CHAPTER 41; FAMILY REUNION

The Saints had assembled at the Fire Temple. It was morning. Apparently, Ryu had had a rough night. Michael looked very serious and Nadia was beginning to wish she had listened to Ryu earlier. Everyone was worried. Tanya had just played a tune to ease Ryu's pain and Ken was dealing with the bleeding in another room. Nadia was called next to try and close up Ryu's wound with her medical jutsu. But among them all, none felt as terrible as Atlanta.

"Every decision I make puts Ryu in danger" she thought painfully.

"What happened?" Michael asked very seriously.

"I didn't expect him to follow me" was all Atlanta could say.

Ken and Nadia walked out of the room where Ryu was being treated.

"I still can't believe Ryu did all that on his own, breaking into a highly secured castle. That's pretty impressive. But I guess that's why he's a ninja" Nadia said.

"How is he?" Atlanta asked worriedly.

"He's fine. He'll wake up soon. Luckily, the kunai didn't do much damage" Ken said.

"Ken, can I see him?" Atlanta asked.

"I don't know how he'll react if he sees you now" Ken said.

"I see" Atlanta said sadly. "But I really need to see him" she insisted.

"You can go in. Ryu's been through worse" Ken said.

Atlanta walked into the room. It was quite small. There wasn't much of anything in it except for a mat. Ryu lay peacefully on the mat. His eyes were shut and he seemed to have no trouble breathing. He was bandaged across his upper body and his vest had been removed to allow him to breathe freely. When Atlanta saw him in that state, she felt even worse.

"I'm so sorry Ryu. I should have listened to you. I shouldn't have said what I said. I'm glad you're always around to watch my back" Atlanta said.

Ryu opened his eyes.

"It's okay Atlanta. I know you didn't mean it" he said with a smile.

"Ryu" Atlanta called as tears filled her eyes.

"I shouldn't have followed you and Jay, and I especially shouldn't have stoned him. It was immature of me. I'm sorry but I just care about you too much" Ryu admitted.

"I'm glad you did, not the stoning part though" Atlanta said and they laughed.

There was silence for a while.

"Ryu, I've got a favour to ask" Atlanta said as she turned away from him.

"What is it Atlanta?" Ryu asked.

"Promise me…that you will never do anything to put your life in danger for my sake" Atlanta said.

Ryu remained silent.

"I wouldn't be able to bear it if you got hurt again trying to save me" Atlanta said as she faced Ryu again.

She had a desperate look on her face.

"Atlanta" Ryu murmured.

"Please promise me this Ryu. I won't ask for anything more. Just promise me this one thing" Atlanta pleaded.

"I'll try" Ryu said.

"I've got one more thing to ask. This one is not a favour but a question" Atlanta said.

"What is it?" Ryu asked.

"Did you think I meant what I said when I told you that I hated you?" Atlanta asked.

"No, I don't think you meant it. I once told you that I hated you too so I guess we're even. It did hurt hearing those words come from you but I don't think you meant them" Ryu said.

"I'm sorry" Atlanta apologized.

Ryu began to laugh.

"What's so funny Ryu?" Atlanta asked.

"Everything's back to normal huh? I'm the one hurt and looking up at you. This is actually kinda fun" Ryu said.

"Why?" Atlanta asked.

"Because you're concerned about me once more" Ryu said.

Atlanta blushed shyly. Ryu noticed her face turning red.

"Uh, Atlanta? Your face is kinda red. Are you feeling sick?" Ryu asked.

"No, just glad to have a friend like you" Atlanta said.

Ryu turned away from her.

"So how are things with your father?" Ryu asked.

"We haven't spoken yet" Atlanta answered.

"Really?" Ryu asked.

"Don't worry. He invited me to the castle. I plan on settling things once and for all. I won't run from my past anymore. I learnt that from you" Atlanta said.

"Glad I could be a teacher for once" Ryu said with a smile.

"I must be on my way now" Atlanta said.

"Okay, bye" Ryu waved.

Atlanta nodded and left.

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Atlanta soon stood in the presence of her father, King Reige. Seeing him only made her angrier and the fact that the king didn't seem to know why she seemed so angry made her angrier still.

"Atlanta my daughter, how I have missed you so. It has been so long since I last saw you and I'm happy to see that you've grown into a dependable woman" the king said.

"How could you father?" Atlanta asked trying very hard to suppress her rage but without much luck.

"How could I do what?" the king asked innocently.

"How could you conspire with the Fire Master to have me banished? I know I cannot create fire but even still…I'm your daughter for crying out loud!" Atlanta yelled angrily.

"So that was the reason for your escape. You eavesdropped on us didn't you?" the king asked.

"Well forgive me for eavesdropping on a plan to have me banished!" Atlanta said angrily.

"I see you didn't listen to the full conversation. If you had, you would have known that I refused the Fire Master's suggestion and threatened to have him banished instead" the king said.

"What did you just say?" Atlanta stared at her father in surprise and confusion.

"Yes, there was no way I could banish my only heiress and more than being an heiress, you are my only daughter Atlanta" the king said.

Atlanta knew that her father was telling the truth.

"Father" she cried as tears ran down her face.

The king rose from his throne and walked to her. Then he hugged her.

"I guess my only mistake was making you feel lonely. I'm so sorry for that Atlanta and though it may sound selfish, I ask you to forgive me Atlanta, my daughter" the king said.

"No father, I am sorry for running away. I've learnt just how impulsive I am and I've made a lot of mistakes but…I'm learning from Ryu how to be a better person" Atlanta said.

"Ryu? Let me guess, he is that equally impulsive friend of yours who wouldn't think twice about jumping right into a highly fortified castle to save the one he loves" the king said.

"I don't know what you mean father" Atlanta denied Ryu's feelings.

"Listen to me Atlanta. This is the first lesson I'll give you as your father, not the king. No man no matter how brave would do something so foolish for someone who might not even consider their feelings unless he loves that person. You remind me so much of your mother. I'm sure wherever she is now, Ryuujinn rest her soul, she is very proud of you but…not more than I am" the king said.

Atlanta laughed.

"You've changed a lot father. I remember you as a strict man who wished for everything to be in perfect order" Atlanta said.

Suddenly, a fire ninja entered the throne room.

"I'm sorry for interrupting your highness but I'm glad to inform you that all the Dark ninja have retreated. Everyone is returning to their usual activities" the fire ninja reported.

"YOU MORON! IN LESS THAN THREE MONTHS, WE'VE BEEN INVADED TWICE BY THE DARK NINJA! YOU SLACKERS ARE BEGINNING TO MAKE OUR RYU LOSE FACE! TOUGHEN UP THE DEFENSES AND SET UP MORE FORTIFICATIONS! FROM THIS DAY, YOU FIRE NINJA WILL TRAIN TWICE AS HARD DO YOU HEAR ME?!" the king roared.

"Yes, your majesty" the fire ninja said.

"Dismissed" the king said.

The fire ninja quickly left the king's presence.

"You were saying, Atlanta?" the king asked.

"O-kay, so maybe you haven't changed so much but I'm glad we've settled things" Atlanta said.

The king laughed.

"I'm sorry you had to see that dear" he said.

"I must be leaving now father" Atlanta said.

"Farewell my daughter" the king bade his daughter goodbye.

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Atlanta returned to the Fire Temple only to see everyone outside, struggling to get Ryu back to bed. Ryu was resisting them energetically. He noticed Atlanta coming and waved.

"Atlanta, how did it go with your father?!" Ryu asked.

Everyone else saw an opening and pounced on Ryu.

"GOTCHA!" Ken, Rokkan, Michael and Nadia exclaimed in satisfaction.

"Damn! Can't you guys buzz off already? I said I'm fine! What part of that don't you get?!" Ryu was arguing when Atlanta hugged him.

"C'mon Atlanta! Are you on their side?! I can't move already!" he complained.

"Thank you so much Ryu" Atlanta said.

"For what? You guys let go already!" Ryu yelled angrily at the others.

They let go of him.

"For making me come back home. If I hadn't, I would have continued to hate my father for no reason" Atlanta said.

"Do you regret?" Ryu asked.

"Ken, would you mind coming with me for a sec?" Nadia asked.

"Why? It's getting good. So this is what a drama looks like?" Ken said.

"I SAID COME ON!" Nadia roared as she grabbed Ken in a lock hold and pulled him into the Temple.

Everyone else made different excuses and left the two alone.

"No, if I hadn't run away, I would never have met you" Atlanta said as she released Ryu.

"The others are acting strange don't you think? We'd better check up on them" Ryu said as he led Atlanta into the Temple.

"Why'd you guys leave so suddenly?" Ryu asked.

"Don't tell me you wasted the mood we created just for you two!" Nadia growled angrily.

"What mood?" Ryu asked innocently.

"Woooow" Rokkan said in surprise.

"I can't believe I'm hearing this from a seventeen year old man" Michael said.

"This time…I'M REALLY GONNA PUNCH YOUR LIGHTS OUT RYU!" Nadia roared as she chased Ryu around the Temple.

"And that was supposed to be my first live drama" Ken looked depressed.

"Don't put too much stock in dramas. Most of them are rubbish these days" Michael said.

"Oh, so you've watched a few have you now, Michael?" Nadia said as she clenched her fists threateningly.

"N-N-Nuh-uh, I've j-just r-read books" Michael said.

"So you've read those kinds of books have you?" Nadia asked.

"And I was so looking up to you Michael" Ryu said with a disgusted look on his face.

"N-Nadia, it's not what you're thinking" Michael pleaded.

"And would you tell me just how you know what I'm thinking?" Nadia asked.

Ryu was meanwhile trying to sneak out of Nadia's reach.

"And you stay right where you are Ryu!" Nadia warned him.

"R-Ryu, help me out please?" Michael pleaded.

"O-kay! Ninja smokescreen!" Ryu exclaimed as he threw some smoke bombs to the ground.

While everyone was coughing and wheezing, Ryu and Michael made their escape.

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

After about two hours, Ryu and Michael finally returned to the Temple laughing joyfully. They had just duelled a few fire ninjas and found to their joy that, they were safely above the levels of a normal chuunin. Even a few jounin had problems defeating them.

"Now that was what I call an ultimate tag team match!" Ryu exclaimed joyfully.

"So the mukenin brothers have finally arrived, I see" Nadia said.

"Let it go already Nadia. The only books Michael has read are our friend Pius' 'How to woo a girl even when she says no for dummies guide'" Ryu said with a laugh.

"Then why did he have to run away?" Nadia asked.

"It's too embarrassing for someone of my age to be reading such a book. I didn't want you to know that part of me" Michael said with a look of embarrassment on his face.

"W-Wa-a-a-it a minute Nadia? Could you tell me just what kind of books you thought Michael was reading?" Ryu asked.

"Um-uh…th-th-th-those kinds. You know what I mean don't you?" Nadia said with a look of embarrassment on her face.

"Looks like you have a pretty wild imagination Nadia" Ryu said with a laugh.

"SHUT UP!" Nadia roared as she suddenly punched Ryu.

"Well we don't know what you mean by those kinds so would you care to elaborate?" Michael asked.

"Can we please drop the topic?" Nadia pleaded.

"Well, you were the one going on about it in the first place" Ryu said angrily. "And since when did I start looking like a punching bag with the words 'Nadia's rage' written all over it?" Ryu asked.

"You don't look like one but you certainly feel like one" Nadia said.

"Ouch! Someone please call the flame extinguishers 'cause I think you just got burned Ryu" Ken said.

Once everyone had settled, they began to have a normal conversation.

"So what do you plan to do from now Atlanta?" Nadia asked.

"My duties of course" Atlanta said.

"So you're leaving the group?" Nadia asked.

"Wait a minute, you're not leaving us are you Atlanta?" Ryu looked dismayed.

"Of course not. My prime duty is to protect my kingdom and right now, the only way to do that is to stop Nemesis" Atlanta said.

"That means you're staying with us! Yeah man!" Ryu cheered.

As they were talking, Jay walked in. Everyone tried to hide their rage. Ryu and Atlanta weren't angry though.

"Atlanta, I need to apologize" Jay said.

"No Jay, it's okay. You did what you had to do" Atlanta said.

"Thanks Atlanta" Jay said thankfully.

"So Ryu, you guys will stay for a while right?" Jay asked.

"Yes, for a few days" Ryu replied.

Jay winked secretly at Ryu. Ryu winked back and gave a thumbs up, all of which were unnoticed by Atlanta.

"Let's go into town" Rokkan suggested.

"Yeah! Now you're talking Rock head! Let's go have some more fun!" Ryu cheered.

"I don't think so. We need supplies or have you forgotten?" Rokkan said.

"Spoilsport! But at least promise that we'll get some good food! We haven't had some in a while!" Ryu said. "No offense to you girls" he quickly added.

"For once, I'll resist the urge to punch you. Some good food would be nice" Nadia agreed.

Everyone else agreed.

"I'll take you around" Jay offered.

"Great!" Ryu said.

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

So the friends left the Fire Temple and headed into the Fire Kingdom's central market. As the fire ninja had said, business was already back on track and everyone was living their daily lives like they usually did.

"This place reminds me of home" Tanya said.

"It is similar to the Wind ryu in some way" Ken agreed.

"And it reminds me of the first time I met you" Rokkan said as he held Tanya's hand.

Tanya smiled shyly.

"Yeah, how could I forget? Your eyes popped right out of their sockets" Ryu teased.

The others laughed at Ryu's joke.

Jay stopped at a shop. The shop had a signboard with the picture of a shuriken and kunai at opposite sides of where the name of the shop was written. The name of the shop however had faded out probably due to weather conditions.

"You can get kunai and shuriken here" Jay pointed. "They deal in sharp objects. You may even find weapons you've never seen here" he said.

"Cool! I wonder what other stuff we can get from here" Ryu said excitedly.

"But do we have enough money?" Atlanta asked.

"Why don't you ask for the prices first?" Jay said with a smile.

Atlanta walked to the shopkeeper.

"Excuse me, we need some equipment" Atlanta said politely.

"Princess Atlanta?" the shopkeeper said staring hard at Atlanta.

Then he opened his eyes in surprise and joy.

"It is you! My you have grown! Take anything you want. I will sell anything to you for free. Think of it as a homecoming present" the shopkeeper said.

"SUPER COOL!" Ryu exclaimed happily.

"We'll buy some kunai and shuriken" Nadia said.

"Do you have any caltrops?" Rokkan asked.

"What are those?" Ryu asked.

"Sharp objects you throw behind you to slow down pursuers" Rokkan answered.

"Do we really need those?" Ryu asked.

"Expect the unexpected. That's ninja rule number one" Rokkan said.

"True" Nadia agreed.

"Okay! I think they'd be cool anyway" Ryu said.

"So after stocking up on equipment, the friends moved on to another stall. Luckily, they were offered free equipment as well.

"Here we can get smoke bombs and other concealment equipment" Jay explained.

The companions bought as much stuff as they needed.

"Now, let's find a good place to eat" Atlanta said.

"The others agreed.

"Let's see if I can find a good restaurant for us…umm" Atlanta thought deeply.

"Don't worry, I can take you to the Fire kingdom's number one restaurant" Jay said as he motioned to the others to follow him.

Soon they arrived at a restaurant called 'The Dancing Dragon Restaurant'.

"Hmm, I still remember this place" Atlanta said as they entered the restaurant.

After placing their orders, they began to talk of their next destination in their quest. Soon, the food was brought before them and Ryu wasted no time in digging in.

"Mm, I miss good food like this" Nadia said happily.

"I wish we could eat like this every day" Ryu said.

Atlanta smiled.

"I don't see why you guys are getting all worked up. It's not so great" Rokkan said with a frown.

"Hmmph! What I'd expect from an insensitive guy like you!" Ryu muttered angrily.

As they sat conversing about the food, a man entered the restaurant.

"At sunset, everyone is to gather at the castle, a proclamation from the king" the man announced.

"What is my father up to this time?" Atlanta sighed.

"Nothing that I know of" Ryu said with a mischievous grin.

"Ryu, you know what's going on, don't you?" Atlanta asked.

"Nope, I don't have any idea of what you're talking about" Ryu said.

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

When sunset arrived, Ryu and his comrades followed the crowd to the castle. A lot of people had gathered already so they had to ninja themselves into the courtyard which was large enough to accommodate about half the population of the Town. The others had to stand outside. The King stood on the balcony and called to Atlanta and her companions to make their way in.

"Welcome everybody, I know by now you are wondering why I've summoned you to the castle. I would like to inform you all that on this glorious day, your Princess Atlanta has returned!" the king announced.

There were loud cheers from the crowd as Atlanta and her companions appeared on the balcony. Atlanta waved to her people. Their cheers became even louder than before.

"This calls for a celebration! Enjoy yourselves! I've personally invited some Sound ninja to liven this occasion!" the king said as he pointed to a nearby balcony.

On the balcony stood twelve Sound ninja, four of which were jounin, four chuunin and four genin. Each had a different musical instrument. They began to play gently at first, and then their music became more and more intense. Tanya removed her flute and harmonized with the newest tune she had discovered, 'Memoires Of Ryuujinn'. The crowd went wild, dancing and jubiliating. The men threw off their hats and shirts and the women waved their handkerchiefs. Atlanta and the others went down to join the crowd. Michael asked Nadia for a dance and Rokkan did the same with Tanya but Ryu was hesitant. Atlanta noticed his uneasiness. She walked to him.

"What's wrong Ryu?" she asked him.

"Nothing, it's just that…the last time I asked you for a dance, you sort of blew me off" Ryu said.

"It won't happen again, I promise" Atlanta said.

Ryu smiled.

"Atlanta, I think I want to sing a song for you" Ryu said.

"Huh?" Atlanta seemed surprised.

That was the last thing she'd ever expected of Ryu.

"A song?" she asked shyly.

"How would you like it if I sang for you?" Ryu said.

"Can you sing?" Atlanta asked.

"Well, I think I can sing just as well as I can perform jutsu" Ryu said as he ran up the wall to the balcony where the Sound ninja stood.

"Hey girls, think you can help me out a little. There's a certain someone I want to serenade but I don't have the time to teach you the song" Ryu said.

"That's no problem. We can hear the tune your heart is playing so when you're ready, we'll play it" a Sound jounin said.

"Thanks a lot" Ryu said.

Then he called to the crowd.

"Excuse me everyone. I would like to dedicate this song to someone very special to me. Your very own Princess Atlanta" Ryu said, then he began to sing.

"A wounded bird flies high searching for a place,

Not knowing where or why this world is such a maze"

At that point, the instrumentalists began to back him up with some harmony.

"Searching, seeking, for a way back home,

Flying, trying, not to give up hope,

Life is but a day

For those who've tried,

And lost their way,

It's not so easy to lose,

When one has suffered for so long.

Time is but a dream,

For those who've lost,

All that they mean,

It can't be saved,

It can't be gained,

When lost over and over again"

Ryu sang passionately.

"Life is but a day…" the others joined him as he sang the chorus again and soon, the whole crowd was singing along.

Atlanta was in tears. When Ryu was done, he leapt down to join her. She smiled at him.

"Thank you Ryu. That is the best present anyone has ever given me" she said.

Ryu grinned sheepishly. There was loud applause.

"Wow Ryu, I didn't know you were such a great singer" Atlanta said.

"Neither did I. Wow, I guess you really bring out the best in me" Ryu said.

Atlanta opened her eyes in surprise and blushed.

"Now I'll ask again Atlanta…would you do me the honour of a dance?" Ryu asked.

"I will be honoured" Atlanta said with a slight bow.

Then she and Ryu began to dance as the Sound ninja played on.

Rokkan and Tanya were still dancing happily.

"Um…Tanya" Rokkan called.

"Is anything the matter Rokkan?" Tanya asked.

"Do you miss the Wind Village?" Rokkan asked.

Tanya remained silent for a while.

"Not really, I miss my dad and my family but I didn't have much there so…I guess I don't miss it that much" Tanya said.

"And what of you Rokkan? Do you miss your village?" Tanya asked.

"Not really, no. I do miss my comrades though. I guess we're the same huh?" Rokkan asked with a smile.

"Yeah" Tanya said.

Ryu and Atlanta danced on, silently for a while.

"Atlanta" Ryu called softly.

"Yes?" Atlanta asked.

"I…I'm proud of you Atlanta. I'm proud of you for reconciling with your dad" Ryu said.

Atlanta opened her eyes in surprise and then, she smiled.

"Thank you Ryu" she said.

The celebration lasted till midnight. Ryu and his companions returned to the Fire Temple to rest. Ryu fell asleep immediately his head touched the ground. The others decided to rest as well.