Chapter 11

Searching for a Miracle

I was curled up in a corner of the wire cage. We had just been loaded into the airplane and had taken off. "I almost had her. Her feathers brushed mine, then that devil bird grabbed me." I said for the bazillion time.

"I'm sorry Eva; I won't be home for dinner tonight." Rafael mumbled. All of the sudden Blu began ramming into the side of his cage like some sort of crazy bird.

"What are you doing?" Jewel asked from her separate cage.

"I'm gonna pop this cage open like a soda can." The nerdy macaw replied trying to sound cool. With one more shove he pushed a big red can off the ledge, and the funny vine that was attached to it stretched and popped the top of the cage open. He jumped out and started freeing birds. I followed my brothers out of our prison and a new hope welled in my stomach. I pulled my bottle cap down on my head, and wathched Blu pull a switch that opened the big metal door.

Wind from the fast moving plane tore at our feathers, and pulled me towards freedom. We waited for Blu's signal. "GO! GO! GO!" The blue genius crowed and every bird spread their wings and leapt out of the plane.

"FREEDOM!" Pedro cawed. We were soaring over the bay, and Rio looked stunning in the morning light.

"I'm going to my nest! I have to see my family!" Rafael informed us and banked east towards his nest.

"Me too bro. I can't wait to see the fam!" Then Pedro left and I was alone. I tried my hardest to take in all that had happened in the past 24 hours: The performance, meeting Blu, the monkeys, then the parade…

"THE PARADE!" I gasped. Snapping back into reality I remembered the battle with the cockatoo. "Sonny!" I caught a stiff sea breeze and rocketed into the center of town.

The main street that had hosted the parade was completely empty. Only a few workers were cleaning up the incredible amounts of sequins, confetti, feathers and other things left there. I flew close to the ground, looking for what I prayed I wouldn't find; Sonora's body. I sent up a silent thank you when I didn't.

Maybe they're at the Corner. I thought to myself, and changed course for my home. When I got there I found it empty. As I checked the rooms I tried to think of where else they could be. I came to Sonora and my nest and paused.

Two nights ago I had been snuggled in that bowl of feathers and moss with my wing around my hearts greatest treasure. Her pretty head had been resting on my chest as I softly sang her a song. When I had finished singing, she opened her big, green eyes and looked up into mine. "I love you." She told me so sincerely. My heart had done its usual pounding, especially when she leaned in and kissed me, gently brushing her wing down my cheek.

But now, my whole family was missing and my mate was probably dying. Tears stung at my eyes as I looked around again. I spied Sonny's shell necklace on its hook. She must have forgotten it since we left so early yesterday. I picked it up and ran my feathertips across the rough outside, then the smooth inside.

"Nico?" A voice called from the door.

"Come in!" I called, able to keep my voice from cracking. I slipped the shell around my neck and walked out to the living room. Pedro and Nora were standing there with Ray and Ellie hovering outside.

"Bro we gotta go! Sonny's at the sanctuary with your chicks. Nora says that she's been in a coma since last night." Pedro told me. I almost fainted. "Bro you ok?" Pedro placed a wing around my shoulders noticing the color drain from my face. I couldn't find the words to answer, so I just started flying.

Blindly I flapped my wings and powered through the canopy. I didn't see a thing until I came to the rich part of town and found the sanctuary. "Daddy!" My chicks called as they spied me flying in. They zipped up to me and wrapped me in hugs. I couldn't talk. All I could do was turn on the water works, and squeeze them close to me.

"We were so scared that we would never see you again!" Sel sobbed.

"I would NEVER leave you chicks." I promised through my own tears.

"We love you daddy." Gwyn told me looking me directly in the eye.

"And I love each one of you with all of my heart." I replied as they hovered in front of me. Brave Diego. Sparky Selena. Sweet Gwyn. They were my chicks, and I would never stop loving them.

"Nico!" I looked down and saw Blu flapping his way up to us.

"Blu? You're flying!" I exclaimed drying my eyes.

"Yea! It's amazing!" The macaw exclaimed.

"I'm so happy for you!" I shared a wing-bump with him and introduced my chicks.

"Pleasure to meet you." Blu said politely.

"BOYS!" I turned around and saw Ralphy and his whole armada flying towards us. "Where's Sonny?" He asked as they got closer.

"Sonny? Oh!" Blu said slapping his face with his deep blue wing. "She's your mate right?" He asked me.

"Yes. I was informed that she was here." I replied, returning to panic mode.

"She's here, but she doesn't look so good." Blu hung his head.

"Take me to her!" I demanded.

"She's in surgery now. I'll bring you in after we find out what's wrong." With that Blu left.

Sad but climactic. I really hope I didn't make anyone cry, because I did a little when writing the scene with the chicks. Thank you guys for reading, AND reviewing!