Vargas bows down the "the god" tree eltri and accidentally lights eltri on fire. Where is atro with the squirty when you need him?
Imagine Lance drags Vargas out to the grove on the other side of the lake behind the estate to meet Eltri. Vargas had been asking about Lance's "deity" for some time now, and now that they've got the time, they could visit together. "So, he stays here all the time?" the Holy Flame asks, trying his best to control his temperature. (Headcanon: Fire Units are known to spontaneously combust if they don't keep their emotions under control.) The leaves under his feet crackle as he trails behind Lance. "Usually," he nods. "He can get up if he wants to.""Doesn't he get worried about messing up the forest?""He manipulates the land around him so he can move freely.""I...see." The duo walk in silence for a while, occasionally hearing a stray wind blow or animals crawling through the foliage nearby. Lance suddenly stops behind a cluster of trees, discreetly smiling. "This way," he whispers as he gestures for Vargas to follow again. They emerge in a large clearing, with Eltri himself planted right in the middle, for once not suspended in the air. Compared to the other towering trees around, he seemed like a King, looming over the others. His leaves were of four distinct colors, all beautifully crisp and healthy. He looks down at Lance, who approaches near one of the large roots and kneels. The green-haired man rests a hand on the root, as if a sign of respect. "Holy Earth Lance..." Eltri booms. "What a nice surprise, seeing you here. I assume that is the Holy Flame himself?""Yes, God Tree," Lance nods. He, with raised eyebrows and his head gesturing to come closer, looks back at Vargas, who picks up and approaches. The Hero's wings fold as he too rests a hand on a root, although hesitantly. He kneels and bows his head. "It is my honor to meet you, God Tree El-"Fwoosh."AaaaAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!" Eltri howls as his roots suddenly catch fire from contact with Vargas' hair. "ELTRI!!""OH DEAR GODS!! I'M SO SORRY!!" Vargas yells in a panic. His wings unfurl out of frustration, spreading even more flames in a split second. Lance, looking more irritated than frightened, tries to stomp out the embers helplessly. "Look at what you've done!" he shouts."I-I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" Vargas shouts back as he tries to control the flames with his powers. "Isn't there a river nearby?!""The nearest water source is way back!" Meanwhile, Eltri is still slowly becoming engulfed with flames, screaming the hold time. "DON'T WORRY!!" the three suddenly hear a voice bellow. "I'M HERE!!"Imagine Atro, holding a Squirty, suddenly leaps out of the forest and into the clearing followed by about a dozen more Squirties. He lands and tumbles for a bit before sitting up, kneeling on his knee with his Squirty but out. The other Squirties line up beside him. "GO!!" With grit teeth and determination in his eyes, the Holy Light points at Eltri viciously, which apparently signals all the little Water Squishies to start spitting water.Amazingly, the force of so many Squirties blasting water at the behemoth of a tree manages to quell the roaring flames, until all that's left is a little smoke and smoldering spots on the bark. Lance stares at the sudden display, dumbfounded. "Where did...""Great job, Squirty Squad!" Atro exclaims. The Squirties all jump in celebration as medics (Merith and Elimo) arrive to heal Eltri. "You all can thank me later!""Where did YOU come from?!" Lance asks, bewildered. "How did you... You just...suddenly...""Didn't you know? I run the fire department," the Holy Light proclaims proudly. "What? How come you're in charge and not a Water Unit?""Ah, well-""God Tree Eltri!" Vargas shouts. "I am eternally sorry for my blunder!" He gets down on his hands and knees, bowing profusely. "I shall not allow it to happen again!""You are forgiven, as long as you meant no ill will," Eltri says, though there's a clear hint of nervousness in his voice. "VARGAS YOU BUFFOON!!" Lance shrieks. "STOP BOWING BEFORE YOU START ANOTHER FIRE!!"






