It's nice to be back here...that's right, a new Rio story (!) to take a nostalgic approach to the lives of our special parrots ;) Enjoy reading!

Chapter 1: The beginning

It was a truly beautiful sunset. The sun was setting over the Amazon at a tortoise's pace allowing for everyone to enjoy this view, which admittedly occurs regularly every 24 hours, so this was the evening that Blu was most looking forward to. This was the last day they were in the Amazon, the next day they are due to head to Rio to visit Linde and Tulia, who live there and live a quiet life, as is classic. Admittedly, it had been five years since the Gunderson family had taken up permanent residence in the wilderness (in the Amazon), abandoning human goods for nature for good, so Blu was looking forward, as he always does every year, to disappearing from the place for a month and finally (as he has been waiting all year) being able to live a little earlier life, full of comfort compared to some things in the wilderness. Blu did not complain about life in the jungle - he had managed to get used to most of the customs of the tribe, as well as both the day/night cycle and other things, yes there were exceptions that he could not get used to or simply did not understand. The jungle turned out to be not such a scary place as he thought 5 years ago, he found a home, a family and even a certain sense of pride and superiority, because after he saved the jungle Eduardo appointed him on a par with Roberto which made him a bit irritated, because he had worked for this for several years and Blu reached this rank after a few days! Generally the men had no objections to each other, the only thing repulsive about Blu seemed to be just his history, which is closely related to humans, but everyone had already heard about his childhood and how he doesn't even remember being in the jungle in his youth. Generally, everyone managed to like Blu and his...distinctive sense of humour and his somewhat starry-eyed nature, which disappeared over time under the influence of hard training with Eduardo and Roberto, who wanted to "train him to be a real bird". It was quite hard, but over time Blu began to understand what life in the jungle was all about and how to gain confidence in difficult situations.

Although Blu had subtle problems with jungle life, it was a good thing that Bia, Tiago and Carla did not have this problem. Their young age ensured that they had a quicker, better understanding of the terrain and jungle life. They were cared for by Jewel so that they got used to jungle life as quickly as possible which she succeeded in doing, as they joined the other birds of the younger generation quite quickly and liked them. They did not complain about the jungle, quite the opposite! As time went on they began to like it better here, everything seemed to have forgotten about their earlier years living in the city for the three siblings.

While Bia, Carla and Tiago played with their peers, Blu and Jewel meanwhile watched the sunset in their cosy nest. Jewel leaning against Blu's body, he with his wing on her admired the sunset. Jewel gazed at the romantic scenery and saw Blu's modest smile, which you know what thought came from.

"You can't wait for us to move to Rio can you?" Jewel asked.

"Honestly very much so! After 5 years I feel like I fit in here...but you know, it's nice to be back with Linda...it's such a strong bond" replied Blu. His trembling voice let it be known to Jewel that he was strongly excited about what was to happen tomorrow, she wasn't too surprised. She remembered how she had reacted about the news that they weren't the only one of their species and the reaction when they found the tribe.

"I understand Blu, I felt the same way when we had to fly here. It's important that we all get rested," Jewel replied. Snuggling tighter into Blu's chest, Jewel hugged her tighter, causing Jewel to murmur quietly in pleasure.

"Nico and Pedro are probably already waiting for us, something feels like there's going to be a party" said Blu. Jewel giggled and looked into Blu's chocolate eyes, they were filled with joy and anticipation.

"Hmm, what do you think, especially for us?" Jewel asked rhetorically. Blu smiled shrewdly, lowered himself to her level and began to whisper the words rhythmically:

"Do you remember those words?"

"I want to party

I want to samba

I want to party

I want to samba

I want to party

And live my life (live my life)

I want to party (party)

And fly..."

Hearing Jewel's words, she quickly associated them with the lyrics of the song that brought them together, 10 years ago in Rio, when they were looking for a way to get rid of the chain that turned out to be the thing that forever bound them together. It was a magical moment in a club that carried them perhaps too far, but is that a bad thing? Jewel Raised to Blu's level they grabbed each other's wings and began to dance on the edge of the nest being bathed in sunshine enjoying themselves. Blu quietly sang and Jewel laughed modestly blushing remembering those romantic moments that brought them together. They paid no attention to anything else, enjoying themselves knowing that perhaps someone was watching them, they paid no attention.

However, their romantic moment was ruined after a few moments by Eduardo, who flew over to them with some not-so-good news.

"Oi! Parakeets inseparable!" Exclaimed Eduardo drawing attention to himself. Jewel and Blu stopped dancing and turned their attention to the female's father, who was flying towards them. He landed on the platform and hugged them both starting with Jewel.

"Eduardo? Aren't you supposed to be with the herd now?" Asked an embarrassed Blu seeing his father-in-law. Usually at this time the herd would gather together and they would play and dance together enjoying themselves while admiring the sunset, which although repeated, was always unique.

"I heard that Tiago took to the marshes again with his friends. Fly over there and see if it's true again right? The guys don't let themselves be subjugated" Eduardo communicated.

"Ahh, again! It's probably the 5th time this week! What's pulling them there so much?" Asked Blu irritated. For some time now, Tiago and his buddies had come up with the rather bad idea of spending time by the swamp, where there were dangerous crocodiles. Blu trusted for his son that he wouldn't be irresponsible enough to literally fly up to the crocodiles, but he knew his age and all sorts of things could come to mind.

"Ah...that teenage age was so beautiful...and wild. I remember Beto and I flying late into the night and not coming back until the morning!" Said Jewel dreamily. Blu laughed modestly when he heard this, although her words pained him in his soul. The mention of Jewel's past closely associated with Roberto had pained him until now. Perhaps it was because he himself had not had positive contact with the female before.

"Heh...there's no denying it, back then I didn't sleep at night because I was worried about you" remarked Eduardo. Jewel laughed, although she knew these were not moments for laughter for her father.

"Alright, why don't you go and Blu check on Tiago okay? Me and Jewel will join the herd," Eduardo suggested.

"Yes, good idea. I'll meet you in a few minutes" replied Blu. Saying nothing more he took to the air heading towards the swamp.

The swamp was a desolate place in the jungle. It was the most dangerous place in the jungle in theory, due to the large amounts of gases or amphibians in the area. Everyone avoided this place by a wide margin, or advised everyone against flying in here, because it is difficult to ask for help in case of an accident if no one is here. Generally everyone followed this rule, flying in the jungle areas was limited to gliding at a safe distance in front of them. The exceptions were Tiago's colleagues as well as himself, who took a liking to this place for conversations and various stunts. The place was deserted by other birds as well as most of the animals, making it an ideal place to talk about various topics or play games.

"So how long are you leaving for?" Brandon, the oldest of Tiago's friends, asked. He was a year older than Tiago, the tall, solidly built parrot had practically been one of Tiago's best friends since they arrived here and Tiago had adapted to the terrain and surroundings.

"Probably for a month, just like always. We'll sit there at home or possibly take a ride to the uncles' club and that's it! Ah! Too bad we're not going at carnival time..." Tiago sighed heavily.

"Is that the party you mentioned yesterday?" Dennis asked. This was Tiago's second best friend. Slightly less solidly built than Brandon, with blue eyes.

"Yes, this is an amazing time! I mean, I have a great time here too during this period, but however, Rio is unique when it comes to that...I remember, during the carnival when we were supposed to fly here for the first time I tied our sitter to a firework and I wanted to shoot it... In the end, however, it was my dad who was launched...gosh, it's been five years!" Tiago said. When he recalled when it happened he was surprised to realise that it was 5 years back!

"OK, but can't you say you want to stay? " Brandon asked.

"This year my parents are celebrating their tenth anniversary, it would be stupid not to go...I'm not complaining about the holidays in Rio, it's just...when I'm doing the same thing for a month it gets boring" replied Tiago. The matter was clear to everyone. Tiago was a little unhappy that they were leaving the jungle because he expected them to sit at home most of the time and probably watch TV. As he explained, most of the things you do for a month can already be boring, even if they are exciting at the beginning.

While the three of them were talking, they didn't even hear Blu come flying up behind them. They turned behind them in horror when they heard the noise that the leaves created when Blu landed on the branch above them. They stared in confusion at Blu, who was showing irritation at their behaviour, and especially directing this to his son, who was hoping his friends would help him out of the situation, but to no avail.

"Tiago, how many times do I have to tell you to stay away from these areas? Anyway, that goes for you gentlemen too." Communicated Blu seriously. He had acquired a new distinctive tone of speech in the Amazon when he says something seriously and it is meant to be taken as a warning. A tone that sounded menacing but at the same time serious and calm meant that no one took his warnings lightly, or was simply afraid to admit it.

"Sorry Mr Gunderson" apologised Brandon and Dennis.

"Sorry dad" apologised Tiago.

"Next time you'll be grounded Tiago. Last yellow card. Now go back to the pack, your parents are worried about you" communicated Blu. He waited until the three friends were up in the air to fly after them and see if anyone planned to escape from under his eye.

By this time Jewel was standing with Eduardo, Mimi, Roberto and the children watching the sunset, which was already slowly coming to an end, in the herd. The sun had almost completely hidden behind the horizon and the blood-coloured sunset was turning into a dark blue night. During this time, Eduardo inquired about the details of their "holiday" as he called it. He was curious about what there was to do that was interesting around people, and whether they would feel overwhelmed by them. Despite Blu's assurances, he still feared that something bad might have happened to them.

"I'm going to miss you guys, you know that?" Asked Eduardo quietly into Jewel's ear so that Bia and Carla wouldn't hear it, although seeing them talking to Mimi and Roberto, it was doubtful that they would pay attention to Jewel and Eduardo's conversation.

"Oh dad, it's only a month, you'll see, it'll fly by quickly!" Replied Jewel consolingly. Eduardo sighed heavily. He knew there was no way he could persuade them to stay, but the realisation that he would lose his family for a month pained him.

"I know what you're thinking, you know you won't change our minds. For Blu we care deeply about this...and this year is our 10th anniversary!" Jewel added.

"10 years?" Asked a perplexed Eduardo.

"10 years ago we met in Rio and fell in love with each other! Ah!...that time...flies by so fast doesn't it? I remember being chained with Blu and we couldn't unchain him..." Jewel began to tell the story melancholy, recalling how she must have agonised being shackled then still with a non-lot. Who would have expected her to fall in love with just this bird!

"It's a story I've heard many times and I can hear it many more times," replied Eduardo. Jewel laughed modestly and was about to go on with their story when she noticed Blu flying along with Tiago. Tiago, with his head down, flew next to Blu, who looked slightly irritated. They both landed next to Jewel, who looked indulgently at Tiago.

"Have you been by the swamp again?" Jewel asked

"Yes..." Replied Tiago quietly.

"You can't fly there. Don't pay attention to your colleagues, you have to be careful yourself what is right and wrong. It's not a safe place, it's better to stay away from it" explained Eduardo.

"Eduardo is right youngsters, avoid this place as much as you can" added Roberto.

"It won't happen again" replied Tiago quietly. Blu let go of his comment on the matter. He watched him with his eyes as he walked towards his sisters and started talking to them.

"Even though you live here, you still feel a strong bond to the people don't you Blu?" Eduardo asked.

"Yes, I think it's natural! Linda raised me, she took care of me and me from the very beginning, I can't forget her..." Replied Blu.

"It is rare to meet such a bird. Your friends who are also from Rio...Nico and Pedro were not associated with them" pointed out Eduardo.

"Well, they just weren't brought up like me" explained Blu. Eduardo nodded with a movement of his head. He understood that it would be quite difficult to find another bird with a similar story to Blu.

It was already getting dark. Most of the flock had already gone to their homes, or were already going to do so by leaving their positions to watch the sunset.

"It has already become dark. I wish you a nice and successful holiday, see you next month!" Said Eduardo ceremoniously. He gave both Jewel and Blu a hug, then a bunch of teenagers who hugged each other with a little embarrassment. They were of such an age that showing affection was a sign of weakness for them. Eduardo flew off towards his home after saying goodbye, leaving the Gunderson family alone. The Gundersons chatted for a few more minutes with Mimi and Roberto, who stayed with them until the very end of the sunset. They were the last to part from the spectacle site.

In the house, when Bia, Carla and Tiago fell asleep, only Blu and Jewel were still active. They were sitting at the exit of the house watching the night sky filled with stars that glittered in the sky.

"This time tomorrow we'll already be enjoying a view like this in Rio," said Blu with slight excitement.

"It's true, to be honest, I also want to go to Rio to see our friends...Nica, Pedro, Rafael, Eve...it's a shame they didn't move here!" Said Jewel

"Honey, just everyone has their place on earth...we have it here " laughed Blu squeezing his beloved tighter.

"Have you ever thought about it?" Asked Jewel after a brief thought.

"About this, that is?"

"This may sound a little silly...but have you thought about the fact that in a few years you will be living in the Amazon, far from Minnesota, with a family, your own family... have you ever thought about that?" Jewel asked. Blu thought about the answer. He corrected his position and scratched the back of his head signalling his uncertainty. It was something that was hard to describe. It certainly required more thoughtfulness.

"If I'm honest, 10 years ago I wasn't thinking about anything other than what I was going to read the next day. It all happened so spontaneously...I mean when I think now that it's been 10 years since we met...it's such a wow! " replied Blu.

"Believe me Blu I have the same...life can be a surprise can't it?"

"Yes definitely yes..." Replied Blu. For a while they sat in silence enjoying the beautiful view that nature was providing at the time. No one disturbed them, it was the quietest at that hour, everyone was most likely already asleep, or like Jewel and Blu looking at the sky.

A few moments later Jewel slipped out of Blu's wing which surprised him a little.

"I'm going to bed darling, you need to get a decent night's sleep tomorrow, don't you?" Jewel asked rhetorically.

"Sure!...good night Jewel".

"Goodnight Blu " replied Jewel kissing Blu on the beak and then disappeared into the depths of the flat.

Blu was left alone. A light breeze combed his feathers sideways refreshing him on this night. Jewel's question had given him a lot of memories over these past years, it had all happened so fast and suddenly like in a video game! His life had turned 180 degrees in a few days, but could he complain? He had the perfect wife, perfect children, family, and friends. If he had to choose between this life and the life of a non-athlete the choice would be really simple. Blu was too tired to ponder further. He decided that he would think about this question some other time. The thought made him want to sleep even more and seeing that Jewel had already done so, he decided it would be a great idea to get ready before the journey tomorrow.

"I'll see you soon Linda...see you then" he said quietly Blu then headed for the bedroom where Jewel was already waiting for him.