The first thing I noticed as I woke up was my aching head. I really must have stayed up for a while last night. Across from me Nico was still sleeping with his back leaning on Pedro, also sleeping, however Rafael, Bou and Andres were nowhere to be seen. I tiredly walked over to the samba birds and leaned over towards them, shaking them a bit, though I almost felt like I was going to fall forward onto them.

"Guys. Wake up" I grumbled, barely able to stand. They both responded with inaudible mumbling. I immediately gave up and headed back to my nest, only to find a note in it. That wasn't there before, I thought. I picked up the piece of paper and read it.

William,

Meet me at my home.

Z

Once I saw the Z, I knew it was Zeel, and also knew where to go. However, I was extremely tired, so decided to rest a bit more. Once I had become well rested, I went out of the hollow and saw that it was now midday. Not wanting to waste anymore time, I carefully climbed down the tree using any branches in my reach. I soon reached the bottom with ease and was off, scurrying along the forest floor. I saw no one on the way, which was unusual, but it also made the trip shorter since there was no one to stop me in my tracks. As soon as I arrived, I found a small rope ladder, most likely put there by Zeel to make it easier for me to get up. I struggled at first, slipping a bit on the first rope, though slowly made progress up. However, once I had reached the top, I got a surprise welcome with Zeel pinning me against a wall. He immediately backed off when he saw it was me and stood still as if he was a soldier standing at attention.

"My apologies. I have been forced to be more cautious." He moved a set of curtains over the entrance and led me into a higher part of the tree.

"What was that about? Why are you suddenly being more cautious?" I asked.

"When did you wake up? Did anyone follow you?"

"I think I woke up at midday, and I didn't see anyone around. What does that have to do with anything?"

"They've found you." That single statement was enough for me to understand.

"How? Are they here?"

"Yes. That's why you haven't seen anyone. They are all being held hostage. I can try to free them, but you need to flee."

"No way. I'm not leaving anyone behind. And besides, they don't have everyone. Can you do something for me?" Zeel remained hesitant before answering.

"Fine. What is it you need?"

"A couple of things back in the hollow I'm staying in. I have a plan, and I know who can help."

"As you wish. Just as long as it works." Zeel went off after I told him what I needed. I sat down, waiting patiently as I watched the entrance cautiously. Zeel arrived sooner than I thought he would, with my pack in one talon and Nico and Pedro in the other. I held back a laugh at how they tried to reach up and hit him, yelling at him to let them go. And he soon let them go right in front of me.

"Willy? What ya doin here with this crazy hawk?" Pedro snapped, glaring at the falcon.

"He's been helping me, and I hope you guys will too."

"What with?" Nico cautiously questioned. I explained how all our friends were in danger, but did not tell them who held them. All they needed to hear was that they were in danger, and they were with me. "Of course we will. What are we doing? Fighting, or sneaking?"

"Neither." We all leaned in and I began explaining my plan. And just as I thought, Nico and Pedro weren't very fond of my idea.

I watched the entrance to the cave where everyone was held from the safety of a rock at the perfect distance. Next to me, Zeel laid in wait for the next phase. Right at the side of the opening, Pedro and Nico stood against the rock wall. I could see their shivering from here, but they kept their brave faces on. I waited for it to be clear, and as the guard outside went in, I gave the signal. They were motionless at first, but managed to move to the entrance in plain sight.

"Hey, everyone!" Nico yelled in his most casual tone. I could see all the Agency forces turn their heads in surprise, and none made a move to snatch Nico and Pedro. So far, the plan was going well. "Who wants to party?!" They began doing dance moves, providing me and Zeel the perfect cover. We made our way to the entrance with speed and stealth. Zeel peeked inside and saw a nearby low rock wall we could use to get around. He took the lead, and I followed. Looking back, I saw the distraction was still going well. I just hoped it would be long enough. We arrived at the end of the rock wall a few seconds later, only to find there was no more cover, except for the crowd of macaws before us.

"We'll have to go through them. Stay right behind me and keep low" Zeel ordered. I gave a nod and followed closely. Some of them recognized me, but kept quiet when I moved a feather to my beak. It didn't take to get close to the front. In front of the crowd stood a tall, slender crow, backed up by three other ones. He looked like the leader. In front of him stood a line of blue macaws, and in their midst was Blu.

"Who is that?" I asked myself.

"Crone" Zeel whispered, having heard what I said. He was once one of ours, but turned against us for power, seeing them as his way of getting what he wants." By the look in his eye, there was more to it, but I decided against bringing it up. "Looks like he's checking through them for you. It will be hard to get everyone out without a fight. I hope your plan works."

"It will. You just do your part, and I'll do mine." He went one, and I went the other. I stopped a few steps to my right behind Rafael, who stared over to the crazy dancers. His mate was nowhere to be found. "Hey, Ralfi." He turned in surprise and almost yelled out my name, if it wasn't for my quick reflexes. I snapped his beak shut and told him to be quiet.

"Sorry" he whispered apologetically. "What are you doing here? These guys sound like the ones after you."

"They are."

"Then you must go. There's no telling what they'll do to you."

"I'll be fine, as long as my plan goes well. And you're part of it."

"What do you need me to do?"

"Spread the word that on my signal, everyone flies to the exit. But I'll need someone by my side."

"Count me in. I'll be waiting, but please hurry it up. I hate standing around all day." I gave a nod and hurried along to spread the word to some others. Once I was done, I began the final phase. I got into a position beside where the leader stood, being able to overhear him.

"No. No. No" he said as the line moved forward, sounding more and more agitated with each one. "No. No. No! How hard is it to find just one bird?! They said it would be a simple job, but everyone looks almost the same! All I want is just one bird! How hard can that be?!" I saw this as my chance and stepped up in front of him.

"I heard you were looking for me" I said as I approached him. I was immediately held down by two of his guards.

"Finally! Who found him? Who's getting the promotion?"

"I brought myself in. It seems your lackeys are to stupid to find me, even though I kind of stand out." He showed a bit of surprise, which turned into a grin as leaned in on me, looking me in the eye.

"I don't see who you are calling stupid, since you're the one who revealed himself to us. Tell me, what would provoke you to do so?"

"I have my reasons. Why are you looking for me?"

"I have my reasons" he mimicked before stepping away. "Dismiss these cerulean turkeys. I have no more use for them, since I now have my prize" he purred, locking onto me with an evil stare. "Bring him forth, for all to see." They dragged me to the edge of the stone we were on and forced to kneel. "Look, everyone! I have found our little fugitive! He has so kindly brought himself forth! You most likely do not know who he truly is! Well then, allow me to shed some light on the subject!" He held out a small syringe filled with a yellow liquid. Before I had time to react, he stabbed it into my arm and injected it into me. For a moment, nothing happened. But I soon felt my body begin to stretch. My feathers began to molt, and my face changed. My wings and legs extended, and fingers and toes began to appear. After what felt like ages, I had changed back to my original self. Everyone looked to me in horror. I was once again human.

What an ending to another chapter! I hope you enjoyed and I will see you all next time :)