Greetings fellow readers! I decided to expand my creativity, thus allowing me to produce new stories to tell. I'll be honest, I've gone into a writers block with, "Last Days." Don't fret though, a new chapter should be uploaded very soon! I spent a crazy amount of time writing this introduction, so a review afterwards would be much appreciated. Alright, I won't keep you waiting any longer! Enjoy my new story, "Torn."
The sun's piercing hot temperatures radiated throughout the amazon, humidity left in its wake. The sun was a perfect disc, cut in half by the edge of the world. Sunlight colored the tropical woodlands an astonishing palette of warm colors. The tropical woodland's were littered with vile wildlife, each ecosystem bearing its own variety of unique animals. Scents of the jungle lingered in the air like fallout, the bittersweet smells of orchids, oncidium, and passion flowers intertwined together, creating a heavenly-like scent. That very scent was enough to awaken my senses, thus pulling me from the dreamworld. I stretched my cerulean body to its full extent, the pleasurable sensation pulsates through me like sonar. I let loose a yawn of satisfaction, sloppily smacking my beak together afterwards. Eventually, I drowsily exposed my eyes to the blinding light, instantly regretting it. Now recovered, I sluggishly hoisted myself off the floor, studying my surroundings as I did so. The hallow I inhabited extended through the entire tree, decorated with different patches of vegetation, littering the walls. The light seemed to filter through the entrance of the hallow, thus brightening it a substantial amount. However, the monstrous hallow lacked audacity, for I was all alone, which irked me beyond measure.
It's true, I was a solo macaw, desperately seeking a female counterpart of whom I could share my life with. I wanted somebody to live for. Someone to protect, nourish, and even sacrifice myself for. However, it proved to be a challenging task, despite being attractive as I am labeled. Every female I've ever been acquainted with is bone headed, and I don't mean that lightly. The reason I opine this is because the sole female swoons over my pristine looks, but nothing more. No macaw has never known me past my appearance, and though to some people this is considered flattering in many ways, I personally despise it. Because of this, I never truly took part in a full on relationship. I'll admit, I fooled around once or twice with a select few birds, but none of them met my standards. It left me speechless, to say the least. However, despite all my troubling thoughts, I managed to hold on to what little hope I had.
Shortly after my awakening, I darted from my hallow, searching for any nutritional substance that would subdue my stomach's cries of nourishment. I aviate throughout the tropical woodland, executing hazardous flight maneuvers along the way. Eventually, my path of flight intercepts with that of a starfruit tree. I cautiously landed upon a flimsy branch, testing the weight capacity before indulging upon the succulent fruit before me. I didn't want to take part in an accident, thus leading to a fatal injury. However, my desire to nourish my stomach outweighed any logical thinking, thus I deliberately threw myself at the fruit. To my own horror, I misplaced my claw, losing my balance. I outstretched my wings to their fullest extent, trying desperately to grasp onto anything. I let forth an ear splitting squawk of distress, with enough audacity to possibly alert the entire woodland. I thrashed about... seizing my ocular organs shut... ready for impact. But nothing happened. With bewilderment, I exposed my eyes to my savior. He grasped my flying appendage firmly, a look of surprise evident upon his facial features.
"That would have been a nasty fall." He chortled, tugging me to safety. I instantly recognized his familiar unique voice.
"Thank you, Blu!" I voiced, gratitude morphed within my words. "You saved me." I added in disbelief.
"Don't mention it." He answered triumphantly. Silence awkwardly follows suit. "What brings you here?" He inquired, already enlightened of why.
"Just... gathering food." I state blankly, thankfully Blu broke the ice first. Though I am a confident bird, I still lacked social skills. "What about you?" I ask, engaging in the small talk.
"Same as you, only for two." He jokes at his own little rhyme scheme. Not fully understanding the gag, I uncomfortably went along with it. "Jewel wanted me to gather breakfast." He explained, noticing my puzzled facial expression. At the explanation of Jewel, I quivered with delight. It was true, I was envious of Blu, pardon the rhyme. Everything I desperately wanted to acquire, he owned. Of course I was infatuated with Jewel, I'd be untruthful if I said I didn't. However, I acknowledge my boundaries. Jewel... as much as I despise it... is taken... and I must move on... yet I find it very difficult to do so. "Hello... Roberto?!" I was obstructed from my thoughts completely. Blu stood before me, gesturing his wings in my face "Earth to Roberto?" He joked.
"Y-yes?" I spill forth from my beak in panic, shaking my head profusely.
"You started staring into space there." Blu explained, grinning at me.
"No... I didn't." I lied, trying to change the topic at hand. "Alright?" Blu pondered my dodgy behavior.
"Well, see you around, Roberto." Noticing my abrupt attitude, he darted from the tree, but not before remembering his previous conversation with his father-in-law. "Wait, Roberto!" He called out, acquiring my attention, "Eduardo needs to speak with you as soon as possible!" He informed. I nod my head in approval, watching him take to the skies once more.
"Bye, Blu." I mutter under my breath pitiably. I tend to my previous task in gathering nutrients. Then, I aviate back to my dwelling, with two succulent starfruit secured safely between my talons.
My destination lied ahead. Noticing this, I simply descended, landing at the base of the hallow.
"There you are!" An audible voice booms from inside the hallow. I eventually locate the source of the voice, linking it to be Eduardo.
"Hey, Eduardo!" I greet. His masculine azure army style body strides towards me, almost intimidating me. He halts in front of me, to close for comfort. Then, to my discomfort, envelopes me into an embrace.
"How's my wing-man holding up?" He asks sincerely, still squeezing tight around my abdomen with unnecessary force.
"G-Great!" I sputter, gasping for much needed oxygen. His iron-like grip loosens, granting me an opportunity to inhale a dose of oxygen.
"Good to hear!" He maintains an inviting stare, "Listen... I need to inform you of something." He forms a stern look, as if to emphasize its importance.
"About what, sir?" I ask curiously.
"The war continues between us and the Scarlets, as you know." He began, referring to the impish scarlet macaws. "I've been informed by the hunting parties of... blood shed." He continued, putting emphasis in his words.
"Like... what?!" I articulate slowly, trying to fully soak up the morbid information. "I've been enlightened of a recent battle between two naive teenagers." His voice aches, holding back the tears, "They both... killed each other!" He proceeds.
"Killed each other?!" I yell in disbelief. "Never, in all my tribal years have I heard of such a morbid thing." This new piece of information alarmed me, sending shockwaves throughout my entire body.
"The Scarlets believe it was us who acted in the fight first." He informed accusingly.
"They can't blame us without proof!" I protest angrily, running my flying appendages through my feathered crest, exhaling deeply.
"I'm afraid t-they... can." Eduardo looses his footing, collapsing to the floor below him.
"Sir!" I shout, rushing to his aid. I held his neck in place.
"My heart." Tears engulf his ocular sockets as he clenches his chest. He inhales a wet dose of oxygen, thus blocking his airway. A fit of gags spawn forth from his beak.
"Eduardo, are you okay!?" I firmly held him upright.
"I'll be alright, just getting old." He informs, soaking in precious oxygen, "I'm scared... what's to come of this?" He gulps. His words darted through me like a bullet. The leader of our tribe was... frightened?! "I mean... what if they attack our tribe... everything we've ever worked for?" He cries profusely. This was outrageous, our very own leader... was having a panic attack. "If I shall fail my tribe... then what would they think of me?!"
"Sir, please calm down." I lower my voice substantially, trying my best to soothe him. The sweat starts to formulate between his feathers, his blood pressure indefinitely rising to.
"Do not tell me... what to do!" He shouts, rage morphed within his facial expression. I shrink within my feather coated body, scared to even speak.
"Sorry, sir." I muster up the courage and apologize. "What can I do to assist you?" I ask, regretting my previous outbursts.
"That's why I like you, Roberto." He half chuckles. "Always asking what you... c-can do for your tribe." He grins. "We need a little of that in all of us."
"Thanks, sir." I bow my head in gratitude. His comments uplifts me, allowing me to accomplish any task he threw at me. I knew I wouldn't let him down, for I was his trusty wing-man.
"You may attend the search party for further investigation." He suggests, "They leave at sunset."
"I'll be there." I smile at him triumphantly, giving him a definite nod. I help hoist him off of the floor, allowing him to get to his claws. He bows, turns on one talon, and darts through the hallow. He exits, leaving me behind to acquire a set plan of action.
Sunset
The fiery orb in the sky was diminishing into nothingness. I watched, captivated by its utter beauty. I unconsciously look next to me, expecting someone to materialize in the gap that was open air, but none came. I sulk.
"If only I had someone to share this sunset with." I murmur under my breath. I counter my gaze, this time concentrating upon my flying appendages. I evince at the delicate object I clasp firmly between my wings. Enfolded in them was an average sized blossom. I studied it and it's intricate appearance. It reminded me of Jewel. I remember when we were young and immature, I'd always gather flowers for her. I would then embed it within her head feathers, then admire her beauty from afar. I laugh to myself at the previous retentions. Eventually, a scowl replaces my smile.
"I love you, Jewel." I whisper. "But I must let you go." I cast the flower into the skies above me, watching quietly as the wind carried the flower away. Once out of yonder, I made my trek towards the search teams.
I descend towards the soft rich watered-down soil below me. Luckily, the search parties were just departing from our domain. I made my abrupt appearance at the flank of the crowd. I embrace the stunning sight in front of me. The clearing had been littered with azure colored macaws, each one keen on discovering more evidence of the attack, previously mentioned by Eduardo. I reluctantly followed the crowd past the tribe border, studying my surroundings carefully. Eduardo appeared to be upfront, giving orders to any newcomers. I listened intently, drawing my attention to him.
"They're are some rules I'd like to enlighten you about!" Eduardo shouts, getting the crowd's attention. Once silence lingers in the air, he proceeds, "Rule number one... always stay with the group!" He pauses, fueling his lungs briefly with air, "Rule number two... do not let your guard down!" He roared, implying emphasis to certain important words, "Last but not least. Rule number three... just... don't be stupid." Eduardo remarks quickly.
"Do I make myself clear!" He shouts like a drill-sergeant.
"Yes sir!" All the macaws replied in unison, except me. I understood the enforced rules completely. However, I was keen on fighting for myself, that being if trouble ever arises. I tagged on alone, flanking the crowded lines of macaws. I hung my head down low, marching at my own rhythm.
"Now... let's fly!" Eduardo implied cooly. Eduardo's masculinity; despite being aged, allowed him a fair distance in front, guiding us to said destination. One by one, each macaw took off, tailing the next one. I wait for my turn before taking to the skies. I keep a stern frown the rest of the journey, thus allowing me freedom from indulging in conversation, as most of the macaws were. The trek was short, about a minute flight, which appalled me.
"We've arrived!" Eduardo called out. "Now, may I remind you, we remain in a free zone as of now." He informs, "Which means, all crime is considered legal here, no punishments follow suit." He scolds further, educating the newcomers. "I don't want any of you ever crossing the labeled borders of our tribe!" He shouted angrily, "It's not safe. Not without my consent or permission first!" He rambled on, "I don't want to see any of you turn into one these demised teenagers." He stated darkly. "You may now look around."
"Jesus... I'd thought he'd never stop talking." A light feathered macaw reluctantly whispered to his comrade, to which he chortled with laughter. Eduardo gave a watchful eye at the two, quieting them down instantly. I made my way towards the front of the crowd, seeking my leader.
"Eduardo!" I called, entangled within the cerulean colored crowd.
"Roberto!" He boomed, his stern appearance fades as he searched through the crowd.
"I've made a discovery!" I shout, formulating a theory within my head.
"Make way!" Eduardo called out, and just like the bible or whatever, he cleared the blue colored sea of macaws, allowing me to stroll through unharmed. "Yes?" He asked, lowering his voice as I approached him.
"My question is..." I took a deep breath before continuing, "Why did they fight so close to our tribe?" I asked, "I mean... If anything it'd be them attacking us first." I insist.
"I don't see your point?!" Eduardo stated confused.
"Maybe this naive uneducated bird was dared to go past the tribe boundaries against his will, where he later met another scarlet." I tried my very best to articulate my theory, but to no avail.
"Even if a scarlet came within our tribal boundaries, there is no say in who attacked whom first." Eduardo simply stated like it was obvious.
"It just doesn't add up." I had a hunch for my theory, and I wouldn't stop until I confirmed it. "Why would a scarlet travel this close to our tribe, only to start an argument?" I ponder to myself. Eduardo dismisses me, and I bow my head in respect. I commence my investigation into the clearing, searching for any desperate clues. Upon searching, I found what I was looking for. A pristine set of footprints were etched into the thick soil. Intrigued, I followed there path. However, I didn't realize how far I traveled into enemy territory. Eventually, the footprints ended.
"Bummer." I snap, sighing in defeat. "All of that hard work for noth-" An unknown object strikes my abdomen with abrupt force, the wind completely knocked out of me. I tumble through the foliage, trying desperately to stop myself. I whirl down an incline, picking up speed like a bolder. I clench my eyes shut, praying for this parliament to end. I expose my eyes quickly, taking in my surroundings. However, it was to late for preparation. I slammed into a tree trunk moments later... everything went black.
Talk about a cliffhanger, huh? Things will start picking up in the next chapter. However, I wanted to fully indulge you with informative content as to give you a lead to the plot. I wonder what happened to Roberto? Leave a review telling me what you think happened and I may use your idea!