Chapter 32:

A Family Reunited: part 3!

Extracted from the diary of Rose,

Daughter of Blu and Jewel

It has been several months since our final battle with Marco and the dreaded New World Order, and believe me when I say that those dark times are far from forgotten in the minds of the many birds across the whole state of Rio de Janeiro. With the final few days of summer now upon us, the world seems to blossom under a longing sense of peace and harmony. Despite their being no mention of it from any creature, I think we all feel the same way. We fear that this calming sense is nothing more than just an illusion. Being ever the optimist, I must try to believe that this feeling of safety will last a long time… though I must admit that sometimes it is hard to believe such a thing. I keep reminding myself that my father (who has become a legend amongst the numerous jungle creatures) has shown what he can do if he needs too. I doubt that any evil creature would dare to attempt to follow Marco's example. Even evil beings must hold some value to their miserable pathetic excuse for an existence.

Those who were brainwashed and served under the dark emperor's cruel whim have been freed. With a sense of guilt and a longing regret which I doubt will ever fully heal, they have begun to move the confiscated food and spread it evenly amongst those who are starving in the jungles. With a heartfelt apology, that would cause tears to form in the eyes of even the most masculine bird amongst them, I know now that they truly are sincere in what they say. Their kindness isn't just an act to get back into the good graces of their former friends. Every word they say is the cold honest truth, and that is something everyone must face in order to be redeemed.

A couple of weeks ago, Rafael returned back to Rio de Janeiro. He surprised everyone who seemed overjoyed to see him. After a long hard season away from our tropical home, he has managed to bring every last creature back. I couldn't be happier to see Eva, Carlos, Marco, Sophia, Manuela and the rest of the toucans again. I was so disappointed when they had decided to run off. It was like I had lost a piece of myself that day, but now they're back and my how they've grown since the last time I seen them. Rafael however still looks stressed out, and he complains that the kids are going to end up giving him grey feathers, but I can see a certain sincerity in his eyes. Even though I know he wouldn't ever admit it to anyone, he wouldn't trade a second away from them for anything else in the whole entire world… in a way he is kind of like all the stories I hear about my dad. His love for my mom, all the things they've been through. It all seems way too farfetched to be true… like some kind of wonderful fairy tale… but that couldn't be the case. I've witnessed some of the things they've gone through… most recently the ordeal with Marco and my father's resurrection from the grave. Yes! The toucan reminds me of them beyond a shadow of a doubt. They both seem to have found love that even death itself can't stop.

Speaking of my father, right after Rafael's return with Eva and the rest of the fleeing birds, my father started to hobble by himself. Though he walks much slower than what I remember of him, I am amazed by his progress. His grey feathers have begun to change back into their natural cerulean state. I know that with each day in the sun, his condition will only increase and he'll grow much stronger, and far sturdier than he ever has been. He has taken it upon himself to teach me how to write, and I am using his lessons to write this now. I write words which I could never truly express in my own voice. I would be far too embarrassed. Mom says that I've developed a socially awkward personality, but that is one of the more attractive qualities I inherited from my father's gene pool.

Now I've gabbed on about what has happened in everyone else's life. I should probably tell you a little bit about mine as well. It is only fair, I am sure mom would be proud that I have considered everyone's feelings in this matter, and not just excluded myself… at least I think… she can be a bit sensitive a times, and I try my best to avoid her unpleasant moods. I guess she is still suffering from her past. I wonder what happened to her? Maybe one day she will confide in me, but until then, I really do not want to pride into her personal life. I am her daughter, and I don't want to cross any boundaries that shouldn't be crossed.

Rico managed to make a full recovery, and he and I have started hanging out more and more. Rafael says that he can see sparks of romantic interest on the bird thief's part. I can't help but wonder if he really does care for me? Could he really be the one? So many questions continue to work through my mind. My heart seems to skip a beat every time I'm near him. I would never say this to mom or dad, but I really want him to admit it. I want him to say those three words. I know I gladly would return those feelings if he would just be honest with me about what he felt inside his heart. But he seems to be holding onto a pain, something that has caused him to suffer in the past. He has agreed to share that story with me, right after we finish the victory party tonight. I am a bit nervous about it though. What could he be so bad to cause him to take up the life of a thief?

Unfortunately the day is drawing to a close and I desire to spend what little time is left to be out in the sunlight. I can always continue writing this journal entry later, until then I think I shall call it quits and go and see what Mom, Dad, or Rico is up too. They surely must be planning something for the party tonight. Maybe, just maybe, I can help out with something.

Rose the spix macaw

Rose put down the pen and stood up straight. She twisted her body, shaking the stiffness which captivated her. She could feel a renewed sense of energy flowing throughout the core of her entire being. She didn't want to waste another second of the day writing in her journal. She wanted to be out, having fun, playing as the seasons shifted from one to the next. Her whole life felt sheltered and now she could break free and begin to experience life to the fullest. Turning towards the door, she spread her wings and prepared herself to fly. In her excitement she failed to see Rico creeping up behind her. With his talons slanted and his body extended to his full height, he didn't make a sound as he crept close with each second. He leaned in, moving as close to the female's ear as possible.

"HEY ROSE, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" he shouted at the top of his lungs causing the female macaw to jump with fright. She swung her wing, swatting him with all the strength she could muster. Rico found himself wincing in pain as he fell backwards, landing on his back against the countertop. His head grimaced with a rather large goose egg from the impact. He rubbed the injury with an un-amused and rather disappoint look. He hadn't expected her to act that way.

"Calm down, Rose." He pouted. "That's not cool. You could hurt someone doing that."

Rose formed a sly smile which mimicked her mother during her and her father's courtship. A mischievous side awakened deep within the female in that one instant. She curled her beak in a sarcastic manner and let her voice ring out, holding out a wing to help him up as she did so.

"And shouting at the top of your lungs in someone's ear, can't hurt someone? I never knew that, you are someone with a great wisdom… or are incredibly foolish."

Rico looked on a bit confused as he tried to determine what the female was saying. He continued to rub his head, becoming lost. He couldn't form a reply, because he didn't understand the statement. Rose shrugged her wings and giggled to herself as she explained herself further.

"Relax, I was only joking." She waved her wings towards the door and peered back at the thief. "I should probably go and help mom and dad prepare for tonight. Do you want to come?"

Rico shook his head.

"Not really, I haven't met your dad. I think I shouldn't involve myself with him, until you and your mother say some nice things about me. I don't want the fact that I'm a bird thief to leave the wrong impression."

Rose nodded in understanding. She wouldn't force him if he felt uncomfortable. Without another word she soared through the room heading towards the door.

# # #

Hundreds of birds lined the streets just outside of the samba club which Nico had christened as "Paradise". No one dared to say a word as they tried to catch a glimpse of their valued hero who saved them from living a horrible life and remain trapped within the clutches of Marco's tyranny and dictatorship. They all stared in awe, gasping with excitement as they watched him appear, his wings wrapped tightly around the waste of a female member of his kind. He ignored them, and stared into her eyes as they moved quickly towards the club. Blu felt really nervous out in the open. He didn't like his newfound fame, nor did he want the glory. He only did what he needed to do, and that one thing ended up garnering him as a hero.

Keep moving, Blu! He told himself in his mind. They can't follow you in the club. Nico has increased security especially after what you did during your last visit here.

Blu peered at Jewel and allowed her to enter before him. The female macaw bowed her head and giggled as she moved past him. She wasn't used to being treated like a lady. She especially wasn't used to Blu acting like a higher class gentleman. She smiled and whispered in his ear as she passed.

"Thank you, Pet"

Blu bowed his head low and followed suit. Upon entering the club his eyes widened as he stopped dead in his tracks. There weren't any streams of coloured light this time. Instead the moonlight glistened through several long gashes torn into silk cloth roofing. The effect proved effective and felt like they stood underneath a star strewn night sky. A romantic vibe emanated throughout the entire club. Sweet harmonious music filled the air (very different from the traditional fast paced samba music Nico preferred to play) Blu forced a smile as he realised what this meant. Jewel would want to dance with him. He held out a wing and bowed low to the female at his side.

"Can I have this dance?" he asked, arching a curious eyebrow and holding his eyes wide for added emphasis. He changed his voice to give it a more elegant touch of class, mimicking a richer upper class stiff with a British accent. "It would be a great privilege, my dear."

Jewel giggled and accepted his wing. She swung him around, taking the lead. She smiled seductively at him, and winked a single eye in his direction. She couldn't wipe the smile off of her face.

"I'm going to make you regret that, Pet." She teased, she didn't mean it in the way she said it. She meant it more as a romantic gesture. "Let's get this party started. Let's throw down."

Blu and Jewel danced throughout most of the night. They became lost in the romantic intimate setting the club provided. Before long they were joined by Rafael and Eva, as well as Rose and Rico. Blu peered at the two macaws for a moment. His jaw dropped as he drew into the mode of an overprotective parent. He let go of Jewel's wing and stared slack jawed at what he seemed to be witnessing. He pointed a wing at the male and peered at Jewel, more than just a little confused.

"What did I miss?" he asked. "Who is that guy? And why is he dancing with our daughter?"

Jewel hugged her husband reassuringly and shook her head. She peered at him with her soft sapphire eyes. She knew that Blu didn't have much of a chance to meet Rico. In fact, by the time the macaw had arrived on the battleground, Rico himself laid wounded and needing medical attention.

"His name is Rico… he is kind of Rose's first crush."

Blu's jaw dropped even lower. His eyes widened in shock at what he heard. His beak trembled as he fought the urge to stare at the young couple. He couldn't wrap his mind around it.

"C-C-Crush?" he echoed. "Rose has a c-c-crush?"

Jewel nodded her head.

"Say, Blu, could you do something for me?" she asked. "Could you please sing me a song? I've sang you two, and I really haven't gotten to hear your singing voice yet. Please, can you do that, for me?"

Blu nodded his head and led Jewel to a quiet corner of the club. The moon shined in through a tear just overhead and the beam covered them in its soft pale light. Jewel smiled as she thought about what kind of song Blu would sing. She closed her eyes and became embraced in the moment. She leaned in, waiting to hear his sweet voice singing out to her.

Blu sang out in a deep voice, rather slow, but every word filled her with a sense of love, happiness, everything she wanted to feel whenever she was with him… and he did a good job at that. Every single time she stood beside him, or he held his wings around her. She could feel her heart falling for him all over again. It was the spell he could cast with just his own gaze, with his own touch, with his own voice, and everything that lurked within his soul.

"Some day, when I'm awfully low,

When the world is cold

I will feel a glow just thinking of you

And the way you look tonight.

Yes, you're lovely, with you're smile so warm

And you're cheeks so soft

There is nothing for me but to love you

And the way you look tonight.

With each word your tenderness grows,

Tearing my fear apart

And that laugh that wrinkles your nose,

It touches my foolish heart.

Lovely, never, ever change

Keep that breathless charm.

Won't you please arrange it?

Cause I love you, just the way you look tonight.

With each word your tender grows,

Keep that breathless charm

Won't you please arrange it?

And that laugh that wrinkles your nose,

It touches my foolish heart.

Cause I love you, just the way you look tonight."

Mm, Mm, Mm, Mm

Just the way you look to-night."

Blu peered at Jewel who appeared speechless by the words of the song. He could hear her heart skip a beat as she thought about the words for a second. She waited no longer she pulled herself into a passionate kiss. She wrapped her arms tight around him. She didn't ever want to let him go. Blu's eyes widened in shock by her sudden openness towards him, he hadn't expected that kind of response from her. After a moment he closed his eyes and embraced the moment shared between the two of them, basked only in the pale moonlight.

"Hey, you two!"

Blu broke away and peered out at the sky and found himself staring at Nico working his way across the room towards them. He hovered in place and forced a smile. His eyes filled with innocence as if noticing the romantic moment shared between the two for the first time.

"Come on guys, this is a party. You got to shake your tail feathers, and have some fun."

Blu nodded his head and grabbed a piece of the roofing. Without a word he wrote something down and handed it to the canary.

"If you want me to have fun, you'll sing this for everyone and dedicate it to Jewel. This is how I feel about her, so make sure you sing it well."

Nico nodded and fluttered off towards the makeshift stage.

"Right everyone listen up!" Nico shouted. "We have a special song dedicated to my friends, Blu and Jewel. With everything Blu's done for the city of Rio, it is only fair to honour his request. Let's put our hands together and clap them, slap them, and we don't care if you even have to slap them!"

The band played a delicate beat as the song began. Nico spun his bottle cap hat and let his voice ring out.

"Every part of my heart, I'm giving out

Every song on my lips, I'm singing out

Any fear in my soul, I'm letting go

Anyone who asks, I'll let them know.

She's the one, she's the one, I'll say it loud

She's the one, she's the one, I'll sing it proud

Ring the bell, Ring the bell, for the whole crowd

Ring the bell, Ring the bell!

I'm telling the world, I found a girl

The one I can live for

The one who deserves….

Every part of my heart, I'm giving out

Every song on my lips I'm singing out

Any fear in my soul, I'm letting go

Anyone who asks, I'll let them know

She's the one, She's the one I'll say it loud

She's the one, She's the one I'll sing it proud

Ring the bell, ring the bell for the whole crowd

Ring the bell, Ring the bell

I'm telling the world, I found a girl!

The one I can live for

The one who deserves.

To give all the light

A reason to fly

The one I can live for

A reason for life!

Wo-ay-oh, wo-ay-oh-oh,

Yeah, yeah

Wo-ay-oh, wo-ay-oh-oh

Yeah, yeah

Wo-ay-oh, wo-ay-oh-oh

Yeah, yeah

I'm telling the world…. I found a girl

The one I can live for

The one who deserves

To give all the light

A reason to fly.

The one I can live for

A reason for life."

Jewel smile and grabbed hold of Blu's wing. She pulled him towards the exit of the club. Blu struggled to free himself as he became more than a little shocked by what she seemed to be doing. His voice trembled out for a brief moment.

"W-W-What are you doing?" he asked. "W-W-Where are we going?"

Jewel peered back and winked at him.

"We're going home. So I can show you my appreciation for two beautiful songs."

# # #

Out in the alleyway, Rose and Rico stood staring up at the moon. The male bird swallowed a lump in his throat. He shuffled his wings a little anxious at what he needed to say. Even though he had built a career on being the most craftiest, most versatile, and most skilled in terms of stealth and sweet talking his way out of most situations. This provided him with a whole new challenge. He peered at the female a little nervously and began to speak.

"Rose, um, I want to say something. I should really do this now before I lose my nerve."

Rose turned to face him. She formed a smile and knew what he wanted to say. She could see it in his eyes.

"What is it?" She asked, pretending to play innocent. "Did you remember something you need to do tomorrow?"

Rico shook his head.

"No, um, what I want to say affects us both. Um as you know we've been spending a lot of time together lately. I was wondering if you wanted to make it official, and become boyfriend, and girlfriend. I'll let you know about my past, and you can take me to meet you parents… if that is what you'd like"

Rose nodded her head. Her smile deepened. She grabbed hold of his wing and rested her head on his shoulder.

"I'd like that. I was beginning to think you weren't going to ask me."

# # #

The first few rays of the morning sunlight shined through the opening of the hollow. Jewel formed a peaceful smile as she nuzzled him with her neck. She could feel the beating of his heart as his chest bobbed up and down with peaceful breaths. She smiled as she felt his wings wrapped around her. They hadn't changed positions all night, and she felt herself safe and warm within them.

From everything that had happened between the two of them lately. This moment seemed almost like some wonderful dream. She couldn't help but let her smile deepen. Dark Blu would never return, Marco and his band of villains rested in the afterlife, the world seemed to remain still, frozen forever in time, and she herself rested in the wings of the bird she loved.

"Life is perfect." She sighed. "Absolutely perfect."

Author's notes:

This marks the end of "Fall of a Hero" I hope you guys enjoyed it. This marks the first of several longer stories. I hope making stories longer will help contribute to my reviews, and popularity within the Rio community. A special thank you to those of you who constantly take the time to review, you're the greatest. You guys know who you are.

A very special thanks to Frank Sinatra for writing "The Way You Look Tonight" and Taio Cruz and the Rio staff for writing "Telling the World"

All songs in this chapter are meant for entertainment purposes only, and are in no way intended to break the copyright laws. Copyright infringement is NOT intended, and if you have a problem with the songs being used, please alert me immediately and I will remove them.

I would like to thank, Blu100_Jewel100 for providing me with the lyrics to "The Way You Look Tonight" and BluJet the MacawHawk for the final few paragraphs revolving around Blu and Jewel.

Thanks guys, as always leave your reviews in the review section