Dragon Zone: The Code Of Heart and Hate

Chapter 41: Family Reunion

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.