The Fifth Element
Chapter 36: Elemental, My Dear Watson
[Author's Note]
Hey everybody. I am so glad everybody is enjoying the fic ^^ It really warms my heart, and it is your support that keeps the fic going. Anyway, I have a couple of notes to make so bear with me and we will get to the story very soon.
Point one: I am very sorry I could not update much yesterday. I know my normal pace has been 3-4 chapters daily, but yesterday was hectic. Therefore, to make it up to you, I intend to publish 7 new chapters today.
Point two: There has been some speculation in the comments about the exact nature of The Fifth Element, as the title of the fic suggests it is quite important to the story. I have also received a number of PMs about it. This is great, I dig the attention, but I must make it clear that I HAVE NOT SEEN THE ELEMENTS MINISERIES. I am still on season 6. I need to catch up. I do not know what happens. So please, keep the spoilers to a minimum if you would be so kind. But more importantly, try not to match your expectations to the canon. I can assure you that the Fifth Element is most certainly NOT Lumps.
Point three: For all you LSP fans, however, you needn't fret. LSP and Lumpy Space shall appear, along with Jake, Marceline and all the other characters people seem to like. They will just be different.
AAAAaaaaand rant over. Enjoy the fic everybody ^^
Finn said on the emerald lion, while Forest Wizard plucked a blackberry from the mighty shrub he had just nurtured into being, and offered it to Finn. Finn bit into the fruit. It was delicious.
"Nobody really knows what the Fifth Element is." Forest Wizard explained, as the two continued to walk in the moonlight. "Entire wars have been fought over its nature, once upon a time. Some say that it is a resource, to be controlled and distributed. Some say it is something truly nebulous, to be worshiped and revered. Many minor kingdoms have claimed that it is THEIR kingdom that is truly the fifth element, hoping to receive the power and riches that come with being an elemental kingdom. However…"
Forest Wizard stopped, to pluck a scrumptious looking walnut off a nearby vine. He tapped it with his pinky finger, causing the shell of the nut to violently shatter. He tossed the nutmeat in his mouth, and chewed.
"I don't think any of them were right." Forest Wizard said with a grin.
"What do YOU think it is?" Finn asked. Forest Wizard raised an eyebrow.
"Do you remember the plant? All four known elements were working in tandem to keep it alive and healthy? Well, what if I told you that there was one more vital component in place, without which, it the other elements would be useless." Forest Wizard went on.
"What is it?" Finn asked. Forest Wizard grinned.
"It's the ability to CHANGE. The ability to change is the one ability shared by all beings. Even humans, who the great Mother Nature saw fit to give almost no gifts, have this good fortune. Humans, with no strength, flight, claws or magic, they too have the ability to change."
Forest Wizard raised his arm, and the forest canopy changed into petal blossoms. "Winter into Spring. Caterpillars into Butterflies. Corpses into Fertile Soil. Ice into Water…all of it impossible without change."
Forest Wizard looked at Finn, with a grandfatherly smile. "At least, that's what I think. Who knows, it could be something different, like teeth, or some random jazz like that, y'know?"
The emerald lion bowed, and Finn slid off. He landed on his back in a patch of soft grass. He looked up at the beautiful night sky. Petal Blossoms were everywhere, filling the deep blue night with a cascade of brilliant pink, as the satin air wafted over the forest. It was beautiful.
Forest Wizard looked at Finn. "Sun's coming up. Do you still want to fight me?"
Finn thought. The petals would sooth his pain, but his body was broken and busted. His body screamed no, his mind screamed later, but his soul screamed NOW!
"More than anything." Finn said, saddened by the revelation that battle was perhaps his only instinct. "But I cannot. I cannot move. I'm in too much pain."
"Ah Finn, you're forgetting what I've been trying to tell you. All things change. You are injured. But soon, you will change, and become healthy."
"But the Ice Kingdom is relying on me. I need to leave NOW! I need to raid the Candy Kingdom and use its candy to feed the ice kingdom."
Forest Wizard smiled, and turned to look at the sky.
"You have a good heart, Finn the Human. Full of Courage, Loyalty, Strength, and Kindness. But you lack the fifth virtue. Identity."
The sun rose, causing the petals to vanish into wisps of light. The deep blue sky, full of crystal stars, transformed into a burning orange, and the once dark clouds of the night became wisps of purest white, as the great sun burned on the horizon, and bathed Finn's body is light.
"Walk, Finn the Human."
Finn wobbled, and was hesitant, but he put his weight on the ankle he had fractured. It was fine.
"How?" He asked.