The Rio the Darkness Saga Remastered

Rio the Darkness 4: Love and Light

Chapter 35: Strategy

Afternoon to anyone in similar time zone to me, here we are with the next chapter. I hope that you enjoy and have a good day as well.

Taking his rightful place as the new leader, Ivan sat on the Angelus' throne as he observed the new world while Deuvo stood to his side. In a matter of hours, the world had been corrupted with dark essence. He chuckled softly as the Angelus was brought before him. One of her restrainers kicked her legs and forced her down onto her knees.

Across the side of the throne room, multiple light macaws were forced to sit with their wings placed behind the back of their heads. Amongst those prisoners was her personal bodyguard, but no sign of her student.

"You have no right to sit on that throne!" the Angelus scolded, thrashing around desperately to free herself.

"Think what you will, but it will not make a difference," Ivan brushed off her threats. "Now, I have a very busy day ahead of me. Now, I'm going to ask you one question: where are the Orbs of Light and Dark?"

Instead of meeting compliance, she growled and prepared to fight him despite her restraints. Her captors yanked her back with ease, but her will to fight remained. "I would sooner die than tell you."

Ivan chuckled to her empty threat. "I suspected you wouldn't comply. Your commitment is to be commendable, but can the same be said for your people?"

Slowly, he approached the various prisoners lined up before him, one wing raised menacingly towards the closest light macaw. "If you remain silent, I will execute all your people, one by one. How many will die for your cause is on your conscious."

His threats weren't exaggerated, but her people remained strong. One yellow macaw spoke up, speaking firmly and confident. "We are warriors of the light; our duty is to protect the worlds from people like you. We fear nothing, we- "

The light macaw's words were ceased forever as Ivan blasted a single energy blast directly through his head, incinerating him whole. His body fell limp, leaving the other prisoners in awe. Without hesitation, Ivan approached the next warrior and raised his wing once more. Still without an answer, he killed yet another yellow macaw with little resistance.

"That's two," Ivan reminded. "We have plenty more to get through."

The Angelus remained calm on the outside, but deep within, the fear of losing her people was too much to bear. Her duty was to protect to the orbs at all cost, but would she be willing to sacrifice her people to do so? Was this path the journey to her past life, returning as another corrupt queen who would be willing to kill anyone if it meant getting her way? No, she couldn't return to that life again.

By now, Ivan had reached the third prisoner: Drako, who was still wielding his armor except for his mask and hood, was next. Ivan placed his wing against the side of his face, the heat beginning to generate. Drako's life seconds away from ending, but he remained loyal and showed acceptance. "I do not fear you."

Ivan grinned. "It matters not how you die."

"Stop!" the Angelus bellowed, her voice almost pleading. The cruel macaw followed her cries of pleas, eyebrows raising curiously. With her head lowered in shame, it was time to admit defeat. This was a battle that could not be won. Her softened as she resumed her eye contact. "I will give you the orb…Just stop."

Ivan chuckled in satisfaction. Obligating to her pleas, he lowered his wing and approached the former queen. Drako, however, refused to submit. He suddenly rose to his feet, charging towards the cruel dark macaw in anger. "NO!"

The dark macaws surrounding the throne room jumped to action, but their presence was unneeded. With a small sigh, Deuvo stepped forward with his wing raised and caught Drako by his throat, his telekinesis abilities grasped tightly around his neck. The Angelus panicked further as her personal bodyguard was at the mercy of the dark lord once more, but there was nothing she could do.

Deuvo narrowed his eyes, his grip tightening to the point he could snap Drako's throat within an instance the second his lord commanded. "Your power does not even begin to compare to my own, yet you try to fight. Why is that? What do you hope to accomplish?"

Drako groaned, his vocal cords tightened and talons dangling from the ground. Despite these limitations, he mustered the strength to speak. "As long…As I draw…Breath…I…Will…Never…Yield!"

Unafraid by his determination, Deuvo turned towards Ivan, who lowered his wing as a non-threatening gesture. Without hesitation, Deuvo calmly applied more pressure until finally, Drako went limp from lack of oxygen. He calmly dropped the unconscious yellow macaw as two of his followers picked him up.

Now at peace, Ivan knelt and placed a single wingtip under the Angelus' beak, forcing her eyes into his own. "The Orb of Light and Darkness."

"The Orb of Light is within the vault, but I do not know of the second's location," the Angelus confessed.

Ivan, however, had doubts. "That was not the answer I wanted to hear. Need I remind you the price for resistance?"

"I swear, the Orb of Darkness' location is unknown to me," the Angelus said sincerely. "As far as my knowledge, it was destroyed along with your uncle. I cannot help you."

Her words were genuine, but Ivan thought otherwise. Swiftly, he moved his wing to the side of her face and built a telepathy connection between them. Her restraints no longer matter as her body was paralyzed from his touch, unable to move her head with the dark macaw controlling her mind. Closing his eyes, he searched through her memory in an instance, digging through hundreds of years of history.

While distracted, Drako suddenly slammed his wing to the ground and a trail of smoke followed, engulfing him whole. A group of dark macaws hastily surrounded him, but to their surprise, he was no longer present.

"He has vanished!" one of them noted.

"Find him!" Deuvo ordered. "Tear this castle apart if you have to!"

Swiftly, Ivan removed his wing and she fell to the ground, traumatized at the experience. Ivan retracted his wing, nudging the Angelus with a light kick. "You speak the truth. I am impressed. No matter, we will find the Orb of Darkness. Brothers, carry the Angelus to the vault and escort these prisoners and lock them away."

"What of the bodyguard, Lord Ivan?" another spoke up.

"He will no doubt return to save his previous queen," Ivan reassured calmly. "Now go."

The dark macaws bowed their heads in respect and proceeded as ordered. Satisfied with his victory, Ivan proceeded march towards the vault. "One down…One to go."

"And then that's where I arrived here," Sigma concluded. "The portal took me straight outside of your home. The Angelus knew exactly where to send me."

The blue macaws remained silent, taking a moment to endure all story their friend had explained. Immediately, fear begun to tingle their spines, the thoughts of this Ivan invading the World of Light and disposing the likes of the Angelus with little effort. If their predications were correct, no doubt he would soon invade Rio in revenge for his uncle's defeat.

Jewel was the first to speak up after the enduring silence became too much to bear. "And this Ivan, is he coming here?"

Sigma shrugged his wings softly. "I'm not sure, but I wouldn't put it past him. I'll bet my feathers on it."

Though the story had no happy moments, there was in particular that stood out within Blu's mind. "Ivan mentioned the orbs. Does he mean the Orbs of Light and Dark?"

"I assumed the same," Sigma agreed. "But I don't know why. Those of evil hearts could not possibly wield the power of the light, they must be pure of heart. Even if he claims the Darkness Orb, what would he need with the other? Seems a bit redundant, if you ask me."

Having heard enough, Blu stood up. "I'm not sticking around to find out. We're going."

Almost simultaneously, Jewel joined him, blocking his way out of the hollow. "Whoa, where do you think you're going?"

"To get my powers back and beat this Ivan before he kills us all," Blu said drily, attempting to march past her.

Jewel once more pushed him back. "Slow down. What was the plan? Warp to the World of Light and beat Ivan there and then?"

"Not that vague, but close enough," Blu responded.

Mustering the strength to stand, Sigma grabbed Blu's wing and yanked him back with ease, his enhanced strength far surpassing their own as of now. "Listen to me, you fool! Ivan is a sorcery, a specialist in magic. Do you think defeating him is going to be as simple as snapping your toes?!" he briefly paused and clicked his toes to emphasis his point. "The Angelus has been training ever since Nexus was defeated, growing stronger with each day and even she couldn't land a hit on him! Sit down, shut up and let's plan this carefully!"

Blu's eyes widened in awe, surprised by the outburst from the usual friendly and easygoing macaw. Now riddled with guilt, he lowered his head. "I'm sorry, it's just…I don't want to live through all that again, I don't want to see my home destroyed. If we can stop Ivan now, that's it."

Sigma sighed and released his wing, noting he had gripped harder than he intended. "I understand how you feel, but when we first confronted Nexus, he had only Vadin's brotherhood members at his disposal. Ivan's personal army are with him, twice as strong as the average bird. He's had time, he's been preparing this day for months. Ivan's not an idiot, he will be expecting resistance. We just need a plan, that's all."

His words appeared to have sunken in as Blu now calmed and controlled his emotions. He shared a small hug with Jewel as an apology before getting back to the situation at hand. "Sigma, the Orb of the Darkness. Do you know where it is?"

"I do," Sigma confirmed. "But I can't tell you."

Jewel raised an eyebrow to his distrust. "Why?"

"It's not that I don't trust you guys, but I don't doubt Ivan has learned telepathic abilities," Sigma explained. "If he were to get a hold of either one of you, the orb's location would be at risk. Even the Angelus doesn't know, I hid it away after the battle with Nexus and never told her. If only I know of its location, that gives us a fighting chance."

Safe to say, his reasoning was justified. But this only strengthened Blu's curiosity. "Couldn't we just destroy it? Stop Ivan from claiming it?"

"I wish," Sigma snorted. "You would have better luck seeing inside a black hole. It can't be done. As far as we're concerned, the orbs are indestructible. Sorry."

That threw one plan out of the picture. Their conversation ceased for now as the kids made an unexpected appearance, gathering the attention of the three adults. Quickly, Crystal, Rey and Azul spoke in turns.

"Mom! Dad!"

"Uncle Rafael's back!"

"He's got friends!"

Jewel raised her eyebrow while Blu was relieved. Before she could inquire, he took her wing and pulled her outside of the tree. Eventually, she yanked her wing free. "What's the matter, what is…Whoa."

Blu smiled. "You wanted to know what prime two meant?"

Outside of their tree, Rafael stood before them, but it was the area around them that caught her interest. An army of military macaws surrounded them, on the ground, perched upon the trees or flying above. If Jewel had to guess, there must have been at least two-hundred of them present and possibly more on the way. In awe, she turned towards her mate with surprise. "You did all this?"

Blu nodded and shifted his attention away as a lone military macaw perched upon the same branch, slightly taller and bulkier than the others. Upon seeing his old friend, Blu held out his talon. "Lenny, thank you for coming."

"Likewise," Lenny agreed and accepted hid talon firmly. He shifted his attention towards Jewel and nodded as a greeting.

Still in awe, Jewel studied the army around her once more, confirming this was not her eyes playing a trick. "Blu, what exactly is this?"

"After what happened with Nexus, I didn't want us to be unprepared again," Blu explained. "I was afraid something like this would happen again. I couldn't risk you, the kids or anyone we love to get hurt again. That's when Rafael introduced me to Lenny."

The military macaw took his cue to speak as a smaller yet just as built military macaw joined them. "My name is Lenny, I'm in charge of this army. And this here is my righthand man Raxos. Rafael informed us of prime two?"

"That's right," Blu confirmed. "To put it short: the nephew of Nexus has attacked the Angelus and now we have reason to believe he's on his way to Rio."

"To rule?" Raxos inquired.

"To destroy," Blu corrected.

"That's reason enough for me," Lenny agreed. "What's the plan? We take the fight directly to Ivan and hit him hard?"

"No!"

Blu opened his beak to answer but was silenced as Sigma emerged from the tree hollow, now holding his wing over his torso. He joined the birds on the crowded tree, refusing any support from Jewel. "That's just what he wants. Ivan knows I escaped and I'm betting he knows I found you. Attacking him there and then is just going to ruin everything. As long as he's in the World of the Light, he has the advantage."

Lenny considered his words carefully but raised an eyebrow all the same as he crossed his wings. "What do you propose?"

Turning towards his blue macaw friend, Sigma patted his shoulder. "Blu's powers are waiting to be unlocked if I can just get him to the containment orb. Like it or not, without the Angelus, he's the only one who stands a chance of fighting Ivan. I can take Blu and travel to the World of Light, sneak in the castle and give him his powers back."

"I see," Lenny said hesitantly. "But where does that leave us?"

"Ivan will eventually arrive and when he sees all of you waiting, he will get the impression you're all that's standing before him," Sigma explained. "No matter how we act, it's inevitable they will come to Rio. Estimating the time that's passed since the invasion, they're probably preparing as we speak. At least this way we can gain an advantage, even if it is a small one. Are you with me?"

The various birds exchanged looks with the other, contemplating on the gold and blue macaw's suggestion. His plan was reasonable and could potentially work, except for one teeny-tiny problem.

"If you're there, how exactly do you plan to get the castle unguarded?" Raxos inquired, his wing raised to stand out. "Is Ivan really going to leave his fortress unguarded?"

"And that's why I'm only taking Blu," Sigma replied, gesturing towards said macaw. "We'll sneak in together and be out fast. Piece of cake."

Everyone seemed satisfied with his plan, almost everyone that is. Jewel swiftly moved beside her mate, one wing placed gently on his shoulder. "I'm coming, too. If there's danger, I'm not letting you face it alone."

Pleased, Blu nodded, though he knew trying to convince her otherwise would be futile. "Absolutely."

Sigma was prepared to argue but silenced himself. "Very well. We'll be going shortly so say your goodbyes. Don't know how long this is going to take to travel."

"I will gather the rest of the men and prepare ourselves," Lenny reassured.

With the plan in action, the meeting was adjured, and everyone went their separate ways. In a matter of seconds, the army of military macaws had vacated the area, leaving the friends alone.

"Well lovebirds, I can safely say I think you're crazy for going to the World of Light," Rafael said lighthearted, a small chuckle following.

"One adventure ends and another begins," Blu added. "We'll be back as soon as possible. Is it okay if we leave the kids with you?"

"Anything for you, amigo," Rafael reassured and patted his back softly.

Jewel knelt to their three kids, her expression softening to see their worried faces. She placed one wing around each one as they embraced their mother. "Kids, you remember what we talked about if danger follows?"

The three nodded their heads softly and replied simultaneously. "To stay with our uncles and aunts."

"And if something happens to them?"

"Go to the city and visit Grandma Linda."

Jewel smiled and planted a kiss on each of their heads, followed with a tighter hug. Blu joined her shortly, wrapping his wings around both his wife and their children, cherishing the final moments they would be together.

"Mom, Dad, please come home," Crystal said softly, her voice barely containing a whimper.

"We will, sweetie," Blu reassured. "We'll be back before you know it."

"And you be good for your Uncle Rafael and Aunt Eva," Jewel added.

Without another word, the family of blue macaws broke apart. Their bond was strong and the thought of being apart for so long was a little saddening, but they were reassured to know they would be together again soon.

Rafael eventually scooted the blue macaw kids between his wings. "Good luck, meus amigos."

The toucan gathered the children and departed before long. With their goodbyes settled, it was time to go. Blu and Jewel rejoined Sigma within their hollow as he tore off the makeshift bandages. He stretched his wings, cracking his neck to release tension. His body was still sore, but determination fueled his desire.

"Are you sure you're up for this?" Jewel inquired with concern. "You're still injured."

Sigma consumed a cup of water left for him first, throwing the contents out of the tree. "Have to be. I should warn you both now: I've never mastered this portal trick, we could end up in the middle of them. Are you both willing to risk that?"

"What choice do we have?" Blu inquired. "It's that or failure."

"We trust you, Sigma," Jewel reassured. "You can do it."

For the first time in a while, the gold and blue macaw raised a smile. Donning his staff once more, he raised his other wing and focused, closing his eyes to help. The Angelus, his desire to rescue her was his focus, the world around him was blocked out as he concentrated on her. That single thought fueled his power, breaking through previous doubts.

Opening his eyes, Sigma was surprised to see the portal opened before him, the gateway towards the World of Light was within his grasp. He turned towards the blue macaws before him. "Ready?"

The lovebirds held wings, nodding as they spoke. "Let's go."

Without any more hesitation, the trio of birds entered the gateway and the journey towards the World of Light begun. From this point forward, there was no going back.

Satisfied with his victory and conquer over the World of Light, Ivan examined the orb within his grasp, the powerful sphere within his grip. No dark macaw had ever had the might nor the graciousness to wield a power of light. And now, here it was, a weapon of destruction.

Ivan grinned and placed the orb of power upon the top of his staff. Instantly, the energy sources connected into one, allowing him to wield the power of light if needed, but this was a means of convenience for now. At least until he had the second orb within his grasp.

"My Lord Nexus," Ivan muttered. "Soon your destiny will be relived. The destruction of Rio will follow, the balance and order you have sought for so long will secure. I promise, uncle, I will not fail your defeat."

His thoughts were interrupted as the doors to the throne room opened, a group of high-ranking dark macaws entered. Upon reaching their leader, they knelt and bowed their heads in respect.

"Lord Ivan, the preparations for your army have been accomplished as ordered," one dark macaw explained. "They were ready to proceed as planned."

"Excellent," Ivan said with pleasure. "And what reports do you have from our spy?"

The second dark macaw spoke up. "An army has been gathered in defense for your invasion, Lord Ivan. We highly anticipate they know we are coming."

"It matters not," Ivan assured, waving off the threat of an army as little more as a nuisance. It was inevitable they would be expected to invade. Instead, his priorities were concerned on the bigger threats. "What of the blue macaws?"

"There is no sign of either blue macaws nor the warrior that escaped you before," another explained. "As far as we are concerned, they are in hiding."

"Or planning," Ivan suggested, his voice slowing from caution. Nevertheless, his confidence remained and stood, marching forward as he gestured for them to stand. "Gather the armies to the meeting point. The time for battle has arrived."

The dark macaws left without a word, separating to march from one direction to another. Eager to begin fighting, Ivan personally marched towards the outside of the throne room, his personal adviser General Deuvo following closely. With each dark macaw he passed, they moved out of his way and bowed in respect. His very appearance was enough to assert dominance over the brothers.

Along the way, his general spoke up. "Forgive me for asking, my Lord, but what do you intend to do with the Angelus? For what purpose does she live?"

"Her presence serves another purpose in the upcoming battles," Ivan explained. "She will die, but not yet. Do you know what fear is, General?"

Deuvo raised an eyebrow. "It is something we did not share with our enemies?"

"Good guess," Ivan praised. "But no. Fear fuels the hearts of men, fear pushes warriors to their limits. The Angelus shares no such trait. She fears nothing to her own life. And that is why she remains. I want her to break, I want her to understand the meaning of failure and despair. When this war is over, the Angelus will break before me, she will understand the true meaning of fear. That begins with our destiny. She will watch as we destroy all she has built, disengage all her years of dedication within days."

The general seemed pleased with his answer, grinning with satisfaction. However, his smile soon dropped. "And what of Kate and the other prisoner?"

"I may have a use for the former," Ivan replied. "But the other is not to be trusted, at least not yet. For now, our priories are to find the Orb of Darkness. I trust the castle will be in good hands, General?"

"Of course, Lord Ivan," Deuvo agreed. "I will devote my life guarding this fortress. Rest assured, I will not fail."

Ivan chuckled and narrowed his eyes towards the smaller yet strong general. "I have no doubt."

Travelling through these portals never seemed to get old for Blu, his head going dizzy and slight nauseous each time. Fortunately, his sickness finally subdued as the end of the portal came into view. Admittedly, they had no idea what they were about to get into. A conquered castle filled with dark macaws didn't pay well in their favor. But the sight of his loved one beside him filled any doubts he had.

The trio dropped from the portal, landing firmly as they prepared for a fight. Sigma had his staff raised, a small spark of energy at the tip in suspicion of falling into a trap. Luckily, they had not fallen victim to a group of dark macaws nor had they arrived in a populated area. Instead, they were within a small room, a storage one judging by the size. The multiple crates and stands supported this theory.

"It worked," Sigma sighed with relief.

"This is the World of Light?" Blu questioned, eyes widened as the darkened walls filled the area with a sense of uneasiness. "It's so…Corrupted."

Jewel was just as shocked, albeit less than her mate since she had not spent as much time here. Shaking off negative thoughts, she turned her attention towards the other macaw. "Sigma, where do we go from here? Sigma? Sig-ma?"

The warrior of lightning finally broke back into the real world, the sight of the tainted castle briefly forcing him into submissive. "Um, right, right. This is the armory, but it looks like they took most of the weapons. Let me see."

The blue macaws watched him open a crate and investigate the contents. While he was occupied, the two made small talk between themselves.

"Are you sure you're up for this?" Blu inquired, his suggestion earning a small frown. "I'm not saying I don't want you here, but I just want you to be sure."

"There's no going back now," Jewel reminded, her frown replaced with one of reassurance. She leaned forward and pecked him on the side of his beak. "Let's just get through this together, okay?"

Blu nodded.

In a matter of seconds, Sigma returned, now carrying items between his wing that he dropped by their feet. "Here, put these on."

The blue macaws eyed the contents before them: two jumpsuits were placed by their feet, one in light blue while the other in black. They were followed with a piece of armor in white, designed for their torso while dual shoulder guards were added for more protection. To conclude, matching white boots were between them.

"Is this body armor?" Blu inquired while he held said armor between him, eyeing it curiously.

Sigma nodded. "They're designed for heavy durability, but they're light and flexible, won't slow you down a bit. Same goes for the boots."

Jewel was just as skeptical as she examined the piece of clothing. "And we wear these under them?"

"That clothing is made of a rare material, capable of protecting you from minor attacks," Sigma explained. "Look, as much as I would love to explain our history, we're a little bit low on time. Put them on and we'll go."

Without hesitation, Blu donned the light blue jumpsuit with ease, the size fitting him perfectly. Jewel followed a few seconds later, placing the black jumpsuit over her body. Before long, the blue macaws were successfully protected and ready to fight if needed. The jumpsuits covered their body whole, only leaving their head and feet exposed, the latter now concealed with a pair of boots. Their matching armor fit precisely across their bodies, a little too perfect.

"The armor is also designed to fit almost anyone," Sigma added.

"I feel ridiculous," Jewel admitted, trying to adjust to wearing clothing as the uncomfortable feeling didn't pass.

"I think it suits you," Blu admired. Unlike his wife, he was use to wearing such items. Living in a cold state would require the occasional scarf or coat.

In response, Jewel playfully nudged him before turning their attention back towards Sigma, whom had yet to don his own. "Where's yours?"

"There were only two left," Sigma explained. "You guys need it more than I do. Come on, it's time to go."

With the blue macaws protected and the cover of stealth to protect them, it was time to go. Sigma approached the exit of the room, his talon grasped firmly on the handle. Suddenly, he turned towards his allies, his expression tightened and became serious. "When we go out this door, danger will be lurking in every corner. Be on your guard, more so than ever before. Dark macaws will be everywhere, you have to be on high alert, no slip-ups. Stay close to me, do not wonder anywhere at all-not even for a minute-and don't try anything heroic. Are we understood?"

The lovebirds nodded firmly, paying extra attention to his words. The importance in his voice said all.

"Alright," Sigma said satisfied, his attention shifting back towards the door. "Let's go."

Another day, another chapter. As the days go by, the armies of Rio and darkness prepare for the battle ahead. More to follow within the upcoming days.