EXT. the
docks/berk - day
A battered ship looms through thick fog. Several Vikings tow
the mostly destroyed boat into the dock.
hiccup (v.o.)
Here on Berk we've always done things one way: the viking way.
Stoick jumps from the boat unto the dock and begins helping
the men tow the boat in.
hiccup (v.o.)
(continuing)
Since the dragons came the viking way has become,
well, the hard way.Unfortunately some people like my father still
refuse to change.
Toothless and Hiccup fly in and land at the end of the docks.
All the other vikings depart, except for Gobber and Stoick.
gobber
It's that rogue dragon again. That's the second boat this
week he's destroyed.
stoick
Well we lost another whole catch. He could have saved it if
we'd gotten there sooner.
hiccup
Well I know how you could have gotten there sooner.
Stoick rolls his eyes.
stoick
Here we go again.
hiccup
If you'd flown there on a dragon you could have been
there in five minutes instead of two hours. And you might even have
been able to chase that rogue dragon away for good.
Hiccup wave his hands as he talks, following he father down
the dock.
stoick
As the chief of Berk I do things the viking way. Not the
dragon way.
hICCUP
Well the viking way
Hiccup punctuates the words "viking way" with air quotes.
hiccup
(continuing)
is costing us a lot of fish and almost as many boats.
gobber
The boy's got a point. If you were on a dragon you could
protect this island from a lot of things. Even Alvin.
hiccup
Right! You-You could use a dragon to--
stoick
You're right Gobber. Alvin knows we have dragons. He'll be
back.
gobber
You saw what those dragons did. They had Alvin on the run.
Imagine if you were the one commanding them.
STOICK
I'm listening.
Gobber and Stoick walk down the dock, continuing
their conversation. Hiccup stands annoyed, behind where they were
previously standing.
Hiccup
But clearly not to me.
gobber
I can see it know. A proud chief ruling his domain
above aboard a fearsome fire-breathing reptile. Ooooh, it gives me
goosebumps.
Gobber shivers with a gleeful smile on his face.
hiccup
That's what I've been trying to--
stoick
Gobber's right.
Stoick turns to Hiccup.
stoick
(continuing)
I need to learn to fly. When do we start the lessons?
hiccup
(sarcastic)
I don't know, shouldn't we ask Gobber?
gobber
Eh, I don't really have a preference, but sooner is always
better. Don'tcha think?
Hiccup gives a annoyed look at Gobber.
ext. dragon
training academy - day
Hiccup crouches beside Toothless fiddling with the tail fin
peddles while Stoick watches.
hiccup
Alright, I've made a new stirrup so you'll be able to control
Toothless.
stoick
(to Toothless)
You hear that? It's me that supposed to be controlling you.
Stoick points at Toothless. Hiccup gets up and approaches his
father.
hiccup
Woah, woah, dad, Uh, before you get on a dragon you've got to
show him he can trust you.
stoick
He already trusts me. I'm his chief!
Hiccup give his dad a look that says "Are you kidding me?"
hiccup
Uh, it's very simple. Just give me your hand.
Hiccup extends his open hand towards his father.
stoick
I didn't come here to hold hands Hiccup.
Hiccup ignores his dad and grabs his fathers hand.
hiccup
(to Toothless)
It's so okay bud.
Hiccup extends his fathers hand out toward Toothless
and then steps out of the way. Toothless approaches Stoick. For a brief
moment he just stares at Stoick, but eventually he lifts his head to
meet the his hand.
HICCUP
You feel that?
stoick
Yup. Still dry and scaly.
Stoick retracts his hand.
hiccup
That's not what I meant.
stoick
Can I get on him now?
Hiccup gives his father a smirk that couldn't be more
fake and sarcastic if he tried. He gestures toward Toothless for Stoick
to get on.
STOICK
Alright, let's get on with this madness.
Stoick climbs on Toothless in the rider position, while
Hiccup climbs on behind him.
hiccup
We'll start out nice and slowly. Just give him a little nudge
when you wanna--
Stoick kicks Toothless not-so-gently, prompting Toothless to
roar and take off into the sky like a rocket.
hiccup
I said nudge!
stoick
That was my nudge.
Toothless' ascent climaxes and he dives back toward the
ground.
hiccup
Just remember, the tail controls everything.
stoick
I know that.
hiccup
Then why are you heading for that rock?
stoick
Because you're distracting me.
hiccup
Just let out the--
stoick
Tail! I know!
Stoick lets out the tail fin just in time to narrowly
avoid crashing into a massive rock. Stoick laughs as they pass over the
rock.
hiccup
Left. Left! No, no, the other left!
Toothless spins one way and then the other, out of control.
stoick
Dragon's fault.
They crash into a stone pillar and rebound off it.
hiccup
You gonna blame that on the dragon too dad?
stoick
Yup.
They pull into steep dive, plummeting toward the ocean at
alarming speed.
hiccup
Slow down!
stoick
I'm trying.
At the last possible moment Stoick lets the tail fin
out and they turn around, just skimming the tops of the waves as they
fly past.
sTOICK
See?
Hiccup
Actually no. No, I had my eyes closed.
Hiccup looks out past his father's shoulder to check their
approach to the cliffs. His eyes flare open in surprise.
hiccup
You're coming in to hard. Open the tail, with your foot.
stoick
I'm opening the tail.
hiccup
That's my leg dad.
They fly to low to the ground and Toothless crashes,
tossing Hiccup and Stoick and sliding to a stop on his back. Toothless
stands up and wanders weakly over to Hiccup. They make eye contact.
hiccup
(to Toothless; whispering)
I am so sorry.
Toothless' expression changes to one of rage as he watches
Stoick get up and attempt to leave.
hiccup
Dad, wait. Where are you going?
stoick
Nah, I'm done with this Hiccup. I've got a village to look
after.
Stoick walks away toward a steep,sheer vertical cliff
face. He looks up, and realizes he's now going anywhere without another
dragon ride. He sighs.
Stoick
I'll need a ride home.
EXT.
SKY/BERK - DAY
Toothless soars through the clouds. Behind them the vilage
can be seen fading into the distance.
stoick
This isn't the way home.
Toothless begins to gently spiral upwards.
hiccup
Just sit back and enjoy the ride. We are taking the scenic
route.
stoick
Right now my lunch is taking the scenic route into my throat.
Toothless levels out and they fly past rocky peaks.
hiccup
Dad just think about how much easier your chiefing can be on
the back of a dragon.
stoick
Well I prefer to be down on the-- Wait. What's going on over
there?
Below, we see a field full of yaks turned on their sides.
stoick
(continuing)
Some genius has been yak tipping again.
They fly past the field picking up speed. They spot
two vikings running and hiding behind a cart of barrels, which
Toothless destroys with a blast of fire. The culprits are revealed to
be Ruffnut and Tuffnut.
tuffnut
(to Ruffnut)
Be quiet. Maybe they don't see us.
stoick
Make that geniuses.
(to Ruffnut and Tuffnut; yelling)
I want every one those yaks back on its feet!
hiccup
Nice chiefing dad. Let's see what else we can get done today.
They fly past the mountain and spot some wild boar chewing up
a field of cabbages.
hiccup
Toothless, fire!
Toothless fires a blast of fire at the boars, scaring them
off.
stoick
Fire again dragon.
hiccup
Dad, the boars are gone.
stoick
Who cares? I like the sound it makes.
hiccup
(to Toothless)
Take us up bud.
(to Stoick)
There's something else I want you to see.
Toothless ascends in another slow spiral. They break
the cloud cover, finding themselves surrounded by azure skies and
fluffy pink clouds. Stoick watches in wonderment as a meteor shower
rockets past.
They leave the clouds and soar over Berk.
stoick
(breathless)
Woah.
(to Hiccup)
I've spent my entire life on Berk. Climbed its hills,
explored its forests, swam its waters. I've travelled every inch, but I
never thought I'd see it like this.
hiccup
It's beautiful, isn't it?
stoick
No, it's more than that Hiccup. Look at them.
Stoick gestures down toward the village. There isn't a soal
in sight, it's peaceful.
stoick
(continuing)
All of my people. Everyone is safe. It's a good feeling.
They continue to soar past the island, Toothless standing out
against the pink and purple sky.
EXT.
OCEAN/BERK - DAY
We fly swiftly over the ocean between rocks and stone
pillars toward Berk. We soar up a cliff and over the village, stopping
outside Hiccup's house.
INT.
HICCUP'S HOUSE - SAME TIME
Hiccup wake up, still sleepy. He yawns ans sits up, spotting
Toothless' empty stone bed across the room.
hiccup
Toothless? Toothless?
Still blinking sleep from his eyes Hiccup walks over
to the edge of his loft looking for Toothless downstairs. No Night Fury
anywhere.
EXT.
hICCUP'S HOUSE - SAME TIME
The door of the Haddock house swing's open to reveal
Hiccup. As he walks down the steps he is surprised to see his father
riding Toothless. They fly clumsily through the village, crashing into
multiple roofs.
Fishlegs and Astrid observe from elsewhere in the village.
Astrid
Was that--?
fishlegs
Unexpected? Disturbing?
astrid
Yup.
Toothless continues to struggle to fly, crashing into a few
more houses before finally landing in front on Hiccup.
hiccup
Uh dad, what are you doing?
Stoick dismounts a very exhausted Toothless.
stoick
Kicking butt and taking names that's what!
hiccup
Uh, on Toothless?
Stoick
Oh we've been all over Berk. Chiefing has never been so easy.
Toothless lays down for a nap.
hiccup
Ya but dad, uh, Toothless is my dragon.
Stoick pats his son on the shoulder and strolls past him
toward the house.
stoick
You picked a good one. Just came in to grab my hatchet. We're
helping Jorgensen break down a fence.
hiccup
Ya that's, that's great but you need to understand that
Toothless is--
Stoick turns around and starts walking back toward Toothless.
stoick
Oh you're right. I don't need my hatchet. Toothless can just
blow that fence down with a fire ball. Ha ha!
Stoick mounts Toothless. Toothless pleads with his eyes for
Hiccup to do something to help him.
hiccup
Don't worry bud. I can fix this.
Toothless gives a warbling moan and take off into the
sky again, to Stoick's delight. Hiccup watches as they disappear into
the sky.
Hiccup
See ya later, Toothless. I really hope.
Ext. berk -
day
A sounder of boars tear across the field, forced into
a new direction by Toothless' plasma bolt, with Stoick laughing in
gleeful triumph from his back. Attempting to escape the dragon on
their tails, the boars barrel through town, into the open doors of a
barn, where Gobber, Sven, and a woman wait. With the animals inside,
Gobber swings the doors shut, while Toothless and Stoick swoop behind
the building. Sven and the woman exchange impressed glances and wave
in gratitude.
sven
Thank you, Stoick!
Stoick offers a chiefly nod over his shoulder as he and
Toothless glide away.
stoick
(laughing, to Toothless)
Well done!
Ext. Berk -
day
Straining under the weight of the massive wagon,
piled with enormous barrels he's fighting to get up hill, a man misses
a stone on the ground. It catches on a wheel, knocking three of the
barrels loose. They disappear over the edge, leaving the Viking to
grunt in dismay. Stoick pops up from behind the cliff, on Toothless'
back, a barrel over each shoulder, while Toothless clutches the third
in his paws. They release the kegs over the wagon, dropping them in a
neat stack while the Viking waves, cheerful and relieved.
viking
Thank you, Stoick!
Ext. Sea -
late afternoon
The ocean teems with fish, just under the gently
lapping surface. Toothless dives toward it, firing a bolt that sends
and explosive splash and dozens of fish flying upward. Though looking
like he's had enough, Toothless swoops lower, allowing Stoick to catch
the falling fish in a woven basket.
ext. berk
- evening
Hiccup and Astrid stand on the steps leading to the
Great Hall, watching as Toothless struggles to drift back through town.
Stoick, oblivious to Toothless' fatigue, nudges him on.
stoick
Come on, Toothless, faster!
They glide between two houses, dropping the day's catch into
a small pen.
stoick
(encouragingly)
At a boy!
Drifting through one last circle, they finally land
in front of their home, Toothless barely able to hold his head up.
Rumbling in exhaustion, he glances up at Stoick, finally freed of the
weight on his back. Still oblivious, Stoick smiles, already planning
the next day's "adventure".
stoick
Same time tomorrow, Toothless?
Hiccup watches him pat the overworked dragon twice on the
head before striding lightly to the house.
hiccup
See that?
Hiccup gestures to Toothless, who already appears miserable
at the prospect of doing it all again tomorrow.
Hiccup (cont.)
That's what it looks like to be ridden all day by a four
hundred pound man.
His frustration over his loss of control is evident, but
Astrid urges him to make the most of it.
astrid
At least you got your dad on a dragon.
Hiccup
Yeah, now I just need to figure out how to get him off one.
astrid
Why don't you just give him the ol' "honey and the hatchet"?
She steps down to meet him, punching one fist into
the other hand in emphasis. Hiccup raises a questioning eyebrow,
unfamiliar with her suggestion, as the pair head down the steps.
astrid
You know, you tell him something he wants to hear,
that's the "honey" part, before you hit him in the head with something
he doesn't.
She enthusiastically models her words, slugging
Hiccup in the upper arm, smiling helpfully the whole time. Despite
rubbing the sore spot, Hiccup smiles back.
Astrid
You know, "the hatchet"!
Hiccup narrows his eyes, half teasing.
hiccup
Why does your advice always involve weapons?
Astrid smiles even more brightly.
ext.
haddock house
stoick
(calling)
Toothless? Toothless?
Searching the house, but unable to find Toothless, he
stumbles into Hiccup instead.
stoick
(to Hiccup)
Where's Toothless?
Hiccup spies Toothless silently hiding in the
rafters. Toothless thrusts his head forward, an unspoken plea for
help. Hiccup sympathetically scrambles for an excuse.
hiccup
Aaah, I don't know, but you...
He gestures exuberantly to Stoick.
hiccup (cont.)
...Look great, Dad! What is it? Are you, d-did
you do something with your beard?
Stoick stares down at him, privy to what he's trying to do.
stoick
Alright, you've given me the honey, now just give me the
hatchet.
Hiccup drops the act and goes straight for the point.
hiccup
Look, Dad, you can't just keep taking Toothless. He's mine.
He gestures possessively, while Stoick releases a heavy, but
accepting breath.
stoick
Alright. That seems fair. So... Find me one.
It's not the concession Hiccup was hoping for and confusion
takes over.
hiccup
Uh... Sorry?
stoick
Find me a dragon as good as Toothless. That shouldn't
be so hard for the "Head of the Berk Dragon Training Academy".
Hiccup's face falls, further dismayed with the bind his
father's new request, but his eyes shift a tiny bit, hinting at an idea.
ext. berk
dragon training academy - day
Hiccup and Stoick stand in the center of the ring,
surrounded by the other teens and their dragons, each ready to show off
their best.
hiccup
The finest dragon species on the island. They're all
represented at this academy.
He smiles, proud to show his father his work, right before
Snotlout's arrogant injection.
snotlout
But, the Monstrous Nightmare is the only one with the brawn
and prestige for men of our stature.
That catches Stoick's interests and he trails behind Snotlout
to learn more, leaving Hiccup looking a tiny bit wounded.
Snotlout
Hop on board.
Hookfang perks at the affectionate chin pat Snotlout gives
before launching into a sales pitch on his dragon's finer points.
snotlout
Feel the Monstrous Nightmare difference. And on
those cold winter nights, its whole body heats up. Just enough to keep
you cozy.
He strokes the dragon's neck, while and impressed Stoick
climbs on.
Snotlout
Lemme warm him up for you.
Hookfang responds to Snotlout's flick of his nose
horn, glowing red and glaring in irritation. Smoke wafts from behind
Stoick, as the sensation that something isn't right settles in.
Darting his eyes, he sniffs, trying to place it.
stoick
(screaming)
Daaahhh!!
Horrified at the realization that it's his own
smoldering pants, he bolts from the Nightmare, charging to the nearby
water trough, trailing smoke behind him. Sending a splash from the
tub, he sizzles while Hookfang looks around suspiciously and Snotlout
finishes his spiel.
snotlout
Now should I put you down for one? They come in an
assortment of colors.
Stoick narrows his eyes and growls irascibly.
It's Astrid's turn next, and she begins by gesturing to
chipper looking Stormfly.
Astrid
Just because she's beautiful, people think she's not tough,
but you should never underestimate me--
She beams smugly for half a second before catching her
mistake. She shakes her head, embarrassed and scrambles to rectify it.
astrid
Uh, her. Uh-ba, um... Us.
stoick
Well, she is a beauty.
Interested, Stoick steps forward to inspect Stormfly further,
hauling back and giving her a heavy handed pat on the nose.
Astrid
(panicked)
Be careful with the!
Stormfly immediately goes feral, lashing out with a
mouthful of fangs, pupils narrowed to slits. Stoick dives out of the
way, but not before she releases a volley of tail darts that stick in
the wall, outlining him as he himself with his arms. Snotlout seizes
the opportunity.
snotlout
Monstrous Nightmare's looking a little better now, huh, Chief?
Stoick
Next!
Busy with a fight, the Ruffnut and Tuffnut fail to
realize it's their turn. The twins shove and punch at each other,
while Barf and Belch watch in the background, quick to follow suit.
After a few failed attempts at biting each others' necks, the gaseous
head releases a thick, green fog. The other leans in, sparking at the
mouth, triggering explosive flames that dissipate into dense black
smoke. The air clears, revealing both heads singed and bewildered.
Stoick huffs impatiently.
Stoick
Next!
Fishlegs is all set to show off Meatlug, who's placidly
standing next to him.
fishlegs
Lemme tell you, what you're really looking for is
loyalty. A dragon who will be there for you no matter what. The last
face you see at night and the first face you see in the morning....
Meatlug looks up at him fondly, as Fishleg's gestures become
more emotional.
fishlegs (cont.)
...Warming your bed when it's cold outside...
Hiccup and Stoick stare at him, wide-eyed before exchanging a
slightly uncomfortable glance.
fishlegs (cont.)
...A shoulder to cry on when the world has turned its back on
you.
His face scrunches and his voice begins to crack, as if tears
are eminent. Meatlug leans in, absorbing the praise.
fishlegs
How could you not love a Gronkle?
Throwing his arms around her, presses his face to hers in an
emotional hug.
Stoick
Sorry, son...
He leans in breaking up the moment, as Fishlegs reluctantly
pulls away.
stoick
But I'm looking for a dragon. Not a mother.
He shakes his head and turns to Hiccup, resigned.
stoick
I haven't seen anything that can hold a candle to a Night
Fury.
Hiccup bristles.
hiccup
Me neither!
Hiccup's concern is evident and Toothless bounds to his side
in support.
hiccup
But Toothless is the only Night Fury on Berk. And he's mine
Keeping one hand on Toothless' neck, he gestures to
himself, hoping to break through to Stoick before his father tries to
claim his dragon forever.
Panting, he runs through the arena's open gate, stopping just
inside and motioning to convey the severity of the situation.
gobber
Stoick! Another boat is being attacked! It's the rogue dragon
again.
Stoick takes immediate charge, stomping forward toward
Toothless.
stoick
(to Hiccup)
Let's go!
Each of their feet reach Toothless' pedal at the same
time. They freeze in a momentary stare down, before Hiccup relents,
but his tremendous disappointment over his loss of authority is
palpable.
hiccup
Oh, right... What was I thinking?
Stoick mounts first, burdening Toothless, who does his best
to shake it off, while Hiccup angrily clambers up in back.
hiccup
(muttering to himself)
At least he blocks the wind...
Toothless pushes off through the open door, blazing across
the sky.
ext. North
Sea - day
A lone ship sits at sea, a dark shape circling it,
just below the water's surface. Fearfully trying to track it, Mulch
and Bucket edge along the ship's side, holding oars in preparation to
stave off an attack. The dragon explodes from behind them, bearing a
mouthful of teeth, drops of water raining from its wings. Mulch and
Bucket turn in terror, oars raised, as the Thunderdrum roars so
forcefully it tears down the ship's mast. They spin around, ducking
and doing all they can to protect themselves from the powerful blast of
sound. Toothless swoops in, with Stoick in command and Hiccup
attempting to peer over his massive shoulder.
hiccup
I don't believe it. A Thunderdrum! They say it gets its
power from Thor himself.
They advance, Stoick determined and Hiccup awed,
while the Thunderdrum continues its attack on the broken ship.
Completing the roar, it tearing back into the sky. Dropping closer,
they prepare for action.
STOICK
Fire a warning shot. Let him know we mean business.
hiccup
Toothless! Plasma blast!
The sky glows purple as Toothless' blast sails just
past the Thunderdrum. The rogue dragon ascends toward the sun before
furiously diving toward them in a game of airborne chicken. His maw
gapes, ready to release another fearsome roar, but Toothless shoots a
second bolt his way. He pulls back, plunging into the water.
Toothless drops from the sky, landing heavily on the boat.
hiccup
(urgently)
I think we scared him off, but we've got to get everyone out
of here.
Stoick climbs off, leaving Toothless momentarily relieved.
stoick
Come on, lads! We'll escort you back to shore.
You'll have no more--
A thick, spiny tail lashes out and grabs him, lifting
him effortlessly into the air before dragging him down into the water.
Bucket leans hysterically over the side.
bucket
No more what!?
Hiccup rushes forward in panic, frantically scanning the
water.
hiccup
Dad!
Bubbles float to the surface, and Mulch's hand lands on
Hiccup's shoulder.
mulch
Uh... Stoick can swim, right?
Hiccup glances up distractedly, just in time to see
the huge blue mass tear from the depths, Stoick clinging to it's
snout. They fall furiously, breaking apart as they crash on the deck.
Stoick
Oh, he's a fighter!
Clearly in his element, he punches the dragon,
sending it spinning across the ship. Momentarily dazed, the
Thunderdrum shakes it off, and charges in for another attack. Stoick
flails in excitement.
stoick
He's got spunk!
The Thunderdrum knocks him away with a powerful
headbutt. He falls into a pile of nets, spying them and grabbing one.
stoick
This is the one, Hiccup! I've found my dragon!
A net securely over the Thunderdrum's head, he forces
its enormous, still struggling mouth shut with the full weight of his
body.
stoick
Now, all you have to do is train him for me.
Hiccup gapes at the order, Toothless warbles sympathetically,
and the oars fall from Mulch and Bucket's hands.
ext. Kill
Ring - Day
Stoick and Hiccup stand before one of the Kill Ring
cages. Inside is the captured Thunderdrum. It snarls at them
through
the metal muzzle holding its mouth closed.
Hiccup grips the bars of the cage and peers
inside.
Hiccup
Sorry about the muzzle.
Stoick
Alright, let's get me on his back.
Times a wastin'.
Hiccup
(to Thunderdrum)
Now we just got to get one in his size.
Stoick glares down at his son.
Stoick
What was that?
Hiccup shrugs and glances to the side.
Hiccup
(innocently)
Nothing.
Hiccup steps forward, more serious.
Hiccup
Look. You have to approach him
properly, dad. Especially a dragon like this. He is one of the most
powerful dragons I've ever seen.
Stoick
That's why I picked him. They say his
roar gets its power from Thor himself! He's the god of thunder, you know.
Hiccup
(muttering)
So I've heard.
(to Stoick)
Still. You have to let the dragon
know you're a friend.
Stoick
(thoughtfully)
A friend, huh? Oh! Like me and Gobber?
Hiccup
Yeah, perfect! What did you do when
you two met?
Stoick suddenly lurches forward and
grabs Hiccup in a headlock. He roughly digs his knuckles into Hiccup's
skull as his other arm presses against Hiccup's throat.
Stoick
That's my wife your talking to, yeh
one-legged lout!
Hiccup gasps against the pressure to his
airway and Stoick releases him. Hiccup rubs his sore throat.
Hiccup
Not exactly the approach I had in mind.
(sighs)
Dad, what's real important is that you let
him know that he can trust you. You have to make eye contact.
Hiccup points to his eyes with two fingers.
Stoick shrugs. He appears to dismiss the information.
Stoick
Uh-huh. Sure.
Hiccup walks over to the cage lever
and pulls it down. The doors of the cage swing open and the
Thunderdrum prowls forward into the arena. Stoick holds his ground,
his hands on his hips.
Hiccup steps up to the two and raises his
hands between them in a peaceful manner.
Hiccup
(to Thunderdrum)
Stay calm.
(to Stoick)
Be gentle. And you'll know you've formed a
bond when he bows his head to let you climb on his back.
Stoick steps forward and lifts a
hand toward the Thunderdrum's snout. The Thunderdrum gives a low,
warning growl before it snaps at the outstretched fingers. The muzzle
keeps his mouth safely closed and Stoick snatches his hand back. He
observes the intact digits in shock. The he scowls. He punches the
Thunderdrum so hard the dragon is thrown back into the cage.
Hiccup
(alarmed)
Hey, Hey! Woah! What happened to trust?
Stoick
(pointing to the dragon)
Talk to him! He's the one who tried
to take off my hand!
The Thunderdrum charges from the
darkness of the cage and sails over Stoick in a bid for freedom.
Stoick grabs the tail before the dragon can fully make it past him.
Hiccup
Would you stop it, dad? This is not
bonding.
Stoick continues to pull against the tail.
Stoick
Ah! You got to show these beasts who's boss!
Using the tail as leverage, Stoick
throws the dragon against the ground. While the Thunderdrum is
stunned, Stoick leaps upon his back and takes a seat.
Stoick
Look at that, I'm on his back!
(looking back at Hiccup)
Any questions?
The Thunderdrum recovers from its
shock and takes off into the air. Hiccup watches from the ground as the
dragon swoops around the Kill Ring with his father on board. He ducks
as they sail a little too closely overhead.
Hiccup
Oh... too many to ask.
He ducks again when the Thunderdrum
flies back and straight out the open doorway of the Kill Ring. Stoick
maintains his grip on the dragon as they climb into the open air.
Stoick
(voice echoing)
Wah-ho! Easy! Don't you know
who I am?
They fly over Berk in a choppy, unsteady
flight.
EXT. Forge
- day
Hiccup
I talk to him... but my dad just doesn't
listen!
Gobber is fixing a Gronkle's tooth
problem just outside the blacksmith shop. The Gronkle's mouth is
propped open by a rope. Gobber's upper body is fully inside the
dragon's mouth.
Hiccup strolls around in the background,
lamenting his worries about his father.
Hiccup
It's like I'm wasting my breath.
From inside the dragon's mouth, Gobber's
eyes widen.
Gobber
I got it!
Hiccup
Thank you. At least somebody
understands me...
Gobber wrenches a rotten tooth from the
Gronkle's mouth with his plier appendage.
Gobber
I meant this. Nasty.
He looks back at Hiccup.
Gobber.
Now what were you saying?
Hiccup slumps forward with a frustrated
sigh.
Hiccup
Ugh! My father!
Gobber
Right! Stoick.
He reaches up to the rope holding
the Gronkle's mouth open and snaps it with the tooth still in his
prosthetic. The Gronkle moves its newly-freed jaw around and wanders
off.
Gobber
Let me explain something about
fathers and sons. It's a father's job to listen to his son without ever
letting on that he's heard a word.
Hiccup pears at Gobber, disbelieving.
Stoick (O.S.)
Hiccup!
Hiccup looks over and see his
father stumble against the forge with one hand pressed against his
back. He's dirty and scratched. Hiccup runs forward, worry on his face.
Hiccup
Dad, what happened?
He braces his father's side to give the man
more support.
Stoick
Ah, the beast threw me off and flew off to
Thor-knows-where.
Hiccup
Well can you blame him? All you ever
did was fight him!
Stoick waves a hand and grins.
Stoick
Dah! He loved it!
Hiccup
Yeah-apparently not.
Stoick
We can stand here arguing...or we can go
get my dragon.
He walks off screen. Defeated, Hiccup sighs
and follows.
EXT. Berk
skies - Sunset
Five dragons with their riders fly over
Berk. Stoick is atop Toothless, controlling the tail-fin. Hiccup is
behind him.
Stoick
Alright! We have to fan out and cover every
part of the island!
Hiccup
Ruffnut and Tuffnut, you take--
Stoick
You take the west side!
Tuffnut
(saluting)
You got it, chief.
Hiccup
(annoyed)
Can anybody even see me back here?
Ignoring Hiccup, Stoick jabs his finger at
the twins who have yet to do as he said.
Stoick
WEST SIDE!
The Zippleback dives. Stoick turns to
his right.
Stoick
Snotlout, to the north side!
Snotlout nods and banks right.
Astrid
Come on, Fishlegs. We'll take the east side.
Fishlegs
But-but it's allergy season.
Astrid
(warning tone)
Fishlegs...
Fishlegs
Not me. It's her.
He reaches down to pat Meatlug on the side
of her face.
Astrid and Stormfly turn to fly to the
east. Fishlegs follows.
Stoick glances back at the dispersing and
then turns to Hiccup.
Stoick
Well, your friends sure are an odd bunch,
but they sure know what they're doing on those dragons.
Hiccup.
Thank you. I think...
Toothless turns due south.
EXT. Sky
Stoick and Hiccup are still flying on top
of Toothless in search of the dragon.
Hiccup
Okay, when we find the dragon you might
wanna think about approaching him...differently.
Stoick continues looking for the dragon,
seemingly paying no attention to Hiccup.
Hiccup
Obviously he doesn't like being pushed
around so--
Stoick spies the Thundrdrum on a cliff.
It catches sight of Stoick and quickly retreats into a wall cave.
Stoick
(pointing eagerly)
There he is!
Hiccup
(deadpan)
And, once again, not a word got through...
Stoick directs Toothless to land in
front of the cave's mouth. He and Hiccup dismount and the snarling
Thunderdrum charges outside towards them. Toothless rears back at the
threatening action and roars. Hiccup raises a hand, calm.
Hiccup
(softly)
Settle down, bud.
Toothless calms instantly and walks to the
side to get out of the way.
Stoick
Let me handle this.
He reaches behind his back and pulls out a
mace from seemingly nowhere. He moves into a defensive stance.
Stoick
This dragon's mine.
Hiccup
Dad!
Stoick walks forward with his
weapon raised. The Thunderdrum, still muzzled, stands its ground and
growls. As Stoick approaches he spies a purple Thunderdrum inside the
cave. It's wing has a blackened mark upon it.
Stoick
There's another Thunderdrum in there.
Hiccup steps to his father's side
and peers into the cave as well. He immediately notices the labored
breathing and the injured wing of the dragon.
Hiccup
He's hurt.
Stoick
(shocked)
Well, he-he's protecting his friend. That's
why he's been taking all those fish.
(to Hiccup, stern)
Go get the others. And tell Gobber to get
ready.
Hiccup
Dad, I can't just leave you here!
Stoick
Go!
Hiccup knows it's pointless to argue any
further. He mounts Toothless and they take off to follow Stoick's
isntruction.
Stoick turns back to the Thunderdrum.
Stoick
Looks like it's just you and me, big fella.
He tosses his weapon aside and moves
towards the Thunderdrum with an open hand. The Thunderdrum gives a small
roar and glares.
Stoick
I want to help, trust me.
He tries to reach out to the dragon
again but the Thunderdrum roars again, this time to something off
screen. Stoick turns. Several red-eyed boars emerge from the dark
mists of the forest.
Stoick
Ah, they smell the blood of your wounded
friend.
Never taking his eyes from the
boars, Stoick slowly reaches down and collects the weapon he dropped
earlier. As soon as his hand closes around the handle the first boar
charges him. Stoick runs forward with a war cry and knocks the boar
aside. Then he strikes another and another. A boar jumps on his
back,
which he quickly throws into a rock wall.
Meanwhile, two boars skulk toward
the exposed and injured Thunderdrum. The tail of the blue Thunderdrum
lashes out from off screen and throws them far from its companion.
A boar manages to catch Stoick off
guard and tackles him to the ground. Stoick holds the squealing pig
away from his face long enough for the Thunderdrum to come to the
rescue and whip it away with his tail.
Stoick jumps back on his feet and
with another bellow returns to knocking around boars left and right.
He strikes one right off the cliff ledge and into the water.
The Thunderdrum is still agitated. It roars
at the forest where more boars are materializing from.
Stoick looks to the boars, then he
looks to the Thunderdrum. The Thunderdrum makes eye contact. In a
silent understanding, Stoick reaches out and allows the Thunderdrum to
close the distance. It places its nose directly in his palm, giving
him its sign of trust.
The boars are closing in. With one
hand, Stoick rips the metal muzzle from the Thunderdrum's face. The
dragon lowers its head to the ground. It accepts Stoick as its rider.
Stoick wastes no time in leaping on its back.
Together, they rise into the air and face
off against the boars.
Stoick raises a fist, signaling the
Thunderdrum to hold it's fire. The boars come even closer, gathering
before them, and Stoick throws down his arm. The Thunderdrum
understand the signal; it releases it's blast and the boars are thrown
wildly back into the forest.
Stoick
Aww look at us! We're bonded!
New roars sound in the distance. The
other dragons and their riders have arrived. Hiccup lands first.
Hiccup
What. Happened?
Stoick
(dismissive)
Ah, we battled a few boars, did a little
bonding...
The other dragons begin to land in the
background. Hiccup still can't quite to grasp the situation.
Hiccup
(skeptical)
You?
Stoick
Of course! There's something you should
know about dragons. It's all about trust.
Hiccup
(pleasantly surprised)
So you actually heard that?
Stoick
Yes. I just said it.
(he chuckles)
I listen.
Hiccup grins.
EXT. Berk
- Twilight
Toothless and the Thunderdrum
descend upon a clearing before the forge, each with a blanket end
gripped in their claws. Rested on the blanket is the injured
Thunderdrum. They settle the hurt dragon directly before Gobber.
Stoick
(to Gobber)
Take good care of him. He's a friend.
Gobber gives Stoick a thumbs up.
EXT. Berk
- Day
HICCUP (V.O.)
Eh, dad still does things the viking way.
From atop his dragon, Stoick points
to something off in the distance. His Thunderdrum pulls two ships
forward in the sea by a pair of ropes.
Hiccup (V.O.)
Fortunately, Toothless and I showed him
that the Viking Way can also be the Dragon Way.
With enough moment for the ships,
the ropes are cut and Stoick and the Thunderdrum fly off, free of the
burden. Hiccup and Toothless meet them in the sky. They share a look
before Stoick dives downward. Hiccup follows. Father and son race
forward, cutting around the rock stacks surrounding Berk in a playful
game and enjoying the gift of flight together.
