Birdy Beatdown

Final Chapter: Ignorance Captures the Unwary

A/N: Sorry for the delay. Had a small car accident over the week, but all is good. The only thing that hurts is my pride and car. Anyway, I took my time for this ending because I wanted to make a lengthy chapter to compensate the next future update, which won't be up for awhile. More detail will be given at the end of this chapter. That said, here's the full chapter of BB. Who shall win? Read on to find out!

A day before Blu confronts Skyler for the title of the Amazon's Ordeal of the Mighty, Eduardo sought out for some peace and quiet to clear his mind from the past several days of dealing with Blu's new fandom due to his son's phenomenal performance at the Ordeal.

Far east from his tribe's home, Eduardo lands in a nearby grove full of vegetation and wildlife. The evening drew near, basking the jungle in a crimson sunset, too beautiful for the elder macaw to comprehend.

"Sunsets like this never get old." Eduardo chuckled lightly as he plops down on a tree branch for some rest.

While gazing out towards the vast jungle, Eduardo recalls Blu's performance and ability to withstand the Ordeal. Never could he imagine some bird like Blu is built like a fighting machine.

"The lad's surprising me every day. I wonder what tricks he has up his wings tomorrow."

"Talking to yourself old man? Think that's a tad too soon already my good friend?"

Eduardo slowly turned to face the owner of the mysterious voice. It wasn't a mystery for Eduardo as he recognizes the voice immediately before facing a sleek crow perched behind him.

"Ah Ray, you took your time to get here." Eduardo greeted the crow.

"It's not easy to fly so quickly when your wing was recently broken." Ray replied while making his way beside Eduardo. "So, how far is Blu in the tourney?"

"Very far if I must say. Tomorrow he faces Skyler for the title. I do hope he knows how to avoid the Owl's tricks."

"Oh I know he will. Believe me, he's got this fight in the bag. As long he takes in my gift, Skyler shouldn't be a problem despite Tensai's earlier beating."

"Speaking of gifts, what did you leave behind Blu?"

"Just a berry that would remedy his wounds if he suffered too much damage to his limbs. Knowing him, Blu's going in foolishly with a battered body."

"The lad's stubborn, but his heart is strong."

"I figure. He was like that during the training."

"Training?" Eduardo asked in a curious tone.

"Whoops." Ray chuckled while nervously scratching the back of his head with his wing. "Perhaps I should've told this sooner. The whole time Blu was training, I was his trainer."

"That explains a lot. No wonder he was dominating his matches."

"Heh, guess Blu actually took my lessons seriously. Believe me Eddy, that Blu was difficult to get in shape."

"I feel ya Ray." Eduardo chuckled, remembering how Blu was like during his first encounter with his son-in-law. "So besides the update on Blu's status, anything else you like to know?"

"Yeah, I'll get there." Ray started as he stands up, stretching his weaker wing out. "If Blu wins tomorrow, he'll be given the chose to take on Pete's rep from the Madidi Jungle."

"I'm aware. I can be certain Blu will take on the challenge. The lad's getting stronger. I'm sure he'll be fine."

"Yeah that's the thing I should warn you about. If Blu chooses to continue, he'll be facing me."

"Come again?"

"In other words, I'm Madidi's Champion. Blu would be facing me next after Sky."

"I see…"

Eduardo pondered grimly as Ray's words sunk into his mind. After taking in the news, a thought came across Eduardo's mind that questioned Ray's logic on revealing this piece of news.

"Wait a minute, when did you get invited into the Madidi Ordeal?"

"It's kinda hard to put the whole story in one setting, but I'll summarize to my best ability. You see, in the Madidi Jungle, a tribe called the Ganej Gulls were in a certain predicament…"

Recently the Gulls lost their representing fighter in a boating accident. Something you should know about this tribe, I knew the fighter's younger brother, Dean. He was in grief for a great deal of time when his brother passed away. I didn't know how to cheer him up, and it pains me to see him in such a sad state. With no more options, I sought advice from the tribe's chieftain.

The Gulls' chief suggested I become their tribes' representing fighter. Why you ask? The chief believed with me fighting, I could carry the legacy of the deceased fighter. D was ecstatic when he heard I was taking his brother's place in the Ordeal.

So to honor his death, I plan on winning this tourney for him.

"But that led me to a certain problem." Ray paused as he looked over to a bewildered Eduardo. "I didn't count on taking on Blu during the Ordeal. So here we are in the present, and I'm going to ask of you a request."

"What is it?" Eduardo asked.

"I'll be arriving at the arena tomorrow and I want you to make sure you look surprise. If Blu catches you acting calm, he may suspect something."

"Suspect? You think you're acting paranoid?"

"If I deny I really am. But in reality, Blu would catch on and sought you out. You're the type of bird who isn't good at hiding secrets."

"Ouch, I'm hurt." Eduardo chuckled lightly. "But sure, I'll play along. Just try to stay healthy before you face Blu."

"Will do sir. Well with that, I'll take my leave." Ray said as he prepares to dismiss himself. As the crow started to take off, he heard Eduardo calling out to him.

"Ray! Before you take off, I want you remember this."

"What?" Ray asked.

"When you take on my son-in-law, don't hold back. I want you to give it your all. Blu would expect the same."

"Don't worry my friend, I'll keep your word."

A/N: This section contains the same chapter as the last update. You're welcome to skip it to progress the story if you wish.

At last Blu won the Ordeal of the Mighty as the Amazon's Champion. To that, he was entitled to either accept that title alone or go beyond as the true Champion of the Ordeal by facing one last opponent, another champion in the Ordeal. Feeling confident, Blu accepts the offer from Peter, Ordeal coordinator of the Madidi Jungle, to have one last battle against the Madidi's Ordeal Champion. Little did Blu know, he would be facing his teacher and friend, Ray the Crow.

The arena's on edge as two of the Ordeal's strongest fighters stand face to face, ready to prove of being the strongest bird in the jungle.

Feeling his confidence draining away, Blu regrets his decision on going toe to toe with Ray. Even though he tackled down his greatest opponents like Egil or Skyler, Ray is a whole different level of strength and skill. Not only that, Blu couldn't use any of his tricks or strongest moves because Ray knew and taught them all to him.

"Oh boy, what am I going to do?" Blu thought nervously as Ray prepares himself for the fight.

He couldn't back down because the crowd's in a frenzy of excitement. A match like this shouldn't be forfeited. Blu could feel this being his defeat, but he'll give a fight that the crowd or Ray couldn't forget.

"All right Ray, you ready?" Blu barked out, poised to start the bout.

"As I always be Blu. Do your worst. Or should I say politely, do your best." Ray taunted back.

Truth to be told, Blu's best is his cunning planning. With that out of the equation, he's restricted to his strength and skill. Now without strategy to gain an advantage, Blu must take on Ray purely on instinct.

And the match starts with both birds colliding with several kicks and wing strikes. Everything seemed evenly match as Blu and Ray clashed. The furious bout further excited the spectators as Blu and Ray showed no signs of surrendering.

"I must admit, you definitely improved Blu!" Ray comments as he ducks away from Blu's attacks.

"I did have a great mentor!" Blu replied back.

"However, you're going to need to perform better than that!"

Ray grabs onto Blu's leg from a parry and rams his head into Blu's beak. Blu stumbles back in pain as Ray's headbutt left him with a pounding headache. He quickly recovered and stopped Ray from taking advantage of his stunned stance.

The round was only half way done and Blu felt like he fought for 5 rounds. No matter what he did, Blu or Ray couldn't get the better of each other. But to Blu's horror, Ray showed no signs of fatigue.

"Shoot I need to knock him out before he beats me with stamina, but with what!?" Blu panicked silently as he searched around for a solution. Then an idea hit me instantly when he peered up to the sky. "Of course, why didn't I do this sooner!?"

Blu took for the skies to distance himself from Ray. The crow may be a master on ground combat, but he wasn't stellar on air combat. Truth be told, Ray's recovering from a wing injury sometime ago and was left grounded until he regained his strength to fly again.

"This may be cruel, but I'm out of options." Blu thought as Ray looked up to him in frustration.

"Oh I see how it is. Fine!" Ray growled as he flexed his wings for flight. Blu watched in astonishment as Ray flew up to confront him. For being unable to fly for months, Ray could fly fast. Blu dodge several of Ray's dash attacks while delivering his own. The dogfight didn't last too long as Ray showed signs of fatigue from overexerting himself.

"So, strong on land, weak in the air, that's it!" Blu thought happily as he may have a chance against Ray.

Ray slowed his pace as he tried to regain his composure. Blu saw a window of opportunity and took it to attack the dazed crow. Blu grabbed Ray by his legs and hurled him down to the earth with a thunderous thud. The crowd watched in awe as Blu slams the imposing Ray into the dirt.

"Whoa! Did Dad actually do that!?" Tiago cheered from the audience.

"I hope so. Cause Dad wouldn't be able to get up from that if Ray hurled him into the floor." Carla replied.

Blu returns to the arena ground to catch his breath as he looked on the damage he did to Ray. The crow laid on the earth with a several cracks forming around the landing site from his crash landing. The moment the official started his countdown, Ray kips up from the ground, standing eye to eye with a frightened Blu.

"Tsk not bad." Ray remarks as he dusted himself. "But not good enough."

Ray went for a hook but Blu ducks out of harm's way. He went for the sky again in hopes of baiting a fuming Ray, but his plan comes short as Ray had other plans in mind.

"Not this time my friend." Ray thought smugly.

Ray soared after Blu and snatched hold of him using his entire body. Struggling to keep himself and Ray floating in the air, Blu desperately shakes his body in hopes of forcing Ray to let go. During their struggle, Ray pokes Blu on the side with his beak several times.

With Blu howling in pain from each strike, Ray ceases his attacks and flies away to distant himself and his opponent. After Blu finally freed from Ray, he went for an attempt to fly up in hopes of buying time to develop a new strategy. As he spread his wings for flight, Blu quickly plummets down as he tried to soar up. He went for another attempt, but to no avail, he couldn't fly.

"Wait, did I just forget how to fly? How can a bird forget to fly!?" Blu screamed in his thoughts.

Ray lands back to the arena floor, a grin wore his beak as he slowly approached Blu. The macaw took a fighting stance as he prepares for Ray, only to be confronted with shocking news from Ray's earlier plan.

"If you're attempting to belittle me by using my inability to fly properly against me, tough luck my friend. My beak just struck several important nerves on your body that allow your mind and muscles to cooperate in flight. In other words, you can't fly."

"You did what!?"

"Don't worry it's temporary. The effects will wear off...once you lose."

Blu could feel all his confidence drift away after Ray's ill news. Now that he can't fly, Ray has all the advantage he needs to beat him.

"Now that you're on my turf, perhaps I can show you some new tricks."

"N-new tricks?"

"Get ready Blu! Time for fighting 101!"

Ray raced forward at Bllu with incredible speed, quick enough for the dirt beneath him to kick up. Blu raised his wings to defend himself, only to block nothing but dust. In a split second, Blu spots Ray right behind him.

Ray swept kicks Blu to throw him off balance before axe handling Blu into the ground with his wings. Just like that, Blu went down for the count.

He managed to get up at the count of 4, but the fatigue and pain is greatly taking its toll on Blu. The macaw debated whether to continue fighting or throw in the fight, both having unpleasant turnouts. How he is going to beat Ray?

To Blu's good fortune, the round ends, giving the macaw some time to rethink his battle plan. Blu rushes back to his corner as Eduardo and a few Blue Spix Macaws awaited for the fighter to return. Eduardo's team went ahead to mend Blu's injuries, but feels a bit worried for his son's inability to fly.

"This isn't going well." Blu stated, sagging back on the makeshift chair in his corner.

"I figure. Considering you're grounded, who wouldn't feel glum." Eduardo replied as he studied Ray across the arena, who seemed just as exhausted as Blu. "Alright son new plan, you gotta outlast Ray."

"You know, that may be the trick. I can't beat him with strength, but maybe with stamina."

The next round starts, but Blu wished he had more time to rest. With no choice but to continue, Blu stands up and heads back over to confront Ray.

With the official starting the 2nd round, the two birds went at it again. As the round progressed, Blu could feel his fatigue beating him more than Ray's attacks. Even with the available energy Blu could muster, his attacks wouldn't faze his teacher.

"There has to be another weakness!" Blu thought desperately as he narrowly dodges a kick from his opponent.

"You know Blu, dodging and blocking are great, but eventually you're gonna need to strike me!" Ray barked out as he stretched out his wings to grab Blu. The macaw jumps over Ray to avoid his grapple, but his stunned nerves from earlier forced him to exert almost all his stamina.

"Wait a minute." Blu muttered as he waited for Ray to turn around. "His left side…"

Blu notices Ray's outbalance on his left side of his body.

"That's it! His weaken wing! Oh I'm going to regret this, but if I have chance to win, I'm taking it."

Putting aside his pride, Blu focused his efforts on Ray's weaker side. Ray quickly went for the defense when he noticed Blu lashing out numerous attacks on his weaker wing.

The macaw struck Ray's left wing, sending a wave of pain throughout Ray's mind. Taking the opportunity from Ray's moment of pain, Blu moonsault kicks Ray's skull, sending his body straight into the ground for the knockout. Blu backed off as the official started counting.

To Blu's dismay, Ray kicks off the ground and lands on his feet on the count of 5.

"Oh I taught you well." Ray commented smugly as he dusted himself. "But I haven't taught you everything."

The crow rushed in again for another attack. Blu expected another sneak attack from behind and braced himself for the surprise. Unfortunately for Blu, Ray knew his opponent's expectance and grabbed the unsuspecting Blu by his pelt.

Ray drove a fistful of wing into Blu's beak, sending the macaw hurling back several feet away from the crow. Blu's supporters gasp in shock as their hero tumbled back in pain. The attack didn't knock Blu down, but he soon regrets from standing back up as Ray dashed in again on the attack.

This time, Ray Mongolian chops Blu's head with his two wings, quickly giving Blu a massive headache from the shocking blow. It didn't stop there, Ray furthered punished Blu by seizing the macaw by his head and hoisting him up over his shoulders. The crowd watched in awe of Ray's strength as he slams Blu down with a Falling Press Slam.

The thunderous impact from Blu's body bouncing off the ground forced the entire arena to cringe in pain as the macaw stayed down in a heap of agony and defeat.

The official started his count as the spectators watched anxiously for Blu to get back up. Miraculously, Blu stands back up at the count of 3. His recovery was short-lived when Ray came back for the attack.

Desperate to give himself time to catch a breath, Blu rolled out of the way from Ray's charge. He quickly turned around to confront Ray with the little energy to supply his defense. Blu braced his body for the brutal beating Ray was going to give. Each punch or kick Ray delivered, Blu could feel himself blacking out from exhaustion.

Blu shook away the fatigue and sword stabs Ray with his wing. His attack connects as Ray backed away to catch his breath. The attack though only angered Ray. But luckily for Blu, it bought just enough time for the official to call the end of the 2nd round.

During the intermission between the 2nd and 3rd round, several members from each tribe watching the match developed doubt whether Blu could turn the match around to his favor. Even Jewel felt like it was hopeless for Blu based from the brutal beating Ray has given him so far. Yet a small part of her held a sliver of hope for her mate despite the bleak situation. Whatever the outcome, she prayed Blu's physical and mental being remains intact by the end of this match.

The 3rd and final round commences. Although Ray controlled most of the match, he showed just the same amount of exhaustion as Blu, minus the numerous bruises and scratches.

"He just won't stay down. Go figure…" Ray cursed himself as he prepares for the final round.

Blu sluggishly makes his way towards Ray, poised to continue fighting despite his mind screaming to lay down and surrender.

And the two birds clashed once again, neither showing a sign of surrendering. With each landing attack, Blu and Ray's bruises continued building up, some even on the verge of opening up.

Back and forth the two birds fought, and the arena's almost in silent awe from the brutality and resilience displayed by Blu and Ray.

Blu saw an opportunity and snagged Ray's abdominal with his right wing. The macaw quickly hoisted him up and punished Ray with a swinging sidewalk slam. As expected, Ray got up at a count of 6, but the way Ray slowly made his way gave Blu a glimmer of hope in the match.

Several exchanging punches and kicks later, Blu takes a swift kick from Ray, and goes down for the count. Blu recovers and gets back into the fight, but suffers a wounded right leg due from poor landing from the knockdown. It didn't stop there as Ray rushed for his weaken leg. Blu dodges Ray's attempts and counters by going for Ray's weaken wing.

For the continuation of the match, each fighter focused on their opponent's weaker limb in hopes of forcing them to submit.

At one point of the match, Blu and Ray had to sit down to catch their breath mid round. Immediately, Blu took the moment to ambush Ray during his respite. Ray spotted Blu's advance and rolled out of harm's way. Blu expected the evasion and pursued his foe. He grabbed Ray by his tail feathers and pulled him in for a spinning throw. After creating enough momentum, Blu released his grip and hurled Ray crashing into a nearby totem with a sickening crack. Ray slowly fell down and collapsed in pain as the official started counting.

"Please…please stay down." Blu begged as he knelt down in exhaustion.

At the count of 8, Ray gets right back up, wobbling, but not defeated. Blu helplessly watched as Ray sprinted at him with his wing out for a punch.

Blu braced himself, but instead of getting punched, he felt his head being grabbed by his opponent's wings. In an instant, Ray leans back and shoots forward with a brutal headbutt, hurting himself but inflicting greater damage to Blu.

The crowd cringed in shock and pain as Blu stumbled back and falls down for the count.

The arena fell silent as the official started his count. By the count of 5, the crowd remained shock with each time the official counted due to Blu showing no signs of life.

"Come on Dad! Get up!" Bia cried out from the stands.

"Don't give up, you still got this!" Tiago and Carla added.

Your father wishes he could stay down kids…

At the count of 9, Blu slowly gets up to the macaws pleasure and to Ray's disbelief.

It boils down to this, the next knockout will be a TKO, meaning this would decide the winner.

Blu and Ray charged and gave it all they got, hoping to end the match. At one instant, both birds threw one punch at each other in the same manner of time. Both Blu and Ray staggered back before collapsing face first into the ground.

"I don't believe it, a double-KO!" Eduardo cried out. The crowd went on exchanging words of confusion and excitement for the result of the match. The official flew into the ring and began announcing:

"For the first time, we've witnessed a double knockdown on the final round! Not only that, but on the rules of a TKO. Therefore, if one of the fighters gets up before the other or until I finish counting, he will be declared the winner. If both fighters can't comply, we are forced to call this match a draw!"

The official along with all the spectators started counting. By the time they've reached 4, Blu and Ray slowly started to stand up, but not high enough to be considered standing. The counting continued, neither bird slowing down or speeding up. By 9, Blu and Ray were both standing, possibly leading to a sudden death. But something confused Blu as he peered at the exhausted Ray.

"Good job buddy…you wanted it more…" Ray mumbled.

A second later, Ray let out a final breath before collapsing back down in defeat.

An initial shock overcame Blu upon realizing Ray fell back down, he won.

Another second later, the crowd roared in praise for the exciting match. More importantly, their praise was directed to the true champion of the Ordeal. Despite winning, Blu felt something was off. Not by the amount of pain and exhaustion from the match, but the nature throughout the match.

Later on the day, all the tribes gathered together for one final celebration to mark the end of this Ordeal of the Mighty. Throughout the evening, members of each tribe went on partying or making new friends with each other. For some, they used the time to boast or humble themselves.

Many birds were furious from losing their bets as Spencer Pootin pranced about with his many winnings. It wasn't until Egil stepped in and demanded his coach to split his winnings with him as he too had part of the bet on Blu.

The runner up for the Amazon title Skyler went around and apologized to her competitors for her rash behavior from the start of her Ordeal career and vowed to fight fairly from now.

Not only Sky, but King Tensai went to the three tribes to apologize from his merciless beatings to the representing fighters during his Ordeal run. He never wanted to kill them, he just didn't realize how powerful he was. To start anew, Tensai retired his career and became the Amazon's carpenter. With his mighty strength, he built many hollows in trees for birds that needed homes. Unfortunately, some folks didn't like his approach and beating holes into trees, but the large bird unintentionally intimidated the naysayers and went on his new life as a carpenter.

In short, everyone said to believe this Ordeal was the greatest one. All but one macaw, who only experienced one Ordeal and possibly his only one.

Blu secretly slips out of the party and avoided his family to clear his mind from the commotion happening back home. Sneaking would've been easier if his body wasn't covered in severe pain. After reaching his destination, he spots his mentor and friend Ray resting near a small lake.

Flying down to meet his friend, the crow greeted him as he continued washing himself with the lake's water.

"Hey bud, heading out?" Blu asked.

"Soon. Just going to clean up before I return back to the Madidi Jungle, then cozy Rio."

"Sound plan. Before you take off. Can I ask you something?"

"Sure. Hit me."

"I hope that's being figurative. Anyway, I want you to be honest. Why did you hold back throughout the match?"

"Come again?" Ray asked nervously.

"Ray…what are you hiding?"

After a moment of silence, Ray admits defeat as he shrugs away in embarrassment.

"Ah nuts, you figured it out huh?" Ray groaned as Blu saw past his cover.

"But why? How come you didn't fight me with your full potential?"

"I'll be honest too. If you've faced me at my best Blu, you really wouldn't last. The second round was an example."

"I remember. You schooled me." Blu chuckled from recalling the brutal beatdown he was given by his teacher.

"But that's not the point. You still have plenty to learn. Fighting is not just skill and strength, but also confidence."

"Confidence?"

"Yep. You had too many moments when you lacked it. And the times you were confident in yourself, you excelled. But also there were times throughout the tourney I saw you overconfident, and you went in blindly to defeat. Remember, humble yourself, stay focus, and push beyond your limits."

"Like you always said."

Blu agreed as he still needed to train despite his victory. And Blu decided to make the ultimate decision.

"If that the case. I'm going to take to the officials and hand you the victory. If I didn't beat you when you're holding back, I don't deserve a win."

"Ah you should stop there. You should hold onto that title because of one thing."

"What?"

"The one shining diamond you held onto throughout this Ordeal, passion. You thrived with it from beginning to end. Save this victory and strive to uphold it for the next time. "

"Sure, but still-"

"Ah no butts. But if you try to do so, I'm afraid I'll have to stand in your way."

"Is that a threat?"

"Do I make threats?"

"…No." Blu admitted. "You make promises."

"Nice job my student. Now I expect to see you in class again in 3 weeks."

"That I can do."

Blu and Ray shook talons before the crow prepared to take flight back to the Madidi Jungle.

"Oh one last thing Blu." Ray shouted back in the sky. "If you see Eduardo, tell him thanks."

"For what?"

"No reason, just tell him thanks for being a great friend."

A/N: That brings the end to this tale. Thanks for reading and giving back feedback as always. I apologize to those who's characters didn't make it. And I wish to give thanks to those who allowed me to use their characters as fighters.

Now one last bit of news before I finish this note. First, after taking in the tallies of what project I should work on next, I shall be making a sequel to Winds of Madness. Stay alert to the conclusion of the end of the U3 series, Rio: Sorrow's Legacy. Second, I shall be working on a new LS series story. I won't say much, but I will say I always wanted to do this idea in a long time.

As always, thanks for the support and hope to hear from you soon!- Poshil