Rio - The Carnival

[Clearwater]

Aloha everyone! I'm back with a new fan-fic, this time based on the truly FANTASTIC 20th Century Fox & Blue Sky Studios animation film, Rio, and the upcoming sequel (Which I can not wait for). That film is undoubtedly one of the best films I've seen, let alone animation, and to be honest, if I never watched it I'd have never gotten into samba music. It really is that good, so if you see a copy of it on DVD, I strongly urge you to buy it immediately.
Anyway, this fan-fic takes place during the last week to go before the next carnival at Rio De Janeiro and follows Blu, Jewel, Raphael and the others as the atmosphere builds up to the massive party. But when familiar faces return, they soon find themselves on another adventure, heading to Sao Paulo and back...

This one goes out to all those party freaks on SF-O. Time to get cracking:


                                                                                 Rio
                                                                        The Carnival


Febuary the 25th: 7 days to go


They fly through the forest.
The dark-blue male macaw with fluffy feathers and orange eyes. The light-blue female macaw with short feathers and light green eyes. This forest was their home and their paradise.
It's been a year since they made a home for themselves in the heart of the Parque Nacionale da Tijuca, overlooking the
majestic city that is Rio De Janeiro. The male macaw came here last year, and was swept into a wild adventure with the female
desperately trying to find his owner - Linda - and escape the smugglers soughting to catch and sell them. The blue macaws were
once an endangered species, with the two of them being the last of their kind. Thanks to that adventure, the male and the female
were able to save their species from extinction. What the male macaw knows most if that he was born right here, in Rio. But he
doesn't know much about where the female was born. The events that brought them together... It flashed through the male's
mind suddenly. All that happened in those one and a half days--

''Hey! Blu! Come on, sleepy, time to get up!'' Blu opened his orange eyes. A dream.
''Urgh...'' Staring right into his eyes was Jewel, Blu's love. ''Morning.''
''Heh, good morning, Blu.'' Blu got up onto his feet and looked around. The two of them were in the hole of the tree they lived in.
''Did you hear the news?''
''About what?'' Blu asked, his head cocked to one side.
''Raphael told me that the carnival is in a week's time. If you stop and think about it, it's come awfully fast, hasn't it?''
''Yeah, you're right. Um, where is Raphael now?''
''Still sleeping. You know how he is.'' Raphael - Or Rapphie, as his friends call him - Was a male Toco toucan, who was also swept into Blu and Jewel's adventures a while back. He lives in the forest now, along with Blu and Jewel and his best friends, Nico and Pedro. Raphael more or less knows every bird around Rio.
''So, you planning to head over there this year?'' Jewel asked.
''Eh, I might do. And who knows, maybe we'll be able to contribute something to it...'' Blu flew up to the top of the tree and gazed over the beautiful deep-yellow sunrise coming from the east side. Jewel soon joined him.
''How are the kids?''
''Still sleeping.'' Blu and Jewel have 3 children - Carla, Bia and Tiago. They were still very young, but they have a strong spirit
and sense of justice.
''Hey, Blu!''
''Huh?'' Blu turned around to find Raphael flying towards him. ''Good to see you on this fine morning!'' He landed next to Blu.
''Good to see you too, Rapphie.'' Blu shook Raphael's wing. ''You need something?''
''Well, to celebrate the fact that the carnival's in a week - Like Jewel told you - We've gonna get a small party going
over by the market this afternoon. Can you come?'' Blu looked at Jewel, and she nodded.
''Yeah, sure.''
''Great! I gotta go rig up the place, so I'll see you up ahead.'' And with that, Raphael took off and headed over to the city. Blu
pondered what he just said.
''Uh, actually, maybe I should go help him. I'm free today, and I've got nothing to do...''
''Well, go on then. Skedaddle.'' Blu looked at Jewel.
''Aren't you gonna come?''
''Maybe later. Who's gonna watch the kids?''
''Right. But remember what I said. We're chained-to-each-other birds.'' Jewel nodded, leant over, and kissed Blu.
''I love you.'' She said.
''I love you too, Jewel.'' Blu said back before spreading his wings. ''See you later.'' Blu took off and started to head to the
city.

About half an hour later, Blu was hovering around in the skies of Rio. All kinds of birds were about, roaming in the air, looking
for something to do or to kill some time. Blu was going to help Raphael, but before he did, he wanted to make a quick side-trip...
Seeing how much Rio has expanded vertically over time is impressive. The back streets get more and more complex as you
gain altitude. And there was one building Blu was keen to revisit. He touched down on the roof of what looked like a small
hideout. Time wasn't very kind to this place, and it lay in ruins, it's battered roof missing a few chunks of wood, which have fallen down into the rooms below it. Blu dropped down to the ground and pushed the front door, which was hanging off on of its hinges, leading into the building.
''Wow. What has this place become...'' He murmured to himself. This time last year, he and Jewel were held captive by
a band of smugglers, looking to sell them off on the black market. This place was a mess. Dust was caked absolutely
everywhere. On the table, on the old TV, even on the balcony beams...
Blu traversed the room and pushed the door ajar, giving him enough room to squeeze through the gap leading into
the back room. The place was empty. Blu remembered: It was right here, that he and Jewel were held captive in their cage...

''Hey, are you okay?'' Blu asked.
''No... I am definitely NOT okay!'' Jewel screeched, giving the cage a shove. Blu lost his balance and his body hit the side
of the cage.
''Hey, woah, what are you doing?''
''Getting out of here,'' Said Jewel, giving the cage another shove, causing it to sway. ''You gonna help me or what?''
''Actually--woah-- All the survival guides say to sit and wait, and help will come!''
''No one is COMING! We're on our own, and if we just sit here, we are going to die!'' Jewel gave the cage a violent shove,
causing it to up-end and hit the barred window...

''Memories. Where would I be without them?'' Blu said to himself. If he had one question to ask, where exactly are the smugglers
now? And that white cockatoo? After what happened on the plane...
Blu snapped his head around when he heard a noise come from the main room. A few seconds later, another bird - a red-winged macaw - pushed its way past the door and came in. It glanced at Blu for a split-second, then gasped.
''Hey, you're that macaw!'' It said with a male voice.
''Why, am I popular now? Come on, I haven't done anything to deserve this much fame.''
''No, not that. I was held captive here too, with you. I saw you and that other one escape.''
''You were watching?''
''We all were. Didn't you pay any attention?''
''No, I was trying to get Jewel to calm down before she lost it.'' The red-winged macaw extended a wing.
''I'm Ara, by the way.''
''Blu. Nice to meet you.'' Blu shook Ara's wing. ''How exactly did you hear about me?''
''A toucan named Raphael told me. He knows everyone around Rio. You know him?''
''Yeah, we live in the same forest.''
''In fact, I was just on his way to help rig up the party he's organizing later today. Wanna come with?''
''Ah, so you're going there too?''
''Yep, and hopefully, I'll find one of my old friends there, too...''
'' Then it's a deal. Come on, lt's go.'' Blu and Ara flew up through a gaping hole in the roof and headed up and out.

Midday was slowly approaching as Blu and Ara headed to the market. It was Tuesday, and meant that it was market day.
Everywhere, the citizens of Rio de Janeiro were shopping around this district, trying to find the best bargains. Blu and Ara had
no interest in that though, as they needed to find Raphael.
''How do you know he's here?'' Ara asked Blu.
''I've only known Raphael for a year, but that can be quite a long amount of time...'' He replied, as they dodged in and out of the
stalls, to avoid getting trodden on by the citizens of Rio. They seemed to ignore them though.
''Man, seeing all this food is making me hungry.'' Ara said. ''Wanna grab something to eat?''
''You can if you want to, I'll go on ahead.'' Blu went off, continuing his search. A few minutes later, he found a small tent-like
cover. This must be where Rapphie had set up shop. Blu ducked under the cover and went in.
The place was bare-bones, but seeing how Rapphie had only been working on it for a couple of hours now... He was perched
up on a crate on the other side, trying to rig up the lights.
''No, no, that isn't right...'' He muttered to himself, turning around and completely missing Blu. ''Hey, Nico, grab that torch for me
and bring it up here, can you?''
''I'll get on it.'' Blu glanced over and saw a small, yellow canary with a bottle cap on his head as a makeshift hat. This was Nico.
He was strugging to get under a torch on the ground to heave it up. He soon gave up.
''Ah, this thing's way too big for me. Pedro, can you lend a wing, pal?''
''Yeah, just coming!'' Blu glanced back over his shoulder and saw another small red-crested Cardinal bird on a crate next to Raphael. This was Pedro, Nico's best friend and, frankly, a bit of a party-hard freak.
''Hurry up, I can't hold this much longer!'' Nico had managed to get one end of the torch up, but the weight was slowly making his
wings wobble.''
''Hang on!'' Pedro flew over to help him, and was just about to put his wings around the end Nico was holding up, but was a split-
second too late as Nico flinched from the weight and jumped back before he got crushed. Pedro tried to stop, but was too late
as the torch hit his head with a solid 'donk'. Blu winced at the sight.
''Yowch, that's gotta hurt.'' He said loud enough so the others could hear him. Raphael turned around and finally saw him.
''Hey, Blu!'' He swooped down from the crate. Blu looked at him, smiled, then looked back at Nico and Pedro.
''You guys okay?'' Pedro laughed.
''Like that hurt. But to be honest, how long have you been standing there?''
''I saw the whole thing.'' Blu looked around the tent.
''It's not very impressive right now, but we'll get it ready in time for the afternoon.'' Raphael said, when he saw Blu looking around.
''Well, guess I should help you guys, I've got nothing better to do. Oh, Rapphie, by the way, do you know a red macaw, by the name of Ara?'' Raphael's eyes shot up at the name.
''Yeah, I know him! Jeez, he's back? Where has he been all this time? ...Well, where is he?'' Blu pointed behind him.
''He grabbed something to eat from a stall, he should be here soon enough.''
''That guy is always hungry... Well, let's get to work.'' Blu, Raphael, Nico and Pedro set to work on preparing the tent for the
party to come later today.

Maybe he shoulda told Blu that he was a slow eater... Oh well. At least he'd be able to savour his meal.
Ara was sitting in the shade, halfway through a chunk of pineapple he made off from a stall. Lucky that no one saw him, but he
didn't think of this as stealing. Instead, he thought of it as 'take and return'. Well, more take in this case, thought Ara, as he sunk
his beak into the another chunk of juicy pineapple. He looked up and down the market, as all the humans, and the occasional
bird who lived in Rio, went by. Wonder how they're doing...
Ara hid what was left of his snack under the stall he was under, to save it for later. He didn't want to keep Blu and the others
waiting now. Just as he took a step though, a female voice called out to him:
''Ara, is that you?''
''Huh? Who's there?''  A bird jumped down from the stall above him. It looked every bit like Ara, but the lighter colored plumage
showed it was a female.
''Ah, I found you!'' She said happily.
''H-hey, Clearwater! How are you?'' Ara asked. Clear sighed.
''All this time, and you just say, 'How are you'? Jeez, now I feel like we've never met...''
''Could I help it if I was locked up in a cage for the best part of a month?''
''You...were?''
''Yeah. I was busted out by a macaw by the name of Blu. Saw him just now.''
''Blu?'' Clearwater repeated. ''Finally, I've caught up to him...'' She said under her breath.
''Yeah. In fact, we were on our way to rig it a party to celebrate the carnival coming up in a week's time, and I--'' Ara suddenly stopped talking.
''...And what?'' Clear asked. Ara gasped.
''Uh-oh, I was supposed to be there half an hour ago!'' Ara dashed off.
''Hey, wait up!'' Clearwater chased after him.

Meanwhile, back in the tent, Blu, Raphael, Nico and Pedro had got the lights up and ready. Nico and Pedro had quickly left the
tent to look for a pair of speakers to make the music that was to come sound even better. Ten minutes later, the two of then came back, trying to heave in quite a large pair of speakers. They had a few other birds helping them, but it wasn't doing much good.
''Guys, give us a wing!''
''Yeah, just coming!'' Blu ran over to the other side, where Nico was.
''Ready? Push!'' Blu heaved as much of his weight as he could against the speaker, but it wouldn't do anything.
''This will never work.'' He panted. That knocked nearly almost all of the wind out of him. ''I give up.''
''Well, how ARE we going to move it over to the booth?'' Pedro asked, looking at the massive speaker. It was nearly 15 times
his height.
The birds heard a massive crash outside.
''What the heck was that?'' A bird Blu didn't know asked. He or she soon got its answer, as Ara came flying into the tent.
''Ara! Where were you?!'' Blu asked, a little bit cross.
''Sorry I'm late guys---YOWCH!'' Ara screeched as he ploughed straight into Raphael, sending them straight into the speaker
with quite a lot of force. Blu winced. They'd actually knocked the speaker over to the booth, and nearly knocked themselves out
in the process.
Ara groaned and got up off the floor. Raphael did likewise.
''You idiot, Ara, where were you?''
''Sorry. Completly forgot.''
''You...you...'' Raphael stuttered, before resting his wing on his long beak and sighing. ''The worst excuse I've heard in ages.''
''To add to it, I ran into an old friend I haven't seen in ages.''
''Oh, you mean--'' Nico started, before another bird entered the tent. It was Clearwater.
''Ara!'' Everyone turned to face her.
''Who the-- no way! Clear!''
''Huh? Rapphie! Nico! And Pedro too!'' Raphael and the others flew down to greet her.
''You know her?'' Blu asked.
''We were kids when we grew up.'' Rapphie explained. ''Haven't seen her for a few years now. She hails from Sao Paulo. Moved here quite some time ago.''
''Wow. How long has it been guys? Three or four years, maybe?'' Clearwater turned to face Blu.
''...I've heard about you, you know. You're that blue macaw. Blu, right?''
''Yeah. It's Blu. How'd you hear about me?''
''Heard the news about what happened last year. Where's Jewel?''
''She'll be along later.''
''Hey, boys...'' Pedro was back over behind the speaker.
''Yeah? ...Need a hand?''
''Nah, I got this! Check this out!'' There was a small buzzing sound coming from where Pedro was, then suddenly, all the lights
came on. Everyone was delighted.
''Wow! How about that! Nice one!''
''Hey guys, it's gonna get better.'' Ara said, as he lifted the cover, ushering loads of different birds in. Everyone was cheering and
whooping.
''Come on guys! Party's this way!'' Raphael looked at them all, smiled, and signalled Nico and Pedro to fly up to the booth.
''You guys remember how to do this?''
''We sure do.'' As they started pounding the drums, filling the tent with music, Blu looked around and propped his back up against
a nearby crate. The place wasn't even half-finished, and look at it...
''Wow. Certainly impressive.'' Blu turned around. Jewel had arrived.
''Yeah; I can't believe it! We've only been working on this place for what, half an hour, and look at it now! Word must've gotten out!''
''You did a good job, sweetheart.''
''Aw, thanks.'' They kissed. ''Shall we?''
As Blu and Jewel started to dance to the music, Ara flew up to the booth and sat down, watching the crowd. Raphael took notice
of him, but didn't say anything, since he was so focused on playing the drums, which were just basically all different tin cans with their lids still on them. It still worked well though. Ara watched the crowd for a little while longer, before asking Rapphie:
''So you coming to the carnival this year?''
''Eh, if Eva lets me. If not, well,'' Raphael laughed before continuing, ''I can just sneak out, like I did the year before last. What about you?''
''Maybe. I'll see if Clearwater wants to come as well.''
''Yeah, it'll be great to have her over there.'' Raphael said, pausing to nail a drum solo. ''We haven't seen her for ages. Good to see that she's still the same.''
''I don't think she is. I think she's changed.''
''Who?''
''Clear. Sure, it was great to see her when she found me in the market, but it didn't shatter my world, to see her come back.''
''Really?''
''Yeah. We've known her since... when was it?''
''Since childhood,'' Nico pointed out.
''Yeah, since then. Thanks Nico.''
''Now, don't get me wrong, but you and Clearwater? I'd say you two--''
''Go together well?'' Clearwater said quickly. Ara and Raphael whipped their heads round to see her just standing there, wing on
beak, in a pensive mood.
''Like Ara said, we're just friends. Nothing romantic between us.''
''I know. I'm just saying. But still, it is possible.''
''What's possible?''
''Ah, never mind. But I should say that time can change people. For the better and for the worse.''
''Yeah, but the question is, HOW have we changed? For the better? Or for the worst?'' Clearwater asked.
''Hm. It's been a few years, Clearwater. If we'd have seen any change, we'd have seen it now.''
The birds remained silent for a while. Ara laughed, before speaking again:
''Hey, remember when we were just kids, when Clearwater came into the market, and me and Jewel pelted her repeatedly with that stack of rotten fruit we found in the bins?'' Raphael laughed, which nearly caused him to lose his rhythm on the drums.
''That's what happened?''
''Yeah, and I never got a chance to kick your butts.'' Clear said, before grinning maliciously. ''But I think I have the chance now...''
Clearwater sneaked up on Ara.
''Oh no, you don't!'' Ara shouted, before jumping off of the booth and flying away.
''Hey, get back here! Come on!'' Clearwater chased after Ara, who was laughing his head off.
''You'll never catch me!''
Blu looked up at the two of them. Jewel caught his gaze and looked up at the two red macaws.
''They're good.''
''What, Ara and... who was the other...'' Blu racked his brains, before grunting in depair. He had forgotten the other's name.
''You know, back when I was younger, me and them used to come here every day to see who had any good tunes for us.
I missed those days when I was locked up in the aviary, but now, I can relive those happy moments. Just like old times...''
''And just like new times, too.'' Blu said. Jewel chuckled as Raphael, Nico and Pedro wrapped up the current song. Blu and Jewel
looked up at Nico, who was now on the top of the booth, calling out to everyone.
''Galle-gallero! All right everyone, listen up! Thanks for coming out here, how are y'all feeling?!'' The birds cheered.
''It feels great to be back behind the booth as the final seven days approach until the carnival, and we bet that you guys can't wait as much as we can!'' The birds cheered again. It was like a bomb had gone off in there.
''We're gonna go take a break for lunch, but we'll be back in a couple of hours. Until then, see you later everyone!''
The crowd started to disperse out of the room. Blu, Jewel, Ara, Clearwater, Nico, Pedro and Raphael joined each other down
on the floor.
''Now, that's what I'm talking about!'' Blu shouted. ''Talk about a kickstart!''
''Yeah, it's amazing.'' Added Jewel, while nudging his shoulder. ''If there's gonna be more later, I'd wonder how we're gonna cram them all in here.''
''I dunno, but one I thing I do know: I'm outta here for now. See you later.'' Raphael flew out of the tent.
''I think we should go too. Come on Pedro.''
''Yeah, coming.'' He and Nico were the next to leave.
''I wonder if that bit of pineapple I was eating earlier hasn't gone mouldy... I'll go check it out. Later, everyone!''
''Ara! Wait up! You're not leaving me behind again, are you?!'' Clearwater chased Ara back out of the tent. Blu chuckled, before
turning back around.
''What do you want to do? Go back to the forest, or stay here?'' Blu asked.
''It's your call. You did a good job, so I should give you it.''
''Yeah, I know, but the place isn't done...'' Blu trailed off, then raised his head. ''Hey. Help me grab that bit of wood over there.''

''Let's see here...'' Ara lifted the cloth leading underneath the stall he sat down by a couple of hours earlier. Good, the pineapple was just as it was. He collected it and sat by the wood as Clearwater joined him.
''You can have this if you want.'' Ara said to her, offering the chunk.
''Hey, thanks. This was yours though.''
''Nah, it doesn't matter, I'll find another one somewhere. Be right back.'' Ara flew up and over the stall and back to the truck.
The market was deserted, as all the humans packed up and headed to their homes for the lunch pause. In a couple of hours,
they would be back, continuing to sell the supplies they had on their stalls. Ara saw a watermelon on the trunk. Great. He pushed it onto the ground, where it smashed into multiple parts. Ara picked a segment that he could hold with both claws, and
carried back to where Clearwater was.
''You got that from the truck?''
''Uh-huh.''
''You shouldn't steal, Ara. Even if it is from humans, and even if they don't usually care about us birds.''
''I'd rather think of this as take and return.''
''Yeah - that also means stealing.'' Ara raised his wings.
''Well, what am I supposed to do?'' They ate in silence. After a while, Ara grunted in disapproval.
''What is it?''
''I'm better than this.''
''Something on your mind?''
''Kinda. Remember the story of what happened with Blu and Jewel last year?''
''That? That's what's annoying you?''
''Yeah, but there's one thing I don't understand.'' Clearwater got onto her feet.
''What's that?''
''When I--''
''Hey, you two!'' Nico came flying by, stopping when he saw Ara and Clearwater. ''You two bored?''
''Meh, kinda.''
''Come with me then. Raphael found an awesome way to pass the time.''
''Where is he?''
''You know that massive stone statue at the top of the city, where Raphael used to live?''
''Oh, you mean the one of Jesus Christ?''
''Yes, that one. Come on.'' Nico flew off. Ara and Clearwater looked at each other for a second, then flew off after him.

This was a fantastic place. The wind bracing through his ears, blowing in his ears, only letting gravity guide you... What more
could Raphael ask for?
This was where Nico was taking Ara and Clearwater.
''So, why are you bringing us up here again?'' Ara said, as they flew higher toward the statue.
''Heh, you'll see in a few moments.'' Nico answered, slightly curtly. Ara and Clearwater exchanged glances.
''Hey... Is that Rapphie?'' Clearwater squinted her eyes so she could make out the lone bird on the statue's head. Maybe that
was him, perched up there.
''Ah, you guys made it!'' Raphael said with glee as Nico, Ara and Clear touched down beside him.
''I thought you were still in the town?''
''Nah. Thought I'd visit this place again. Great sight.'' The birds looked over the beautiful view, taking in every corner they
could see over Rio.
''But that's not why I called you up here. Check this out.'' Raphael closed his eyes. What happened next made Nico's, Ara's
and Clearwater's stomachs flip as Rapphie jumped off the statue, but didn't spread his wings; just letting himself fall through the air, refusing to control his descent.
''How...How is he doing that?!'' Clear exclaimed. Raphael chuckled to himself. He let himself fall for a another few seconds, then just as he was about to plummet into the forest below, he spread his wings and levelled out, whooping at the top of his voice. Nico and the others could hear him from where they were, way back up at the statue.
''Wow, how about that... I have got to try it.'' Clear said.
''Well, ladies first.'' Ara gave way to Clear, who gave him a second glance. She took a deep breath.
''Here goes nothing.'' She jumped off, tucked her wings in and came after Raphael, screaming in excitement.
''Come on, your turn Ara.''
''Right.'' Ara closed his eyes and started to psyche himself up.
1 full minute later, he hadn't budged.
''Aren't you gonna go?'' Nico asked.
''Hang on.'' Was Ara really gonna do this? He's not scared of heights, but was he really sure of this? What if he--
''Come on, move it!'' Nico kicked Ara's back, forcing him off of the statue and into thin air.
Ara screamed in fear, but as the noise of the wind whistling past his body grew louder, his screams changed from those of fear to those of excitement, as he tucked his wings in and just let gravity take hold of him. Looking behind him, he could actually see the contrails his wings were making.
''ARA! Level out, now!'' Raphael shouted to him. Ara snapped his head back around to find that he was about to crash-land into the jungle below. He gasped and spread his wings, but it was just too late as Ara fell through the trees and into the ground. Raphael and Clearwater watched in horror.
''Ara!''
''What the heck just happened?'' Nico said, as he flew down to join the others.
''Ara just crashed!'' Raphael led the others down to where Ara landed.
''There he is!'' Ara was face down in the dirt, his yells muffled by his head in the dirt, unable to move at all.
''You okay? Are you hurt?'' Clearwater rolled him onto his back. Ara was laughing so hard that tears were running down his cheeks. Nico and the others joined in the laughter.
''Yeesh, that was close. Don't scare me like that, Ara.''
''Come on, what are you trying to be, a stunt bird or something?'' Ara laughed again.
''What else am I gonna crash into today?''
''I dunno. Guess we'll find out.''
''Hey guys, we should be heading back to the market. We need to get the place rigged up again for the main event.'' Raphael reminded the others.
''Right behind you!'' The four of them headed back up into the skies, and took off for the market.

As the early hours of the afternoon began, the market started to fill back up with humans and birds. The main event at the party was 40 minutes away, but Blu and Jewel were in no rush at all. In fact, they were taking it nice and slow, setting up the stage in the tent.
''Need a hand?''
''Nah, I can handle this!''
''All right, but careful where you're shoving it.'' Jewel was moving a crate over to the middle of the tent, so any birds who got tired could be able to rest themselves on the crate. Blu was hovering over her, guiding her to where they wanted the crate to be.
''Over to the left a little there... Perfect.'' Blu came down, just as the cover on the tent opened.
''Huh?'' Jewel turned around. In came Ara, Nico, Pedro, Raphael and Clearwater.
''Hey, you two.''
''Ah, hey guys.'' Raphael stopped to take in the sight. This wasn't how he remembered the tent before lunch.
''Wait. Did you do something to this place?''
''Cleaned it, spruced it, practically improved it.'' Jewel said. ''Whaddya think?''
''...Wow, very impressive.''
''Plus, guess what we just found.'' Blu urged the others to fly up to the booth. A new addition was a set of turntables. Raphael
exclaimed.
''What... Where did you find those?!''
''Garbage bin out the back,'' Jewel said, tutting. ''What a waste. Pedro, think you can get these connected up?''
''Sure, I'll handle it.'' Pedro grabbed the loose wire hanging off of the end of the turntables, and flew behind the speakers with them.
''If this is what I think it is...'' Clear muttered. ''Heh. Then this party is only just getting started.''
''I've got it!'' Pedro shouted to the others, as a fizzing sound came from the back. The tent was filled with music again, but this time, it didn't seem to be the bouncy samba they were used to... It sounded dark, growly even.
''This is... What I'm not used too...'' Blu said.
''Hang on a sec...'' Clearwater muttered. ''I know this song.'' She hopped up onto the turntables and started to fiddle around with the
knobs and switches, which made the music distort and warp.
''Well?'' Jewel asked. ''Anything coming back to you?'' Clearwater ignored her, as she tried to focus on how this song was performed by the others over in Sao Paulo...
''I've got it.'' She said, before turning to Raphael, Nico and Pedro.
''You three can handle the drums?''
''We sure can, girl.'' Pedro said. Noises and chatterment came from outside. Blu looked up and around.
''What perfect timing,'' He called out to the others. Ara snorted. Blu pulled back the cover.
''Guys, guys, come on in! Party's about to start!'' The birds flooded into the tent by the dozen.
''Let's get this place rocking.'' Clear said smugly, as she played the music. Blu took an instant liking to what he was hearing, with the drums being played by Raphael, Nico and Pedro matching the beat of the dark-sounding music. The beat was steady and very catchy indeed. A synth started to fade in, then the whole song faded out, before the whole thing faded back in suddenly, as well as the bass heavy drums.
''Sounds good!'' Ara shouted.
''Good? GOOD? You haven't heard anything yet...'' Clearwater shouted back, as the music started to rise and become more intense. But just when the intensity was no longer bearable, the music cut off, and Clearwater, Raphael, Nico and Pedro shouted:
''EVERYBODY IN THE CLUB!!'' The crowd went ballistic, and Blu's ears nearly exploded, as the tension was cut only by the drums,
and that single percussion chord... This Clearwater sure did know her stuff. Why did Raphael never tell him about her?
''Hey? You loving this?!'' Jewel shouted in Blu's ear. The noise was so loud, that she had to scream right at the top of her voice just so Blu could hear her.
''Yeah! It's amazing!'' What kind of music was this?
''Hey! Blu!'' Raphael called out. Blu looked up, to see that Rapphie wanted him up there. ''How about it?''
Blu turned back to Jewel.
''Don't be shy.'' Blu gulped, and flew up to the booth, while asking himself why he was sometimes so relectunt. He's been through much worse. He landed and cracked his head to the side.
''So, why d'you want me up here?'' He asked, as the intensity started to build up again.
''Think you can do the honors?'' Clear asked him.
''Sure can. Ready?'' Rapphie nodded.
''And...3...2...1...'' The music cut off again, and Blu, Raphael, Clearwater screamed as loud as they could:
''EVERYBODY IN THE CLUB!!!'' The crowd went even more nuts than before, as the percussion chord hit louder than ever, accompanied by Nico, Pedro and Rapphie pounding furiously on the drums. To add to the flair, Blu decided to make some Maasai-sounding warrior crys, which contributed hugely to the flow of the music. As he cried, Blu looked down in the crowd and picked out Jewel, who smiled at him and gave him a hug nod of approval. She loved this.
''Pull it together now! Big finish comin' up!'' Pedro said to the others, as he kept hitting the cymbal, which layered over Nico's kicks and snares. The dark synth rised up, then with one final cymbal crash from Pedro, disappeared back into the darkness whence it came from. The crowd cheered for them.
''Now, that was amazing!'' Blu said to the others. ''I've never heard this kind of music before, but I love it!''
''Heh, well then, welcome to the world of dubstep.'' Clearwater told him.
''Dubstep?'' Blu repeated, turning to Clear. ''What's that?''
''The genre of music that was just played. Not all dubstep is like that though. There are some which sound so glorious and are perfect for partying to at the end of a long day.''
''Well, I'd be up for more of that.''
''Then you're in luck, I saw some more records out in the bin.'' Jewel said behind them, which made Blu jump. ''I'll show you.''
''We need someone to address the crowd while we're out there, think you can handle it Blu?''
''Me? Yeesh, d'ya have to ask?''
''Oh, I'll do it then.'' Nico said, turning away. ''Well, hello guys? How you all doing...''

A little later, while Ara was waiting for the other birds to set up the next song, he took a little break outside the tent so he could get some fresh air - and something to eat, naturally. Ara looked up at the sky as he chomped through an apple. The clouds were no longer a fluffy white, but now a deep crimson. The sun had also changed color - from its natural yellow to a glowing orange. Sunset was approaching. It was getting late.
Jewel stood outside as well, behind Ara.
''Hey, you OK?'' She made Ara jump.
''What the-- I thought you were out the back with Clearwater and Raphael!''
''They didn't need my help, they said they could handle it themselves.''
''Oh, OK.'' They watched all the humans in the market pack up and head back home.
''Night's approaching. Everyone's going away.'' Ara and Jewel watched for a little longer, before Ara turned to Jewel.
''You think we'll have time for that last song they'll be playing?''
''Sure. I don't mind if we get home late or not. What matters is the fact that I've had a lot of fun with Blu today. What about you?''
''You had to ask. Sure, today was amazing. Can't wait for tomorrow's party.''
''Well, IF there is going to be another one.''
''What do you mean?'' Ara said, understandably unsure why Jewel said that.
''I heard Raphael say that there's gonna be a lot of rain tomorrow. Worse, it's due all day, so a party may be out of the question.''
''And after the good run of weather we've been having...'' Jewel sighed, before suddenly attempting to change the subject.
''I miss my family.''
''Why don't you go visit them then?''
''Well, if I knew where they were. I remember waking up one morning in the jungle, and my parents were nowhere to be found. I'd thought they'd abandoned me, but they wouldn't without a reason. I mean, look at me. See anything unnatural about me?''
Ara studied Jewel for a while. The loose feathers hanging off of the back of her head, her crystal clear blue eyes, her featherless body...
''Hm. Nope.''
''That's what I thought. So I ran. I had to find somewhere I could settle down, and live as quiet a life as I could. Then those 15 years later, Blu arrived in Rio. Only a few days before, I had been taken by some humans to an aviary at the rocky part of the city. Then, and I don't know if it was by coincidence... Blu was slotted into my room. That was the start of our adventure. Then...Well, I'm sure you've heard the tale.'' Ara nodded. A tale of pursuit and love he'd heard many times over the city.
''What about your family? Ever knew your parents, Ara?''
''Well, I had a mother...'' He sighed. ''Smugglers caught her, sold her off.... My father fled after that, fearing he was gonna be next. He wasn't. He died. I don't know how.''
''I'm sorry to hear that. I must imagine how you feel after those horrid events.''
''...'' Ara didn't say anything. As the deep orange sun started to drop below the horizon, the vivid rays coming from it projected onto Ara and Jewel, which made their feathers glow a vibrant orange. It was beautiful. Ara started to hum something, then whistle it, then sing it. Jewel knew what song it was. 'Real In Rio'...

Everyone here is on fire
Get up and join in the fun
Danse to the samba
Nowhere is danger
Magic can happen for real
In Rio
All by yourself
You can't see it coming
You won't find it anywhere else
It's real
In Rio
Oh, it's something else
Dancing, laughing
A place where you can get along by yourself

Jewel smiled. Last time she sung that was exactly one year ago, when she, Blu and the others moved into the jungle just outside Rio.
''Hey, you two!''
''What?'' Ara and Jewel turned around, to see Nico, whose head was poked out of the cover.
''Clearwater and Rapphie are back, and we're waiting on you two, come on!''
''Let's go.'' Ara and Jewel followed Nico back into the tent.

Blu yawned. It's been a long day, and he could do with some sleep right now.
''Hey, you still with me?'' Asked Clear, smacking lightly Blu on the back of the head, which put him back into his surroundings.
''Come on, man, don't drop off now.'' She added, as she put the record her and Raphael found outside onto the decks and moving
the previous one off.
''You know me. I'm as alert as I've ever been.'' Blu said, which made Raphael snigger.
''I'll believe it when I see it.''
''What was that?'' Rapphie's eyes shot up.
''Er, nothing.''
''Meh. So this is gonna be the last song of the day?''
''Last song for the day and for a while.'' Clearwater corrected him. ''What with the rain coming tomorrow, and the fact that we don't know how long it's gonna last, it may be some time before we get this place set up again.''
''Oh. Shame.''
''Meh. That's this part of Brazil for you.'' Clear heaved the record up onto the turntables, and span it back and forth until she was satisfied.
''Right guys, last song of the day is ready. Can't wait now, can you?''
''Heh, not at all. I'll go get down into the crowd.'' Blu flew back down to ground level, as Nico, Ara and Jewel came back in. Blu landed next to them.
''Hey, where've you guys been?''
''Watching the sunset.'' Ara simply replied. ''Have you seen it?''
''We've got a good view of it from where we live.''
''Hey, that's good to know. Shame I don't always have the same place to see it. I always change places to sleep each night. Whether it be on a building, in an alleyway, under a stall...''
''Well, when this week is over, why don't you and Clearwater come live with us in the jungle?'' Jewel offered. ''It's always nice to have new faces where we live.''
''Hey, thanks! I'll ask Clearwater about it. Hey, look, they're starting.'' As Raphael, Nico and Pedro headed to their drum sets, Clearwater took centre stage in the booth.
''Guys, this is gonna be the last one from us! Hope you've enjoyed yourselves as much as we have, and hope this last one puts a massive positive on your day!'' The crowd cheered, as Clear span up the record. It started with a catchy piano and drum beat, and started to evolve into something magnificent, with vocal samples and violins being added every few seconds. Blu took an instant liking to it, nodding his head to every beat.
''Amazing so far! I rather like it!'' He shouted over the noise of the crowd.
''Heh, but like Clearwater sa--Oh, OH, WAIT FOR IT...'' Ara shouted back, as the music bcame more and more intense. In true dubstep fashion, and right at the last second before it dropped, everything cut off, and Clearwater, Nico, Pedro yelled as far as their voices carried them:
''Call 911 now!!!'' Nico hit the cymbal, and the tent exploded into life with a deep, growly noise. Blu's ears nearly exploded again.
''How?! How do they do it!?'
''I don't know! Maybe they're professionals, or maybe they just know some good songs!''
Blu was in paradise here. He had no idea how this 'Dubstep' was made, but he loved it, especially that piano that had just kicked back in.
''Blu!'' Nico called. Blu glanced up, to see Nico beckoning him back up to the booth.
''Nah, I had my turn earlier, why don't you send Ara up this time?''
''Well, I suppose! Come on then Ara, we want you up here!'' Ara gulped, nervous about the fact that he isn't a public performer.
''Hey, trust me, it's fun.'' Blu said to him, as the music started to rise up again. Ara cracked a smug smile and flew up, as the audience applauded him.
''What d'you guys need?'' Clearwater chuckled good-naturedly at Ara's question.
''Let's see how well you can scream with us. Ya ready?'' The music was only a few seconds away from the drop. Ara nodded and
took a deep breath.
''Let's do it!'' The music cut off, and Ara, Clearwater, Raphael and the crowd screeched:
''CALL 911 NOW!!!'' Nico and Pedro smashed the cymbals, and everyone lost themselves in the amazing drop, courtesy of Clearwater spinning around the record on the decks, Nico, Pedro and Raphael on the drums, and Ara losing his head. Blu was stunned. If this is only a preview of what to expect over the coming week, he wanted more. Much more.
''Amazing. Truly amazing.'' He said aloud, closing his orange eyes and bringing his wings up to his head, as the song faded with one last cymbal as the crowd applauded and shouted for them. Clearwater took the record off of the turntables as Raphael addressed the crowd:
''Rio De Janeiro, thank you!'' He shouted to all the birds below. They just wouldn't stop shouting and whooping.
''We couldn't have done this without a good few of our friends. First off, give a round of applause for our resident DJ, Clearwater! Come on!'' Raphael patted her on the back. She blushed slightly.
''Nico and Pedro on the drums, give them a round as well!'' Clear added. ''But we're forgetting two very special friends of Rapphie here. Two blue macaws who helped make this tent look as good as it does now!''
''What?'' Blu gasped, as he and Jewel looked at each other. ''Is she talking about us?''
''Blu, Jewel, a very, VERY special thank you to you both!'' That confirmed his suspicions. They smiled nervously, as everyone applauded them and gathered around them, nearly squashing the pair.
''Guys, give a little room, please! We've barely got any room to move around now!'' Blu said, which made Raphael laugh.
''Heh heh... Impressive you two. Everyone, just so you know, there's sadly going to be no party tomorrow, because bad weather has been forecast, but we'll be back as soon possible! See you all soon, and remember, only six more days to go until the carnival!''
The crowd gave one last and very long cheer, before they slowly started to disperse out of the tent. Nico, Pedro, Raphael, Ara and Clearwater flew back down onto the floor when the place was empty.
''Now, that...That is going to be un-for-get-able!'' Ara said with delight. ''One of the best parties I've been to in a long time!''
''I think we can agree it was the best party we've been to for now! Just like the one last year!'' Blu smiled. Rapphie turned to him.
''You and Jewel... I guess I can say you two was more than just fire and ice this time.''
''Thunder and lightning!'' Nico piped up.
''Heh, or even cheese and sprinkles, but we gave that a miss, didn't we?'' Blu said, making the others laugh.
''I saw you just now.'' Clear said to him.
''Me?''
''Yeah, I picked you out of the crowd. I saw you when you had your wings by your head. Looked pretty cool.''
''Hey, thanks.''
''No, thank YOU. It's good to see someone liking dubstep.'' Ara walked over to the cover, peeled back a corner, and shoved his
head out.
''Jeez, it's that late already?'' He muttered as he pulled his head back in. ''It's already night time guys. I'm gonna go. Clear, you coming?''
''You go on, I'll catch up.''
''Alright. Bye guys!'' Ara flew out of the tent.
''Pedro, you wanna go too?'' Nico asked.
''Yeah, why not. Alright, we're splitting. See y'all back home!'' The two of them were the next to go.
''Blu? Wanna stay a little longer?'' Jewel said.
''Hmmm... Nah. I could do with some sleep after a long day like this.''
''Okay. Well, we'll be off then.''
''Alright, see you two back in th jungle!'' They left, leaving only Raphael and Clearwater in the tent. Rapphie looked at Clearwater for a small period.
''...So you are coming back, right?''
''I never left,'' Clearwater muttered, as she started to walk for the exit.
''Then what were you doing these past couple of months?''
''...I was looking for the legend.''
''Legend?'' Raphael asked, before realizing who Clear was talking about. ''I thought you looking for Ara and us?''
''Heh...It's good to be back.'' Clear took a deep breath and left, leaving only Raphael in the tent.
''Clearwater...'' Raphael sighed. ''Blu doesn't want to live as a legend, you know. He just wants a peaceful life with his love.''
He gave the tent one last look, then left it completely unattended and deserted.

Night time was always beautiful around Rio, as all the lights in the buildings flickered on in the streets, forming a breathtaking and massive grid-like network of light when viewed from above. This is just one of the many things that Blu is blessed to see.
''Wow.'' He gasped. ''What a view. That amazing light show.''
Jewel chuckled and smiled. ''Beautiful, isn't it?''
''Yeah. Shame it's not going to be like this tomorrow.'' Blu paused for a second, before continuing: ''But then again, rain never hurts anyone, right?''
''Right.'' Jewel said, before yawning. ''Great day, huh? And it was good to see Ara and Clearwater. I haven't seen them in years.''
Blu made a noise of curiosity and looked away from the lights.
''You know them?''
''Like Raphael said when they came in, we were childhood friends. I was pretty close to Clearwater. She wasn't the good-natured music genius back then. Honestly? She was a bit arrogent, and always insisted on working alone. I helped her to accept the fact that you can't do everything in this world alone. She then started to shape up her future, and well, heh, look at how well she's doing now.
I bet her parents would be proud if her if they were alive.''
''What? Her parents are dead?''
''Yes.'' Jewel said sadly. ''Very tragic. Some crazed bird killed them. And poor Clearwater witnessed it with her own eyes. I understand on how she refuses to talk about it. Apparantly, she knows the bird who killed her parents, but refuses to say who it was as well.''
''That was no different to how I found out that my family went missing.'' She continued. ''I'd thought they'd abandoned me. I was only a hatchling back then. Not even three years old.''
''And you fled to Rio?'' Blu asked.
''Uh-huh. I couldn't get a hold on what scarred thoughts I had back then, but I knew that if I didn't move, some wild animal would have made me a snack. Their snack. I kept running, trying to teach myself how to fly... Then, that rainy day. That was the day I stumbled across this place.'' Jewel walked across the hole in the tree and looked out over the sight. ''Rio De Janeiro. That also happened to be the day I learned how to fly. I had made it. A place I could call home for as long as I lived. I found a tree, not too far from the city, and I would venture further in every day, slowly adapting to the life of the birds living here.''
''And then?''
''...I guess...That would have to be when those humans at the aviary. I can't really remember what exactly happened... All I remember is getting hit by a sort of dart, then the next thing I knew, I was in this massive sort of cage. I didn't want to go in captivity. I always tried to find a way to get out and get back to the free life I had been living. Then you arrived in Rio. I thought it was a coincidence.'' Blu shook his head.
''Jewel, it was no coincidence. My owner, Linda, heard that me and you were the only ones left.''
''And that made me think my family had died...'' Jewel forced back a tear. ''Roberto, Eduardo... I miss 'em. I've got no one else to relate to now.''
Blu took Jewel's wing. She looked up into his orange eyes.
''Jewel... You've got me. And Raphael. And Nico. And Pedro. And all the others. Friendship is the purest feeling of the heart. What's life without friends? A pretty lousy life, I guess, but that's not the point. The point is, you're never alone in this place. There'll always be someone by your side.''
''That's true. Thank you for reminding me that, Blu.'' Their beaks joined together. Blu was just as lucky as Jewel was, to have someone to love.
''I love you.'' Blu whispered gently.
''I love you, too.'' Jewel whispered back.
A noise made them break apart.
''Huh? Hey, look, Raphael's back!'' Blu and Jewel ran out onto the branch by the hole. The whole place was as pitch-black, but they could make out Rapphie's shape.
''Hey! Raphael!'' Blu waved, trying to get his attention.
''Hey, can't stop guys,'' He quickly said, flying straight past without slowing down.
''Hmm, wonder what he's up to?'' Blu pondered, as he headed back inside the hole and sat down in a corner. ''I'll have to ask him tomorrow. But for now, I'm getting some sleep.'' He closed his eyes. ''Well, good night.''
''Good night, my love.''
The last thing that flashed through Blu's mind before he dropped off was Raphael's last words at the party: '1 down, 6 to go...'

Ara looked up at the stars. Almost like white diamonds flashing so brightly in the sky.
''Wow... So many.'' He murmed. The sight was almost hypnotising. ''Hey, Clear, come have a look at this.''
''Yeah?'' Ara pointed up into the sky with his wing. Clear raised her head to where Ara was pointing, and gasped.
''Never seen a night sky this beautiful?''
''Not at all. Well, I have, but this...'' Clear shook her head in disbelief. ''This puts all the others to shame.'' Ara nodded. She was right.
But Ara then remembered that the bitter wind was freezing him to the bone.
''Cold...So cold...'' Clear looked at him. He was shivering.
''Hey, are you okay?'' Ara managed to get his stiff head to nod.
''Hey, hey, it's fine. Stay here, I'll go get you something to warm you up.'' Clearwater flew off, and came back a few minutes later, with a small blanket in her claws. She landed, and covered it over Ara. He soon stopped shivering.
''Better?''
''Yeah. Thanks, Clear.''
''Anything for a friend.'' Clear paused, laughed, and reprised:
''And you just say we're friends. Why?''
''I'll be honest here. Sometimes, I think girls can be a mystery.'' Clearwater burst into massive bouts of laughter at this.
''Shut up, Clear, I'm serious!'' She soon stopped and sat back down, occasionally letting a snigger or two out.
''Well, joking aside, what makes you say that?''
''Sometimes, I want to see you more than ever - and NO, before you cut in, because I love you. Just want to see how you're doing. Friends share their stories, right?''
''Yeah. That much is true. But I remember when I met you and Jewel. I insisted on working and being alone. ...Oh, what the heck, I'll admit it. Back then, I had a cold heart.''
''Right... You were pretty short-tempered back then. Almost never hlpd us in anyway. You just kept moving on. Jewel didn't belive that you were shunning us. She just believed that you needed to know us a little more. And then came the time in the market with the rotten fruit. I trust you weren't too annoyed about that?''
''I was, but it wasn't an angry peeved. It felt more like a...good kind of peeved. And that's when I realized I had friends. Fellow birds of a feather I could rely on.''
''What Rapphie said back then was true. Time can change people. And looked like it changed you for the better.''
''It sure did. You, Nico, Pedro, and now, those two blue macaws.''
''What, Blu and Jewel?'' Ara nodded.
''Exactly. Well, Jewel... She was always kind. Always there for me when I felt down. I coulda relied on her forevr as my best friend...Until that day when she was taken away by those humans.
''You saw the whole thing?''
''Yes. I was only around the corner when I heard Jewel scream. I had only just caught up to her when she fell unconcious. There was this sort of dart stuck in her back. I realized it was a tranquiliser dart. I tried to get Jewel away from where we was - even if I had to drag her face through the mud. It was no use. The humans came, simply picked up Jewel, stuck her in a cage... I tried to follow them, but I lost track of them fairly quickly.''
''Ever since then, I kept my ears extremely acute for any news. I'd heard around the city about the arrival of a second blue macaw, the escape from the shack, all leading up to the mass breakout on the plane. But after that... I didn't recieve anything else. Which is why I started searching myself. I scoured the city for any sign of you, Raphael, Jewel... And it all lead up to today... Ara?''
Clearwater looked at him. He had dozed off. Clear exclaimed in exasperation.
''I'm boring you, am I? Well...Good night, my friend.'' She sat down and looked back up at the stars.
''Just another day in Rio, I suppose... See you all tomorrow.''
Wait... another day? No, no, that wasn't right... Something had changed around here, she could feel it. Someone, or something, had also returned... Who? Or what? She couldn't think straight. Better get some sleep and find out tomorrow...


I'm...proud. 4 months in the making, just over 50 KB's worth of story, all crammed into this first chapter. But, on the flip side, expect MUCH longer delays between chapters. Writing a massive story like this is definitely gonna take time.

[Clearwater]

Things are about to take a turn when an old foe returns to Rio... Yep, the countdown continues, and with it, the next chapter:

 

 

 

Feburary the 26th - 6 days to go

 

 

Rain wasn't uncommon around Rio. In fact, it was in the middle of the rainy season right now. But a torrential downpour like this...

It was not normal in any way. Eerie, even.

 

Blu woke up from a dreamless sleep, wondering what the 'pitter-patter' noise from outside was. Then he remembered. Raphael forecast rain for today, and here it was. Great... No rain, no party, but Blu already knew that. What he didn't know is what Rapphie was up to last night... What WAS he doing?

Blu turned around to look at Jewel. She was still sleeping in peace. Looked like she'd be annoyed if she was to be woken up now,

so Blu let her be and tried to exit the treehole, but didn't even take one step when the blustery wind forced the heavy rain into Blu's

eyes. He flinched and darted back into the treehole, wiping his eyes with his wings. When Blu got his vision back into focus, he

looked up at the sky. The place looked like it was floodlit, with the ominous grey sky hiding some rolling black clouds. Looked very scary indeed...

''Hello?'' A voice called out. ''Blu, are you awake?'' That was Raphael's voice.

''Heh, so you're up as well?'' Blu sniggered. ''Yes, I am up, coming back to the original question.''

''Good. What about Jewel?''

''She's still asleep. I wouldn't go with trying to wake her up right now. She'd go nuts.''

''Well, can you come up here then? I've got something I need to tell you.'' Blu yawned, then sighed, and came out of the hole, covering his eyes and head with his wings. On the way up, he checked his and Jewel's children. Carla, Bia and Tiago were still sleeping, completely safe from the rain. He was glad to see this. Blu climbed up a little further, to see Raphael waiting for him.

''Good morning, Blu.''

''Well, it's not really, with this weather,'' Blu mused, pointing at the sky behind his back.

''Yeah, I know. Anyway, I gotta tell you something.''

''What's that?'' Rapphie glanced around to check if they were alone.

''Remember last night, I had to go do something?''

''Yeah, what were you doing?''

''I went to see one of my friends, and he and some of his colleagues swore that that white cockatoo was seen around the back streets last night-- BLU!!''

No... That white cockatoo?! Blu started to yell in pain and clutch his head, as the gruesome images suddenly flashed through his head.

''Blu! Answer me! What's the matter?!''

That cockatoo... The image of his ravaged, ugly beak, with almost all his dirty feathers hanging loosely off his skin... And that maniacal, sadistic evil laugh...

 

''BLU!!''

Blu's eyes snapped open. He was drenched in cold sweat, looking like he had just woken up from a bad nightmare, breathing rapidly, his heart pounding in his ribcage, ready to burst at any moment...

''Blu! Are you okay?!'' Blu's surroundings and sense of hearing snapped back into focus. He was back in the treehole, lying on the ground, with Raphael and a now-awake Jewel on either side of him.

''Sweetheart, what happened?'' Jewel asked him urgently, helping him up onto his feet.

''That cockatoo... It can't be! Nigel... he's back!''

''What?!'' Jewel gasped, looking at Raphael. ''Where did you hear that?!''

''Some of my friends were sure they saw him last night, roaming in the back streets. And they refuse to dismiss it in any way.''

''Whatever you do, do NOT go anywhere near him, Raphael.'' Blu pleaded. ''He's dangerous. You've seen what he can do. That guy is pure evil.''

''But... What about what happened on the plane?'' Jewel called back the memory of her, Blu and Nigel on the plane, when Blu used a fire extinguisher to send Nigel flying out of the plane and into the propellers...

''No. There was a chance he could've survived that. I'm sure of it. Raphael, I repeat, stay away from him.''

''I'd better go warn Ara and the others about this.'' Rapphie spread his wings and flew off to the city.

''We'd better go with him; I refuse to let him go alone. Come on, Jewel.''

''What's gotten into you?''

''I know how dangerous Nigel is, and I don't want you, me or any of our friends falling at his wings.'' Jewel nodded at this.

''Then we have to go with him.''

''Come on then, let's move it.'' Blu and Jewel set out after Raphael in the black and grey skies.

 

Ara washed his face in the bucket of rainwater that it was collecting the past hour or so. Clearwater was also awake, but the sight of the current weather made her want to think this was a dream, a sort of nightmare where nothing bad happens to her. But when Ara bit her on the head, she WAS sure she wasn't dreaming.

''You have to watch it if you're going to do that.'' She said to Ara. ''You nearly bit one of my feathers off.''

''Did I? Sorry. I'll be careful in the future.'' Ara offered the bucket to Clear, and she promptly started to wash herself, and take a drink from it.

''I wonder how long you can hold your breath in there, Clear...'' Ara sniggered. Clear shot up without thinking and tipped the bucket over as soon as Ara said this.

''Well, there goes our drink. Nice one, you banana-brain.'' Clear growled as she put the bucket back into the rain.

She and Ara were still on the roof of the tower block they were sleeping on last night. Puddles of water were everywhere, and the two

of them were sheltering in the hole leading into the tower's ventilation system. 

Clearwater was eating a passion fruit for breakfast. Not much, she'll admit, but at least it kept her going. Ara was meanwhile watching

the monsoon rain as it pounded down onto the buildings and streets all over Rio. He shook his head.

''Terrible weather.'' Ara tutted, shaking his head.

''Meh, whatcha gonna do,'' Clear mumbled with food in her beak, not looking up. When she swallowed, she sighed.

''This storm... I don't usually want to talk about it, but... I guess I can tell you.''

''Tell me what?'' Ara asked, turning around to face Clear. She stood up.

''That time when I lost my parents... I was only a hatchling back then. We were heading out on a trip away from Sao Paulo, to see some friends. I can't even remember what happened; the only thing I can call back is--''

''Guys! Guys!''

''Hm?'' Ara and Clearwater looked up. Blu, Jewel and Raphael were flying towards them.

''Hey, morning you three!'' They swooped down and landed, all of them panting heavily.

''Huh? Hey, what's the matter? Why are you all out of breath?''

''Just a sec,'' Blu gasped, holding up part of his wing, so they could let him breathe. ''You haven't seen Nico and Pedro, have you?''

''They went on the tram to go see Luiz for the day.''

''And they didn't tell me?'' Raphael exclaimed. ''The idiots.''

''Rapphie, what the heck is going on?''

''We came to warn you. Remember in the past with that white cockatoo?''

''Nigel?!'' Clear shouted. Jewel nodded.

''I thought he vanished from here.''

''No.'' Blu denied. ''Raphael heard from some of his colleagues that he's been sighted again. He's back.''

''N-N-No...'' Ara stuttered. He was scared of the guy. ''This... This is bad. Really bad.''

''Hm. And...'' Blu turned to look at a high part of the city.

''I may be wrong, but I think I know where to find him right now...'' One by one, the birds glanced up at where was looking and pointing.

The small shack that Blu and Ara visited only yesterday...

''That place? What's he doing up there?''

''I don't know,'' Blu said through a gritted beak, ''But I'm not gonna keep flying away from a bully. We have to face up to him.''

''Y...You're right. Who's in?'' Jewel asked the others. Ara swallowed hard. Running in to his old, mad captor... But Blu was right.

Running was the coward's way out, and Ara was anything BUT a coward.

''I'm in.'' He said, taking a step forward.

''I should go as well.'' Clear added. ''We're not chickens. We're birds of a feather.''

Blu's heart was pounding again. It's been a year... Where had Nigel gone? What had he been doing? That shack was where they were

going to get all the answers.

''Let's go.'' Blu said. The others nodded, spread their wings and headed off to the shack.

 

The rain pounded on the wooden, leaky roof, as droplets, and sometimes, gushes of water, fell to the concrete floor and splattered

everywhere. White, crooked, dirty feathers were scattered all over the place. What happened here? Where was his keeper?

He longer was the beast he once was...

 

The 5 birds touched down on a sloped street, a small distance from where they were heading. They didn't want to be suddenly ambushed, so they agreed to walk the rest of the way. Clearwater squinted her green eyes as she tried to see through the rain.

No one was in sight, not even a human... Something was wrong. Very wrong indeed. Apart from the noise of the rain, and the sound

of her concience, nothing else could be heard...

''See anything?'' Raphael whispered as loud as he could to Ara, who had flew up above them to scout out the area.

''Looks like it's clear.'' The group moved up a little further. There it was, the shack they were heading for; the same one Blu and Ara visited yesterday morning.

''I'm nervous.'' Blu gulped. ''I mean, what if he tries to kill all of us?''

''Then we'll make sure we kill him.'' Clear growled. The birds had reached the front door. Ara was about to open it a crack when Blu

stopped him.

''It's better if we go through the back.'' He advised, leading them around the corner. A hole led into the storage room. Blu and Jewel

pushed the crate blocking the way in to one side, and they all cautiously entered the room.

Blu propped himself up against the opposite wall. The others did likewise. Blu slowly shimmied next to the door, which was wide open,

and peeked around into the main room. It looked the same as when he visited it yesterday, only with puddles and white feathers added

this time around. A loud screeching came from the room made Blu gasp in fear and shot back into cover.

''He's in there, all right.'' He whispered to the others.

''I vote we rush him.'' Clear said.

''No, no, that'll never do it.'' Raphael grimaced, putting down the idea. They waited a few more seconds. What was he up to? If he knew Blu and the others were here, they'd probably be dead by now...

''Blu? What do we do?'' Jewel asked. Blu thought to himself, then came up with an idea. This probably won't work, but it's worth a shot...

Without peeking back around, Blu called out into seemingly thin air:

''...Nigel. I know you're in there.'' Silence passed for a few seconds.

''...Well?'' Blu waited a while longer, then tried again:

''You remember us? Those blue macaws?''

...Still no reply. What was going on?

''We know you're in there, so you may as well answer us.'' Jewel said. A voice, ever so slightly deep and sinister, came from the room:

''Blu.'' So he was in there. And he did remember them.

''So you remember my name? What about the other one? The female's name?'' A few more seconds passed as the sound of water droplets continued.

''...It's Jewel.'' The voice finally said.

''Don't think we forgot what happened last year.'' She said, her voice being filled with anger. ''Just thinking about all the things you did makes me want to come in there and tear you limb from limb.''

''...You might as well.''

''Huh?!'' Blu gasped. This wasn't like Nigel at all! Where was his evil laugh? His slightly curt replies?

''Nigel? What about me?'' Now it was Raphael's turn to speak. ''Do you remember me?''

''Ah. Raphael.''

''You know him?'' Jewel whispered.

''I don't have time for that, I'll explain later.'' Raphael whispered back, before continuing the discussion with Nigel. ''Listen, what happened to you? Why didn't you attack us when you heard our voices?''

''Honestly?... I'm no longer the bird I was.''

''What do you mean?'' Clear asked, still understandably suspicious.

''After the plane crash, I exiled myself north to the Amazon, and - you probably won't buy this, but this is the truth - I actually thought about what I did to you and those poor birds. Kidnapping them, helping those smugglers... It wasn't right. And I knew no one, not even you, would forgive me.''

''I lived alone, isolated in an old tree. Every night, I wake up, being haunted by those memories. I knew that if I went back to Rio, anyone who saw me would hunt me down and kill me. They'll never forgive me... I'll never forgive myself. Go on. Come in here and finish me off. I don't care. It's what I deserve.''

The birds looked at each other for a few seconds. They didn't move.

''How do we know you're not lying?'' Jewel called out.

''Well...'' Nigel said, before giving a small laugh. ''So you don't believe me now, as well as not forgiving me?''

''...What do you think, guys?'' Blu whispered to the others.

''We're not savages. I don't think we'd even be capable.'' Ara replied, making sure to keep his voice down.

''Raphael?''

''I don't think he's lying either, but something just doesn't feel right about him.''

''Blu... It's your call.''

He leant back against the wall. What should they do? Confront him, or run? No, no, remember what he said before they left.

''...Nigel. We're coming in there.''

''What?!'' Clear hissed. ''Are you mad?!''

''Did you forget what we said earlier? We're not chickens. Birds of a feather, right?''

''Ugh. All right. This is your crazy idea though.'' Blu nodded, before saying one last thing to Nigel:

''Nigel, we're coming in there, but listen: One false move and we'll tear you apart. Understand?''

''Fine. As you wish.'' Blu signalled for the others to go in.

 

There he was... That white cockatoo, laying on the floor of the shack... He looked even uglier than what he was that year ago. Most of his feathers had been ripped off of his body, and were scattered all over the floor of the shack. Blu could see Nigel's pink flesh in some spots over his body. What feathers that had remained in place were caked in mud and grime, a mixture of dark brown and black. His crooked face now had a scar running from his forehead down to just underneath his beak, which was all bent and out of shape. Blu flinched. What happened to him?

''...Nigel?'' He gasped. Nigel slowly got up and faced the birds.

''So you're not going to kill me then?'' Blu shook his head.

''So much as we want to, we won't.'' Ara said. ''We can't.''

''Can't bring yourself to do it? After all I did to you?''

''We're not monsters, or savages, like you used to be.'' Jewel explained, before asking: ''What are you doing back in Rio, anyway?''

''I know there's no way I'm gonna be able to redeem myself, after all those bad acts I've done. Kidnapping birds, helping evil humans... It wasn't right.''

''You don't have to die, Nigel.''

''But I know that if someone sees me...'' Nigel began, before sighing. ''I'm finished.''

Jewel looked at Blu. Blu took a step forward and offered Nigel his wing.

''I can't help what you did. What's in the past is done. But I'm saying this: You are not finished. Know why? Because I say so.

We can't forgive you for what you've done. None of us can. But, we're giving you a chance here. There's always a way out of everything. Like Raphael just said, you don't need to die to make amends. Don't throw away this chance. What do you say?''

Nigel thought over Blu's offer, than took his wing and shook it.

''I don't owe you any thanks. But I owe you a chance.''

''Same here. But, can you promise that you will help me?''

''...No, I can't. And if we do make it out, then you'll never be the same.'' Blu said. ''But, you must promise that you won't backstab us.''

Clearwater let her beak hang open in disbelief and disgust. Nigel ignored her.

''You've got my word. And not a liar's word.''

''Yeesh, didn't you bother to clean yourself up at all?'' Jewel said, her beak also hanging open, but because of how unbelieveably dirty he was. ''Go outside, find a bucket or something and get yourself cleaned up. We'll be waiting.''

Nigel nodded, before walking back outside. When everyone was sure he was out of earshot, Clearwater started to advance aggressively

on Blu.

'' 'Don't backstab us'? 'DON'T BACKSTAB US'? What kind of a request is that, you idiot?!'' She shouted with rising anger. 

''Woah, woah, calm down, Clear!'' Ara begged.

''I'm not gonna calm down! I don't freaking care if he's changed or not, I say we kill him now before he does and it'll do a lot of the birds in the world some good!''

''He's staying with us, and that's that.'' Blu said forcefully, trying to get Clear to back down while making sure they kept quiet enough so that Nigel couldn't hear the argument. ''He might've kidnapped me, Jewel and Ara, but we got away. I know how to read this guy.''

''Yeah - you probably got lucky!''

''No, actually. Blu's knowledge of cages helped us break out.'' Jewel explained. Clearwater exclaimed in anger and flew up to the table, so

she couldn't look at them. She was seething with anger inside.

''Clear, why are you so mad?'' Raphael asked her.

''My parents... Nigel was the one who KILLED MY PARENTS!!!'' Yelling at the top of her voice, not caring if Nigel could hear her or not, Clearwater gave the fruit bowl on the table an almighty shove, sending it crashing onto the floor below. It smashed into tiny pieces, sending

all the mouldy round fruits everywhere. She knew that that cockatoo killed her parents...

''Her parents... Right...'' Ara whispered. Clearwater started to cry. Jewel flew up to the table and approached her.

''Clear, you're losing it. Just take a deep breath and come on down.'' Clear sobbed for a little longer, then managed a faint nod and came back down.

''I can't help what I don't know,'' Jewel continued, placing a wing on Clear's back. ''Like Blu said, what's in the past is done. Right now, a once maniacal white cockatoo is needing a second chance. Think you can give it to him?''

Clearwater looked down at her claws. There's no way she could forgive this bird. The monster what killed her parents. And now he's travelling with her and her friends? This was outrageous...

''Oh, fine... I'll believe the fact he needs our help, but don't let him anywhere near me, otherwise I might lose it.''

''There you go, Clearwater.'' Raphael said, patting her back. A few seconds after that, Nigel returned, water dripping from him. Although still ugly, at least he looked just a little bit better. Most of the feathers were still off his body, but the one's that remained had been restored to its original white color. All the dirt and mud had been washed off.

''Done!'' He called out. ''How do I look?''

''If I have to judge... Still ugly, but as bad as before.'' Nigel sighed and joined the others.

''Hey, where's the other two that's normally with you?''

''Nico and Pedro?'' Raphael asked. ''They went up to another part of the town. I think it's best we go find them before we discuss what to do. Handily, it's only a half-hour flight from here--''

''I... Should have told you.'' Nigel muttered.

''Told us what?'' Ara inquired. Nigel answered his question by spreading his crooked wings and trying to hover in the air, but he just couldn't. Blu gasped.

''After I was thrown in the plane's propeller, the impact severly fractured the bones in my wings.'' Nigel explained. ''And I've yet to recieve treatment. So flying's out of the question.''

''I... robbed you of your flying ability...'' Blu murmured. ''Nigel, I'm so sorry.''

''Doesn't really matter. So how are we going to fin--''

The front door suddenly slammed open. The birds spun around, and dropped their faces. They should have known this was a trap!

Clearwater grabbed Nigel and pinned him to the wall.

''You knew about this, didn't you?!''

''I swear, I didn't know anything!'' Nigel cried, trying to get Clear off of him.

''Clear, let him go!'' Ara begged. Clearwater ignored him and forced Nigel harder onto the wall. Tons of birds, all different kinds of species and colors had flooded into the shack.

''There he is! Get him!'' Someone shouted.

''Nigel, go!'' Blu ordered to him. Nigel managed to slip under Clearwater's wings holding him, and ran to the storage room, but not before landing a flying kick right into Blu's head, sending him onto the ground.

''Ow, ow, ow...'' Clutching his beak, Blu got back up and looked around. Nigel had vanished, and most of the birds were running to the storage room, determined to catch him.

''Get after him! Don't let him escape again!'' A dark-yellow macaw commanded the others, before running over to where Blu and the others were.

''You all okay?'' He asked them.

''Apart from that kick,'' Blu groaned, pausing to rub his beak with his wing, ''We're fine.''

''What are you doing up here?'' Jewel asked the yellow macaw.

''We saw Nigel go in here about an hour ago. About 45 minutes after that, you went in there. We decided to tail you and see what Nigel was up to.''

''I knew we were being watched.'' Rapphie whispered. ''Don't tell him anything.''

''In case Nigel got back to his old tricks,'' The macaw continued, ''We decided to rush him before he could do any harm. He didn't hurt you at all, did he?''

''I--'' Jewel started, before remembering what Raphael just said. ''Luckily not. All we wanted to know is why he was back.''

''And did he tell you anything?'' Blu shook his head. The macaw frowned, before returning to his serious mood.

''Just so you know, we did get word that Nigel was sighted in Rio last night. I called a meeting with some of the birds who live here, and we're taking it upon ourselves to get Nigel for his previous victims. Vigilantes, if you will.''

''Uh... Okay.'' Blu said uneasily.

''The name's Mallo, by the way.''

''I'm Blu. This is Jewel, Raphael, Ara and Clearwater.'' Blu said, showing Mallo the others.

''Blu? Ah, so you're that macaw I've heard so much about?''

''Yeah, but I prefer not to act like a hero. All I want is as normal a life as I can.''

''That's understandable. I'm like you. Wanting a quiet life. Everyone was scared of Nigel back then. But I manage to get everyone to summon their courage and go after Nigel.'' Mallo glanced around. ''I'd better catch up with the others. Remember: If you see Nigel at all, please find me or someone who knows me and tell them where you saw him.'' Blu nodded his head.

''You, or anyone who knows you.'' Jewel repeated. ''Got it.''

''I'll be moving on now. See you soon.''

''Same to you.'' Mallo nodded, then ran to the storage room to catch up to the others. When he was gone, Blu, Jewel, Raphael, Ara and Clearwater grouped back together.

''EVERYONE in Rio's now out to get Nigel?'' Blu said dryly. ''That's gonna complicate things.''

''Indeed, Blu. I'm sure Nigel can escape them, even without his ability to fly. Right now though, we've gotta head for the market.''

''Yeah. Come on, we gotta move.'' The birds left the shack and started to walk back down the wet back streets.

 

Noon slowly started to arrive as Blu, Jewel, Raphael, Ara and Clearwater walked back down, back through the favalas of Rio.

''I don't know why he kicked me just before he left,'' Blu complained, grabbing his beak with his wing again. ''That really hurts, you know. And that's not the worst part. I'm hungry, I'm thirsty, and now I've gotta pee.''

''Well, why don't you?'' Ara said, sniggering a little. ''Just go find a pothole in a back street or something.''

''Ara, I'm not that uncivilized.'' Blu said, then stopped. The others were all looking at him.

''...What?!'' Blu burst out, laughing.

''You sure he doesn't believe you?'' Jewel added.

''Jewel, I had a domesticated life for 15 years before I moved here and met you. Haven't you ever heard the definition of the word 'lavatory'?

Well, let me remind you.'' Blu curtly said, before beginning one of his ever-so-slightly nerdy lectures.

''Lavatory: A sanitary installation for recieving and disposing of u--''

''Eww!'' Rapphie cringed, cutting Blu off. ''Blu, I think we don't want to hear the next part, thank you very much!''

''Why not? I'd like to see your faces if he DID tell you that.'' A voice came from a side street on the right.

''Huh? Who's there?''

''20 minutes, and you've forgotten me again?'' Nigel hopped down from a plank wedged up by a wall, in the shadowy side street. The others joined him.

''You got away, I presume?''

''There's always a place to hide in Rio. One of the perks of living here, I suppose.'' Nigel darted his head around, to make sure no one was following him. ''So, what's our next move, Blu?''

''We need to go find Nico and Pedro. Like I said, they're up at Luiz's garage, on the other side of town. The tram system handily runs past it, so we'll take a break at the market - It must be getting on for lunch - and take the first tram of the afternoon up there. I know the market is always deserted in weather like this. There might be one or two humans running around, but I'm sure that they won't care.''

''As long as I know what you're doing... Lead the way then.''

The birds came out of the side street and continued to walk downwards to sea level. With the birds on the hunt for Nigel, and with Nigel's crippled wing forcing them to anyway, they agreed not to fly straight to the market in case of an ambush. As she walked, Clearwater looked at Nigel. She didn't approve of this. She promised Raphael to let him travel with Blu, her and the others, but she knew that this was all going to be a lie. If only she knew where Mallo was now, and if only Raphael stopped looking back over his shoulder, she could fly off and tip Mallo off...

The journey to the market took just under an hour. The place was empty, true to Blu's words. But just in case, Jewel checked the vicinity of the area.

''...All clear.'' She confirmed. They dashed for the tent they were in for most of yesterday. Ara drew the cover back and ushered the others in. It looked the same as yesterday evening, only the electricity wasn't running - thus, no pretty lights to illuminate the place - and the puddles of water which had leaked through during the night and day. But thankfully, there was no water dripping on the booth. They didn't want a sudden electric shock.

The birds sat down in different places. Blu shook the water off of his body, like a drenched dog. Rapahel sat down next to him.

''Settle down; I'll go get some fruit.'' Ara said, as he readied himself to go back outside.

''Hey! No gorging until you're back here, understand?'' Jewel called after him. Ara laughed it off and left. Jewel then got up.

''We're gonna need some water as well. I'll only be around the corner.'' She then went out.

While Blu and Raphael talked about what to do, Clearwater sat down, rested her back on a crate and gave a huge sigh of exasperation.

This wasn't gonna end well, she knew it...

Nigel looked at Clear and approached her.

''I don't care what they say,'' Clear grunted without looking up, ''I'm never trusting you for what you did to Ara and the others.''

''No one said you had to.'' Nigel said. ''But it was Blu's idea that I come with you.'' Clear grunted again at this. They remained silent for a while, then Nigel spoke up:

''I just remembered who you are. Not your name, but--''

''DON'T talk about it.'' Clear interrupted him, only just managing to prevent herself from getting up and lashing out at him.

''I know. But I'm telling the truth here. I really won't forgive myself.''

''Pff, what kind of excuse is that?''

''It's no excuse... Clearwater, is it?''

''...If you do try to jump on us, then I will personally make sure you stay dead.''

''Humph, as you wish.'' Nigel walked past Clear and sat down.

''And I suppose I can say this.'' Clearwater called to him.

''Say what?''

''Maybe there is still hope for you.''

''Yeah?''

''Yeah. Even if I don't go along with it.''

The cover of the tent opened briefly, and Ara came back, hauling a small pile of fruit.

''Here I am. Tuck in, and here's a little treat for y'all.'' Ara dug something brown and round out of the pile, and threw one of each to the birds. Clear caught it, and examined it, before gasping.

''Brazilian nuts! My favorite! Where'd you find these?''

''Let me guess, the bin?'' Nigel spoke up.

''Correct. Don't worry, they're not mouldy or anything.'' Clearwater cracked the shell with her beak, removed the nut inside, and stuffed her face with it, before groaning. 

''Delicious.''

''I never really liked having to shell nuts before I eat them.'' Blu said. ''It's handy that humans always shell them, then put them in buckets and sell them.''

''What? Just like that?'' Clear asked.

''Yeah. All you have to do is open the pot, and bon appétit.''

''Wow. Those humans sure do know how to make life simpler.''

''Yeah, but we're birds, not humans.'' Raphael pointed out. ''We survive without really realizing it. Apart from Blu, where he lived rather than survived when he was living in America.''

''Hm, I guess that's true.''

The side of the tent opened again, and Jewel entered, carrying a bucketful of water. She was hovering above it, straining to move it.

''Jewel, whatever you do, don't--'' Raphael started. He didn't get a chance to finish his sentence, when Jewel couldn't take the strain anymore, and was forced to drop it with a loud 'clatter'. Some of the water in the bucket splashed everywere. Raphael winced; that was one very loud crash.

''...drop it...''

''Whoops. Sorry, Rapphie.''

''Well... At least we've got something to quench ourselves now.'' Ara said, before walking over to the bucket and dunking his head in it.

Silence ensued, only punctuated by the noise of the rain.

''That could've alerted someone, you know.''

''Hang on. I'll go check.'' Blu put the nut he was eating out of the way, strolled over to the cover and pulled back a corner.

There was no one... On ground level, at least. Blu glanced up, to see that a group of birds were heading this way. Blu caught a very quick glimpse of one of the birds, gasped, then rushed back into the tent before it could see him.

''Huh? Blu, what's wrong?'' Raphael asked.

''Mallo's coming this way! Nigel, you gotta hide!'' Nigel gave a quick nod before running out of the opposite side of the tent Blu was on.

A few minutes later, the cover opened again.

''Hello? Anyone here?'' The yellow macaw came in. Blu, Jewel and the others were eating innocently. Blu looked up.

''Oh! Hi Mallo!''

''Hey, Blu! Fancy seeing you here.'' Mallo turned around. ''Guys, it's alright, it's just a couple of friends of mine.''

''Um, if you don't mind me putting it this way, we're more acquaintances, rather than friends.''

''Heh, okay, if you wish.'' Mallo chuckled. The rest of the birds came in. A few parrakeets, the odd parrot, and even a hummingbird.

''What are you doing here? I thought you were hunting for Nigel?'' Clear asked.

''Even we have to take a break. What about you?''

''Hungry, thirsty, and in Blu's case here, needs to have a pee.'' Ara laughed, which made everyone except for Blu crack up in laughter.

''Ugh, very funny.'' Blu said in disgust, before turning back to Mallo. ''Oh, by the way, no sign of Nigel. Sorry.''

''Meh. It's not a problem, but we have to get him by the end of the week, otherwise it's gonna cause all sorts of problems.''

''Huh? What do you mean by that?''

''Nigel always striked the hardest in the last couple of days leading up to the Carnival. Any of the birds that weren't at any of the parties - where they knew they would be safe - were usually always snatched up.'' Mallo sighed, before continuing: ''We didn't know if Nigel was targeting anyone in particular, so we sent in a bird by the name of Halmar to gain Nigel's trust, so that way, he could reveal who he was going for next. But Nigel caught on very quickly, and dispatched him.''

''Did you say Halmar?'' Jewel asked.

''Yeah. Scarlet macaw.''

''Oh, wait, I knew him. So THAT'S what he was up to...''

''Really? I didn't know that...'' Mallo trailed off, before turning around to his colleagues. ''Well, we'd best be moving on, since Nigel isn't here. Like I said--''

''Yeah, we know,'' Clear interrupted him, ''We see Nigel, we'll tell you. But why are you so bent on catching him yourself? Don't you think we're capable?''

''I never said that. But - and I'm not saying you're not up to the task - It's best left in the hands of a professional.'' Mallo turned away. ''Well, see y'all later!'' He and his team left the tent. The birds looked at one another.

''...Are they gone?'' Nigel whispered.

''Yeah.'' He came back in.

''Listen, Jewel, about Halmar--'' Nigel began, but was cut short by a bell ringing in the distance. Ara shot up.

''That's the tram! We gotta go!'' The birds swallowed what was left of their food, then put it aside and ran out of the tent, back out into the harsh weather.

 

''Hurry up or we're gonna miss it!'' Clearwater lead the birds through the empty market, until they could see the bridge running between it and the park. On it was a yellow tram, being powered by the electricity cables running above it. All the seats were empty.

''There it is! We have to get up there!'' Clear spread her wings and flew up to the top, landing neatly in the top of the tram. Blu and Jewel

were the next to join her.

''Raphael, Ara, Nigel, hurry it up!'' Blu called down to them.

''Did you forget I can't fly anymore, Blu?!'' Nigel retorted. The tram was pulling away.

''Can't you even try?'' Raphael said to him as he took off for the tram, followed by Ara.

''Are you nuts?! Leaving me behind like this?!''

''Just give it a try! You can do it!'' Nigel exclaimed in disgust. But he had to try. Spreading his wings, he took a run up, jumped and started to flap them. He was getting somewhere, but he wasn't going to be able to keep it up...

Nigel fell just short of the tram, but Blu caught his wings and heaved him up onto it.

''Uh. Thanks, Blu.''

''I have to admit, that looked impressive. even if you didn't keep it up.''

''Well, do you see what I mean by not bing able to fly freely?''

''Yeah. But you can still fly. Well, it's more gliding through the air. But you still did it.'' Raphael pointed out. ''You should be proud of yourself.''

''Humph, if only I could be...'' Nigel grunted, before sweeping the water on the roof off and sitting down. Blu did likewise, before sighing.

''Great. An hour and a half sitting here in the pouring rain...'' He groaned.

''I'm not staying here, I'm gonna sit below.'' Jewel said, climbing down underneath. Blu and Nigel looked at each other for a second.

''Now why didn't I think of that?!'' Blu screeched, following Jewel. Raphael laughed. Blu might've changed, but he was still slightly silly as ever.

 

Everyone sat mostly in silence for the tram trip up to the very tip top of the city, where Luiz's garage was situated. A normal tram ride from

the market up to the garage would take around 90 minutes, but because the stormy weather was causing the tram to occasionally shudder to a halt every now and then, before taking off again, the trip would approximately take around just over two hours, Blu calculated, as he watched the sea-level part of the city below them slowly fade away into the fog the storm manifested. Very eerie indeed.

Jewel sat in silence on on of the empty chairs of the tram, sometimes poking her head out and opening her beak for a drink.

Ara was bored as much as the others were. He paced back and forth, sometimes going slowly, sometimes fast, as he whistled a tune.

Jewel smiled and shook her head without making a sound. Is that how much he loves 'Real In Rio'?

Raphael sat perched on one of the metal poles, watching the sight. The rainclouds streched right over to the Guanabara bay, leading out to the Atlantic Ocean. In the middle of it was a mountain island called Sugar Dome, connected to the city by a very narrow strip of land.

Clearwater risked getting an absolute soaking by sitting on top of the tram in the pouring rain, so she could keep her eyes peeled, should Mallo or anyone with him get on at one of the next stops. Was Mallo being honest here? That Nigel used to strike the hardest in the final days before the carnival?

Nigel, meanwhile, just sat there, taking a long look at Blu. Maybe he was right about what he said in the shack, and what Clearwater said

in the tent a small while ago. Maybe there really is hope for him. But how were they gonna convince Mallo? He'll never understand, not even remotely... And those bad things he did so long ago... He regretted every single one of his actions.

Nigel glanced up and around. Ara was looking at him.

''I've interrupted your thinking, haven't I?'' Ara said.

''Kind of.''

''Sorry. It's just that I--''

''Don't say it.'' Nigel cut in. ''You're not the one to be sorry. I'm the one to be--''

''Don't say it.'' Now it was Ara's turn to cut in. Jewel looked up and listened to the conversation between the two birds.

''If you feel sorry for yourself, then there's no hope for you.''

''But I am!'' Nigel exclaimed. ''I'm regretting every single thing I've done!''

''We can make amends, you know. We just have to listen to what Raphael has to say when we're all together. Plus he, Blu, Jewel and all the others are very respected birds around here. I think they'll be the last ones Mallo would suspect.''

''Hmm... Maybe you're right.''

''I KNOW I'm right.'' Ara added, before turning away, continuing to pace back and forth.

A few minutes later, Clearwater dropped down from the roof. She was absolutely soaked in rainwater. Even the slightest movement sent massive droplets of water from her body down to the floor of the tram. Clear was also very cold. The conditions must've been horrifying out there.

''I think it's someone else's turn up there now,'' She managed to blurt out over her shivering.

''I'll go then.'' Blu said, moving forward.

''All right then.'' Blu climbed up over the frame onto the roof. But it was only a few seconds later that he came crashing back down, screeching. It was clear that he couldn't stand being pelted by the icy conditions. Raphael sighed.

''Oh, I'll go then.'' He mumbled, before taking Blu's place.

''I don't think you're really built for this job, Blu.'' Jewel commented. ''But nobody's perfect.''  Blu laughed nervously.

''Yeah, but I'm normally good at this kind of stuff. I mean, those trips we used to take over the last year up here, to watch the beautiful sunset...''

''That's different. It was SUNNY then. It's RAINING now. Didn't you deal with rain when you used to live in America?''

''Ah, but it doesn't rain in Minnesota. It snows.''

''Snow?!'' Clear gasped. ''Oh, you lucky thing...''

''Yeah. Trust me, it's beautiful, seeing those white flakes just drift slowly down to the ground...'' Blu said, as he reminisced of the dark winter nights he used to spend in his old home of Moose Lake, where he would do nothing but read books and watch the snow float through the town out of the downstairs window. ''Ah, those precious moments...''

Slience ensued again as the tram gradually headed further and further up. Luiz's garage was still half an hour away. The rain grew heavier and heavier, as the thunder and lightling lighted up some select buildings in the distance, being drawn closer and closer to the tram. It was getting very intense indeed. Another lightning bolt flashed, this time only a few hundred metres out. The birds flinched. Blu remained motionless however.

''Yeesh, I can feel that even from here.'' He remarked. Raphael jumped down from the roof. He was drenched, but not as much as Clearwater, mainly because he spent less time up there than Clear.

''I don't wanna risked getting zapped, so I'm staying down here.'' Rapphie explained. '' 'Sides, we're nearly there now...''

Blu ran over to the front of the tram and looked out. The skies were now becoming blacker and blacker. Night must've been beginning to fall. If that was the case, then the trip must've tooken much longer than just two hours. All of the birds must've lost track of time. And there it was, the garage in the distance up the final slope to the stop...

The tram suddenly gave a violent shudder. Blu, Jewel, Ara and Nigel were thrown off-balance and fell to the floor. Raphael, Nigel and Clearwater managed to stay upright though. Blu groaned and got up.

''What just happened?'' Ara asked, as he picked himself up. The tram was at a halt now, only a small bird walk's away from the garage.

''I've got a bad feeling about this.'' Nigel said. ''I'll go have a look.''

''No. Leave it to me. I don't want you to be attacked.''

''Are you sure?''

''Yeah. I'll be back.'' Blu hopped out and flew up to just outside of the garage. While she watched, Raphael came up to Jewel's side.

''He's becoming quite the leader, you know.'' He whispered.

''Yeah, I noticed that as well. Always on the lookout.'' Jewel whispered back. Blu came flying back a little moment later.

''Well?'' Clear asked.

''I saw a burning wire up ahead. I examined it, and it was connected up to this here tram. It must've got struck by lightning.''

''What... What are the chances of that?!'' Ara gasped.

''Slim to none, yet it still got hit. So, what this means is, we're stuck here for the night until someone repairs it.''

''Then we'd better go. Come on.'' One by one, the birds jumped out of the tram and began to walk the short distance through the rain to the

garage. As Nigel walked, his head started to pound and hurt more. He looked up, taking care not to receive a face-full of water. The rain had stopped. White, solid balls had taken it's place. Was this what Blu was talking about? Snow?

One of the balls hit him on the head, and he exclaimed in pain. No, snow couldn't do this much damage to a bird. Nigel gasped. This was...!

''Guys! Run! It's hail!'' He shouted to the others, starting to run. The birds dodged in and out, desprately trying to dodge the hail that was falling down on them. If a big hailstone hit a bird, the resulting injury could be quite severe indeed. Blu's head was pounding, getting hit by some of the smaller hailstones.

''Blu! Watch where you're going!'' Jewel shouted to him. Blu snapped his head back around, only to trip up and fall over into a puddle.

''Blu!'' Nigel ran past, but stopped when he saw that Blu had fallen. He bent down and offered his wing. Blu pulled himself back up with the help of Nigel.

''Thanks.'' Nigel nodded. They ran on further.

''There's the gate! Come on, in here!'' Clear shouted, opening the gate which led into the garage a small crack and ushered the birds through. When Nigel went through, he stopped, turned back and looked at Clearwater for a few seconds. Clear caught his gaze and sneered at him, before she ran in after the others. She really didn't trust this guy.

 

The garage seemed to be empty. Apart from the humming of electricity over in the corner, and the muffled sound of hail and rain coming from outside, the place was very silent indeed.

''Hello?'' Blu called out. ''...Anyone here?'' His voice echoed throughout the room. No answer. Something was possibly up... The lamp light shining down on the workbench in the corner fizzed out briefly when a lightning bolt hit another electricity pole outside. The muffled crack of the thunder boomed throughout the place. Raphael gently glided around the room, looking for any sign of anyone. The car in the middle of the garage, the workbench in the corner...

''Are you sure Nico and Pedro said they were coming here?'' Jewel asked Ara and Clearwater.

''Positive.'' The birds slowly walked around the place. The light by the workbench kept fizzing out, then back on. Blu's ears were twitching

as he, Jewel and Raphael came around the back of the car. Where was that growling noise coming from?

''Wait, wait, hang on.'' Blu stopped. Jewel and Raphael followed suit. The growling noise became louder and louder. Blu smiled smugly and gestured to Jewel and Raphael. They clearly knew what Blu was trying to tell them.

''Um... Guys, what's going on?'' Nigel asked. As soon as he closed his beak, the growling turned into barking, and a bulldog suddenly jumped out of the trunk of the car.

Ara and Clearwater's main instincts were to scream and fly away out of harm's reach. And they did just that. Nigel grimaced and ran behind the workbench in the corner. But Blu, Jewel and Raphael simply stood there, not even twitching, backs turned on the fast approaching dog. Just as it was about to collide into the birds, Raphael laughed and called out:

''Come on, amigo, it'll never work.'' The bulldog screeched to a halt. Blu and Raphael cracked up laughing. Jewel soon joined in.

''You really need to find better ways of scaring us, Luiz.'' The three of them finally turned around, to see the bulldog standing before them, drool hanging off of his chin. This was Luiz. A gentle soul, but can be a little mischevious when he gets visitors. Blu, Jewel, Raphael, Nico and Pedro headed up here last year so Luiz could help break the chain holding Blu and Jewel together.

''Well, my good Rapphie, how are you? C'here!'' Luiz piled himself on top of Raphael, and the sticky gross drool dropped onto Raphael's body. When he and Luiz broke apart, Raphael was soaked. Clearwater gave a loud exclamation of disgust.

''Now, THAT, is gross! Eww!!'' She screamed.

''Yeah, but I've learned to live with it.'' Luiz said, sucking the drool back into his mouth. ''So what are you all doing here?''

''Are Nico and Pedro with you?''

''Yeah, they are. Wait here, I'll go get 'em.'' Luiz turned around and ran out of sight.

''Okay. So they ARE here.'' Ara said. A while later, Luiz came back running into the garage, with Nico and Pedro.

''Hey guys!'' Nico called to them as he flew to them. ''Sorry we couldn't come see you earlier today, but we wanted to grab the first tram of the day, so...'' When Nico and Pedro landed, they looked past Raphael, Blu and Jewel to see that white cockatoo... The same on they saw snatch Jewel up last year on the night of the carnival. 

Nico and Pedro screamed and flew for their lives, hiding behind a small crate on the floor.

''Woah! Guys, guys--''

''Don't you know who you've got with you?!'' Pedro shouted. ''Nico, let's get outta here!''

''You don't understand!'' Clear said, trying to get them to listen.

''Run! Run!''

''WILL YOU TWO JUST LISTEN FOR A FEW SECONDS HERE?!'' Blu screeched. The place fell silent.

''Nigel's no longer the beast he once was.'' Raphael explained. ''And we believe him.''

''What?! You guys must be nuts!'' Nico shouted, his voice filled with fear. ''How do you know that?!''

''We have his word. And we're giving you his. Come out. I promise he won't hurt you.''

Nico and Pedro looked at each other for a moment. Was Raphael sure?

They slowly emerged from their hiding places and approached the birds.

''...You sure?'' Pedro asked, fearing that Nigel could pounce on any one of them at any moment. Blu nodded.

''We're sure.''

''Hm. All right then.'' They were very uneasy at this. Luiz didn't quite know what was going on however.

''Um, excuse me?'' He asked, looking over at Nigel, who flicked his eyes away. ''Can I ask what's going on here?''

''We'll explain,'' Blu said.

 

A while later, Blu had finished his recital of this morning's events.

''Sheesh. that's quite some story.'' Nico said in awe. ''But what about Mallo?''

''I know he won't rest until I'm dead. Even if I flee from here now, I know Mallo will never give up the chase, even if we go to the world's end.''

''Then what do we do?'' Pedro asked. ''Rapphie, you're the brains.''

''I...'' Raphael began, before sighing sadly. ''I'm not gonna lie. I've no idea on what we should do.''

''What?!'' Jewel gasped. ''Come on, you know everything and everyone around Rio! Surely you must have some idea!''

''Well... There may be one bird. His name's Emmanuel, but everyone calls him Manu. Hyacinth macaw. He's my rival when it comes to knowledge. He's actually just that bit more smarter than me.''

''Then it's simple! We go see Manu!'' Blu decided.

''If it were only that simple.''

''What do you mean?'' Clear asked.

''Manu moved to Sao Paulo quite a while back.''

''The city or the state?''

''No idea.'' Raphael said. ''He didn't tell me the exact details. We could just simply fly over there, it would only take us half a day, but with Nigel no longer being able to fly properly, walking would take even longer. Maybe upwards of a few days. If we're to get back before the carnival before it starts, then the latter is easily out of the question.''

''Then why don't we get a ride?'' Blu suggested. ''There's plenty of cars and trucks the humans around here use. I'm betting that one of them will take us to Sao. We just get on the back of the track and wait until we get there. And we can have a look at the scenery as well.''

''That's actually a pretty good idea there, Blu!'' Jewel complemented him. ''Humans can come in handy in some ways. So, are we agreed with Blu's plan?''

''Yeah, I'm down with that.'' Pedro said.

''Sure. And, to be honest, it's the only decent plan we have.''

''Then let's go back home, get prepped up, and we'll meet back here tomorrow at dawn.''

''You must've forgot, Blu.'' Nigel said, pointing behind him, as the birds listened in again on the rain and hail. ''With this weather, and the tram system down, we're stuck here for the night.''

''Ah, that's okay. I've got plenty of room here! You can all sleep with me! Ain't that right, Rapphie?'' Luiz said, unknowingly letting his drool splash onto him. Raphael grimaced and wiped it away.

''Thank goodness there's gonna be plenty of room then.'' Clear said. Ara laughed.

 

Ara watched out of the window as the lanterns began to flicker on outside underneath the ceaseless rain and hail as the night truly began.

Heck, this looked painful if you stayed out there for just a few seconds. Ara flinched when a lightning bolt splashed onto the ground, only a few hundred metres from where he was watching. Scary. You'd probably also be scarred for life if you took a direct hit from one of them.

Ara turned around, chewing a chunk of pear to keep his hunger at bay. He looked down at where everyone else was. The birds had split up into different groups for different conversations. While Jewel, Luiz and Nigel talked about the events of the past, Blu, Clearwater and Raphael were discussing more on what to do when they get to Sao Paulo. As for Nico and Pedro, they were also watching the bad weather, but from just outside the gate.

Ara sighed as he turned back to the window. Sao Paulo? According to Clearwater, that's where Nigel killed her parents... How did they die? What did Nigel to do them? And who exactly was this 'Manu' guy Raphael knows? So many questions right now...

Clearwater angrily looked over at Nigel, who was in deep conversation with Jewel and Luiz.

''Listen, I don't trust this guy.'' She whispered to Blu and Raphael. ''Now, I may be wrong about my suspicion, I don't know, but I am NOT letting the monster that killed my parents out of my sight right now.''

''Clear, you worry too much.'' Blu said. ''But if you're really that serious, then one of us'll stay up during the night. I was already about to propose that idea, because if the rain ceases up during the night, then Mallo might pay us a visit. I'll take the first couple of hours, I'll wake you up after that if that's okay with you, Raphael.''

''Sure. No problem.'' Raphael glanced up at Ara. He was alone. ''Would you excuse me?''

Raphael flew up beside Ara and landed.

''Hey.'' Ara looked at him and nodded.

''Hey.''

''You okay?'' Ara nodded.

''Just a little nervous. I don't trust Nigel as much as Clearwater does. But then again, it was Nigel who killed her parents... I have no idea what goes through her mind when she looks at Nigel and something in her snaps.''

''She just needs a little time. As well as changing people, time can also be a great healer. But I doubt it'll heal her...'' Raphael and Ara looked at Clearwater, who was watching Nigel. Ara sighed.

''The poor girl.'' He said sadly. Raphael wanted so badly to change the subject, in case Clear heard them and she went crazy...

Raphael made a noise of curiosity.

''I've just figured out what your name means. It's Ara, right?''

''Well, yeah, obviously.''

''Heh heh... Betcha didn't know that 'Ara' is French for 'Macaw'.'' Ara gasped.

''Really?!''

''Really.''

''Wow... All this time and I didn't even know. I really did wonder why my parents gave me that name, instead of a common one.''

''No idea. Sorry.''

''So, do you know what your name means then?'' Ara asked.

''Meh, I guess it just means 'Raphael'.'' Rapphie said, before giving a small laugh. ''And did you know Blu's name isn't actually his name?''

''Huh?''

''Well, technically, it is, but that's not his full name. His full name is Tyler Blu Gunderson, but he picked Blu, mainly just because it was easiest to remember.'' Raphael turned around, to see Nico and Pedro fly back in.

''All right guys!'' Raphael called down. ''I think we should get some sleep now. One of us will keep watch in case Mallo decides to come snooping around. Blu, you take the first few hours; wake me up afterwards, will you?''

''Yeah, I'm on it.'' Blu flew up to the windowsill while Ara and Raphael flew down.

''All right, good night everyone!''

''Night!''

One by one over the next half hour, all of the birds dropped off. When Blu was sure that they were all asleep, he quietly flew down to the ground and crept over to Nigel. He was sleping with his back to the wall, claws outstreched. Blu carefully pushed away the loose feathers hanging over his right eye to reveal that hideous scar running from his forehead to his beak... Blu cringed. How did he get it? There was no way he could've got that from the plane breakout...

 

''Sorry Mallo, but there's no sign of him anywhere.''

Mallo grunted in frustration.

''Well, we can't give up. We need our rest, so go tell the others the hunt is off for tonight, but make sure they keep one or two birds awake in case Nigel pays is on the prowl.''

''Understood, Mallo. Have a good night; I'll see you back here tomorrow.'' The hummingbird left the tent. When he was gone, Mallo paced back and forth along the floor, trying to predict Nigel's next move. He now knew that they were hunting him, so it's unlikely he'll stop for a moment's rest... Unless...

''Maybe he's already left the city. But where could he have gone?''

Mallo gave this question a great deal of thought. If he's got no one left to target in Rio, then perhaps... Wait! What about Manu? He sold Nigel out once, and he didn't even know about it... But what if he HAD learnt about that fact? And Manu fled to Sao Paulo soon after he told him...

''Humph. You're gonna run straight into our trap, Nigel. Just you wait and see.'' Mallo said aloud, before leaving the tent.

 

 

And another massive chapter upwards of 50KB is down. Guys, the wait for the 3rd chapter may be upwards of a few months, because I want to do some research into Sao Paulo so I can get to know it better, and thus I'll be able to map it out better in this story. OrbiKitsune, you live in Sao Paulo, think you can help me?

[Clearwater]

Whew, after some research on Sao Paulo, the 3rd chapter in this fan-fic is finally ready. And let's add some more bass into it...

 

 

 

Feburary the 27th - 5 days to go

 

 

The storm had cleared up during the night, and the dazzling deep orange sun started to rise over Sugar Loaf and the Atlantic Ocean.

Dawn had arrived, as the final streaks of the blackish-blue night gave way to the sunrise.

 

Ara woke up, his vision blurry and fuzzy. He groaned and rubbed his eyes to get them back into focus. He then gasped on finding out where he was. He was no longer in Luiz's garage, but back in the shack, locked inside a cage in the storage room! Ara panicked and began to call for help. Where was everyone else? Where was Blu? Where was Clearwater? Raphael? ...Nigel?

The door on the far side opened a crack. Ara shot back to the walls of the cage to see who had just entered. He was sick with fear. It was Nigel! He walked in, laughing evily to himself. Ara lost it completely and started to bang on the sides of the cage, trying to escape. It was no use however. Nigel simply hopped up, opened the side of the cage, and started to advance maliciously on Ara. Ara started to scream and shout in pain, as Nigel attacked him repeatedly with his claws...

 

''TOO LATE!!!''

Ara suddenly woke up again, gasping for air, those words echoing around him. This time, he had woken up where he was last night, in Luiz's garage. He gave a sigh of relief. He was in the real world this time.

Ara got up onto his claws and scanned the room. Everyone from last night was still sleeping. He was glad to see this. There was Jewel, Raphael, Nigel, Nico, Pedro, Luiz and Clearwater...  Ara just managed to prevent himself from bursting into fits of laughter. Luiz had rolled over onto his back, and the drool hanging from his mouth was now all over Clear. She was completely oblivious to it, since she was still asleep...

Wait, where was Blu?

Ara spun around, fractically looking for the blue Spix macaw. There he was, still perched on the windowsill, awake. Ara's eyes shot up.

Blu saw him.

''You were awake the whole night?'' Ara asked Blu.

''Yeah, I couldn't really sleep with what's going on right now, so I decided to take it all.'' Blu yawned. ''But I could do with some rest right now...''

Ara flew up to the windowsill where Blu was. He could see the bags around Blu's orange eyes.

''Wow. Maybe you could.'' Ara remarked. Blu yawned again.

''Alright... Half an hour or so could do me while the others are still asleep.'' Blu jumped down from the windowsill and was just about to lie down with his back on the wall when he saw Luiz's drool hanging all over Clear. Blu looked at Ara and exclaimed in disgust.

''Yeah, I know,'' Ara sniggered, before painfully clenching his beak and forcing it shut to prevent him from laughing out loud.

''I'd better--''

''No! I'd love to see the reaction on her face when she wakes up!'' Ara sniggered again.

''Oh, pfff... All right, but it she comes after you, I'm not backing you up.'' Blu lied down and closed his eyes. Ara walked across the garage, through the gate and out into the sunlight, to see the sun coming up. Ara sighed in happiness. Looks like today was gonna be clear and sunny. How it should be at Rio. Ara shifted his eyes to the street running by the garage, to see it was peppered by hailstones which didn't melt during last night. For a bird, they were massive. Ara walked over to one, which was as big as his head. He tried to pick it up, but it was just too heavy.

''Yowch. Wouldn't want one of these falling on my head.'' He commented, when he heard a high-pitched scream come from the garage. Ara snapped his head back around, before laughing. Clearwater must've woken up. He ran back into the garage.

''EW!! Get it off me, GET IT OFF ME!!'' Clearwater wailed, as she ran around like a headless chicken, before rolling around on the floor, frantically trying to get the drool off of her body. It was no use, since it had all dried onto her body like glue.

''Luiz, you are disgusting!'' The noise made Raphael wake up and clutch his head.

''Guys, keep the noise down, will you?! I'm trying to sleep here!'' He shouted, eyelids still closed. Blu saw what was going on, and was laughing like a maniac.

''Raphael, you HAVE to see this!'' Raphael groaned and flitted open his eyelids. He could see Clearwater running around, desperate to get Luiz's drool off of her. Rapphie sat up, sniggered, chuckled, then burst into laughter, like Blu and Ara. The noise woke Jewel, Nico, Pedro and Nigel up, but Luiz was still oblivious to what was happening, since he was still asleep. The birds were all now gaffawing at Clearwater, who grabbed a bucket full of water that had leaked through the roof last night, and dived into it, washing as fast as she could so she could stop this ridiculous spectacle.

''Well, Clear?'' She pulled her head out of the bucket. Any droplets of water that didn't drop off her beak ran down her already soaking body.

She sure was annoyed.

''Well, what?''

''Needed someone by your side during the night?'' Jewel laughed. This made Clear grabbed the bucket in anger and threw it over Jewel. Now it was Jewel the others were laughing at. Clear chuckled.

''That felt good,'' She commented.

''Ugh, very funny guys.'' Jewel moaned, wiping the water off with her wings.

''Oh, come on. What's a little laughter between friends?'' Nico said, landing on Jewel's shoulder. Jewel batted him away.

''There are times to be serious and times to have fun. Right now, this is the former. I mean, we've got to get to Sao Paulo.''

''And how to get there... 300 kilometres doesn't sound like much when you're flying, but what with Nigel stuck on the ground...'' Raphael said.

Nigel grunted.

''Hey, remember what Blu said, and what we agreed on: We find a car or something that's heading to Sao, then just get on the back of it and just let it take us there.''

''And... How long d'you think that'd take?'' Raphael asked Blu. Blu turned away and did a quick bit of mental calculation in his head. A car's usual average speed is 50 KM per hour. So, 50 for one hour... Keep addding the multiplied result...

Blu turned back.

''I've got it. It should take about 6 hours.''

''Yeesh! That long?'' Ara exclaimed. ''Once I did a trip to Manaus - Yeah, Raphael, the Doorway - and that was something around 2000 KM, yet I went non-stop and I got there in only a week.''

''Yeah - by flying.'' Blu fired back. ''Going at the pace of a human's preferred method of travel is much slower and longer. Humans aren't birds, ya know.''

''Yeah, yeah, I know all of that...''

''We should get going.'' Pedro said. ''Hopefully we can get there by lunch.''

''Wait, aren't we gonna have something to eat? A bit of breakfast or something?'' Jewel asked. Clear poked her eyes around. All the other birds shook their heads.

''Nope.'' She said, crossing her wings.

''Well, let's go.'' Raphael started to walk off.

''Hey, wait about Luiz here?'' Blu asked him, looking at the still-sleeping figure of the bulldog. Raphael held his wing out to dismiss Blu's question.

''He knows where we're going. We'll only be there for maybe a day or two.'' Blu grunted, then sighed.

''All right. Come on then, we're heading to Sao!'' The birds cheered and followed Raphael out of the garage. When they were gone, Luiz woke up, and looked around. He exclaimed in sadness.

''They left without me! AGAIN!'' Luiz whimpered.

 

If a usual trip from the market to up to Luiz's took an hour and a half, and was uphill all the way, then heading down must've took much quicker. And it is. After running down the winding slopes without slipping once through the puddles, Blu led the birds to the car park near the market, where he saw a big bus, labelled 'Sao Paulo'. He beamed. Perfect. Loads of humans were boarding it.

''Let's get up there.'' The birds flew up onto the roof of the bus. Ara gave Nigel a helping wing.

''Hopefully the trip won't be too rough, and the weather stays like this.''

Within a few minutes, everyone had boarded. The bus shut its doors, and the engine spluttered into life. Well, here they go. Off to Sao Paulo.

''I'm hoping the kids will be alright without us for a few days...'' Jewel said to Blu.

''Oh, I'm sure they'll be fine. But I am concerned about Tiago. I mean, he's quite the prankster. What if he causes havoc in there?''

''That's how he is. We can't really change that.'' Jewel walked along the roof to the side, and sat down, letting her claws hang over the side, while taking in the sights that were coming up on the horizon. Ara was looking the other way, watching Rio disappear from view. It's been quite some time since he left the city for a voyage. Like he said back at the garage, last time he went out somewhere far off, it was Manaus - Or, as it was better known amongst the birds, the Doorway to the Amazon.

Raphael needed to stretch his wings, so he hopped off the roof for a little while and just glided by the side of it. Feels good, this morning air. So refreshing.

All of the others were discussing who had already been to Sao Paulo.

''I have.'' Clearwater said. ''But then again, I used to live there. It's only natural.''

''What's it like there?'' Jewel asked.

''Trust me - It's a lot more urban than Rio. The streets are absolutely PACKED, every single day. No favelas, no beach, no jungle.''

''So where DID you spend the most of your time there?'' Nico said. Clear looked up, as she tried to think.

''That... would have to be Ibirapuera Park, the cleared out space by the city obelisk. For a bird, that place is massive. And thus, every year, during the carnival there--''

''They have a carnival there?!'' Pedro cut in.

''Yeah. Don't tell me you haven't heard about it. Even better, I forgot to mention: The Sao carnival is tonight.''

''Hey, Pedro, I think we're in luck.'' Nico said, nudging his shoulder.

''You sure are.'' Clear continued. ''The Sao carnival, while not as beautiful as the one in Rio, is still very breathtaking.''

As Clearwater recounted her favorite time she went to the Sao Paulo carnival to Nico, Pedro and Ara, Blu just sat on the side, his head held high so he could feel and smell the breeze coming from the Atlantic Ocean. Just like that Sunday evening where Raphael invited Blu, Jewel, Nico, Pedro and a few other birds Rapphie knew for a game of volleyball down at the beaches of Copacabana. That was quite a memorable night.

''Not busy thinking, are you?'' A voice said from behind him. Blu snapped back into the real world and turned around. It was Nigel.

''Hm, not quite. ...Well, yes. Uh, no, actually...'' Blu got his tongue twisted while trying to form a sentence.

''I knew it. Another bad time.'' Nigel sighed.

''No, no, it's okay.'' Blu said. Nigel sat down next to him, and watched the conversation going on, before looking at Jewel.

''You're lucky to have her, you know.'' Nigel said.

''Maybe. Maybe not. Perhaps we were destined to be together. I mean, we are the last of the blue Spix macaws.'' Nigel laughed.

''Destiny... I don't really believe in destiny. I prefer believing in the choices and encounters life brings.''

Blu stayed silent. Destiny? He hadn't thought about that too much, actually.

''So how's life been for you two?'' Nigel asked.

''Quite well actually, thanks for asking.'' Blu smiled. ''Me and Jewel moved into a reserve park just outside Rio, with Raphael, Nico and Pedro here. We've currently got three kids. Two daughters and one son.''

''Really?'' Nigel asked, putting one of his wings on his beak. Blu was feeling a little uncomfortable, but he continued anyway.

''Carla's the oldest. She absolutely loves music. Says it's like an oral feast for her. Sounds strange, I know, but maybe that's how she is.''

''We've then got Bia. She's a little younger than Carla, and is the smartest. Quite an avid reader. She actually knows a lot more about general facts than me and Jewel put together.'' Blu then gave a nervous laugh.

''Then there's Tiago.'' Blu tutted. ''Youngest of our children. Man, he knows how to get himself into trouble. He's always brewing up some trick or prank to play on some unsuspecting bird. But, honestly, that one time where he made us all laugh was when he tricked Raphael into that pitfall full of fake plastic snakes he had set up.'' Nigel and Blu laughed. ''I hope they're gonna be alright without us though...''

''They'll be fine. Young, like you said, but I'm sure they can hang in there without you for more than just a few days.'' Blu nodded. That was true.

''So what do we do once we get to Sao?'' Nigel asked. Raphael flew up and over them.

''We look for Manu! Simple!'' He called out to them, before dropping over the other side of the bus.

''Well, do you even KNOW where he is in Sao?'' Nigel asked him. Rapphie flew back up over them.

''No idea! But we won't know until we look!'' Raphael dipped back to the left side. Nigel looked at Blu for an explanation.

''He can get pretty peppy during the mornings. It usually passes, and then he gets serious.''

 

Mallo groaned as he turned over in his sleep. He had just flew for 6 hours right through the night to get here, but here he was, sleeping in a small side street in the middle of downtown Sao Paulo. The biggest city in Brazil, and a good alternative to the Rio carnival for those who can't make it to Rio at the start of March. The sun began to rise over the horizon.

''Hey, Mallo... Come on. Get up, you lazy bum.'' The hummingbird from yesterday was tapping Mallo's chest with his claws. Mallo groaned again and slowly got up onto his feet.

''About time. Morning.''

''Morning, Emilo.'' The hummingbird grinned. Mallo looked around his immediate vicinity, their objective calling out to them: To find Manu and warn him about Nigel.

''So where d'you think we should start?'' Emilo asked.

''Well, what with today being the Sao carnival, I'd imagine the birds would also be setting up a party of their own... Let's go to Mercado Municipal. There might be something there.''

''Okay! Lead the way!'' Mallo and Emilo spread their wings and flew off.

 

Meanwhile, on the coastline, 100 KM east of Sao Paulo, the bus had pulled into a rest area by the road. Blu hopped down from the roof and 

checked the clock in the nearby shop through the window. Twenty to one already? Wow, time sure does fly...

''I'd imagine it'll be a while before we take off again.'' He said, turning back already.

''In that case, I think I'll go for a little walk.'' Clearwater said, sauntering off.

''Where to?'' Ara called after her.

''Into the forest.'' Clear chuckled. Ara did a double take, then went off after her.

''Well, since we've got nothing to do...'' Blu looked at the others. They all nodded, wanting to kill some time and get some air. They walked off so they could catch up to Clearwater.

Clear was thinking really hard right now as she walked down the dirt path. She knew this place, but when did she come here...?

''So how long have we lasted right now?'' Jewel asked the others.

''Pardon?'' Ara looked up and around at Jewel.

''I said, how long have we lasted right now?''

''Um...'' Nigel started to think. ''Well, a day, and that narrow escape in the shack yesterday morning... '' Nigel chuckled at the end of his sentence to try and make it sound like a joke. No one laughed however. They knew how serious the situation was.

''Wait.'' Clearwater said to the others, holding up one of her wings.

''What is it?''

''...Stay here. I think I should check this alone.'' Blu nodded. Clearwater continued to walk until she was out of sight. When, oh when, did she

visit this spot here?

Then it struck her like a lightning bolt when she remembered just as she saw the two dirt mounds in the clearing. Clearwater let her beak hang

open in disbelief. All this time, and by sheer coincidence, the bus had come right past HERE? Out of all places?

Clear bent down by the first mould and stroked it gently, tears starting to well up inside her. Her voice started to crack.

''Huh?'' Raphael heard Clearwater crying again. ''What's wrong?''

''Do NOT say anything!'' Clear cried out over her sobbing. ''I know this place! I KNOW IT!!''

''...I think I do as well.'' Nigel admitted. Everyone looked at him. Then Blu exclaimed when he realized it. This was where...

 

10 YEARS AGO

 

''NO! Don't kill me!'' The mother cried, trying to outfly the white beast in the torrential downpour, who was laughing maniacally. The lighting hit

a tree down on the ground, and the sound of the lightning exploded around the area.

''You leave her alone!'' The father shouted to their attacker, as she beckoned his daughter to fly away from the danger they were facing. ''Clearwater, get away from here! Now!''

''What? No! I'm not leaving you!''

''You have to! There's no time!'' The father pushed his daughter - the beautiful red-winged macaw with sparkling green eyes, red long feathers

curbed with a hint of green and long head feathers - behind him, as the cockatoo turned to face him. The father was just as scared as his daughter. The lighting rockted in the distance again, the flash from the bolt lighting up the twisted face of the white beast. Laughing maniacally again, he swooped towards the father to make his attack. The latter braced for the attack. But it never came. He looked around.

''W...Where are you?!'' He yelled into the thin air. A third bolt struck, followed closely by a female scream. The father gasped.

''Clearwater!'' He glanced around again, this time seeing another macaw just like him falling through the air, unable to right herself.

''Hang on, I'm coming!'' The father tucked his wings in and started to dive for the falling mother. One of her wings was broken, and was unable to right herself and gain the momentum to fly away. The father was now within touching distance...

''Look out!''

''What?!'' The father shot his head to the right, just in time to see the cockatoo flying straight at him. The father screeched and tried to make a last-resort evasion, but his attacker saw it coming, ducked down and grabbed the father by his claws.

''NOOO!!'' The mother yelled in despration, as she plummeted through the trees into the forest below. A thick branch whipped violently against the mother's head, and she blacked out. The father could do nothing but watch in horror. He couldn't bear to watch anymore when the mother disappeared into the forest below, dead.

''Let me go!! Why are you doing this to us?!'' The father managed to shake himself free, but just as he began to fly away, Nigel shot up directly above him and made a dive for him.

''No... NO!'' The hunter outstreched one of his sharp claws he had been whittling down with his beak and thrusted it around the father's neck, holding on tightly as the two birds sped toward the ground. At the last minute, Nigel levelled out and threw the father down into the trees below. The father yelled in pain and fear. He tried to spread his wings, but it was no use. He had run out of time as his entire body plummeted into a tree, paralyzing him down one side and knocking the breath out of him. He landed hard on the ground backside first, unable to move even a muscle in his body. Nigel smirked, then laughed his most evil laugh yet. Now it was time for the kill. He slowly descended to the ground, preparing to savour killing his prey. High up above, little Clearwater could not believe what had just happened. Her parents were dead, killed by the savage beast... That white cockatoo... She would never, ever forgive him. Neither will she never, ever forget this day. If she was bigger, she would go straight after him and lash out until he breathed his last breath, to avenge her parents. But she wasn't grown up. She was no bigger than a coconut...

''Mom...Dad...'' She whimpered, her voice cracking as tears flowed down her body. She had to fly away... She had to get away from this horrid place... As far away as she could...

 

Blu, Jewel, Nico, Pedro, Raphael, Ara and Nigel continued to watch Clearwater tend to her parents' grave, refusing to say anything which would provoke her into attacking Nigel.

''I feel so terrible.'' Nigel whispered. ''I had completely forgotten about what I did to her until the other day.''

''And I doubt she's gonna easily forget about this, while you're around us.'' Raphael whispered back, while he watched.

''...I think we should go back to the bus.'' Ara said. ''She obviously needs some time alone with her parents.''

''Agreed. Come on.'' The birds walked back down the dirt path back out to the road where the bus was waiting for them. Clearwater paid them no heed. If only her parents were here now so she could see them, and so they could see how much she had progressed in life.

 

They had arrived.

Ten hours earlier, they had set out from the market square in Rio De Janeiro. Four hours earlier, they had taken a break over on the side on the side of the road.

And now... They were here.

Sao Paulo: The largest city in Brazil, and the 7th most populated city in the world. An urban jungle for birds, and a jumpoff point for anyone looking for a different lifestyle than the constant party spirit in Rio. This was where Clearwater used to live, before that day. For her, the urban streets jam-packed with humans every day was a physical assault course for her body. She used to fly in and out of all the different side streets and alleyways to keep herself fit and agile. But she remembered why she was back here: Not for flying in and out, but finding Manu, Raphael's old acquantaince. Maybe SHE - Not her, but HER - knew where he was...

''Well, here we are, amigos!'' Raphael announced with a massive amount of glee to the others. ''Sao Paulo!''

The truck had taken them to the southern part of the city: the district of Ipiranga, where the Sao Paulo zoo was located.

''So then, where do you think Manu is, Rapphie?'' Nico asked.

''I have no idea. But there are a few hotspots we could try where we could most likely find him.'' Blu piped up. ''I read about a place called Mercado Municipal, an old market place. If the market in Rio's a busy place for birds there, I guess we could try there.''

''There's also another bird I know that might know where Manu is.'' Clearwater added. ''I can't quite remember her, but if I'm correct, she used to love hanging around the Ibirapuera Park.''

''Then we should split up.'' Blu suggested. ''I may not know Sao Paulo by heart, especially since it's only been a few minutes since we got here, but I'm sure we can find our way around easily.'' Clearwater crossed her wings and looked at Blu.

''I don't believe you.''

''Try me.'' Blu said curtly.

''All right then.'' Clear thought up a quick question. ''What, and where, is Praça da Sé?'' Blu cocked his head to one side for a few seconds.

''It's the official centre of the town, and you can find it by the Sao Paulo Cathedral.'' Clearwater was taken aback.

''Wow. Looks like I misjudged you. But just to be sure...'' She thought up another quick question. ''Then what's Liberdade here?''

''Easy. It's the Japanese district, since quite a portion of the humans living here are Japanese.'' Raphael whistled. He sure knew a lot.

''Then who's going where?''

''Me, Jewel, Nico and Pedro'll head to Mercado Municipal, and we'll ask around to see if Manu's there.'' Blu said.

''Then I'll take charge of Raphael, Nigel and Ara and go find who I'm looking for at Ibirapuera.'' Clearwater added. ''Is everyone okay with that?''

''Yeah, no problem. By the way, if we can't find him today, I vote we meet up someplace here and we spend the night there.'' Nico proposed.

''I'm down with that.''

''Then let's go guys!'' The birds split up and headed in different directions.

 

Clearwater led the way for Nigel, Raphael and Ara, walking down the pavement to Ibirapuera Park: the second biggest park in Sao Paulo and

perhaps the most popular for birds and humans alike.

''So who are we looking for?'' Ara asked Clear.

''Um...'' Clearwater thought for a split second. ''Look for a red-winged macaw like me, only she has brown eyes, a shorter tail, and one of her head feathers is curled up.''

''Okay. Got it.'' Raphael nodded, as he flapped along, moving in and out of the humans' way. Nigel, forced to walk, had to nearly jog just to keep

up. They continued to move for another 30 minutes.

''Well, here we are.'' Clear said, as she took in the sight of the lake that was one if Ibirapuera Park's landmarks. A few birds were situated around the park, flying around, in bunches or just relaxing in the shade. ''You see her anywhere?''

''Hey, is that her there?'' Ara said, nudging Clearwater's shoulder and pointing in the direction of a bird that was approaching them. Clear smiled. That was her all right.

''Hey, Clear!'' The bird shouted. Raphael looked up and around. ''It's you!''

''Alice! Good to see you again!'' The two birds shared an embrace.

''Same to you! Que pasa?''

''Quite a lot, thanks for asking.''

''How'd you know her?'' Nigel asked.

''She's my sister.'' Clearwater answered. The birds were all taken aback.

''What?!'' They exclaimed. Alice laughed.

''But... I never knew you had a sister, Clear!'' Ara gasped.

''Well, now you do.'' Clear turned back to Alice. ''Man, I haven't seen you since...'' She trailed off. Alice also remained silent. They knew which day they were talking about.

''But enough about us. So who are these, sis?''

''We're some of her friends.'' Rapphie said, introducing them. ''I'm Raphael, this is Ara, and he's Nigel.''

''Well, pleasure to meet you all. ...Now, why do I get the feeling you're not from around here?''

''You're right about that.'' Ara said. ''We're all from Rio De Janeiro.''

''Oh, wow...'' Alice said in mesmerization. ''We rarely get birds from other cities.''

''Well, that's a relief,'' Nigel said aside to himself. ''We're looking for a bird called Manu. Have you seen him?''

''Manu?'' Alice repeated. ''Jeez, I know that guy is still around, but I haven't actually laid eyes on him in ages... But seeing how the Sao carnival

is tonight - you guys couldn't have come at a better time - I do know that some of the birds are rigging up a party later on in Mercado Municipal.''

''That's where Blu and the others were heading.'' Ara said to Raphael.

''Are you going to be heading there?''

''We're quite busy right now. But we really need to find Manu, and if he's gonna be at the party, then sure, we'll head over there tonight.''

''Then we have a few hours to kill until then. I can show you the sights of Sao Paulo while you're waiting if you want. How about it?''

''That sounds nice. But, erm... Can we walk?''

''Why's that?'' Alice asked, wondering what was with the odd request.

''Nigel here had a bad accident and lost his ability to fly.''

''Ouch. My sympathy for you.'' Alice said sadly. Nigel stayed silent. He didn't want Alice to know what exactly happened that year ago, nor does

he want to reveal that it was he who killed Clear's and Alice's parents...

''Well, shall we go?''

''Yeah!'' Alice rubbed her wings together with glee, and walked off. Clearwater snorted.

''Typical sister.'' She said. ''Guess time hasn't changed her. I wonder what exactly she does these days...''

''Maybe it has changed her.'' Ara added. ''Maybe we just can't see it yet.''

''Hey! Are you guys coming or what?''

''Yep, just coming!'' Raphael, Nigel, Ara and Clearwater followed Alice out of the park.

 

''Excuse me... HEY! Excuse me! Thanks.''

The market was absolutely packed with both humans and birds. Even more so than the one in Rio. But seeing how it was only a few hours until the Sao Paulo carnival, and every human was rushing around trying to buy what they need before the market closed down for the night.

Blu, Jewel, Nico and Pedro were struggling through the masses of birds that were also walking around. It was like being in tidal wave.

''Watch your feet... Woah, sorry!'' Jewel exclaimed, as she made a bird angry when she accidentally stepped on it's feet. ''Hey, guys, can

we slow down a bit here? I've trodden on so many feet here, I don't know if my claws are touching the ground or not... Sorry!''

Blu exclaimed in exasperation.

''All right. We get a five minute breather on one of the stalls.'' The birds flew up to one of the covers on a stall. When they landed, Pedro let

out a big exhalation.

''This place is like an ocean storm.'' He said. Blu turned to him.

''You're not wrong there.''

''Yeah, I know. It's almost like you don't know where you need to go, and when you do find out, you also find out you're heading the wrong way.''

They sat quietly for a minute or two. Blu's face dropped.

''Uh-oh.'' He said.

''Huh?'' Jewel looked up. ''Blu, what is it?''

''Over there, by that window.'' Blu pointed to where he was looking. ''Look who else decided to show up.''

''Oh, great.'' Jewel exclaimed. ''Things got complicated.'' That bird who was up there...

That was Mallo!

''What the heck is he doing here?!''

Mallo turned around from taking in the view of the city through the window and looked directly at Blu. He waved.

''He's coming this way. We should join him.'' The birds glided across to a slightly cleared out space by a wall. Mallo dropped down from the

ledge and joined them.

''Mallo!'' Blu exclaimed in suprise. ''What are you doing here?''

''In all places, we had to met again here, in Sao Paulo.'' Mallo replied, before giving a laugh. ''Never mind me, what about you?'' Blu looked around at the others, then turned back to Mallo.

''We wanted to go out and see something new.'' Blu answered. ''Makes a change from Rio, I suppose.''

''Heh, that's true.'' Mallo glanced around the bustling market, clearly looking for someone. ''Where's the others that are normally with you?''

''They're over on the west side, in Ibirapuera Park. They should be coming later, they're looking around for a bird named Manu.''

''Ah, Emmanuel?''

''Uh... If you know him.''

''It's been a while since I last saw him,'' Mallo said while shaking his head, ''But I've got reason to believe that Nigel is now on the hunt for him, because Manu sold out Nigel to me and the others at one point, and Nigel must've surely realized that was Manu. So me and a few other birds I know are over here, looking for him and warning the others to stay away from a white cockatoo should they ever see one.''

''Ah, okay then.'' Jewel nodded.

''Hey, listen, seeing how the Sao carnival is tonight, d'you know if there's going to be a party of some sort?''

''Blu!'' Jewel hissed in his ear. ''Remember why we're here! To look around, not just party every day!''

''Oh, come on, we can have a little fun, can't we?''

''Hmm... Well, I do know there is one tonight, right here in the market.'' Mallo said. ''How do I know? Because I walked past the little area they're setting up for it only a few seconds ago. You can see it from here.'' Mallo pointed to where the party was being set up. A corner of the market was occupied by a few birds of different species and color, who were busy setting up crates, lights and the sort, trying to get it all set up for tonight. A cover also hung over the sides.

''And you think we'll see Manu there?'' Blu asked.

''Chances aren't the highest, but they're pretty high indeed. I'll see if I can make it as well. Gotta have someone keeping an eye out for Nigel.''

''Figures.'' Pedro said. ''Well, much obliged for the heads-up, Mallo.''

''It's nothing. Well, I should be moving on. Do me a favor and spread the word about Nigel, if you'd be so kind.''

''You got it.'' Blu said.

''Thanks. I'll expect I'll see you guys at the party tonight!'' Mallo spread his wings and flew off. Blu, Jewel, Nico and Pedro watched him fly out of the archway leading to and from the market.

''Great.'' Jewel spat. ''We're gonna have to warn Rapphie and the others that Mallo's group is here.''

''I'll go.'' Nico offered.

''Alright. Get back here as soon as you can.'' Nico flew off.

''Well, what do we do now?'' Pedro said. ''Now that it's just the three of us?''

''We have one lead.'' Blu reminded Jewel and Pedro. ''Mallo said chances of Manu appearing at the party tonight are high. So maybe we can give those birds a few wings; help them get it up quicker. Sooner it's done, sooner Manu could come, right?'' Jewel got her tongue twisted, trying to find the right words to shoot down the idea. She sighed and gave up.

''Fine... You win. We'll help with the party.'' Blu grinned.

 

''So, over here, we have Praça da Sé, the main center of the city, situated next to the Sao Paulo Cathedral, as you can see here.'' Alice lectured, like a tour guide. ''Pretty impressive, huh?''

As they turned around a corner on the pavement, Raphael, Ara, Clearwater, Nigel and Alice stared at the square which Alice was showing them. A massive square, filled mostly with humans and the occasional bird. Towering high above it was the Sao Paulo Cathedral, like Alice told them.

''Wow.'' Raphael could do nothing but gape at the sight in amazement. ''I thought Rio was big, but this place just knocks it off its perch.''

''Wait until you see the carnival, Raphael. It's a spectacular sight of vibrant colors.''

''Well, like I said, it depends on if we find Manu in time and if we can still hang around.''

''Quite.'' Ara said. ''It's a shame, really.''

''What is?''

''That cockatoo with us. He's never been able to come to a carnival in his life.''

''Really? Is that so, Nig--'' Alice turned around to face Nigel, but found that he had disappeared.

''Huh? Nigel? ...Where'd he go?''

''Nigel? ....Hey, where are you?'' The birds started calling around for him.

''Hey, someone's coming.'' A hummingbird ran down the square towards them, stopping when he was next to them.

''Um, excuse me?'' It quipped, looking at Raphael. ''Are you Raphael?''

''Yep, that's me.''

''Then you must know a guy named Blu?''

''But of course!''

''Ah, that's good then. I don't need to go into detail too much.'' The hummingbird looked around the square, before turning back to face the birds.

''Sorry for the sudden intrusion, but I need to introduce myself. My name's Emilo, and I'm one of the birds here with Mallo, also hunting for Nigel. You haven't seen him, have you?''

''Uh, Nigel?'' Ara looked around. ''No. Sorry. You said Mallo was here?''

''Yes, I did.''

''Where is he now?''

''He's over in Mercado Municipal - you know that marketplace?''

''Oh yeah. Yeah, we know it.'' Alice said. Emilo paused for a second.

''Wait a sec. I thought you guys were still back in Rio!''

''Nope. We're looking for someone; d'you know a bird named Manu?''

''What the... So you're looking for him too?''

''Indeed we are.''

''Well, we've been doing some hunting around for him as well as Nigel, and we've concluded on the fact that he's gonna come later tonight in the market.''

''The market. Gotcha.'' Clearwater said. Alice looked at her sister. What on earth was going on?

''You gonna be there?''

''We'll try. Gotta have someone on the lookout for a vicious monster, right?'' Emilo said. ''Well, I'd better get going again. Remember, if you see Nigel--'' He started, but Ara cut in.

''If we see him, we tell you or Mallo?'' Ara said quickly.

''Yeah, that.'' Emilio chuckled. ''Well, be seeing ya.'' Emilo flew off. The birds did nothing but watch him fly out of sight. When he was gone, a rustling noise came from above. Raphael looked up to see Nighel perched on a windowsill, only just out of sight.'

''Is he gone?!'' He called down.

''Yeah, looks like it!'' Nigel tried to glide down from where he was perched, but bcause he forgot his wings were crippled, he lost his balance and fell down to the floor. Ara jumped to the side to avoid getting squashed. Nigel groaned and got up.

''You saw him coming?'' Clear asked.

''From a long shot.'' Nigel grunted. ''As soon as I saw him, I recognized him. Me and Emilo had a very close run-in together back in Rio. This

isn't good. If they're here, then others are bound to be here as well. For all we know, they might be spreading the word right now.''

''It isn't safe to have you walking around with us.'' Ara turned to Alice, who was speechless, trying to understand what was going on.

''Hey, Alice? Do you know any good hiding spots Nigel here can stay in?''

''Um... Er...''

''Just answer the question, sis. We'll explain what's going on later, if we have time.''

''I know a good spot. It'll take a little while to get to, mind.''

''Alright. Lead the way.'' The birds were just about to walk off when Nico came fluttering down towards them.

''Huh? Nico!'' Nico landed right on Raphael's beak. He took off his makeshift hat and broke a sweat.

''Finally found you guys. I thought you were in that park.''

''We moved on. What are you doing here?''

''Blu sent me to warn you--''

''That Mallo and his cohorts are here?''

''Huh? You know?''

''A guy named Emilo just came up to us. He's with Mallo; keep an eye out for a hummingbird.''

''Got it. Hey, listen, we've got a good lead on where Manu could be coming tonight. He could potentially make an appearance at the party being rigged up over at Mercado.''

''And I'm betting that Blu and Jewel are helping.'' Raphael said, crossing his wings. ''That guy really is missing Rio already. And another thing, Nico: We can't have Nigel with us anymore, it's too dangerous. Lead us to Blu, and we'll tell him, Jewel and Pedro the plan we have.''

''Alright. Come on, follow me.'' Nico said gruffly, as he led the way. Alice just hung at the back, absolutely bewildered by what's going on.

 

''Up a little bit, up a little...'' One of the birds shouted up to another. ''Perfect!''

About a dozen different birds were working hard over in one of the corners of the market, trying to hurry up and get the party ready before sundown tonight, so they could welcome everyone that was going to come here.

Blu, watching where he was stepping, peeled back one corner of the cover and led Jewel and Pedro in. The place sure was bigger on the inside. Maybe even bigger than the one they went to only a couple of days prior to coming here. Pedro gave a low whistle.

''Sure is a lotta work going on here.'' He remarked.

''Come on. Let's help them then.'' Blu approached the bird in the middle - a flamingo? In the middle of an urban city? That was a rare sight.

Blu cleared his throat. The flamingo turned around and saw them.

''Hey, there! Don't think I've seen you before!''

''That's because this is only our first time here. We come from Rio De Janeiro.''

''Oh, wow. That's a first for me, I think. Here for the party?''

''Well, heard Manu might come, and we really want to meet him, so put two halves together and you make a whole.''

''Well, we sure do appreciate the help.'' The flamingo said, extending a wing. ''My name's Sonny. Pleased to meet you.''

''I'm Blu,'' He said, introducing himself. ''This is Jewel, my mate, and this here's Pedro.''

''How's it goin'?'' Pedro asked.

''Well, I'm fine, but the work on the tent - even if it looks like it's going well - is actually behind schedule.''

''How so?''

''Well, the good news is that because we've got this little corner here, we're out of the way of the humans. Bad news is, we're right by a window, and the wind's starting to get up.''

''Wind?'' Jewel repeated. ''What does that have to do with the tent?''

''Well, occasionally, there's a gust of cold wind that actually makes its way through into here, and no matter what we hold it down with, the wind makes the cover fly off. Getting it back on takes up a lot of valuable time.'' Sonny looked like he was going to continue what he was saying, but he was cut short when the cover above them suddenly flew off across the market. All the birds who were working exclaimed and groaned in dismay. Sonny tutted and turned back to Blu.

''Speak of the devil.''

''Isn't there anything heavy enough you can get around the market here that can help weigh it down? A few bricks? Fruit, even?''

''We don't want to steal from our human friends. We stay by that rule. And finding any sort of heavy trash is hard.''

''Guess Ara needs to stop 'taking and returning' then if he wants to stay here,'' Jewel said to herself.

''I think I saw an old bag on our way here,'' Blu remembered. ''We could perhaps get that, fill it up with something, and then just stick it on the top of the tent to weigh it down.''

''Hm, alright. If you are a quick flyer.''

''I prefer walking rather than flying.'' Blu flexed his claws. ''I was actually unable to fly until only last year.''

''Well, if you're a fast runner, then. Go on, scat.''

Blu chuckled. He wasn't a cat. He was a macaw.

''I'll be back.'' Blu turned away and ran out of the tent.

''So what about us?'' Jewel asked Sonny. ''Anything that needs doing up bad?''

''Well, we've got enough wings for everything, but if you want, you can go around and help with what you want.''

''Okay then. Come on Pedro.''

''You got it.''

 

Blu ran through the streets, looking around for that bag he found lying around in one of the side streets. Remembering where it was, he turned a corner into it and saw it again. An old, tattered red and black backpack with a couple of pockets. Blu picked it up, studied it for a few seconds and curiously opened up the front pocket. The foul, rancid stench of rotten food drifted out into Blu's nostrils. It made his eyes water.

''Eww, gross!'' He exclaimed, covering his beak with one wing and forcing the pocket shut again with the other.

''Hey, Blu!''

''Huh?'' Blu, with one wing still on his beak, looked across the side street to say Raphael, Nico, Ara, Clearwater, Nigel and... Who was that...?

''Hey guys! Back so soon?''

''Yeah, we have a new lead that Manu's coming to the market tonight.''

''Huh? Who told you that?''

''A hummingbird named Emilio told us. You want to watch him though, he's with Mallo.''

''So Nico told you. All right then.''

''Why aren't you at Mercado?'' Alice asked Blu. Blu, clearly not knowing who she is, looked at Clearwater for an answer.

''Oh, sorry, I forgot to tell you.'' Clear said. ''This is Alice, my sister. Alice, Blu. Blu, Alice.''

They shook wings.

''Nice to meet you.'' Blu said.

''Same here. Um, what was I saying... Oh yeah, I thought you were over at Mercado.''

''We've got problems. Me, Jewel and Pedro are helping to set up the party later there today, but we've got problems with the cover. What with the breeze right now, the cover keeps blowing off, so I said I'd go around and see if there's anything we can use to weigh it down.''

''The cover?'' Clear repeated, before laughing in disappointment. ''10 years, and they still don't know how to work it?''

''You know how?'' Blu asked.

''Did I SAY I did?''

''Point taken. Well, I found this bag, thinking that if we fill it up with something, but well...''

''Well, what?'' Nigel said. Blu answered his question by opening the front pocket again and thrusting it into the birds.

''Ew! Shut it, shut it, shut it now!'' Nico shouted. Blu did so.

''I'm not opning this up until we find somewhere where we can clean it.''

''Hey, I can take it back to Ibirapuera Park and clean it out for you. I'll only be a few minutes.'' Alice offered.

''Thanks! Careful you don't open it, mind.'' Blu passed the backpack to Alice. She spread her wings.

''Okay, be back in a few.'' She flew off. When she was out of sight, Blu checked his surroundings.

''No one's following us right now?'' Blu asked.

''Doesn't look like it.'' Ara said. ''But if Mallo brought the search to here, then we can't have Nigel following us around; it's too risky.''

''What about your sister?''

''She has no idea what's going on. But I'm letting her trail along; she's family.'' Clear answered.

''Fair enough. But what about Nigel?''

''Well, Alice knows a good hiding spot we can put him in until we find Manu. Then we can take him there and discuss everything. Are we agreed? All of us?''

''Agreed. We don't have much choice here.''

The birds waited while Alice came back. She flew down neatly and landed.

''Here you go.'' Alice said, passing the bag back to Blu. Blu opened it and was relieved to find the smell had gone.

''Well, that's one half of the problem gone. Now, what are we going to fill it up with...?''

A noise - sounding like wood snapping - echoed from where the market was. A stall must've collapsed.

''What an unbelievable coincidence. Come on, and let's stay low.''

''Hang on.'' Raphael turned to Alice. ''About that hiding spot...''

''Alright, I'll take you to it.''

''Blu, Nico, Pedro, Ara, Clear, you five go on. Me, Alice and Nigel'll go find that hiding spot. We'll be back soon after.''

''Understood. Come on, let's go.'' The two groups headed out of the side street in different directions.

 

Back in the Mercado, a commotion had just begun. A human was in distress over the fact that his stall had just collapsed. Fruit had been spilled everywhere over the floor. Other humans stopped to help pick up the spillages. Blu's eyes widened. Perfect.

''Come on. Grab as much fruit as you can and stick it in the bag.'' The group of birds ran this way and that, darting back and forth, picking up

bananas, pineapples, chunks of broken watermelon... The mere sight of all this was making Ara's stomach rumble again. He stopped to sink his beak into a passion fruit that rolled past him.

''Hey, come on Ara, sharpen up!'' Clear said, slapping his head with her wing to get him to focus.

Within a few minutes, the affected area of Mercado had been cleared up, and the normal activites resumed. The birds joined back up by the side of the tent. Nico opened the bag.

''Let's see here...'' He said, peering inside. This bag was gonna stink again in the next couple of days, Blu had to admit.

''Fourteen papayas, a couple of pineapples, half a dozen bananas...'' Nico zipped the bag shut and tried to heave it up below him. The weight of the bag wouldn't let him get up into the air. ''Yep, that should be enough.''

''Good, this'll do. Let's heave it up!'' The birds stood on either side of the bag and grabbed the strap in their beaks or claws.

''Ready?'' Jewel asked. ''Three... Two... One... Now!'' Mustering all of their strength, the birds took off and strained to roll it up the cover. The wind started to get back up. If the cover blew off again, that would really set them back.

''Hurry up!'' Alice shouted.  ''We haven't got much time!'' The cover was flapping wildly in the wind. It wouldn't be too long before it teared off.

With one last push, Blu forced his wings under the bag and outstretched them until they went numb. The bag was launched into the middle of the cover just as it was about to fly off. The bag pinned down the cover with its weight and it stayed on the tent. The wind howled along, but no matter how much it blew, it just couldn't knock the cover off. Pedro smiled and broke a sweat.

''Glad we got that done!'' He exclaimed. Blu and Jewel walked back into the tent, where everyone was gazing at the cover above them, which stayed on.

''Hey, Sonny, it's finished! We found something to weigh it down, how's that for you?''

''Absolutely perfect!'' Sonny beamed, shaking Blu's wing in thanks. ''I owe you one.''

''Nah, it's nothing. I'm just glad we could help out with something.'' Jewel paused to take in the place. ''Looks like this is all ready to go as well.''

''Yep, a full day's worth of work and it's paid off.'' Sonny turned, gave a shout so the other birds stopped to listen to him.

''Alright everyone, this place is ready!'' They all cheered. ''Guess not only we WILL be partying here tonight, but chance's are Manu will be along later! Let's spilt for now, and we'll get it all kickstarted tonight! See y'all there!''

 

''Um... Are you sure about this place?''

''Positive.''

''And you doubt no one'll find me?''

''They'll run straight past it.''

Nigel cringed. He and Raphael were being shown the hiding place Alice had proposed to them. Raphael quite liked it, but Nigel wasn't so keen, as he stared down the pipes which led down to the sewers.

''Ew. Cosy.'' He cringed.

''It's not much, but it's still a good place.'' Alice said to them. ''So what d'ya think?'' Nigel walked around and examined the different parts of the hideaway. The faint dripping of water echoed in the distance. Over in the shadowy corner, Nigel stared at the shredded newspapers littered there. He gasped in disgust.

'''Wait, this was a CAT'S home?! That's gross!''

''All the better, Nigel.'' Raphael reassured him. Nigel grunted and continued checking the filthy sewer entrance. A crash in the distance made Alice jump, followed by the sound of a cat meowing.

''Fine, fine, this'll do.''

''Then don't make yourself too comfortable.'' Raphael told him. ''I can tell you hate this place. As soon as we get Nigel, we'll bring him to you, understand?''

''I've got it.''

''Alright then.'' Raphael and Alice turned and headed for the exit leading back into the city. ''Be seeing you later then.''

''And put those planks back to how they were!'' Nigel called after them.

''Never can be too careful.'' He told himself, as he sat down and began to play with the rubber ball that was on the ground.

 

The sun finally dipped below the horizon as the hour drew late and the sky turned black. Tonight was the night of the carnival that was celebrated every year in Sao Paulo. At the same occasion, all of the birds who lived here had set up a party so they could have as much fun as the humans who lived in co-existance with them. All of the lights were turned on in the streets, and from above, formed a network of orange, much like in Rio. Blu, while wanting to party as much as he could to ease the pain of the wait for the Rio carnival, also had another objective in mind: Finding Manu, so they could explain the situation to him.

Blu lead Jewel, Nico, Pedro, Raphael, Ara, Clearwater and her sister Alice across a road packed with humans as they headed back into the Mercado Municipal. Because of the carnival right outside, only birds were here. But there were tons of them. They practically owned this place when it was nightime and the humans had gone home. Ara was brimming with excitement. What awaited them here?

Once by the cover, Blu stopped.

''Well, here goes.'' He said to the others. ''Remember: Mallo or at least one of his cohorts could be here, so make sure you keep your eyes open and your ears sharped. If you see them, do what you can to stay out of their sight without looking suspicious, or they might tail us. Got it?'' All of the birds nodded.

''All right, let's go.'' Blu pulled the cover back and ushered the group in.

''After you.'' He said to Jewel. She smiled and went in. Blu went in after her.

The tent was absolutely full to the brim, which was a surprise to see in an otherwise deserted market. Rows of multi-colored light beams bounced off the sies of the cover all around. Crates, wooden planks and metal beams provided some breathing room from the sea of birds on the ground. Packs of different birds from all around the city had gathered here to celebrate the Sao Paulo carnival which was going on right outside in the streets. Tonight was going to be a vibrant night, as well as one to remember, like every year.

Blu and the others could do nothing but gaze in mesmerization. The place was amazing.

''Oh, wow... They've made this place look even better than the one Raphael does in Rio.'' Ara gasped. Raphael looked at him angrily.

''...What? It's true!''

Before Rapphie could protest, Sonny hopped down from above and approached the birds.

''Hey guys! Welcome to the party!''

''Thanks. These are a few more friends we've brought with us.'' Blu said, showing Sonny the others he hasn't seen yet. Sonny looked at them, until he saw Clearwater. His beak hung open.

''C... Clear?'' He choked. Clear wasn't in one way surprised. Being back in her former hometown meant she had to come across him.

''I knew I'd see you again, Sonny.'' She said, with a hint of humour in her voice.

''B..But I thought... you went to Rio!''

''We did. But now we find ourselves here. You se--'' Clearwater began to explain, but Blu gasped and covered her beak with one of his wings.

''And on that note, we'll go wait for the music to start,'' He interjected, beginning to drag her off and signalling to the others to follow him.

''Hey! What are you doing?! Get offa me!'' Clear shouted, her voice muffled through Blu's wing. Alice cocked her head to one side in curiosity. What exactly WAS going on?

''Well, enjoy the night guys!'' Sonny called to them, waving them off. The birds headed into a quiet corner. When he was sure that no one was watching them, Blu released Clearwater. Clear looked like she was gonna lash out at any second.

''Why did you do that?!'' She snarled.

''Did you forget? We can't tell anyone why we're really here!'' Raphael answered.

''Oh, come on! Did you really think I was going to tell my godfather what we're up to?''

The others, apart from Alice, gasped.

''He... Sonny is your GODFATHER?!'' Jewel said, not believing his ears. ''Alice?'' She turned to Alice, waiting for her to confirm the fact. Alice sighed.

''She's telling the truth. Sonny is mine and Clearwater's godfather. After I got word that our parents had been killed and my sister had fled to Rio 

when she witnessed what happened, Sonny brought me up.'' She explained. ''Guy who told us that? Some yellow macaw; I think his name was Mallo.''

''Mallo knew of Clearwater's arrival?''

''He had to be, otherwise he wouldn't have flew all the way to Sao a week later and told us the bad news. I didn't believe it at first, but when Mallo took me to the site of the incident, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. They really were dead. I did them a favor and buried them. Mallo helped me.''

''Clearwater here knows who killed them. Go on, tell her.'' Ara proposed. She didn't say anything however.

''Huh? ...Clear?'' Ara turned around to see Clearwater walking away to another empty corner of the tent, looking at the ground. Blu exhaled.

''No one mention Clear's and Alice's parents for the rest of the night, okay? Good. Then this discussion is closed.''

 

A little while later, Clearwater forgot about the conversation and came back to the group, who were wondering why the party still hasn't properly begun. What was taking so long?

Pedro eyed Sonny, who was up in the booth, talking to what looked like someone on the other side of the tent. Who though? Something was up, that was for sure...

''Guys.''

''Huh?'' Blu looked up from his conversation with Ara and Jewel. Pedro pointed up to the booth. Blu was just about to head up there when Alice blocked his path.

''Wait, I'll go. Someone who doesn't know what exactly's going on will make the others think they're not suspicious.''

''Okay. Good luck, sis.''

Alice walked innocently up to the stool behind Sonny, then stopped when she was in earshot. Alice listened in on what Sonny was saying:

''You sure you haven't seen him anywhere?''

''He's gotta be here; that much I know.'' The voice belonging to the bird that was outside said. ''I've got a feeling that he'll be along later though.''

''He'll be here. He always comes here.''

''Well, that's Manu for ya.'' Sonny said. Alice sighd in relief. So Manu was going to come after all.

''I'll come back in a while, okay?''

''Got it. See ya then.'' Sonny turned around and caught Alice in his glance. He sighed.

''So Manu is coming?'' Alice asked.

''I told you not to eavesdrop on other people, Alice. But yes, Manu is coming.''

Alice smiled.

''Now, let's get this started, shall we?'' Sonny rubbed his wings together with anticipation, before stretching his head above Alice's so he could see the others. ''Hey, Clear!''

''Hey, Sonny's calling you.'' Raphael told Clear. ''Hang on, she's just coming!''

Clearwater looked up to see Sonny gesturing for her to come up here. She flew up next to him.

''You called?'' She asked her godfather.

''Hope you've still got it after all these years.'' Sonny stepped aside - to reveal a set of turntables. ''Consider it a welcome-back gift.''

Clearwater was astounded.

''You had to go do that just for me?'' Sonny smiled and nodded. Clearwater cracked a smug smile, walked over to them and examined the vinyl on it. Ah, this song... She knew all the lyrics.

''Hey, Rapphie!'' She called down. Raphael looked up, to see Clearwater tapping on a set of makeshift drums.

''You should be doing what you do best right now, so whaddya say?''

Raphael didn't needed to be asked twice. He motioned for Nico and Pedro to head up with him. Sonny adressed the crowd:

''Thank you all for coming guys!'' He said. ''My apologies for the small delay, but we've got it all sorted out now. Now let's get this party started with the return of a special music genius all of you might remember from a decade ago. By sheer chance, she came back here, and I invited her to play here with some of her new friends. Ladies and gentlebirds, Clearwater, Raphael, Nico and Pedro!'' Everyone cheered as Clearwater took centre stage, flexing her wings.

''Hey. They're starting.'' Ara said.

''Alright. Have fun, but don't lose your heads too much, and make sure to look for Manu.''

Blu walked off to another part of the tent and climbed up onto a crate where he could see everything that was happening quite well. Jewel was right above him, perched on a metal beam that was supporting the cover. She gazed down on the crowd like an eagle. Ara was already going nuts in the ocean of birds as he went mad for his friends who were beginning the party in style. Good.

Clearwater chuckled.

''Well, you ready guys?'' She asked.

''Always.'' Raphael said, cracking the sides of his neck. ''So what song are we playing?''

''Just follow my lead.'' Clear said, before turning back to the turntables and playing the record. The music started to slowly fade in, but instead of the samba or growly dubstep Raphael, Nico and Pedro were expecting, a slight natural-sounding sound like the wind blowing, only more higher-pitched. Clear let this play for a few seconds, so the crowd could get used to the slower rythmn, then nodded to Raphael, who promptly bgan to pound the drums, with Nico and Pedro following suit But instead of going in full-pelt like they usually do, they kept it at a steady pace.

''Wait a second, wait a second, I know this song...'' Ara muttered. He remembered hearing the same song - or something that closely resembled to this one - one day in Rio...

Clearwater twisted a knob on the turntables, which made the music suddenly growl, let it hang for a spilt-second, before twisting it back in the other direction, and began to sing:

 

Walls around your heart

I wanna get in

I wanna know you

Sincerty rules it all

I know where we've been

But I'll take a chance on you

 

Ara grinned in disbelief. Now he knew which song this was, but it wasn't the original version... Just how long did Clearwater know about this remix? And how long had she been perfecting it?

The current flow of the song continued for a liittle while, then everything just stopped as Nico hit a cymbal. the place went quiet for a little while, then it all came back as Clear continued to sing:

 

Throw me in tonight

Stay forever

I wanna know the secrets of your heart

Let's begin tonight

It's now or never

Love won't happen 'till you try

To cause the great divide

 

The lyrics were all that was needed to make everyone erupt into applause. They were quite pleased to see one of their favorite acts return to Sao Paulo. Blu had already closed his eyes and brought his wings level with his head again, like he could feel the music - the aura inside him.

Jewel was nodding her head along to every beat. She was massively enjoying it. Ara had already gone bonkers in the crowd. Guess this place was defintely the place to be tonight for the birds.

''You guys ready for more?!'' Clearwater shouted to all of the partygoers below, as the music began to swell up to it's most intense point. They all cheered as the intensity was cut by an amazing sounding synth, with those bass drums coming from Raphael, Nico and Pedro. Although he was severly enjoying playing for everyone in Sao, Rapphie couldn't help but feel a little jealous at the fact that this place had attracted a lot more birds than the ons he sets up in the market back in Rio for the best part of most days...

The music quietened down a bit, as Clear sung the nest verse:

 

Divide the line

Then push it away

Follow the wind at the end of the day

Where are you going?

If they say there was nothing to win

We'll come close but you won't let me in

Yeah, I wanna know where you're going

Throw me in tonight

Stay forever

I wanna know the secrets of your heart

Let's begin tonight

It's now or never

Love won't happen 'till you try

To cause the great divide

 

The music rised again, quicker than last time, then exploded back into it's drop of synth and drums as the end began to approach.

''Come on, guys!'' Clear shouted to Rapphie, Nico and Pedro ''We're nearly there! Don't fall apart now!''

Going into a frenzy, she let her wings work their magic, flicking all kinds of knobs on the turntables.

Meanwhile, in the back, another bird entered the tent. A lone Hyacinth macaw, bigger than any of the birds that were already here. But this was

natural, as Hyancinth's are the tallest of all macaws. This one must've mesured at least one metre.

Snapping his hazel eyes around, he eyed the crowd and the booth. His poker face twitched slightly. He was here, that was for sure.

Blu, Jewel, Ara and all of the other birds gave a massive amount of applause as Clearwater, Nico and Pedro wrapped up their song. Sonny came back on stage.

''Clearwater everyone! Give her and her friends a massive round! Come on!''

Blu cheered for a little longer, before his face twitched. He turned around - and his orange eyes met with the hazel one's of the Hyacinth. Blu knew. It was him.

''Hey.'' Blu said to Jewel, without turning away. Jewel looked down.

''He's here. Get the others.''

 

Nigel paced back and forth, kicking the small yellow rubber ball around as he went. How much longer were they gonna be? They've been gone for more than three hours now... Midnight must've been approaching, and fast. Come on, hurry up, Blu...

A noise came from the far side. Nigel's head shot up. Who was that?

Nigel hid behind a tube as someone pulled the wood blocking the entrance aside. Footsteps.

''Nigel? You here?'' It was Blu.

''About time you got back.'' Nigel said gruffly. ''You sure we're alone?''

''Uh, hold on...'' Blu gestured to Alice. She poked her head around the empty street. ''...Yeah, we're not being watched.''

''Alright.'' Nigel came out from behind the tub and approached the birds. They were all back.

''So how'd it go?'' Nigel asked. Ara smirked and the birds moved aside to let another bird in. This one was much bigger than all the others.

Blu and Jewel were only half it's size. He actually had to crouch down to fit in. So there he was. Raphael's rival in knowldge, huh?

''...Emmanuel.'' Nigel wisphered. The Hyancinth said nothing, but simply nodded.

''...I hear you have something to confess to,'' Manu said in a low, deep voice.

 

''He WHAT?!'' Alice yelled, not believing what she was just told.

''Keep it down! And we just told you - you should clean your ears out.''

''Wait, wait, wait.'' Manu said, trying to keep his calm personality that helps him focus. ''Let me get this straight. YOU? You were the one who

was kidnapping all of those birds in Rio?''

''Uh-huh,'' Nigel said, looking at the floor with guilt.

''Then after what happened on the plane, you escaped, went to the Amazon? And slowly realized what you did was wrong?''

Nigel nodded again.

''And a couple of days ago, you wanted to turn yourself in and let the ones who you kidnapped kill you, but Blu and his friends found you first?

And offered you a second chance?''

''Yes. And Raphael brought you up, so we headed to Sao Paulo to find you and ask for your help.''

''So, Manu?'' Raphael asked. ''Can you help us?''

''Hmm...'' Manu paced back and forth, trying to figure out what to do.

''The situation you are in is not an easy one.'' He said.

''Can't you do anything?'' Ara asked in desperation.

''...There is one way out.''

''Great! Tell us, then!''

Manu turned around to face the birds again.

''But first, we should get back to Rio De Janeiro. If we stay here, they WILL find you.''

''Um, guys?'' Clearwater piped up, looking outside with uncertainess.

''What is it, Clear?''

''I think they've already found us,'' She said quickly.

''WHAT?!'' Blu ran outside. There was no one in the street becuase all of the humans were in the centre of the town celebrating the carnival,

neither were there birds, but Blu could hear dozens of voices overlapping in the air...

''I saw him! He's here!''

''Spread the word! Do not let him escape! Put the place into lockdown, now!''

Blu listened for a while longer. Lockdown? That doesn't sound good...

''They know you're here!'' Blu cried to the others. ''We have to get out!''

Everyone ran out of the sewer.

 

The voices in the air grew louder and louder as Blu led the others through the dark streets, heading back to Mercado Municipal to find out what was going on. Along the way, Blu caught glimpses of the carnival, the lights, and the floats going through the streets. This wasn't good at all. Someone in the city who was warned by Mallo found out.

Blu skidded to a halt just outside the entrance to the market. He peered out of the corner to see a group of different birds - Mallo included.

''Nigel, Manu, stay here and don't be seen.'' Blu said. ''We're gonna see what's going on.''

They nodded. Blu took a couple of steps back, then began running and pretending he was out of breath. Jewel, Ara, Clearwater, Raphael, Nico, Pedro and Alice followed suit.

''Check all of the back streets and buildings! He could have already begun his escape!'' Mallo told the birds that were in the market, before some of them flew off. Blu and his team ran up to them.

''Mallo!'' Blu came to a stop, pretending he was exhausted.

''Hey, where have you been?'' Mallo inquired.

''We just heard. Mallo, what the heck is going on?!''

''Calm down, calm down, don't lose it. Someone claimed that they saw Nigel, and brought back one of his white feathers to back it up. We know he's here now. We're organizing a top priority birdhunt for him, and to prevent him from getting out easily, we're locking down the entire city: Until we find Nigel, I'm afraid to say no birds are coming in or going out. So much as I hate to say it, but the same goes for you as well.''

''Well, we can still help, can't we?'' Blu offered.

''Hey, thanks. We really do need all the help we can get at this point. But just so you know, we've already got more than enough birds in the sky, so I hope you don't mind being stuck on the ground.''

''No prob.'' Raphael said. ''Come on. Every second we stay here is a second Nigel is running. If we see him, we'll report his location.''

''Okay then! Good luck!''

Mallo waved them off as the birds headed out of Mercado. When they were out of Mallo's sight, Blu turned a corner to see Nigel and Manu waiting for them.

''What's going on?'' Manu asked.

''Mallo's got the whole place in lockdown,'' Jewel explained. ''No one's getting in or out of the city. Huh, I'd like to see him get us.''

''We have to get away from here.'' Nico said. ''And now.''

''Problem: Most of the main streets are closed because of the carnival. We can't just simply hitch a ride like this morning.''

''Then we'll walk.'' Blu countered. ''Simple as that.''

''You serious, Blu?!'' Pedro exclaimed. ''This place has gotta be like, what, one and a half thousand square kilometres?''

''Doesn't seem so far for me.'' Ara said, referring to his trip to Manaus.

''Like I said, Ara - when you're flying.''

''Then it's a good thing I've done a lot of walking in my time.'' Blu said. ''Come on guys. Not gonna give up now, are we?''

''Ugh. Fine... Lead the way, but don't let anyone see us.''

Blu nodded, then looked up at the shining moon and stars in the blackish-blue night sky. It was clearly past midnight. He could see the silhouettes of some of the birds that were flying around.

''Time's wasting. We're going. Now.'' Blu led the others to the start of their escape from the Sao Paulo lockdown...

 

 

Well, seeing how most of this chapter is set in Sao Paulo, it only seems fair to pay some tribute to OrbiKitsune: If you're reading this, how are ya doin'?

[Clearwater]

Well, Sao Paulo is in lockdown, and for Blu, Jewel, Nico, Pedro, Raphael and the others, escaping is going to be harder than they think it will be, especially when they face an unexpected danger... Onwards!

 

 

Feburary the 28th - 4 days to go

 

 

Clearwater slowed down as she approached the corner of the wall, scouting around and making sure no one was watching them. Despite

this part being completely deserted, she could still hear the voices in the air, as well as the others could. Clear glanced up into the black

sky. It was empty. No birds. She turned back down the street and motioned with her wing.

''This way, guys!'' She hissed as loud as she could down the street. Blu went first. Just to be sure, he double-checked the street again,

then alternated between creeping and running to join up with Clearwater.

''C'mon, hurry up!''

''I'm going as fast as I can!'' Blu gasped between breaths. But, not watching where he was going, he tripped up and hit the ground hard.

''Blu!'' Ara called, running to help him up. ''You all right?''

''Yeah, fine,'' Blu affirmed, dusting himself off. ''Keep moving though.''

The two of them, closely followed by Jewel, Nico, Pedro, Raphael, Nigel, Ara, Alice and Manu headed for the corner of the street. Once there,

they stopped to catch their breaths. Blu didn't argue, since he was already out of breath as much as the others were. Manu poked his head

around the corner. They were at Praça Da Sé. He gazed for a few more seconds, then whipped his head back around.

''We can't go through here,'' He explained, shaking his head. ''Too many birds. We'll be seen easily.''

''Don't forget. It's only Nigel that Mallo wants. Not us.'' Ara pointed out.

''Yes, we know that.'' Jewel interjected. ''And with the carnival in full swing, I don't think we can just simply hitch a ride on a car out of here. All of the main roads are bound to be blocked off.''

''Like we said, we'll walk.'' Blu reminded. ''Alice, what's the fastest way out of here?''

''Erm... I would have to say head east. As long as we don't hit any snags, we could potentially be out of here within an hour or two at the best.

We can hide in the Atlantic Rainforest, let the heat cool off for a bit.''

''But let's not forget that if we escape, then Mallo will suspect that you're not as innocent as you seem.'' Manu told Raphael.

''We're prepared to take that risk.'' Blu said. ''I never promised we'd all make it out unscathed, but I did promise Nigel a second chance. Even if I don't make it out, I still want to see Nigel go on in life.''

Manu looked up at Nigel, who uncomfortably flitted his eyes away again. He gasped.

''Someone's coming!''

Nigel forced himself behind an open door leading into a house as someone came flying through the street.

''What the...'' Blu gasped to himself in admiration. ''An eagle?'' It touched down and faced the birds.

''Hey, you all!'' It greeted. ''Seen anything?''

''Nah, nothing out of the ordinary so far.'' Clear replied. ''I'm presuming you're also on the hunt.''

''Yeah, you're right there.'' It's brown eyes flicked and landed on Manu. He gasped.

''Oh, wow, you've got Emmanuel with you? Where'd you find him? Actually, no, why am I even asking that...''

''Hey!'' A voice came from above. Must've been one of the birds in the skies. The eagle looked up, to see someone clearly looking at them. ''Sorry to break up your little conversation, but we've got work to do, so come on! Move your feathers, Clarance!''

''I know, I know!'' The eagle turned back to Blu and the others. ''Well, I'd better get going. You just learnt my name, so no need for introductions - not like we have time anyway. But, uh, still good to meet you, um...'' Clarance trailed off, not knowing the blue macaw's name.

''It's Blu.''

''Blu. Right. Well, see you.'' Clarance flew up and off.

''...Is he gone?'' Nigel whispered from behind the door.

''Yeah.''

Nigel heaved the wooden door open a crack and came out.

''Sheesh. An eagle?'' Raphael remarked. ''Those things can see for miles on end. Now we really have to watch it. Now come on.''

The birds, looking for an alternative way around Praça Da Sé, turned around and headed off.

 

Meanwhile, back in Mercado Municipal...

''Still no sign anywhere in the first few blocks, Mallo.'' Emilo said. Mallo started to think.

''And Praça Da Sé?''

''From what I heard just now, Clarance checked it. No one but our guys there.''

''Nigel sure is one pesky customer, even without his ability to fly. Maybe, if we try thinking like HIM...''

Mallo's head shot up.

''Ah! We forgot to send off birds to the east side of the city!'' He cried aloud.

''There's no need to!'' A bird called down to Mallo. ''Got word that someone named Blu is heading over there to have a look.''

''Blu, eh?'' Mallo said, ever so slightly impressed. He soon changed back to his determined mood.

''Blu...'' Mallo thought to himself, ''Don't let me down, buddy.''

 

The minutes passed.

The moon shone.

The voices echoed quite literally in the air.

The white stars lit up the pitch-black sky.

Blu marched through the streets, constantly poking his head up in the air to check for anyone. Strange. Must've been a few kilometres, yet they could still hear every single word. Either everyone in the city really was involved in the search, or they were actually going around in circles...

Alice walked closely to her sister. Every now and then, she looked at her. Clearwater stared back, gave a crooked smile, then looked away.

Alice looked at her again. Her green eyes locked with the eyes of Clearwater - also green.

''What?'' Clear asked grimly.

''Are you gonna tell me what's going on or not?''

Clear shrugged her shoulders.

''Will do. But I don't think right now is the best time.'' They walked on in silence.

''Guys, can we slow down just a tiny bit?'' Ara huffed between breaths.

''Already tired?'' Blu sighed. ''Sorry, but we can't. We have to keep moving, otherwise Mallo's gonna have Nigel for breakfast.''

A scream came from above. The birds, suddenly startled by it, drew to a halt.

''There's someone there!'' The voice - the same one that belonged to the scream - shouted.

''Who is it? Reveal yourself!''

Blu looked up and ran out into the light.

''Woah, woah, guys, it's only us!''

''No, not you! There's someone else as well!''

Blu was taken aback.

''Huh? Someone el--'' 

Jewel shot her head around. In the distance, she could see a bird running away from them... She gasped.

Nigel!

''After it!'' The voice shouted. ''We'll head him off on the other side!''

''Dah! This isn't good!'' Ara gasped. ''They've found us!''

''No, they already knew we were here.'' Raphael said. ''I think it's Nigel they've just found.''

''We'd better go after him!''

The birds, both above and below, began to pursue Nigel, as he desperately weaved in and out of the streets.

 

''Mallo!''

Clarance hurried back to Mercado as fast as his wings could take him. ''You gotta hear this, now!'' He landed, out of breath. Mallo, noticed this

and ran over.

''Hey, calm down, what is it?'' Mallo said, slightly unnerved by Clarance's sudden arrival.

''Huff huff...'' Clarance let himself breathe for a bit, before yelling to all of the birds in the area:

''Nigel's been spotted! He's headed east past Praça Da Sé!''

A split-second after Mallo heard the information, his facial expression snapped instantly from one of coolness to one of urgence and determination.

''All wings on deck!'' He shouted. ''Everyone! Get to Praça Da Sé and close in on Nigel! Do NOT let him get away!''

 

''Nigel! Get back here, now!''

Blu was closing the gap on the white cockatoo, but so were the birds in the skies. Running as fast as his claws could take him, Blu made a last resort to stop Nigel in his tracks. Hurling his whole body into him, Blu launched himself at Nigel's claws, tripping him up. Nigel grunted as he went down.

''Are you nuts?!'' Blu screeched at him. ''You coulda got yourself killed if we were actually with Mallo!''

''Haven't you figured it out yet?'' Nigel countered, pushing Blu off of him and getting back up. ''Mallo knew you were all coming! This was all a trap!''

Blu and the others gasped.

''A trap?'' Alice repeated. No sooner after she closed her beak, the birds heard the voices again:

''He went this way! I saw him, I KNOW it was him!''

''No one's arguing with that! Get some birds down on the ground, now!''

Ara gulped.

''Out of the frying pan...'' He began.

''...And into the fire,'' Manu finished, now realizing the situation was more difficult than he first imagined. ''Run. RUN!!''

Now the voices were coming from behind them. This wasn't good.

''Keep going!'' Nico shouted, seeing the urban landscape around them begin to thin out. ''We're almost out!''

The tall skyscrapers, pretty lights and wide roads began to naturally transform into a lush landscape of rolling hills, covered by dense areas of forest.

The Brazilian Highlands were before them. That much, Alice knew. She'd never been to this part of the surrounding area in all her life.

The birds began to move through a deserted crossroads, but halfway across, someone suddenly landed before them, blocking their path.

Jewel gasped.

''Emilo!''

Nigel tried to keep running, but Emilo was too quick for him, and shoved him back. The two of them stared each other down for a while, before Emilo shifted his attention to Blu.

''I should've know that you were decieving us, Blu!'' He shouted.

''No, no! Wait, you don't under--'' Manu began, before being cut off by Emilo, who continued to speak:

''I... I thought we could trust you...'' Emilo muttered in disbelief, letting his beak hang open. He stayed like this for a few seconds, then clenched his wings into fists and gritted his beak.

''You do know that every single bird in Sao Paulo and in Rio are looking for you, right?''

''We do.'' Blu said sternly. He was nervous and scared, but had to hold his ground. ''We're giving Nigel a second chance here! Now out of the way!''

''Humph. I'm not moving.''

''Then we're gonna MAKE you move!'' Clear screeched, charging at Emilo, but he simply rolled out of the way.

''Ooh, I felt that.'' Emilo taunted. That really made Clearwater angry, and provoked her into charging again. Emilo tried to fly up and over her, but Clear was too quick for him, jumped into the air, and knocked Emilo down, pinning him on the concrete ground.

''Where's your bravado now?'' Clearwater whispered into Emilo's ear, grabbing his neck and swiftly forcing him back up.

''Hey! Get off of me, now! Put me down! Put me down, I tell you--'' Emilo struggled, but it was no use.

''Give up, Emilo.'' Nigel said. ''You can't stop us. We're getting out of here.''

''Yeah - I can't stop you. But THEY can.'' Emilo sniggered, before screaming and shouting:

''HELP! MALLO! NIGEL'S HERE! HE'S GOT BL--''

The next thing everyone saw was Clearwater giving Emilo quite a hard headbutt.

''What... What did you do that for?!'' Blu protested.

''He was giving away our location.'' Clear explained. She leant her ear to Emilo's chest. ''He's just out cold.''

''I think they heard him,'' Manu added, listening in on the voices once again:

''I heard someone! They said Nigel's here somewhere!''

''We all heard that! We also heard that someone's with him!''

Blu looked up at the sky. He could only just make out a yellow macaw heading for their direction... Mallo.

''Uh-oh.'' Blu looked around for ideas, then found one. Grabbing a small plank of wood that was propped up on a wall, Blu broke it in two, threw one half aside, and stood in the center of the crossroads.

''Um... Blu, what are you doing?'' Raphael asked. Blu was hitting the end of the plank - which was about half his size - on the ground, holding it between his wings.

''Anyone here ever played or heard of baseball?'' Blu fired back.

''I haven't played it myself.'' Manu answered, leaning back against the low brick wall, crossing his wings and giving a smug look. ''But I know what you're up to.''

''Why? What is he...'' Jewel began, but when she realized what her mate was up to, she gave a small, evil chuckle. ''Oh yeah...Any reason or just for fun?''

''I saw Mallo flying towards us. Maybe if I can hit Emilo up into the air and aim for him, I can bring both of them down and that should buy us a little more time to get out.''

''Well then?'' Clear asked, drawing back the wing she was holding Emilo with. ''You ready?''

''Ready!''

Clearwater threw Emilo into the air. Blu drew the plank back, then giving it a massive jerk forward, gave Emilo quite a hard whack that sent him spiralling up into the air. Raphael laughed. Ara winced.

''Nice shot!''

''Heh, thanks. Hang on though...'' Blu covered his forehead with his wing and squinted his eyes as they watched Emilo's unconcious body soar towards Mallo. The two figures overlapped, then began to fall to the ground.

''Right on target,'' Nigel commented. ''Nice.''

''Good idea, I have to admit, but, well, there's one other factor we forgot about...'' Alice reminded, looking down the street they had emerged from.

''What's...'' Pedro began, trying to make out the barrage of colors that were at the other end. His face dropped when he realized that the colors were the angry mob hunting Nigel. Ara laughed nervously.

''Are we still in the fire, or have we gone beyond that?'' He asked. Alice snapped into action.

''Keep running, you idiots!'' She yelled. ''We can lose them in the forest up ahead!''

 

Mallo groaned and slowly came to his senses, rubbing his eyes to smooth out the blurred view. What just happened? He heard that Nigel was sighted past Praça Da Sé; he was flying over there when... Yeah, that's right, something hit him rather hard.

Mallo looked around, a ringing noise in his ears. No wait, only his left ear... Mallo gasped, but only heard the gasp through his left ear again.

His sense of hearing in his right ear had gone! But... How did that happen? Wait, he was lying on his right side when he woke up... Mallo ran one of his wings over the right side of his head. When he pulled it away, the tip of its feathers were covered in blood... Mallo did nothing but gaze in awe and shock.

''H...How...'' Mallo muttered to himself, still in shock as he walked the rest of the way to where he heard Nigel was sighted. Slowing down as he turned a corner, Mallo noticed a bird lying face down on the ground. Moving towards it to get a closer look, Mallo gasped when he saw who it was. Emilo!

''No!'' He exclaimed. ''Oh, no, no, no, no..'' Mallo rolled Emilo's still-unconcious body onto his back and pressed his good ear to his chest. It thumped away. Mallo sighed in relief. He was still alive.

''Urgh...'' Emilo groaned and opened his eyelids. He was staring right into Mallo's face.

''Whew! Good to see you're okay!''

''Yeah...'' Emilo's blue eyes drifted off to the side, then shot back up.

''Mallo! Y...You're bleeding!''

''Yeah, I know.'' Mallo grunted through a gritted beak. ''Made me go deaf in my right side. But that can wait. Where's Nigel and Blu?''

''Mallo... I have to tell you something.''

''Tell me what?''

Emilo got up and dusted himself off.

''Blu's travelling with Nigel.''

''He what?!'' Mallo gasped.

''Yeah. And all the others are with him. Jewel, Nico, Pedro, Raphael, Ara, Clearwater, Alice, even Manu...''

''What? Emmanuel?''

Mallo turned away.

''How could you...'' He murmered to himself. ''And I thought you had a reputation to live up to, Blu... Why are you doing this?''

He turned back to Emilo and came back to his original question.

''Where's Nigel and Blu?''

''They escaped into the forest.'' Emilo answered, pointing to the vast woodland before them on the horizon. Mallo put one of his wings on Emilo's shoulder.

''Listen to me. Go find everyone in Sao Paulo, and spread the word that the lockdown is over. Then, find the birds that came with us. You and them, go back to Rio and wait for me there.''

''What about you?''

Mallo spread his wings.

''I'm going after 'em.'' He took off and flew at a slow pace, and after picking up something in his claws, sped up and ascended into the air.

''Meet you back in Rio!'' He called back to Emilo, who was flying away in the opposite direction.

 

Jewel kept looking back over her shoulder as she ran. The voices they could hear were starting to fade away. But she knew that there must've been still a few birds that were chasing them in the dark forest, no matter how much a distance they had over them.

''We have to get back to Rio, and get back to Luiz's,'' Raphael told the birds as they ran. ''We'll be safe there.''

''So... This plan of yours.'' Nigel said to Manu.

''What about it?'' Manu asked.

''Well, what does it involve?''

''Right now, I think it would consist of us shutting it and running.'' Clearwater growled. ''Don't forget that they can still hear us, you know.''

''Oh, right. Well, I'll keep my voice down then.''

As they headed deeper into the forest, the natural moonlight began to struggle to penetrate the thick clusters of trees, and pretty soon, the birds were left in total pich-black darkness.

''I can't see anything!'' Ara complained. ''Guys, where are you...''

''Hm?'' Nico looked around, desperately trying to find the others. ''Hey? Where'd you go? ...Hello?''

They were all starting to lose their way, as they darkness made them lose their sense of direction. One by one, the birds unknowingly strayed from each other.

''Huh? Guys? ...Ara? Clear?''

''Where'd you all go? ...Hey, anyone?''

The dark was playing tricks on the birds, decieving them. They were no longer together.

 

Blu frantically kept turning around, trying to catch a glimpse of anyone.

''Hello?'' He called out. ''Jewel? ...Nico? Raphael?''

This was ridiculous, Blu thought. He couldn't even see his wing in front of his face, despite waving it in front of him like a maniac. Not that he was an achluophobic - scared of the dark - but still, even he has his concerns. Not being able to see it, Blu knew he had walked into a tree when he felt himself on the grassy floor. The Spix macaw groaned, got up, and began to feel his way around. Perhaps if he could get back out into the open, he'd be able to see where he was...

Blu felt his way back to the tree he had collided with just now, and using his experience of hopping back and forth betwen perches and cage bars back in his old home of Minnesota, began to climb up the trunk. Digging his hooked beak into the trunk to create footholds, he slowly but surely climbed up. A few minutes later, when he was sure that he had reached the top, Blu opened his orange eyes. He was back out in the moonlight. Blu turned around, then exclaimed in disgust. A full three hours later, and they had only gotten this far?

Blu could still see lights emanating the city of Sao Paulo, clear as day. They had gone only the best part of ten kilometres, maybe. Heck, the dark night was tampering his sense of direction... He needed a flashlight or something... Maybe even a pair of night-vision goggles...

Blu looked up to the sky. He could only just make out a tiny orange light in the sky... A plane? No, can't have been... Blu started to shout and wave to see if he could grab its attention. It wasn't working; his voice wasn't being carried far enough. Wait, there was... Another figure he could make out... The orange light was approaching fast towards the other figure. The two seemed to collide, then the light began to appear larger and larger. 

Blu tried to make out the light that was fast approaching. It wasn't quite a flashlight. It wasn't glow-in-the-dark...

Blu gasped. It was a...!

Just as the light was about to hit him, Blu's reflexes kicked in and he launched himself off the tree as the light fell through the branches and onto the ground. Blu was next, but got the bad end of the deal, as the branches whipped across his face as he fell and landed on his back.

Blu couldn't cry out in pain, as the force of impact rattled his vocal cords. He forced his stiff head to turn to the left. That light was also there, but it was expanding slowly as it engulfed the grass...

Seeing that, Blu suddenly found an adrenaline burst and jumped up. The area he was in was now bathed in a fierce orange glow and searing heat. The light was actually a matchstick, and it had just started a...

''Fire! Fire! FIRE!'' Blu yelled as he ran, as the flames licked up faster and faster. Within seconds, it had spread all over the place. The fierce glow from the flames illuminated in the surrounding area, so Blu was now able to see where he was going.

''Guys! Jewel?! Anyone?!'' Blu called out, desperate to find them.

''Blu!'' That was Ara's voice! Blu glanced around.

''Where are you?''

''I'm up here!''

Blu spun around on his claws, facing a tree that was surrounded by flames. Up on the branches was Ara, who was cowering in fear.

''You okay?!''

''What does it look like?!'' Ara yelled. The fire was beginning to swallow the trunk.

''You're gonna have to jump!''

''What?! No way! Nuh-uh!''

Ara was scared indeed. What if he jumped and he was reduced to ashes in the flames?

''Ara! Trust me! Jump!''

Ara swallowed hard, closed his eyes and let himself fall. Blu ran, made a dive for his falling body, and swiftly caught him.

''You alright?'' Blu asked.

''Yeah, thanks for the catch. Where's the others?''

''No idea, they must've gone on ahead. We have to find them and get the heck out of here. Start running. Now!''

Blu and Ara made a dash for the other end of the forest, frantically trying to stay ahead of the blaze that was bhind them.

''Guys?!'' Ara called out. ''Can any of you hear us!''

In response, two birds screamed from behind, and Nico and Pedro went whizzing straight past them.

''Hey, wait up!''

They chased after them, but a wall of flame rose up before them, blocking their path. Ara exclaimed.

''Agh! Blu, where to now?''

Blu noticed that the branches of the tree behind them were taller than the firewall.

''This way!'' He said, pointing to the tree. ''We can get over it on the branches!''

The two birds climbed up the trunk and began to make their way across. Blu squinted his eyes to see if he could find anyone.

''They have to be up ahead,'' Blu muttered.

 

''No, no, go back!'' Manu shouted, grabbing Raphael's shoulder and forcing him to a halt just as a barrage flared up, blocking their way. The two of them had reunited up the path, and were now looking for any signs of the others. Manu was trying not to panic. Raphael, on the other hand, was still smarting when he got a little too close for comfort, and the fire singed the skin on his tail and some of his feathers clean off, leaving a burnt area of bald skin.

''You have no idea how much this hurts!'' He yelled in pain, forcing himself to take a deep breath. ''There's never a bucket of water around when you need one!''

Manu didn't laugh. It wasn't the time for jokes. One bucket wasn't going to put out this entire fire. How it started, they hadn't the faintest of ideas,

but they knew one thing: They had to move, and fast. Manu was feeling a little dizzy from the smoke. He was determined to press on however.

''Can you see any of them?'' Raphael asked. Manu craned his head up. All he could see was a land of bright, but deadly orange, red and yellow... He just saw a figure go by in the distance!

''That was Alice!''

''What? Where?''

''Just up ahead! C'mon!'' Manu and Raphael began to run.

''Alice! Over here!'' Raphael shouted, dodging to the right to avoid a falling burning branch. Alice couldn't hear him. She was more focused on finding her sister.

''Clear? Where are you?!'' She yelled urgently. ''Can you hear me?!''

''Aaahhh!!'' A female voice screamed somewhere above Alice... But where? No way she could be in the trees...

''Clearwater? Sis?''

The screaming became louder and louder, before being replaced by grunts of pain and snapping of branches. A little distance from where Alice

was standing, someone came tumbling down to the ground. Alice gasped. Clear! Alice raced over to her.

''Hey! Sis, you okay?''

''Yeah... I'm fine...'' Clear groaned in pain. ''Apart from that.''

''I gotta get you out. Hang on, we're gonna be fine.''

Alice grabbed Clearwater by her claws and yanked her away just in time before the fire claimed her. She moved her away to a safe distance, then stopeed.

''Clear! Alice!'' Blu's voice echoed, as he and Ara jumped off the tree they were on, and landed onto the ground, next to the two red-winged macaws.

''Blu! Ara! Where'd you come from?''

''We saw Nico and Pedro and were chasing after them when we saw you. You two okay?''

''Yeah, fine,'' Clear scowled, struggling to get up off the floor, still hurt from her fall to the ground. ''But that... thing... It was mad, attacking me with a lit matchstick...''

''A matchstick?! Seriously?!''

''Then that must be how all this started.'' Manu proposed, as he and Raphael were the next to arrive. Blu smiled in relief.

''Raphael didn't make it out uninjured though. Go on, show them.''

Rapphie reluctantly turned around, so the others could see the grimacing image of his tail feathers mostly singed off.

''Yowch.'' Ara winced, before seeing Nico and Pedro arrive.

''Yeesh, when I said I wanted it hot, I didn't mean this hot!'' Pedro exclaimed.

''No time for jokes.'' Manu fired back. ''We're all back together now.''

''Not quite, I don't think...'' Alice pointed out. Blu did a quick head count. Alice was right. Him, Ara, Clear, Alice, Nico, Pedro, Manu, Raphael...

''We're missing Jewel and Nigel!'' Raphael realized. Blu shot off instantly upon hearing that.

''Huh? Blu, where're you going?!''

''Jewel?! Nigel?!'' Blu yelled. A screaming came from the distance. Jewel!

''I TOLD you! I told you, but would you listen?!'' Clear barked angrily.

''Clear, shut it! We'll find them, then see if Nigel is the guilty party!''

 

Jewel was panicking, her every possible escape route being blocked by fire, rising to over double her height. The searing hear was making her sweat, and the carbon monoxide was beginning to make her dizzy. She had tried calling for help: Blu, Raphael, Clearwater, but no one could hear her. Jewel coverd her beak with one of her wings as she ran. The fire rose up again, forcing her to turn around. Then she saw it.

The wasteland-like area of burning trees and grass, being devoured by the flames of red, yellow and orange. The plants being turned into nought but ash. The swelting heat like a desert. She was in this situation only once before, but that was long ago, when she was only a hatchling...

''Guys?! Help me!'' Jewel began to screech, before the smoke entered her lungs. She began to choke, as the harmful fumes worked their way through her body, severly dulling her reflexes. She was alone. She was scared. But she had to get above this place. Jewel knew that all of the fresh air lied above the forest. Finding a tree trunk that wasn't too hot for her, Jewel dug her beak into it and started to climb. She was making swift progress when branches burning on the top of the tree snapped off and rained down above her. One of the branches scored a direct hit on her, and the fire on it burnt Jewel. Jewel yelped and her beak and claws were forced to let go, as she spiralled to the ground. Jewel hit the ground hard, her right side first. She screamed in pain, allowing the smoke to enter her body again, this time with much more consequences.

Jewel was unable to get up, since landing on one of her wings had paralyzed it. As a result of letting so much smoke into her body, her vision was becoming fuzzy and she was finding it harder and harder to breathe. Her eyelids drooped. She was going to die...

''This is... it for... me...'' Jewel spluttered. Here she lied, in the middle of a raging forest fire, a few kilometres from Sao Paulo... As her vision faded to black, she thought of home. Of her mate and love, Blu. Of his and her children: Carla, Bia and Tiago. Such a beautiful life she led...

 

''...Jewel...''

A deep, male voice was calling out to her.

Jewel, hearing the voice, slowly opened her sparkling blue eyes, as her vision came back into focus. She was still in the forest fire, but now she wasn't the only one where she was... Slowly getting up, she looked to where the voice was coming from. Up in that tree she tried to climb, she could see a blue macaw, just like Blu... But it wasn't Blu. ...Was that...?

''Dad?'' Jewel called out. That... That WAS him!

''No! Jewel!''

''Hang on, Dad, I'm coming!'' Jewel, still dazed, walked cross-footed as fast as she could to the base of the trunk. She tripped over once or twice, but she made it.

''Jewel!'' Her father pleaded. ''You won't make it! You have to get out of here! Run, now!''

''No! I'm not leaving you, and I'll never leave you!''

Jewel, finding a burst of adrenaline and determination, began to climb back up the trunk. She didn't care about the pain charging through her body right now. She didn't care if she was burned for life. She had to reach her father...

''Hang on, Dad! I'm nearly there!'' Jewel cried, as she drove her beak back into the tree trunk to make a new hole. Seeing another branch hurtling to the ground, Jewel pulled her head in to avoid it. The whole tree was now in flames, being burnt to the ground. Jewel heaved herself up and over the top. There he was, on the other side of the tree!

''I'm here! I'm here!'' Jewel started to run towards her father, but just as she was about to reach him, a wave of fire cut her attempt short. Jewel yelled in fear and backed off.

''Jewel! It's time!'' He father shouted over the noise of the roaring flames.

''What?! No!'' Jewel tried to dash through the flames, but every time, the unbearable heat forced her to back off. ''Don't leave me!!''

''I have to! Find Roberto! He'll get you out of here!''

''W...What?!''

''Goodbye, Jewel, and good luck!'' Jewel's father turned his back to her and flew off, amongst all the others fleeing the fire.

''No... DAD!! NOOOO!!'' Jewel screamed as loud as she could, not realizing herself running through the fire and jumping off. She tried to flap her wings, but because she still hadn't quite mastered the art of flying, Jewel plummeted straight to the ground instead, about to be swallowed up by the wildfire...

''Oh no, you don't!'' A voice cried, as its body swooped towards Jewel. That was the last thing Jewel saw before falling unconcious again...

 

''Jewel?! Nigel!'' Blu shoved back a pile of branches, being careful not to burn himself. His heart sank even further. ''Nothing here!''

''Oh, where are they... Huh?'' Ara pointed to a raging area of the fire. ''Hey! Over there!''

A large silhouette was approaching. Blu squinted his eyes and took a step forward to try and make out who it was.

''That's them!'' Alice pointed. Nigel, holding an unconcious Jewel, was heading towards them. Blu saw Jewel. His heart stopped.

''Oh... No...'' He gasped.

''You guys okay?'' Nigel asked, setting Jewel down. ''Blu, I'm so sorry.''

Blu exclaimed and ran over to Jewel, while Clearwater snarled and began to advance on Nigel. Raphael, Ara and Manu saw this, and tried to restrain her.

''Don't you see what he's done?!'' She protested.

''Calm down! Get a grip on yourself!'' Alice begged her sister. The birds started to squable, while Blu desperately checked Jewel for any signs of life.

''Don't you see--''

''Sis, calm down--''

''It might not be him--''

''I don't care--''

''QUIET! Everyone, quiet!'' Blu shouted angrily. Everyone fell silent. ''We can sort this out later, but right now...''

Blu put the side of his face to Jewel's chest. He listened for a few seconds. He heard and felt Jewel's heart thump. Blu smiled hugely and gave a massive sigh of relief.

''She's still alive,'' He beamed. The birds began to unwind the intensity between them. Raphael approached Nigel.

''Then what happened?''

''And don't lie,'' Clear growled. Nigel turned to look back at the fire in the distance. It didn't look like it was going to spread any further, but the damage done was very heavy indeed. The glow from the flames illuminated the area. Nigel took a breath, then began to recite his side of the tale:

''We were all split up after we headed into the thick forest. None of us could see a thing, not least of me. I lost my sense of direction pretty quicky, so rather than just stumbling in the darkness and risk getting lost even further, I decided to just stand there and wait for anyone so they knew I was there.''

''A few minutes after that, I saw a glow in the distance. Thinking that one of you had found a light source, I headed to where it was. But when I got close, I realized that it wasn't a light. It was actually a matchstick. When I got there, I could hear Blu shouting 'Fire' at the top of his voice to try and warn the others. Then we were all trapped in it, that inferno of heat and flames. Assuming that Blu now knew where he was heading, I

followed him, but hung back a little bit in case he missed someone and I saw them. I continued to follow, as we all reunited one by one. But you weren't the first to realize that Jewel was missing. I was. When I heard Jewel's scream, I immediately headed for where the scream came from. When I got there, I saw Jewel, up in a tree, speaking to what I heard to be her father. I checked all the trees, and it was just me and her in the area, so I presumed the smoke was causing her to hallucinate. I was yelling to her, trying to get her to get out of there. She obviously couldn't hear me, and when she screamed again and jumped off of the tree, I realized I had to do something or she'd be roasted. I ran, jumped and somehow managed to get myself flying for long enough to grab her before she went in the fire. I carried her as far away from the fire as I could - to this spot here.''

Silence ensued, as the birds remained quiet and looked at one another. Nigel scratched his head nervously, as he waited for the verdict.

After what seemed like an age, Clearwater took a step towards Nigel. And started to clap her wings together. One by one, the other birds joined in. Nigel smiled. They believed him.

''Seems like I might've been wrong about you.'' Clear said.

''You saved Jewel. And... I... I have to thank you for saving her.'' Blu stuttered, before running forward and hugging Nigel tightly. Nigel was a bit surprised by this, but after a few seconds, it didn't feel so bad.

''Thank you.'' Blu whispered in his ear, before pulling away. Raphael looked at Blu and chuckled. When a loud crash echoed in the distance, the birds looked back at the fire in the distance.

''The forest...'' Ara murmured. ''It's completely destroyed.''

''There's nothing we can do.'' Manu spoke up. ''I don't think we'll have anyone on our tails now, and we might all be tired after what happened just now, but that doesn't mean we can't stop meaning. We're still very far from Rio De Janeiro.''

''He's right.'' Ara said. ''We'll be safe once we get back to Rio. Then we can work out our next move there.''

''Indeed... Come on, let's go.''

The birds slowly turned away from watching the fire gradually die out and began to walk. Blu picked up Jewel, and carried her over his right shoulder as he went. Nico and Pedro were outright exhausted from their desperate attempts from the heart of the fire, and not wanting to grow any more tired, flapped down and rested their weary bodys on Raphael's long beak, who was even more tired than them. Manu, keeping his cool poker face as always, began to follow Blu, not looking in any other direction as he went. Nigel felt a little happy that he had proven hisself to be a value to the team, but his level of fatigue was just as high as the others right now, as his claws just scrapped and trailed through the dry soil and grass.

Ara, Clearwater and Alice hadn't moved, however. They were still watching the flames fizzle and slowly die out, as they began to fail to find a source of fuel, because all of the branches, grass and leaves had been turned into thick, grey ash.

Ara was horrified at the sight. He wanted to turn away right now, but something compelled him to continue gazing upon the wreck... The potential amount of animals and birds that would be forced to flee this place in search of another home elsewhere...

''My sympathy for all of them.'' Alice said aloud. ''All those poor creatures, having to flee from it, and what started it.''

Clearwater grunted at this. It was that psycohtic bird with that matchstick that attacked her who started all this.

''I think I know who did this.'' She said to Ara and Alice.

''Who?''

''I... didn't quite make out it's face, but I did see that,'' Clear shuddered, before continuing, ''Part of his right side was covered in blood.''

Ara gagged at this. He found any sort of gore disturbing for him.

''How d'you know this?'' Alice asked her sister.

''Because I was flying when I saw it.'' Clear answered, before further explaining: ''When the pitch-black made us lose each other, I decided to 

a better view of things from the sky, and so I was able to at last be able to see. So I climbed up a tree and flew off the top of it, but I hadn't even got up to usual height when I saw someone storming towards me. I could tell that it wanted to attack me, because of how it was holding its claws. I tried to outfly it, but it was too fast and blindsided me. I had just caught my sense of direction when it came back. I tried to dodge its next attack; next thing I knew, we were all falling towards the ground in different places. When I hit the ground, I could see Alice pulling me away from the fire. And it all took off from there.''

''I have to admit though, this is definitely going to be one to tell the guys back home.'' Ara commented. ''But... What about Nigel? Do you still hate him for what he did to... Well, you know?''

''Hmm...'' Clearwater pondered this for a while. ''While I still have my doubts, he saved Jewel, didn't he? He saved my best friend...''

Clear turned to face Ara and Alice. ''And I have to be thankful for that.''

''We all are.'' Her sister said. ''...We should be going. C'mon, I don't feel like being left behind.''

The three red-winged macaws turned and began to catch up to to the others. Ara stopped.

''Huh? Ara?''

''...Alice, you go on. I wanna have a quick word with Clearwater here.''

''Okay. But make sure you don't take too long.'' Alice continued to walk away. Clear looked nervously at Ara for a little while. He was just as nervous as she was right now.

''So... What did you want to tell me?''

Ara gulped. Saying this wasn't gonna be easy. But he had to try anyway... Ara took a deep breath and began:

''When the fire started, I ran. The person who I was looking for the most? It wasn't to save my own skin. It was to find you. When I saw you crash through those trees, I was glad to see you.''

''Whoa, whoa, wait a second. I know where this is going. And you were the one who said we should just remain friends.''

''Yeah, but...'' Ara sighed. ''I never knew that seeing my closest friend after all this time could make me feel so happy. You make me happy when I see you, Clearwater. And maybe...'' Ara took a step towards her. ''Maybe we don't have to be just friends, you know.''

''What? I don't...'' Clear began, but couldn't find the right words and trailed off. Ara knew what she was trying to say.

''You know what I'm talking about, Clear. Back in the market in Rio, that day we all got together again, it may have not looked like it much, but my world really did explode when I saw you in the market for the first time in quite a while. Maybe I forgot to show it properly. I missed you so much; I wanted to see you so badly. Clear, what I'm trying to say here is... I... I...''

Ara was stuttering. Getting out the easy part, that was done, but this bit here...

''Ara, I know what you want to say.'' Clear whispered soothingly, leaning forward and gently stroking Ara's cheek with her wing. ''But you don't have to say it out loud. That look in your eyes already says it.''

''No. I have to say out out loud, that way, I know I've said it and I know I've tried.'' Ara touched Clear's wing, then swallowed hard and took another deep breath.

''Clearwater...''

''Yeah?''

''I......'' Ara looked straight up into Clearwater's sparkling green eyes.

''I... I love you.''

He had finally admitted it. He finally declared his love for his best friend, Clearwater... But would she return it?

''Then you should know this...'' Clear said, but just as she was about to open her beak again to say those words...

''HEY!!'' A sudden voice made both of them jump. They looked over at where it came from. It was Blu.

''Come on you two! I think I've found something!'' He shouted. Ara looked back over at Clear. She sighed, and took her wing off of his cheek.

''We'd better go.'' Ara said. Clear nodded, and they headed further on.

 

Blu pushed back the tall grass with his free wing, shielding his eyes when the light from the road came flooding in. When he got adjusted to it, Blu signalled for the others to head across. All of the birds were groggy and worn out. Raphael groaned, tripped over which very nearly made Nico and Pedro lose their grip on his beak, and picked himself up off the ground. Blu looked at his right shoulder. Jewel was still out cold, but at least she was breathing. Wait till she hears about what happened... Blu grunted and looked back ahead. They were now on a busy road, cars everywhere. They were heading in the direction, but walking was no good. They were still the best part of 200 kilometres out, and they had been walking for three hours straight through into the small hours of the morning, trying to get away from the fire, the trap at Sao Paulo... Where was Mallo now? Did he catch on? Was he still after them? Or was he trying to set up a new trap back at Rio? Either way, Blu knew one thing: They had to keep moving.

Over on a rest stop a small distance from where the birds were, Blu spotted a truck that was stationary. The trailer on the back of it was empty, safe for a couple of crates of fruit. Blu smiled. Perfect.

''This way guys. Get on that truck.'' He said to the others. Raphael managed a stiff nod, before they headed over to it. He was just too tired to fly right now, so he just slowly climbed up it, and then dropped to the floor, absolutely exhausted. He closed his eyes, and within seconds, he was snoring away.

''Talk about being tense,'' Blu muttered, as he struggled to get up onto it, pinned down by the weight of Jewel. ''Raphael? Jeez, get up and help out here!''

''Hey.'' Blu looked up to see Manu, one of his long wings outstreched. ''Pass her up here.''

Blu nodded, before taking Jewel off of his shoulder and passing her to Manu.

''Please be careful.'' Blu begged. ''She means a lot to me.''

Manu nodded, and gently placed Jewel down, her head resting on one of the crates. Blu took a few steps back, then ran and flew up onto the trailer. Manu turned away to watch the view of the Atlantic Ocean over on the horizon. Blu bent down, caressing Jewel's cheek with his wing.

''Oh, I'm so sorry, baby...'' Blu whispered. ''I'm so glad you're okay though.''

Blu checked her over as Ara, Clearwater and Alice climbed up. Nigel was the last one. He couldn't fly, but just as he was about to take a run-up, he saw Clearwater offer him her wing. Nigel shook his head.

''No, no, I'm all right.''

''Come on, we're all tired.'' Nigel pondered this, then took up Clear on her offer and took her wing. She hauled Nigel up onto the truck.

''You didn't have to do that, you know. And besides, I thought you didn't trust me.''

''That was before,'' Clear said, before looking over at Blu, who was sat down, Jewel's head resting on his chest. Is that how much he loves her...

''And this is now.'' Clearwater reprised, turning back to Nigel. ''You saved my friend.''

''I couldn't just let her jump off and become a char. We're all in this together.''

''Maybe.''

''Maybe what?''

''Maybe... Maybe you really have changed.'' Clear said, walking away. She didn't have the sharp edge in her voice she had when they were talking to each other in the tent that rainy day. Nigel crossed his wings and cocked his head to one side. The truck's engine spluttered, then revved into life, before leaving the rest area and headed back out onto the road, westbound. Manu tilted his head up to the black-blue sky, letting the wind blow through his head feathers.

''This will take us there,'' He said. ''Someone should keep watch just in case.''

''I'll take the first few hours.'' Ara then promptly offered, flying up to the roof above the driver's seat and sitting down.

Alice looked at Clearwater.

''So what were you two doing back there?'' She asked. Clear looked at Ara, who took no notice of her. He was rather watching the road ahead, lit up by all the streetlights.

''I think I have a lover.'' Clear said, quiet enough so only her sister could hear her. Alice shot up.

''What?!''

''Yeah. He said it himself.''

''Aw, that's sweet.'' Manu said curtly, as he walked past.

''Hey! Keep your beak out of this!'' Clear shouted after him. Manu laughed and showed the back of his wing to her, telling Clear to lighten up. Clear smiled and shook her head.

''Boys. Them and their sense of humor.''

''But coming back to what's happening right now, nothing's funny in any way.'' Manu said, who had stopped pacing about. ''With Blu's mate unconcious from the fire, and with the situation Nigel and all of us are in getting worse, I hardly think we can laugh.''

''Raphael said that we survive without really realizing it. Maybe that's how we can laugh sometimes even in situations like these.''

''Really? You said tha--'' Manu began, turning to face Raphael. He stopped mid-sentence when he saw him snoring away like a sloth. Manu sighed under his breath.

''Hasn't changed at all ever since I met him.'' He affirmed, continuing to pace back and forth. Pretty soon, he stopped again. All of the birds were eyeing him. Manu didn't flinch, as he outstreched his wings and pointed in the direction they were heading.

''Rio De Janeiro... It's where I actually came from. Raphael... I met him on the night before a certain carnival. The birds in the city were hardly in a party mood though. They were scared. Living in fear of a bird that was snatching all of them up. Rapphie had heard of how smart I was, so he recruited me to see where our mutual foe was going to strike next.''

Nigel was watching the view roll by. Blu caught his gaze.

''Let me take over, Manu.'' He said.

''Okay... If you wish.'' Nigel took up the next part of the story without turning around.

''One night, I had caught onto the fact that Halmar - that bird Mallo was telling us about in the tent - was selling me out. I cornered him in the shack and well... you can probably guess what happened.''

''I saw the whole thing.'' Mallo took back over. ''When Nigel was done with Halmar, I saw him turn to another bird and began to talk to him. I caught a glimpse of that bird's face in the moonlight. He was... He was the...'' Manu trailed off, haunted by that memory.

''Go on.'' Alice said. ''Who was he?''

Manu stayed quiet, a look of pain across his face.

''I don't want to talk about it. Not right now.'' Manu began to pace again. Clearwater, Alice and Blu exchanged glances.

''He killed someone closely related to him.'' Alice figured. ''It's logic.''

Clearwater clenched her wing. Another bird? Could that be Emilo?

 

An hour passed. Nigel took over Ara's watching duties as Ara took a nap. So were Clearwater and Alice. In fact, Blu, Nigel and Manu were the only ones still awake.

Blu continued to gently stroke Jewel's head. She was still knocked out, but it shouldn't be too long until she woke up. Blu sighed. He couldn't bear to lose her. He had so many complex feelings for her. He loved her...  If Jewel died, then how would he live on by himself? And, most painful, how would he raise Carla, Bia and Tiago on his own?

He nearly lost her once during the plane breakout. He didn't want to lose her now...

Manu took a break from pacing around and took a long look at Blu, as he continued to gently caress Jewel. He was truly attached to her... Maybe too much for his own good...

''Jewel...'' Blu whispered in her ear. ''Please... Don't leave me here alone...'' He didn't realize it, but a teardrop fell from Blu's eye onto Jewel's chest.

''I think she'd be proud of you.'' Manu said. Blu's ears twitched and he looked up. Manu could see the tears clinging onto Blu's orange eyes.

''You're crying. Did you know that?'' Manu asked. Blu nodded, dislodging another tear and letting it fall onto Jewel. Manu walked over, bent down and placed a wing on Blu's shoulder.

''You can't do everything for her. You have to understand that. There are times where you must let her fend for herself. Right now, there's nothing we can do but comfort her until she wakes up.''

Blu took those words seriously, as he got up, gently putting Jewel's head so it was resting on the crate and kissed her on the forehead.

''I'll always be here, Jewel.'' Blu whispered, before walking away and joining Manu in watching the sights as they rolled by in silence. After a while, Manu gave a brief chuckle.

''So the rumors are true.'' He said. ''You two really are the last of the Spix macaws.''

''Not quite.'' Blu countered, explaining further: ''We've got three children back in Rio. Two daughters and one son.''

''How sweet. I wish I had a life like you.''

''So didn't you find someone in Sao Paulo?''

''I did, quite a while back. Her name was Kiara.''

Blu snorted. Sounded almost like Ara's name.

''We fell madly in love. I thought my dream of a simple life was about to begin... Then...'' Manu shuddered. ''It all collapsed. Right in front of my eyes.''

''What happened? It wasn't...'' Blu started, referring to Nigel.

''Not quite. That other bird I mentioned earlier... I remember a little more. It was a dark yellow macaw.''

''Dark yellow...'' Blu thought, before gasping. ''Mallo?!''

''If that's his name.''

''What did he do?''

''He killed Kiara. Then he blackmailed me.''

''What a rotten thing to do!'' Blu exclaimed, feeling both his wings clench up into fists.

''Indeed. I think that's reason enough to explain why I hate his guts. I don't care about Nigel, because he wasn't the one who killed Kiara, and even if he's the centre of what's going on. It's Mallo I want...''

Manu paused for a moment, before reprising.

''Blu. I'm going to tell you what happened over on my side these past couple of days.''

Blu crossed his wings and paid close attention.

''Go on then.'' Manu took a deep breath and began:

''Even before you headed to Sao Paulo, I had someone I know pretty closely be watching your movements.''

''Who?'' Manu replied by looking over at Clearwater.

''What? Her?''

''Yes. I had a feeling that Mallo was going to turn up in Rio these next few days, so I sent her along to Rio.''

''Sent her along? I thought she lived in Rio ever since she witnessed her parents get killed by Nigel.''

''Ah, yes. Well, a week ago, Clearwater actually came back to Sao. But not to drop in and say hello to everyone. I had called her there and asked her what was going on. She spoke of two blue macaws disappearing into legend, and how she was hunting them down because she wanted to get to know them herself. She also told me that she saw Mallo and what seemed to be a white cockatoo sighted in parts of the city. This seemed to work out well. I wanted Mallo dead for what he did to Kiara, and Clearwater wanted Nigel dead for what he did to her parents.

But we couldn't get what we both wanted unless we had some help. And who better than the blue macaws Clearwater spoke of, as well as her old friends?''

''Wait, so that means...'' Blu realized.

''Yes. The reunion between her, Ara and all of you was rigged.''

''And she kept all of this right under our noses... What about Mallo and Nigel?''

''That, I couldn't predict. But when I got word that Clearwater was back in Sao, I got a little concerned. So I came to that party in search of her. And found you, my old friend Raphael, and the rest of the birds you brung along. Clear included.''

''Then it seems we need each other's help. We need your help to find a way of getting Nigel to go free, while you need our help to find and take Mallo down.''

''No.'' Manu said, shaking his head. ''Taking him down won't suffice for me. I hope you won't mind me asking this, but I have to make sure he stays dead.''

''What?'' Blu was a slight bit shocked.  ''Beating a bird in a fight is one thing, but killing it outright?''

Blu turned away, giving this matter a great deal of thought, while looking over at both Clearwater's sleeping body and Nigel, who was sat down as he watched the world go by, not giving Blu or Manu any heed. Blu turned around to face Manu again.

''Fine. I'll help you. But I have one term.''

''Name it.''

''At the end of all this... Nigel goes free.''

''If that's what you won't. Like I said, it's not Nigel I want.''

''And in normal circumstances, I doubt Clear would go along with this... But, since Nigel saved her...'' Blu looked back at Jewel.

''Yes... These are quite remarkable circumstances we are witnessing right now.''

Blu sat back down next to Jewel, looking over the side. Wonder how far they had to travel until they got back...

 

 

THE AMAZON RAINFOREST - 16 YEARS AGO

 

Roberto looked back at the flaming wildfire as he flew further away. It had engulfed everything. Many of the Spix macaws that were caught up in it had perished. Only a few survived. Even from this hight, he could still see the fire, clear as day. He could still feel the intense heat; the sweat running down his very long head feathers. Those horrid, cruel humans... How could they? How could they destroy their home like this, eating away at the trees that belonged to the macaws, forcing them to retreat further and further towards the Amazon river... Because of what they did, Roberto would now always hate humans for as long as he lived. Because of them, so many of his friends were lost today. Roberto was thankful that he escaped with his life. And that she only just escaped with hers, as well.

Roberto looked down at the unconcious bird he was carrying as he flew. A female blue Spix macaw, light plumage, short feathers, and beautiful blue eyes... Whatever happened to her?

''Jewel... Please, hang in there.'' Roberto said to her, even though Jewel was unconcious. He looked behind him. The fire was beginning to fade into the horizon.

''This should be far enough.'' Roberto began his descent back into the thick jungle. She should be safe here. Her father knew she couldn't fly yet, so when he saw her fall unconcious, he asked Roberto to take her away to a place as far away as he could, where the humans couldn't reach her. Where she could life in safety for the rest of her life. So much as her father treasured her, he couldn't bring Jewel along if she hadn't learnt to fly yet...

Roberto landed with Jewel in a small clearing. It was so deep in the jungle, it would possibly be decades before the humans could reach this part. Roberto checked around and listened for a small while. Seemed like they were alone. Roberto placed a sleeping young Jewel in a hollow tree trunk, then found a pile of branches and leaves and covered the holes up with them. Once he was finished, he turned to look at the sun shining down in the jungle. So much as he wanted to stay with his childhood friend, he couldn't. He had to go back and help those who were still trapped in the fire.

''Jewel... Please. Stay safe. Stay alive for me.'' Roberto whispered gently, before bending down and kissing Jewel gently on the forehead. It was time. Roberto spread his wings.

''Goodbye, Jewelie.'' Roberto flew off, heading back to the fire, while praying that his friend would stay alive...

 

 

Wondering what the constant droning noise was, Jewel groaned and slowly opened her eyelids. Her neck was aching so badly, and she felt so groggy and drowsy. Everything she could see was just a blur. Looking around while trying not to move her neck, Jewel made out a group of red birds, a dark-blue one pacing back and forth, and a white one just a little further away. Letting her eyes droop shut again, Jewel counted to ten, then opened them again. She could now see more clearly. Scanning her surroundings again, she could see the sleping figures of Ara, Clearwater and Alice, the pacing macaw that was Manu, and the white bird must've been Nigel, as well as seeing Raphael, Nico and Pedro also dozing away. As for that droning noise, Jewel saw out of the sides the scenery flying by... Were they on a truck?

Jewel slowly straightened herself up while trying not to make her neck ache any more.

''Jewel! You're awake! Oh, thank goodness!'' A male voice called out from above. Jewel tilted her head up, and saw Blu.

''Oh, Blu!'' The two of them embraced.

''I'm so glad you're alive! If you were dead, then I'd... I'd...'' Blu stammered.

''Don't get worked up, sweetheart. I'm here.'' The two of them shared a long kiss. Manu looked away uncomfortably for a few seconds, then cleared his throat.

''Welcome back, Jewel.'' He said. Jewel turned to look at him, then turned back to Blu, a little dumbfounded.

''Where are we?'' She asked.

''On the back of a truck, heading back to Rio De Janeiro.'' Manu answered. ''We were very lucky to have gotten out of that fire. Not unscathed, but all in one piece, thankfully. As for you, well...'' Manu frowned. ''That was a very close call indeed.''

''Why? What happened?''

''Don't you remember?''

Jewel rolled her eyes up as she tried to recall what happened before she woke up just now: Her running through the streets of Sao Paulo as voices echoed above her; the sudden blackout as she headed into the forest; the flames licking up from all around and the smoke making her dizzy in the fire; ready to give in to death...

''Well, I can remember everything before the fire.'' Jewel said. ''Then my mind's a blank.''

''What happened while you were out cold will stun you.'' Manu said, before turning around. ''Hey, Nigel?''

''Yeah?''

''Jewel's back with us.'' Nigel gave a small exclamation of happiness and hopped down next to them.

''You okay?''

''Pft, since when did you start caring about us?''

''Ever since he saved you.'' Blu simply said. Jewel shot up.

''He WHAT?!'' She squawked, the loudness giving Clearwater a very rude awakening.

''What the?! Guys, that scared the cr--'' Clear stopped when she saw the concious figure of Jewel. ''J... Jewel?''

Jewel didn't hear her. Instead, she just hung her beak open at Nigel, not believing what Blu just said to her...

''Woah, woah, let's calm down a bit.'' Manu said. ''Jewel, this might not seem easy for you to accept, but it is really what happened. Nigel saved you.''

''He did?'' Jewel gasped, still gazing at Nigel. Nigel began to feel uncomfortable again.

''It's the truth.'' He said. ''And the others believe me. Even Clearwater here.''

Jewel promptly looked at Clear.

''I believe him.'' Clear said.

''Then what the heck happened?''

 

As the night sky began to fade away into dawn, Jewel thought about what Blu, Nigel, Manu and Clearwater had told her. She was very confused indeed. I mean, why did Nigel, her old enemy, save her when he could've just left her butt out for good in that fire? Why did he?

Jewel grunted in exasperation. It's only been half an hour since she woke up, and everything she learnt was overwhelming her. 

''Ugh, this is ridiculous.'' She said to herself, dismissing it as a sign of her groginess and tried to think about nothing else, closing her eyes and trying to let her mind go blank...

 

''No! Don't leave me!''

 

Jewel jumped up, yelped, and clutched her head, breathing rapidly. What just happened...?

Blu heard Jewel's yelp and spun around to face her.

''Hey, you okay?'' He asked.

''Not as good as I usually feel,'' Jewel groaned, slumping back down. Blu sat down next to her. ''I think I need some more rest.''

''Go get some then.''

''So much as I want to, I can't.''

''Huh? Why not?''

''I just remembered something else. D'you remember back when we met in the aviary, and I told you that 'Because of the humans, I lost everything' ?''

Blu nodded his head.

''Yeah... Yeah, I do.''

''I remember a little more on what happened back then, and how I lost my family. Painful memories indeed. I tried to repress them to the back of my head, but... When we were faced with that fire...'' Jewel clenced the jawbones in her beak hard until they went numb, trying to fight back the flood of memories.

''Hey, hey, don't be so hard on yourself.'' Blu said, giving Jewel his wing again. Jewel took it and squeezed it hard, while looking up into his eyes.

''I'm always here for you. Don't forget, we're chained-to-each-other birds. You don't have to take all of the pain. I'll gladly take it for you if you need me to.''

''...All right then.'' Jewel turned back to the view that was flying by. ''I'll tell you what happened.''

 

''I was born in the Amazon. It was a truly beautiful place. The trees, the crystal water, the rolling sky, and those amazing sunsets... Even more beatuful than the ones here in Rio.''

''Sounds like a paradise.''

''That because it is. Or rather, it was... But I'll get to that. When I was born, I wasn't able to fly straight out of the bag. Not yet, anyway. But at least there were others I knew who were also stuck on the ground for the first year or so of their lives. But despite that minor restriction, I felt so free back then. Every morning, just before the sun came up, I'd get up, have breakfast, meet up with my friend Roberto, and we'd just prowl around the jungle, seeing the sights. We both loved the Sundays, where the riverboats that the humans use would come back from a trip down the Amazon river, and we'd get on it to travel to the nearby city of Manaus.''

''Manaus?'' Blu repeated. ''The Doorway?''

''Yeah. Didn't know that you've heard of it.''

''As well as Ara mentioning it yesterday, I read quite a lot about it in the library, back when I was living in Minnesota.''

''Man, what DON'T you know about the human world...'' Jewel mused. ''Anyway, there was that one day where me and Roberto were coming back from Manaus. The riverboat arrived at our stop, we got off, eager to get back. As we got closer though, we could hear... Sounds.''

''Sounds? What kind of sounds?''

''Sort of, buzzing, grinding sounds.''

''Chainsaws...'' Blu gasped.

''Roberto knew that that didn't sound good. We began to run back. Then we saw it.''

 

''Oh, no...'' Roberto gasped, as he took in the flaming wreckage that lay before his eyes. ''What happened here?!''

''Dad!'' A young Jewel ran towards it.

''No! Jewel! Get back here!'' Jewel ignored Roberto. She had to find to find her father, maybe he knew what was going on...

Roberto grunted. Who, or what maniacal, sadistic thing began all this? Their enemies, the Scarlet Macaws? No, knew that they'd never go that low...

A scream came from up ahead. That sounded like...!

''No!'' Roberto flew over to where the scream came from, trying desperately to find his friend amongst the carnage. A tree began to fall, casting its shadow over where it would soon hit the ground. Roberto dodged around the side of it just in time as it hit the ground hard, smoke and dirt being thrown up into the smoky air. Roberto, choking on the lack of oxygen, was forced to fly further up into the cleaner air. He turned around, trying to see where he could go. And on the edge of the horizon, he could see it. The source of the fire.

Humans, everywhere, in their complex machines, slashing away at the outmost trees and burning what they couldn't cut down... Roberto couldn't believe his eyes. They had betrayed them! How could they...

Roberto dived back into the smoke. He had to warn Eduardo.

''Get everyone out! We have to move!'' Eduardo kept repeating in his deep voice, beckoning all of the macaws to flee the ruins of their home.

''Hey! Over here!'' Roberto called out to him, landing next to Eduardo.

''Sir!''

Eduardo turned to face Roberto.

''What are you still doing here?! I thought you'd already left!''

''Sir, I have to tell you! Your daughter's missing - I lost her when she was trying to find you - and it was the humans that started this!''

''Wh... Wha...''

Eduardo was too shocked to speak. It was the humans all along... He knew he shouldn't have trusted them. And they promised that this was a protected land!

''Sir! Didn't you hear?! Your daughter's missing, and she still hasn't left! She's trying to find you!''

''Oh, no, no, no...'' Eduardo began to mutter, flying off, frantically trying to find Jewel, his child that he was left with ever since her mother passed on...

''Jewel! Where are you!'' Eduardo called out.

''Dad!'' Jewel caught a glimpse of her father. ''Down here!''

Eduardo missed her by an inch and flew straight past her. Jewel yelled in help and tried to follow her.

''Jewel!!'' Roberto shouted to her as loud as he could. ''Get down, NOW!!''

She was completely oblivious to another tree trunk that was about to crush her. When she looked up, it was only a few centimetres close to her before someone grabbed her and dived out of the way with her. The tree landed, sending out a massive concussion, which knocked both Jewel and her saver in opposite directions.

The only thing Jewel could feel right now was fear. Fear that she might die, as she hit the ground head-first, knocking her dizzy...

 

''...Jewel...''

A deep, male voice was calling out to her.

Jewel, hearing the voice, slowly opened her sparkling blue eyes, as her vision came back into focus. She was still in the forest fire, but now she wasn't the only one where she was... Slowly getting up, she looked to where the voice was coming from. Up in that tree she tried to climb, she could see a blue macaw, just like Roberto... But it wasn't Roberto. ...Was that...?

''Dad?'' Jewel called out. That... That WAS him!

''No! Jewel!''

''Hang on, Dad, I'm coming!'' Jewel, still dazed, walked cross-footed as fast as she could to the base of the trunk. She tripped over once or twice, but she made it.

''Jewel!'' Her father pleaded. ''You won't make it! You have to get out of here! Run, now!''

''No! I'm not leaving you, and I'll never leave you!''

Jewel, finding a burst of adrenaline and determination, began to climb up the trunk. She didn't care about the pain charging through her body right now. She didn't care if she was burned for life. She had to reach her father...

''Hang on, Dad! I'm nearly there!'' Jewel cried, as she drove her beak back into the tree trunk to make a new hole. Seeing another branch hurtling to the ground, Jewel pulled her head in to avoid it. The whole tree was now in flames, being burnt to the ground. Jewel heaved herself up and over the top. There he was, on the other side of the tree!

''I'm here! I'm here!'' Jewel started to run towards her father, but just as she was about to reach him, a wave of fire cut her attempt short. Jewel yelled in fear and backed off.

''Jewel! It's time!'' He father shouted over the noise of the roaring flames.

''What?! No!'' Jewel tried to dash through the flames, but every time, the unbearable heat forced her to back off. ''Don't leave me!!''

''I have to! Find Roberto! He'll get you out of here!''

''W...What?!''

''Goodbye, Jewel, and good luck!'' Jewel's father turned his back to her and flew off, amongst all the others fleeing the fire.

''No... DAD!! NOOOO!!'' Jewel screamed as loud as she could, not realizing herself running through the fire and jumping off. She tried to flap her wings, but because she still hadn't quite mastered the art of flying, Jewel plummeted straight to the ground instead, about to be swallowed up by the wildfire...

''Oh no, you don't!'' A voice cried, as its body swooped towards Jewel. That was the last thing Jewel saw before falling unconcious again...

 

''That's the most I can remember. Then after all that, I was forced to flee south.''

''Oh, I'm... I'm so sorry for you.''

''You don't know how it feels, having all of your family and what you had taken away from you like this...''

Jewel broke down into silent tears. Blu embraced her.

''Hey, hey, it's okay... You've got me, no matter what.''

The two of them shared the delicate moment for a small moment. Even with his head wrapped around Jewel's, Blu could see what was coming up over the ocean.

''Hey, Jewel. Look at that.''

Jewel turned around to see what was the sight. The warm yellow sun was beginning to rise over the horizon.

''It's dawn already.'' Manu said, as he, Blu and Jewel watched it.

''Hey. Clearwater. Nigel. You two should come see this.''

Clear and Nigel both walked over and joined the others. Nigel was truly mesmerized.

''Beautiful... Quite the sight, I have to admit.''

Manu flicked his eyes away and looked down the road, to the city that was in the distance.

''It gets better.'' He said, pointing to it. ''We really have been travelling non-stop.''

Clearwater turned to where Manu was looking, and saw the familar landmark of Sugar Loaf Mountain. She exclaimed. Already?

They were already back here?

''Seems like we're almost home. Wake the others.'' Blu said. Manu managed to hide a cheeky grin, walked over to the still-sleeping figure of Raphael, and started to poke him.

''Hey, Rapphie...''

He groaned.

''Not right now, I'm trying to sleep here...'' Manu smiled and walked around to Raphael's tail, lifting it up and revealing the singed off part of the skin.

''Don't say I didn't warn you,'' Manu said, before sharply biting it with his beak. Raphael's eyes snapped open, and yelled in pain, leaping up and running around, clutching his tail. Blu, Jewel and Clearwater burst into laughter. Even Nigel managed a small chuckle.

''Who the heck did that?!'' Raphael demanded, looking at Nigel. Nigel chuckled again, and pointed to Blu. Blu gave him a 'Why-are-you-looking-at-me' look, and pointed to Jewel, who pointed to Clear, who looked at her in disbelief before pointing at Manu, who grinned and pointed to hisself.

''This is your wake-up call. We're on approach for Rio.''

''Already? But it's only been a few hours..'' Raphael tapped Nico and Pedro with his wings - who amazingly weren't thrown off of Raphael's beak when he was running around, and who, even more amazingly, were still sleeping - to wake them up.

''Oh, by the way Blu,'' Manu whispered to him, ''I hope that paid him back for being lazy and not helping you earlier.''

''Sure did.'' Blu whispered back, laughing again, as he walked over to Ara and Alice.

''Hey, you two. Come on, get up. We're there.''

Ara yawned and opened his eyes.

''Morning,'' He yawned again, while stretching his wings. ''Are we there yet?''

''That's why I woke you up.'' Blu said, smiling and giving him his wing. Ara heaved himself up and brushed hisself off.

''So how long before we actually get into town?''

''Maybe another half an hour or so. Our first stop once we touch down is the Luiz's, so we'll head to the market and get on a tram...''

Alice was the last one to wake up, as she got up, flewed her wings to get the circulation going, and joined the others.

''Looks like we're all up.'' Manu said. ''Now all we have to is wait.''

 

True to what they thought, the truck pulled into the market of Rio half an hour later, right where they wanted to be. When it stopped, Blu, Jewel and the 8 other birds hopped down from the truck onto the ground. Blu felt good to be back on home ground, but he knew he couldn't relax too much. They still had work to do. Raphael glanced around the market for a while. Something was wrong. Something felt different.

''Where the heck is everyone?'' Jewel asked. The usual amount of humans was here, but apart from her and the others, not one bird could be seen walking around...

''This isn't right.'' Nico said. ''Hang on, let's check the tent.''

The birds walked around a corner to where they had rigged up the tent for the party a couple of days ago. Blu pushed the cover aside and let the others go in first, before entering. It was exactly how it had been left before they went.

''No one here either... Seriously, where IS everyone?''

''We can't send out a bird now.'' Ara said. ''If Mallo or someone with him is back here, they could be waiting for us.''

''Wait. I'll go.'' Manu proposed. Blu looked at him with uncertainity.

''...Are you sure?''

''This is the first time I've been in Rio De Janeiro for six years. I know, it's been a while, but I still know my way around pretty good.''

''Okay then... If we head back up to Luiz's, could you check around town, see what's going on, and meet up with us there?''

''Sure.'' Manu nodded. His ears twitched when he heard the tram bell in the distance.

''Hey, tram's leaving without us!'' Pedro pointed out.

''First of the day... Alright, see ya later, Manu!''

Manu headed out of the tent as Blu waved him off. When he was out of sight, the others ran out of the tent and up to the tram. Nigel went a different way, running across the covers of the stools, and used his short period of momentum he had to get up on the tram.

''Something just ain't right.'' Ara said, glancing down at the seats. A few humans here as well, but still no birds... Where are they?

 

Okay, he admitted that he doesn't remember ALL of the streets here - him taking a wrong turn once or twice was proof of that - but apart from that, Manu remembred Rio pretty well. Not least, the hot, sandy shore which streched across the sides of the Guanarabara Bay: The beautiful Copacabana Beach. Every evening, all the humans and birds would come down here on the back to relax, take a dip in the water or play some volleyball. But so much as Manu wanted to stop and do all of that, he had something to do. The beach wasn't very packed in the morning - a factor Manu had to consider as he flew above it at a slow pace, whipping his head left and right, checking every corner as he flew. Suddenly, a flash of green tore out of the main street like a bolt, and dashed away.

''Hey, wait up!'' Manu shouted after him, chasing it into an alley. ''Wait!''

The green Military Macaw was now alarmed by the presence of the bird chasing him. It flapped its wings as fast as it could, trying to outrun its pursuer. Turning a corner though, its luck ran out when the macaw was faced with a dead end.

''Aw, nuts.'' It grunted, turning around to face who was after him as Manu arrived. He landed and tucked his wings behind his body.

''I'm not here to hurt you!'' He pleaded. The green macaw took a step back, shaking.

''H-H-How do I know that?''

''Um...'' Manu had to think up an excuse. And fast.

''Because I'm with Mallo.''

''Huh? You... are?'' The green macaw tucked his wings in. ''But I thought you were all over at Sao Paulo!''

''Well,'' Manu continued to lie, ''Mallo said I should stay back here in case they were on a wild goose chase.''

''Hm, figures I suppose...'' The macaw extended a wing. ''Name's Leopoldo. Just call me Leo.''

''I'm Manu.'' Manu said, shaking Leo's wing. ''Listen, I was flying around the streets just now, but apart from the humans and me, there were no other birds I could see at all.''

''Did you check the market?''

''Been there. No one either. D'you know what's going on and why Rio's streets are emptied of birds?''

''Guess Mallo forgot to tell you, but I'll explain.''

Manu nodded.

''I'm all ears.''

 

The tram slowly crawled to a halt just outside Luiz's garage. When it fully came to a stop, the bell on it rang twice.

''Hey, we're here!'' Nico called, poking his head underneath and looking at Ara, Blu and Nigel. ''Come on.''

Flying down from the tram, Raphael failed to notice Luiz rushing towards him, because he was busy chatting to Clearwater. It was only when he was lying on his back, Luiz piled on top on him did he realize it.

''You left without me AGAIN?!'' Luiz exclaimed with a hint of sadness. ''Not cool, man! Not cool!''

''Sorry, but we had to leave early.''

Luiz got off of Raphael and he picked himself up, while wiping the drool off of him.

''So how'd it go? Did you find who you were looking for?''

''Yeah, but we've got bad news and even badder news.'' Nigel said, glancing around. ''We should take this conversation indoors.''

''Come on in, then.''

The birds and Luiz began to head for the open gate leading into the garage. As they walked, Luiz noticed the singed off part of Raphael's tail.

''Uh, Rapphie?'' Luiz asked. ''How did you--''

''We'll cover that subject,'' Jewel said, cutting him off. Raphael sighed. Hope they grow back, and soon... He didn't fancy flying around Rio with a bald patch in his plumage.

''Did anyone come snooping around?'' Blu asked.

''No, but I got word that some birds were heading to Sao Paulo, so I presumed it might've been you.''

The birds entered the garage. All of the lights were off, since the sun was shining through the big hole in the roof. On the table next to the workbench, the TV was on, blaring out a Brazilian programme Blu couldn't quite make out, since he doesn't speak too much Portugese.

But when they get out of this, he'll ask Raphael if he can teach him a few basics.

Jewel let out a sigh of fatigue and flew up to the windowsill. She was still feeling groggy, and that period of rest she had while unconcious didn't do too much...

Ara flew over to the workbench and began to watch the TV. Alice and Clearwater eyed him.

''..Are you sure about what he told you?'' Alice said.

''Yeah, sis. I'm sure.'' Alice gave Clear a long look, then smiled.

''I think you're lucky to have him.''

Clear snorted.

''Luck? You know I don't believe too heavily in luck.''

''And there's one more thing I need to ask you...'' Alice said. Clear looked up.

''What's that?''

Alice crossed her wings.

''...Are you gonna tell me what's going on or not?''

''Well, since we have some time on our hands...''

As Clearwater began to explain what had been happening over the past three days in Rio to Alice, Luiz caught Raphael and approached him.

''Well? Where's this guy you brought back with you?''

''We're waiting on him, but he should be back right... About...'' Jewel began, trailing off. Right on cue...

''Hey, I'm back!'' Manu's familiar voice called out, as he swooped through the gates into the garage and landed. Raphael exclaimed in disgust.

''Seems you win that bet, Jewel.''

Jewel chuckled.

''Make sure you get me that Brazilian nut when we get back home, then.'' She said, before turning to Manu. ''So what's going on then?''

''Something very strange.''

Ara looked up from watching the TV when he heard those words and leaped down as all the birds and Luiz gathered around Manu, as he started to explain.

''I checked Copacabana Beach, and found this green macaw. After convincing him that I was one of Mallo's guys, and after asking, he told me what was going on. Said that while Mallo and his cohorts were over at Sao Paulo, Mallo told them that in fear of it potentially being a wild goose chase, asked them to not stay out in the open, in case Nigel could've been still in the city: Sewers, ventification systems, houses, favelas, you name it, anywhere they could hole up safely while Mallo was away.''

''So that's what's going on.'' Blu said, crossing his wings. ''What about Mallo? Any news on him?''

''He could potentially be back here by tomorrow.''

''Tomorrow?'' Blu repeated, looking at Jewel. ''Then we could just go back home and wait, and we can check on the kids.''

''I'm sorry, Blu.'' Manu said, shaking his head. ''But that's out of the question.''

''Huh?! Why not?!''

''Mallo requested for the jungle to be cordoned off, like the lockdown in Sao. No one in, no one out.''

''What about Carla, Bia and Tiago?'' Jewel asked.

''I'm so sorry Jewel.''

''This is bad...'' Ara said, beginning to feel a little uncertain as to what could happen.

''No, don't forget, we've got Manu's plan! Isn't that right?'' Rapphie said, trying to sound cheerful. It didn't work. Manu took a deep breath.

''The plan's changed, I'm afraid.'' All of the birds gasped.

''What?!'' Raphael said in disbelief. ''What do you mean, changed?''

''Unexpected problem. And that problem is what is happening right now in Rio. Mallo's away. Everyone's holed up. Nigel's with US. And Mallo is

most likely going to be after all of us when he gets back: Me, you, Jewel, Raphael, Ara, Clear...'' Manu paused to turn to Nigel.

''And especially you.''

''Then what CAN we do right now?'' Nigel asked, trying not to flinch.

''The only thing we can do is copy the birds here. Hole up and wait for news.''

 

The day slowly went past, as dusk approached. The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon. All of the birds were quite tense, as Manu sent himself back out to see if he could hear for any more news. Meanwhile, Blu and the others decided to spend another night here.

Blu was worried. The jungle is out of bounds? That sounded bad. Very bad indeed. Surely Linda and Tulio would be alarmed by the news that they've been missing for a few days... But then again, this wasn't the longest they had been away for while forgetting to tell them. Longest trip away from Rio? That would have to be--

''You remember Belo Horizonte?'' Jewel asked, walking over to where Blu was. An afternoon nap had fully refreshed her.

''How did you know that was in my mind right now?'' Blu exclaimed, laughing. Jewel joined in.

''I dunno. I could tell you were thinking of something, so I just took a stab in the dark, and well, there you go.'' Jewel sat down next to Blu. ''We spent quite some time there, didn't we?''

''I think 'quite' is an understatement. We spent nearly 3 weeks there. By the time we got back, we saw all of those missing posters posted up for us, didn't we?''

''Yep. Then we agreed: No going on trips that last more than a week without first telling Linda and Tulio.'' Blu sighed. ''But I think we're on course to break that rule again...''

''I'm sure we'll make it. Don't you worry.''

''It's not that that's bugging me the most.''

''Then what is?''

''It's the kids. I hope they're not hurt. We put Bia in charge, since she's the smartest and most responsable, right? What if they're worried sick about us the same as we are for them? In the jungle?''

''I don't know as much as you do. But I'm sure they're okay. You just have to believe.'' Jewel said, putting Blu's mind at ease by kissing him.

''That's pretty true.'' Blu said, getting up and going outside by the gate to watch the dazzling crimson sunset. Jewel joined him.

''Beautful.'' She murmered. This sight always takes her breath away. Jewek wrapped her wing in Blu's one, and they watched in silence.

''Hey,'' Blu pipd up, ''You think Ara and Clearwater are gonna come live with us afterwards?''

''Oh, shoot, I forgot about that!'' Ara called out. He obviously heard them.

''Another day, another minor thing Ara here forgets.'' Raphael guffawed after saying this.

''Hey, watch it you!'' Ara snarled, before cracking a smile and laughing.

 

Another couple of hours passed, as the black sky settled in above Rio for the night. Blu counted the chimes in the distance outside. Nine of them. Just after they chimed, all of the streetlights flickered on outside, lighting the street outside in a small glow of yellow. All of the birds were finding themselves beginning to relax a little.

Alice and Raphael were watching what looked like the news channel on the TV. They spoke Portugese, but rarely use it, excepting in the cases of listening in on human conversations. When the image on the TV changed, Alice and Raphael were a little stunned at what they were seeing.

''Hey, guys?'' Alice called out to the others. Blu, Jewel, Nico, Pedro, Ara, Clearwater and Nigel looked up. ''Y'all oughta take a look at this.''

The birds flew up to the workbench and joined them. The TV showed aerial images of what looked like a forest fire - the very same one they were trapped in nearly 24 hours ago!

''It's in Portugese,'' Jewel said, listening to the voice of the female newsreader. ''Hang on, I'll do a rough translation.'' Jewel listened for a bit further, then began:

''At around 1 o'clock last night, a fire broke out in a forest a few kilometres from the city of Sao Paulo.'' She paused to let the newsreader speak, then continued. ''The blaze spred incredibly quickly, destroying up to 30 square kilometres of trees. Luckily, no one was caught up in the 

incindent, but investigations are questioning if the cause of the fire was natural or artifical...''

''It was that bird,'' Clear said, knowing that she was right. ''Trust me when I say this: I'm gonna be doing face checks for anyone that's got blood down one side of their face.''

Ara gagged again. Manu came flying in through the gates. Raphael looked up and over to him.

''You just missed this,'' He said, pointing at the TV. Manu flew up and watched for a few seconds.

''Is that the--'' He started.

''Yes, it is.'' Blu finished. ''Seems like the humans have got word of this now.''

''Yeah, they do, but they haven't got any leads.'' Ara said. ''It's up to us to find out who it was.''

''Hm.'' Manu grunted, before remembering: ''All of us in the city have got a new heads-up: Mallo and his team are on their way back from Sao, and tomorrow at lunch, he'd like everyone to gather in the market for a meeting.''

''What do we do then?'' Alice asked. Raphael crossed his wings.

''I say we play along. But we have to wait until he gets back. So for now, we can relax.''

''Well then...'' Nico said, heading for the gate.

''Hey, where are you going?''

''I'm on vacation,'' Nico curtly, disappearing around the corner for a few seconds, and coming back, chewing a strawberry. Ara snorted.

''Since when have YOU been on vacation, then?'' Pedro asked his best friend.

''Ever since Raphael said we can relax. And I intend to relax until Blu here tells us to work.''

Blu shook his head.

''Nah, not tonight. Live a little guys. I think we deserve it.''

''Well, in that case,'' Nico said, finishing his strawberry, throwing the stalk to one side and getting back up. ''I think I shall have another one of those.''

''Hang on, I want one as well.'' Jewel said, getting up and following Nico outside. Raphael sat down and looked up at the starry sky through the hole in the roof.

''Beautiful night,'' He commented.

 

Clearwater looked over the sea and Sugar Loaf through the windowsill above the gate. It had just gone midnight. Everyone else was asleep. Everyone except for her though. Too much on her mind... Or was it? Maybe, ever since she was called back to Sao by Manu, returning to Rio to check in on Ara, Jewel and the others, meeting Blu, Nigel's return, heading back to Sao to find Manu, that little performance at the party, getting caught up in the blaze, and Ara declaring his love for her...

Clear jumped at the overflow of memories and rubbed her head. Those picturs were fading away, being replaced by a maniacal laugh...

She opened her green eyes and looked at Nigel, who was sound asleep. A voice began to echo in her head: Her voice?

Why are you trusting him now?

''Because he saved my best friend,'' Clear told the voice.

One good act cannot redeem a villainous creature of a lifetime of bad deeds...

''Depends on the one good act.''

Did you forget why you wanted him dead?

''Because he killed my parents.''

Yes... HE killed your parents... You should kill Nigel now as he sleeps...

''No.'' Clear said firmly. ''After these past few days I've been through with the others, I've realized that I am not a savage.''

You might not be able to kill him yourself, but that does not mean there are not others who can do the dirty work for you...

Clear realized at that point who the voice was talking about.

''Mallo...'' She whispered, sitting back down. What was she going to do? Do her parents some justice, and avenge them by tipping Mallo off, yet risk losing everything and everyone she cared about? Or continue living a lie, do what the others are doing? What was Manu's goal? To kill Mallo?

Think carefully, Clearwater... Choosing one will lose you the other forever.

[Clearwater]

The end of the journey is approaching for Blu and the others, as they head for the market for a showdown with Mallo. The fifth chapter!

 

 

March the 1st - 3 days to go

 

 

As Clearwater slowly glided down to sea level as the sun rose, she could feel her heart beat faster than it had ever beat before. How long was it going to be until they found out?

Within the best part of 20 minutes, Clear reached the market. As she thought, the place was quiet, safe for a few birds, one of which she immediately recognized.

Well, here goes, she thought, walking up to it.

Mallo had had a rough couple of days in his search for Nigel. It had taken him all the way to Sao Paulo and back with his team, organizing a lockdown, but Nigel STILL managed to escape beyond his expectations!

''I'm starting to think we can't catch him.'' Emilo told Mallo. ''It really is amazing how long he's gone without getting caught by one of us.''

''There's no way he could've gone this long on his own.'' Mallo said. ''But... There was that thing you said before I told you to get back to Rio...''

''Hey! Mallo!'' Clear called to him, runnning up. Mallo turned to face her.

''Oh, hey there! Um... Clearwater, right?''

''Yeah.'' Clear glanced around the market to make sure no one was watching them closely. ''Listen, I have to tell you something. Rather, tons of things.''

''About what?'' Mallo asked. He got his answer when Clearwater told him everything. At the end of it, Mallo was in a state of shock and horror,

having learned about who was playing him and how.

''What?!'' He gasped, his face pale. ''N-No... How could he...''

''I know, I find it hard to believe as well. But I know it's true, because I was with them all the time. I saw and heard everything.''

''Do you know what they're plotting now?''

''On the way back from Sao, I overheard Manu plotting to kill you. And he's got the support of the others as well.''

''Kill... me?'' Mallo repeated slowly. ''Why me?''

''Well, the fact that you've been chasing him for quite a period now...

''Figures.'' Mallo turned away, muttered something indistinct to Emilo, who walked off past Clear.

''I've got an idea on how we can trap them once and for all. Do they know you're here?''

''They're still asleep. It shouldn't be too long before they get up, but I left them a note saying that I'm just getting some air.''

''Did you say that you'll be here later as well for that meeting?''

''Yeah.''

''Good, so they know you'll be here.'' Mallo nodded. ''But, if we want to be sure to catch Nigel this time around without failure, we need to have someone as bait.'' Clearwater raised an eyebrow.

''Bait?''

Mallo nodded again, before sighing.

''I'm sorry I have to do this.''

''Do what?'' Clear asked, beginning to feel scared.

''Emilo, grab her.''

Clear gasped and tried to fly off, but didn't even take one step when Emilo grabbed her from behind.

''Hey! What are you doing?!'' Clear screeched and squawked, trying to wriggle out of Emilo's grasp. ''Let me go!!''

 

Blu continued to sleep for a few more seconds before something stirred him. Opening his eyelids and yawning, he got up, feeling refreshed. That was the first proper bit of sleep he had got in a few days ever since that stormy day. Blu glanced around, to see the others were sleeping.

Looks like he was the first up today... He let his eyes train the room. There's Jewel, still asleep right next to him, Nico, Pedro, Rapphie, Ara, Alice, Nigel, Manu, Luiz... Wait. Blu gasped.

No Clearwater!

Blu shot up quickly in alarm, being careful not to disturb the peace of his love that was right next to him, flying up to where Clear was sleeping last night: The windowsill which, through the glass pane, you could see the whole of Rio and Guanarabara Bay stretch out across the distance.

Blu found a scrap of paper with some writing on it, and one of Clear's feathers. Feeling a little alarmed, Blu picked up the paper, unfolded it, and read its contents:

 

I've gone for a fly around, just to get a bit of air. I'll see you later today at the market. And yes, in case you're wondering, I can write.

-Clearwater

 

''Wow. Didn't know that.'' Blu thought out loud, amazed by the fact that Clear can write just like a human. It must've taken a lot of time and practice, just to be able to hold the pen or pencil in one of the claws.

''Hello?'' Raphael's voice echoed in the garage. ''Blu? Amigo, you there?''

''Hey, up here!'' Blu said. Raphael flew up and landed next to him.

''Have you seen Clearwater at all? 'Cos she doesn't seem to be here...''

Blu motioned to the paper, and gave it to Raphael, who read it.

''Hm. All right then.''

''How much time have we got until midday?''

''I'd say around 3 hours, then we can take the first tram that comes past here.''

''Well, I hope Manu does have a proper plan forumulated in his head now.'' Blu said, looking down at him. He looked like he was gonna wake up any second now. Blu turned back to Raphael. ''How exactly do you know him?''

''Long story. But, seeing how we've got plenty of time, I might as well tell you.'' Raphael turned to face the window and looked out of it.

''A few days before I met Manu, I was actually on the hunt for Nigel as well as a couple of other birds here and there in the city. The carnival was approaching. The day before it, we had recieved word of a Hyancith Macaw, not originally from around these parts, who was willing to help us. Legend says that he knows quite a lot as well - even more than me, apparantly. I had to meet him and see if those rumors were true. So we arranged a meeting on the night of the carnival. Becuase there weren't too many Hycaniths that live in the city - kind of like you, Jewel and your kids, the last few of the Spix Macaws - Manu would be able to track Nigel's movements for far longer before he was caught. He saw Nigel; he flew off after him, and we lost contact for a few days. About a week later, we all got word that a bird named Halmar had been killed - and Manu had fled to Sao Paulo. A bird wanted him dead.''

Blu looked down at Nigel. Just like the others, he was still sleeping.

''I think we know who.'' Raphael said. Blu shook his head.

''The truth's even stranger, Raphael. Manu told me exactly what happened on his side yesterday on that truck.''

''Go on, spill the beans. What did he tell you?''

''Ever since Mallo killed Manu's girlfriend--'' Blu started. Raphael exclaimed.

''He did WHAT?!''

''That's right.'' Manu said from below. That clearly meant he was now awake. Blu and Rapphie looked at him, to see Manu staring at the floor.

''He killed Kiara.'' Manu continued, a voice full of anger. ''Then he blackmailed me into finding Nigel.''

''The dirty rotten...''

''Yeah, I know. Mallo might look like a trustworthy bird, but inside, he's an awful, twisted bird. My plan all along, Raphael, is to kill Mallo for what he did to me and Kiara.''

''That... Kind of makes sense. But, really? Death?'' Manu gave a nod, before posing a question:

''Any of you ever been in a situation where you knew death was going to be part of the equation?''

''I know I have. And Jewel as well.'' Blu answered, immediately thinking back to the plane breakout, when Jewel fell out of the cargo hold with a broken wing, hurtling towards the ocean, and Blu, still flightless, jumped off after her...

''And you know how it feels?''

''Uh-huh. It feels... scary. But you know it's the right choice to make between bravery and cowardness. Even if you are the most cowardly bird out there, anyone can look death in the eye and be able to get away with it.''

''If that's the case, then who here is, or still is, ready to face up to death again?''

''I am.'' Alice's voice beckoned down from below. Blu, Manu and Raphael spun round to see her flying up.

''I might not know exactly what's going on here, '' She said, ''But if it is the right thing to do, then I'm in. I've already seen potential death in that fire, and we all got away from it.''

''Anyone else?''

''Me.'' Raphael also said, feeling uneasy.

''Then it's just a matter of waiting until noon and waiting for the others.''

 

Two and a half hours passed. It was now half past eleven. All of the birds were now wide awake. When Blu, Raphael and Manu asked each one if they were ready to potentially face death, they all said yes in one form or another. Now all they were doing was waiting for the tram to come around so they could hop onto it.

Blu was shuddering, feeling even more nervous than ever. Looking death in the eye... Blu and Jewel had already done that once, and Blu had a feeling that this wasn't going to be the last time either. Mallo and Clearwater would both be waiting for them, but was there anything else waiting for them in the market?

Jewel was just as scared. Sitting on the floor, she was taking slow, deep breaths to calm herself, as she counted every second that went by.

Raphael had never been in a death situation. Nor had Nico and Pedro. What was death like?

''Death... I would say being born, only backwards.'' Manu said when Raphael asked him. ''Imagine yourself, but with no physical appearance, no senses of any kind - not even sight or hearing - no way of moving, and not even being able to even think... That's probably what death's like.''

Sounded scary, Ara had to admit. He wasn't as scared as the others were, but he was very uncertain of what could potenitally happen down there. But it wasn't his own skin or the others he was worrying about so much right now. It was her.

''If I don't make it out, then I want Clearwater to make it out for me.'' He said to Alice.

''Because you love her.''

''Indeed I do.'' Ara said firmly, walking back to the other side of the garage. Alice was also worried about her sister. Apart from Sonny, she was the only family that she had left...

Nigel was extremely tensed up. A year on the run ever since the plane breakout, with Mallo on his tail at some point or another as he exiled himself to to the Amazon, then back to Rio, then a side-trip to Sao Paulo and back. And it could be all coming down to these next couple of hours or so. If he was caught, then what would Mallo do to him? Mallo swore that he would keep pursuing him until Nigel was dead for what he had done...

''Guys.'' Manu said loudly. One by one, the others looked at him. Manu hopped down from the workbench and counted the chimes in the distance. 3 of them. It must've been quarter to twelve. No sooner after that, they heard the familar sound of the tram bell.

''It's time.'' He said solemnly. ''Mallo's waiting for us.''

''Then let's go.'' Blu said, his heart beating like mad. Raphael walked up to Luiz.

''In case we don't make it, keep those birds company.'' Raphael whispered to him, before giving Luiz one last hug. He didn't care about the drool.

 

Every second the tram headed further down was a second that was bringing the birds closer and closer to the market, which was now in sight.

True to what Leo told him, Manu saw tons of birds all gathered outside in the market. Every single bird from Rio must've been here, no doubt about that. Amongst all of the macaws, parakeets, parrots, toucans and whatnot, Mallo and Clearwater were down there somewhere. Manu was as calm as ever, but inside him, his anger at Mallo burned away.

Everything was going to be revealed here. Every single thing.

''There it is,'' Jewel noticed, looking down to the market from the tram she and the others were on. ''Wow. Everyone really did come there.''

''I hope she's down there...'' Ara whispered to himself. The tram slowly came to a halt just outside the market. When it came to a full stop and the bell rang, Blu lead the others down the stairs to the market. They stopped when Manu noticed a fairly big hole in the wall next to them. Looks like there was enough room for two birds.

''Hey.'' Manu shot at Blu. Blu turned around.

''Yeah?''

''I've just had a thought. Maybe Nigel and I could hide in here while you go check things out.''

Blu made a gesture of acknowledgement, seeing how Mallo could perhaps be after Manu as well, seeing how he was travelling with Blu.

''Alright then. Stay here, then if things go awry, we'll send someone to come get you.''

''Got it.'' Manu and Nigel squeezed their way into the hole.

''Don't make yourselves too comfortable.'' Raphael said.

''You know me.'' Manu curtly replied. ''Good luck.''

''Thanks.'' Without Manu or Nigel, the birds continued walking down the stairs and onto the black tarmac of the market.

''Spread out, guys.'' Ara said. ''Get to some good spots where we can see everything.''

They split up in different groups of 2 or 3 and began to worm their way through the crowd. Blu could hear the comments coming from the birds in the crowd as he made his way through with Jewel.

''Is that him?''

''Him? Who?''

''That blue macaw?''

''What? Even he's here?''

Raphael was getting the same reaction as he flew over with Nico and Pedro to the cover of a stall.

''Hey look, it's Raphael.''

''Oh yeah... So even he's here as well...''

''You think Mallo reached out even to him?''

''Well, if he's here...''

Blu and Jewel reached a small concrete bollard that they hopped onto, giving them a good view over the crowd and the market. Alice was just behind them, looking over from the saddle of a parked bike.

''You see her anywhere?'' Alice called out to Blu, referring to Clearwater.

''There's tons of red birds here!'' Blu replied. ''Hang on, I'll see if we can pick her out.''

Blu began to sweep over all of the red birds in the market with his eyes, trying to pick out Clear from all of the hundreds of birds here. This would take quite some time...

Raphael, Nico and Pedro watched from the cover they landed on. They were also looking for Clear, as well as Mallo. Pedro made out Blu, a few metres from where they were. He shot Blu a gesture, as if to say ''Where is she?''

''I don't know,'' Blu mouthed, while raising his wings to show that he has no idea.

''Everyone!'' A voice shouted from somewhere. Blu glanced up and over to where the voice came from. A small portion of the market had been cleared out. Only one bird was standing in it. A dark yellow macaw.

''There you are,'' Blu muttered under his breath. He noticed that Mallo had something hanging over one side of his face... A cloth maybe?

''First of all, I'd like to thank you all for taking time out and coming here today.'' Mallo said to the crowd. ''But this is no time to celebrate. Not just yet. With only three more days to go until the carnival in Rio, and with a monster still on the loose somewhere that returned from the shadows, 

me and a few colleagues of mine have had our wings full with trying to take this beast down before he can deal any more damage. We've been chasing him non-stop all throughout this week, ever since the stormy day. But that day, we found ourselves some new allies who were willing to help us out.''

''He means us.'' Jewel said to Blu.

''But Nigel still managed to give us the slip. We had one lead on where he went though: I'm sure some of you know a city to the west of here called Sao Paulo?''

The crowd turned to one another.

''We followed Nigel's trail there. And, by sheer chance, ran into our allies again. They had probably also got word about Nigel escaping to Sao.

That night, we caught sight of him - and pooled all our efforts into capturing him. But he managed to get away - this time, escaping in a way beyond our expectations. I tried a last-minute resort and attempted to head him off as he began to leave the city's boundaries. He knocked me down hard though and made off. I spent another day in Sao recovering. When I got back enough strength to be able to fly back here, we were all the way back to square one: No idea where he is, and no idea how to find him. But, I think some of the birds among you here could shed some light on the situation...''

''Uh-oh. This doesn't sound good.'' Ara said.

''Because they're bound to be here, I'd like to call up our allies that were helping us out over these past couple of days.''

Mallo stared blankly in the distance for a few seconds, then suddenly looked straight at Ara, pointed at him, and called his name.

''What?!'' Nico gasped. ''How... How?!'' How in hundreds of birds here, did Mallo pick Ara out in just a few seconds?! Even Blu was still looking for Clear!

Once Ara had flew down from where she was perched, Mallo suddenly spun on his claws a hundred and eighty degrees, looked straight at

Raphael, Nico and Pedro, and called their names.

''Impossible...'' Raphael was taken aback, but flew down to join Mallo and Ara without hesitation. So did Alice when she was called.

''If they've all been called down, then we have to be next.'' Jewel said. She was right; She and Blu were the last to be called down.

Hopping down from the bollard, the crowd gave way to the pair of Spix Macaws as they headed for the center, where Mallo was gazing down on them with his good eye. Blu looked at the cloth hanging over his head and grimaced. What exactly was behind it?

''Thank you all for coming, my friends.'' Mallo said to all of them. ''But I hope you've noticed that one of you is missing.''

''Yeah, we know.'' Raphael explained. ''Clearwater said she'd be here, but we don't see her anywhere...''

Mallo turned to the crowd.

''Does anyone here go by the name of Clearwater? If so, I'd also like her to step forward.''

A few seconds passed in silence. No one spoke up or came forward.

''Seems like she isn't here, I'm afraid.'' Mallo said sadly. ''Are you sure she said she'd be coming here?''

''Yeah. She left us a note: 'I've gone for a fly around, I'll see you at the market.' ''

''Well, let's hope she gets here sooner rather than later. Now, can we begin?''

''Hold on.'' Ara said, stepping forward and pointing to the cloth on Mallo's head. ''What happened there?''

''You really want to know? Becuase I'm warning you, it's in no way pretty...'' Ara still wanted to see.

''Fine then.'' Mallo slowly unwrapped the cloth, then in one slow movement, pulled it away, revealing what was behind it.

Everyone who saw it was shocked.

Ara instantly shot his eyes onto the ground and forced himself not to throw up the contents of his breakfast. Nico and Pedro gasped in horror and covered their eyes with their wings. Raphael did likewise. Alice spun away, shocked by what she just saw. Blu grimaced, but didn't look away. Jewel, on the other wing, couldn't take it and buried her head into Blu's shoulder.

''Mio Dios...'' Ara gasped in Portugese. ''What the h-heck i-i-is t-t-THAT?!''

Mallo's left side of his face was mostly covered in deep red blood, the damage that was inflicted on him during that night in Sao. Part of his ear was also shredded and covered, rendering Mallo deaf in his right side. Luckily, his eye escaped any sort of injury, but Mallo still kept it wrapped 

up with the rest of the head. He was a small bit ashamed to have shown that, but he had to prove the mark his attacker had left on him.

''I'll be explaining what happened,'' Mallo said, wrapping the cloth back around, covering his right eye as well. ''Please, guys!''

The crowd fell silent.

''...Thank you. Let me begin.''

 

''The morning of that stormy day, we all knew that Nigel was in the old smuggler's shack over at the top of Rio. We had warned all of the birds who live in that area to stay away from it, but they also chose to help out with an attempt at capturing Nigel. We positioned ourselves just outside, ready to head in. But just as we were about to, I saw Blu and his friends go in there. Now,'' Mallo turned to Blu, ''I need you to answer the questions that I'm about to ask you, so that way, we know what you witnessed through your perspective. I apologize if this is inconveniant in any way, but what you know may help us. Do you understand?''

''Yes. No problems with that.'' Blu nodded. The way Mallo asked made Blu feel like he was being forced into saying what happened.

''Okay then. So when you and the others with you went into the shack, who was there and what happened?''

''We saw Nigel. The moment we saw him, he saw us. We... CHOSE, to make our presence known to him, and because everyone - Nigel included - knew of what happened on that plant, Nigel wanted revenge. He wouldn't let us get away, so we had to fight.''

''But when we came bursting in, we found one of you pinning Nigel to the wall. Why didn't you finish him off? ...It wasn't because we distracted you, was it?''

''No, no, I can reassure you it wasn't. It was because none of us found ourselves capable of doing it.''

''Right. Killing a bird isn't easy. Even more so if it's in cold blood.''

''But is it true about what we've heard?'' Jewel asked Mallo. ''That you really want to kill Nigel?''

Mallo turned away. He nodded his head.

''Indeed it is.'' He said, a massive pang of guilt hanging over him. ''That guy's been causing trouble for far too long, if you ask me. And every time we get or got close, he always gives us the slip. And don't forget that he killed birds as well as kidnap them.''

''True...'' Mallo turned to face the birds again.

''And let's not forget he tried to kill US, as well.'' Blu said.

''If death if what he seeks, then we could perhaps give Nigel what he wants.''' Blu could tell that Mallo didn't want to talk about this matter for too long.

''If we can carry on with the original discussion, if you please, Blu. So after we burst in, Nigel escaped from your grasp. Did you see where he went?''

''I... Think he went through the hole in the storage room.'' Raphael said.

''Yeah, but to be honest, we all saw that. So that's kind of a dumb question when we know the answer to it.''

Mallo and Blu continued batting back and forth through the questions, up until when Mallo organized the lockdown in Sao Paulo.

''And like you asked, Ara, I recieved my injury when I was hit by something while flying along. It sent me falling out of control, and the force of impact knocked me out. When I came to, I discovered that because I landed on my side, the impact had caused bleeding, and quite a bad deal of damage to my ear - as you saw.'' Mallo explained, pointing to the cloth wrapped around his head.

''And you know who did it?''

''It's obvious, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's the right answer.''

A few more minutes passed, as the crowd around the birds listened to Blu and Mallo, as they wrapped up the final couple of questions and events leading up to today. When they were done, Mallo crossed his wings.

''...And do you swear you're telling the truth?''

''I swear.'' Blu said. Mallo closed his good eye and turned away. He remained silent for a little while, then gave a sad chuckle.

''...It's not nice to tell lies you know, Blu.'' He said without turning around. The crowd around them gasped.

''What?!'' Nico screeched in disbelief. ''How would you know he was lying if you have no evidence to shoot down what Blu just told you?!''

''Because I have someone with me that KNOWS you're lying.''

''And who would that be?'' Ara sneered. Mallo motioned for Emilo to come over.

''Bring her in.'' Emilo nodded, and walked out of sight around a stall. Blu was speechless. How did Mallo know they were lying all along, when he believed everything so far?

''Get your wings off of me!'' A female voice cried from where Emilo had just gone.

''No... It... It can't be her!'' 

Emilo hoisted a flailing Clearwater into where the birds were standing. Ara couldn't believe his eyes.

''No! Clear!'' Ara ran forward, but Mallo pushed him back.

''Back off!'' He shouted.

''How could you?! You vile beast!'' Jewel shouted at Mallo.

''I can assure you, we didn't harm her.''

''Like I'm gonna believe that! You're just as bad as Nigel, kidnapping her and forcing her to tell you everything!''

''No, we didn't. In the morning, before all of you got up, Clear here actually came down to the market, found me, and divulged everything.''

Those words silenced Jewel and brought a wave of shock over the others. What did he just say... It was impossible! How could she!

''Clearwater...'' Ara's voice was beginning to break, as tears began to well up in his eyes. ''Why?!''

''Because I had to,'' Clear shouted to Ara, trying to get closer to him while Emilo restrained her. ''I couldn't go on living a lie. I had to tell him because I wanted Nigel dead. I had to bring peace to my parents!''

''How could you...'' Ara let his tears trickle down his face. ''I loved you!''

''I know you do,'' Clear muttered under her breath. ''But I had to do what was right.''

''Quite a revelation, I must admit.'' Mallo said. ''So, shall we start again? Now, Blu. There's no point in lying this time around, since it'll get us - and you - nowhere at all.'' Mallo came closer to Blu until only a few centimetres seperated their eyes. Blu flinched, but didn't back away. He remained where he was standing. Mallo tutted.

''You played all of us well. Not least of me. But running or lying won't save your honor of being revered anymore.''

''I know it won't.'' Blu said, looking down at the ground.

''So, I'll ask you: Where is Nigel?''

''Blu!'' Raphael said. ''Don't...''

''I have to!'' Blu exclaimed, turning to face him. ''Don't you see? We've all been caught in the act. We tried to hide Nigel with us. We thought we could make it... But we didn't. We've got no choice.''

''So then...'' Mallo said, bringing his voice down to just a whisper. ''Where is he?''

Blu sighed.

''...He's hiding in that hole in the wall next to the stairs of the tram station.''

Hearing this, Mallo signalled for two of his birds to approach.

''You heard him. Go get them.'' They flew off. Blu cocked his head to one side.

'' 'Them'? Mallo, I said there was only Nigel.''

''Oh, Blu, what are we going to do with you...'' Mallo laughed mockingly. The two birds he sent out came back. One of them had Nigel, the other had Manu... They were ditched in the square.

''Ah, Emmanuel.'' Mallo said, rubbing his wings together. ''Been a while, hasn't it?''

Manu, getting up, did nothing but growl at the bird that killed his loved one.

''I knew it was only a matter of time before we saw each other again.'' Manu said angrily, before raising his voice. ''You killed Kiara!''

''Ah, but, do you KNOW it was me? Just look at me and try to remember what happened...''

Manu knew Mallo was trying to provoke him. He forced his current surroundings to stay into his mind.

''You won't ever know if it was really me that killed her if you can't remember all of the details, you know.''

''Even so,'' Manu barked, keeping himself from blowing his top, ''I still want you dead.''

''You will. but not just yet.''

Mallo turned his attention to the ugly, twisted white cockatoo that was still lying on the ground, not wanting to get up. He exclaimed at Nigel in disgust.

''As for you... It took us a little longer than expected, but you're finally done.''

''You really are one persistant bird.'' Nigel said, finally deciding to get up onto his claws.

''It's over. You know that.'' Mallo said firmly. Nigel grunted. Mallo turned back to Blu.

''Now, Blu. I must owe you an apology for putting all of you in this situation--''

''No, you're NOT!!'' Ara yelled, letting off some of the steam that was building up in him. ''You're a vile, cruel bird who won't stop at anything to get what you want, whether it be killing a bird or not! And you know it!'' He was about to charge at Mallo and lash out at him, but Blu held him back. ''You even took Clearwater hostage just so you could hold us in what we're in now!''

''Then I'll make it simple for you all.'' Mallo bgan to pace back and forth for a little while. He soon stopped, turning to face the birds.

''...All I want is Nigel. I don't want you, or Raphael, or anyone else. Just Nigel. If you'd be so willing as to give him to me, I'll let Clearwater go for you.''

Blu closed his eyes. Giving Nigel away like this... If there was another way out, then he wouldn't consider it. But, Mallo had them right where he 

wanted them, and he knew everything about what was going on now thanks to Clearwater... But Blu couldn't just simply let her have it!

Blu reopened his eyes.

''Have you made your decision?'' Mallo asked.

''I have.'' Blu answered, turning to Nigel and shaking his head. ''I'm sorry Nigel, but it's the end of the road for you.''

Nigel didn't seem to show any signs of him being scared. It's like he knew this was coming.

''It was only a matter of time, anyway, before we were gonna be caught one way or another.'' Nigel said. ''But, you gotta admit, nearly a week we lasted... That's pretty impressive.''

''Indeed it was. No regrets?''

''No. Because this is what I deserve after everything I've done. I'm ready to die.'' Nigel suddenly trapped Blu in a tight hug.

''Thanks, friend.'' He whispered. Blu was a little suprised at the face that Nigel called him 'friend'... Did he really mean it?

The two broke apart. Blu placed a wing on Nigel's shoulder, and nodded.

''See you again.''

Nigel began to walk slowly to the other side of the cleared-out portion, where Mallo was waiting for him, cross-winged.

''Wise choice, Blu.'' Mallo said. When Nigel had stopped in front of him, Emilo came over and firmly placed both his wings on Nigel. Mallo grunted. ''Took YOU long enough.''

''So what are you going to do to me?'' Nigel asked Mallo.

''Hm. We'll see.''

Blu was wondering what Mallo meant by what he said. Clearwater was still being restrained by another bird.

''All right, Mallo, you got what you wanted.'' Raphael said. ''Now give us Clear.''

''Oh, I will. But not just yet.''

''What the heck do you think you're playing at?!'' Alice shouted. ''We gave you Nigel only a few seconds after your proposal! Now give us my sister!''

Mallo began to laugh and cackle. Nigel joined in.

''Hey, what's so funny?!'' Jewel yelled, getting ready to pounce on the two of them.

''Alright, guys. Snag 'em.'' Nigel said quickly.

''What?!'' Blu shouted, feeling his wings being forced behind his back. Around him, he could see Jewel, Raphael and all the others being restrained. ''Argh!''

''What do you think you're doing!'' Clear shouted at Mallo in a burst of anger. Mallo smiled evily and shook his head in mock disappointment.

''Has anyone told you about the fact that you're far too trusting, Blu?''

''W...What?'' Nigel laughed at the birds' shock, before continuing.

''Didn't you think something was fishy about the way I came back to the shack a few days ago?''

''No... NO!!'' Blu yelled when he put all the pieces together. ''It can't be!''

''What? Blu, what is it?'' Nico shouted to him.

''Well, before you all die, I suppose we could spare you the truth.'' Nigel said. Blu gritted his beak. Nigel was now back to his former self. There was his maniacal, sadistic laughter. There were his curt replies. The old Nigel had resurfaced at long last.

''So you thought I only knew Nigel from when I first started chasing him.'' Mallo said. ''WRONG. I knew him way longer from before all this. And I wasn't chasing him, either.''

''Mallo here owed me a favor.'' Nigel explained. ''So, after my defeat last year on the plane, I slowly began to retreat north to the city of Manaus - which, I'm sure some of you know as the Doorway to the Amazon - and hitched a ride on a riverboat downriver to where Mallo was living. I found him, and told him about what happened: How I lost my feathers, how I lost my ability to fly, and how I held an extreme grudge against two blue macaws called Blu and Jewel. Mallo shared my hatred for you two with me, and together, we came up with an extremely complex plan that, if we managd to pull off, would result in the death of you two at the very least. Because I could only walk now, Mallo came up with the idea of flying back over to Rio and get acquainted with everyone who lived here and gain their trust while I walked all the way back. It took me nearly a year to get to Manaus and back to Rio, but, the eve of that stormy day, I made it back. I met up with Mallo and we discussed our plan. I would go back to the smugglers shack - my old home - and pretend to be meditating about what I did to those 'poor' birds, when I was actually waiting for Blu and his friends to find me. And find me they did.''

''Later that night, while hanging with some friends I had made,'' Mallo took over, ''We saw Nigel prowling through one of the streets. I took them to that particular street on purpose, so we could begin spreading the word. I went to see Raphael and told him of what we found, and he promptly told Blu and Jewel. As both parties began to head for the shack for Nigel, me and the others formed a group of wanted vigilantes - and I was elected as their leader. Our plan was going just as planned. When we burst in, Nigel managed to flee. The birds and I thought he'd escaped, but I knew that was part of the plan.''

''When we headed up to Luiz's garage, I realized we had a potential problem in the form of Manu. Raphael wanted to seek his help and advice. I couldn't let word slip that Mallo blackmailed him. So that night, while everyone was sleeping, I snuck out and met up with Mallo.''

''Nigel told me about their plan to head to Sao Paulo. I suggested we play along and follow them to where they were going. Once there, we would recruit all the birds in Sao to our cause and make escaping even harder for you, so when you were trapped, me and Nigel could turn on you and finish you off. The lockdown followed, and then...'' Mallo lifted the cloth from his head again, revealing the gastly sight.

''I continued to play along, heading over to where Nigel had been spotted. On my way over there, I was hit mid-flight, landed hard and was knocked out. When I came to, I found out about my terrible injuries here. I found Emilo, also knocked out, around the corner. When he woke up, he told me that Nigel was travelling with Blu. I pretended to act surprised. Upon getting back here, he told me that Blu had thrown Emilo up into the air to bring me down. My hatred for Blu rose even further, and I decided while he and his friends were escaping into the forest, to resort to some more 'crude' methods...''

Mallo slid out from underneath one of his talons a burned-up matchstick. Both Blu and Clearwater gasped.

''Oh, you've got to be...'' Blu muttered. ''That was you?!''

''Sure it was. I did tell Nigel that if he and the others were escaping via the forest, to expect something like this to happen.''

''Then... Then you were the one who attacked me over the forest!'' Clear screeched. ''What were you thinking?!'' Mallo ignored her.

''Mallo told me that when the fire started, if any of Blu's companions were stuck without help, and couldn't find any others, to find them and kill them, one by one if I had to.''

''But... What about Jewel? You saved her!'' Ara pointed out.

''You did?'' Mallo turned to Nigel, not sure about what he just heard. ''Why?''

''I decided to play them just that little bit longer so I could really gain her trust. Also, there was one other small thing I wanted as well.''

Nigel turned to Clearwater. ''I managed to trick you into forgiving me for killing your parents.''

''You son of a--'' Clear broke out of Emilo's gasp in a rage of anger, but Mallo quickly knocked her to the floor and pinned her head down with his claw.

''Clear!'' Ara gasped.

''Ah, ah, ah. Temper, temper.'' Mallo tutted. ''We're not done yet.''

''Anyway, that little ace up my wing worked a treat. Everyone fully believed and trusted me. All doubts were erased. Because I didn't kill any of you, we headed back to Rio on that truck, where I knew Mallo was setting up his failsafe here and trap you all. And here we all are.'' Nigel took a step towards Blu. He struggled, but he couldn't get his wings out of the grasp of the bird that was holding him.

''Two sworn enemies, standing in the market, in the presence of everyone and each other. Give it up, Blu. You lost. We outsmarted you.''

Nigel let loose one of his evil laughs. ''And, I must after all that's happened, I must ask: What do you have to say?''

Blu emotions were entering in unison with each other. He was just as angry as Clearwater was, just as surprised as Raphael was, and just as hopeless as Nigel 'felt' when they saw him again. His anger was stronger than the other feelings though.

Blu could only think of two words he could say to Mallo and Nigel right now. He slowly opened his beak, and spoke the words as loud and as clearly as he could:

''...Damn you.''

''Oh?'' Nigel was surprised. ''Blu, I don't think it's like you to curse.''

''But that's how I feel against you two right now! You played absolutely everyone, decieved them all, killed a handful of innocent birds throughout your lives, just so you could get to us?!'' Blu shouted in fury, before repeating: ''Damn you!''

''Humph. If that's how you feel.'' Mallo turned to Nigel.

''So... Which one do you want first?''

The birds watched in unease as Nigel walked around them, sweeping his eyes across all of them. He stopped when he got to Blu though. Nigel pointed at him.

''This bird not only robbed me of my feathers, but also took away my ability to fly. Therefore, it only seems fitting he goes first.''

Blu gasped when he was suddenly forced down onto the ground, lying on his back.

''NO!'' Jewel screamed. ''BLU!!''

Blu was dazed from the knockdown, but could still clearly make out the white figure of Nigel laughing above him. Blu suddenly felt pressure on his neck, and began to find breathing a little hard. He managed to wriggle up enough to see Nigel had wrapped one of his claws around his neck. Was Nigel going to choke him, or rip his throat out...?

''Any last words, Blu?''

Instead of saying anything, egged on by anger, Blu worked up a mouthful of saliva and spat it out of his beak. It landed on Nigel's forehead with a wet 'splat'. Nigel grimaced and wiped it away.

''It's a shame, really.'' Nigel said. ''I thought macaws were smart. You could've been smart enough to see all of this was a trap.'' He applied more pressure on Blu's neck. Blu was beginning to choke.

''Blu!'' Clear shouted. Now the whole crowd was in uproar over what they were seeing.

Then she made a break for it.

Clearwater suddenly grabbed the claw Mallo was using to hold her down, and yanked it hard, tripping him up. Clear scrambled to her feet and charged at Nigel.

''You take your dirty, stinking claws off of my friend!''

Throwing all of her weight into him, Clear rammed herself into Nigel, knocking them in opposite directions. Mallo was surprised at what he just saw.

''What the--''

Clearwater ran over to Blu and helped him up.

''Hey, you okay?!''

''Argh...'' Blu got up, one wing massaging his throat and the other wrapped around Clear's as support. Once he was up, Blu turned to the birds holding Jewel, Nico, Pedro, Raphael and the others.

''Guys! Don't let these two tell you what to do!'' He pleaded, pointing at Nigel and Mallo. ''Especially if they've been planning this all along and were abusing your trust!''

The message sunk in as they released who they were holding. Jewel ran over to Blu and caught him in an embrace.

''Baby, are you okay?''

''I'm fine.'' Blu turned away. ''But we're far from finished.''

''Indeed we are, Blu.'' Nigel said. ''This is only the beginning. GET THEM!!''

''RUN! Hold them off while we think of a way out!''

As Nigel, Mallo and Emilo forced their way through, all of the birds regrouped.

''Let's get the heck out of here, and fast!''

Blu lead the way as they frantically scrambled into the air, with three maniacal birds hot on their heels...

 

The grey clouds began to blot out the radiant yellow sun, as a chill formed in the air. More rain was potentially inbound, as the black thunderclouds approached the outskirts of the city. For all of the birds, it was make or break time.

Blu, finding an adrenaline rush, dropped out of the sky, landed gracefully, and ran as fast as he could, the path he and the others were on leading them back up into the high favelas of Rio. Glancing behind him, Blu could still see Mallo and Emilo still on their tail. Because Nigel couldn't fly, they had lost him fairly quickly. But they still had the other two to deal with, and the chase was only beginning.

''They're still right behind us!'' Raphael shouted.

''I can see that, Raphael!'' Ara shouted back. He had never ran this fast in his life. His lungs were bursting for air, but like Blu, he found an adrenaline rush and was spurred on by it.

''We'll never lose them at this rate!'' Jewel remarked. ''Blu, what do we do?''

Alice looked around again, to see Mallo and Emilo had vanished.

''Huh? They're gone!'' She said. Something was wrong, they couldn't have just disappeared like that...

''Heads-up! They're above us!'' Nico shouted, as he glanced up. Mallo and Emilo were now flying straight above them. Clear noticed they were tucking their wings in...

''They're gonna dive!''

Blu checked the road up ahead. It split into a fork.

''Split up!'' He told the others. Blu, Jewel, Nico, Pedro and Raphael dodged to the right while Ara, Clear, Alice and Manu went to the left.

''They've gone in different directions, Mallo!''

''You go left, I'll go right!''

Blu stared down at Mallo, who was coming in fast. Snapping his head back around, he noticed a side street branching off.

''To the right!'' He shouted, as he skidded to a halt, turned ninty degrees, and took off in that direction. The others followed him closely.

Mallo anticipated that move however, and in one smooth movement, tilted to the right and turned, keeping the pursuit going.

Blu led the others through the winding passage, until it widened out to a crossroads. Up to the left was a place they knew too well. Blu led the others towards it.

''What... This place again?!'' Jewel quipped.

''Come on!'' Now Raphael took the lead, taking them around the back and into the storage room.

''Push that crate back and make sure he doesn't get in through the front door!''

Blu dashed for the doorlock. Flying up onto it, he tried to pull the lock acorss - but it was no use. A year of neglect and abandon meant it had rusted away. The door flew open, knocking Blu behind it.

''Oh, no...''

Mallo burst in, his attention drawn to the birds on the other side. As he advanced on them, snarling, Raphael motioined for the others to back away.

''Where's Blu?'' Mallo growled, oblivious to his current location.

''Like we're gonna tell YOU!'' Jewel suddenly flew forward to charge into Mallo. Mallo jumped back and thrust his wing into Jewel's chest, making her reel in pain, and grabbed her with his wings.

''Where's Blu!'' He repeated.

''It doesn't matter if you kill her or not, we're still not gonna tell you.'' Raphael coolly said, trying to bluff. The two of them stared down each other for a while.

Above them, Blu crept along the wooden beams silently, watching the current situation that was unfolding below. Mallo had Jewel in his grasp, and it didn't like he was going to let go anytime soon. Moving a little further so Blu was now on Mallo's right side, he spotted a metal rod lying on the beams. Blu gave it a shove, and it clattered loudly on the ground below. Mallo spun around to see where it came from.

Blu then remembered Mallo was deaf in his right ear. He could use this to his advantage. But doing this means putting his life on the line...

''Even if you are the most cowardly bird out there, anyone can look death in the eye and be able to get away with it.''

Those words he spoke in the garage echoed in his mind. Blu swallowed hard. If this failed, he was going to die...

But he was ready.

''You want me, Mallo?'' Blu's voice echoed around the room. Mallo, growling, looked up. Where was he?

''Then come and GET ME!'' Blu shouted, as he dove for Mallo. Mallo didn't see - or even hear it coming, because Blu attacked him from his right side.

''Gragh!'' Blu sent Mallo flying into the wall. He swiftly got up.

''If we can outrun you, then we can outfight you!'' Blu said.

''I thought you said you couldn't kill a bird!'' Mallo fired back. Blu shook his head.

''Maybe not, but we'll never know unless I try!''

Mallo charged at Blu and thrust a claw out. Blu didn't see it coming, but his reflexes kicked in and his head jerked back, dodging Mallo's blow.

Mallo then grabbed Blu and threw him into the table. Blu slumped back, dazed, but found the strength to get up. Mallo threw another punch, this time with his wing, but Blu blocked it, and swept one of his claws around, tripping Mallo up. Mallo kicked himself back up, knocking Blu back.

''Not too bad, I have to admit.'' Mallo said curtly. ''But you know you can't beat me.''

''Maybe not with brawn.'' Blu retorted. ''Haven't you heard the old saying? 'Brain beats brawn!' ''

Blu suddenly darted for the metal rod that was on the floor, grabbed it, and flew up to one of the wooden beams holding up the frame of the shack. Blu bashed it with the rod until the top began to tilt.

''What are you doing?!'' Mallo gasped. Was he mad?! Blu was trying to bring the whole shack on top of them! ''Oh, no you don't!''

Mallo tried to fly up and stop him, but someone suddenly charged into him, pinning him to the wall. Mallo was shocked, catching a glimpse 

of his attacker.

''Emmanuel!''

''What?'' Blu stopped hammering away and looked down to see Manu, with a frightened Mallo being held against the wall by him.

''You had this coming from me, Mallo!'' Manu shouted, before delivering a shattering punch that made everyone wince. Mallo fell to the ground,

blubbering.

''W... What are you?!'' Mallo gasped, clutching his chest in pain.

''I'm Kiara's avenger,'' Manu said firmly, before raising his wing.

''No! Blu!'' Mallo pleaded. ''Please don't let him do this!''

Blu flew down from the beams next to the others that were watching and shook his head, trying not to feel any sympathy or pity for an evil bird that his is actions with a determined outside.

''You're Manu's kill. Not mine.''

As Mallo wriggled around without sucess, he could do nothing but brace for the attack Manu was about to give him. Blu looked on in unease. Jewel on the other wing, couldn't bear to watch and buried her head in Blu's shoulder.

''No! NOOO!!!'' Mallo yelled in fear as Manu brought his wing down hard onto the top of Mallo's skull. It connected, and the dull 'thump' was heard by everyone. Mallo slumped to the ground, unconcious. All of the birds remained silent for a few seconds.

''Good riddance.'' Manu said, breathing heavily and turning away.

''Is he really...'' Ara gulped. Blu walked over and lent his ear against Mallo's still body, being careful not to get his face covered with blood. He listened for a few seconds, then stood back up.

''Sill alive. Only knocked out.''

''You didn't kill him?'' Clear asked Manu.

''I didn't mean to kill him.'' Manu replied without turning around. The birds exchanged glances. Raphael was surprised. So even Emmanuel, the great Hyacinth Macaw, wasn't able to kill a bird...

''What about Nigel and Emilo?''

''We don't have to worry about Emilo.'' Alice said. ''We 'batted him out of the park', as you would probably say, Blu.''

Blu presumed that she, Clear and Ara did to Emilo what they did to him back in Sao Paulo: Knock him in the air with a plank of wood.

''And Nigel?''

''Not quite. But I have a plan.'' Manu said.

''Finally!'' Raphael exclaimed. ''So what is it?'' Manu gave a small noise of humor.

''It's getting the help of everyone in Rio to track him down.''

''Simple, yet effective.'' Blu said. ''Definitely sounds like a plan.''

''And about time, too. Come on, let's get down to the market, and fast. All of the birds might still be there.''

The group began to head for the storage room. Ara looked at Clearwater as he walked along. She was staring at the floor in guilt, not moving.

''You guys run along. I'll catch up.'' Ara said to the others, before approaching Clear. ''Hey, you okay?''

Clear shook her head.

''What's the matter?''

Clearwater snuffled, then spoke:

''I know all of you'll never forgive me because I ratted on you to Mallo.''

''That's what's bothering you?''

''Uh-huh. I shouldn't have done that, all I wanted were my parents to be able to rest in peace... I know you'll never forgive me...''

Clear broke down into tears. Ara took her by the wing.

''I can't forgive you.'' Ara said, shaking his head. ''Know why? Because there's nothing that needs to be forgiven.''

Clearwater stopped crying and looked up.

''You... You mean it?''

''I mean it. So you ratted on us to Mallo. Maybe that was the right thing to do. 'Sides, we knew that sooner or later we would be caught and be forced to turn Nigel over. But Nigel, still being on the bad side, playing us right up to only a couple of hours earlier? I wasn't expecting that.

I still care about you. I don't care if you turned us over.''

''What are you trying to say?''

''What I'm trying to say is...'' Ara gulped again. It was already hard, but if he said it once, he can say it again.

''Clearwater... Even after all this time... Even after what you did...'' Their beaks were nearly touching. ''...I still love you.''

Clear was stunned. Was he being serious? Ara could see very teardrop hanging on Clear's beautiful sparkiling green eyes. He was much too close.

''I... I...'' Clear stammered, as her tears ran down her face. She gave in, but instead of saying anything, Clear collapsed into Ara's wings.

And their beaks joined together.

Ara had never felt anything like this. This sweet and raging feeling called love... So much as he didn't want to stop kissing Clearwater, he had to.

Ara and Clear's beaks broke apart.

''Hey, we should be going.'' Ara said. ''Come on.''

But they didn't even take one step when they heard a loud creaking noise that grew louder and louder.

''What's that?''

The creaking turned into the sound of snaping wood. Ara's face dropped.

''The shack's collapsing! We gotta hurry!''

Ara grabbed Clear by the wing and they ran out to the storage room as chunks of wood descended everywhere.

''In here! Hurry!''

The two birds ducked back into the storage room and escaped through the hole in the wooden wall. Retreating to a safe distance, Ara and Clear watched as the shack toppled down on itself, feeling the vibrations from where they were standing. A ring of dust was expelled from the ruins of where the building used to stand.

''If he wasn't dead then, he must be dead now.'' Clear said, referring to Mallo. ''I don't think anyone would've survived that.''

''Ara! Clear!''

Ara turned around to see Blu and the others running up to them.

''You two okay?''

''Yeah, we're fine. But man, that was a close call.''

''It collapsed?'' Alice noticed. ''How?''

''When Blu was hammering away at that wooden beam, he must've weakened it to the point where it could only take a few more minutes of pressure before it gave way.'' Raphael suggested, before gasping. ''Mallo was still in there!''

''We know.'' Clear said. ''I don't think we have to worry about him anymore.''

''Then that only leaves Nigel.'' Manu reminded the others. ''We'd better go find him.''

Blu didn't notice Nico chuckling away on Raphael's beak until he just looked at him.

''Hey, what's the joke?'' Blu asked, cocking his head.

''Ara, Clear, you two are holding wings.''

Ara jumped at this and shot his gaze down to his left side. He left wing was wrapped in Clearwater's right. Ara exclaimed and blushed. Blu smiled.

''You two make a nice couple, I have to say.'' Jewel gave her compliments.

''And I thought you two were only staying as friends.'' Pedro said.

''After what this past week has brought us though, she's become more than just a friend for me.''

''Same here.'' Clear said. ''I don't think I've met a nicer bird who cares so much about my well-being.''

Manu turned away, trying to think of his days with Kiara.

''Mallo is dead.'' Manu said into thin air, as if she was before him. ''I hope now you can rest, my love.'' He turned back to the others.

''Don't forget about Nigel, guys.''

''Trust me when I say this: I'm gonna wish he never came back.'' Clear suddenly became angry. ''I hope you can now see why I loathe him so much, and why I want to kill him.''

''To avenge our parents.'' Alice said. ''I'm with you on this one.''

''You don't need to tell us again. We're all in.'' Blu said. ''Let's go down to the market and get everyone's help.''

''Lead the way, Blu.''

So he did, as the birds walked on the familiar road through the favelas back down to sea level. Ara and Clear walked wing in wing, staying close together. Blu looked at them and smiled. Jewel was right, they do make a nice couple. But there was ONE more thing he wanted to know... Blu slowed down until Manu caught up, then approached him.

''Hey, a word?'' He asked.

''What do you need?'' Manu said in a hushed tone.

''I thought you said you didn't care about what happens to Nigel when we were talking on the truck.''

''I don't.''

''Then why the heck did you remind all of us of him?''

''Because even if I don't care about him, I still believe there's only one bird who can decide on whether he walks free or not.''

Manu looked over at a happy Clearwater.

''Her?''

''It was Nigel who killed her's and Alice's parents. But since it was Clear who witnessed what happened, it's her who holds the higher grudge. It therefore only seems fitting that she chooses.''

''I know what she'll choose.''

''Do you now?'' Manu retorted, looking straight into Blu's orange eyes. ''Let's not forget that Nigel also rescued from the fire, shall we?''

Blu uncomfortably looked away. Maybe Manu was right. Nigel tricked her into forgiving him. But he really did save Jewel... This was perplexing.

 

Within half an hour, the birds had got back down to the market. Everyone who watched the spectacle earlier were still there. As Blu turned a corner, a bird in the crowd pointed at him.

''Look!''

All of the others turned and saw him. Thy erupted into applause and cheering.

''They're okay! They're alive!''

''It's Blu! And Raphael as well!''

''They made it out! Thank goodness!''

Blu and his group approached the birds and put his wings up in front of them to signal them to calm down.

''Everyone, please... Please!''

The crowd fell silent.

''Thank you. As you can see, we made it out alive. But you're probably wondering where those dastardly birds have gotten to.''

''Mallo, Nigel and Emilo chased us all the way up the streets. Because Nigel lost his ability to fly, he couldn't keep up and we lost him quickly.

Having decided to split up, me, Blu, Jewel, Nico and Pedro were cornered in the old smuggler's shack. But we fought back, and Mallo was knocked unconcious by Manu here. Just as we were leaving, the shack collapsed on itself. We got out in time - Mallo didn't.''

''I think it's safe to say he's dead.'' Alice said. The birds in the market stayed silent, then one by one, they began to applaud. Seems like they were grateful that they were rid of another evil and troublemaking bird.

''For Emilo now.'' Clear said, taking up her turn. ''He's not dead, but by 'batting him out of the park' as Blu here would say, I think he's learnt his lesson about which side to be on.''

''Lastly, Nigel.'' Blu said. ''We're not rid of him yet. He's still somewhere out here in Rio. He wants me dead, we all know that. But with his companions gone, he knows he can't take me on alone without being able to fly. With that fact in mind, Nigel may be attempting to escape.

We need all of your help to track him down. I know you're all scared. But even with the smallest amount of courage, the biggest coward in the world can become its greatest hero.''

''Somewhere, Nigel's walking through a street, unable to fly, either trying to get to me or trying to escape. We urge you all now to go and find him. But if you do see him, let us handle it. We don't want any more innocent birds killed by his claws. We've got maybe 5 more hours until sundown. If we can't find him, we'll presume he's left the city.''

The birds were obviously ready.

''Wait. Before we go, I'd like to say a couple of things.'' Blu said. ''The first is this: I don't want to rule over or conquer anyone. I'd like to help everyone if I can. We all want to help each other. All good birds are like that. We want to live life by everyone's happiness, not by each other's

fear and misery.''

''He's right, you know.'' Raphael said to Ara and the others.

''The second is this: While all of you think of me as a hero and a saviour, I prefer to think of myself as one of the last of the blue Spix Macaws, wanting a quiet life.''

''Are we all ready?'' Jewel asked the birds. The birds cried in ackowledgement and readiness together.

''Then let's get to it!''

In a dazzling array of colors, everyone in the market took off in different directions. Jewel approached Blu.

''You're a great speaker. Did you know it?''

''Is that a compliment?''

''Sure is.'' Jewel quickly kissed Blu. Ara looked around as the midday sun shone down on the city.

''We should split up again and take different areas.'' He quickly said. ''I call Copacabana and Ipenema.''

''Oh, you little...'' Nico hissed at him. He wanted that place! ''Then I'll go to Mount Corcovado and that statue.''

''Sugar Loaf's mine.'' Pedro countered. Nico shot his best friend a glance.

''I'll check back around the favelas we were just in.'' Blu said. ''Anyone wanna come with?''

''Me. We're chained-to-each-other birds, right?'' Jewel reminded her mate. Blu laughed.

''True enough.''

''I'll go up by Luiz's, let him know we're okay while I'm up there.'' Raphael said.

''We need someone to stay in the market. I'll take that job.'' Manu proposed.

''I doubt Nigel would be in open spaces right now, but I'll check that plaza where they're getting the Rio carnival ready.'' Alice said. ''What about you, sis?''

''Um...'' All of the major landmarks were gone. ''Er...''

''Oh, she can come with us, can't she?'' Blu asked.

''Alright then. Come on, we've got a bird to catch.''

Ara took a step towards Clear and embraced her.

''Take care.''

''You too.'' The two of them shared a quick kiss.

Spreading out in different directions, the group headed out, apart from Manu, who slumped down by a stall and twiddled his wings. Why did he say he'll stay here? He should've called Copacabana before Ara did..

 

Clearwater was so tired right now. Another long day was drawing to a close. As she moved between the sloped alleyways and the rooftops, Clear could catch glimpses of the vivid, deep orange rays beating down on the city of Rio De Janeiro. Sunset was upon them. Looking down at her chest, Clearwater saw that when she stood in th way of the rays, her feathers glowed a beautiful orange. Amazing. Blu and Jewel had gone a little higher up the road. She sighed and jumped across to another rooftop, wishing that Ara was by her side. So this burning, powerful

feeling is called love... She was so desperate to see him again.

Landing gracefully, Clear viewed the street from below. She gasped. There he was. That was him, no doubt about that. Her expression changed drastically to one of anger and fury. She glided down from where she was sitting and landed a considrable distance from him. As he walked down the street, Clear watched in loathness. The bird stopped.

''Don't know where you think you're going.'' Clearwater growled.

''...I'm going back to Manaus.'' Nigel said without turning around.

''Hah. Trying to get to the Doorway on only feet?'' Clear scoffed. ''Manaus is two and a half thousand kilometres from here. You'll never make it.''

''I made it once. If I made it then, I can make it again.''

''No, you can't!'' Clear yelled. ''You give me ONE good reason why I shouldn't kill you right here, right now!''

''...I actually have two good reasons.''

''Yeah? Spill it.''

''First, I know you wouldn't be capable in any way.''

Clear was taken aback, since Nigel called her bluff, but she managed to hide it.

''You've got one more chance before I kill you.'' Nigel thought long and hard about his final reason.

''...I saved Jewel, didn't I?''

Clear gasped. That was true. In the wildfire, Nigel saved her best friend, Jewel, ruse or not.

''That's true...''

Clear was now torn between a hard moral decision. Kill him now, succumb to her own rage? That would avenge her parents, but she no longer thought that was the right thing to do...

Clearwater pointed at Nigel accusingly.

''Becuase you saved Jewel, I'm letting you off. But only this once. Go back to Manaus, and stay there. Because if I ever see you again, I will personally make sure you're dead.''

Nigel remained silent.

''You're making the wrong choice here, Clearwater.''

''I don't think I am. Now go.''

Nigel took a step forward, then stopped.

''Before I do, I want you to tell our mutual acquaintance Blu something.'' Nigel said. ''Tell him that this won't be the last he sees of me. Tell him that me and Blu are destined to face off through our years as we live. And tell him that I will be seeing him soon.'' Nigel began to walk off, while saying three last words:

''Very soon indeed.''

Clearwater watched as Nigel diappeared around the corner.

''You won't win, Nigel.'' Clear muttered. ''You'll never win.''

''Clear!''

''Huh?'' She turned around to see Blu and Jewel flying down from above. ''Hey.''

''Have you seen him?'' Jewel asked. Clear pointed down the street.

''Nigel asked me to tell you that he will be seeing you soon.''

Jewel was about to run down the street, but Blu stopped her.

''We should wait until the time is right.'' Blu explained. Jewel nodded.

''Be seeing you soon, Nigel.'' Blu said aloud, with a hint of curtness. ''Very soon indeed.''

 

''He's nowhere to be seen.'' Blu announced to all of the birds in the market. ''I think it's safe to say Nigel has fled Rio.''

Everyone chattered to each other in joy and happiness. They could now get back to their peaceful, happy lives.

''I need to thank you all for not falling into Mallo's trap. If he had used you to kill us, then we wouldn't be standing here now. Seriously, much obliged to you all.''

''So what are you going to do now?'' A bird in the crowd asked.

''Oh, I'm sure that there's always something on the horizon in life.'' Raphael answered. ''And lt's not forget the carnival in only three days time, shall we?''

''Oh, yeah!''

''But,'' Blu said, ''I think we all deserve a rest right now. Not just for a couple of hours while someone stands watch. After what we've all been through, I think we all deserve a long, proper sleep.''

''Indeed.'' Manu added. ''So we'll be heading home. I'm pretty sure that we'll see all of you at some point over these next few days, but for now, enjoy your lives, have fun and we'll be seeing all of you soon.''

The birds cheered and they all began to disperse. Blu looked at the final rays of sunset before they disappeared below the horizon, then looked

north to where their home lied.

''We can't go back.'' Blu said to the others. ''Not just yet?''

''Why not?'' Ara asked.

''Just to confirm that we really are in the clear...'' Blu turned around. ''One more night at Luiz's.''

As the tram bell rang through the market, Raphael took a step forward and raised his head, thinking over what Blu just asked. He nodded and turned around.

''One more night.'' He confirmed. ''Then we go back to life as usual.''

''Come on then.'' Blu and the others headed for the departing tram.

 

Night fell again over the majestic city as the grid of lights shone bright like every evening. It was the final night of their journey. Five days, familiar faces, and a visit to the city of Sao Paulo that lied in the west... What an adventure indeed.

Blu sat down in the corner of Luiz's garage, chewing a Brazilian Nut slow and hard, crunching it into tiny bits inside his beak. He felt so relieved to still be alive, and to still be with Jewel, who was currently flicking through the channels on the TV with Manu.

Raphal was telling Luiz about what had happened over the past few days, and how their trip to Sao Paulo went. Blu had to admit: This was definitely going to be one to tell Carla, Bia and Tiago when they got home.

Nico and Pedro were watching the night sky through the windowsill. This journey had been a real eye-opener for them.

''We're gonna have to go back to Sao at some point.'' Nico told Pedro. ''Check out some more of their parties they do.''

Alice, perched on the roof of the car plonked straight in the middle of the garage, was by herself, tapping out a melody with her claws.

Blu knew immediately what song it belongd to, but Clearwater beat him to the post.

''That's from 'Get Lucky', isn't it?'' She said. Alice laughed.

''Sure is, sis.'' Blu looked up.

''Where exactly do you get your music kicks from? You sure do know some good songs made by humans.''

''I listen to the radio when I'm home in Sao Paulo.'' Alice replied.

''Hey, hey, guys, come and take a look at this.'' Jewel said to the others. All of them flew up and joined her and Manu, watching the TV as it showed the news channel again. The image being projected this time around was that of a collapsed building. Ara recognized it.

''Hey, that's that shack!'' He remarked. Raphael nodded.

''That's it, all right. I think what I'm about to say is right: At least that hellish place can never be used again.''

''Quite right, Rapphie. Wonder if they found Mallo's dead body in there.''

''A life taken and a evil home destroyed...'' Blu murmered, crossing his wings. He shot up when he remembered. ''Oh, right!''

''Huh? What is it, Blu?'' Nico asked. Blu turned to Ara, Clearwater, Alice and Manu.

''We offered Ara and Clear if they want to come live with us at the end of all this. Since you're her sister, Alice, and since you're Raphael's colleague, Manu, how about it? Want to come live with us in the jungle?''

Ara tilted his head down, then held up a wing to Blu to tell him to wait just a little longer.

''Clear, Alice, Manu, a word in private?'' He asked. They nodded and moved over to a corner.

''Hope they say yes.'' Jewel hoped. ''That way, I can see my best friend every day.''

''And it'll be good to have a few more faces over in the jungle.'' Blu yawned. ''Well, think I'll go get some sleep. G'night guys.''

''Alright, good night then.''

Blu flew up to a wooden beam and sat down. He was so desperate to get back home, but he knew that they would have to wait one more night. Wonder how worried their kids were right now back home...

''One more night.'' Blu told himself. ''Then it's all over.'' He closed his eyelids down and within minutes, he was sound asleep.

[Clearwater]

All good things must come to an end, and sadly, this is the final chapter of what I think is my finest work to date. So enjoy the last part of the

story as the final three days to go are covered:

 

 

March the 2nd - 2 days to go

 

 

''Blu... Blu. ...Hey, Blu!''

''Huh?''

Blu opened his eyelids to see Jewel shaking him awake and yawned.

''Why'd you wake me?'' Blu asked while stretching out his wings. Then he remembered.

It was now all over.

''Yes, the day's finally come, sweetheart.'' Jewel chuckled. ''The day we get to go back home. At long last.''

''Are the others up?''

''Yeah, they are, but...''

Jewel walked over to the edge of the wooden beam she and Blu were on and stared down. Blu did likewise. Raphael, Nico, Pedro and

Luiz were all up, but... where's Ara, Clearwater, Alice and Manu?

''Huh? Where are they?'' Blu asked, noticing that the others weren't there.

''That's what we're trying to figure out.'' Raphael called up to Blu.

''What did they say last night? Something about a word in private?'' Luiz reminded.

''Huh? A word in pri--'' Nico started, before it hit him. It seemed to hit everyone else at the same time.

''Maybe they're already over there waiting for us!''

''Then what are we standing around for?! Let's go!'' Pedro said, as he flew around, ready to head off. All of the birds began to cheer.

''We're no longer in the thick of it! Let's go home, guys!'' Raphael exclaimed in joy. Blu grinned from ear to ear. It really was all over.

''Come on!'' Blu said to the others. ''Luiz, thanks for having us over, we'll drop by again soon!''

And with that, he spread his wings and flew off with the others. Luiz chased them as they went out of the gate.

''Bye, amigoes!''

 

Blu couldn't wait to get back home. As he and his friends flew north over Rio, he began to feel free from the clutches of Nigel again. But in his

heart, he knew that would be seeing each other again in the future.

''We'll be ready for him.'' Nico told him. ''Whether it be Rio, Sao Paulo or another city, we can take him on together. We'll always be ready.''

''Indeed we shall.'' Jewel added. ''Oh, hey, Raphael, can I ask you a question?''

''Sure, fire away!''

''You said you knew Nigel all the way back, before we even met you. How exactly did you two meet?''

''Ah, yes.'' Rapphie began. ''It happened a long time ago. Maybe just over a decade, when I was on the verge of my 15th birthday. Oh, in case you want to know so it can help you understand better, Blu, birds become adults when they're 15. I'm sure it's different for humans.''

''You're right there.'' Blu confirmed. ''Humans become adults at 18.''

''Oh, really?'' Raphael was a little fascinated at this. ''Anyway, back to my story. Me and Nigel were acually friends back then. This was before he turned bad. We wanted to move up in the world - become a little more known for something.''

''Up?'' Pedro repeated. ''Up how?''

''See, that was the problem. While I wanted to make a name for myself by doing good deeds - helping with any problems anyone had with anything - Nigel wanted to big hisself up by siding with the humans so they would know him.''

''What? The smugglers?''

''Yeah, but I THINK Nigel had some work with some other humans before that happened.''

''Ah, yeah, I remember Nigel saying he used to be a film star or something when we first met. Then when another bird stole his job, he turned on his own kind and started becoming more and more evil. I remember Nigel coming to find me when that happened, then after quite a big argument, we had a massive fallout. We were no longer friends. Our memories of each other slipped into the back of our minds, not wanting to recall them back. Then, one hot carnival night a few months later, as I flew through a few back streets, I heard a shriek. Making a beeline for where it came from, I could see a bird lying on the floor, barely concious, with bright red marks on his neck. Someone must've strangled him, since he was struggling to breathe. I ran over to him, calling for help. A few other birds arrived, trying to treat the badly wounded bird. But we knew his injuries were terminal. Before he died, he gave us a white feather and described his attacker. I instantly knew who the feather belonged to. Nigel.'' 

''Determined, me and a few other birds began to lead a chase for him, making an alliance with Manu, who was willing to help us, and another group of birds who were also on an apparante chase for Nigel as well. That must've been Mallo, as he was gaining the trust of the other birds. Deceitful little snob.'' Raphael paused, before remembering: ''Oh, did I tell you Nico and Pedro were also with me as we tried to find Nigel?''

''You two were?'' Blu asked. Nico shrugged his shoulders.

''We can't sing songs at parties without peace of mind, so we decided to help him.'' 

''Either way,'' Raphael continued, ''No matter how close we got, Nigel would always give us the slip. Pretty soon, we realized our numbers were dwindling, as they were killed off by Nigel one by one. When Halmar was killed, I got scared, fearing I was next. Call me a coward, but I couldn't continue pursuing a killer without any more innocent birds dying, so I called it off, gave up, and retreated to the jungle outside of town with my mate Eva and my family. I also had to abandon my old friends Nico and Pedro... Now that I think about it, I feel ashamed of myself.''

''Hey, it wasn't your fault. I would have gave it up as well if I was you.'' Blu said. ''None of us are perfect or fearless. We can't win them all.''

''True. Then when you and Jewel came on right by my home last year, I was swept back into the city. I had actually forgotten about Nigel completely. Some of the others did as well, but some didn't - presumably those whose relatives or family members had been killed. When we were all captured last year in amongst the carnival upheaval, I thought we were all done for...''

Raphael looked at Blu and Jewel.

''And I never would have thought that my new friends would become all of our saviours by helping us escape from the plane.''

'' 'The choices and encounters life brings'...'' Blu murmered, remembering what Nigel told him on the way to Sao Paulo. ''Perhaps this is my destiny. To be with you all and Jewel. To be facing off against Nigel all my life. I must confess though: Once or twice might seem fine, but for all my life? Can I really be capable to do that?''

''Don't forget: You've got us.'' Pedro reminded, shining a small beacon of hope on the situation.

''And you've got me, Blu.'' Jewel said sweetly. ''Wherever you go, I'm with you all the way.''

''Thanks, everyone.''

Blu turned his head back around. And he saw it.

Their home.

''There it is!'' He exclaimed. Finally... Four days ago, he and Jewel set out with Raphael to warn their group of friends about Nigel's return. Thinking it would be a straight in-and-out job, Blu felt confident that he would be back home within an hour at the best. But when they were tangled up between Mallo and Nigel, they went on another whirlwind journey for four days. During those days and nights, they slept at Luiz's, headed to Sao Paulo, met Manu and Emilo, got caught up in a lockdown, found themselves at the heart of a raging forest fire, escaped on a truck headed back to Rio, all building up to the climatic showdown in the market where everything was revealed...

And here they were. Home. Blu couldn't feel more relieved. He couldn't wait to see his and Jewel's children again and tell them what they had been up to.

''Hey, we're gonna go over to our places and check.'' Raphael said. ''Sides, I gotta tell Eva what we've been up to, and chances are I'll get a scolding from her...'' He laughed nervously. ''I'll come back if there's anything.''

''Alright, see you in a bit then.''

Raphael, Nico and Pedro split from Blu and Jewel and headed off into another direction.

''Hey, what's that?'' Jewel asked herself, as they began their desent towards the tree they live in.

''Good point. What IS that?'' Blu said, noticing the newly-built structure that was built around the evergreen oak tree that was their home, just a stone's throw from the sanctuary's outpost. The tree had a balcony of rooms and platforms built out of old cardboard boxes and the sort.

''Ah, I know what this is.'' Blu realized. ''It's an artifical birdhouse.''

''Artificial?'' Jewel repeated. ''Who built it then? Linda and Tulio?''

''Quite possibly.'' Blu answered, glancing in all the little nooks and crannies. ''Hello? Carla? Bia? ...Tiago? Where are you?''

''Hey!'' A voice called down from the outpost. Blu and Jewel turned around to see a young human boy with slightly tanned skin waving at them through a window. He was wearing a thin yellow T-shirt. The two macaws knew immediatly who it was.

''Fernando!'' Jewel exclaimed in happiness, flying down to meet him. Blu and Jewel knew Fernando. He was the one who stole them from the aviary last year and turned them over to the smugglers. But when he had second thoughts about his actions, he led Linda and Tulio straight to them. After that, they took Fernando in as their adoptive son, as he looked after the animals living in the sanctuary with a lot of care and pride.

Jewel warmed to him quite quickly.

''Blu! Jewel!''

Blu followed Jewel down and headed through the open window into the house. This was where Linda, Tulio and Fernando lived, and where somtimes Blu and Jewel stay if they feel like cooling down from the constant heat. They landed on the table near Fernando.

''Good to see you two!'' He grinned, running a hand over them. He couldn't obviously understand what the birds were saying, but he only needed to see the expressions on their faces to see what they were trying to tell him.

''Where have you two ben over these few days? Man, we were getting worried here. Out on the town?'' Fernando asked. Blu nodded.

''Ah. And you couldn't bing your kids? Or tell us where you've gone?''

Blu shook his head. It was too dangerous for the kids, and being all the way over at Sao while they were here, waiting for news...

''I see.'' Fernando walked over to the mantelpiece, retrieved something, and gave it to the birds.

''Linda wanted me to give this to you as soon as you got back.'' He explained, giving it to them. ''Go on, open it up!''

Blu glanced at the front of it. It was a letter. The front was marked on black felt pen 'FOR BLU'. Blu opened it, unfolded the sheet of paper inside and he and Jewel read its contents:

 

Dear Blu,

 

How are you? I hope you've been keeping well in the jungle with Jewel and your family. As I write this, I remember it's been a couple of days we've gone without any sign from you. I've been worried sick, but Tulio keeps reassuring me that you'll be back soon.

 

''We didn't mean to go, Linda.'' Blu said. ''But I had to go help my friends.'' He continued reading:

 

If you are back and reading this, then have you noticed the new birdhouse we set up for you? If so, then d'you like it? It should give you a little more room to move around in, rather than the cramped spaces of the tree. It also gives you a much clear view of the city rather than having to go up to the treetop to see it. Becuase I know just how much you like it.

 

''Who ever said our home was cramped?'' Jewel remarked, chuckling. ''Still very nice though.'' She read on.

 

Another important thing you need to know, in case you're wondering where we are. Ever since we set up the sanctuary here, and ever since I married Tulio a few months ago, we've been heavily supporting the campaign to save species that are severly endangered or on the brink of extinction.

 

''That's right, they got married, didn't they?'' Blu remembered, crossing the table he was on and looking at a family photo the birds and the humans took together when Carla, Bia and Tiago first hatched. A very precious memory.

 

Have you ever heard of the Amazon? I'm sure you have, but in case you haven't, it's that big rainforest all the way up north of Brazil. Because of the scale of deforestation that's threatening all the animals that're living there, me and Tulio have decided to fly over there and see if we can

help out those poor creatures.

 

''So that's where they went, huh?'' Jewel said. ''The Amazon?''

''Wasn't that where you was born?''

''Yeah... Yeah.'' Jewel nodded, not wanting to talk about what happened again. ''Go on, keep reading.''

 

We obviously can't leave the sanctuary unattended, even if you can take care of yourselves, but Fernando volunteered to stay behind and look after you.

 

''Aw, you had to do that just for us?'' Jewel said, looking up and smiling at Fernando.

''You guys are my friends.'' Fernando explained. ''And I want to make up for the fact that I was the one who kidnapped you and turned you over.

I knew it was wrong.'' Fernando looked at the clock hanging up on the wall. 10:00 AM.

''Oh, hey, I gotta run.'' He said, walking backwards. ''Be some good birds now, I'll be back later!''

Fernando headed out of the room. Blu looked down at the last bit of the letter.

 

We're going to be away for quite some time. Maybe a few months, maybe more. But we know that if we save even one species from dying out, then our efforts will have been worth it. In the meantime though, I hop you come back soon, and I hope you stay safe. Take care, my blue friend. And tell Jewel I said 'Hi'.

-Linda Gunderson

 

Blu slowly folded the letter back over and put it down.

''They went.'' Blu murmered, staring at the floor, feeling sad. ''And we didn't even get the chance to say goodbye...''

''Mom! Dad!'' A female voice came from the other side of the room. Blu couldn't belive his ears. That was, there was no mistake...!

''Kids!''

Three young blue Spix macaws - two girls, one boy - rushed across the room, flew up onto the table amazingly fast and lept straight into the wings of their loving paents.

''You're back!'' Bia cried, overwhelmed. ''I missed you.''

''So did we. Don't worry, we're here now. We're here.'' Jewel whispered, holding her daughter closely.

''Where have you been, Dad?'' Tiago asked. ''Four days? Without us?''

''Something came up.'' His father answered. ''Something we thought would be over in just a few minutes, but we never did imagine that it would send us into another adventure.''

''Another?'' Tiago groaned. ''You couldn't bring us?''

''We couldn't. Trust me when I say this, Tiago: It was way too dangerous for you.''

''Cool.''

''So are you going to tell us what happened?'' Carla asked.

''Yeah, we will, but first...'' Blu glanced up at the cupboard fixed above the sink, then the hob on the oven. He cracked a smile. Surely Linda wouldn't mind, since he's done this enough times to be able to do it on his own.

''Who wants pancakes?'' Blu called.

''Me!'' The three young birds shouted together. Blu grinned, chuckled, and flew up to the cupboard. He opened it and took out a bag of flour.

''What the...'' Jewel trailed off. ''I didn't you could cook!'' She gasped. Blu chuckled again.

''Oh, I did my fair share of cooking back in Minnesota.'' He revealed. ''And pancakes is my speciality. No, scratch that, make it OUR speciality: We're gonna cook this together. We're a family, right? Bia, could you get me a few eggs from the cupboard under the worktop?''

 

A small while later, after washing up, the family of Spix macaws gathered around the table for their breakfast. Blu flipped the pancakes out of the frying pan and onto each plate.

''Tuck in.'' He said with glee, settling down and beginning to eat. Carla cut a portion of her meal out with her claws and stuffed it into her beak.

She chewed for a little, then swallowed and groaned in happiness.

''That's gotta be the best thing I've ever tasted, Dad.'' She said. ''You sure do know how to cook.''

''Heh, tastes good doesn't it?'' Blu replied. Jewel gave him and Carla a sideways glance, then took a bite of the pancake on her plate. Wow, this was good, she had to admit, but why go to all that effort to make something tasty when there's equally delicious Brazilian nuts hanging everywhere on the trees in their home?

''After what we've been through, I think we definitely deserve this.'' Jewel admitted.

''What exactly have you been up to though? That's what I want to know...'' Tiago asked.

''Well, me and your mother--'' Blu began, but cut himself short when he turned his head to the window and saw three birds flying towards them. Flying up next to the windowsill to get a better look, Blu saw that it was Raphael, Nico and Pedro.

''Hey, down here!'' Blu called to them, motioning for them to fly through the window. Just as they were about to though, Blu realized the window

was shut! He had forgotten that they shut it behind them earlier. Blu gasped.

''No, no, wait gu--''

It was too late. Raphael flew straight into the glass and bounced off with a solid 'donk'. Blu winced. Tiago laughed.

''Now, now, Tiago, that's not very nice, is it?'' Jewel tutted, flying up next to Blu. ''We shoulda kept that open.''

Blu pulled on the latch and gave it a turn, opening the window. Raphael - rubbing his long orange beak in pain - vaulted over and in, followed closely by Nico and Pedro.

''Sorry about that, Rapphie.'' Blu apologized. ''I forgot we shut that.''

''Huh?'' Carla looked up from eating. Upon seeing who it was, she smiled. ''Oh hey! It's you!''

Carla was a very good friend of Raphael, Nico and Pedro, mainly because they shared their love of music together. If her parents let her out

on her own - which they usually do, since she's the oldest of the children - then they practically spend the day together down at the market,

listening to any new songs Raphael, Nico and Pedro had composed or heard.

''Ah! My dear Carla!'' Raphael said, flying down to the table and shaking her wing. ''Good to see you in a little while, amiga!''

''Same to you!'' Carla replied. ''So you've been with our parents?''

''That's right.''

''Seriously, what WERE you doing?''

''We can explain later, when we have a little time. Right now though, this is a little private, so I hope you don't mind waiting.''

''Sure, no problem.'' Carla stepped out of the way. Blu and Jewel flew down to the table, landed, and looked at Raphael. His expression had changed from an upbeat one to a slightly more solemn one. Blu could see something sticking out of one of Rapphie's wings.

''Did you see any of them?'' Jewel asked. Raphael shook his head.

''I found this though. We've already read it.'' Raphael unfolded his left wing, picked out the sheet of paper that was being held, and passed it to Blu and Jewel. ''I think you'll recognize the handwriting.''

Blu opened it up and read its contents with Jewel:

 

Blu, Jewel, Nico, Pedro, Raphael,

 

If you're reading this, then this means that me, Ara, my sister Alice and Emmanuel have gone back to Sao Paulo. I'm sorry that we couldn't

accept that offer of living in that jungle of yours, but after what happened in the market yesterday, I'm ashamed to show my face to you. Yes, I was the one who ratted on you to Mallo. I realized that I shouldn't have done that. And because I knew there was a big chance that you cast me out, I thought I made the wrong choice and lost all that I was starting to get back: My friends, my family... I thought I blew up my second chance. But when Ara told me I didn't, I asked why. He said that I didn't need to be forgaven. Said I hadn't done anything wrong, and that all ratting did was just shorten the length of the already short amount of time we had before we were caught. I wasn't ready to accept that though - until he revealed that he loved me. Like you saw as we came out of the shack. And like he said, after what we've been through, I've become more than a friend to him. He loves me. I now love him.

Another reason why I went back to Sao coming up. When we were hunting for Nigel as yesterday drew to a close, we told all of the birds that

we couldn't find him anywhere and we presumed Nigel fled the city. While it's true Nigel has left, it's wrong that no one saw him. I did. I was gonna kill him, but when he reminded me that he was the one who saved Jewel, I stopped in my tracks. Even if he was playing us all this time, even if he was lying, I still believe that he saved my best friend out of the goodness of his heart. For that reason, I let him off. But I warned Nigel not to return to Rio. If he does, I will find him and kill him. Before he went though: Nigel asked me to tell Blu that 'He and him are destined to face off through our years as they live'. I don't know what's going to happen, but during our private dicussion last night, we agreed that this isn't our fight. True, we were caught up, but only because this was the first time I had seen all of you for a long time. Don't think of this as us going AWOL though. Think of this as us manning a different post in case Nigel strikes in a different location.

I must also confess to something. That little reunion we had in the market party five days ago? It was rigged. Not by Mallo or Nigel, but a few days before that, I had actually returned to my old home of Sao. Not to drop in and say hello though. Manu had called me and asked me a favor. He had a feeling his enemy Mallo was around in Rio, and wanted me to find out what was going on. Manu knew Mallo long before all this.

Mallo was resorting to almost criminal methods to 'get' help to 'find' Nigel. So he killed Manu's girlfriend at that time, Kiara, and then blackmailed Manu into finding Mallo. Manu managed to break away and flee to Sao Paulo, but not without giving away the location of where Nigel lives and who he was woking for: The smugglers. Everyone gave up their search efforts when they learned that and lived in fear every night. I kept on the streets, keeping my ears sharp for any info. Then all of us heard of the arrival of another bird.

Blu, did you think your arrival in Rio really went unnoticed? When we heard that you came, we began to see hope again. A second Blue Spix Macaw... When we heard you and Jewel escaped from the plane, freed all of the birds and defeated Nigel, we celebrated your victory. Our saviour had come. Confused? Well, I'll break it down for you.

When news about a massive blaze in the Amazon rainforest 16 years ago had wiped out all but one of the Spix macaws, all of the birds across the country went into a state of grieving. Another of our rare kind would die out soon. The one who escaped - Jewel - was lucky to get away with her life. She knew that she was the last one left as well. As for Blu... Well, we have to admit, none of us knew about Blu until he arrived. This could mean one thing: The Spix Macaws were not entirely extinct. The news spread everywhere. And some of us actually forged a prophecy. Sounds cheesy, I know, but they really did this. This is what they claimed:

 

'One blue bird and one white bird

Shall wage a battle that will be heard

Across the land and across the sky

Spanning on until the end of life'

 

Seems like Blu and Nigel will meet again at some point. And again and again. Blu, I hope you're gonna be ready for the battles against him. Chances are you're gonna have to be doing this all your life. I know what you're gonna say, you're more of a home bird rather than an adventure bird, but let's not forget that we've all been on adventures multiple times through our lives. You can do it. Even though I've only known you for a few days, I know you can.

Ara would like to say to Blu 'Thank you for being a friend, it's an honor to know the legend in person'. He must really like you. As for me? Well... As well as getting to see my best friend getting on in life with said bird, it was great to see the rest of you. It was an honor to see you all again, and like Ara, an honor to know the legend that is Blu in person. So much as I wanted to stay longer, I couldn't. I'm going back home to Sao to begin a new life with my newfound love that is Ara, my sister Alice, and our mutual friend Emmanuel.

Blu, Jewel, Nico, Pedro, Raphael... This is not farewell, nor is it goodbye.

This is simply 'so long'.

 

- Clearwater Halcyon

 

P.S: Yes, that really is my surname. And yes, I really do have a surname.

 

Blu, stunned, slowly folded the letter back over and gave it back to Raphael.

''I know.'' He said to Blu. ''I felt the same way.''

Blu didn't say anything. Instead, he just stood there, sad feelings beginning to overwhelm him.

''Already, it's so much quieter.'' He whimpered. ''I mean, who's gonna keep doing this 'dubstep' I love so much?''

''I'm sure we can figure something out.'' Raphael said, trying to cheer him up. ''And I'm sure we'll see 'em again.''

''Maybe... Maybe.'' Blu sniffed. He was starting to well up with tears.

''What?'' Bia whispered to her older sister and younger brother. ''Is Dad crying?''

''Hey, hey, it's alright, baby...'' Jewel whispered soothingly, embracing Blu. ''We'll see them again.''

''I know we will.'' Blu choked, letting his tears run down his cheeks.

 

 

March the 3rd - One day to go

 

 

Blu sat on top of the articificial birdhouse, watching the other birds and creatures roam freely about the sanctuary, chattering to each other.

He had to wonder whether if any of them had ever lost anyone that they only knew for a small amount of time, yet became an important part of their life.

''Maybe some relationships last longer than others.'' Blu said to himself, but that wasn't enough to stop another teardop flowing down his body.

Bia stretched her wings and came out of her room in the birdhouse. Looking up behind her, she could see her father sitting by himself, wiping his face with his wing.

''Huh?'' Bia flew up next to Blu. ''Dad, what's wrong?''

''Nothing.'' Blu lied, trying to sound like himself. ''Nothing's wrong.''

''There is something wrong, isn't there? I can tell. And I can also say there's a good chance it's related to what happened yesterday.''

Blu laughed.

''Nothing gets past you, does it?''

''Well, when some birds use logic...'' Bia replied, pointing to her head.

''Guss those books you're reading are doing you some good then.''

Bia was a very book smart bird and a very avid reader. When she wasn't out on the town by herself or with her family, Bia would spend the most of her days by going into the library in the sanctuary's outpost, picking out a small collection of books, put them in a pile, and just get sucked into the stories and ideas that the humans also immersed themselves into. As the weeks went bye, she actually noticed herself becoming smarter and smarter, being able to resolve problems incredibly quickly, as well as being able to see through lies and being able to reason in detail. Naturally, Blu and Jewel were proud of her.

''So what exactly is the problem, Dad?'' Bia asked again. Blu sighed.

''While we were on our little adventure over the past few days, me and you mother met some new friends that were coming along with us. After we were finished, we invited them to come and stay with us. But they just... vanished. We thought they were waiting for us back home, but we found a letter from our friends explaining why they had to leave. And I had only known them for a few days... I wanted to know them for a little longer...''

''So THAT'S what's bothering you?''

''Yes.'' Blu simply said.

''I wish you could tell me what happened. I'm begging to know.'' Bia said.

''Sometimes, my daughter, there are things you want to say that should be left for another time.''

''And in the case of this, when are you going to leave it until?''

Blu got up and gazed over the city of Rio De Janeiro.

''When the time is right, quite simply.''

 

 

March the 4th - 12 hours to go

 

 

''Hey! Blu! Come on, sleepy, time to get up!''

Blu groaned, opened his eyes and yawned. Another dream...?

''Morning.''

''Heh, good morning, Blu!'' Jewel chirped. Blu got up onto his claws.

''Do you know what day it is?'' Jewel asked a still groggy Blu.

''Er... March the 4th, right?''

''Indeed it is, but that's not quite the answer I'm looking for.''

Blu thought a little harder. Then it dawned on him.

''Oh, wow. It's come already!'' Blu exclaimed.

''It sure has. Tonight is the Rio Carnival.''

Blu walked out of his and Jewel's room of the birdhouse and into the early moning sunlight and hazy air, as all of the different birds living here flew around the peaceful jungle.

''I'm betting that every single one of these are coming to the parade tonight. And we're gonna be there as well.''

''What, amongst the crowd?'' Jewel asked.

''Nah, I'm betting Raphael's got something set up for us all.'' Blu caught out of the corner of his eye that Raphael was approaching. ''Oh, hey, here he comes. Hey, Rapphie!'' Blu called to him, waving. Rapphie swooped down and landed.

''Hey! Moning, you two!'' Raphael beamed, shaking Blu and Jewel's wings.

''Good morning, Raphael!'' Blu greeted, befoe looking at the singed-off area of his plumage. ''Um, turn around a sec, I think you've got some--''

''Yeah, I know,'' Raphael said, tuning around anyway. Blu ran his wing across the area. It came away black. Blu smelt it.

''What the... Is that felt-tip pen?!''

''I'm not sure what it is, but I don't want to fly around Rio with a massive bald patch in my feathers, so Luiz covered this bit here with what you said it was.'' Raphael explained, before sighing. ''Hope they grow back soon. And hope it doesn't take ages...''

''I belive that'll take a few weeks,'' Bia said, suddenly appearing from her room. ''Oh, morning.'' She said, noticing her parents were up as well.

''Good morning Bia!'' Blu said. ''Are the others up yet?''

''Carla's just having a wash, and I think Tiago's still asleep.''

''Alright.'' Blu turned his attention back to Raphael. ''Hey, where's Nico and Pedro?''

''Well, I'm actually doing something with them right now. The reason I came to you is because we need Carla's help, actually.''

''You need MY help?'' Carla chirped, poking her head out of her room.

''Yeah. If you come with me, I'll show you what we need you to do.'' Raphael proposed, before looking at Blu and Jewel. ''Um, it is okay, right?''

''Oh, sure! Just make sure she doesn't mess around, okay?''

''Hah, that's Tiago's job, Mom.'' Carla beamed. ''Oh, hang on, let me just get something...''

Carla darted her head back into her room. The rummaging and clattering noises that followed made it clear that she was looking for something.

''Got it!'' Carla came back, with a pair of white earphones lodged in her ears. Blu groaned and chuckled.

''Her and her music.'' He said. Whenever Carla could, she'd always grab her MP3 and earphones and take them wherever and whenever she went out on the town, nodding her head to every beat of what she was listening. But what could Carla say? She loved music, and nothing would change that.

''Okay, I'm ready.''

''Great! Let's go!'' Raphael said.

''Um, where exactly are you taking her?'' Blu asked.

''Somewhere.'' Rapphie replied, smirking. Blu and Jewel weren't too sure where he was going to take their daughter, but Raphael never lied or abused their trust.

''Have fun!'' Blu shouted, waving the toucan and the young blue macaw off. When they had gone, Jewel turned to Blu.

''I know it's gonna be for the carnival. But then again, I've been wrong before.''

''Chances are you're gonna be right.'' Bia said. ''83%, to be exact.''

''Oh, Bia, Bia, Bia...'' Jewel chuckled. ''You never fail to impress us.''

Bia smiled.

''Well, I'd better get back to reading.'' She said, flying back up to her room. Just as she went through the hole though, she screamed.

''What the--''

''TIAGO!! This is MY room!!'' Bia yelled angrily, as Tiago flew out, laughing his head off. As he flew past, Blu grabbed his tail and gave it a firm yank, pulling him to the ground. Now he was in trouble. Jewel sighed.

''Man, what are we gonna do with you...''

''Oh, come on, I only meant it as a joke!'' Tiago pleaded.

''Do you see us or your older sisters hiding in your room, waiting for you to come along?'' Blu retorted. Tiago opened his beak to speak, but shut it when he thought about what his father had just said to him.

''Hm. Point taken.''

''Then stop doing it.''

''Oh, all right...'' Tiago sighed, heading back into his room.

''He can't keep doing that forever. He'll give it up one day, I'm sure.''

''Yeah, but we'll have to put up with it until that day comes.''

Blu stayed quiet, then laughed.

''But we can let him off the case with Raphael and that pit trap, can't we?''

Jewel let out a guffaw.

''Maybe.''

Blu hopped off of the balcony and flew up to the top of the tree they lived by and took in the sight of the majestic city. Jewel soon joined him, resting her head on Blu's shoulders. They shared the moment for a while.

''It's amazing how quickly we've gone back to our old life, you know.'' Blu said. Jewel propped her head back up.

''Yeah, it has, hasn't it?''

''It's only been a week since we woke up, saw Raphael, and we headed over to the market for a massive party - and a friendly reunion between old friends. Then the day after, it all began... Nigel in the shack. Mallo in hot pursuit. Us heading to Sao Paulo, finding Emmanuel, then getting through the lockdown and being faced with the blaze...''

Blu took a step towards Jewel and wrapped his wings around her. Jewel did likewise.

''I nearly lost you then. I don't want to ever lose you. We're the last of the blue Spix Macaws. If one of us died, then everyone in the city would be devastated. They look up to me, even though I don't want to act as their hero. Like I said, all I want is a peaceful life. Maybe because of that, I'm more of a city bird than a wild bird, but I guess that's me.''

''I know what you mean. Everyone who lives here - especially Nico, Pedro and Raphael - would shamelessly claim to be city birds. That I'm sure of. But...'' Jewel trailed off, before continuing: ''Have you ever considered becoming a wild bird? Like how I used to be?''

''Wild?'' Blu repeated, giving it some thought. ''I don't know... I'll be honest. I'm scared of being different. Scared that I might be the only one if

I change.''

''There's nothing to be afraid of, sweetheart. Change is natural. When we look back at those memories, we'll probably go 'Wow, was I really like that back then?' ''

''And... What about the fear of being alone?'' Blu asked.

''I remember what my father told me: 'If you truly believe that you are not alone, then you shall never be alone. There will always be someone

by your side.''

''And do you believe that you are not alone?'' Blu asked, placing a wing on his mate's cheek.

''Yes. I do believe that I'm not alone.'' Jewel embraced Blu. ''Because I'm with you. Because I love you.''

''I love you too, Jewel.''

They kissed as Blu gave into the feelings of tenderness that were swimming around both in his head and his heart, his feelings for Jewel...

 

 

- 3 hours to go

 

 

''Um... Let's see...'' Fernando muttered to himself, as he looked down at the rack of letters he had.

One P, an O, a couple of E's, a D, an M and an I... Not easy, he had to confess.

Blu, Jewel and their family were having a game of Scrabble with Fernando as they waited for Carla to come back. Night time was beginning to fall on the city as the moon began to rise over the Atlantic Ocean.

''How long are they gonna be?'' Blu wondered, looking up at the clock. 9:00 PM. They had been gone for nearly 9 hours straight now...

''It'll take them as long as it takes them.'' Jewel said to him. ''I've no idea what they're doing either, but you can be sure they're fine.''

''A-ha! Got it!'' Fernando exclaimed, picking up the M, the P and the I and placed them on a word Blu had placed, changing 'Unity' to 'Impunity'.

Fernando crossed his arms and smiked at Blu.

'' 'Impunity' , Blu? You ever heard of that?'' Fernando asked him. Blu looked promptly at Bia, who was in charge of dictionnary corner.

''Um, hang on a sec...'' Bia said, as she flicked through the pages, trying to find the word Fernando had placed. Her eyes lit up and she stopped.

''Ah. Here it is.'' All of the players lent over and looked at the word Bia was pointing at.

''Oh, yeah...'' Blu and Bia turned to Fernando and both gave him a nod of approval.

''Great! So 'unity' was 17 points, so that plus the 3 extra letters... 21 points.'' He announced, writing down the new score on the pad of paper.

They newly added batch of points that Fernando had jumped ahead of Jewel and Tiago, and was now right behind Blu.

''No chance of catching Bia, just look at her.'' Tiago said, glancing at her score. She was leading the way by over 70 points. Blu was struggling just to keep up with her as well as staying ahead of the others...

''Man, how does she do it?'' Jewel whispered to Blu. Bia overheard them.

''Logic.'' She simply said, pointing to her head again.

A small knocking came fom the window. Blu glanced up to see it was Nico.

''Back in a sec.'' He said to Bia. ''Make sure Tiago doesn't peek over at our racks.''

Blu flew up to the windowsill followed by Jewel, and opened the window to let Nico in.

''Thanks, Blu.'' Nico said, flying in. Blu quickly glanced outside. It was just him who came.

''Hey, where's Carla?'' Jewel asked.

''She's still over with Raphael and Pedro.'' Nico replied.

''Then what are you doing here?''

''Raphael sent me to tell you that our 'surprise' we're doing is nearly ready. He wants me to take you up to where they've got it set up in a couple of hours.''

''That's great!'' Bia beamed, looking up. ''And everyone in Rio's coming, right?''

''Every single bird.'' Nico confirmed. ''Gonna be packed.''

''Then could you come back later then?'' Blu asked. ''I mean, we're trying to have a game of Scrabble here.''

''Erm... A game of what?'' Nico fired back, perplexed by this game Blu mentioned.

''Oh, never mind.'' Blu sighed, knowing it was gonna take ages to explain. ''Come back later, okay?''

Nico nodded.

''Then it's settled. I gotta get back, so I'll see you in a bit!'' Nico turned and flew back out of the window, back out into the evening air.

A small silence hung in the air.

''A couple of hours. That's still plenty of time.''

''Hey, Blu?'' Fernando asked. ''What's up?''

Blu responded by motioning towards the window.

''What, you gotta head out again?'' Blu sadly nodded. Fernando grinned. ''Hey, it's okay. Do what you have to. I'll be waiting for you.''

Blu and Jewel flew back down to the table.

''But first, let's get this game done, okay?''

 

 

- 1 hour to go

 

 

Blu paced back and forth, counting down every second to go until midnight - when the full-blown festival that is the Rio Carnival would begin. It was nearly time.

And he couldn't wait.

Blu looked out of the hole in his and Jewel's room, gazing over the city once more. The grid of lights that made up the city at night buzzed away, and right there, in the center, all of the lights were glowing white. That must be where the parade was set up. Blu shifted his view to his right side, where Mount Corcovado and the massive stone statue of Christ the Redeemer towered over Rio. Normally, the statue would be deserted

on any night, but this time, it was alight as much as the rest of the city. Was that where everyone had gathered?

Blu strained his ears. Even this far from downtown Rio, you could still hear the chorus of singing, shouting and cheering emanating from the streets below, like every year. This was Blu's first proper time he would be able to join in the fun.

''But man, some wait this is.'' Blu muttered to himself.

''I think it's worth it though.'' Jewel's voice cut through the air from behind. Blu spun around to face her.

''But like we said. After what we've been through this past week, we deserve it. Don't you think?''

Blu gave a small laugh and took a step towards Jewel.

''Roses really do suit you, you know. Shame you don't wear them more often.''

Whenever Jewel was feeling in a formal mood, she would always pick out a flower from the jungle and wear it on her forehead anytime she went out to a party. Everyone said it suited her, and Jewel was pleased to hear that.

''Hey, thanks so much, sweetie.'' The two of them shared a kiss. Blu looked past to see Nico flying towards them.

''Here he comes.'' Nico flew down neatly and landed.

''Well, Rapphie told me to come fetch you, so here I am. Y'all ready?''

''Kids!'' Jewel called. ''Ae you two ready to go?''

''Almost, lemme just finish this page!'' Bia's voice chirped back.

''Tiago! What about you? You ready?''

''Very nearly!''

Blu turned to Nico.

''Is it packed?'' He asked. Nico nodded.

''Very. But when everyone sees you coming in, well... It's gonna be havoc.''

''Always waiting aound for us, huh?'' Jewel mused. ''Well, we'd better not keep them too long.''

Bia poked her head into the hole Blu, Jewel and Nico were on, followed closely by Tiago.

''Okay, we're ready!'' The two of them said at the same time, their voices overlapping.

''Then shall we?'' Nico said, as they all spread their wings.

''Yeah!''

Blu, Jewel, Nico, Bia and Tiago all flew off into the night.

 

 

- 40 minutes to go

 

 

As the family of macaws folowed Nico ever higher up to Mount Corcovado, Blu could still hear the chorus of singing and cheering from far below... And above as well?

''Dah!'' Blu screeched, clutching his head in pain. Jewel gasped and flew over to him.

''Woah, you okay?''

''Argh... For a split-second there, I thought we were back in Sao Paulo duing the lockdown.''

''You were?'' Jewel asked, stopping and listening to the sounds coming from both up and down. True, this DID remind her of Sao...

''It'll pass. Don't worry. Come on.''

They continued climbing higher and higher up, following Nico up to where Raphael, Pedro and Carla were waiting for them...

''Just look at that.'' Nico said, flying off to the side to allow the others to get a better view of what was waiting for them. Down on the base below of the statue was a massive sea of colored lights, birds and confetti. There was music in the air all around them.

''Welcome to the club.''

Blu's beak hung open in amazement at the hypnotizing sight. Some of the parties he had already been to were big, but one on this scale... Now, he was most certainly impressed.

The birds landed on the side and worked their way around to Raphael though the sea of dancing and celebating birds. Once there, Rapphie just stared down on them, wings crossed and a huge smug expression on his face.

''So whaddya think?'' He asked. Blu nodded in approval and gave him the thumbs-up.

''If you were aiming to get rid of your jealousy because the parties in Sao were bigger than the ones here, then mission accomplished.'' He said. Raphael laughed.

''And guess what we brought up from the market?'' Pedro said, pointing to the turntables behind them. ''Not easy. We needed over 50 birds help just to bring it here. Rapphie's decided to do our parties from here now on.''

''I didn't know you know how to use them.'' Jewel said.

''He didn't.'' Carla said from behind them, making Blu jump. ''But I gave him a few pointers, and he got the hang of it.''

''I also forgot to mention.'' Raphael picked up the vinyl from the turntable. ''When we found Clearwater's letter, we found this along with it and a note of paper containing the lyrics, as well as a bunch of stuff we can play. Nico here's actually going to be singing that song, aren't you?''

''Sue am!'' Nico said, cracking the joints in his wings. ''Should we start it now, Rapphie, or...''

''Er... Yeah, why not.''

''We'll go get down in the crowd then.'' Blu said, turning around. ''Bia, Tiago, you two can go play. Don't get yourselves into trouble.''

''Hey, thanks Dad.'' Bia said. ''C'mon, Tiago.''

''Aw, why do we have to go play instead of staying with them...'' Tiago moaned, flying off with his older sister. Blu exclaimed and turned back to Raphael.

''Hey, Rapphie?''

''Yeah?''

''I just realized: If you're on the turntables, Nico's singing and Pedro's doing one set of drums, who's gonna do the other set?''

''Oh, I'm sure young Carla can handle this!'' Raphael answered, chuckling and placing a wing on Carla's shoulder. ''Um, you can, right?''

Carla shrugged.

''Guess I could give it a shot.''

''That's settled then.''

As Blu and Jewel worked their way to the back of the crowd where there was more room so they could dance, Raphael slowly turned down the volume of the current song that was playing until it was inaudible, then adressed the birds:

''Good evening, mi amigoes!''

The crowd roared.

''So glad you could come join us on this, the night of the Carnival in Rio De Janeiro! This is the party that everyone around the world wants to be at, so if ther are any birds from far-off places, I say welcome to them all! I'm Raphael, and I'll be your host for tonight. As well as setting up this party to celebrate the Carnival, we're also doing this to celebrate our victory over our mutual enemy we've been fighting against all week. And, heh heh, so much as they said they wanted a quiet life, I just can't ignore them. Ladies and gentlebirds, Blu and Jewel are here in the crowd tonight everyone, so let's give them a huge welcome from all of us!''

A light suddenly shone down on the two adult Spix Macaws as all of the birds in the crowd turned aound to face them, applauding and cheering. Because of the unexpected reception that they recieved, Blu blushed, smiled nervously and waved them off good-naturedly.

''Hey, thanks for the welcome guys, but let's all remember why we're here, shall we?'' Jewel called out to the crowd and Raphael.

''Indeed, Jewel!'' Raphael called back, getting the attention of the crowd again. ''So let's get this started already! Nico, over to you!''

''Thanks Rapphie!'' Nico said, before turning to the birds. ''Now, this first song we're going to be playing was one that was left by a good friend of ours who sadly had to take a flight back to her hometown of Sao Paulo all too recently. We're going to make her proud and do her some justice by playing this for her. Hit it, guys!''

Everyone applauded as Raphael began to play the record. The song faded in slowly with a gentle piano. As Pedro and Carla gently hit a cymbal, Nico began to sing with a soprano-like voice:

 

We used to say we won't get older

It'll be all right

We wait to change and then it's over

But it'll be all right

All those years

We used to know

All those dreams

Won't go

 

Nico's voice echoed around for a while, as it gently gave way to a synth that sounded both beautiful and tense at the same time. Blu liked what he was hearing already as he danced around with Jewel. Just as the song began to rise, the synth cut away, and Nico continued to sing:

 

I won't let it go

On, on

I'm taking control

All, all

I want you to know

Oh, oh

You're already home

 

Now the song was becoming intense, as Carla and Pedo began to pound those dums faster and faster, to keep up with the synth. Blu could feel his heat pounding along to every beat of the song.

''This is incredible!'' He shouted to Jewel over the noise. ''Have you ever heard anything like this in your life?!''

''These guys really are doing her justice.'' Jewel replied.

''Are you READY, amigoes?!'' Raphael yelled, getting carried away by the intense rise. Just as it went over the top, that synth from before began to play a melody, punctuated by the kicks and snares of the drums, and a pad in the background playing during the pause of the drums.

The crowd adored it. Raphael let out a long, loud whoop. He was clearly enjoying this as much as the others. Nico began to sing the next few lines:

 

We can take this road, let's go home

All those dreams we know

We can take this road on our own

All those dreams we know

We can take this road, let's go home

All those dreams we know

We can take this road on our own

All those dreams we know

All those dreams won't go

 

Everything began to slow back down as the gentle, soft piano began to play again.

''How d'you think it's going so far?'' Raphael asked Carla, leaning towards her.

''Wow, this is great.'' She replied.

''Trust me, girl - It's gonna get better.'' Pedro added. Carla laughed.

''How so?'' She asked. As if to answer her question, Nico sung the next verse, this time making it sound very uncertain and dark:

 

We've gotten strange, we've gotten older

It'll be all right

I miss the days when we were sober

But it'll be all right

All those years

We used to know

All those dreams

Won't go

I won't let it go

On, on

I'm taking control

All, all

I want you to know

Oh, oh

You're already home

 

A siren began to blare loudly. This was a sign that the next drop was going to be even more intense than the last one.

''Come on, come on...'' Raphael muttered, clearly impatient and wanting to hear it. As the synths cut back in and the drums sped up, Raphael began to tense up his wings and grit his beak. He didn't want to mess this up for her...

''Bring it!!'' He shouted, as every thing collapsed into silence for a split-second. During that split-second, Blu closed his eyes and tensed up his wings as well. He exhaled slowly, then in that last moment before everything came crashing down, he jumped up into the air and spread his wings.

''We are what we listen,'' He told himself, opening his eyes.

Those synths, now sounding even more strained, began to echo a melody through the night sky, accompanied by the siren from before and a slower drum beat which gradually sped up, but remained at a catchable pace. This sounded amazing. If that party last week in the market was only a preview, then this had to be the main event.

Spiralling up to a considerable height, Blu flew futher up into thin air as the drums stopped, leaving only the synth, and just let gravity take over.

He was falling. But he didn't feel like falling. He felt more like rising. Just before he hit the ground, Jewel jumped up and caught him. Blu opened his eyes, and saw he was staring straight into the green eyes of his love. Jewel smiled and laughed.

''Where did that come from?'' She chuckled.

''I honestly don't know,'' Blu replied, laughing back. ''I think I got carried away.''

''I heard what you said. 'We are what we listen'. Maybe that was you when you heard that drop.''

''I think that was also Raphael. Did you see him as well?''

''I did. You two sure love your dubstep as much as Clearwater does.''

The two of them laughed and kissed, as Nico sung one final time:

 

I won't let it go

On, on

I'm taking control

All, all

I want you to know

Oh, oh

You're already home

 

Nico's voice echoed endlessly as everything faded out, leaving only the piano to wrap the song up. Raphael, breathing heavily, looked over at his fellow musicians. He felt a little embarassed to have been carried away. But when Carla laughed and slapped Rapphie's wing, he knew it was his way of saying how good a song was.

''Ladies and Gentlebirds, Raphael, Nico, Pedro and Carla for you all!'' Blu shouted, making everyone cheer. Raphael caught sight of Blu and smiled. Blu caught his gaze and smiled back. This was going to be one heck of a night.

 

 

- 5 minutes to go

 

 

Jewel and the others had only been partying for around half an hour, but she felt like she'd been up forever, refusing to go to sleep until she dropped fom fatigue. The kids had been having fun as well. Carla had been performing on the drums like a natural, Bia had been working out the names of each song, and Tiago had been busy... well, if pulling pranks when his parents weren't in sight was a pastime, then he did just that.

Jewel walked around the crowd, clearly trying to find someone. Some of the birds had decided to go down and watch the parade, which means

there was more room to move around. The place was still busy however.

''Blu? Hey, where are you?''

Jewel looked at up the booth to see Raphael taking a break and talking to Nico and Pedro, leaving the current song to play. Jewel flew over to them.

''Hey guys, you seen Blu anywhere?'' She asked.

''Blu? I thought he was with you.'' Raphael said.

''I've been looking for him for the past 5 minutes or so, and I can't find him anywhere.''

''Ya sure he hasn't gone down to the parade?'' Pedro suggested. Jewel shook her head.

''He would go tell me first. And the kids are kinda scattered everywhere, but I know they can take care of themselves.''

Jewel looked up at the massive stone statue of Jesus Christ to see one lone bird, sitting on the statue's left arm.

''Oh wait, there he is.'' Jewel remarked, flying up to reach him. ''Keep the ball rolling guys!''

''You know we will.''

Blu sat by himself, looking over the Gunarabara Bay and Sugar Loaf. He needed some time to get away from all of the party atmosphere and just meditate on past events; get some peace of mind...

''Hey.'' Jewel landed by him. ''I was looking for you everywhere. Thought you'd gone down to see the parade.''

Blu didn't say anything. Instead, he just nodded his head.

''Huh? Blu, what's wrong?''

''...''

Blu was feeling a little uncertain as to what could happen now over the years.

''He's out there somewhere.'' Blu said, sounding tense. ''We know he is. Somewhere, he's waiting for us, brewing up another plan.''

''Is that what's on your mind?''

''Yeah. We can party all we like, but it won't change the fact that we'll be seeing him again. That's why I'm up here. Trying to think about what

he could do to get me. Who he could recruit to take me on.''

''Like Nico said. Whether it be Rio, Sao Paulo or another city, we can take him, all of us. You don't need to worry.''

''I do though. Because every time we meet, we know he wants to kill me. I was the one who took away his ability to fly last year by slinging him into the propeller of the plane. He must've been horrified and angry to have first heard that. And because of that, he won't stop hunting me down.

We have to stop him at every turn. I don't want him dead; I wouldn't be capable of killing him. None of us would. But there's one friend who has a very good reason why she wants Nigel dead.''

''Clearwater?'' Jewel paused. ''Yeah, Nigel killed her parents.''

''Wonder what she's up to right now in Sao.'' Blu dug something folded away in this wing. ''I cut out this part of the letter she gave us. You remember it?''

Blu gave Jewel the scrap of paper. She opened it and read it.

 

'One blue bird and one white bird

Shall wage a battle that will be heard

Across the land and across the sky

Spanning on until the end of life'

 

''You don't believe in prophecies, do you now?'' Jewel asked, wondering if Blu was joking or being serious.

''I believe them to be a load of old trash. But when I read this, it gives me second thoughts. What if this one was true? What if we really are destined to face off throughout our lives?''

''I don't know as much as you do, sweetheart. All I know is he's out there somewhere, and everyone here looks up to us. I know what you're going to say, you wouldn't be capable, but one, you don't need to do this alone, and two, you'll probably do that while doing something else at the same time. Visit a new place or something, and it turns out Nigel's waiting for us there.''

''Nigel said he was going to Manaus. The Doorway. I have to admit, there and back only on foot? That's quite a feat.''

''That's where he's waiting for us right now.''

Blu and Jewel looked on in silence as they listened to the song that was playing below them being sung by Nico:

 

Rythmn is a dancer

It's a soul's companion

People feel it everywhere

Lift your hands and voices

Free your mind and join us

You can feel it in the air

Woah-oh

It's a passion

Woah-oh

You can feel it in the air

Woah-oh

It's a passion

Woah-oh-ohoh-oh-ohhhhhhh

This is the rythmn

You can put and join upon my fate

Oh, sunshine in an empty place

Take me to and too

And babe, I'll make you stay

Oh, I can ease you of your pain

Feel you give me love again

Round and round we go

Each time I hear you say

This is the rythmn of the night

The night

Oh yeah

The rythmn of the night

This is the rythmn of my life

My life

Oh yeah

The rythmn of my life

 

Blu clenched his wing. This was going to be a difficult task that woudn't end easily or abruptly. Nigel wanted him dead. But he wouldn't go down without a fight. And neither would Blu.

''We'll be ready.'' He said. ''Wherever we are, wherever we go, we'll be ready.''

''That's the spirit, Blu.'' Jewel whispered, hugging him as Carla, Bia and Tiago came down and joined the family hug, watching as the vibrant fireworks began over Rio De Janeiro, accompanied by the song from below:

 

This is the rythmn of the night

The night

Oh yeah

The rythmn of the night

This is the rythmn of my life

My life

Oh yeah

The rythmn of my life

Won't you teach me how to love and learn

There'll be nothing left for me to yearn

Think of me and mourn

And let me hold your hand

I don't want to face the world in tears

Please think again, I'm on my knees

Sing that song to me

A reason to repent

This is the rythmn of the night

The night

Oh yeah

The rythmn of the night

This is the rythmn of my life

My life

Oh yeah

The rythmn of my life

 

 

Sao Paulo, December the 31st - 9 months later

 

 

New Year's Eve was only a few minutes away from turning into New Year's Day. Everyone - birds and humans - had gathered in the streets, in Mercado Municipal, Ibirapuera Park, Praça Da Sé, practically everywhere, partying in the streets and counting down the last few hundred of seconds to go until the new year. Ibirapuera was chock-full with birds, chattering away, impatient for another year to begin.

A male red-winged macaw walked through the streets, heading back to where he lived. Everywhere he looked, he could see festivities and celebrations. This made him happy. But so much as he wanted to stop, he had promised to celebrate back home with the others. So he continued to walk. Turning a corner, under the pre-midnight air, he could see his home of Ibirapuera Park. Smiling, he broke into a run, jumped, spread his wings and flew the rest of the short distance to his home tree. He could see every bird gathered around the lake.

''Hey, I'm home!'' He chirped, landing on the branches of a tree and going into the small carved-out hole. Inside were three other red-winged macaws, just like him. The tallest and oldest looked every bit like the male, but the lighter-colored plumage could make it easy to tell it was female. The other two macaws were only hatchlings. One male, one female.

''Welcome home.'' The older female said, walking over and kissing the male. ''So what did you see?''

''Just as we thought. Everywhere, it's packed. Both with humans and birds.'' The male paused. ''Hope Sonny doesn't get in a tight squeeze. So how're the kids?''

''Pablo's been jumpy all night. He's really excited. Flora's looking forward to it as well.''

The father macaw chuckled and walked over to his children.

''Hey kids.''

''Hi, Dad!'' Pablo said happily. ''Only a few more minutes! Can you believe it?''

''I definitely can't, son.'' His father replied. ''Come on, let's go outside.''

The family headed down to the grassy terrain of the park, heading for the lake. The father wrapped his right wing in the mother's left, and they walked, both of them in love.

''Hey, sis!'' A female cried out, running towards them. ''Over here!''

''Oh, Alice!'' The mother shouted back, breaking off from the male and running forward, catching her sister in an embrace. ''Good to see you!''

''Same to you, Clearwater. How are you?''

''Really well, thanks for asking. Ara's been good as well.''

Alice looked over at the father. Ara grinned and nodded.

''Have you seen Sonny or Emmanuel?''

''I know they're coming, but they haven't arrived yet. They'd better hurry though, New Year is only three minutes from now. Come on, let's go get in the crowd and wait for them.''

The macaws followed Alice to the lake and waited on the edge of the crowd. As time ticked by, Pablo counted every second until the fireworks would be let loose. He really was impatient.

''Heard you guys were waiting for me.'' A deep male voice said from somewhere in the crowd.

''Huh? Manu?''

Alice began to weave through the singing crowd, trying to find the bird whom which voice it belonged to.

''Behind you.'' It said again. Alice turned around to be met with a Hyancith Macaw, much taller than Alice. She smiled.

''Hey, you made it!''

''I sure did. How are you all?''

''Really impatient, that's for sure. You haven't seen Sonny?''

Manu shook his head.

''Hey, I'm over here!'' Sonny's voice called out. Alice craned her head up to see a flamingo waving to them on the other side of the crowd.

''He's over there.''

The birds squeezed back through the crowd to reach Sonny - Alice's and Clearwater's godfather, who took care of Alice ever since her and Clear's parents were killed.

''About time you turned up! I thought you weren't going to make it.''

''You know me.'' Sonny chuckled. ''Hey, hey, listen to that!''

Everyone across the lake were counting down the final minute together. Ara, Clearwater, Pablo, Flora, Manu, Alice and Sonny joined in together. As he counted, Ara thought of his old home that was Rio De Janeiro, and his old life. He had never thought of ever becoming a parent. He never hoped for anything major to happen in his life. Just being with friends was all he wanted. When Clearwater walked into his life, the two of them became friends. As so much everyone said they make a happy couple, Ara insisted they remain on being friends. But after their adventure quite a while ago, Clear had became much more than a friend for Ara, and vice versa. 9 months ago, he had been swept into an adventure with some of his old friends over there as they came to Clear's old home of Sao Paulo to seek Manu right here, trying to hide a fugitive they forgave. But they had no idea what was in store for them when they came back to Rio. After what happened, he bid his friends in Rio farewell and moved to Sao with his love Clearwater, her sister Alice, and their friends Manu and Sonny. Ara and Clear were now parents, living with two hatchlings in a tree in Ibirapuera Park. Ara was so happy right now. They told their children of how they met, what happened in their adventure, while speaking of a magical and unforgettable place called Rio De Janeiro, 300 kilometres to the east. Pablo was fascinated.

He wanted to know more and more.

''You will.'' Ara told him.

''Dad, can I ask you a question?''

''Sure, go on.''

As the countdown reached the final 10 seconds, Pablo asked his question:

''Will we and you ever go to Rio? Again?''

''HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!'' The crowd yelled in unison, as the fireworks lit up the night sky in a display of blue, green, red and yellow.

Ara chuckled and held his son tight as they watched the show.

''One day. Maybe one day, we will. But for now, I'd say this year's off to a great start. Let's enjoy what's happening right now.''

So they did. All around them, there was party, celebrations and happiness. Ara took that for granted. This was the life, he had to admit.

 

 

END OF RIO - THE CARNIVAL

 

 

So, what did you think? I put in a full year's work for this, ever since the idea came around last October and I began working full time on it at the beginning of March. I really am proud of myself. And now that this is finished, I can get back to work on my Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series.

But will I ever come back and write another fan-fic in the world of Rio? Well, heh, let's hinge on Ara's final words. One day. One day, we will.

And let's also not forget the prophecy the birds had created. But for now...