Written by Jim Cooper, Art Brown & Douglas Sloan
Transcribed by AvannaK
EXT. BERK - DAY
It's mid-morning in Berk and we pan in around the Kill Ring. Festive banners are strung up and vikings swarm around in preparing for the Thawfest games. Some work while others chat. A pair of vikings arm-wrestle over a barrel just before the entrance to the Ring.
The metal, chain cage that covers the Kill Ring is cranked upward.
HICCUP (V.O.)
Every year on Berk we come together to test our strength, endurance...
Inside the Kill Ring, Astrid does up-side-down pushups on an elevated log while Stormfly stands to the side watching.
HICCUP (V.O.)
and courage...
Ruffnut and Tuffnut are balancing on planks of wood lain over sideways barrels. Bucket observes them.
HICCUP (V.O)
...in the annual Thawfest games.
Tuffnut loses his balance and falls. He lands onto Ruffnut's board and goes flying in the air while his barrel knocks Bucket flat on his back.
Ruffnut lands on one end of her plank, which sends Tuffnut into the air next.
Elsewhere, Fishlegs chucks an axe forward with intensity. It strikes a target painted on a stack of barrels just in front of Mulch's face. Mulch leans back in shock. He looks at Fishlegs, who turns out to be standing a few feet in front of the target, immensely pleased with himself.
HICCUP (V.O.)
For some of us it's not such a great time of the year.
Somewhere in Berk's forest, Hiccup struggles to lift a small pine tree out of the ground as Gobber looks on.
GOBBER
Come on, Hiccup! Pull! Put your back into it!
Hiccup spins around and attempts to take out the tree with his back to it.
GOBBER
Put your legs into it! Put your entire--YA!
Hiccup loses his grip on the tree and it springs back into Gobber's face. Hiccup gasps and winces.
Gobber brushes the tree out of his face.
GOBBER
Hey...
Laughter draws his attention offscreen. Snotlout is tugging at a much larger tree than Hiccup was with his father shouting encouragement.
SPITELOUT
Faster, Snotlout! You have to push yourself, son!
Snotlout rips the tree from the ground and throws it deep into the forest.
SPITELOUT AND SNOTLOUT
(chanting)
Snotlout! Snotlout! Oi! Oi! Oi!
Later, Hiccup is running, breathless, with a sheep over his shoulders. Snotlout comes up behind him carring his own sheep and easily passes Hiccup.
SNOTLOUT
See ya! Wouldn't want to be ya!
Snotlout kicks dirt at Hiccup and runs off.
HICCUP
Ah! Woah-woah-what-!
Hiccup chokes on the dirt, looses his balance, and falls flat on his back. The sheep gets to its feet and runs into the forest.
HICCUP (V.O.)
In fact, I've lost every single time... to that guy.
Snotlout stands by his father with the sheep still over his shoulders and laughs meanly. Spitelout smiles in approval at his son and they both clank helmets together before walking away.
Hiccup remains sitting on the ground catching his breath. A slow smile comes to his face.
HICCUP (V.O.)
But this year all that will change. This year I finally have a chance to win. Because, for the first time ever, this year the Thawfest games will include--
KILL RING - DAY
GOBBER
Dragons!
Gobber stands in the center of the Kill Ring, surrounded by the teens and their dragons.
GOBBER
They are now officially part of Thawfest. There will be three additional events. The fly-and-shoot-
Fishlegs looks eager.
GOBBER
-which will require you to fly straight and shoot straighter.
The twins sit atop Barf and Belch. Ruffnut yanks on her mount's horns and Barf fires a fireball. Gobber ducks as it sails over his head and he scowls at Ruffnut.
GOBBER
Hey!
TUFFNUT
Sorry! We were on the wrong head.
The twins clamber over one another and switch places.
RUFFNUT
I knew something felt weird.
Tuffnut pulls on Barf's horns and Gobber ducks again when more fire flies over his head.
TUFFNUT
Ah, much better.
Gobber gives them one last glower before returning to his announcement.
GOBBER
Next, is the free-style. Where it's up to you
(points to each teen)
to impress the judges with a trick of your choice.
ASTRID (O.S.)
(voice echoing)
That's it, girl... just like we practiced...
Gobber looks up to see Astrid fly by on her Nadder. Astrid performs a handstand on top of Stormfly's saddle while they fly.
GOBBER
Ah! The Nadder-wing-wall. Impressive, Astrid.
FISHLEGS
Um, excuse me.
Meatlug munches on boulders in the background.
FISHLEGS
Meatlug and I were wondering if there were going to be any intellectual events.
Meatlug belches up lava across the Kill Ring's stone floor.
FISHLEGS
A puzzle perhaps?
Meatlug spits up a full boulder. Fishlegs looks back, pleased.
GOBBER
I'll take that under advisement, Fishlegs.
He pats Fishlegs on the shoulder and walks on.
GOBBER
(addressing teens)
And lets not forget the hurdles! Where you'll be asked to--
SNOTLOUT
Woohoo-hoo-hoo-hooo!
Gobber looks up and sees Hookfang and Snotlout fly down. They land roughly, sending up a cloud of upheaved dust right into Hiccup's face.
Snotlout jumps from Hookfang wearing his collection of past Thawfest medals around his neck.
SNOTLOUT
you know what I love about the Thawfestival games? Winning!
Hiccup glances at the medals with a grimace.
SNOTLOUT
You wanna touch one of my metals, just to see how it feels to be a winner?
He holds one particular metal forward.
HICCUP
Ah, I think I'll pass.
SNOTLOUT
My family has never lost a Thawfest games. Ever.
Astrid walks up and crosses her arms.
ASTRID
Here we go...
SNOTLOUT
Dragons or no dragons, I'll do what I do every year.
The twins mock Snotlout behind him. Tuffnut moves his mouth in imitation to Snotlout's words as Ruffnut moves her hand to mock Snotlout.
SNOTLOUT
Bring glory to the Jorgenson clan.
(to Hiccup)
And you'll do what you do: embarrass yours.
Snotlout backs up as he speaks and remounts Hookfang.
SNOTLOUT
Lets go, Hookfang!
Overzealous, Hookfang takes off before Snotlout is fully seated. Snotlout is left dangling from Hookfang's harness by one leg.
SNOTLOUT
AAAAHHH!
(shouting)
I will crush you all!
INT. HICCUP'S ROOM
Hiccup fills in the finishing touches of a diagram in his room. He sits back from his work, pulls out a measuring tape, and approaches Toothless, who rests in the background.
He begins to measure his dragon.
HICCUP
(distracted murmuring)
Aaaah-kay... Aha...
Stoick enters Hiccup's room.
STOICK
What are you two working on?
Hiccup looks up from his work.
HICCUP
Some ideas for Thawfest.
STOICK
Right... right... excellent.
Stoick leans forward and continues to observe Hiccup working.
HICCUP
So... did you need something dad?
STOICK
(stumbling over his words)
Oh, well--uh--with the dragons you could actually, uh...
HICCUP
Beat Snotlout?
Hiccup stands up smiling.
HICCUP
Best the Jorgensons?
STOICK
Well, when you put it that way it does have a nice ring.
They share a look of understanding and Hiccup smiles. Stoick claps his hands together.
STOICK
Okay, then! I'll let you get back to whatever it is, ehm, you two do. Yeah.
Stoick backs out of the room and exits via the stairs. Hiccup turns back to Toothless, still smiling. Toothless gives Hiccup a grin of his own and warbles at him encouragingly.
EXT. KILL RING
We pan around the Kill Ring, which has it's cage-lid hoisted and several Berkians lining it's perimeter for the games. The contestant's face are painted on a large banner for scoring. Inside are all the Berk teens and Stoick, who stands atop a platform and addresses the village with his arms thrown into the air.
STOICK
(shouting)
Let the Thawfestival games begin!
The village cheers. Stoick lifts the lid of a chest next to him on the platform and six Terrors fly out as a signal to the start of the games. One of the terrors swoops into the audience and swipes a chicken leg from a Berkian who is about to eat it.
In the entrance of the Kill Ring are Spitelout and Snotlout.
SPITELOUT
(shouting)
What are we?
SNOTLOUT
(swinging fists)
We're killers!
SPITELOUT
What do we do?
SNOTLOUT
We kill!
SPITELOUT
What do we say?
Spitelout throws his arm around Snotlout and they begin to cheer together.
SPITELOUT AND SNOTLOUT
(chanting)
Snotlout! Snotlout! Oi! Oi! Oi!
They bash their helmets together.
The games start with the six Berk teens in a line on one side of the Ring.
MULCH (O.S.)
(in megaphone)
The contests are lining up for the sheep lug.
From the audience, Mulch is in charge of announcements. He holds a giant horn to enhance his voice. Bucket sits next to him.
BUCKET
It's a good day for lugging sheep, Mulch.
MULCH
Well, Bucket, everyday's a good day for lugging sheep.
Down in the ring, Gobber walks behind the teens and throws a sheep over each of their shoulders for the first game.
Snotlout spits in his hands and rubs them over his face.
Hiccup looks disgusted.
MULCH (O.S)
(in megaphone)
On your mark...
The teens step up to the line.
MULCH (O.S.)
(in megaphone)
Get set...
The teens get down on one knee.
Mulch knocks his hook against Bucket's bucket to signal the starting sound.
The teens take off running. Snotlout is far in the lead with Astrid following in second. Toothless, Stormfly and Meatlug follow the humans' progress.
Snotlout crosses the finish line.
SNOTLOUT
Yeah!
He throws his sheep onto the ground, and lifts his hands in the air. The sheep bounces into Hookfang's wing and lands on its feet.
Snotlout crows and points to his father, who points back with obvious pleasure.
SPITELOUT
That's my boy!
Stoick stares down at the Ring, expressionless. The dragons are still following the remaining teens progress. Hiccup rushes ahead and looks back to see the twins bickering and Fishlegs falling to his knees in exhaustion.
Hiccup ends up falling under the weight of his own sheep.
MULCH (O.S)
(in megaphone)
The first point of the Thawfest games goes to: Snotlout!
Standing atop a steep platform, Bucket paints a blue tally next to Snotlout's picture to signify him as the winner of the challenge.
Hiccup is still on the ground. The sheep hops off him and trots away.
SNOTLOUT (O.S.)
Right where you belong! Down at my feet. Here, let me help you.
A hand reaches down to help Hiccup up, but when Hiccup moves to accept it Snotlout cruelly snatches his offering away.
SNOTLOUT
Oops! Too slow! As usual.
He walks away laughing as Hiccup picks himself up off of the ground.
The next game begins with all the teens lined up on an elevated log.
MULCH (O.S.)
(in megaphone)
Next up is our traditional Log-Roll event!
Snotlout cracks his neck.
SNOTLOUT
(to other teens)
Enjoy your face-plant!
The teens begin running, causing the log to spin beneath them. Fishlegs loses his balance first and knocks Astrid off the log. He quickly follows her. The twins are the next to go, with Tuffnut getting stuck and spinning around the log a few times. Finally, Hiccup flies off, leaving Snotlout as the remaining contestant on the log and the winner of the game.
MULCH (O.S.)
(in megaphone)
And another point goes to Snotlout!
Bucket paints another tally next to Snotlout's picture.
The audience hollars its approval. Spitelout throws his arms in the air.
SPITELOUT
That's my boy!
Below, Hiccup struggles to right himself from the pile of sandbags he lands in. Toothless dashes in, nipps Hiccup by his shirt and hauls him upright. Hiccup lands on his back.
HICCUP
(dully)
Thank you, Toothless.
They both look at each other and sigh in disapointment.
MULCH (O.S.)
(in megaphone)
The next event is the Axe-Throwing contest.
In the next game the teens are all equipped with axes. Snotlout spins his with deft skill. Hiccup struggles to lift his.
MULCH (O.S.)
(in megaphone)
Where accuracy is supreme!
Across from the teens, on the other side of the ring, are a number of stacked barrels, each with a painted bullseye at the very top of each stack.
Snotlout throws his axe. It sails through the air and hits the center of the first bullseye.
MULCH (O.S.)
(in megaphone)
Bullseye!
Fishlegs and Astrid both their their axes at the same time.
MULCH (O.S.)
(in megaphone)
And they go--ooh!
They strike each other in a spray of sparks and each skuttle off to the side. Astrid gives Fishlegs and extremely annoyed look while Fishlegs glances back, nervous.
MULCH (O.S.)
(in megaphone)
Watch out there!
Ruffnut swings her axe around and around, nearly hitting her brother, and releases it recklessly. It flies straight into Stoick's hand, who catches it impassively. Tuffnut pulls a similar move, almost hitting his sister as well, and releases it into the audience. Vikings dive to the side to avoid the axe and it lodges itself into a wooden post.
Hiccup throws his axe last. It flies straight and with good accuracy, but falls short and sinks into the ground a few feet shy of the target.
Snotlout picks up Hiccup's axe, walks back to the starting line.
SNOTLOUT
Here's how it's done, Dragonboy.
He throws it over his shoulder without looking back. It hits the next target perfectly. Snotlout continues to grab weapons from the weapon-rack and throws them over his shoulders as well, still not looking where he's aiming. These also sail into the next target's bullseye.
Hiccup scowls.
HICCUP
(grumbling)
Showoff.
Spitelout whoops loudly. Stoick glares over at Spitelout.
SPITELOUT
Why don't you just give us the metal now Stoick? Save your boy the embarrassment?
A couple vikings chuckle.
STOICK
Why don't you take a seat, Spitelout.
The vikings around him 'ooh' and Spitelout deflates and settles back down in his seat, crossing his arms over his chest.
Gobber looks at Stoick.
GOBBER
Don't let him get to you.
STOICK
He's been getting to me for years. Why should today be any different?
Hiccup is standing below the giant scoreboard representing each of the contestant's faces. Snotlout has three marks and everyone else has none.
HICCUP
Whelp. Dead last.
Snotlout saunters up behind him.
SNOTLOUT
Wow! I have all the points and the best-looking picture?
(mockingly)
Unfair!
HICCUP
Oh, have your fun now. Tomorrow, everything changes...
(to Toothless)
Right, bud?
Hiccup walks off to Toothless, who is resting next to Hookfang. Snotlout follows him.
SNOTLOUT
I can't wait because Hookfang and I? It's like boy and dragon have become one. We're like a Bragon. Or a Droy.
Snotlout mounts Hookfang and they fly out of the Kill Ring.
SNOTLOUT
(shouting)
Or a Snotfang!
HICCUP
(shouting)
Yeah? Well, tomorrow you're gonna have to deal with Hictooth!
ASTRID (O.S.)
Hictooth?
Astrid walks up to him.
HICCUP
Yeah, it's not my snappiest comeback.
ASTRID
Why are you letting yourself get caught up in this?
HICCUP
Because... for the first time ever I have a chance to beat Snotlout. To quiet him down-
SNOTLOUT
(shouting)
Snotlout! Snotlout! Oi! Oi! Oi!
Snotlout flies back down on Hookfang and sweeps in close enough for Astrid and Hiccup to both duck and cover their heads as he passes.
ASTRID
Good point.
She walks towards Stormfly.
ASTRID
I have to admit, it would be nice to see someone else with a Thawfest medal.
Astrid climbs on Stormfly's back and they both take off.
HICCUP
(mutinously)
You've spiked your last sheep, Snotfang. Tomorrow's a new day.
EXT. KILL RING - DAY
MULCH (O.S.)
(in megaphone)
Welcome to day two of the Thawfest games!
Mulch and Bucket are back on the announcer's platform with Mulch handling the megaphone.
MULCH
(in megaphone)
Let the dragon events begin!
BUCKET
It's a good day for lugging sheep, Mulch.
Mulch nods.
MULCH
(into the horn)
First up, the hurdles!
From a bird's eye view we see the teens inside the ring, all mounted on their dragons.
SNOTLOUT
Hurdles, shmurdles. I could make it over those things in my sleep.
HICCUP
Be my guest.
He gestures to the hurdles.
ASTRID
You don't go over them Snotlout, you go under them.
SNOTLOUT
Duh. I knew that.
Hookfang glares at Toothless, who returns the unfriendly gensture.
MULCH (O.S.)
(in megaphone)
And first up is Fishlegs!
Meatlug flaps her wings with Fishlegs looking determined.
Mulch knocks Bucket on his bucket to signal the start.
Fishlegs flies forward and gets caught under the first log bar.
FISHLEGS
Um, guys! A little help over here!
(to Meatlug)
It's okay, girl. This just isn't our event.
Next is Astrid. She and Stormfly fly swiftly under most of the bars but she knocks her head on one of them and they both stumble.
The Zippleback heads get caught on the second bar and the twins are thrown from their seats. They both end up upsidedown in the audience, giggling.
Snotlout and Hiccup are left.
SNOTLOUT
Where's your book, Hiccup! You might want to take notes! Ha ha!
He takes off to complete the obstacle, exteremely confident. He knocks his head on every one of the logs. Hookfang is oblivious to his rider's pain.
Hiccup grins.
HICCUP
(to Toothless)
Let's show them how it's done.
He and Toothless move. They flip up-side-down and complete the obstacle smoothly and perfectly.
Bucket adds a blue paint mark next to Hiccup's face.
MULCH (O.S.)
(in megaphone)
And Hiccup makes a perfect run!
Stoick raises his eyebrows, pleased. He glances at Spitelout, who acknowledges the feat with a quirk of his lips.
Below, Hiccup pumps his fist and looks back at Fishlegs and Astrid.
HICCUP
Did you hear what he said? Perfect! I-I believe those are my first Thawfest points ever! I just realized something: I like beating snotlout!
Astrid and Fishlegs' smiles turn to concern. They share a frown.
HICCUP
I feel taller. Am I taller? Never mind, don't answer that.
FISHLEGS
(whispers to Astrid)
Is he... gloating?
ASTRID
I'm not sure. I've never actually seen Hiccup gloat.
Hiccup gives them a weak smile.
Fireworm lands roughly beside Hiccup and Snotlout doesn't look happy.
SNOTLOUT
Don't get too excited?
(holds up one finger)
You know what this is? Still the number of wins I need to end this thing.
(holds up two fingers)
And you what this is? The number of chances I have.
HICCUP
Oh yeah?
(makes a zero with his fingers)
Well, you know what this is? The size of your brain. No. Wait...
He makes the circle he displayed with his thumb and forefinger smaller.
HICCUP
That's much better.
Snotlout glowers.
SNOTLOUT
Like you've ever seen my brain. Come on, Hookfang.
Snotlout and Hookfang fly out of the scene.
Astrid gives Hiccup a deeply disapproving look, to which he shrugs innocently.
HICCUP
What? He started it!
He points after Snotlout.
HICCUP
...when we were five.
MULCH
(in megaphone)
Next we have the Free-style event! Constants and their dragons show off their style and abilities!
The next challenge begins with the twins.
RUFFNUT
Check this out!
TUFFNUT
We call it the Iron Split!
Ruffnut stands atop Tuffnut's shoulders, who stands atop their Zippleback. They soar for a short time in their precarious balancing act. Ruffnut's weight teeters too much on one of Tuffnut's shoulders, the Zippleback heads part a bit too far and Tuffnut is forced into a painful side split.
They receive a one, a zero, and a one, from the unimpressed judges.
Next is Fishlegs.
FISHLEGS
We like to call this next feat of daring...
He flies Meatlug around in a circle with his arms spread out in the air.
FISHLEGS
The Extreme Butterfly!
The spin out of control and noisily crash-land somewhere off screen.
They receive a one, a zero, and a three from the judges.
Fishlegs pats Meatlug on her side.
FISHLEGS
It's okay, girl. This just isn't our even either.
Stormfly circles over the audience in a glide with Astrid standing on top of the saddle.
FISHLEGS (O.S.)
(in awe)
The balance dance...
Astrid does a backflip onto her tail. Then a foreword spring into an airborne summersault to land in a handstand holding Stormfly's head-spikes.
FISHLEGS
How does she make it look so easy?
TUFFNUT
(to Ruffnut)
How come you can't do that? I mean... I could.
Ruffnut angrily shoves her brother to the ground.
Astrid receives a two, a two, and a three from a much more enthusiastic judge panel.
Toothless and Hiccup fly in from over the sea. They pull some deft stunts involving a close-cut flip over the sea-stacks.
HICCUP
Woohoo! Yeah baby!
It earns them a full three marks from each judge.
Snotlout is the final constant. He stands on Hookfang's neck in a surfer-style. His dragon is poised and ready for take-off.
TUFFNUT
I hear Snotlout's gonna try a trick called: the Rings of Deadly Fire. No one's ever tried it before.
RUFFNUT
Yeah! Because it's too dangerous.
TUFFNUT
No! Because he just made it up!
Hiccup looks off to the side and sees the rings set up for Snotlout's trick.
Snotlout sits on Hookfang's neck and leans over.
SNOTLOUT
(to the teens)
I'm probably gonna win just for coming up with this!
He and Hookfang start their performance by leaving the Kill Ring. They make a wide arch in the air and come back down to the arena.
SNOTLOUT
Fire!
Hookfang shoots a fireball foreword and sets the rings on fire. Snotlout jumps into his surfing position on Hookfang's neck. Their intention of gliding through the rings is offset when the impending fire startles Hookfang. He stops just short of the first ring and upends Snotlout from his neck. Snotlout flies into the rings and knocks them all down.
The audience collectively cringes and Spitelout growls.
Snotlout sits up, dizzy, and then realizes his bottom is smoking. He jumps up, runs to a water-filled trough in the arena and quickly sits in it.
Snotlout looks up and sees his father bury his face in his hands. He looks to the judges panel and sees that he has received three zeros.
Tuffnut and Ruffnut stand before the smoking pile of rings.
TUFFNUT
I get the rings and the fire parts...but where's the death? I feel cheated.
On the scoreboard, Hiccup now has two blue marks and Snotlout has three. Snotlout looks away from the banner and grimaces. Hiccup saunters up to him.
HICCUP
Oh Snotlout, your dad looks really mad right now.
Snotlout glances up to his father, who shakes his head in disappointment. Snotlout scowls.
SNOTLOUT
(to Hiccup)
What do you know? He always looks like that! Do you really think you have any shot at beating me?
HICCUP
As a matter of fact I do have a shot at beating you.
SNOTLOUT
Do not!
HICCUP
Do too.
SNOTLOUT
Do not!
HICCUP
Do too! Think about it. Toothless is a Night Fury. And I'm the best rider. How can I possibly lose?
SNOTLOUT
Because that's what you do!
(points to himself)
I win.
(points to Hiccup)
You lose!
HICCUP
(points to scoreboard)
Check the scoreboard, Snotlout. Not anymore.
Snotlout snarls in anger. He looks behind him at the scoreboard and then back at Hiccup, angrier than ever.
He storms off, unable to form words.
Astrid stalks up to Hiccup, very unhappy.
ASTRID
What was that all about?
HICCUP
Just rattling cages.
He walks away.
ASTRID
Since when do you rattle cages?
Up on the announcer's platform, Mulch continues with his announcements.
MULCH
(in megaphone)
The contestants are lined up for the the Fly-and-Shoot...
Target-cutouts of a viking man and woman popping up behind some rocks in the obstacle set up.
MULCH
Where they must shoot down their foes and spare their friends!
Mulch strikes Bucket on his bucket.
Hiccup begins the next task. He flies through the scenario set up. A Viking-target pops up.
HICCUP
Outcast, bud!
Toothless blasts an "evil-viking" target. The crowd cheers. Another target pops up of a viking woman holding mead.
HICCUP
Toothless, no! She's a friend!
The walk through the rest of the course. A another "viking" pops out of a boat and Toothless blasts it.
HICCUP
Thanks, bud. I didn't see that one.
They complete the course perfectly; shooting all of the bad-targets and sparring all of the good targets.
MULCH
(in megaphone)
Hiccup and Toothless come through with a perfect score!
Snotlout is on top of Hookfang.
SNOTLOUT
Okay, Hookfang. A clean run here and we're the champs!
They begin their course. The first target pops up.
SNOTLOUT
Fire!
Hookfang fires and strikes it.
SNOTLOUT
Gotcha! Hahaha!
Hookfang accidentally flies into a cloud of left over ash. Unable to see well, he next fires on a group of cut-out children.
The audience gasps, horrified.
SNOTLOUT
NO! Those were kids you six-thousand-pound lizard!
Hookfang starts to fire on everything.
SNOTLOUT
(shouting)
No! What! What are you doing?! Stop! Shooting!
SPITELOUT
Snotlout! Get that dragon under control!
Hookfang is lighting every cut-out house int he scenario aflame.
MULCH (O.S.)
(in megaphone)
This does not look good for the reigning Thawfestival champion!
Fishlegs and Astrid look concerned. The twins are delighted.
TUFFNUT AND RUFFNUT
(chanting)
Snotlout! Snotlout! Oi! Oi! Oi!
Bucket paints a third mark next to Hiccup's face on the scoreboard.
MULCH
(in megaphone)
And for the first time in Thawfest history, we have a tie! Tomorrow, these two young vikings will go head-to-head in an event to decide the Thawfest Champion!
He gestures with his hook down to the platform set up in the kill ring. Hiccup and Snotlout both stand atop it. They both smile at the crowd. Snotlout waves, chuckles and slyly speaks to Hiccup.
SNOTLOUT
(from the corner of his mouth)
I can't believe how lucky you are. You don't even belong on this stage with me.
Hiccup waves to the crowd as well.
HICCUP
(chuckling)
That's it. Keep talking, Snotlout...
They both step off the platform. Astrid waits at the bottom and Snotlout passes her, still waving.
HICCUP
...as your family's winning streak goes up in smoke... just like your Rings of Deadly Fire.
Snotlout whirls around, angry. He clenches his fist, growls, and kicks a bucket out of his way before storming off.
Hiccup shrugs.
HICCUP
Hey, what's the matter?
(calling after Snotlout)
Yak got your tongue?
Astrid puts her hands on her hips.
ASTRID
Hiccup!
HICCUP
Oh, he's crumbling under the pressure. I can feel it.
Astrid narrows her eyes and shakes her head in disbelief.
HICCUP
What?
ASTRID
You know what I always liked about you, Hiccup? You were always a gracious loser. Who knew you'd be such a lousy winner.
She walks away, leaving Hiccup confused.
INT. FORGE - NIGHT
Hiccup is hammering away at a piece of steel angrily.
HICCUP
(grumbling)
Lousy winner... I'll be a great winner!
He quenches the red-hot metal in a bucket of water.
Toothles looks up and gurgles. Hiccup walks over with the new rigging piece.
HICCUP
(holding rod)
See this bud? Lighter. Thinner.
He crouches next to Toothless and begins to set up the tail.
HICCUP
Ooh, this will help us fly faster and turn quicker.
Hiccup stands up and pats the saddle.
HICCUP
I also stripped down your saddle. Light as a feather.
He pulls over the tailfin from off screen.
HICCUP
But this! This is what's gonna make the most difference.
Hiccup moves to Toothless tail. Toothless follows his movements with his eyes and growls.
HICCUP (O.S.)
A tail as thin as paper and even stronger than before.
Hiccup begins to attach the tailfin.
HICCUP
We're gonna be able to cut and turn better than we ever have. Snotlout won't have a chance.
EXT. KILL RING - DAWN
Stoick walks into the Kill Ring where Hiccup is securing Toothless' improved tailfin.
STOICK
Remember son... no pressure.
Stoick walks out of the Kill Ring. Elsewhere in the Ring, Spitelout walks toward Snotlout, who is using Hookfang's neck to warm up his legs.
SNOTLOUT
Yeah. Wooh! Gotta keep it loose...
SPITELOUT
Snotlout!
Snotlout whirls around with an eager smile.
SNOTLOUT
Yeah! Hey dad! Just stretchin' out the hammier, ya know?
SPITELOUT
(lightly)
Did you ever hear the story of when I almost lost the Thawfest games?
SNOTLOUT
No! I never did.
SPITELOUT
That's right.
(angrily)
Because it never happened!
Snotlout's face falls. He looks shamefaced and uncomfortable.
SPITELOUT
No Jorgenson has ever come close to losing the Thawfest games.
Spitelout walks up to his son and pokes him in the chest.
SPITELOUT
Don't you be the first.
Spitelout turns and walks away from his cowed son and passes Hiccup, who has seen the entire interaction. He looks at Snotlout. Snotlout twiddles his thumbs uncomfortably. Hookfang gives him a sympathetic growl and Snotlout brings up a brave face.
SNOTLOUT
(to Hookfang)
What are you looking at?
He pushes Hookfangs face to get him moving and together they walk away.
EXT. KILL RING - DAY
The final Thawfest game begins with Bucket and Mulch on the announcer's platform. Mulch is shouting into the horn again.
MULCH
Welcome to the final deciding event of this year's Thawfest games. The Obstacle Course Race! Take it away... Gobber!
He gestures to Gobber, who is inside the Kill Ring next to a white painted diagram of Berk. A red line is drawn around the picture to indicate the course the Riders must follow.
GOBBER
(pointing with his hook)
The race will start here in the stadium!
The audience nods.
GOBBER (O.S.)
Where, after the Log-Dodge-
A Viking throws a log down a long ramp.
GOBBER (O.S.)
And the Cliff-Climb
Hookfang and Toothless are both at the top of a cliff, ready to launch.
GOBBER (O.S.)
Hiccup and Snotlout will get on their dragons,
Back in the Ring, Gobber gestures to a different part of the map.
GOBBER
Loop around the flagship anchored off the coast. Slam through the sea-stack maze. Then head back here! The first one to pass that finish line is the winner!
From around the Ring, the audience begins to cheer.
GOBBER
(observing his arms)
Look at those goosebumps!
Snotlout is at the base of the log ramp, warming up his arms. Hiccup approaches him.
HICCUP
Hey, uh, can I talk to you for a second?
Snotlout turns away and continues working out.
SNOTLOUT
No!
HICCUP
Okay... uh... I just wanted to say, have a good race and... may the best viking win.
Hiccup holds out his hand as a peace offering. Snotlout stops his warm-up.
SNOTLOUT
Oh, he will. Don't you worry
(pokes Hiccup)
your scrawny-little-self about that. See you at the finish line, Hiccup. Or, maybe I won't.
He begins to walk away. Hiccup shrugs.
HICCUP
Alright. I tried. If that's how you want it.
Snotlout turns and points at Hiccup.
SNOTLOUT
That's exactly how I want it!
MULCH
(in megaphone)
Vikings and dragons! Take your positions!
Snotlout is still jumping around and getting pumped up. Hiccup stands next to him and gives him a flat look.
MULCH (O.S.)
(in megaphone)
On your mark...
Hiccup gets down on one knee.
MULCH (O.S.)
(in megaphone)
Get set...
Hiccup looks at Snotlout, also on his knee, who glares back.
MULCH (O.S.)
(in megaphone)
...and...
Hookfang and Toothless both glare at each other from their positions.
MULCH
GO!
Mulch swings his hook and hits Bucket's bucket.
Snotlout and Hiccup begin running. Snotlout shoves Hiccup off course and takes the lead.
SNOTLOUT
Out of my way!
VIkings start rolling logs down the ramp. Snotlout dives over and under the logs, dodging them with skill. He makes it to the rock wall and begins climing.
Hiccup is back on course. He reaches the ramp and manages to side-step and dodge the logs as well.
Snotlout is already well up on the sea stack he climbs. From the top, Vikings thrown down boulders. A boulder catches him in the face but he shakes it off.
Tuffnut and Ruffnut watch from the audience.
TUFFNUT
Ooh! Rock to the face! Heh, I love a good rock to the face.
Ruffnut reaches down and picks up a rock from the ground. She smashes it in his face. Tuffnut swipes at his smarting nose and smiles.
TUFFNUT
(woozily)
Yeah, that's what I'm talking about...
Hiccup races to the sea stack to begin his climb.
Stoick brightens and his seat and leaves his chair for a better view.
Hiccup makes it half-way up the sea-stack and looks up. Snotlout waves down at him before running to mount Hookfang. They fly off.
Vikings begin throwing rocks down at Hiccup. Hiccup avoids one rock but he loses his grip. He slides down the sea-stack.
MULCH (O.S.)
(in megaphone)
He's falling!
In the audience, Gobber and Stoick gasp. Fishlegs stands by Meatlug, concerned.
FISHLEGS
I can't watch!
Fishlegs throws one hand over his eyes and one hand over Meatlug's eyes.
Hiccup manages to stop his slid downward with the grip of his metal foot.
The audience cheers and Stoick pumps his fist.
STOICK
Heya! That's my boy!
Hiccup looks down, relieved. His face hardens and he begins to climb again. He makes it to the top, where Toothless is waiting for him.
HICCUP
Okay, bud. We got a lot of ground to make up. Let's go!
Hiccup quickly gets on the saddle and they take off after Snotlout.
MULCH
(in megaphone)
Look at them go!
Hiccup and Toothless are a blur as they race over the sea. In no time they reach Snotlout and Hookfang. Snotlout looks behind him and urges Hookfang to go faster.
GOBBER
He's closing in on Snotlout!
He points with his hook.
STOICK
(annoyed)
I can see that Gobber!
Snotlout loops around the ship-marker and starts on the course back. He nearly clips Hiccup with Hookfang's wing as they pass.
SNOTLOUT
Hey! How's that feel? Hahaha!
Hiccup circles the ship as well and smiles confidently.
HICCUP
(to Toothless)
Okay. Let's see what this new tail can really do.
He clicks the tailfin into a spread position and he and Toothless sail even faster after their competition.
Mulch watches with his pocket telescope. Bucket bounces up and down eagerly besides him.
MULCH
(amazed)
Did ya see that, Bucket? That sudden burst of speed?
Hiccup and Toothless are right on top of Hookfang as the dragons weave through the sea-stack obstacles.
Snotlout tries to box Hiccup from passing him.
HICCUP
(shouting)
Move over!
SNOTLOUT
(disbelief)
Yeah, sure!
The dragons knock each other around in the air trying to pass each other. Hiccup looks up and gasps when he sees a large rock wall coming up dead ahead.
SNOTLOUT
Ahh!
The dragons give one final push against each other. Hookfang veers to the left while Toothless is pushed way off to the right, off course.
ASTRID
Hiccup has to go the long way around!
Hiccup and Toothless break free from the maze of rocks and get a clear view of the finish line... along with Hookfang closing in on it. Hiccup switches the tainfin into the newly improved fast-mode and the speed downwards.
GOBBER
(points)
He's closing in, Stoick!
STOICK
(annoyed)
I can see that, Gobber!
Snotlout looks back and realizes Hiccup is right behind him again.
HICCUP
(to Toothless)
Okay, bud. Lets finish this.
The boys are neck-and-neck. Hiccup looks over and smiles at Snotlout. Snotlout looks worried.
SNOTLOUT
(worried muttering)
No... I can't lose! I can't lose! Auh, I can't lose...
The smile slides from Hiccup's face.
HICCUP
(to himself)
What am I doing?
(quietly)
I'm sorry, dad.
He moves the tailfin out of position. They fall back and Hookfang passes them.
The audience gasps.
FISHLEGS
Something's wrong!
Hiccup and Toothless spin out of control and skid to a halt in a sparse patch of forest.
Gobber and Stoick sit back, falling out of their excitement. Astrid smiles knowingly.
MULCH (O.S.)
(in megaphone)
Snotlout comes down the final stretch!
Hookfang and Snotlout reach the finish line. Hookfang lights the finishing banner on fire just before he swoops under it. The victory flag is swung.
MULCH (O.S.)
(in megaphone)
And Snotlout is the winner..!
Spitelout jumps from his seat.
SPITELOUT
Woohoo!
MULCH (O.S.)
(in megaphone)
...of the Thawfest games!
Hookfang lands in the Kill Ring and Snotlout is grinning.
SPITELOUT
Now that's a Jorgenson!
SNOTLOUT
We did it...
(louder)
We did it! We did it!
(calmer, crossing his arms)
Of course we did it...
Hookfang lowers his head and Snotlout dismounts. Toothless lands next to him. Hiccup climbs off as well and walks alongside Snotlout to the platform in the Kill Ring.
HICCUP
Nice flying, Snotlout.
SNOTLOUT
Yeah. You put up a good fight...
Snotlout offers his hand, but when Hiccup reaches to take it he quickly draws it back.
SNOTLOUT
But not good enough.
He approaches Stoick, laughing.
STOICK
(to audience)
It's been a spectacular Thawfest games. Perhaps the best ever.
(gestures to Hiccup and Snotlout)
These two young men have put on quite a show. But alas, there can be only one champion.
Two vikings begin beating spoons on drums for some suspenseful music.
STOICK
The Thawfest dynasty continues... The winner, and still champion, Snotlout!
He motions to Snotlout. Snotlout begins pumping his fists in the air and dancing.
SNOTLOUT
(shouting)
We did it!
Spitelout is still howling his approval from the audience.
Stoick presents a medal for Snotlout's victory and puts it around his neck. Snotlout looks up at him and smiles.
STOICK
(to Snotlout)
You did your family proud.
Stoick looks at Hiccup and smiles warmly. Hiccup returns it happily.
Snotlout jumps from the platform and begins running his victory circles around the Ring.
SNOTLOUT
(chanting)
Snotlout! Snotlout! Oi! Oi! Oi!
Hiccup slowly walks down the steps with a content smile still on his face.
Astrid jumps in and punches Hiccup in the arm.
Hiccup grabs his arm and glowers at her.
HICCUP
Ow! What?
ASTRID
(smiling)
I know what you did.
HICCUP
Yeah, I lost. As usual.
ASTRID
No. You threw the race.
HICCUP
(shiftily)
I-I have no idea what you're talking about, Astrid. Snotlout was just the better Viking today.
ASTRID
No Hiccup. No one was a better viking than you, today.
Astrid grabs Hiccup by the shoulder and plants a kiss on his mouth. She walks away, leaving Hiccup smiling.
HICCUP (V.O.)
Yup. Second again. Somethings never change.
In the center of the Kill Ring, Snotlout is now standing on top of Hookfang's saddle and waving to the screaming audience with both hands. Spitelout walks up next to him and begins posturing alongside his son. Hiccup watches them with a grin.
HICCUP (V.O.)
But I guess some things are more important than winning.
Snotlout jumps from his dragon's saddle onto his father's shoulder.
HICCUP (V.O.)
Like being a good friend.
Snotlout continues to cheer from his elevated position.
HICCUP (V.O.)
Even if the friend is... that guy.
Hiccup and Toothless share an amused look
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