"From here, the closest place to Crystal village is the Fire kingdom. We need to warn the royal family and find the Fire Saint" Michael said.
"Chill out bro, we'll be there in zip time" Ryu said.
So the brothers travelled to the Fire kingdom by sea. Soon they reached the port.
"Quick, let's hurry" Michael said.
The brothers raced towards the castle. The people were shocked to see people in the ceremonial costumes of the ancient warriors.
"We'll have to recover the gem from Nemesis" Michael reminded.
The brothers soon arrived at the Fire Castle. The guards opened the gates and the brothers rushed in. They quickly ran into the castle and into the presence of the king.
"Wise king, may you live forever. We come before you asking for information regarding the whereabouts of the Fire Saint" Michael said.
"I noticed that you are wearing the costumes of the ancient warriors" the king said.
"Please your majesty, there's no time, danger is approaching" Ryu said.
"Fine then, follow me" The king said leading the boys through dark corridors.
They soon arrived at one particular part of the castle. The king asked them to enter that chamber, the boys obeyed. Suddenly, huge prison bars locked the boys in and the king transformed into Nemesis.
"You killed our father" Michael said.
"It was very easy" Nemesis laughed.
"You'll pay for that" Ryu said.
"I don't think so. This cell is surrounded by a demon spell. You can't escape. Farewell fools!" Nemesis laughed as he vanished.
"How could we let him slip away?" Ryu said.
"That cowardly snake, we'll meet again" Michael said.
"And what was your crime?" a feminine voice called to them.
They turned and saw a pretty girl about their age.
"Who are you?" Ryu asked shyly.
"I am Princess Atlanta of this Fire kingdom. Nemesis killed my father and imprisoned me" Atlanta narrated.
"I am Ryu. That's my brother Michael. Our story is just like yours except that we are burdened with the responsibility of stopping Shekan" Ryu introduced himself.
"Sheesh Ryu, you said too much" Michael said.
"Let's get out of here!" Ryu exclaimed.
"Yeah I can't stand this insufferable place any longer" Michael said.
"What of you?" Ryu asked.
"I don't need your help" Atlanta said proudly. "I am a fire ninja."
"You are not the only fire powered ninja around here" Ryu silenced her. "We are getting you out of here whether you like it or not so just do me a favour and shut up!"
Atlanta looked at him for a while.
"Fine" she said.
So Michael and Ryu sat on the floor and shut their eyes.
"What are you doing?" Atlanta asked.
"Getting rid of the demon barrier" Ryu responded.
The brothers concentrated. As they did so, a brilliant flash of light illuminated the cell. When the light disappeared, the companions were outside.
"We made it, now let's get out of here." Michael said.
They were on top of the castle. The dark ninja were already after them.
"Atlanta dear, do you know a little game called jump off the roof?" Ryu asked.
"Jump off the roof?" Atlanta questioned.
"Yeah, that's my favourite game." Ryu said as he carried Atlanta in his arms. "Don't worry, it's a safe game." Ryu said as he and Michael began to run towards the edge of the roof.
They jumped off and began to fall. Ryu raised the ring. A lightning bolt struck the ring. A brilliant flash of light illuminated the place as the Crystal Dragon appeared. The companions fell on the dragon.
"Whoo-hoo! You'll think twice before messing with Michael and Ryu next time." Ryu laughed at the dark ninja.
"Tell me Ryu, what do you get from provoking them?" Michael asked.
"Sheer pleasure! Thanks dragon, you saved us" Ryu said as he stroked the dragon's scales.
"You're welcome" The dragon replied.
Ryu lay on the dragon.
"What do you think Atlanta, pretty amazing huh? Like myself." Ryu bragged.
Atlanta frowned at him.
"Let's travel together since we are all searching for the dragon saints" Atlanta said.
"And what do you know of the saints?" Ryu asked.
"Stop bugging her already" Michael ordered.
"I thought you didn't need our help. Now you are coming with us? That's ironic, but fine, you are free to come along" Ryu laughed.
The dragon took them to a clearing in the middle of a forest far outside the Fire Kingdom's domain. It was already night by the time they arrived at the clearing. Everyone felt at ease with the safe distance they had managed to put between themselves and the dark ninja.
"Thanks" Ryu said.
The dragon bowed and vanished.
"The dragon is amazing. I can't believe it handed its power to you" Atlanta said.
"Yeah, I know. You only think of me as an enormous fool. Those were kind of my father's last words to me" Ryu seemed offended.
"I didn't mean it like that" Atlanta tried to apologize.
"It's okay, I'm used to it" Ryu said.
"Look, I also wield the power of the Fire Saint" Atlanta said as she showed her ring to the brothers.
"Wow, that means we've only got to find the earth, wind, water and light saints." Ryu said.
"We'll camp here for tonight." Michael said.
Ryu agreed. The three of them lay down to rest. Atlanta watched Ryu as she dozed off. She couldn't help smiling and soon all three of them were asleep.