

(cheery, in confidence)

Don’t worry. You’re small and you’re weak. That’ll make you less of a target. They’ll see you as sick or insane and go after the more Viking-like teens instead.

“You do realize that’s the exact opposite of what would happen, right?” Cassie asks.

“What do ya mean, lass?” Gobber asks befuddled.

“Any animal would instinctually go for the easier target.”

“Huh, how ‘bout that?”

GOBBER sticks him in line with the others and continues on toward five massive, reinforced doors. Terrible ROARS and BELLOWS issue from within.

GOBBER (CONT.)

Behind these doors are just a few of the many species you will learn to fight.

Fishlegs bounces and giggles with excitement, barely able to contain himself.

His parents chuckle good-naturedly. Their son was very enthusiastic. Fishlegs just flushes.

GOBBER (CONT.)

The Deadly Nadder.

FISHLEGS

(under his breath)

Speed eight. Armor sixteen.

Nadders trill with excitement.

GOBBER
The Hideous Zippleback.

FISHLEGS
Plus eleven stealth. Times two.

Smoke released into the room while the other heads clicked eagerly.

GOBBER
The Monstruous Nightmare.

FISHLEGS
Firepower fifteen.

The heat of the room flares briefly.

GOBBER
The Terrible Terror.

FISHLEGS

Attack eight. Venom twelve.

Terrors sing while a pair cuddle into Hiccup and Astrid’s laps begging for attention.

GOBBER

CAN YOU STOP THAT?!

“Thank you Gobber!” the teens shout.

(BEAT)

And… the Gronckle

FISHLEGS
(quietly; to himself)

Jaw strength, eight.

Gobber pulls a lever, raising the cross beam on the last of the doors.

SNOTLOUT

Whoa, wait! Aren’t you gonna teach us first?!

“Of course, he isn’t ‘lout!” Hiccup laughs. He’s all to use to Gobber’s teaching methods after years in the forge.

“I believe in learning on the job!” Gobber syncs with his counterpart on screen.

GOBBER
I believe in learning on the job.

BAM! A GRONCKLE thunders out of its cave, charging into the ring like an irate rhino. The recruits scramble in every direction. Except for Ruffnut and Tuffnut who rush toward it, like pumped-up rodeo clowns.

GOBBER (CONT.)

Today is all about survival. If you get blasted, you’re dead.

“Way to put it bluntly, Gobber.” Hiccup snarks.

Quick what’s the first thing you’re going to need?

HICCUP

A doctor?

Stoick snorts. “No son, that’s after.”

FISHLEGS

Plus five speed?

His parents sigh deeply.

ASTRID

A shield.

Astrid’s parents beam with pride.

GOBBER

Shields. Go.

The recruits scramble for shields, finding them scattered around the ring.

GOBBER (CONT.)

Your most important piece of equipment is your shield. If you must make a choice between a sword or a shield, take the shield.

Hiccup STRUGGLES to lift his. Gobber helps him and sends him running.

Snotlout snorts. “Nice going Hiccup.”

“Well sorry for knowing how to make shields, but not being taught the easiest way to pick them up in a panic!” Hiccup justifies. Stoick sighs. ‘I really haven’t done much for Hiccup have I?’

Ruff and Tuff stand amidst a dozen shields. But only one has a skull painted on it. They both grab it.

Everyone sighs. Oh boy, we all know what’s coming next.

TUFFNUT

Get your hands off my shield!

RUFFNUT

There are like a million shields!

TUFFNUT

Take that one, it has a flower on it. Girls like flowers.

“Now that’s just sexist man…” Many of the females glare at Tuffnut.

Ruffnut uses the shield to BASH Tuffnut in the face. He doesn’t let go.

Cheers are heard from a few women.

RUFFNUT

Ooops, now this one has blood on it.

The Gronckle takes aim at the distracted twins. BLAM! The shield is blasted out of both of their hands. Tuff and Ruff SPIN like tops and go down.

Their parents sigh, of course that’s how they get out.

GOBBER

Tuffnut, Ruffnut, you’re out!

TUFFNUT

(DAZED)

What?!

RUFFNUT

(CONFUSED)

What?!

The Gronckle scoops up a pile of rocks and SWALLOWS them back. The teens gather on the far side of the ring.

“Gobber, why didn’t you check to see if there was ammo for the dragons in the arena?” Stoick interrogates.

“It’s learning on the job, Stoick!”

Stoick sighs. ‘It does give practice for actual fights, but I really should pop in on training more often if situations like this show to be common.’

GOBBER
Those shields are good for another thing. Noise. Make lots of it to throw off a dragon’s aim.

The kids scoop up weapons and begin hammering on their shields. The Gronckle shakes its head at the clatter.

All of the dragons in the room shake their head as well. Toothless whines trying to cover his ears with his paws.

GRONCKLE’S POV – the teens targets become blurry and scrambled. It’s working.

“Whoa, weird.”

GOBBER (CONT.)

All dragons have a limited number of shots. How many does a Gronckle have?

SNOTLOUT

Five!

“Six!” all the teens yell out.

FISHLEGS

No six.

“Yes! Got it right this time!” that was Snotlout.

GOBBER

Correct, six. That’s one for each of you!

FISHLEGS

I really don’t think my parents would –

BAM! Fishlegs has his shield blasted away.

GOBBER
Fishlegs, out.

Gobber spots Hiccup hiding from the Gronckle’s molten slugs.

GOBBER (CONT.)

Hiccup, get in there!

“Gobber, if anything I was doing the best out of all of us…”

“Yes, but you need to get used to being in the action if you want to survive lad. You’re not always going to be able to hide.” Gobber justifies.

“That’s fair.”

ON ASTRID bouncing on her heels, ready to dodge a blast. Snotlout appears, trying to hit on her.

Sighs are heard throughout the theater.

SNOTLOUT

So anyway I’m moving into my parents’ basement. You should come by sometime to work out. You look like you work out –

She cartwheels out of the way, allowing a shot to shoot past her and hit Snotlout’s shield. He’s blasted onto his back.

“Son, the battlefield is not the time to flirt!” Spitelout chastises his son who hunches into his seat.

GOBBER

Snotlout! You’re done!

Astrid ROLLS to a stop beside Hiccup, who stirs awkwardly trying to look cool.

“Wait! Hiccup lasted longer than I did?!”

“You would’ve lasted longer if you didn’t flirt!”

HICCUP

(VOICE BREAKING)

So, I guess it’s just you and me huh?

“Hiccup’s flirting too!” Snotlout tries to justify to his father.

“Lad, you can tell that Hiccup uses talking to make himself feel more comfortable when stressed. If anything, he just doesn’t like the quiet…” Hiccup shrugs. ‘Eh, a bit of both, but we’ll use that explanation…’

ASTRID

No. Just you.

Astrid ROLLS away. A split-second later a lava slug knocks Hiccup’s shield clear off of his arm. Hiccup is exposed.

GOBBER
One shot left!

Hiccup panics and chases after his shield as it rolls across the ring. The sudden movement sends the Gronckle chasing after him, leaving Astrid in the clear.

“How come Hiccup wasn’t out?” Snotlout asks miffed.

“Eh, he’s my favorite.” Gobber shrugs.

GOBBER (CONT.)

(WORRIED)

Hiccup!

The Gronckle drives straight toward Hiccup, pinning him against the wall. It opens its mouth and cocks its tail, ready to fire point-blank.

Stoick shuts his eyes tight. He doesn’t want to see the sight of his son being killed.

Gobber lunges in and hooks the Gronckle’s mouth at the last second, causing its head to jerk back and fire against the stone wall above Hiccup’s head.

GOBBER (CONT.)

(rattled, but masking it)

And that’s six!

Stoick opens his eyes wide letting out a huge sigh of relief.

Gobber wrestles the irate Gronckle back into his pen.

GOBBER (CONT.)

Go back to bed, ya overgrown sausage! You’ll get another chance, don’t you worry.

“Hey Gobber? Were you talking to me or the dragon?” Hiccup inquires.

“Eh, could be both…” Hiccup gulps at that response.

Slam! Lock. Gobber turns to the recruits.

GOBBER (CONT.)

Remember… a dragon will always,

(with a stern look to HICCUP)

Always go for the kill.

He hoists Hiccup to his feet and walks off. Hiccup looks overhead to see a steaming pit in the solid stone wall.

“Always Gobber?” Hiccup smirks.

“Well, maybe not…”

Chapter Text

EXT. WOODS/HIDDEN COVE – DUSK

HICCUP battered after another disastrous day in the ring. He studies the remnants of the discarded bola… revealing that he’s back at the scene of the crime.

HICCUP

(MUTTERED)

So… why didn’t you?

“Do you have any ideas why lad?” Gobber was very curious.

“I’m not 100% sure, but I think he just saw something in me that was so similar to himself. To be fair to him I was also the first Viking to be kind to him in some type of capacity.” Hiccup replies.

“That actually makes a lot of sense,” Astrid comments. Seeing confused looks she continues, “Think about it. When you look at the two of them, they are extremely similar. Both are unique, Hiccup is not like anyone else in the village and as far as we know Toothless is the only Night Fury. I’m willing to bet personality wise they are similar as well, maybe even close in age, just to cover that base.”

Understanding appears on faces. Hiccup looks to Toothless who gives his signature gummy grin.

He drops the bola and presses on in the direction it flew off. He drops into a rocky crevice and follows it to an… ISOLATED COVE complete with a pristine spring pool. He scans the high stone walls… then notices a single black SCALE on the ground. He crouches and picks it up, studying it.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Well, this was stupid.

SUDDENLY, the NIGHT FURY blasts past him. Hiccup recoils, watching the massive beast struggle to climb the walls. It flaps violently, then peels away to a rough landing. The dragon is trapped.

Hiccup grins, excited to see it again, and slips closer. He watches as the dragon, exhausted and frustrated, leaps into the air, beating its wings furiously. Again and again, it rolls uncontrolled and CRASHES heavily.

Many look on in confusion.

As if remembering to snap a photo, Hiccup pulls a leather-bound book and flips past drawings of weapons to a blank page.

“Hiccup, you can draw?” Fishlegs asks.

“Of course, how did you guys think I planned all of my inventions?”

Gobber excited to show off his apprentice’s talent, pulls out a drawing of himself that Hiccup did when he was 10. Villagers passed it around, impressed at his skill.

He sketches the dragon quickly, desperate to record the image.

The Fury claws at the steep rock walls, trying to climb out of the cove. It SLIPS and falls hard, crushing several saplings. The Fury rolls back to his feet and slowly crawls to the water’s edge. He spots fish in the shallow water and snaps at them… but comes up empty. He lowers his head looking weakened.

Hiccup tears up, quickly hugging Toothless and hiding his face in his side.

HICCUP (CONT.)

(MUTTERED)

Why don’t you just… fly away?

A collective “huh” rolls through the theater. Hiccup just silently cries into Toothless’ side. Toothless croons at him dejectedly.

ON HICCUP as he spots the problem. He adjusts his drawing, carefully erasing one half of the dragon’s tail.

Gasps ring out. Astrid pulls Hiccup into a tight hug, Toothless curling around the pair.

He accidentally drops the charcoal stick. It rolls off of the rock outcropping that hides him from view and bounces into the cove. TINK. TINK. TINK. The Night Fury raises his head, spotting Hiccup. They exchange a profound, unflinching stare.

Hiccup looks back to the screen a small smile appearing on his face.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. GREAT HALL – NIGHT

A storm is brewing outside. The great doors rattle on their hinges.

GOBBER (O.S.)

Alright. Where did Astrid go wrong in the ring today?

`

The recruits are seated at a table, eating dinner by the glow of the fire pit.

Astrid cringes remembering what comes next.

ASTRID

I mistimed my summersault dive. It was sloppy. It threw off my reverse tumble.

Eye rolls from the group.

Hiccup squeezes Astrid’s hand in support. “You were hard on yourself, but with how we would be fighting for our lives I don’t blame you…” He tells her with a smile.

RUFFNUT

(SARCASTIC)

Yeah. We noticed.

SNOTLOUT

(grabbing Astrid’s hand)

No, no, you were great. That was so ‘Astrid’.

“Suck up.” Hiccup coughs. Snotlout glares, but Astrid is quick to return the look causing him to flinch back.

GOBBER

She’s right, you have to be tough on yourselves.

CREAK. All eyes turn to Hiccup, entering the hall, sheepishly. Gobber glares at him.

GOBBER (CONT.)

(glaring at Hiccup)

Where did Hiccup go wrong?

He tries to take a seat at the table…

RUFFNUT

He showed up.

“Then all of you failed…” Cassie states.

TUFFNUT

He didn’t get eaten.

“Neither did you.”

…but the recruits keep closing the gaps. Rolling his eyes, Hiccup sits at the vacant table next to them.

Stoick frowns. “Do they always treat him like that?” He looks to Gobber.

Gobber sighs, nodding. “Why do you think he spends so much time in the forge or the woods?”

ASTRID

He’s never where he should be.

GOBBER

Thank you, Astrid.

Gobber stands.

GOBBER (CONT.)

You need to live and breathe this stuff.

Gobber lays a giant book in the center of the table.

GOBBER (CONT.)

The dragon manual. Everything we know about every dragon we know of.

A RUMBLE of thunder shakes the hall. Rain pours down outside.

GOBBER (CONT.)

No attacks tonight. Study up.

Gobber EXITS into the storm, leaving the teens staring at the book.

TUFFNUT

(you’ve got to be kidding)

Wait, you mean read?

RUFFNUT

While were still alive?

“Um, how do you read if you’re dead?”

“Duh, in Valhalla.” Reply the twins.

“But you’d already be dead, possibly by something that you could have survived if you knew how to handle it.” Gobber deadpanned.

The twins just shrug while their parents shake their heads in annoyance.

SNOTLOUT

Why read words when you can just kill the stuff the words tell you about?

“That was the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard…” Cassie mutters. Spitelout sadly nods in agreement.

“Son, you can’t know how to kill the dragons if you know nothing about them…”

“’Course I can, I’m me! SNOTLOUT! SNOTLOUT! Oi! Oi! Ow!” Spitelout head slaps his son.

FISHLEGS
Oh! I’ve read it like, seven times. There’s this water dragon that sprays boiling water at your face. And there’s this other one that buries itself for a week…

“Honestly, hearing that would’ve made me more interested…” Cassie states. “When I first saw this, I wanted a copy to read myself, but then I saw the rest of the book and I wasn’t super interested anymore…”

“Me too.” Hiccup mutters.

The teens stare as Fishlegs goes on too long.

“We really need to teach you how to read the room, ‘Legs.” Astrid comments.

Fishlegs sighs. “I know, I just get rambling and I can’t stop.”

“And that’s fine. You just need some subtlety so it’s less awkward and winded.” Cassie gently explains. Fishlegs smiles at the two girls in thanks.

TUFFNUT

Yeah, that sounds great. There was a chance I was going to read that…

Astrid snorts “No there wasn’t.”

RUFFNUT
… but now…

Snotlout gets up to go.

SNOTLOUT

You guys read; I’ll go kills stuff.

The others follow, with Fishlegs in tow.

FISHLEGS

Oh, and there’s this other one that has these spines that look like trees…

“Well if they listen to Fishlegs even briefly they’ll get something at least…” Hiccup comments.

Astrid is the last to go.

HICCUP

So, I guess we’ll just share –

ASTRID

Read it.

She pushes it toward him and leaves.

“Sorry Hiccup…” She whispers to him. He smiles “It’s fine, promise.”

HICCUP

All mine then. Wow, so okay. I’ll see you –

SLAM.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Tomorrow.

SIGH.

Stoick looks on, sadness creeping in, seeing how Hiccup is treated. ‘Even his fellow teens treat him horribly. Well not Astrid, anymore… How did that happen?’

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. GREAT HALL – LATE NIGHT

ON HICCUP’S HAND

OPENING the massive book. Thunder BOOMS outside. The hall is vacant and dark, but for the few candles he’s pulled together. Hiccup pours through page after page of strange and frightening dragons.

HICCUP (V.O)

Dragon classifications. Strike class. Fear class. Mystery class.

The dragons look up curiously. It would be interesting to hear what information the Vikings have on them.

Hiccup turns the page.

HICCUP (V.O) (CONT.)

Thunderdrum. This reclusive dragon inhabits sea caves and dark tide pools. When startled, the Thunderdrum produces a concussive sound that can kill a man at close range. Extremely dangerous. Kill on sight.

“If I could I’d do the same thing if someone wakes me up from a nap,” Cassie comments. “They’re reclusive anyways, what’s the point of going out of the way to look for one?”

Hiccup’s eyes drift to a lurid illustration of decapitated Vikings.

Another page, another dragon.

HICCUP (V.O) (CONT.)

Timberjack. This gigantic creature has razor sharp wings that can slice through full grown trees…

“So, they would be fantastic for lumber jobs.” Hiccup remarks. “Just imagine how much faster production would be.”

Timberjacks look to Hiccup in consideration. Vikings look curiously at said dragons, thinking.

… extremely dangerous. Kill on sight.

And there goes the interesting thoughts.

The illustrations seem to take on a life of their own, shifting and squirming in the candlelight.

“Whoa. Do all books do that?” The twins ask, excited.

“YES! All books do that!” Their mother is quick to answer. Anything to get them to even touch a book.

HICCUP (V.O) (CONT.)

Scauldron. Sprays scalding water at its victim.

“Can you imagine having easy access to warm water? Baths would be heavenly.” Hiccup notes with a wistful sigh.

Many women nod along easily. That would be rather fantastic.

The men are less intrigued. Eh baths, not really all that great anyways.

Extremely dangerous.

The storm outside rages against the shuttered windows. Hiccup is startled but presses on.

“Man, the storm makes this really creepy.”

“Tell me about it, just living it was spooky.”

HICCUP (CONT.)

Changewing. Even newly hatched dragons can spray acid. Kill on sight.

“They would be great for defensive purposes,” Hiccup observes. “Imagine what they could do if we were attacked by the Outcasts.”

He begins flipping through the pages. A blur of dragons…

HICCUP (CONT.)

Gronckle. Zippleback. The Skrill. Bone Knapper. Whispering Death. Burns its victims. Buries its victims. Chokes its victims. Turns its victims inside-out.

“Whoa, how are you not reacting to how cool that is? Turns someone inside-out?” The twins ask.

“We have to see if we can do that… you’ll grab the tongue and I’ll grab up the-”

“OKAY! That’s enough of that.” Their father is quick to stop that train of thought.

Many cringe at what they had already heard.

 Extremely dangerous. Extremely dangerous. Kill on sight. Kill on sight. Kill on sight…

Hiccup finally lands upon the page he’s been looking for.

HICCUP (V.O) (CONT.)

Night Fury.

Toothless straighten in interest.

It’s BLANK – No image, save for a few, sparse details.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Speed unknown. Size unknown. The unholy offspring of lightning and death itself.

Toothless is quick to puff out his chest, clearly proud of the description.

“Ha! More like half-bat half-cat!” Hiccup roars with laughter. “Ah!” Toothless swipes at him with his tail.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Never engage this dragon. Your only chance, hide and pray it does not find you.

Hiccup pulls his sketchbook out of his vest and opens it to his drawing of Toothless. He lays it over the book’s blank page and considers it.

CLOSE ON the drawing of Toothless…

Fishlegs gasps, “Hiccup… you’ve made the newest discovery for the book in centuries… I can’t even…” He just stares at the screen in awe. Hiccup is thoughtful. ‘Imagine how they react when they actually see how different Toothless is from the book.’

Match cut to:

EXT. HIGH SEAS – DAWN

A painted DRAGON, with a sword run through it. It’s the billowing sail of Stoick’s ship. Stoick hovers over the familiar nautical map – his eyes on the uncharted corner, swirling in mist and illustrations of dragons.

STOICK

I can almost smell them. They’re close. Steady

“What does a dragon even smell like?” The twins ask.

“A dragon smells like a dragon.” Stoick shrugs. There’s no real easy way to explain that one.

“Oh.”

Stoick raises his gaze to… AN EPIC FOG BANK, towering from sky to sea like a bruised, daunting curtain, beyond which nothing is visible.

Sharp inhales are heard. It looked terrifying. Kids squeezed in close to their parents in fear.

The three ships drift alongside it, skirting its solid edge, looking for an opening.

ON DECK the crewmen mill nervously, all too aware of what Stoick is considering.

STOICK (CONT.)

Take us in.

The helmsman steers Stoick’s ship into the fog. The men draw their weapons, prepping for the worst.

VIKING

Hard to port… for Helheim’s gate.

The first ship disappears into the whiteout, followed by the other two.

A BEAT

Suddenly a flash of light. A silhouette of a dragon. Hollers. Sounds of splitting and shattering wood. Plunges into the water. Another bright flash.

Gasps ring out. Stoick is quick to comfort, “Everybody made it out fine, we just lost a ship.”

Sounds of relief follow promptly.

Chapter Text

EXT. TRAINING GROUNDS – RING – DAY

CLOSE ON a DRAGON painted onto a shield. Hiccup runs his finger over its outline.

HICCUP

You know, I just happened to notice the book had nothing on Night Furies. Is there another book? Or a sequel? Maybe a little Night Fury pamphlet?

“A Night Fury pamphlet? Really?” asked Snotlout incredulous.

“I’m surprised you even know what a pamphlet is, ‘lout” Fishlegs mutters.

KABLAM! A blast takes the axe head off of Hiccup’s hilt, leaving a smoking hole behind him. Hiccup YELPS and RUNS.

GOBBER (O.S)

FOCUS Hiccup! You’re not even trying.

CUT BACK to reveal a Deadly Nadder, loose in a maze-like arrangement of moveable walls.

The Nadder in question (Stormfly) perks up seeing herself on screen. She meanders up to sit near Hiccup and Astrid who are quick to make space. As she settles Astrid looks on appreciative, she’s always liked Nadders. They were graceful and dangerous, just like her. Slowly moving she lightly scratches the dragon’s head causing it to croon happily.

Hiccup smiles at the sight. Maybe he should properly introduce them later.

Gobber calls orders from above.

GOBBER (CONT.)

Nadders are quick and light on their feet. Your job is to be quicker and lighter.

The teens move in, stumbling over Hiccup and his unwieldy shield. The Nadder spots Fishlegs’ ample rear hiding behind a wall. It whips its tail of spikes. Fishlegs SCREAMS and lifts an entire wall to shield himself from the spray.

“Impressive, Fishlegs.” Hiccup comments.

“Thanks,” Fishlegs flushes. His parents beam with pride.

FISHLEGS

I’m really beginning to question your teaching methods.

“Only just beginning to question them? I’ve been questioning them for years!”

“Oi! My methods work, don’t they?!”

GOBBER

Look for its blind spot. Every dragon has one. Find it, hide in it, and strike.

Ruff and Tuff rush in, diving and rolling up to see the Nadder’s nose. The Nadder sniffs the air – it can’t see them. Tuff and Ruff are smashed together – too close for comfort.

Many sigh, they all know what’s coming next.

RUFFNUT

(WHISPERED)

Do you ever bathe?

TUFFNUT

If you don’t like it, then just get your own blind spot.

RUFFNUT

How about I give you one!

Ruff and Tuff SHOVE each other, till their movement and noise gives them away. The Nadder ATTACKS, SNAPPING at both of them.

“You two really need to focus, especially since you are in a near-death moment.” Gobber criticizes.

“But those are the best times to risk death!” protests Tuffnut.

“Yeah, that’s why we risk it so much!” Ruffnut chimes in.

“In all honesty, the twins were the best in this lesson,” states Hiccup, getting lots of doubtful looks. He continues, “Fishlegs backed out whenever he came close to the dragon, I was distracted the entire time, Snotlout… I’m not even doing to explain what went wrong there. The only one who came close to the twins was Astrid and even then, she had to deal with Snotlout and myself. The twins were the only recruits to actually find and get in the Nadder’s blind spot. Granted they weren’t there long, but they still accomplished the goal of the day.”

Everyone stared at him, and he shrugged. The twins may be how they are, but credit where credit is due.

Speaking of the twins they were looking at Hiccup surprised at his support. People tend to focus on their destructive tendencies, but they did actually try to do good. Praise was essentially a foreign concept to them.

The twins were curious now. Tuffnut was the first to speak, “Hiccup, can you answer a question for us?”

Hiccup was confused but nodded anyways. “Uh, sure…”

“What do you think of us?” Ruffnut asked, completely serious for once. Others look at the trio curious where this was going.

Hiccup was slow to answer, “Um… okay well, I think that the two of you are quite brave even though you tend to do stupid things. I mean you don’t even second guess yourselves when you do things and that’s amazing. Uh, I know you’re a lot more intelligent than you let on. Yes, you cause explosions, but that takes actual skill. I’ve heard you guys talking plans and they’ve sounded complex even to me.” He paused for a moment, debating if he should continue his thoughts. “One thing about you guys I wish I had was the bond you two have. To each other you are the most important thing in your lives. Even though you argue, they basically do nothing to your relationship and you two always come back together pretty quickly. I best way to explain it would be to compare you to a Zippleback… You’re two souls that are so close they’ve bonded and are essentially one being.”

The twins nod pleasantly surprised with the explanation. Many villagers look on, understanding of the twins’ relationship dawning on them.

GOBBER

Blind spot? Yes. Deaf spot? Not so much.

Hiccup wanders up to Gobber, while the others dart past.

HICCUP

Hey, so how would one sneak up on a Night Fury?

“Really? You chose to ask then?” Astrid asks Hiccup eyes narrow.

Hiccup shrugged, “If I had asked outside of training it would have been more suspicious than it already was.”

GOBBER

No one’s ever met one and lived to tell the tale. Now get in there.

HICCUP

I know, I know, but hypothetically…

ASTRID

(WHISPERED)

Hiccup!

She puts her finger to her lips and gestures for him to hide.  A moment later, the Nadder leaps over the walls, surprising them by landing in front of her. Astrid summersaults into its blind spot, confusing it. She rears back to strike – just as Snotlout LEAPS IN, protectively SWEEPING Astrid behind him.

“Lad, you are just asking to get hurt.” Stoick comments. Snotlout looks over confused. “When a lass clearly has the situation handled, you don’t step in, she will turn all the anger right on you.”

Gobber snickers, “Listen to him lad, he speaks from experience.” Many of the older Vikings laugh along remembering Stoick when he was trying to court Valka. Hiccup looks on softly smiling, he loved learning more about his mother.

SNOTLOUT

Watch out babe. I’ll take care of this.

ASTRID

Hey!

Snotlout MISSES. Astrid glares at him.

SNOTLOUT
(DEFENSIVE)

The sun was in my eyes, Astrid. What do you want me to do, block out the sun? I could do that, but I don’t have time right now!

The Nadder tears off after her, knocking down walls in pursuit. She leaps and dives like a highly trained gymnast. Hiccup wanders up to Gobber again.

Stoick sighs, “We need to work on your subtlety son.”

HICCUP

They probably take the daytime off. You know, like a cat. Has anyone seen one napping?

“I can confirm that thought! Totally, cat-like.” Toothless grumbles at Hiccup sharing his secrets.

GOBBER
Hiccup!

ASTRID

-Hiccup!

Hiccup spins around to see the maze walls collapsing like dominoes toward him. Astrid comes flying through the dust and crash-lands on top of him, laying him out in a limb-tangled mess.

TUFFNUT

Oooh! Love on the battlefield!

RUFFNUT

She could do better.

Cassie was curious, “Who exactly would be better than Hiccup? There aren’t any other boys in your age group other than the three of you and Astrid doesn’t really care for any… I mean Snotlout and Tuffnut annoy her to no end and, no offence Fishlegs, not everyone is obsessed with dragons as much as you. If anything, Hiccup is the best choice.”

Hiccup and Astrid flush crimson quick to look away from eachother. Stoick watches, pride for his son swelling as Cassie’s explanation goes on.

Cassie realizes she won’t be getting any responses. “Okay then, continuing…”

The Nadder closes in, emerging through the cloud of dust.

HICCUP

(struggling to untangle)
Just… let me… why don’t you…

The Nadder spins around and races back toward them like a Raptor. Astrid untangles herself and tries to pull her axe from Hiccup’s shield… which is attached to his limp, gangly arm. She PLANTS her foot on his torso and YANKS the awe free, still burrowed into the shield.

“That hurt you know…”

“Sorry, I was panicking.”

She SPINS and SWINGS the axe and shield, scoring a DIRECT HIT on the oncoming Nadder’s NOSE. It yelps and scurries off.

Astrid looks down to said Nadder lying next to her, “I’m sorry girl.” She scratches her head apologizing. The Nadder shifts over placing her head in Astrid’s lap, who looks on stunned.

Hiccup smiles at the duo. ‘Maybe I won’t have to do anything after all.’

GOBBER

Well done, Astrid.

Gobber hobbles off to wrestle the Nadder back into its cave. Hiccup gets to his feet – all eyes are upon him. He turns to find Astrid glaring at him, winded.

ASTRID

Is this some kind of a joke to you? Our parents’ war is about to become ours. Figure out which side you’re on.

She grabs her axe and stomps off. Hiccup watches, stung.

“Was that when you started questioning sides?” She wonders.

“Yeah, I was already confused that Toothless hadn’t blasted me to pieces, so I was obviously intrigued, but I didn’t fully commit until a while later.” Hiccup explains.

Stoick looks at his son, curious as to how much changed for him to accept dragons so freely.

Chapter Text

EXT. COVE – DAY

CLOSE ON

A shield with a dragon painted on it is shown between two rocks, slowly inching closer. Hiccup peeks over the top of the shield, looking around cautiously. He throws a fish on the ground waiting for the dragon. Seeing nothing, he peeks out of the corner of the rock and tries to move forward, only for his shield to get stuck. He slides under it and tries the other side, but again his effort is in vain. Defeated, he walks over to the fish and picks it up strolling deeper into the cove, an apprehensive look on his face as he steps closer to where he had last seen the Night Fury.

Pan around Hiccup as he walks with the fish in his hand. Behind a large rock, the Night Fury stalks him with its eyes, tail swishing like a hunting cat. The view switches behind the dragon showing Hiccup from its vantage point.

Stoick freezes. ‘Is this when Hiccup connected with the dragon?’

Many Viking tense at the scene, unsettled.

Hiccup thinks he’s heard something and turns before gasping as he sees the Night Fury slowly descend from its rocky perch with a low growl. As the dragon stops a short distance away, pupils more rounded. Hiccup offers it the fish with a fearful cringe.

Curious and starving, the dragon’s pupils round and it advances slowly, opening its gummy mouth to grab the fish. SUDDENLY, it spots something, rears back and GROWLS threateningly.

Sharp inhales ring out.

Stepping back in fright, Hiccup moves his vest to the side to reveal his DAGGER. The dragon shows clear dislike and backs away with a GROWL, pupils NARROWED and wings half-raised making it look bigger. As Hiccup lays a hand on the knife, it growls FIERCER, startling Hiccup further.

Still scared, hiccup slowly lifts the knife by the pommel and drops it at arm’s length away from him. Still not satisfied, the dragon jerks its head sideways and the boy complies, scooping the KNIFE up with his foot and kicking it into the lake. A SPLASH from the toss is heard.

INSTANTLY, the Night Fury’s behavior changes. It sits up, pupils fully round, and looks at Hiccup with an interested gaze. Its ear-frills are up and twitching slightly.

“Huh, it’s cute.” One of the twins mutter. Toothless covers his face with his paws, Hiccup giggles at the action.

Confused at the sudden change, Hiccup holds out the fish again. The dragon stares before crooning in interest as it slowly inchworms forward. As it opens its mouth, Hiccup notices that its missing teeth.

HICCUP

Huh. Toothless. I could’ve sworn you had…

SUDDENLY, a set of razor-sharp teeth emerge from its gums to grab the fish. The dragon snatches the fish from Hiccup’s hands, startling him, before tossing it in the air biting it into two pieces swallowing it down, licking its lips satisfied.

HICCUP (CONT.)

… teeth.

The teeth retract again. Hiccup stare at the dragon in awe.

“That’s awesome!” Fishlegs shouts. “Why are his teeth retractable? Is it to avoid getting hit when it makes shots? Or is it for a different reason?”

“I have no idea. I don’t know of any other types that have them either.” Hiccup shrugs.

The dragon presses closer with an expectant look, cooing for more. Hiccup nervously retreats, stumbling and crawling back.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Uh, uh, no. No, no. No… I – I don’t have anymore!

The Fury backs Hiccup against a rock, placing himself in the same position as before. The dragon closes in over him staring blankly.

“That was definitely the wrong thing to say. Although I will say that this was one of the best moments of my life…” Hiccup comments sighing happily.

“What do you mean, son?”

“You’ll see.”

Apparently understanding, the dragon begins to heave a little before regurgitating a chunk of fish onto Hiccup’s lap. Hiccup lets out a disgusted sound as the dragon sits back on its haunches, looking at him.

Fishlegs was turning green, “Please tell me you didn’t eat that.”

“Yes, yes I did and I it was the greatest meal I ever had.”

“Ugh, why?” Astrid questions.

“He offered me half of the only fish he probably had eaten in days. It was the start of how our bond grew closer.”

Stoick looks at the duo, clarity written all over his face. ‘Are all dragon like this?’

They exchange stares. Hiccup is wary and tense. The dragon is calm and serene. A few seconds pass, Hiccup calming, but still unsure of what to do. The dragon looks down at the chunk of fish and back up at Hiccup. Hiccup glancing down as well sighs in resignation. Psyching himself up, Hiccup takes a bite of the fish, but keeps himself from swallowing.

Thinking it satisfied, Hiccup offers the rest of the fish back with a closed-mouth smile. The dragon just looks on and swallows hinting at what to do. Hiccup slumps in defeat. Rolling his eyes to the sky Hiccup SWALLOWS and has to force the bite down his throat. He SHUDDERS in disgust.

The dragon licks its lips like it’s posing a question.

“Did he essentially just ask if you liked it?”

“Yup.”

Hiccup catches on, SMILING as proof he enjoyed it.

“Prepare yourselves for you shall soon be drunk on cuteness.” Hiccup grins. Toothless hid his face from the crowd, embarrassed.

The Night Fury looks at Hiccup confused, and slowly begins to open its mouth. The corners curve upwards as the dragon MIMICS a smile without teeth.

“AWE!”

“Look at it! It’s so cute!”

“Wait, he mimicked you when he figured out what it meant? That’s amazing! Has he learned other things?” Fishlegs shouts, wishing he had somewhere to write all of this down.

“Oh, I’m sure you’ll see.”

Hiccup sits up, AMAZED trying to reach out and touch it. The dragon growls, teeth out and flies away.

“A little too quick there, Hiccup.”

“I was excited, give me a break.”

The dragon lands on the other side of the lake and scorches the ground with a blue-white flame before settling down on the burns. A CHIRP catches its attention, and it looks up spotting a bird with its nest. It watches the creature fly away, sad.

The dragon turns to find Hiccup seated beside him. It tolerates his persistence until Hiccup attempts to tough his damaged tail. He SNAPS at Hiccup, who takes the hint to leave.

“And you say we have stubbornness issues.” Someone snarks.

“I never actually excluded myself from that comment!”

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. COVE – LATER

It’s MAGIC HOUR. The Night Fury wakes, HANGING upside down from a tree.

“And there’s the part-bat I was asking about.”

He spots Hiccup sitting on the other side of the cove sketching in the sand.

CLOSE ON a sketch of the Night Fury.

The Vikings look on impressed with Hiccup’s art, for just a sketch it’s very well done.

Hiccup is seen drawing with a stick, minding his own business. The dragon appears behind him, WATCHING. Aware of its presence, Hiccup continues, trying not to scare it off.

Getting an idea, the Night Fury walks off on two legs.

Giggles are heard at the sight of Toothless waddling away. Hiccup and Toothless just smile, nostalgic over what happens next. Astrid and Stoick watch the two, intrigued on how this friendship truly started.

Hiccup looks on in confusion as it wanders off. A SNAP is heard, and the Night Fury returns with an entire tree, drawing lines in the sand. He rushes here and there, making haphazard lines in every direction.

“What is it doing, Hiccup?” Gobber asks thoroughly confused.

“You’ll see.”

Finally, it drops the tree and inspects his work. He seems pleased. Hiccup stands up and takes in a sprawling scribble, amazed by it.

“Hey, it looks like Hiccup!” a kid yells out.

“Huh, I never noticed that” Hiccup turns to Toothless smiling. “Good job, bud.”

Stoick and Gobber look on amazed, the two of them were so alike while being so different.

He accidentally steps onto one of the lines, eliciting an instant growl from the dragon. He steps on it again. Another growl. Realizing how sensitive he is, Hiccup steps in between the lines, smiling. Hiccup continues walking around intrigued, turning round and round until he unwittingly bumps into Toothless.

Sharp intakes are heard from the villagers. Hiccup hugs Toothless’ head tight to his chest smiling.

Toothless snorts. One again they’re face to face. Hiccup slowly extends his hand. Toothless hesitates, softly growling, unsure. Understanding dawning, Hiccup turns his head away and closes his eyes. He extends his hand out leaving space for the Night Fury to make its choice.

The Vikings are on the edge of their seats. To give such trust to a dragon was unheard of.

To his amazement, Toothless softly bridges the gap and presses his muzzle against Hiccup’s hand. They both release a soft breath as one. Hiccup slowly turns his head back, eye’s full of awe.

Gasps ring out. This is a sight none of the Vikings had ever even imagined could be real.

Stoick and Gobber look at the pair captivated. If they weren’t seeing the bond between the two so clearly, they would never believe that the scene was real.

Astrid watches the duo with a soft smile, not wanting to interrupt their moment.

Toothless pulls his head back snorting, pupils NARROWING once again. In a flash, the dragon is gone, leaving Hiccup astounded.

The Vikings are still staring on with disbelief. To see a creature, they had only ever known as dangerous, be so gentle and clearly intelligent was astonishing.

Chapter Text

EXT. VILLAGE – NIGHT

Gobber and the recruits are seated at the top of an abandoned catapult tower, toasting campfire food around a roaring bonfire.

GOBBER
… and with one twist he took my hand and swallowed it whole. And I saw the look on his face.

(can’t deny it)

I was delicious He must have passed the word because it wasn’t a month before another one of them took my leg.

FISHLEGS

Isn’t it weird to think that your hand was inside a dragon. Like if your mind was still in control of it you could have killed the dragon from the inside by crushing his heart of something.

Everyone turned to Fishlegs, looks of bafflement apparent.

“What the hell…” Cassie whispers. “Just the idea gave me goosebumps and thoroughly confused me all at once.”

“Yeah, no kidding.” Hiccup mumbles. “Glad I wasn’t paying attention when this happened, I wouldn’t have slept that night.”

“Not that you did anyways…”

“What is she talking about lad?” Gobber queries.

“I’m sure you’ll see.”

SNOTLOUT

I swear I’m so angry right now. I’ll avenge your beautiful hand and your beautiful foot. I’ll chop off all the legs of every dragon I fight, with my face.

He postures to Astrid. She rolls her eyes.

“Now that just didn’t make any sense.” Cassie states.

“What are you talking about? That made perfect sense!” Snotlout is quick to defend. His father shakes his head sighing.

“Really? How do you chop anything with your face? I’d love to know how that works out for you.” She questions.

“Uh, well you just…” Snotlout sputters.

“That’s what I thought.”

“Also, did you seriously call Gobber’s hand and foot beautiful?” Hiccup asks, incredulous.

“Oi, watch it Toothpick!”

GOBBER

(with a mouthful)

Un-unh. It’s the wings and the tails you really want. If it can’t fly, it can’t get away. A downed dragon is a dead dragon.

ON HICCUP hiding his horrified look from the others. Gobber stands and stretches.

GOBBER (CONT.)

Alright. I’m off to bed. You should be too. Tomorrow we get into the big boys. Slowly but surely making our way up to the Monstrous Nightmare.

(playful, taunting)

But who’ll win the honor of killing it.

He hobbles off. The teens reflect.

TUFFNUT

(very matter of fact)

It’s gonna be me.

(BEAT)

It’s my destiny. See?

Tuffnut rolls up his sleeve to reveal a red dragon on his arm.

FISHLEGS

(GASPS)

Your mom let you geta. Tattoo?

“Absolutely not! You are in for a world of hurt when we get back home young man!”

“Ah, come on Ma!” Tuffnut whines as he’s pulled by his ear. His twin and the teens snicker.

TUFFNUT

It’s not a tattoo. It’s a birthmark.

Snorts ring out.

RUFFNUT

Okay, I’ve been stuck with you since birth, and that was never there before.

TUFFNUT

Yes it was. You’ve just never seen me from the left side until now.

“Of course, I’ve seen you from the left you idiot! We live together!”

SNOTLOUT

It wasn’t there yesterday. Is it a birthmark or a today-mark?

“Wow that was almost intelligent…”

Hiccup gets up and walks away from the group. Astrid watches him as he leaves the bonfire.

“I really need to work on paying attention around me.” Hiccup mumbles.

Astrid bumps his shoulder. “To be fair, I was actively not paying attention to the others, so I was easily able to notice and then I just got curious.” She explains.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. BLACKSMITH STALL – MOMENTS LATER

Hiccup enters a small room at the back of the stall. It’s covered in drawings of weaponry and scale models.

“Gods, how much stuff do you think of Hiccup?” Fishlegs asks.

“What do you think I do in the forge? We don’t make weapons every hour of every day. Also, when an idea comes to me I pretty much book it to the forge to at least get a rough design in just in case I forget later.”

‘I really need to see what Hiccup does more often…’ Stoick ponders.

He lights a candle and lays his sketchbook out on the desk, opening it to the drawing of Toothless.

“Lad, are you actually gonna make a new fin?” Gobber speculates.

“Mhmm. We can make prosthetics for people; I figure I could make one for a dragon. Especially since he’s crippled because of me.” Hiccup explains getting smacked by Toothless for the degrading comment.

“Boyo, if that works, I shouldn’t even call you an apprentice anymore. I can’t even figure out how to get something like that to work.” Villagers look to Gobber confused.

“What do you mean, Gobber?” Stoick presses for answers.

“Think about it, a dragon’s tail fin needs to constantly be able to change because of the wind. There’s give, let alone the fact that it needs to be open to even work.” Gobber explains.

Many look to Hiccup marveling at the idea that he could succeed. Hiccup shrinks into his seat while Astrid nudges him and Toothless looks smug.

Let’s just keep watching.” Hiccup mutters embarrassed.

With a look of determination. Hiccup picks up a charcoal stick and re-draws the missing tail.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. BLACKSMITH STALL – LATER

CLOSE ON

… a creaking leather bellows. The stone forge glows with every pump. Tongs pull intricate iron pieces from the coals. They’re dropped onto the anvil, twisted, lightly hammered, and dunked in a barrel.

The villagers look on amazed, they rarely get to see Gobber work, never mind ever seeing Hiccup. Gobber beams giddy with excitement while Stoick watches proud, pride bursting as his son’s skill is shared. His son had a gift. ‘If only I noticed more earlier.’

The pieces are carried to Hiccup’s workbench and laid out in place on a one-to-one schematic. It’s a sketch of a mechanical fin. As he constructs the fin Hiccup’s face is shown, focus evident in his eyes.

CLOSE IN

A fully extended fin, the final product. It is SNAPPED closed as Hiccup’s face is shown nodding his head in completion.

Chapter Text

EXT. HIDDEN COVE – DAWN

Hiccup arrives, winded, straining under the weight of a full basket. Toothless approaches, sniffing him.

HICCUP

Hey Toothless. I brought breakfast. I hope you’re hungry.

Hiccup drops the basket and kicks it over. Fish spills over.

“You actually named him Toothless? You could’ve named him something so much cooler.” Snotlout claims. Toothless growls easily getting agitated.

“It was something he responded to. It’s also symbolic for us.” Hiccup replies.

“Symbolic? How?” Fishlegs queries, intrigued.

“I’m the one person that Toothless have really connected with. Between the two of us we know that neither would hurt the other in any possible way unless there was an outside force. Him being ‘toothless’ means that he is unarmed in a clearly obvious way, meaning that he would never harm me.” Hiccup easily explains. Eyes light up with clarity.

“Huh. I would’ve never thought of it that way.” Hiccup flushes and hides his face against Toothless who looks smug.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Okay, that’s disgusting.

Toothless approaches, eyes lighting up excited.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Uh… we’ve got some salmon… some nice Icelandic cod… and a whole smoked eel.

Hearing the last one Toothless rears back screeching. Hiccup grabs it holding it up in front of him. Toothless snarls.

“He doesn’t like eel? Really? All this time and we just needed to keep a bunch of eels around?” Stoick gaps confused.

“Yeah, apparently dragons don’t like eel. I have no idea why though.” Hiccup comments.

“Although, there are a believe a few species that consider it a delicacy. So not all dragons can be repelled.” Cassie interjects.

HICCUP (CONT.)

No, no, no! It’s okay.

Hiccup is quick to throw the eel to the side. Wiping his hand on his vest after.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Yeah, I don’t like eel much either.

Toothless focuses on the remainder. With the dragon distracted, Hiccup unwraps his prosthetic fin and opens it like a fan.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Okay. That’s it. That’s it, just stick with the good stuff. And don’t you mind me. I’ll just be back… here. Minding my own business.

“You really need to work on your acting, Hiccup.” Astrid snickers.

“Eh, that was more for me. He wasn’t even paying me any mind; fish was more interesting for him.” Toothless shrugs at the comment. ‘Hey, I was hungry.’

Hiccup cautiously approaches the injured tail, but every time he gets near it, Toothless sweeps it away like a cat.

HICCUP (CONT.)

It’s okay.

Hiccup straddles the tail back to Toothless and works on strapping the prosthetic on. Toothless’ head juts up dropping the basket and slows his chewing to a halt. Toothless feels wiggles and tests his tail fin, wings and mouth dropping in shock.

Giggles ring out. “Oh, man I wish I had seen that face. It’s a good look on you, bud.” Hiccup snickers. Toothless smacks is head with a wing, grunting.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Okay… okay…

The dragon tenses, slowly spreading his wings. Hiccup fans out the fin checking it over.

HICCUP (CONT.)

There. Not too bad. It works.

Toothless BOLTS! He snaps his massive wings and takes to the air, carrying Hiccup with him.

“Why the hell did you hang on to him?!” Stoick questions scared.

“It was instinctual! I didn’t expect for him to fly out from under me!”

HICCUP (CONT.)

Woah! No! No! No!

Hiccup struggles to hold on to the tail. As the ground speeds away, Toothless immediately TIPPED into an uncontrolled bank and dive. They were going to crash. Hiccup sees the folded fin rattling uselessly in opposition to its flared counterpart. Flap as he may, Toothless can’t correct his trajectory.

Hiccup reacting out manages to YANK it open just in time. The flared, fan-like appendage catches the air, stabilizing the twisting tail.

HICCUP (CONT.)

(excited, terrified)

Oh my… it’s working!

Toothless arcs just short of the water and climbs… high into the air.

Sounds of amazement are heard throughout the room.

“Well, I’ll be damned. The lad did it.” Gobber says pleased with his apprentice’s accomplishment. Stoick looks on astounded. Just what was Hiccup capable of?

HICCUP (CONT.)

Yes! Yes, I did it.

Toothless glances back at the comment, noticing Hiccup busily holding the tail open while trying to hold on. The dragon FLINGS his tail and Hiccup goes FLYING skidding across the water.

HICCUP (CONT.)

AAAGGGHH!

He bounces across the water’s surface and takes a dive.

Without Hiccup to operate the tail, Toothless does the same, plunging in a massive cannonball.

Hiccup resurfaces, roughed up, but beaming. Toothless appears seconds later.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Yeah!

“Of course, you would be excited for a failure.” Snotlout tries to criticize.

“Hey, it was proved that the fin would work it just needed adjustments. That counts as a success. Also, I fell into water, that definitely a better fall than others we’ve had.”

Stoick glares at Hiccup. “Other falls?”

“Uh,” Hiccup gulps realizing his comment. “We were fine. No falls, definitely not.”

Astrid snorts. ‘Hiccup really needs to work on the acting.’

Villagers look on amused.

Chapter Text

EXT. TRAINING GROUNDS – MORNING

GOBBER (O.S)

Today is about teamwork. Work together and you might survive.

“Well, that’s reassuring…” Cassie mutters. Hiccup snorts noting the sarcasm.

ON A DOUBLE-WIDE DOOR. Gas seeps through the cracks.

“I have to admit that is an eerie sight.” Cassie comments.

“Imagine how it felt being there…” Hiccup states.

“Oh! Isn’t this the day Hiccup suddenly got good? Does that mean we get to see how he did it!?” Fishlegs starts to bounce in his seat giddy.

Stoick straightens excited at the thought of seeing his son excel.

It BLASTS OPEN. A cloud of smoke engulfs the ring, swirling around the paired-up teens. Astrid with Ruffnut. Snotlout with Tuffnut. Fishlegs with Hiccup. All carry buckets of water, poised to throw them.

“Why the hell did I pair Snotlout and Tuffnut? That’s a disaster waiting to happen.” Gobber questions very confused.

“I honestly don’t remember. I think we just quickly split after grabbing the buckets.” Astrid explains.

“He’s not wrong though, it did end badly for them.” Hiccup snorts at the memory.

GOBBER (CONT.)

Now, a wet dragon head can’t light its fire. The Hideous Zippleback is extra tricky. One head breathes gas, the other head lights it. Your job is to know which is which.

The smoke encircles them, cutting them off from each other. The teens LISTEN and WATCH for any sign of the dragon.

FISHLEGS

(muttering to himself)

Razor sharp, serrated teeth that inject venom for pre-digestion. Prefers ambush attack, crushing its victims in its…

HICCUP

(TENSE)

Will you please stop that?

“Sorry, I ramble when I’m nervous.” Fishlegs is quick to apologize.

“It’s fine, but it wasn’t helping.” Hiccup reassures.

“I’m more impressed that you got Hiccup to snap at ya. He’s the patience of a saint.” Gobber states. “Even the twins take a lot to break him.”

“Timing changes everything. I wouldn’t have snapped if was any other time.”

ON SNOTLOUT AND TUFFNUT

Moving nervously through the fog, back-to-back. Snotlout is singing to himself to calm his nerves.

“’Lout, you do know that singing made the dragon find you faster, right?” Hiccup asks.

“Oh, shut up! You didn’t do much better!” Villagers look at him incredulous.

Spitelout just sighs shaking his head.

SNOTLOUT

If that dragon shows either of his faces, I’m gonna –

(spotting an approaching shape, terrified)

-There!

Snotlout and Tuffnut HURL their water into the fog.

ASTRID

Hey!

RUFFNUT

It’s us, idiots.

Astrid and Ruffnut are soaked.

TUFFNUT

Your butts are getting bigger. We thought you were a dragon.

“You really are an idiot, boy.” Cassie says amazed at the stupidity. “You never comment about a woman’s figure.” Men are nodding frantically agreeing.

SNOTLOUT

(TO ASTRID)

Not that there’s anything wrong with a dragon-esque figure.

“And you just made it worse.” Villagers grumble in agreement. “Also, a ‘dragon-esque figure’? In a village where you kill dragons? That just wishing death on them.”

Snotlout blanches at the glares from Astrid and Ruffnut.

Astrid ELBOWS Snotlout in the face. Ruffnut DROPS Tuffnut with a PUNCH to the throat.

“You boys deserved that.” Stoick states. He learned that the hard way when he was trying to court Valka.

ASTRID

Wait.

They FREEZE. A tail SWEEPS out of the fog, taking them down. Their buckets spill.

ON FISHLEGS AND HICCUP coming across them. They see the puddles of spilled water.

TUFFNUT

Oh, I am hurt. I am very much hurt.

Snickers ring out. They’ve heard that phrase often enough.

FISHLEGS

Chances of survival are dwindling into single digits now…

HICCUP

Look out!

A Zippleback head emerges out of the smoke. Fishlegs hurls his water at it, completely dousing the head. It leers and opens its mouth, spewing gas into the area.

FISHLEGS

Oh. Wrong head.

GAS FLOWS around their legs. Fishlegs flees in a panic.

GOBBER

Fishlegs!

Beat. A clicking sound comes from behind them. Sparks flash in the smoke.

GOBBER (CONT.)

Now, Hiccup!

The other head sweeps out of the smoke. Hiccup hurls his water with all his might. It arcs and drops short of the dragon’s sparking mouth.

“How the hell did you miss! It was right in front of you!” Snotlout screams, hoping people will understand how disappointing Hiccup was proving to be.

“Well, I’m sorry that I’m the ONE teen on this island that’s never been taught to properly throw a bucket of water! You guys know how untrained I was!” Hiccup justifies.

Stoick frowns. ‘I really did just thrust him in without training, didn’t I? Shows how much I pay attention to my own son.’

HICCUP

Oh, come on!

Cassie snorts. “I absolutely love your sarcasm.” Many nods in agreement. Hiccup smiles.

GOBBER
RUN, HICCUP!

Gobber COVERS his eyes.

“You covered your eyes! WHAT THE HEL, GOBBER!” Stoick yells.

“I panicked!”

“It’s okay dad, everything worked out fine.”

Stoick looks around and sees the teens nodding; clearly, they knew things were okay. He settles down some, still unsure.

GOBBER (CONT.)

Hiccup!

Beat. The Zippleback hesitates. SNIFFS. Then retreats.

“What?” Stoick gasps.

“Just keep watching, Dad. I was fine.”

The teens get to their feet, watching transfixed. Gobber peeks through his fingers to see…

The Zippleback backing away from Hiccup. He stands and holds his hands out, as if controlling it.

HICCUP

BACK! BACK! BACK! Now don’t you make me tell you again!

The Zippleback retreats through its door and into its cave, hissing.

“I’m still confused…” Ruffnut mutters.

“Obviously, Hiccup has superpowers! What else could it be?” Her twin answers excited.

“Uh… no. It’s a lot simpler than that.” Hiccup corrects baffled at Tuffnut’s idea.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Yes, that’s right. Back into your cage.

Hiccup slowly OPENS his vest, revealing the spotted smoked EEL from earlier.

Sounds of clarity ring out.

“Out of curiosity, why did you bring the eel that day?” Astrid inquires.

“Just in case something happened like the first day. All in all, everything worked out.”

He TOSSES it inside the door, then SLAMS it shut.

HICCUP (CONT. Now think about what you’ve done.

Hiccup turns to the teens and Gobber. They stare, slack jawed.

“THAT’S MY BOY!” Stoick exclaims, socking Spitelout in the shoulder. “Always using his head!”

Gobber laughs. “It was such a shock. I don’t know how we thought it was anything else. We even found that eel later on.”

Meanwhile, Hiccup was as red as a tomato trying to hide. Astrid nudges him smirking while Toothless looks on smug at his rider’s performance.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Okay! So, are we done? Because I’ve got some things I need to…

Hiccup jogs out of the ring, past the speechless group.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Yep… See you tomorrow.

Astrid SNEERS. Something’s going on.

“I’m honestly surprised you were the only one that was suspicious. I would’ve thought at least a few others would have noticed.”

“Honestly, me too. I guess the techniques were just too mind-blowing to really think about it.” Astrid hypothesizes.

Many look to the screen keen on finding out what else Hiccup discovered. Stoick beams with pride, ready to watch his son outshine the rest.

Chapter Text

BEGIN MUSIC MONTAGE

INT. BLACKSMITH STALL – HICCUP’S CLOSET – CONTINUOUS

Hiccup cuts and stitches leather, draws and shapes steel. He works by candlelight. An overhead shot reveals what he’s building: a harness, complete with handles and foot pedals.

“Lad, you jumped from just a fin to a full riding set?” Gobber asks stunned. “If you can get that to work, I can’t consider you an apprentice anymore. I don’t even think I could figure out how to get that to work…”

Upon hearing that many villagers are confused.

“How difficult would that even be? Doesn’t seem like it would be hard at all. Just needs to connect to the tail and keep it open, duh.” Snotlout says, not thinking as usual.

Spitlout is quick to correct his son. “Boy, do you even know how a dragon’s tail works? The fin is constantly adjusting, it doesn’t just stay open. For Hiccup to even get the prosthetic to work he has to be able to change it pretty much continuously as the dragon does to either match or lead him.”

Stoick looks to his brother, honestly surprised at how smart the commentary was. Looking to Gobber he could see him nodding along quickly.

“Not only that, but Hic’ needs to figure out the easiest way he could keep changing the fin while in action be it by hand or something else. And he obviously has to be with the dragon for it to even attempt to work, hence the saddle.” Gobber expands. Snotlout and Hiccup both slouch in their seats, one embarrassed, the other well chastised.

EXT. COVE – DAY

Hiccup appears before Toothless, holding the new prosthetic. Toothless runs off as Hiccup chases him down.

HICCUP

Hey!

“Tag!” a young child shouts. “Mama can we play? Pleeeaaasee?”

Many chuffs are heard while a few baby dragons and Terrors walk up and start head butting kids. Parents start to pick up their kids startled.

“Don’t worry. I’ve found out all dragons absolutely love tag. I can’t tell you how often Toothless likes to play it.” Hiccup is quick to share. “Bonus is that it burns energy…” he whispers to the parents. Many parents relent and the kids take off to the back of the room.

All Vikings turn to watch the group. It’s a heartwarming scene. Giggles and happy chuffs clearly heard, smiles plain to see. Hiccup beams, proud at the sight.

Stoick looks on amazed. ‘We really don’t know the beasts at all, do we?’

20 minutes later has all the young ones tired and lazing back in their spots smiles still on their faces.

EXT. COVE – DAY

Toothless and Hiccup are zooming over the ocean.

“What! You’re flying already?” Gobber asks.

“Uh. No.”

The tail breaks free sending Hiccup flying.

HICCUP

Yeah! Whoa!

“Oh. I see.”

INT. BLACKSMITH STALL – LATER

Hiccup adjusts the harness and uses a metal clamp to affix himself to Toothless’ saddle.

“Good idea there, Hiccup.” The blacksmith commends. Hiccup grins.

EXT. SKY/FIELD – DAWN

Hiccup and Toothless zip through the air – his rudimentary harness and tail controls are working, barely.

“That doesn’t seem all that…” someone snarks (we all know who it is).

“Well, I had to know the basics of what could work before expanding on what would be easiest. A rope attachment made the most sense to start with.” Hiccup easily justifies.

They crash-land in an open field. Hiccup recovers to find Toothless still rolling around in the tall grass. Toothless writhes on his back, tongue wagging, in complete bliss.

“Grass? Why does he do that?” Fishlegs, ever curious, asks.

“I think it’s a different variation of the grass we know, since Toothless doesn’t react like that elsewhere. Anyway, I call it dragon-nip, like catnip, but for dragons.”

Vikings look on confused. Who knew a dragon could be subdued by something as simple as grass? Meanwhile, other dragons look on longingly. Stormfly, on the other-hand looks over at Toothless from her spot by Astrid and grunts in jealousy. ‘Lucky, him.’

EXT. TRAINING GROUNDS – MORNING

Hiccup grabs the head as instructed, then discreetly pulls a fistful of ‘dragon-nip’ and presses it up to the Gronkle’s nose. It immediately stops struggling and goes weak in the knees. Hiccup drops the handful of dragon-nip to the ground. The Gronkle goes down with it, whimpering and blissful.

“So that’s how you did it!” FIshlegs exclaims excitedly bouncing in his seat. “Oh! All your tricks are gonna be shown, aren’t they?”

Hiccup nods, smiling at his excitement. He always did get along better with ‘Legs than the others.

“Haha! That’s my boy! Smart one he is!” Stoick shouts. Hiccup now looks like a tomato.

From Gobber and the recruit’s point of view, Hiccup is controlling the Gronkle with no more than a limp arm.

EXT. WOODS – AFTERNOON

The recruits walk home together, surrounding Hiccup and bombarding him with questions.

FISHLEGS

Hey Hiccup, I’ve never seen a Gronkle do that before.

TUFFNUT

How’d you do that?

RUFFNUT

It was really cool.

He squirms and invents an excuse.

HICCUP

I left my axe back in the ring.

He turns and hurries back.

HICCUP (CONT.)

You guys go on ahead and I’ll catch up with you.

Astrid watches, suspicious.

“I’m still surprised you’re the only one who was dubious.”

“Me too. You didn’t even bring an axe that day.” She responds.

EXT. COVE – LATER

Hiccup is seen scratching Toothless’ side as the dragon arches into his hands. Hiccup moves his hand under Toothless’ chin, and he suddenly RELAXES and FALLS over. Hiccup looks at his hands confused.

“What just happened?”

“All dragons seem to have a weak point. Kinda like pressure points like we have.” Hiccup clarifies.

“So you can do that to all dragons? A good scratch and they become a happy, relaxed lump?” Stoick inquires.

“Pretty much. I’m sure you’ll see.”

EXT. TRAINING GROUNDS – LATER

An angry Deadly Nadder is approaches Hiccup. Just as Astrid moves into strike, Hiccup performs his special scratching, which sends the Nadder down. Astrid and the other teens look on from the sideline in amazement.

INT. MEADE HALL – CONTINUOUS

Hiccup sits down at a table to eat. The other recruits notice him and move over to his table to talk to him – leaving Astrid alone.

“Sorry.”

“It’s not your fault, Hic’. You obviously didn’t even try to sit with them and you're clearly uncomfortable.”

FISHLEGS

Hey Hiccup!

SNOTLOUT

What was that? Some kind of trick? What did you do?

TUFFNUT

Hiccup, you’re totally going to come in first, there’s no question.

“Jeez, it’s like you’re trying to get Astrid to kill me, Tuff’”

“I wouldn’t have killed you! Maybe punched you…”

“Would the kiss after be included?” Hiccup whispers in her ear causing Astrid to shiver. Blushing she shoves him away a bit as he snickers.

Honestly, he was surprised at himself for how bold that was. Meanwhile, Stoick watches discreetly, excited at the thought of the young couple.

EXT. COVE – LATER

A light is shown on the ground when suddenly Toothless POUNCES covering it with his paws. He opens surprised to not see it. Toothless claws and chases the light patch like a cat chasing a laser pointer.

Looking back, Hiccup is shown to be using a small hammer to create the patch, SMILING at the dragon’s antics.

Toothless looks to Hiccup, eyes narrowed. Hiccup smirks at him.

EXT. TRAINING GROUNDS – DAY

A beam lifts from the door of another dragon pen.

GOBBER

Meet the Terrible Terror.

A tiny, pint-sized dragon steps out and moves toward the recruits.

TUFFNUT

Ha. It’s like the size of my –

Tuffnut is taken down in a blur.

“I can finally finish that!” Tuffnut exclaims. “It’s like the size of my-”

“NO!”

“-head!”

Sighs of relief are heard.

“What did you all think I was gonna say?” Many look to him thoughts obvious on their faces.

“Oh! No! I mean, no one except Hiccup is that big!”

At that Hiccup flushes hotly burying his face in his hands.

Stunned silence.

Stoick is the one to break the shock. “So THAT’S where all my Vastness went!” Snickers ring out.

Ruffnut nudges Astrid, “Lucky you.” Now Astrid is flushed as well. Next to her, Hiccup groans, slinking further down his seat.

TUFFNUT (CONT.)

Get it off! Get it off! Oh! I’m hurt, I am very much hurt!

Hiccup stops the Terrible Terror with the same light-patch trick he used earlier with Toothless. The tiny dragon retreats back to its cage. The teens approach him yet again as Astrid looks on with suspicion.

TUFFNUT (CONT.)

(TO ASTRID)

Wow, he’s better than you ever were.

“Yup definitely getting me hurt…”

CUT TO:

EXT. FOREST – MOMENTS LATER

Astrid furiously hurls her axe at a nearby tree. She notices Hiccup walking by in the distance, carrying one of his trademark harnesses. She quickly tries to follow, but he loses her in the woods.

She HUFFS, frustrated.

“I was hiding behind that rock you know.” Astrid shoves him.

EXT. COVE – LATER

Hiccup straps a newly designed harness onto Toothless while he eats another basket of fish.

“That’s it! The boy’s no longer my apprentice, I can’t even think up anything like that. Never mind it even working!” Gobber says exasperated, yet clearly proud.

“Oh, I’m sure there’s still plenty you can teach me, Meathead.”

“Oi! Shut it, Toothpick!”

EXT. COVE – CONT

With Toothless tied to a nearby post with a rope. Hiccup rides him in the air – while stationary. Toothless looks like a giant kite tied to a tree stump. This harness seems to work.

EXT. SKY – MOMENTS LATER

The rope breaks and the pair CRASH into a tree. Hiccup’s face is red.

HICCUP

Oh, great.

“You’re stuck, aren’t you?” Gobber snarks. “Harness worked a little to well, huh?”

“Eh, we got it fixed.”

EXT. BERK – NIGHT

The streets are empty save for a lone Viking who crosses Hiccup’s path.

VIKING

Hiccup.

Hiccup nods, trying to look casual. Once the coast is clear, he covertly steers Toothless into the Blacksmith’s stall.

“How did you not see the dragon!” Stoick bellows.

“I’m sorry! Nothing seemed off!”

Toothless PRESSES himself inside, rooting through stuff and making a racket. Astrid, walking nearby, is alerted.

ASTRID (O.S)

Hiccup?

Hiccup FREEZES. Then frantically tries to pry the ring off the saddle hook. It won’t budge.

ASTRID (CONT.)

Are you in there?

Too late – she’s right outside.

ON ASTRID walking along the outside of the Blacksmith’s. Hiccup JUMPS OUT of the window and CLOSES the shutters behind him. Hiccup’s harness line is stretched through the window, still attached to Toothless’ saddle.

HICCUP

Astrid. Hey! Hi Astrid. Hi Astrid. Hi Astrid.

Stoick snorts. “Smooth, son.” Hiccup blushes.

“Gobber is quick to throw his friend off as well. “I don’t remember you being much better when you were around Valka, Stoick.” That causes, Stoick to flush, not unlike his son.

ASTRID

I normally don’t care what people do, but you’re acting weird. Well, weirder.

Toothless spots a nearby sheep and makes a move toward it. As a result, Hiccup is suddenly PULLED TIGHT against the window shutters. He STRIKES A POSE to compensate… then gets PULLED THROUGH the shutters. They snap back in Astrid’s face.

Astrid reopens them and finds nothing but an empty stall. In the distance, Toothless and Hiccup slip off unseen.

“Woah, that was cutting it close.”

“No kidding.”

“What’s next?”

 “I believe the ships are coming back, if I remember correctly.” Cassie answers. “Also, Hiccup makes an amazing accomplishment.”

Chapter Text

EXT. DOCKS – DAWN

A lone, battered ship is pulled into a slip, overloaded with equally battered-looking men. They disembark to a crowd of onlookers, looking like a team of hometown heroes who just had their butts kicked.

Gobber hobbles through the MUMBLING crowd to find Stoick – last to disembark and glowering with battered pride.

VIKING
Where are the other ships?

SPITELOUT

You don’t want to know.

“Before anyone asks, no one was killed. Surprisingly the dragons only targeted the ships in general, not the people.” Stoick was quick to assure.

“Of course they only focused on the ships, there was no reason to go for people. They just don’t want you guys to be able to return to the nest.” Hiccup grumbled.

Stoick lumbers past Gobber, leaving him staring at the trashed ship.

GOBBER

Well, I trust you found the nest at least?

STOICK

Not even close.

GOBBER

Ah. Excellent.

Snorts are heard throughout the room.

Gobber follows Stoick up the ramp and snags his duffle bag with his hook appendage, sharing the burden.

STOICK

I hope you had a little more success than me.

GOBBER

Well, if by success, you mean that your parenting troubles are over with, then… yes.

Stoick stops. What does that mean?

“Way to make it sound like I died, Gobber!” yells Hiccup angered.

“I definitely thought that was what he meant, son.” Stoick replies. Looking to Gobber, “We really need to work on how you state things, my friend.”

A group of merry villagers rush past.

VIKING #1

Congratulations Stoick! Everyone is so relieved.

VIKING #2

Out with the old and in with the new, right?

VIKING #3

No one will miss that old nuisance!

VIKING #4

The village is throwing a party to celebrate!

“Wow, thanks guys.” Hiccup deadpans. He slouches in his seat, curling up, clearly upset.

Villagers wince while Stoick glares all around.

Stoick is stunned, overwhelmed by the insensitivity. He turns to Gobber.

STOICK

He’s… gone.

“I swear, my heart had stopped I was so afraid.” Stoick pulls his son into a bear-hug. Hiccup easily reciprocates, needing comfort.

GOBBER

Yeah… most afternoons. But who can blame him? I mean the life of a celebrity is very rough. He can barely walk through the village without being swarmed by his new fans.

Stoick is doubly confused.

STOICK

Hiccup?

GOBBER

(BEAMING)

Who would’ve thought, eh? He has this… way with the beasts.

CUT TO:

EXT. SKY – AFTERNOON

Toothless and Hiccup soar through a perfect blue sky. Billowing clouds rise like mountains. The ground seems miles below them.

Sharp inhales ring out. Stoick clutches his son closer.

“Dad, I was totally fine, Toothless would never let anything happen to me. Besides this already happened.”

“Son, what were you even doing so high up? You could have fallen and died!”

“Right, well we were over water for that particular reason. As for why we are so high, well, we were learning how to fly.” Hiccup smiles wistfully.

“Learning to fly? Lad did you actually get the fin to work?” Gobber asks excited.

Hiccup motions to the screen. “Watch and see!”

HICCUP

Okay there bud, we’re gonna take this nice and slow.

Hiccup checks a leather cheat sheet, clipped onto his harness. Inscribed upon it are several tail positions and their pedal position equivalents.

“Smart. How long did it take to figure all those out?” Gobber inquires.

“Longer than expected, but easier than I believed it would.”

HICCUP (CONT.)

Here we go. Here we go… position three, no four.

He presses the pedal, looking back the fin is seen FLARING OPEN. Toothless easily matches the prosthetic. They roll off into an arcing bank, gloriously lit by the late afternoon sun.

“THAT THING’S AMAZING!” Gobber screams. “How in the world were you able to design that so easily! I mean the general concept is basic, which is clearly better than something more complex, but to be able to get it to work instantaneously with the pedal shifter in a thin enough frame along the dragon’s body? I would never have been able to get that to work! Lad, it’s safe to say I can no longer call you my apprentice, if anything I should be yours!”

Many turn to look at said boy, impressed once the explanation is given. Hiccup flushes bright red.

“To be fair, that was the only thing I was focused on. Normally I have multiple projects going on, but I was so hung up on getting the prosthetic right I put all my time into it.” Hiccup rambles a reply.

Stoick chuckles, “Son, no one else would be able to do anything like that. Take the complement.” He pats his son on the back, beaming with pride.

Hiccup tucks tight against his neck, thrilled that his new harness and vest are holding. The foot controls make the tail appendage quick and responsive. He watches Toothless’ every fluctuation, trying to match it with the prosthetic.

“Why in Hel would you need to watch the stupid dragon’s tail? You’re the one directing…” and there’s Snotlout trying to find fault in everything, as usual.

“Son, you do realize that Hiccup doesn’t naturally fly, right? He doesn’t know how to do it instinctively. The fact that he’s watching that dragon’s movements shows that he’s learning how the dragon flies, getting a feel for how he moves. I assume that all dragon’s must have their own preferred ways to fly, and even then, different breeds are shaped different. Yes, Hiccup is as you say ‘directing’ the dragon, but he still needs to know what exactly the dragon does on his own as he clearly knows what he is doing. If anything, Hiccup isn’t even in charge of the flight, he’s just the helping hand that may see a better option every now and then.” Spitelout is quick to correct his son’s stupidity.

Hiccup nods along, “He’s right, the main thing I was focusing on was that Toothless would be able to stay in the air and not freefall immediately. I’m an extension of him and him of me. He is the means of movement, I’m just the strategist.”

Understanding dawns upon many faces. Meanwhile, Snotlout hunches back down, brooding.

Hiccup sizes up a target – a towering arch of stone, rising from the sea.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Alright, it’s go time. It’s go time.

They dive toward it, lining up to pass through the arch.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Come on buddy. Come on buddy!

They zip through the arch. A perfect maneuver.

Cheers ring out. The Vikings are getting excited.

Stoick is beaming at his son, who’s nudged by Astrid smiling brightly.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Yeah! Yes, it worked!

The triumph is short-lived. They smack into one of several sea stacks as Hiccup tries to keep up with the turns.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Sorry.

They hurdle into another rock pillar. Toothless grumbles.

HICCUP (CONT.)

That’s my fault.

“See, Hiccup needs to learn how to move as the dragon would. Perfect example, there, Hiccup doesn’t know how the dragon would’ve avoided that and he needs to learn from said dragon how.”

Many nods are seen. Hiccup on the other hand is beaming, maybe now they would see how amazing the dragons can be.

Toothless swats him with his ‘ear’ plate.

Snorts and giggles are heard. Hiccup playfully swats at Toothless who in turn just licks him all over. Astrid looks over bursts out laughing at Hiccup’s disgusted expression.

“Ah! Toothless! You know that doesn’t wash out!”

Many look over surprised to see Astrid so carefree, her parents especially. They knew their daughter tended to be hard on herself, it was refreshing to see this.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Yeah, yeah, I’m on it.

(Referring to the cheat sheet)

Position four, no three.

They fly upwards, piercing the clouds. For the first time, Hiccup can see the whole of the island below them.

Many look to the pair. The sight of Hiccup so comfortable with a dragon, in the air no less! It’s a confusing, yet amazing sight. Vikings are meant to be on the ground, that’s how it’s always been. To see this one so comfortable in the air; No one understands.

A large SMILE is seen spreading across Hiccup’s face while Toothless is enjoying the wind in his face, TONGUE OUT SMILING as well.

HICCUP (CONT.)
Yeah! Go baby! Yes! Oh, this is amazing! The wind in my…

He spots the leather guide tearing free in the turbulence.

HICCUP (CONT.)

(PANICKED)

… cheat sheet! STOP!!

Hiccup grabs frantically for the airborne sheet…

HICCUP (CONT.)

No!

… and NABS IT before it’s carried out of reach. Toothless, however, obeys the command and suddenly STOPS beating his wings.

As they slow to a stop, Hiccup goes weightless. The rings of his vest float off of the harness hooks. Hiccup suddenly finds himself detached, free-falling. Toothless lets out a WORRIED ROAR.

Sharp inhales are heard. Stoick clutches his son to him tightly, Astrid gripping a hand fearful.

“Dad… can’t breathe…” Stoick loosens up some, Hiccup sucks in a breath.

“Please tell me you’re okay. Son, please.” Fear and worry are clearly heard, and Hiccup is quick to assure his father.

“I promise we make it out perfectly fine. Just keep watching.”

HICCUP (CONT.)
Oh gods! Oh no!

Without Hiccup, the tail loses control. Hiccup and Toothless spiral downward. Toothless FIGHTS to get back under Hiccup.

HICCUP (CONT.)

(trying to calm Toothless)

Alright, okay. You just gotta kinda angle yourself.

“Are you seriously trying to calm down the dragon!” that’s Snotlout, again…

“Well, it’s useless is he’s as panicked as I am! I have to try to figure out how to get back on him or we both would have died!”

Toothless tries and is seen SPINNING FRANTICALLY trying to level out.

HICCUP (CONT.)

No, no… come back down towards me. Come back down –

Hiccup extends his arms and legs, giving himself as much surface area as he can. He angles back towards Toothless as the tumbling dragon WHACKS Hiccup with his wing.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Agh!

Hiccup is sent back a bit clutching his face in pain. He’s quick to recover, putting the cheat sheet in his mouth to free up both hands.

Stoick clutches his son to him once again. Hiccup gently pats his father’s arm, understanding the fear.

After a few more misses, Hiccup finally GRABS HOLD of the harness and manages to lock in – just in time to pull Toothless out of his dive… barely shy of the treetops. Toothless’ wings OPEN like a parachute, buffering against the wind. They’re clearly moving fast; wind streaks are seen along wing points.

Toothless ROARS with worry. They careen past the wooded cliff and directly into a treacherous slalom course of jutting sea stacks.

Hiccup pulls the cheat sheet from his teeth and attempts to check the positions. It flaps violently in the turbulence, making it impossible.

“Come on boy, come on.” Gobber can be heard muttering. “You can do it.”

Most surprising is the reactions from the teens. Astrid is clearly worried, based off of the death grip she has of Hiccup’s hand. Fishlegs is huddled back in his chair covering his eyes. The twins on the other hand are excited, betting with each other of what Hiccup is going to do. Snotlout is surprised to find himself afraid. Yeah, he may pick on Hiccup a lot – okay all the time, but he is still his cousin.

Stoick is frozen with fear, staring at the screen praying to the gods that is son makes it out alive. He’s clearly forgotten that this has already happened.

With no time to think, Hiccup throws it away and steers Toothless’ tail on instinct… with perfect intuition. Together, they bear down DETERMINED. Hiccup flares out the tail, Toothless matching effortlessly quickly banking through the tight stacks. Another change and they are weaving hurriedly between pillars. Change again and they BARREL ROLL over a large boulder, just NARROWLY avoiding an upcoming stack. Finally, easily weaving through the remaining obstacles, making it to the open water, unscathed.

Cheers ring out, many jump to their feet with excitement, arms up in celebration.

“Haha! That’s my boy!” Stoick has his son lofted upon his shoulder grinning gleefully. Hiccup is red with embarrassment.

Once released Gobber hugs the boy, “Never could’ve done it better m’self.”

Next is Astrid, clutching Hiccup close, still shaking from the adrenaline. Hiccup hugs back slowly, smiling.

The rest of the teens rush over flooding Hiccup with praise and questions.

“Slow down, guys! Slow down. We still need to watch the rest of this… thing.”

It takes a while, but surely the people settle down back in their seats. The movie resumes.

Hiccup takes a breath and glances back at the death-defying obstacle course, now safely behind them. He beams, relieved. He sits back and throws his arms up in victory.

HICCUP (CONT.)

YEEAHHH!

Toothless concurs with a happy squeal and a plasma shot. Hiccup’s glee turns to dread as they fly directly into it.

ON HICCUP’S FACE

HICCUP (CONT.)

Ah, come on.

“Did you really have to do that bud?! That took forever to try and explain!” Hiccup questions his friend. Toothless snorts with an easy nod, grinning.

Hiccup shoves him. “Rude.”

EXT. BLACK SAND BEACH – SUNSET

Hiccup and Toothless lounge on a sprawling, deserted beach, snacking on freshly caught fish. As Hiccup cooks his over a fire, Toothless suddenly regurgitates a fish head.

“Eewww…” Many young kids grimace. The dragons on the other hand look longingly towards the fish pile.

 Hiccup smirks with forced politeness.

HICCUP

(gesturing to his fish on a stick)

Uh… no thanks. I’m good.

Several Terrible Terrors land like seagulls, hissing and nipping at each other as they approach Toothless’ pile of fish.

One grabs the regurgitated fish head and drags it away. Another attempts to steal it from him. They face off and blast fireballs at each other to settle the fight. Hiccup and Toothless watch amused. That is until…

Toothless spots one of his fish leaving the pile. A stealthy Terrible Terror is exposed as the thief. They tug on the fish, and it snaps back into Toothless’ mouth. He swallows it back tauntingly.

“You really need to learn how to share there, bud.” Toothless just ignores that comment. ‘It was my fish, no need to share.’

Irate, the little dragon paws at the ground and prepares to blast Toothless. He opens his mouth, the gas hiss comes, and Toothless fires a tiny flame straight into its mouth, causing the gas to backfire into the little dragon, inflating it briefly. It coughs up smoke and staggers away, looking ill.

Hiccup laughs.

At that, said Terror looks up excited and is quick to fly over to Hiccup. Upon arrival, Hiccup recognizes the Terror and bring him up into his lap scratching him expertly. Toothless grumbles playfully, then suddenly go boneless as Hiccup briefly reaches over to scratch him as well.

Many look over amazed at how easily Hiccup was able to settle the two.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Not so fireproof on the inside, are you?

Hiccup throws the hapless Terror his freshly cooked fish.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Here you go.

The appreciative little dragon gulps down the meal and approaches Hiccup cautiously. He curls up next to him. Hiccup is amazed.

HICCUP (CONT.)

(PENSIVE)
Everything we know about you guys is wrong.

Hiccup carefully pets him… sending the Terror into an immediate, blissful sleep.

“I stand by that statement. Every dragon I’ve interacted with only ever became aggressive when we did or if they were scared.”

The Vikings nod along. Slowly beginning to understand what Hiccup is talking about. They hunker down to learn more.

Chapter Text

INT. BLACKSMITH STALL – HICCUP’S ROOM – NIGHT

HICCUP is lost in thought, his head laid on a desk full of Toothless drawings. Burdened with the weight of the world. Suddenly, STOICK appears in the doorway. Hiccup jumps and quickly covers up his desk.

HICCUP

Dad! You’re back!

He skirts the bench, blocking Stoick’s view of Toothless, the prosthetic fin, and other drawings.

“Why are you so surprised to see him, Hic’?” Tuffnut asked.

“He’s never come to my place at the stall before, usually he only came to see Gobber.”

Stoick had to frown at that. Surely, he had visited his son at work before. Unfortunately, as he was going through memories, he began to discover that it was in fact true.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Gobber’s not here, so…

He strikes an awkwardly casual pose, trying to cover up as much as possible.

STOICK

I know. I came looking for you.

HUCCUP

(CAUGHT)

You did?

STOICK

(STERN)

You’ve been keeping secrets.

“Oh no…” Astrid mumbled. Hiccup is quick to take her hand to reassure her.

“It doesn’t go how you think it will.”

Hiccup’s legs give out. He slides, dragging the table’s contents with him.

HICCUP

I… have?

STOICK

Just how long did you think you could hide it from me?

Throughout the room tension could be felt, building and building in intensity.

HICCUP

(IN VAIN)

I don’t know what you’re…

STOICK

Nothing happens on this island without me hearing about it.

Tension continues to rise. Many are on the edge of their seats anxious.

The twins on the other hand were curious. “Do you really know everything on the island?”

“Yes.”

“Really? What about that time we…”

“Yes.”

“And when we…”

“Yes.”

“Huh. Cool.”

HICCUP

Oh?

STOICK

So.

(BEAT)

Let’s talk about that dragon.

“What? He knew?” someone yells from the back.

“This conversation is gonna be very confusing at first guys. Just keep watching.” Hiccup briefly explains.

Blood drains from Hiccup’s face.

HICCUP

Oh gods. Dad I’m so sorry. I was going to tell you. I just didn’t know how to—

Stoick starts laughing. Big, booming. Hiccup stares, baffled.

HICCUP (CONT.)

You’re not… upset?

STOICK

What? I was hoping for this!

“YOU WERE?!” rings out from all.

HICCUP

Uh… You were?

STOICK

And believe me, it only gets better! Just wait til you spill a Nadder’s guts for the first time.

“Oh...”

Hiccup and Stoick cringe at the memory of the rest of this conversation. Unknown to the two of them many are beginning to see more similarities between them.

Hiccup’s elated expression sinks.

STOICK (CONT.)

And mount your first Gronckle head on a spear. What a feeling!

Stoick laughs and smack Hiccup on the shoulder, sending him into the wall.

Hiccup winces at the memory, while Stoick scowls at himself. Was he always so rough with Hiccup?

STOICK (CONT.)

You really had me going there, son. All those years of the worst Viking Berk has ever seen! Odin, it was rough. I almost gave up on you!

“He wasn’t the worst!” Astrid bellowed. Hiccup just squeezed her hand tighter.

“Just let it go Astrid, he’s already changing since we’ve been stuck here.”

“Fine.”

Stoick, meanwhile, was ashamed of himself. He’s always struggled with talking before thinking things through but saying that to his son. To his face? That was one of the worst things he could have done.

“Hiccup… you know I don’t really believe that right?” Stoick had to ask.

“Before all of this, no I didn’t. Now, since being brought here and you getting to see everything? Yes. After all of this we’re getting better, Dad.”

Stoick beamed. There was hope after all.

“Just… whatever happens in this future-thing, remember I do love you, okay?”

“Thanks Dad.”

Hiccup gets back up, grimacing in the irony of it all.

STOICK (CONT.)

And all the while, you were holding out on me! Thor almighty!

Stoick grabs a stool and sits. His massive frame nearly fills the tiny room.

STOICK (CONT.)

(RELIEVED)

Ahhhhh. With you doing so well in the ring, we finally have something to talk about.

Pregnant pause. Hiccup averts his eyes nervously. Stoick adjusts, awkwardly clearing his throat.

“Awkward…”

“The two of them have always been awkward around one another. I’m surprised people don’t see it more often…” Gobber muses, entertained at the scene, trying to not think of what could happen next.

After a long, uncomfortable silence…

STOICK (CONT.)

Oh, I… brought you something.

He presents a horned helmet.

STOICK (CONT.)

To keep you safe in the ring.

HICCUP

(SINCERE)

Wow. Thanks.

Hiccup accepts it looking it over.

STOICK

Your mother would’ve wanted you to have it.

“That’s sweet.” Someone says.

STOICK (CONT.)

(HEARTFELT)

It’s half of her breast plate.

Stoick taps his own and smiles.

STOICK (CONT.)

Matching set. Keeps her close, y’know?

“Less sweet…”

“Oi! It’s not like I didn’t clean it! I’m not Gobber ya know!” Stoick was quick to justify.

“Oi!” that was Gobber.

“As weird as it is, the gesture was nice. Especially since I have so little of my mother’s. It’ll be nice to have something of her with me more often.” Hiccup tries to offer some support.

Many frown, realizing how little Hiccup truly knows about his mother. Stoick, meanwhile, is nostalgic remembering his wife and the precious time the three of them had together.

Hiccup eyes the mismatched helmets, grimacing.

STOICK (CONT.)

Wear it proudly. You deserve it. You’ve held up your end of the deal.

Stoick beams with pride. Hiccup squirms, He forces a YAWN.

HICCUP

I should really get to bed.

STOICK & HICCUP

(talking over each other)

Yes! Good! Okay. Good talk. See you back at the house. We should do this again. I’m- Great. Thanks for stopping- Glad I stopped by- I hope you- by. And for the… the uh, like the hat. Breast hat.

STOICK

Well… uh… good night.

Stoick leaves the room awkwardly, leaving Hiccup looking more burdened than ever.

“Wow, talk about awkward.” A villager mumbles.

“You know, you two are very alike.” Astrid mentions to Hiccup.

“What?” Both father and son ask confused.

“FINALLY! Someone else sees it! I’ve been telling you for years that the resemblance is uncanny between the two of them!” Gobber yells excited.

“What?” the duo is still confused.

“Let’s just keep watching, huh?” Cassie starts the film again.

Hiccup just hunches in his chair remembering what comes next.

Chapter Text

EXT. TRAINING GROUNDS – AFTERNOON

A Gronckle hovers above the ring, hunting victims as the teen recruits scramble. Astrid ducks behind a barrier to find Hiccup already there. She forces her axe at his throat.

ASTRID

Stay out of my way! I’m winning this thing.

“Sorry, Hiccup.” Astrid murmurs.

Hiccup squeezes her hand, “It’s all in the past. I know why you were like that.”

HICCUP

Please, by all means.

She darts off, CLOSING FAST on the dragon. The crowd above cheers her on.

VIKING IN CROWD

You got it Astrid!

Hiccup stands and looks around. Amidst the crowd of onlookers, Stoick watches keenly, beaming with pride. He locks eyes with Hiccup, giving him a nod of encouragement. Hiccup adjusts his new helmet and forces a half-hearted smile.

Unbeknownst to Hiccup, the Gronckle spots him and makes a beeline toward him.

“Hey Hiccup?” Fishlegs starts.

“Yes?”

“What did you do to the dragon? We couldn’t tell.”

“Oh! Just scratched it like before, Gronckle’s trigger point is lower than other dragons.”

“Oh, okay.”

BACK TO ASTRID

… as she catches her breath behind a barrier. She scowls, focused, determined.

ASTRID

This time. This time for sure.

With a FIERCE BATTLE-CRY she LEAPS from cover, axe cocked to throw.

ASTRID (CONT.)

Aaaaaaaaa….

And as she clears the barriers, she sees that Hiccup has already laid the Gronckle out.

ASTRID (CONT.)

….aaaaggGGGGHHHHHH! No! No!

Hiccup shrugs, as unhappy with the situation as she is.

ASTRID (CONT.)

NO! NO! SON OF A HALFTROLL RAT EATING MUNGE BUCKET!

“Wow, such language Astrid.” Hiccup snickers.

“A ‘Halftroll’?” Stoick asks good-naturedly.

“Uh… sorry chief.” Astrid mumbles.

“Ah, I know you were frustrated, lass.”

A loud CLACK ring out. From the crowd above, Gothi, the village elder, steps forward, tapping her staff. Everyone lights up excitedly.

STOICK

Wait! Wait!

HICCUP

So, later.

Gobber snags Hiccup as he attempts to leave.

GOBBER
Not so fast.

HICCUP

I’m kinda late for –

ASTRID

(LIVID)

What? Late for what exactly?

Stoick holds out his hands to silence the jabbering crowd.

STOICK

Okay quiet down. The elder has decided.

Thrilled, Gobber stands behind Hiccup and Astrid. He points to Astrid as the crowd waits in silent anticipation.

“Oh, boy. This was awkward for the two of us huh, Astrid?” Hiccup joked.

“For sure.” She agreed. “I was a bit intense though.”

“You got better that evening.” Hiccup says blushing.

Astrid flushes as well, Stoick and Gobber looks at the pair excited and curious as to what that comment meant.

Gothi shakes her head ‘no.’ The crowd ‘Ooohs.’ Gobber then points to Hiccup. The elder nods an affirmative ‘yes.’ The crowd erupts in cheers. Astrid turns a seething, deadly glare on Hiccup.

GOBBER

You’ve done it! You’ve done it, Hiccup! You get to kill the dragon!

STOICK

Ha, ha! That’s my boy!

Hiccup is hoisted onto the recruits’ shoulders and carried out to the cheering spectators…

HICCUP

(MASKING PANIC)

Heh, heh. Oh yeah! Yes! I can’t wait. I am so…

“Ugh… why did it pause?” Tuffnut asks.

“Well the next section is gonna be a tad stressful and I figured we could take a quick break just to calm down a bit before continuing.” Cassie explains.

“Hiccup? What does she mean?” Stoick questions.

“Um… well. Okay, so just keep an open mind to how I was feeling until we came to the theater and what we learn, please?”

Stoick lets out a breath. “Okay, just it’s… you’re okay right?”

“Yeah, yeah. Mostly.”

“Mostly?”

“Um… you’ll see, Dad.”

Astrid takes Hiccup’s hand in support. “It’ll be fine, he’ll see what’s important.”

“Yeah. This’ll be interesting.”

Chapter Text

EXT. HIDDEN COVE – DUSK

… leaving. We’re leaving. Let’s pack up. Looks like you and me are taking a little vacation, forever.

“Hiccup?” Stoick and Astrid are concerned.

“How did I not hear this? I was right there!” Astrid mumbles to herself. Unfortunately, Stoick hears her and gathers Hiccup tightly to him.

“Son? Were you really going to leave?”

“I mean, up until then I was pretty much always was ignored unless I supposedly did something chaotic. And then suddenly I was popular, but for something I wasn’t really doing. At that point it was the best thing I could think of doing without needing to kill the dragon.” Hiccup said cautiously.

“What changed your mind?”

“Astrid.” That caused said girl to blush deeply.

“Hiccup it couldn’t have just been because of me; you know what we saw.”

“Saw?” Stoick questions confused.

“Just watch, Dad.”

Toothless is nowhere in sight. Hiccup sets down his basket and opens it up, his head clouded with troubles.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Oh… man…

SHINK! Hiccup looks up to the sound of… ASTRID, sitting on the rock right in front of him, sharpening her axe.

HICCUP (CONT.)

(SHOCKED)

Aggh! What the –

(RECOMPOSING)

What are you doing here?

She hops off the rock and back him down, spinning her axe threateningly. Hiccup’s eyes dart around nervously, searching for Toothless.

ASTRID

I want to know what’s going on. No one just gets as good as you do. Especially you. Start talking! Are you training with someone?

“You know… I guess I was technically training with someone. That someone was just a dragon.” Hiccup chuckles.

“Huh. Guess so.” Astrid smiles agreeing.

HICCUP

Uh… training?

She grabs him by his odd-looking harness.

ASTRID

It better not involve… this.

HICCUP

I know this looks really bad, but you see… this is, uh…

They hear a RUSTLE coming from the other side of the cove. Astrid DROPS Hiccup to the ground and sets off to investigate.

“Oh boy. Here we go.” Hiccup murmurs.

“Wait. Do you remember what happened before we saw…” Hiccup flushes scarlet.

Astrid quickly follows. Queue more curious stares from villagers. Meanwhile Snotlout watches the pair, seething with jealousy.

HICCUP (CONT.)

(PANICKED)

You’re right! You’re right. I’m through with the lies. I’ve been making… outfits. So you got me. It’s time everyone knew. Drag me back. Go ahead. Here we go.

“Again, we really need to work on your acting, Hiccup.” The twins state.

“Eh… No real reason to get much better honestly.”

He puts her hand back on his harness, getting her to ‘drag him back.’ Astrid BENDS Hiccup’s hand backwards, driving him down.

“Oof, that’s some tough love, Astrid.” Ruffnut chuckles.

“Shut up, Ruff’!” Astrid’s face burns red… as does Hiccup’s.

Snickers ring out.

HICCUP (CONT.)

AAAUUGGGHHH! Why would you do that?

ASTRID

That’s for the lies.

Astrid pounces the hilt of her axe off of Hiccup’s laid-out body.

“That hurt you know.”

“Sorry…”

“It’s fine, I’m over it.” Hiccup assures.

ASTRID (CONT.)

And THAT’S for everything else.

Hiccup’s YELP is answered with a GROWL, coming from the other side of the cove.

“Oh, we forgot about Toothless.”

“At the time I was wondering where he was, normally he would be all over me as soon as I get close to the cove.” Hiccup explains.

“He almost scared me to Hel just suddenly appearing.” Astrid exclaimed.

“Oh, he was just worried for me.”

“I know, but he was still scary!” Astrid pointing at Toothless who just gives a gummy smile of innocence. Hiccup snorts at the sight.

Astrid looks up to see… A NIGHT FURY. Toothless pounces toward them, snarling.

HICCUP

(FEEBLE)

Oh man.

She dives onto Hiccup.

ASTRID

Get down! Run! Run!

Astrid pulls her axe, ready to take on Toothless.

“You’re actually defending Useless!” Snotlout yells.

“I may not have immediately liked him, but I didn’t hate him nor want him dead! He’s the heir, to want him dead is basically treason!” Astrid shouts standing defiant.

“Snotlout, you may be my nephew, but wanting my son dead or in danger is very different from bullying.” Stoick criticizes.

“Son, I may have been critical of Hiccup, but I would never want my nephew dead. I think anyone would’ve protected him in that situation even if he wasn’t the tribe heir.” Spitelout enlightens.

Many nods and sounds of agreement are heard.

HICCUP
No!

Hiccup knocks Astrid’s cocked axe to the ground, out of reach, then stops Toothless short of crushing her.

“Did Hic’ just disarm Astrid? Successfully?” Ruffnut asks Tuffnut.

“Hey, I can do techniques, they're just not always fluid enough to work.”

HICCUP (CONT.)

No. It’s okay! It’s okay…

Toothless pulls up short and lands hard, SPRAYING Astrid with sand.

HICCUP (CONT.)

(CALMING)

She’s a friend.

Toothless snorts in disagreement.

“Why does he not believe you? Other than the obvious stuff just then.” Fishlegs ponders.

“Um… well… whenever I was with him, I tended to vent a lot or just say stuff about my day. He was basically the only one listening to me so…” Hiccup stutters an explanation.

“Oh.”

Astrid is frozen. Toothless looks from her to Hiccup and back to her, confused.

HICCUP (CONT.)

(TO ASTRID)

You just scared him.

ASTRID

I scared him!?

Hiccup makes a “be quiet” motion.

ASTRID (CONT.)

(INTENSE WHISPER)

Who is him?

HICCUP

Astrid, Toothless. Toothless, Astrid.

“Oh, great job on introductions there Hic’.” Tuffnut snickers.

“Oh, let it go. There was literally no other way I could’ve made that less tense.”

Astrid backs away, eyeing Hiccup and Toothless together with pure disgust. She turns and RUNS for the village.

HICCUP

Da, da, da, we’re dead.

Satisfied with Astrid’s departure, Toothless turns away.

HICCUP (CONT.)

(TO TOOTHLESS)

Where do you think you’re going?

Snorts ring out.

“Oh yes, good job bud, she left therefore we’re fine…” Hiccup sighs. Toothless chuckles causing Astrid to giggle.

EXT. WOODS – MOMENTS LATER

ASTRID races through the trees. A large shadow overtakes her. She is suddenly SNATCHED into the air. Astrid SCREAMS.

Sharp inhales ring out, Astrid’s parents most worried.

“I was fine, no need to panic. It looks bad, but it really wasn’t.”

ASTRID

Oh great Odin’s ghost, this is it!

Hiccup and Toothless fly Astrid to the top of a towering pine. It bows and creaks under their weight as Astrid dangles a hundred feet in the air.

“HICCUP! She could have fallen!” Stoick exclaims.

“We would’ve easily caught her. We just needed her in a place where she couldn’t take off easily again.”

“Blackmail. I like it.” Tuffnut states.

ASTRID (CONT.)

Hiccup! Get me down from here!

HICCUP

You have to give me a chance to explain.

ASTRID

I’m not listening to ANYTHING you have to say!

HICCUP

Then I won’t speak. Just let me show you.

Hiccup extends a hand.

“Ooh being mysterious, aren’t ya Hiccup?” Ruffnut teases.

Hiccup flushes while attempting to disappear into his seat.

Stoick chuckles low, “Not even trying to flirt and he does fantastic.”

“Just like you were, huh?” Gobber nudges his friend.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Please, Astrid.

She eyes him and the dragon, then the ground far, far below. After a moment, she swats Hiccup’s outstretched hand away and reluctantly climbs over the pedal, lines, and harness. She settles behind Hiccup, avoiding as much contact as possible.

ASTRID

Now get me down.

HICCUP

Toothless? Down. Gently.

“Oh god. Why me?” Astrid mutters.

“Sorry ‘bout this…” Hiccup apologizes, Toothless rubs his head on her in apology as well.

“Don’t worry. It ended up being amazing.” Astrid reassures them.

Toothless leers mischievously. He spreads his wings slowly. With a WHOP, they fill with the updraft. Toothless releases the tree, tucks his legs, and HOVERS in place.

HICCUP (CONT.)

See? Nothing to be afraid of.

Toothless suddenly LAUNCHES straight upward. Astrid SCREAMS. The acceleration is tremendous. Every downbeat bucks the saddle, heaving them into the sky, doubling their speed like a rocket.

“Hey Hiccup? How fast is Toothless’ full speed?” Fishlegs, ever studious, asks.

“You know, I don’t think we’ve ever gone full out. We were mainly focusing on smoothing out the kinks of flying together.”

“So here is that close to how fast you have gone?”

“Nope, I’m pretty sure Toothless just pulled off some flashy stunts to make it seem faster and harder than it really is. Everything that happens in this upcoming part is actually pretty basic to do.”

“Cool.”

“It was terrifying is what it was.” Astrid interjects.

“Oh, I bet if I taught you how to do it on a dragon of your own, you’d say different.”

“Hmm, maybe.”

Astrid is thrown backward. She SCREAMS and hugs Hiccup for dear life, squeezing the breath out of him.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Toothless! What is wrong with you?! Bad dragon!

(mortified; to Astrid)

He’s not usually like this. Oh no…

Toothless ROLLS and PLUMMETS toward the coastline far below.

“From an outside perspective that looks really fun.” Astrid says. “If only I wasn’t the one hanging on for my life.” She glares at Toothless not completely serious.

“We could go on a flight like that if you wanted?” Hiccup offers.

“That was smooth.” Tuffnut mutters.

“I’d like that.” Astrid agrees smiling.

Meanwhile, Stoick and Gobber are beaming at the couple.

“He’s smoother than you ever were…” Gobber snickers.

“Yeah… HEY!”

Astrid SCREAMS. Toothless rockets over the ocean waves, deliberately dipping them in the froth.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Toothless, what are you doing?! We need her to like us!

Toothless rockets skyward and begins tumbling head over tail.

HICCUP (CONT.)

And now the spinning. Thank you for nothing, you useless reptile.

Snorts and giggles are heard.

“Man, I love your sarcasm, Hic’!” Tuffnut cackles.

Astrid nudges Hiccup’s shoulder, “You know, if you think about it, he did help you out.”

“Huh. I guess so.” Hiccup mutters giving Toothless scratches in thanks.

Astrid clamps her hand over her eyes.

ASTRID

Okay! I’m sorry! I am sorry! Just get me off of this thing.

Astrid is defeated, her aggressive energy gone. Satisfied, Toothless relents.

They level off and head up into the clouds. Astrid opens her eyes again and looks out over a world she’d never dreamed of. She reaches out and touches clouds. They pierce through columns ablaze in golden hues, and floats over a vast, alien skyscape. Her terror is replaced by wonder. She grins, despite herself.

Toothless rises above a blanket of clouds…

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. SKY – NIGHT

… and levels off under a starry sky. They emerge from a blanket of clouds under the dancing Northern Lights, shimmering in ribbons across the vast sky. Below them, Berk’s torches flicker in the inky darkness. The new perspective is breathtaking.

“Woah. Is that Berk?” Ruffnut asks.

“Yeah,” Hiccup sighs. “It’s an amazing view at night.”

Astrid tucks her arms into Hiccup’s vest, burying her chin into his shoulder. The moment is not lost on either of them. Hiccup smiles nervously.

“Damn, Hiccup has moves…” someone whispers. Hiccup slouches in his seat while Astrid flushes.

“I stand corrected. He does better than you did with Valka.” Gobber tells Stoick, snickering.

“Oh, I wasn’t that bad. Valka did marry me after all.”

“She got with you because she thought your attempts at flirting were cute despite how awkward you were.”

“Oh, shut up.”

Toothless climbs past Berk’s tallest peaks and heads out over open water, leaving the village lights behind them.

ASTRID

Alright I admit it. This is pretty cool. It’s… amazing.

(BEAT)

He’s amazing.

Astrid carefully reaches down and pats Toothless’ side.

ASTRID (CONT.)

So… what now?

Hiccup groans. It’s a problem without an answer.

ASTRID (CONT.)

Hiccup, your final exam it tomorrow. You know you’re going to have to kill…

(WHISPERED)
…kill a dragon.

HICCUP

Don’t remind me.

A strange, unearthly din approaches. Toothless’ ear plates suddenly stand on end. Panicked, he abruptly dives, dipping into cloud cover.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Toothless! What’s happening? What is it?

Toothless BARKS at him. ‘Quiet!’ Suddenly, out of the dense cloud, a Monstrous Nightmare emerges.

Sharp inhales ring out.

“Okay! So, I know this looks tense, but just relax, okay? It’s already happened, so just watch and learn.” Hiccup blurts out.

“Son?”

“Look it’s gonna get really scary and stressful. I just want you guys to watch and take in all that we learn. The less interruptions the better so we can all just focus on what’s shown.”

Nods of agreement are seen.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Get down!

Hiccup and Astrid duck. The Nightmare calls out. A Zippleback appears to the other side of Toothless, boxing him in.

ASTRID

What’s going on?

HICCUP

I don’t know.

(BEAT)

Toothless. You’ve got to get us out of here, bud.

Toothless HISSES. Other dragons, previously invisible in the thick clouds, appear all around them. HUNDREDS of them, all carrying fish and game in their talons.

The tension of the room can be felt steadily rising with all the anxiety from the viewers.

HICCUP (CONT.)
(WHISPERED)

It looks like they’re hauling in their kill.

The Zippleback eyes them ravenously.

Inhales are heard once again.

ASTRID

What does that make us?

The dragons BANK and dive in formation, plummeting through the thickening fog and weaving between towering, craggy sea stacks.

They emerge at the base of a massive volcanic caldera, glowing with rivulets of lava. The flock of dragons fall into rank, funneling through a crack, and zipping through a winding tunnel.

It gives way to a vast, steamy inner chamber, tiered with pocky shelves. Dragons of all breeds lay about, nested in hordes.

The arriving dragons fly in, dropping the fish and game into a central pit, glowing red and shrouded in mist. Hiccup is amazed.

HICCUP

What my dad wouldn’t give to find this.

Toothless peels away from the procession, landing on a small shadowy shelf to keep a low-profile. Hiccup and Astrid peek around, taking in the busy hive of sorts. They watch as the food continues to be dropped into the pit.

“What are they doing?” Fishlegs mutters.

“Shhh! Just watch.”

HICCUP (CONT.)

It’s satisfying to know that all of our food has been dumped down a hole.

ASTRID

They’re not eating any of it.

Last to arrive is a dim-witted Gronckle. It hovers over the pit and regurgitates his paltry contribution – a pathetic little fish. As it falls into the steamy pit, a terrible ROAR rings out.

Everyone, but Hiccup and Astrid, recoil at the roar terrified.

“5, 4, 3, 2, 1…” Hiccup mutters counting down to the horrifying beast.

The Gronckle tries to flee, but before it can, a gargantuan dragon head juts from the steamy pit and SNAPS it out of the air. Swallowing it back whole.

Hiccup and Astrid recoil, terrified.

“What in the Hel is that?” Stoick yells.

“That… that is the queen…” Hiccup slowly informs the people.

“QUEEN?!”

“Yes, queen. You’ll understand in a bit, Astrid and I figured it out.”

Shaky exhales are released.

ASTRID (CONT.)

What is that?

The monstrous beast SNIFFS the air, seemingly aware of them. It nears the ledge were Toothless is hiding… and ROARS. Several dragons take flight in fear.

HICCUP

Alright buddy, we gotta get out of here. Now!

Toothless takes flight, barely evading the monster’s snapping jaws. The behemoth dragon lunges for them, snatching a Zippleback out of the air instead. Toothless disappears into the winged exodus as thousands of dragons flee the caldera in fear.

“Oh, thank Odin… you got out.” Stoick shakily exhales in relief.

EXT. HIDDEN COVE – NIGHT – LATER
Toothless glides into the coves and touches down on the moonlit beach.

ASTRID

(her mind reeling, talking Hiccup’s ear off)

No, no, it totally makes sense. It’s like a giant beehive. They’re the workers… and that’s their queen. It controls them.

“See, we figured it out.”

“Makes sense, but what can we do? We can easily make peace with the dragons that raid us. That queen though? We’re doomed.” Stoick contemplates.

“That, I am unsure… maybe we this movie will show us what we can do.” Hiccup speculates.

“Um, I will say that this shows what you were set to do before I brought you all here. So even when you go back you could do potentially better, as I will be allowing you to remember this to better your futures.” Cassie explains.

“Wow, really? That’s great!”

“Yeah, I figured if everyone learnt all I did when I saw this, the information could help you guys in the long run.” Cassie states, easily remembering Stoick’s death. Maybe she could even get Valka reunited with the tribe as well…

She leaps off of Toothless and runs toward the village.

ASTRID (CONT.)

Let’s go find your dad.

HICCUP

No, no! Not yet. They’ll… they’ll kill Toothless.

(BEAT) (MORE)

Astrid, we have to think this through carefully.

Astrid eyes him, incredulous.

ASTRID

Hiccup, we just discovered the dragon’s nest… the thing we’ve been after since Vikings first sailed here. And you want to keep it a secret? To protect your pet dragon? Are you serious?

Hiccup stands firm, resolute.

HICCUP

Yes.

Astrid’s taken aback.

ASTRID

Okay.

“Wait, really? Just like that?” Snotlout challenges.

“Yeah, just like that. Honestly even if I had gone to tell anyone who would’ve believed me? And even then, we need a dragon to get there… Not only that but we don’t have the manpower, no matter how much we believe we do.” Astrid justifies.

“Another reason why you guys need to watch this… You’ll see how it would play out when you are unprepared…” Cassie clarifies.

“Fine.”

ASTRID (CONT.)

Then what do we do?

HICCUP

Just give me until tomorrow. I’ll figure something out.

ASTRID
Okay.

Astrid PUNCHES Hiccup in the arm.

ASTRID (CONT.)

That’s for kidnapping me.

Hiccup looks to Toothless for support. Toothless SNORTS, dismissive.

“Ha, nice Toothless.” The twins snicker.

Meanwhile, Astrid and Hiccup flush scarlet remembering what comes next.

Astrid grabs him. He braces for another hit. She KISSES Hiccup on the cheek.

“Whoo, my man!” Tuffnut celebrates.

Stoick smiles, nostalgic. ‘If only Valka was here to see this…’

ASTRID (CONT.)

That’s for… everything else.

In the awkward wake of the moment, Astrid hurries off… Toothless hobbles up, eyeing him.

HICCUP

What are you looking at?

Toothless snorts and shoves Hiccup into Astrid, who flushes. Hiccup coughs, awkward now that everyone has seen the memory. They shuffle apart some.

Gobber nudges Hiccup good-naturedly, “Told ya it would just take some time.”

“Gobber!”

Chapter Text

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 up for the event.

STOICK

(aloud to the crowd)

Well, I can show my face in public again.

LAUGHTER AND APPLAUSE

Hiccup flinches as the comment. Stoick is quick to gather his son in his arms, “Whatever happens and whatever I say… it’s because I don’t know what you’ve done and learned, okay? It doesn’t mean anything, son. We’re gonna do different, I promise.”

Hiccup exhales, shuddering but nodding weakly trying to hold himself together.

Stoick (CONT.)

(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!

(BEAT)

But here we are. And no one’s more surprised…

ON HICCUP standing at the entrance to the ring, listening, looking burdened.

Stoick gives his son a squeeze in apology to the speech. Hiccup is just trying to tune out the words, praying that nothing will go bad.

STOICK (CONT.)

… or more proud than I am. Today my boy becomes a Viking. TODAY, HE BECOMES ONE OF US!

“I am proud, you know?” Stoick whispers in his son’s ear. “You’ve done things I would’ve never even dreamed of doing. You’ve always been one of us… we just couldn’t see that.”

This does lighten Hiccup’s gloom some, but it’s difficult to believe after years of being told differently. Hiccup just burrows into his arms tighter hoping to block out everything. Toothless tries to help and cuddles close to his rider, hoping to support him in some way.

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.

ASTRID

(WORRIED)

What are you doing to do?

HICCUP

Put an end to this.

She eyes him, dubious.

“Oh gods, if it’s the plan I came up with for a lack of better options… this is going to go so horribly bad.” Hiccup mutters. Stoick begins to worry, well more than he already was. Just how badly would he react to his son’s plan?

HICCUP (CONT.)
I have to try.

(BEAT)

Astrid. If something goes wrong… just make sure they don’t find Toothless.

Toothless lets out a whine at Hiccup’s words, seeing how even the future Hiccup was preparing for the worst. He knew if anything happened to his rider, he would stop at nothing to get to him.

ASTRID

(GRIM)

I will. Just promise me it won’t go wrong.

“Gods, I can’t do that…” Hiccup sighs. Astrid grabs his hand for support, wishing everything would go as planned (however little she believed it would).

Hiccup can’t. Gobber approaches.

GOBBER

It’s time, Hiccup. Knock him dead.

Hiccup puts his helmet on and enter the ring.

ON THE TEENS. HOOTING and HOLLERING from the stands.

TUFFNUT
Show ‘em how it’s done, my man!

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

(MUTTERED)

Hrmph. I would’ve gone for the hammer.

Hiccup turns to face a bolted, heavy door. Take a deep breath.

“You really are preparing for the worst, huh?” Fishlegs asks.

Hiccup mutely nods, trying not to watch.

HICCUP

I’m ready.

The door bolt is raised. The crowd goes 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.

The tension of the room can, once again, be felt increasing with every second passing.

It spots Hiccup and descends, leering and licking the flaming drool from its lips.

The crowd goes 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.

Stoick sucks in a breath, he already can tell how he would react to the stunt… not well. He tightens his hold on Hiccup, fearing for the fallout.

The dragon pauses, confused.

ON STOICK, also confused.

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.

HICCUP (CONT.)

I’m not one of them.

Hiccup and Stoick wince simultaneously knowing just how well that line will be received. Many onlookers gape at the scene, stunned.

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.

STOICK

Stop the fight.

HICCUP

No. I need you all to see this.

The crowd gets restless.

HICCUP (CONT.)

They’re not what we think they are. We don’t have to kill them.

STOICK

I SAID STOP THE FIGHT!

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.

“Oh gods,” Stoick huddles his son tight to him shaking. “It’s all my fault. It’s all my fault.”

“Dad?” Hiccup checks fearful.

“It’s my fault you’re in that mess… that dragon’s gonna kill ya.”

“We can’t think like that… that’ll just make it worse.” Hiccup motions to restart the film.

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.

EXT. COVE – CONTINUOUS

ON TOOTHLESS

His ear plates shoot up. Panic flares in his eyes.

“Oh no, no bud don’t…” Toothless glares at Hiccup, scolding him. Of course, he’s going to get to Hiccup!

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.

“Astrid, what are you doing!” Hiccup yells.

“Giving you a fighting chance, idiot!”

Hiccup slouches down, now even more worried. “Oh gods, why did it have to get worse?”

EXT. COVE – CONTINUOUS

Toothless bounds to the cove walls, clawing them in desperation. It seems he’s trapped as before, but with an incredible BURST of effort he HOOKS a claw over the upper lip of the stone wall.

“No! No! This is just getting worse!” Hiccup wails.

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 on him.

EXT. COVE – CONTINUOUS

Toothless tears through the woods, bounding like a panther and taking to the air in short bursts.

“Come on, come on.” Stoick mutters, praying to all the gods that the dragon would get there in time to help.

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. 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.

Suddenly, a terrible ROAR pierces the din.

“Oh gods, oh gods, this is gonna end terrible. Why do the gods hate me?” Hiccup whines.

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 billowing smoke.

The Vikings rush to the 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.

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 tries to shoo Toothless away in vain. Vikings begin pouring, clambering through the enclosure and dropping into the ring.

HICCUP

Go! GO!

VIKING
Take it alive!

Stoick grabs an axe and charges into the arena. Astrid calls out to him, panicked.

ASTRID

Stoick no!

Hiccup lets out a high whimper, utterly scared and shaking like a leaf. He’s clinging onto Toothless as tight as possible, keeping him close. Toothless just curls around him, hiding him from the world.

“Gods, what are we doing! Tha’ dragon is clearly protectin’ ‘im!” a villager shouts.

“What people don’t understand, they fear. And when they fear something, they can react violently.” Cassie says, rather subdued.

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 (CONT.)

No, don’t! You’re only making it worse!

Stoick raises his hammer as he charges for Toothless. Toothless ducks and pounces on him. They tumble end over end.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Toothless! STOP!

He pins Stoick and inhales. The familiar hiss of gas builds. Everyone braces…

“NO!” Hiccup yells, frantic at the sight.

HICCUP (CONT.)

NO!

Toothless swallows back the blast and turns to Hiccup not understanding.

VIKING

Get him!

The crowd rushes him, piling on, and taking Toothless down. Astrid holds Hiccup back.

HICCUP

(DESPERATE)

No! Please… just don’t hurt him. Please don’t hurt him.

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!

His burning glare turns to Hiccup.

“Oh gods… no. Don’t do something stupid.” Stoick warns himself. “Please… don’t do something you’ll regret.”

Hiccup is a pale mess, shaking like a leaf, still deeply afraid of what is coming.

INT. GREAT HALL – DAY

ON HICCUP

Being shoved into the dank, dimmed hall.

“Okay, that strength was uncalled for…”Gobber mutters.

“What am I doing! I’ve never manhandled my son his entire life!”

“Anger can bring out the worst of anybody.” Cassie states solemn.

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 angered judgement.

STOICK

I should have known. I should have seen the signs.

“Signs?” Someone whispers.

“That gentleness, it’s all his mother. She was also very against killing dragons, she hoped to make peace with them somehow…” Stoick reminisces.

Hiccup looks up intrigued. His father rarely spoke about his mother, it was always a sore point in their lives.

HICCUP

Dad.

STOICK

We had a deal!

Gobber snorts, “Yeah deal… sure.”

“True, that deal was rather one-sided.” Cassie mutters.

Stoick winces at the memory.

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.

STOICK

So everything in the ring. A trick? A lie?

He stomps toward Hiccup. Stops short and points, fighting back words.

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.

Toothless whines rubbing close to Hiccup, who absentmindedly scratches his head.

STOICK

The dragon? That’s what you’re worried about? Not the people you almost killed?!

“That’s my fault though…” Stoick murmurs.

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! 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.

(BEAT)

There’s something else on their island dad… it’s a dragon like –

“Oh gods, why mouth, why? You don’t just say that!”

Stoick HUFFS.

STOICK

… Their island?

He stomps back… pointing an accusing finger.

STOICK (CONT.)

So you’ve been to the nest.

HICCUP

Did I say nest?

Hiccup goes silent – he said too much.

STOICK

How did you find it?!

HICCUP

No… I didn’t. Toothless did. Only a dragon can find the island.

“Stupid, stupid! Shut up me!”

Stoick GLARES. A moment passes, then an idea takes form on his face. His eyes flare. Hiccup watches, realizing. Stoick stomps toward the doorway.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Oh no. No, Dad. No.

Hiccup chases after him, panicked.

HICCUP (CONT.)

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 (CONT.)

Dad. Please. I promise you that you can’t win this one.

Nothing.

“Gods, Stoick, LISTEN TO HIM!” Stoick yells at himself on screen. Many are clearly in agreement.

HICCUP (CONT.)

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.

Sharp inhales ring out, tension rising and rising.

Icy stillness. Hiccup stares back, stunned.

STOICK

You’ve thrown your lot in with them. You’re not a Viking.

(BEAT)

You’re not my son.

A high-pitched whine is heard. Stoick turns to see his son pale-faced, tears pouring down his face. He’s quick to rush to his son and gather him in his arms, rocking him close.

“I don’t mean it son. I told you, don’t fret on what happens here. We’re gonna change it, I promise.” Hiccup cries softly, clutching his father’s vest tightly. “You’re okay… We’re gonna be okay, Hiccup.”

Stoick pushes through the door, leaving Hiccup alone, devastated.

STOICK (CONT.)

(CALLING OUT)

Ready the ships!

EXT. GREAT HALL – CONTINUOUS

Stoick staggers on the steps, breaking inside.

“See son? I’m hurt too. We’ll fix it, we’ll fix it.”

Chapter Text

EXT. DOCKS/OPEN SEA – DAY

Broken-down catapults and trebuchets are bundled up and lowered from the cliffs. Below on the docks, Vikings load the heavy artillery into the hulls of awaiting ships. Children and the elderly gather on the walkways to wave apprehensive farewells to the departing warriors.

Lastly, Toothless is loaded aboard Stoick’s ship, chained down to a palette, muzzled, and restrained with a weighty neck ring. He looks exhausted, miserable.

“Oh bud, I’m so sorry.” Toothless cuddles close to his rider for comfort, for both of them.

Many look at the pair, still amazed at the connection between the two. How could they be so close after such little time together?

Stoick crosses to the bow as the ship pushes off and joins the amassed armada of ships adrift in the harbor. Stoick’s brow is furrowed, all warmth drained away. He turns west and glares at the horizon with cold determination.

STOICK

Set sail! We head for Helheim’s Gate.

He then notices HICCUP watching from his familiar cliff-side perch beyond the village. Their eyes meet, full of hurt and regret. Hiccup slowly shakes his head in warning. Stoick breaks the stare and turns to Toothless, fuming.

“Why can’t you just listen you idiot?” Stoick mutters to himself.

STOICK (CONT.)
Lead us home, Devil.

ON HICCUP watching. He’s powerless to stop what is happening, but won’t leave.

DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. CLIFFS – LATER

ON HICCUP still standing there. The ships have cleared the horizon. CRANE UP to reveal Astrid is standing behind him. She approaches cautiously and stands beside him in silence.

ASTRID

It’s a mess.

Hiccup doesn’t respond.

ASTRID (CONT.)

You must feel horrible. You’ve lost everything. Your father, your tribe, your best friend.

“What the Hel, Astrid? Seriously?” Fishlegs asks scandalized.

“It’s the easiest way to get Hiccup to act. Blunt and upfront gets him to actually think, he’s been that way since we were kids.” Astrid reasons. Hiccup looks over to her rather surprised that she knew that.

“She’s right. When he’s not joking or being sarcastic, ‘iccup’s pretty blunt and straight forward.” Gobber stated supporting Astrid.

“Okay… guess we’ll see.”

HICCUP

Thank you for summing that up.

Snorts ring out at the heavy use of sarcasm.

HICCUP (CONT.)

Why couldn’t I have killed that dragon when I found him in the woods? It would have been better for everyone.

“Lad, you know tha’s not true…” Gobber chastised his apprentice.

“Yeah, I know… I’m really just grasping for ideas here… I think.” Hiccup mutters.

ASTRID

Yep. The rest of us would have done it.

“Tha’s true. ‘iccup’s special in that case.” Gobber beams. Stoick watches on proud of his son but upset of what has led to this self-doubt.

ASTRID (CONT.)
(BEAT)
So why didn’t you?

Hiccup just shakes his head – he really doesn’t know. Astrid’s eyes glimmer. She wants something.

“Wow Astrid, you totally know why he didn’t don’t you?” Fishlegs comments.

“Well, I think so…” Astrid says, “They really similar, you know? So, it makes sense that they wouldn’t kill each other.”