Chapter 4

As Blu flew over the city of Rio, he couldn't wipe the dopey grin off his face. He glided almost magically through the air as if he was in the middle of a wonderful dream. "Man," he said to himself, "if the birds back home could see me now. Who would have thought I had a little bit of a player in me. Rafael is gonna be so impressed when I tell him." Now that the thought of gaining approval from his new friends was in his head, Blu flew even quicker. The fabulous weather that had settled over Rio de Janeiro earlier remained. Only, now that he wasn't in mortal danger, the beautiful day put Blu at ease. Blu chuckled and continued to entertain himself, "I think this may be the first time in the few days I've been here that I could actually enjoy myself 100%. No chain on my leg, no nut job cockatoo chasing me, just pure fun and freedom. I could get used to this," he said. Shortly after he said this, Blu looked down and noticed the abandoned building below him. It wasn't the prettiest sight from the outside, that was for sure. The paint on the cement walls was peeling, leaving patches of gray brick and the roof was made of dirty, rusty metal. However, on the inside, Nico and Pedro's club was a sight to behold. There were multicolored lights, a bar full of tropical drinks, and an impressive DJ's turntable and sound system. Blu hovered in place, excited to see his friends again. "I hope they're not too worried about me and Jewel," Blu said. "The last time we saw each other was on that plane." Blu began a nosedive and landed at the club entrance. A large harpy eagle stood in front of Blu, acting as the bouncer. His gray feathers were a mess and he was staring a hole through Blu's head with beady, yellow eyes. "Um, hi there," Blu said with a wave of his wing," I'm a friend of the club owners. May I come in please?"

"I don't see why not," the eagle said," you ain't underage are you?"

"Oh no, I'm 15 years old," Blu answered, "I would never try to pull the fake bird ID trick."

Good to hear," said the eagle. He stepped aside and held a large wing out. "Enjoy yourself Sir."

"Will do," said Blu, "Have a pleasant day."

Blu was surprised that the club was packed with birds when he was entered. "Huh," he thought," I didn't think they would be open today what with all that happened last night. I guess it's just that popular there would be rage if they closed on a regular day. The lights on the ceiling were flashing colors and everywhere Blu looked all types of birds were having fun. They were moving on crates, shaking on tables, and singing along to Usher's "Yeah!". Blu spotted Rafael up at the bar drinking some type of fruit drink. He didn't seem to be paying attention to his surroundings which gave Blu a sneaky idea. He creeped over to where Rafael was sitting on a stool, dodging grooving birds as he went. When he was only a pace or two away from Rafi's ear he patiently waited for Ludacris' verse to end. Then, right as the chorus restarted, Blu leaned in and yelled "Yeah!"

Rafi yelped in surprise and splashed the drink he was holding all over the bar station. When he turned to see who the joker was and found out it was Blu, the toucan began to laugh loudly. "Blu amigo!," he exclaimed and wrapped his big wings tightly around the spix macaw, "where have you been, we thought you left us." Rafi was hugging Blu so tight he could barely breathe.

"Ra.. fi," Blu gasped, "I'll t… ell you what… happened just… LOOSEN UP!"

"Oops," Rafael said. He quickly released Blu from his vise grip, who began breathing heavily. "Thanks."

"Can I get you a drink?" the toucan asked. "They got some pretty yummy stuff here."

"Sure why not" Blu shrugged.

He signaled the bartender and was surprised to see it was the roseate spoonbill that helped them escape the marmosets the last time they were at the club. "Wow, fancy meeting you in this part of town," the spoonbill chuckled. "I don't believe I caught your name during the big battle last time."

"No, it's Blu." Blu answered.

This caused the spoonbill to laugh even harder. "Your name's Blu?," he asked incredulously,"man you must have had some unoriginal parents."

At the mention of his parents Blu shrunk in on himself and became very awkward. "Well actually I used to be owned by a human and she gave me the name," he answered. "I haven't seen my parents since I was a few weeks old."

The spoonbill's grin faded as he began to feel guilty. "Oh, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have even made a joke in the first place."

"It's okay," said Blu. "You didn't know and it was funny otherwise. So what's your name?"

"It's Kipo", answered the spoonbill. "I work here, but the last time you saw me I was on break. I just love the music here."

"I know," said Blu,"Nico and Pedro run a pretty sick place."

After Blu ordered a hot chocolate, (the first one Kipo had ever been asked to make), and the three birds had talked for some time, Nico and Pedro came over. They had been busy spinning the tracks but were now taking a rest. They were thrilled when they noticed Blu was with their toucan friend. "Blu bird!" Pedro exclaimed. " 'Sup dog? We thought you didn't make it out of that plane."

"Yeah," Nico said," just how did you guys escape?"

Blu had just finished telling Rafael the whole story. The toucan had hung on to every word and screamed like a girl when Blu had told him that Jewel had said she had feelings for him. "Wait till you hear it!" Rafael announced. "That jerk Nigel knocked a cage on Jewel's wing and broke it. Then he went all psycho on Blu, but my amigo thought quickly and strapped a… what was it again?"

"A fire extinguisher," answered Blu.

Rafael stared blankly at Blu. "Right, anyway," he continued, "Nigel was shot out of the plane after Blu attached that… thing to his talons, but then Jewel fell out too! That's when my brave boy jumped out, caught Jewel, got a kiss, and flew for the first time to safety with her in his talons!"

"Holy cow!" exclaimed Pedro. "You got some lovin' from the hot wing?"

Blu looked down, embarrassed. "Yeah," he said, "she actually really likes me. I've never felt like this before."

"It's quite the feeling alright," Nico piped in. "You guys should both come back tonight. We'll set up a real nice dinner for you."

Pedro got excited at this idea. "Yeah dog, we'll shut down the club just for you two, break out the slow songs, and you two will have a fab time!"

"I'm an awesome cook," Rafi said. "I'll make-"

"Woah, woah, slow down guys," Blu said while waving his wings in their faces, "Did you not hear the part about Jewel's broken wing, she can't fly."

"Well yeah, but can't you just carry her?" asked Pedro. "I mean, Rafi said you already did it once."

Blu thought for a moment. "I suppose that could work. I'll go ask her now, I was supposed to be back earlier anyway."

This confession made Rafael's eyes widen. "Aye amigo, no no no! Rule number one, never stay out too late. Your mate will always wonder where you are and assume the worst."

"I'm guessing you're saying this from experience, huh?" teased Nico.

Blu ignored the canary's taunting towards Rafael and began to lift his talons off the ground. "You're right Rafael, I'll see you all tonight!," Blu shouted.

"Peace dawg!" said Pedro. Blu saluted his friends and took off.