Hello again people. My worries over reviews have dropped a little but please keep it up as they do inspire me to continue writing. Anyway let's press on with another chapter.
Chapter 9: Courage
It has been a couple of days since the storm had passed the jungle and Brazil. It take a while to dry up but now the jungle is greener and the vegetation is more beautiful than ever with the waters of the sky giving it all strength. Most animals would benefit from a storm as it does guarantee plenty of food and water for the next few months to come.
Outside their hollow, Blu and Jewel were spending the day outside with their kids with some guests. Asra, Ryte, Pearl, Lyra, Flo and Cortez were all visiting and since the storm everyone decided to take the opportunity to get to see each other. Jewel was sitting on the grass, with Lyra and Pearl with the kids all playing next to them excluding Selvey who sat with her mother.
Blu, Asra, Ryte and Cortez were all talking near the base of the tree. Ryte was saying "Well I think it is brilliant who a bit of rain can transform this place, don't you think". Asra agreed "Yeah it does look nice, more greener, I can see some of the grass and leaves still sparkling a little".
Cortez made a comment himself "But it isn't the most sparkling thing in this jungle". Blu was confused and he said "What is Cortez". Cortez sighed "Keep up Blu, what do we think are the most beautiful creatures in our forest". Cortez nudged his head towards the girls and Blu realised "Oh, yeah of course". Ryte sighed "Well Flo does make me feel happy". Cortez agreed "Yeah, Lyra has filled me up with happiness ever since I have met her". Ryte then said "Yeah the happiest I have ever seen you".
Bu then sighed and thought about Jewel "The year I have spent with my precious Jewel has been the best on I have ever had and I hope I can for the rest of my life". Ryte then made a comment "Yeah in more ways than one". Blu then looked curiously at Ryte and said "What are you getting at". Ryte looked to Cortez and nodded and Cortez understood now and then said in a suave voice "Yes, You love Jewel, very much don't you".
Blu nodded quickly to him "Yes". Ryte then approached him from the side "More than anything?" Blu nodded again as Cortez approached from the other side and said "That you are willing to express it greatly". Blu was left confused and looked from one and the other as they circled him "What are you two getting at?" Cortez made a little giggle "Well, you always like the treat her nicely don't you".
Blu finally caught on and remained his posture "No you will not". Ryte then had his turn and said "You are the Blu love machine". Blu began stuttering a little as he knew what they are getting at. Cortez laughed a little bit and continued "You love her so much; you want to express it greatly at night in privacy". Blu couldn't contain it anymore and formed a massive blush and covered his face with his wings. Immediately after that Cortez and Ryte laughed and shared a high five "And once again we succeed in making the blush machine show off his big red cheeks".
Blu hide his blush and he thought "Why do they do this to me? Why". Asra however was left confused "Erm I am lost here". Cortez then said "Well Blu blushes when comments are made…" Asra stopped him and said "I know that why are you doing that". Ryte then said "Well it is just a laugh, if Blu did have a problem with us doing it, we would stop it in an instant".
Blu managed to stop his blush "Well I wouldn't prefer it". The girls were all looking in their direction as they heard bits of it but not exactly what they were talking about and Lyra said "What are they doing to Blu". Jewel then answered her question as she held Selvey in her wings "I have no idea but by Blu blushing I assume it has something to do with me". Flo then asked her "Why is that". Jewel grinned and said "Oh he is such a blush machine; it makes him look so cute when he blushes".
Lyra then agreed in a different manner "Well that is my little brother. Cortez acts not to different to Blu and does Blush at stuff, but nowhere near as much as Blu does". Flo then said "Well I haven't seen Ryte blush much". Jewel then turned to Flo and said "Speaking of you two, I am still surprised you two are mates yet".
Flo thought and said "Well we just haven't really found the correct time to think about it yet". Pearl then quickly said "When is the perfect time Flo? What's holding you up"? Flo looked down and said "I don't know I just haven't really thought about it yet". Jewel then said "Your one to talk Pearl, when will you find someone". Pearl looked down and looked a little less cheerful "I don't know Jewel". Flo then sympathetically said "Pearl if you don't get over what happened you will never find happiness in your life. Time to move on".
Pearl looked down and sadly said "I don't know if I can, after what he did to me". Jewel then said "Pearl, you should consider giving a chance, look at me and Blu, and how happy we are, we have each other, a home". She then cuddled Selvey a little as she said "And our 4 beautiful children". Selvey made a smile as Pearl took that in and looked to see Azul, Selene and Roxo playing together.
Pearl then looked to the boys who were all having a laugh together and she formed a weak smile "I guess Jewel". Jewel smiled at her "Result, now the question is: Who". Pearl was not sure how to answer and Lyra said to her "What about Asra". Pearl looked up and then looked at Asra who was talking to Cortez. Pearl then looked back and said "I don't know he does seem like a nice guy but". Flo stopped her "No buts. You said it; he is a nice guy so go on a date with him".
Pearl not knowing how to answer that question sighed. While they were talking a similar conversation was underway with the boys with Cortez saying "While I admit she is still reeling, why not ask her out Asra, to the club or something". Asra nodded and said "I would but I am worried she will say no or something like that". Cortez then said to him "You won't know until you try, will you". Asra thought about and looked to Blu "Blu help a brother out, how did you ask Jewel".
Blu quickly shook his head "I didn't it just happened and we started dating". Asra sighed and said "What about when you became mates". Blu shook his head again "Jewel asked the question on that one I am afraid". Asra sighed heavily and said "Thanks for the help". Ryte then stood behind "No more excuses, get over there and ask her".
Asra was struggling to make an answer and Cortez grabbed his wing "Come on, let's set you up with a date". Ryte pushed him from behind and they dragged him off "Hey, stop it guys, come on, Blu a little help here". Blu held his wings up and said "sorry Asra, but I'm not getting involved her". Asra then said back to him "Thanks a lot".
Cortez and Ryte pushed him and he looked back to them "Go Asra, ask her". Asra looked to Pearl and back and sighed "Alright, but you owe me after this". Blu joined Cortez ad Ryte and Cortez happily said "He's going to do it". The three watched as Asra slowly passed towards the girls and Blu watched on in a normal manner while Cortez and Ryte were both curious.
Jewel and Lyra were still laying into Pearl about her love life "Come on Pearl, you have spent too much time being miserable, time to look forward and enjoy life again". Pearl looked at Jewel and said "Urgh, alright, I will try to, is that good enough". Jewel nodded and said "Now that is the cheerful sister I know". Pearl made a smile to her sister "Thanks Jewel".
Then Asra stopped close to them and said out "Pearl". Everyone looked to see Asra standing close and Flo whispered to her "Now is your chance Pearl, go". Pearl then said "Yes Asra". Asra quickly said "Mind If I speak to you". Pearl smiled and said "Sure". Pearl began walking towards him as they both had a little distance. Asra looked to see them all staring behind him "Do you mind?"
Cortez made a small laugh "oh". Cortez made a little teasing whistle which and Jewel, Flo and Lyra all looked at the boys and Blu and Ryte immediately pointed at Cortez who looked at them both and Lyra glared at him a little. Cortez then looked to the pair and said "Cheers guys, I can tell Lyra will be having words after this". Blu and Ryte smiled as Ryte said "You have it coming". Pearl finished approaching and said to Asra "What is it Asra".
Asra thought a little before saying and said loud enough for Pearl to hear but just enough for everyone else "Erm… I was wondering if… you would like to go to the club sometime as I would". Asra stuttered a moment and Lyra was thinking "Come on Asra say it. Say it". Asra then said "As I would like to get to know you a lot better than I already have". Ryte then whispered to Blu and Cortez "Not the best way to put it but it will do". Blu then butted in to that and said "I think it was good. Probably how I would have said it if I met Jewel in this way".
Pearl hesitated for a moment as she was of two minds still. She looked to her sister who seriously nodded and whispered "What are you waiting for Say yes". Pearl finally made up her mind and smiled at Asra "Sure Asra, I'd like that". Jewel, Cortez and Lyra all sighed in relief as Asra smiled happily "Great, when would you like to".
Pearl finally putting on a brave face said "We can go now if you want". Asra got a little excited and said to her "Great shall we go then". Pearl nodded and turned to Jewel and the girls and said "I assume you heard all that and know where we are going". Jewel nodded "Sorry, go and enjoy yourself, both of you". Asra then came and stood next to Pearl who was still having a tiny bit of doubt but nodded "alright we will see you in a bit".
Everyone then said their goodbyes to them as Pearl looked to Asra and he nodded and they both immediately beat their wings and flew into the air off on their date. Everyone watched to see them fly off. Once they were out of sight and earshot almost all of them cheered with Cortez saying "Ah, finally at last. Have we been blessed"?
Jewel sighed as Blu came over to her as she said to him "Glad to see that was a success". Everyone came together and sat in their couples as they sat close to the base of Blu and Jewel's tree. Cortez said "I never thought we would see this day with Pearl. Six years since she last went this far. Finally a result". Blu then interrupted "Well I hate to be a party pooper but have we overlooked something".
Everyone looked at him and Lyra asked him "What have we missed". Blu then said "Well doesn't the date have to go well first before we can officially celebrate". Jewel sighed and said to Blu "Blu don't think that of course it will go well". Blu nodded "Yeah, sorry, but I am happy to see we finally got to see them fly off on a date". Ryte then said "I approve because I have been getting to know Asra and he is a nice guy, had some good laughs with him".
Cortez then blew it down a little "Well that is what we thought about Dez but look where that went". Lyra then interrupted "Now I know what he is like from what you described this Dez character to be but I have been stuck with Asra for my entire life and I can say Asra is not bad, he is a fighter and a caring brother. We have spent most of our lives in Cyro's prison". Everyone stopped as Lyra looked a little upset.
Cortez then came and wrapped a wing around Lyra and said "I'm sorry Lyra, It is just…" Lyra quickly stopped him "It is okay I know what you meant but Asra is a nice person, he cares for his friends and family". Cortez nodded "I know, Lyra". Jewel then said "Anyway now that they are off on a date we can relax".
Azul, Selene and Roxo were now a little bored of playing around and decided to join their parents. Selene came and sat in front of Blu as Azul sat on his leg and Blu then held him in his wings and Roxo sat in between them.
Flo smiled at them and said "I do see they are all doing well". Jewel smiled and looked to them all "Yes they are. They are all getting stronger". Lyra then looked to Blu and said "How is it going with Selene". Blu then said "Well I am spending some time each day helping Selene to try and better control her wing and try to flap it properly. It hasn't done much yet but it is early yet so I am positive it will go well soon".
Selene looked down and she looked to her wing "I wish I was able to fly now though". Everyone looked sympathetic to her and Blu said "Selene, don't worry Like I said, I will go as long as I have to get you to fly, but we don't want to work your wing too much until we know it can take it yet". Selene nodded and Lyra whispered to Cortez "The Poor girl". Cortez nodded in agreement "Yeah I know, Blu is being great for her though". Lyra agreed with him as they continued.
A few minutes later elsewhere outside the entrance to the club Asra and Pearl arrived and had landed and were stood outside. For his first date Asra was nervous as he had no experience while Pearl was not so she knew but it wasn't as easy as it sounded. Asra then decided to lead and said "Shall we go in now". Pearl nodded "Sure". Asra then stepped forward with Pearl following his lead, as soon as they entered they found themselves in the main area where as usual the music was kicking off but with it still being day there weren't too many birds but were at least a few dozen. Asra then led Pearl over to the bar to see Drake waiting "Hey Drake".
Drake saw them and smiled "Ah, Asra, Pearl, good to see you both". Pearl smiled as she stood next to Asra and said "You as well Drake". Drake got to business and said "What bring you two here". Asra then said "Well…we…urm". Pearl did smile at Asra finding the right words and said "We are here on a date". Drake raised his eye brows "Really, well what can I get you two". Asra was surprised Pearl said that but dropped it and said "Well I don't want to get loopy so can I have a fruit cocktail". Pearl then said "Make that two please". Drake nodded "Coming right up".
As drake went to prepare their drinks Asra looked around "Haven't been round here much but this place is incredible". Pearl agreed "Yeah it is, I haven't been here too much either, but I find it amazing, a dance floor, a bar which actually serves drinks, very strange for birds but it works and a place to have fun, I must admit the birds who made this place are brilliant". Drake said "Well I am one of those birds".
Asra then said "Well you did a great job". Drake finished preparing and brought the over and handed them out "Here you go". They both thanked Drake and he said "Your welcome enjoy". As drake went to serve another pair the pair both took a sip of their drinks and Asra turned to Pearl and said "So have you been with Blu and Jewel all this time". Pearl stopped drinking and said "Well we actually came across them as you remember Jewel was separated from us for a few years".
Asra nodded to her "Yeah I heard about that". Pearl continued "Well not far from a year ago we discovered them and well we moved into the jungle here and well it is like home now". Asra then asked another question "Are you happy here". Pearl nodded to him "Yeah it has been nice here". Asra said "Well in the 5 months I have been here, I have liked it, never been used to this life really".
Pearl then asked him out of curiosity "Why is that". Asra looked down and said "Well ever since I have been 10 which is 8 years ago I have lived in Cyro's prison for that long". Pearl looked away a little as she remembered finding them when they went to find Blu and Jewel in the Asylum 5 months ago "I'm sorry".
Asra shook his head "No need to be, it is behind me now, Anyway before all that I was mainly travelling with Lyra all over the continent ever since we were separated from Blu and our parents seeing if we could find them. But I was two when it happened and when I turned 4 we gave up and we decided we had to fend for ourselves and well did the best we could".
Pearl then was a little sympathetic to Asra "Well it sounds tough to me". Asra nodded but smiled "Well I guess you could say I have seen plenty of action in my time then". Pearl made a small laugh and said "I guess you have, I haven't really, I have really spent my life with my family, just going around when we feel like it and seeing friends. You know what's usually normal".
Asra then asked curiously "Well I am pretty sure you have had some interesting parts to it". Pearl looked to him "Oh, Yeah sure, I guess I have a bit just not so much". Asra then said "Really because you seem to have a lot of fun with Jewel, Blu and Cortez". Pearl nodded "Yeah, they are great but you know just not the best bit". Pearl then said "Well I guess it is nice".
Asra then said to her "Just to be sure though, these few months have been the best for me though but you know just then before we came here was a bit embarrassing". Pearl agreed with him "Yeah, them all watching expecting something big, I am glad you asked me to this as I couldn't take having all eyes on me much longer". Asra agreed complety "I'm with you there they were relentless except Blu who was staying out of it and all staring, couldn't wait to get away to be honest".
They both laughed together a little together and Pearl said to him "Seriously though, thanks for inviting me here, I am liking it here, Glad to get away from everyone for a bit". Asra smiled and nodded "Your welcome Pearl". They both smiled to each other for a few seconds and they took another bit on their drinks. Pearl was feeling happy and excited a little now and thought "Maybe Jewel, Flo and Lyra were right after all. I just had to start trusting again".
Suddenly Drake came along and said to Asra "Asra can I borrow you for a minute, just need held moving something". Asra put the drink down and said "Sure, do you mind Pearl". Pearl nodded and said "Sure, I'll be right here". Asra then walked around and went to Drake and Pearl smiled while watching him go.
She returned to her drink and was finishing it off and thought to herself "He is nice, maybe this might be a turn around after all". As she finished she heard a voice behind her "Well look who it is". That voice made Pearl freeze into a trance upon hearing it. She slowly turned around to see who it was and said "What do you want?"
The bird was revealed to be Dez who smiled at her "Well, fancy meeting you here Pearl". As he stepped forward Pearl repeated in a more scared voice "What do you want?" Dez sighed to her and said "What is wrong with trying to be friendly". Pearl said to him "I don't want anything to do with you".
Dez then acted Suave to her and said "Awww well that is a shame, I want everything to do with you". Pearl stuttered as Dez said "Anymore thoughts to what I said ages again". Pearl simply shook her head in fright and Dez said to her "Well, nothing's changed, still stuck with your feelings". Pearl backed up a little bit and shook her head.
Dez looked down and said "Don't be silly Pearl, you know what you want: Me". Pearl shook her head at him "I don't you anywhere near me". Dez then said "Now you're being unreasonable". He took his wings and touched hers and she quickly swatted away "Don't you touch me, you filth".
Dez grinned "Like I said, eventually you will want me back and then we will have such a great time together, it will be beyond your wildest dreams". Pear became scared at his presence. Asra came back around with Dez saying "Thanks for the help Asra". Asra nodded "No problem at all ". Asra looked and saw Pearl looking scared and he looked worried until he saw Dez making advances on her. "Just leave me alone, you monster".
Asra quickly rushed forward towards them as Dez said to Pearl "You will come crawling back…" Before he could finish Asra came and pushed him back from her "Hey leave her alone". Dez glared at Asra and said "Who the hell are you, stick your beak out". Asra then said back to him "Pearl, is here with me. Who do you think you are"?
Dez then said "I think you want to watch your tone". Asra then said "Or what, Pearl has done nothing to you so leave her alone". Dez then said to him "Or what, Talk me to death". Pearl then said "Leave it Asra, he isn't worth it. Dez is a piece of filth". Upon hearing that name Asra looked to him "So you're Dez. The one who used her".
Dez smiled and said "I see you I am popular. What else has she said"? Asra glared at him and said "That you are scum. Birds like you make me sick". Dez moved forward and glared into his face "You want to think about who you're talking to Asra". Asra then moved forward on him "And you want to leave her alone, you have made her life a hell. If you try anything, you will have me to answer to".
Dez backed up a little and said to Pearl "Your standards have dropped heavily Pearl". Pearl then angrily said "From the 5 months I have known Asra, he is 100 times more of a man and a bird then you will ever be". Dez totted at her and said "Whatever, the stink here is bad". Dez then turned and walked off. Pearl then felt a little upset and looked down a little and Asra turned around and place a wing on her side "Are you alright Pearl".
Pearl looked up to him and nodded "Yeah, I will be". Asra made a suggestion to her "You want to go outside". Pearl nodded and Asra led her towards the entrance as she was thinking of how Asra protected her from Dez and she felt extremely grateful to him. Once they stepped outside Pearl took in a breath and Asra stood right next to her "Are you okay". Pearl nodded and smiled to him "Thank you Asra, for helping me there".
Asra nodded and smiled back "He had no right to do that; I can see why everyone else despises him. He is a nasty piece of work and he won't trouble you anymore". Pearl felt touched by that and pushed herself into a hug saying "Thank you, no one has ever stood up for me like that before". Asra was left surprised but accepted it and smiled to himself.
Once they separated Pearl looked into his eyes as if she was debating something. Asra was left waiting as he was waiting for her to suggest something. Pearl finally letting go of all her fear and doubt moved herself and pressed her beak against Asra's. He was at first held in complete shock but eventually the new feelings sinked in and he relaxed. While it was new it felt loving and happy to him and passionate. Pearl felt the same but she upon realising what happened she quickly moved herself back and said "I'm sorry Asra, I shouldn't have done that".
Asra shook his head "It is okay, I didn't mind". After that they both gazed into each other's eyes for a moment and they both came together and held each other in another kiss after another in a slow pace. Exploring these now found feelings between each other. A new sense of relief and happiness fell on the pair. Eventually after they separated they smiled to each other and Pearl "Shall we head back to the others now". Asra nodded "Yeah lets head back".
A few minutes later after they arrived back Asra was laying out what had happened to Blu, Jewel, Flo, Lyra, Ryte and Cortez with Pearl sat next to him "So when I came back from helping Drake I saw Dez making advances on Pearl who was scared". Pearl nodded in agreement and looked down "I was scares". Cortez then said "I wish I had beaten him to the ground ages ago". Asra continued "So I stepped in pushed him away and defended Pearl and sent him off. Then I took Pearl outside to help Pearl calm down.
Lyra smiled to him "Well that was very good of you Asra". Asra then said "Well she then hugged me to thank me for helping her and then she did something I didn't think would happen". Blu then said "What". Pearl then blushed a little and said "I kissed him". Ryte then went "Wah ho ho. That didn't take long. Get in there Asra".
Asra formed a slight blush as Blu and Jewel looked to each other and smiled as Pearl said "Well then I apologized and he stopped me and then well I don't think we need to explain". Jewel then said "Well are you two official now then". Asra was hesitant but finally free of her doubt and fear she nodded "Yeah, we are".
Asra nodded and Lyra said "Well we are happy for you". Jewel happily said "You now look like my cheerful sister again". Cortez then said to them "Well that didn't take long did it". Ryte then said "They aren't first though to fastest relationship starters, Blu and Jewel hold that title".
Flo agreed "Yeah that's true, they kissed and then started their relationship without even going on a date". Jewel then said back "Well we fell in love, it is how it works for everyone". Blu stood by her "Yep, and I wouldn't change it at all". Jewel smiled and leaned against Blu as the macaws were all in high spirits now after a successful day.
Well, the feelings between Asra and Lyra have now blossomed and Pearl has finally freed herself of her doubt and depression and reverted to being happy. Fasten your seat belts everyone as the next chapter after this and the couple after that is sure to get you jumping off the chair. See you next chapter.
