Salamander's All Fired Up

Wait. Who's that?

Looks like we're all clear. Hah! Howdja like that, ya lumbering lizard? Turns out all that firepower ain't no match for these feather-light fingers of mine!

Now, this little Salamander's Ember here... Whoops, better not get ahead of myself. First I gotta get outta here.

That guy said something about Salamander just now, didn't he? And that flame he was holding...

Everything about him was suspicious. I should warn Salamander about him.

Everything about him seemed...off. Is Salamander here somewhere? I should take a look around here.

Hm? Child of man. Have you need of my assistance?

Actually, I do. I wanted to ask you something.

Indeed? Then ask.

Just now I ran into a suspicious-looking individual cradling a flame. He mentioned your name too. Do you know anything about him?

Now that you mention it, I did spy a figure skulking about the vicinity shortly before your arrival. I see now. He has plucked an Ember from my body and spirited it away.

How'd you miss that?

Humans are to me as an insect is to humans. You would not notice one or two of them scurrying about at your feet.

I suppose. You are pretty huge.

Nevertheless, in disregarding this man's presence I was blind to his villainy. I do not appreciate the theft of my body parts. In fact, I think it rather rude.

There aren't many places he could go in Purgatory. Getting it back would be a cinch.

I'm afraid that is not true. Much like you, that man is still alive.

How is that possible?!

Therefore, he has some means with which he may come and go from Purgatory, likely provided by an accomplice.

Why would he go to such lengths to steal some of your fire?

I do not know for what ends he intends to use it. All the more reason that he must not be allowed to keep it.

Right. Who knows what could happen if he isn't planning to use it for good. Don't worry, Salamander. I'll stop him and take the flame back!

Indeed? I owe you now two debts, human. That is a circumstance I never expected any Elemental to find themselves in.

Human, Elemental, it doesn't matter. Everybody needs a helping hand sometimes.

Again, you have my thanks. I believe the thief is somewhere in the Vasu Mountains. You shall be able to find him there.

How'd you know?

Every Ember is a part of me. Even apart, I can still feel their presence and their surroundings. If not for this phantom form I would punish the kidnapper myself. Alas, I must leave my retribution to you to execute, child of man.

You got it. Off to the Vasu Mountains!

I'm sure this is the place Salamander told me to go to...Ah!

Here it is, just like I told ya. One red-hot, genuine Salamander's Ember!

This pile of ash? And I'm s'posed ta believe this is the great Salamander's Ember? This looks like nuttin' but a normal flame. Where's da proof?

Look, LISTEN! I put my life on the line going to some messed up Purgatory place to get this thing. If you ain't gonna take my word for it, I'll be taking my business elsewhe...

N-Now, hold on! I was just kidding. Let's talk straight numbers. A living flame from da snuffed out Salamander? Dis'll fetch ya a nice price.

Hold it right there! That Ember won't be fetching you anything!

Waagh! Who're you?! Dis here's a no third party deal, so scram!

I'm not here to bargain. I'm here to return that Ember to its rightful owner!

S-Salamander?! Is he here? Is he comin' after us?!

Can it, ya dolt! Make like a banana and split!

Oh, no you don't!

You won't get away with this! The flame's not for sale!

Forget it, punk! I didn't go to all the trouble of gettin' that Ember for nothin'!

Dat's right! Ain't no commodity hotter than Salamander's Ember! Y'think I'd let somethin' dat valuable outta my sight just like dat?

There's no reasoning with you, is there?

Look, if ya want it that bad I guess we can part with a piece o' the pie. I mean, every blacksmith in the whole wide world wants to get their hands on this thing.

What did you say?

They say anythin' ya make with this Ember holds Salamander's Phantasmal Blessing. Meaning people are willin' to pay more than enough cash for one Ember to set all three of us up for life!

......

And you're someone close to that big ol' flamin' meal ticket, ain'tcha? YOU could get more Embers for us to sell whenever ya wanted. Sounds good, right? Tell ya what, I'll even give ya 50 percent of all the profits.

Sorry, but no deal! I want no part in your criminal enterprise.

"Criminal"? Excuse me! I'll have y'know that my business is nothin' but respectable! Here, meet my associates!

W-Where'd these guys come from?!

Hah, I lured you here just in case I needed to call them in!

Heh, dat's why I leave da thinkin' to you. Good idea!

Get to work, boys!

No! My precious employees!

Your operation's gone bust. Give up.

Not while I still got reserves! Take this!

There's more?!

You could say this guy's my chief executive. He'll take care of ya for sure!

Ngh!

Is that...Salamander?

Guwahhh! Wh-What the?!

The Ember, i-it burst into a huge blaze?!

Eyaaaahhh! Hot! Hot!

Uwaaargh! Away, away!

Am I glad you got rid of that monster, Salamander! But how?

That makes sense. This was your home, after all.

I've got it. I'll bring it back as soon as I can.

Thanks again, Salamander. I don't know what I would've done without your help.

You need not offer me your thanks. I tasked you with retrieving my Ember and you required my aid to do so.

Well, here you go.

This is indeed the stolen Ember. You have my gratitude. However, it is not mine.

Huh?

Henceforth, it belongs to you. With your ardent courage, I believe that its power may be of use to you.

You sure about this?

I am, for I sense that flame within you. This Ember holds the power to consume all in its way, unchallenged by even the stormiest rain or sea. May it keep you safe.

I'm sure it will. Thank you, Salamander!

Child of man, no, Aldo. Whether or not we meet again... I believe that my fire will be safe in your hands. It, and I, will be watching over you.