The Alpha is Rising

Prophecy

Hiccup paced around his room impatiently, his parents had finally gone to bed around ten-thirty, leaving him with an hour and a half to wonder and theorize. He would pace between his window and his bed, the package laying like a temptation, begging to be opened, but Hiccup restrained himself, waiting until midnight. What could possibly be in it? What was going to happen? What was going on? As a matter of fact, why couldn't he tell his parents? Why didn't he even bother to ask the myriad of questions that popped into his head? He paused and sighed, he knew one reason, he had figured he would go to Gobber's place that night anyway and ask then. He might get some answers without so many people around. He glanced out the window, it would be easy too, with the tree sitting right outside his window. He'd done it so many times now that he could practically do it in his sleep, climb out, shut the window, and climb down. He pursed his lips, make sure the windows and doors were closed. The way Gobber said it made it sound like it was serious and possibly dangerous if he left any doors or windows open. He figured that following that bit of advice would be a good idea, especially since he was following all the other bits of advice Gobber had given him. He glanced back at the package again, looking as tempting as ever. He glanced at his clock, only eleven o'clock. Letting out a frustrated sigh, Hiccup went and sat down at his desk, trying to figure out what he could do to pass the time. He did several things, worked on some homework, played a bit of Dragon Tamers, sketched a bit, and daydreamed about Merida. But it was a battle, an almost losing battle, to keep his mind off the package, his curiosity was so strong. He somehow managed to get some of his homework done and a couple of drawings, but thinking about Merida didn't help much as his mind almost immediately turned to the package, nor did playing with his virtual dragons, if anything, that made him think about it all the more. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the clock chimed midnight and Hiccup pounced on the package. He began to open it when something moved outside his window. Heart pounding, Hiccup glanced out the window. He didn't see anything, and closed the shutters before returning to the package. The wrapping paper ripped off easily and, much to Hiccup's surprise, revealed a book about dragon species. What was even weirder was that the symbols decorating the cover didn't look anything at all like they were from Dragon Tamers, they looked more like ancient runes. He passed his fingers over the runes, and it felt like electricity shot through his fingers. He dropped the book in surprise, but when nothing else happened, carefully picked it back up. He slowly opened the book, and got another surprise. Tucked within the cover was a piece of paper with a poem handwritten on it.

"The six elemental signs must be found; To keep the dragonstone in the ground; The youngest Dragon Master will find them all; And with his friends will create a wall; The signs encircled to prevent a disaster dire; Before the stone stand Earth, Ice, and Fire; Protect the tree with Air, Lightning, and Water; They must be placed in the proper order. Between Earth and Lightning stands a Fire so hot; Almost like what the dragon's mouth begot; Between Lightning and Water stands the gentle Air; Like the dragon's flight, graceful and fair; Between Earth and Water stands the royal Ice; All in the hands of the one who rolls the dice. So listen, Dragon Master, listen well; You will also need the copper bell; And the golden apples three; To save the dragons and keep them free." As soon as Hiccup finished reading the poem, a rumble echoed throughout the house. He cautiously tiptoed out of his room, his parents still slept, and all windows and doors were still locked. He dashed back into his room, stuffed the book and the poem in his book bag, and climbed out his window. He made double sure his window was closed before climbing down the tree and making his way towards Gobber's house.

"What's going on? What's with this book? And the poem? And that rumble I heard in my house?" Hiccup blurted the instant Gobber opened his door.

"Ah, right, you'd better come in, this could take a while."

Hiccup walked in and followed Gobber to the living room, "How long do you think this will take? I'll have to get back in time for the party, and . . . Principal Terrebonne!"