Written by Jim Cooper
Transcribed by Avannak, NotsospecialK, and Valkyrie the Archer
INT. GREAT HALL - DAY
Stoick and Hiccup stand proudly next to each other, posing for a painting. Stoick has an around around Hiccup's shoulder and a sword gripped in his hand. Hiccup holds a shield partially in front of his body. He looks up at his father and smiles.
HICCUP (V.O.)
Measuring up to a Viking father isn't easy.
The camera pans out and Bucket comes into the picture. He's standing behind an elevated, paint-smattered shield.
HICCUP (V.O.)
Especially when that Viking father is also the chief of your village.
Bucket has an uncharacteristic look of intense concentration on his face. He alternates between looking at his work and the father-son duo.
HICCUP (V.O)
So, when you get a chance to prove yourself, you jump on it.
Stoick breaks his pose to pat Hiccup roughly on the back.
STOICK
Shoulder's back, chin up, son!
Hiccup tries to follow his father's instruction.
STOICK
This portrait's gonna hang in this hall forever.
BUCKET
(muttering)
No good, no good, no good...
Bucket, frustrated, steps away from his painting and marches over to Stoick and Hiccup. He rearranges Stoick's beard, adjusts Hiccup's shield, and then throws his arms in the air in a manner of defeat.
BUCKET
I can't do this!
He turns and runs bucket-first into one of the hall's support beams. He sways for a moment before adjusting the bucket on his head back into place. He is seemingly much calmer.
BUCKET
Okay, I'm good.
HICCUP
(whispering)
I've never seen Bucket like this.
STOICK
Well, when he lost half his brain he suddenly became...
Bucket takes a handful of paints and blows them onto the shield.
STOICK
...an artist.
Bucket continues to move the paints around with his hand with expertise. He holds out his thumb to his focus and closes one eye to measure proportion.
HICCUP
(skeptical)
So Bucket can actually paint?
STOICK
Oh, he's the best! He's gonna do us proud, son.
Stoick gestures to the wall behind them. Five shields are displayed, each bearing a picture of a past viking chief standing next to their son.
STOICK
This portrait is gonna take it's place along all the other chiefs and their sons.
One shield shows a picture of a large viking chief who resembles Stoick quite a bit, standing next to a younger Stoick the Vast.
STOICK
(fondly)
That is the only picture of my father and me. It was a great day.
Stoick breaks from his memories and looks down at Hiccup.
STOICK
And so is this!
They both return to posing for the picture. Stoick glances down at Hiccup.
STOICK
Chest out son!
Hiccup takes in a gulp of air and tries to expand his chest as much as possible. He holds it for a second before releasing it.
HICCUP
Yeah, this is as out as it goes, dad.
STOICK
Ah. Very well then.
INT. GREAT HALL - DAY (LATER)
Vikings are gathered at Mead Hall tables, chatting and drinking. The Berk teens are clustered around the shields displaying past viking chiefs.
ASTRID
Look at all these great leaders. And tomorrow, your picture's going to be hanging right next to them!
Snotlout snorts.
SNOTLOUT
There goes the neighborhood.
As a group, the teens walk by each shield, admiring each one.
FISHLEGS
(to Hiccup)
You are part of an elite group now, my friend. And one of the few who wasn't killed by their successor.
TUFFNUT
(to Ruffnut)
So far.
The twins snicker.
HICCUP
I guess it is a pretty big deal. I mean, it's like... being a part of history, right?
Snotlout jabs a thumb at a picture of a blond viking and his son.
SNOTLOUT
History of goof-balls.
(chuckling)
Heh heh, what a clown.
Fishlegs steeples his fingers together.
FISHLEGS
(patiently)
That is Hamish the First. He was our richest and most revered leader. And his son, Hamish the Second.
SNOTLOUT
(mocking voice)
I'm Hamish the First. Bow down before me and kiss my pointy shoes.
He points to his feet with a dramatic flare.
The twins share a mean look and snicker. While Snotlout is holding an imperious pose, Tuffnut crawls behind him. Ruffnut pretends to bow down to kiss Snotlout's shoes but pushes him instead. He tumbles over Tuffnut into the wall. Tuffnut and Ruffnut laugh and high-five. The shield of Hamish the First and Second falls from the wall and lands on Snotlout's head.
FISHLEGS
(scandalized)
Look what you did to the Hamishes!
Fishlegs runs forward and, with great care, takes the painting from Snotlout's head and puts it back on the wall.
FISHLEGS
(to painting)
Forgive us, please!
A piece of paper falls out from behind the shield just as Fishlegs secures it. It lands on Snotlout. Tuffnut immediately grabs for it but Snotlout swipes it out of reach.
TUFFNUT
What's that? It's probably mine!
SNOTLOUT
Looks like some sort of map...
(squinting at it)
...with poetry.
The paper is snatched from Snotlout's hands.
GOBBER
I'll take that.
SNOTLOUT
Hey! That's my poetry map!
GOBBER
(to himself)
All of these were supposed to be destroyed...
ASTRID
Why? What's so special about it?
She makes a couple weak grabs for it, which Gobber easily avoids.
GOBBER
Men lost their limbs, their lives, and their minds trying to find that treasure.
FISHLEGS
I've heard about this! The treasure of Hamish the First. His son buried him with it and left this map. They say that the clues are so complicated that only a brilliant mind can decipher them.
GOBBER
Stoick and I even went after this treasure.
The teens gather around Gobber, listening with rapt attention.
GOBBER
It lured us high into the mountains in a blinding snow storm. We fought like badgers over the meaning of the clues. We were lucky to make it back with our lives... and our friendship in tact. For your own good kids, forget you ever saw this.
He walks away. Snotlout, the twins, and Fishlegs look anything but deterred.
INT. GREAT HALL - DAY (LATER)
Vikings are gathered around a cloth covered shield elevated by an isle. They are awaiting the new Chief-son portrait to be revealed. Bucket tidies the cloth over his painting. To the side is Stoick and Hiccup. Stoick has an arm around Hiccup's shoulders. He's proud and excited.
STOICK
Here it comes, son. This is our legacy.
He gestures to the cloth. On cue, Bucket dramatically sweeps the cloth away and reveals the painting.
The crowd gasps and claps. Hiccup is horrified. His father is painted accurately but he is painted as muscular and brawny.
From the crowd, Tuffnut cocks his head with skepticism.
TUFFNUT
Woah. What happened to Hiccup?
On either side of him are Ruffnut and Astrid. Both stare at the painting with dreamy looks on their faces.
ASTRID
(lovestruck)
Who cares?
Hiccup stands between the portrait and Bucket.
HICCUP
Hey Bucket? Wh-why am I so... like that?
He motions to the portrait.
BUCKET
Why is the sky blue? Why do I have a bucket on me head? We'll never know the answers.
Stoick walks on screen with a mug in hand and slaps Bucket's shoulder.
STOICK
Oh, you did a brilliant job, Bucket!
(to Hiccup)
Don't you think so, son?
Hiccup glances at the portrait and then back at his father.
HICCUP
But it's not me.
STOICK
Sure it is! It's you but... you know, bigger. Stronger.
Mulch runs up to them with his own celebratory mug.
MULCH
Now that's the son of a chief.
He clanks his mug to Stoick's before taking a swig.
STOICK
You see what I mean?
Vikings come up to shake Stoick's hand. Hurt by his father's attitude about the whole ordeal, Hiccup backs away.
EXT. BERK'S PLAZA - DAY
Hiccup and Astrid walk away from the Great Hall together.
HICCUP
Unbelievable. My father likes that painting better than the real me! I mean, think about it. Even my name! You know it's viking tradition to call the runt of the litter a "Hiccup".
In the background, a Viking ushers a heard of sheep past them. He gestures to the smallest one lagging behind.
VIKING
Come on, little Hiccup!
He lifts up the tiny sheep. He pauses as he notices Hiccup and Astrid.
VIKING
Oh!
(waving)
Hey, Hiccup!
The Viking walks off. Hiccup frowns and looks away, defeated.
HICCUP
See? What do I have to do to get my father to accept me?
Astrid places a comforting hand on his shoulder.
ASTRID
He does accept you... He just accepts the painting more.
As they continue to walk, they spy Fishlegs standing in front of the forge's shop window.
HICCUP
Wh-what are you doing out here...?
FISHLEGS
(nervous)
Nothing!
(directed behind him)
Coocoo! Coocoo!
Neither Hiccup nor Astrid are fooled. They both look annoyed.
HICCUP
(Muttering)
Oh, gods..
(impatient)
Okay, where are they?
FISHLEGS
Who?
(behind him again)
Who-hoo! Who-hoo!
Hiccup gives a great, aggrivated groan and walks around the forge. Fishlegs makes more desperate bird sounds.
FISHLEGS
Who-hoo, who-hoo!
Hiccup rounds the corner where Ruffnut and Tuffnut are standing outside another window of the forge.
HICCUP
What are you doing!
Snotlout tumbles out the window. He immediately springs to his feet and pulls out the rolled up map Gobber confiscated earlier.
SNOTLOUT
I've got the map. We're finding that treasure!
(pointing to Fishlegs)
And you are a horrible look out.
Fishlegs shrinks behind the side of the forge he has been peeking around.
Astrid, who is displeased with the situation as it is, becomes more annoyed.
ASTRID
You heard what Gobber said. The bravest warriors in history have died trying to find that treasure.
SNOTLOUT
Yeah.
(points to himself)
And I'm next.
ASTRID
Well, I personally would like to live to see my next birthday.
She crosses her arms and looks away. Fishlegs tries to convince her to change her mind.
FISHLEGS
We'll be legends! They'll sing songs about us.
ASTRID
(to Fishlegs)
You'll be dead.
(to everyone)
Come on, guys, not even Stoick could find it.
Realization dawns on Hiccup's features as he listens to Astrid's words.
HICCUP
You're right. He couldn't...
Hiccup walks up to Snotlout and yanks the map from him.
HICCUP
Give me that map.
ASTRID
Finally, someone is making sense.
HICCUP
Alright. Where do we start?
He and the other teens are staring intently at the map.
ASTRID
Are you serious?
HICCUP
Think about it, Astrid. My father couldn't find that treasure. What-what would he say if I did something that even-
(Scottish accent)
-"Stoick the Vast" couldn't do?
(excited)
How great would that be?
Astrid walks up to him.
ASTRID
You're gonna go after this no matter what I say, right?
(grinning)
So, yeah, pretty great.
HICCUP
(skeptical)
So you're not gonna give me a hard time about this?
ASTRID
Oh, I'll give you a hard time.
(pokes his chest)
Every step of the way. Besides, I can't let you go with just them.
She gestures to Ruffnut and Tuffnut. Ruffnut is slapping Tuffnut in the face.
TUFFNUT
Harder! I said I want to see stars.
Ruffnut licks her thumb and delivers a right hook that sends Tuffnut's dreds spinning.
TUFFNUT
(satisfied)
Ahh...
Hiccup ignores them and continues to decipher the map with Snotlout, Astrid and Fishlegs reading over his shoulder.
HICCUP
It' looks like the map leads you to these spots.
Fishlegs runs a finger along the dotted line on the map.
FISHLEGS
And the riddles are clues to what we're supposed to find!
SNOTLOUT
Bla bla bla!
(snatches map)
Where's the treasure? Hmm, clue number one:
(reading)
"Where the land meets the sea, in the crook of the master's knee, that's where your search will be...gin."
Snotlout becomes increasingly confused as he reads. Hiccup rolls his eyes.
RUFFNUT
That doesn't sound so brilliant.
TUFFNUT
Okay.
(hitting his head)
Think, think, think, think, think. Think, think... I forgot what I was thinking about.
Hiccup has the map again. He works the words over under his breath.
HICCUP
(muttering)
The "master's knee"?
(perking up)
I've seen this before!
He points to something on the map
INT. GREAT HALL - DAY
The teens have returned to the Mead Hall. They stand around the portrait of Hamish the First and his son.
HICCUP
Look, right there, where his knee bends.
He points to an odd looking rock stack in the background of the painting.
It's pointing to this spot on the beach. That's where we start!
EXT. BERK SKIES/ NORTH SEA - DAY
Kids fly on their dragons around the very same rockstack seen in the portrait. They follow Hiccup and land on the beach that the map has directed them to.
Still sitting on Toothless, Hiccup pulls out the map and unfurls it.
HICCUP
Listen up you guys.
(reading map)
"From here you will see the seed that's been sown. Look to where water turns to bone."
Snotlout leans on one of Hookfang's horns.
SNOTLOUT
"Water turns to bone"? Hamish isn't even trying to make sense!
HICCUP
No, it...
(muttering in deep thought)
"Water turns to bone"... "water turns to bone"...
(energized)
He must mean ice!
He looks over to the cliff behind them.
HICCUP
The glacier!
Protruding from the rock wall is a glacier stretches to the very top of the cliff.
INT. GREAT HALL - DAY
Stoick is seated on a throne-like chair while Gobber paces in front of him.
STOICK
(angry)
You had the map and you didn't destroy it?! What were you thinking?
GOBBER
I know, I'm an idiot. I thought you and I could take another crack at finding that treasure.
STOICK
Gobber!
GOBBER
We turned back too early! So we lost a couple of toes...
STOICK
Ack! Come on, Gobber.
Stoick stands from his chair.
STOICK
We've got to find Hiccup and the others before they get themselves killed.
(sighing)
Why would he do something like this?
He walks off. Gobber looks back at the portrait recently done of Hiccup and Stoick with Stoick's words fresh in his mind. He sighs and follows.
EXT. GLACIAL CAVERN - DAY
Huddled in the massive glacial cavern, the teens peer in wonder at something encapsulated underneath the ice.
ASTRID
There's something in there.
A frozen Viking stares up from beneath, the item in question just out of his reach.
FISHLEGS
(muttering)
I bet that guy saw it too.
Consulting the map, Hiccup prepares for the next riddle, while Snotlout eyes him attentively.
HICCUP
(reading from the map)
"Call on Magni, you'll go astray..."
He glances up at the glacial wall before continuing contemplatively.
HICCUP (CONT.)
(reading from map)
"...Freya, though, will show the way."
Behind him, Snotlout's eyebrows nit together, then his whole face brightens under the belief he's solved the puzzle.
SNOTLOUT
I get it.
Dropping to the ground in front of him, he smooths a hand across the glassy surface, then smashes helmet first against it, fracturing the ice. He continues zealously headbutting the ice, while Hiccup gapes, nonplussed behind him. Suddenly, Hiccup's eyes widen in terror as a heavy, spiked metal arm breaks free from the ice wall right above Snotlout.
HICCUP
(panicked)
No!
Instinctively, he rushes forward, grabbing the other boy around the waist, and pulling him to safety, seconds before the deadly booby-trap destroys the ice where his head had been. Falling backward, they watch the lever snap back in to place. Panting in disbelief, Snotlout collects himself, while the error clicks into place for Hiccup.
HICCUP
We can't break the ice. That's what Magni means. He's the God of strength.
That's obvious to him and he notes Snotlout pointedly as Fishlegs joins in with excited gestures.
FISHLEGS
That's right! And Freya...
Squinting thoughtfully, the gears turn in his head before his eyes light up in revelation. It hits Hiccup at the same moment and he slides over to his friend.
HICCUP AND FISHLEGS
(together)
Is the Goddess of fire!
Leadership kicking in, Hiccup takes control of the situation.
HICCUP
And that's exactly what we're going to use.
He looks up at Toothless, perched on a cliff above.
HICCUP
Toothless... You know what to do.
On the command, Toothless bounds from one ledge to another, dropping to the ground next to Hiccup and awaiting his request. Hiccup motions towards the ground in front of him.
HICCUP
Light 'em up.
Toothless obliges and the ice cracks and melts away under his white hot beam of fire. After patting him lovingly, Hiccup steps forward to the steaming divot in the ice. Without a second though, he reaches in, immediately pulling his fingers away from the scorched metal.
HICCUP
(hissing)
Ow!
He tries again, plucking it quickly as a tremor rocks the whole cavern. It passes quickly, leaving Hiccup, Toothless, and Snotlout to steady themselves, looking around nervously. With the danger behind them, Hiccup draws the chunk of metal in for curious inspection. Ruffnutt and Tuffnut stand, unimpressed, behind him.
RUFFNUT
That's it? This the treasure?
Her disappointment is evident, but Hiccup looks even more intrigued, turning the piece in his hands for further analysis.
HICCUP
No. Can't be. But I bet this will lead us to it.
Lunging forward, Tuffnut eagerly snatches it away and holds it in front of his face, commanding it.
TUFFNUT
Take us to the treasure!
Hand on her hip, Astrid scoffs at him.
ASTRID
Let me know if it answers.
She steps from the background between Ruffnut and Fishlegs, all waiting for Hiccup's final opinion on piece.
HICCUP
This is just the first piece-
The ground beneath them rumbles again, more powerful this time, catching them all off guard. Astrid and Ruffnut look around in startled terror as the quake grows relentlessly. A gaping seam splits the ice, forcing Hiccup backward as it cracks beneath his feet.
HICCUP
Whoa! WHOA!!
Panicked, the teens scramble to dodge the fissures below them, growing in number and size as the ground under Hiccup grows precariously thin.
HICCUP
Toothless!
Despite his evident fear, he holds his composure well, calling again for help, more urgently this time.
HICCUP
Toothless!
Toothless charges to the rescue, the other dragons swooping in behind them, each pausing just long enough for their riders to scurry on board before speeding from the collapsing cave. Each of them safely outside, Hiccup sighs, relieved, and drifts further into the sky, watching as a gigantic mass of ice slides down the face of the glacier, breaking into shards of rubble.
EXT. BEACH - DAY
Gobber kneels on the beach, running his hand over the sand, apparently searching for some sort of clues. With Thornado by his side, Stoick waits for Gobber's appraisal.
GOBBER
Night Fury prints. They were here--
Stoick watches in disbelief while his friend leans in and skims the sand again, this time lifting his hand to his nose and sniffing.
GOBBER
About an hour ago.
Gobber eyes his fingers certainly, but Stoick seems baffled.
STOICK
I'll never understand how you do that. What does an hour ago smell like, Gobber?
GOBBER
Not as strong as a half hour ago
Stoick's attention is pulled away by a pounding boom.
STOICK
Look!
He turns quickly, pointing to glacier, giant chunks of ice falling down the side.
STOICK
The kids must have found something up there.
GOBBER
It was in the glacier!
Grinning, he pumps his hand in a satisfied gesture.
GOBBER
I knew it!
STOICK
Oh you knew it, didja?
Taking an irritated stance, he glares, disbelieving, at Gobber, challenging this new information.
STOICK
Then how come we spent a week digging in the sand?
He thrusts his finger down at the beach in accent. Gobber points just as accusingly back at him.
GOBBER
That was your idea!
Stoick's tone changes to bewildered amazement as he realizes what it really means.
STOICK
Hiccup got further in one afternoon than we got in a month.
Gobber doesn't seem nearly as surprised by this, calling Stoick's perception of his son to question.
GOBBER
Yeah. Looks like the little Hiccup's got the best of us. And we think we're the big, strong Vikings.
He pulls his arm into a huge, mocking muscle. Stoick turns slightly defensive, trying to find exactly what he means.
STOICK
What are you saying, Gobber?
Gobber looks back at his friend, plainly.
GOBBER
Stoick, it's the painting.
Sighing and squeezing his eyes shut, frustration washes over Stoick. It's evident that he's upset over how the painting made Hiccup feel and that he hadn't picked up on it sooner.
STOICK
Of course! He's trying to prove himself.
They pause, silently staring at the broken glacier while Thornado waits patiently in the background.
EXT. TALL PEAK/ NORTH SEA - DAY
Waiting for their next trial, the teens crowd at the top of a tall peak overlooking the sea. At the center of the group, Hiccup consults the map, ready to take charge.
HICCUP
"At the edge of the world, amidst the raging sea, in the serpent's mouth, lies another key."
While he works to puzzle it out, Tuffnut interjects.
TUFFNUT
Serpents? I hate serpents. Those are reptiles, right?
Her turns to Ruffnut for confirmation, but she just looks at him like he's stupid.
RUFFNUT
You do realize you're sitting on one?
TUFFNUT
Eugh!
Disgusted, he jerks back into a ball, leaning away from the head of his dragon.
SNOTLOUT
Hey!
He smiles enthusiastically, pointing toward the sky.
SNOTLOUT
That cloud looks like a snake!
ASTRID
Yeah, and in five minutes, it'll look like a bunny.
She glances up, unimpressed, but his observation gives Hiccup a spark. He waves his hand to silence them.
HICCUP
Wait wait wait a minute!
He studies the map even harder.
HICCUP
He might be onto something. In the mouth... Lies the key!
He holds up the map, comparing it to a lone serpentine-looking stone island out in the sea, and the pieces come together.
HICCUP
(excited)
Look! Right there!
He points the others toward his discovery. They peer out anxiously. He turns decisively to Toothless, ready to get the second piece.
HICCUP
Toothless, let's go!
Fishlegs immediately cuts in, pointing out a flaw in the plan he can't believe Hiccup missed.
FISHLEGS
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa a-are you crazy? You can't take a Night Fury with a wingspan of forty-eight feet and expect him to hover in winds like that!
He gestures in deep concern that Hiccup would even think of it.
FISHLEGS
You'll be killed!
Hiccup considers this and decides he's right.
HICCUP
An, what's the wingspan of Meatlug?
Fishlegs stares suspiciously at him before dropping his gaze to Meatlug in nervous contemplation. He looks back to Hiccup, knowing what's in store, but clearly not comfortable with it. Moments later, he's perched on a gleefully flapping Meatlug's back, while Hiccup commands, dangling from a rope below.
HICCUP
Keep her steady!
Fishlegs is nowhere near as calm and confident as Hiccup, eyes darting anxiously at the long drop to the rough water below while he struggles to control Meatlug against the gusting wind.
FISHLEGS
Oh Thor... Oh Thor! Do we really need that treasure?
The float higher, closer to the stone structure, so Hiccup hovers in the mouth.
FISHLEGS
Isn't our friendship treasure enough?
Hiccup ignores him, using all his weight to swing closer to the key. He struggles, pushing harder and reaching as far as he can, but it remains just inches from his grasp. He calls up to Fishlegs in an attempt to get a little closer.
HICCUP
I can't reach it!
Instead, Fishlegs rebuffs him, anxious to get back to land.
FISHLEGS
Okay, we tried, A for effort!
Hiccup looks up annoyed. He is not ready to give up yet!
HICCUP
Hold on!
Clinging to the rope, he lowers himself until he's nearly at the end. Meatlug descends as close to the mouth as possible, allowing Hiccup to kick his legs inside.
HICCUP
Okay...
He swings inside, scooping the key onto the base of his prosthesis.
HICCUP
Come on...
To his dismay, it slips off the moment he tries to lift it.
HICCUP
Oh!
The setback is frustrating, but not enough to make him give up, and he tries again, even more determined, pushing down on the key's edge until it finally tips onto the base of his foot. He kicks it swiftly into the air, leaning out from the rope to catch it as it falls. The second key lands solidly in his hand and calls back up to Fishlegs, extremely pleased.
HICCUP
Yes! Got it!
Fishlegs happily guides Meatlug back toward land, while Hiccup inspects the metal key, brimming with pride.
HICCUP
How's that for a Hiccup?
EXT. DISTANT FOREST - DAY
Back to a lower elevation, the teens approach the next location atop the backs of their grounded dragons. Hiccup grasps a key in each hand, trying to figure them out. He fits the two pieces against each other.
HICCUP
Look! They fit together!
Happy with how far he's gotten them, he glances up at Astrid.
HICCUP
We must be on the right track.
She nods, but says nothing.
RUFFNUT
Hiccup, what are you going to do with your part of the treasure?
HICCUP
I'm not really here for the treasure.
Astrid studies him, but before he elaborate on the admission, Snotlout greedily seizes the opportunity.
SNOTLOUT
Great! I get his share!
He points, staking his claim, but Hiccup ignores him, turning instead toward Astrid's voice.
ASTRID
You know, y-you don't have to do this? Right?
It's a nice thought, but not enough for Hiccup, who's already made up his mind that he does have to do this.
HICCUP
Yeah, try telling that to my dad.
She looks worried, but leaves it in silence as he turns forward unconvinced and ever determined, approaching a cluster of enormous boulders. In the center is a man-made barricade of smaller stones and Hiccup raises the map knowing it has to be tied to the puzzle.
HICCUP
This must be the spot. Why else would anybody build a wall in the middle of the woods.
TUFFNUT
Uh, duh. To keep out the other trees.
Astrid sidles up to Hiccup as he prepares to take on another challenge.
HICCUP
Uh, I got another one for you.
(reading from the map)
"The world is right, when stars align; when not in sync, the danger you'll find."
He concentrates on the wall, seeking the meaning of the riddle. Snotlout hadn't been prepared for this and anxiously voices that.
SNOTLOUT
Stars!? I'm not waiting around here for night!
Accustomed to solving the map's mysteries, Hiccup is quick to put that worry to rest.
HICCUP
I don't, I don't think he means actual stars. I mean, the water didn't really turn to bone.
Astrid turns to him for further explanation.
ASTRID
Well, what do you think it means, Hiccup?
Snotlout sourly makes his jealousy known.
SNOTLOUT
Why are you asking him? Maybe I know.
Hiccup and Astrid humor him, waiting for an answer they know is not coming.
SNOTLOUT
I said, "Maybe." Turns out, I don't.
Hiccup rolls his eyes, and Astrid shakes her head as they turn back to the wall, ready to get on to the task. Fishlegs dismounts Meatlug and ambles curiously to the wall.
FISHLEGS
Huh...
He steps up to it, running his hands over the stones.
FISHLEGS
There are shapes carved into each one of these bricks.
The others join him, as he continues he inspection.
HICCUP
Keep a lookout for anything that looks like a star.
SNOTLOUT
Got one!
Arrogantly and without hesitation, he reaches forward and pulls the star-marked brick from the wall. Immediately, the wall trembles, dropping rubble on him from above as he jumps back, covering his head.
SNOTLOUT
Uh oh!
FISHLEGS
(hysterically)
Put it back! Put it back! Put it back!
He jumps up and down, motioning frantically as Snotlout throws all his weight into pushing the brick back into position. It's no use and it won't even budge.
SNOTLOUT
Hookfang! Hookfang!
Hookfang's placidly watching a lazy leaf drift past him, but snaps to attention at Snotlout's second shriek. He charges to the rescue, effortlessly nudging the brick in place with his snout. The wall steadies and Hiccup returns to the map for a new plan.
HICCUP
Okay... It says, "In sync..." That means there must be another star!
He studies the wall, resolutely. Beside him, Astrid's eyes widen and she points urgently.
ASTRID
Over here!
HICCUP
I think we're supposed to pull them out at the same time. Ruff? Tuff?
The twins lead their Zippleback to the wall, where it closes one mouth over each brick, pulling them out at precisely the same moment. The teens wait in wonder to see what happens. This time, rather than threatening collapse, the wall splits down the center, each side sliding away to reveal an inky cave.
All the teens are impressed by the mechanisms.
RUFFNUT
This is amazing.
The awestruck teens step inside, swallowed by the darkness as the doors abruptly close behind them. Toothless panics, spinning around and clawing at the seam, deeply unhappy with the prospect of being trapped inside. The teens stand staring ahead and full of trepidation.
SNOTLOUT
Oh man...
Astrid turns to Hiccup, worried, but still waiting for his leadership. He meets her gaze resolutely. They are getting that treasure.
INT. CAVE - DAY
The teens walk through the cave, grabbing torches off the wall as they go. The dragons light the torches and they continue down the hall with Hiccup and Astrid in the lead. At the end of the path they find a large room with a ring of small stone dais' in the center. Each dais has a metal piece on it.
SNOTLOUT
Ugh it's so hot. Is anybody else hot? Cuz I'm really hot.
Snotlout wipes sweat from his forehead.
TUFFNUT
I know I'm sweating like a dragon in an eel party.
ASTRID
Uh, guys? Is it just me or is the floor moving?
They look down at the floor. Hiccup brings his torch closer to the floor to get a better look. The floor is absolutely covered in miniature dragons which scatter to get away from the light.
HICCUP
Uh Toothless can you give us some light?
Toothless shoots a fireball across the room.
FISHLEGS
That's why it's so hot in here. Fireworm dragons.
TUFFNUT
Whoa.
Tuffnut leans down to pick up one of the tiny dragons.
HICCUP
Stop! They're skin burns hotter than the sun.
TUFFNUT
Yeah, but how hot can the sun really be?
The fireworm dragon in Tuffnut's hand flames up, coating it's entire body in fire.
TUFFNUT
(continuing)
Ouch! Ow, ow, ow! Aarragh!
Tuffnut drops the fireworm dragon. Disturbed, the other fireworm dragons in the room flame up.
TUFFNUT
Woah.
The fireworm dragons scurry in all directions. A pair attempt to run up Hiccup's leg.
HICCUP
Ahh!
Hiccup kicks off the fireworm dragons and Toothless shoots a fireball to ward them off. The other teens' dragons join in, breather fire at the fleeing fireworm dragons. Hiccup descends into the ring of pillars.
SNOTLOUT
Grab'em and let's go!
HICCUP
No, it's a choice. Listen to this guys.
(reading from the map)
"Something pure and something strong. Look first to yourself and you won't go wrong."
FISHLEGS
Strong? That must be the one made of iron.
ASTRID
But irons not pure. Take the gold.
Meanwhile the teens' dragons continue to ward off the fireworm dragons.
ASTRID
It's getting really hard to breathe.
FISHLEGS
That's what happens when you're getting roasted alive! You might wanna make a decision soon Hiccup. We don't have much time.
The fireworm dragons swarm toward Hiccup, backing him into Toothless. Toothless shoots a fire ball to scare the small dragons away.
HICCUP
"Look to yourself...."
ASTRID (O.S.)
Careful, it could be a trap.
Hiccup approach's one of the stone pillars holding a shiny piece of metal with Celtic knot work on it. He hesitates a moment and then scoops it up with both hands. He looks relieved as he looks at the puzzle piece in his hands, his reflection showing in the metal as he "looks at himself".
A loud crash is heard and the floor of the rooms collapses.
ASTRID
Hiccup!
Hiccup attempts to leap for the edge of the ledge the other teens are on, but fails, Astrid's unable to catch him in time. He tumbles into the abyss screaming. Toothless manages to make it to safety, but dives into the hole after he realized Hiccup as fallen.
ASTRID
(voice cracking)
Oh no! Hurry! Where'd they go? Hiccup!
Rocks and boulders come tumbling down as Astrid watches Hiccup disappear down into the darkness. She's unable to do anything.
TUFFNUT
We've got to get out of here!
SNOTLOUT
Through there!
Snotlout points up to a hole in the ceiling of the cave.
ASTRID
(desperate)
No! We're not leaving them!
Astrid tugs at Fishlegs' arm, preventing him from mounting Meatlug.
FISHLEGS
(calmly)
If we don't go now we'll all be trapped. There won't be anybody to help Hiccup.
A saddened realization comes over Astrid's face. She mounts Stormfly and follows the others out the hole in the roof.
INT. BELOW THE MAIN CAVE - SAME TIME
Dust settles as Hiccup extricates himself from under the protective shield of Toothless' wing.
HICCUP
We gotta find some way outta here. Give us some light bud.
Toothless obliges, looking around before shooting a fire ball at a nearby rock. The pair look around. Hiccup notices a small depression in the center of the floor in front of him. He kneels in front of it.
HICCUP
I wonder...
Hiccup pulls the three collected metal pieces from his vest pocket and fits them together. Together he fits them into the hole in the floor and turns the metal puzzle like a key. The center on the circluar floor containing the key rises up into a pillar, scaring Hiccup. On the other side of the room a stone door opens up revealing another room beyond.
Hiccup walks toward the door. Toothless hesitates, giving a small growl in uncertainty.
HICCUP
Well, we've come this far.
He motion's toward the door and continues on. Toothless follows.
EXT. CAVE - DAY
Fishlegs and Astrid groan as they struggle to move the rocks and debris covering the entrance to the cave. They toss rocks to the side, which Meatlug happily gobbles up.
ASTRID
Keep digging. We've gotta find them.
STOICK (O.S.)
Find who?
Astrid and Fishlegs exchange worried looks as Stoick and Gobber land and dismount. Stoick observes the teens. There's only one person missing.
STOICK
Son!
INT. BELOW THE MAIN CAVE - SAME TIME
Hiccup and Toothless climb a hill of debris and rocks. At the top they enter a cavernous room full of gold statues. In the middle is yet another stone dais, this one with a roll of parchment on it. Hiccup removes the parchment and begins reading.
HICCUP
(reading from the map)
"This treasure was passed from father to son. I leave it to you the next worthy one. For only a hiccup could get this far. From one to another, be proud of who you are!"
With a smile Hiccup unrolls the parchment revealing a portrait of the Hamishes, except Hamish II looks considerable smaller than he does in the portrait hanging in the great hall.
HICCUP
Woah. Hamish the second was a hiccup. Just like me! He knew only another one of us could find this place.
Hiccup looks up and observes the statues and trunks full of treasure.
HICCUP
(continuing)
Look at all this stuff! I guess being a hiccup isn't such a bad thing after all.
The stone dais that held the parchment sinks into the ground. In it's place two more pedestals rise up on either side. On holding a feather, the other a stone hammer.
HICCUP
Wow. So Hamish II really loved pedestals.
Hiccup looks down and spots an inscription carved in the floor.
HICCUP
And apparently riddles.
(reading from the map)
"In between the body and mind, a choice must be made on what you find. At this moment you must look to yourself, as only one path will give you true wealth."
Behind Hiccup and Toothless the entrance to the room collapses.
HICCUP
Oh come on Hamish, you're killing me.
The roof begins to cave in as well as Hiccup turns to face the two pedestals. He dashes towards one with Toothless following behind, and everything goes dark.
EXT. CAVE - SAME TIME
Outside Stoick, Astrid and Fishlegs are still digging.
STOICK
Keep digging! That's my son in there!
The sound of cracking rocks can be heard and they stop digging. Stoick looks to his left, horrified to see the the surrounding hillside fall in on itself.
STOICK
(terrified)
Hiccup....
They run foward, followed by Gobber and the other teens. The smoke clears to reveal Hiccup standing safely with the feather in hand, Toothless by his side. Stoick runs to meet his son.
STOICK
Son!
HICCUP
Hey dad.
Hiccup runs to his father and they meet in a hug. Stoick picks his son up and spins him around in his arms, overjoyed.
HICCUP
Uh, dad I can't breathe.
Stoick sets Hiccup down. The other vikings come up behind them.
ASTRID
Oh Hiccup you're okay.
FISHLEGS
Hiccup, thank Thor you're alive! What happened?
SNOTLOUT
Blah, blah, blah. Who cares? Where's the treasure?
Hiccup holds up the parchment and unrolls it.
HICCUP
This is Hamish's real son.
SNOTLOUT
(disappointed)
That's not treasure.
STOICK
To a father it is.
Stoick get's down on his knees in front of Hiccup. He grab's Hiccup by the shoulders.
STOICK
I never meant to make you feel like you had to do something like this.
HICCUP
I know dad. But I had to do it...for myself.
Hiccup and Stoick share another hug. Stoick patting his son's back, still relieved that he's alive.
INT. GREAT HALL - DAY
Vikings gather to see the unveiling of a new portrait.
HICCUP (V.O.)
I've spent most of my life trying to prove to my dad that I could be his kind of viking.
Bucket takes down the old portrait of Hiccup and Stoick and puts up a new one. In the new portrait Hiccup looks like his natural self. Hiccup and Stoick watch, as do the other vikings behind them.
HICCUP (V.O.)
(continuing)
As it turns out, I already was.
Stoick places a proud hand on his son's shoulder. Hiccup looks up to his father, feeling worthy, and they share a smile and continue to gaze at the new picture of Stoick and the real portrait of Hiccup.
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