Fight for the Throne of the Planet

 Fight For the Throne of the Planet

The battle for the Planet was joined and four remained, each bearing a powerful argument as to why their claim to the throne should triumph. None could leave until the game was done; non dare concede for fear of being subjugated and silenced forever.  Each was to state their claim and before the Alchemist Creator the each bowed in turn and pleaded their case.

Fire raged and ranted that all before him would burn in his presence. Even the Alchemist nodded silently as Fire said that even water could burn in the presence of the fiercest flame.” Is it not true stated Fire that on Judgement Day all shall burn?  Is it not true that those who do not bow will burn that day? Doth the Sun not burn and that sacrifice giveth life here to all?” Fire stood down; confident it would triumph.

Water who was much calmer and with soothing words gave sound reason and poured gentle scorn on Fire’s rant.  “True, even water can burn, but what gave life upon this mortal coil?  Are all nought but dust without me?  Did not the Cosmos itself send me from the heavens to give life upon this world? Even Man cannot live without me.  He may burn in the fires of Hell, but what promise is that? I offer peace and unity in our strength together. Yet without me this world would be barren and lifeless. I put it to you that I should take the throne.”

Wind howled in mocking laughter as it took the stage. “Fire is nought but bluster, it rages and dies when nothing fans its flames. Without the air I give even water lies a stagnant lifeless thing. Nothing can live withing it’s realm without the breath of life and that is what I bring before you!”

Barely noticed in the fierce debate Earth stepped forward and waited patiently as the others turned and saw it’s determined, steadfast stare. “From me you came and to me shall you return.  I may burn; I may drown; my dust may be blown to the four corners, but I am the one who rocks the cradle of life.  Within my bounds came life itself. True I need help from all of you to bring forth life and living.   Why not all of us? Should we not combine and bring a golden age to this planet?”

The Alchemist pondered and, in the lingering, heavy silence each lowered their gaze as the truth that none stood out dawned upon them; nor could they survive without each other. Finally, the great arbitrator gave judgement…” I have tried to make from each of you a wealth and treasure. A gift of greed and longing that ALL would crave, but I failed.  There is no winner and non shall stand in dominion of the other. Each of you must roam this world in an eternal struggle for the throne you seek. Last one standing takes the crown, but dare you take the risk? Perchance this world is better served by all, not one of you.  Go!  Serve this planet and all who dwell. For if you tear this world apart then there will only be Hell who winds.”

The four elements did not notice as the Alchemist faded from view. No words were added as each, head bowed shuffled from the room.