Life on the Edge

1.12 The Next Big Sting

"Okay, Hiccup. You dragged us all the way up here," Astrid says, exhausted as they all finish climbing the tallest cliff on a nearby island.

"Now, what is it that you have to show us?" Tuffnut asks. "It better involve food or destruction or a combination of the two."

Ragnar exchanges a knowing look with Nightshade. Unfortunately, he's fairly sure he knows exactly why Hiccup brought them here.

"I bet you're all wondering why I brought you here today," Hiccup says as he digs through Toothless' saddlebag. "The answer is, I wanted to show you my latest invention. Presenting: The Dragonfly One!"

He turns around and holds up his new invention with a flourish.

While Ragnar sighs and looks up at the sky like he's asking a higher power for help, the rest of the Riders stare blankly at the combination of metal and fabric.

Tuffnut slowly holds up a clucking Chicken. "The chicken is not amused," he deadpans.

"What is it?" Snotlout asks.

"It's a bad idea," Ragnar says firmly.

Hiccup frowns at him. "Hey."

"Sorry. It's a dangerous idea," he corrects with a pointed look.

"It's a flight suit," Hiccup tells them, not even bothering to deny it. "Don't all applaud at once," he adds when nobody reacts.

"Hiccup, I don't think I need to remind you that we already have flying dragons," Fishlegs points out. "Why would we ever need a flight suit?"

Hiccup starts to attach his flight suit. "Well, what if we were to get separated from our dragons midflight? We might need to solo fly for a bit until we can catch up with them again."

Ragnar levels him with a truly exhausted look. "Why do you do this?" he asks blankly. "Why? Do you enjoy being injured? Is that it?

Hiccup smiles. "As much as I like being under your oh so tender care, no. I don't enjoy being injured."

Ragnar sighs and tugs at his braid. "Hic, please. Just- just test this thing on a shorter cliff. Way shorter. Maybe start with a mild hill."

"I already have," Hiccup tells him. He gestures toward the edge of the cliff. "Now I'm at this stage of testing."

"I hate this stage," Ragnar mutters, resigned to what will inevitably happen next.

"When this doesn't work," Snotlout cuts in, "and it clearly will not, can I have Toothless?"

Hiccup rolls his eyes. "Oh, for Thor's sake," he mutters while Toothless gives a low growl to show his own displeasure.

Astrid narrows her eyes when he walks over to the cliff's edge. "What are you planning on doing here?" she asks. Her tone makes it clear she already knows the answer to her question and is giving him the chance to change his mind.

Ragnar silently commends the effort even as he knows it won't work.

"Jumping," Hiccup says matter-of-factly. "Unless someone has a better idea. And no," he adds, turning to Ragnar with his eyebrows raised, "not doing it is not a better idea."

Ragnar crosses his arms and raises his own eyebrows in turn. "Agree to disagree."

"Ugh," Astrid groans. "Boys."

"Guys, relax," Hiccup tells them. He holds one hand out as a strong breeze ruffles his hair. "You feel that updraft? That's why I chose this place. It'll pick up my wings and I'll be floating on a bed of air."