'Eclipse' (Part two)
This is written immediately after part one, and so I don't have much to talk about.
I'll include some songs that I find to be amazing and I find to fit the scene quite well. Not the lyrics though, as it violates copyright or something.
Enjoy or suffer.
31/12/2020
Blu and Jewel flew over to their daughter, Bia's hollow, while she was out collecting breakfast for her mate and 2 kids. Blu and Jewel chatted along the way, mostly about nostalgia for the past and what their kids were doing lately.
It was one of their most common sources of conversation as they've gotten older. They even do the same with some other old couples they meet. Of course, Blu's past was quite different from the others' childhoods, which made it more interesting to hear.
Bia's hollow wasn't too far away. In fact, all their kids lived close to each other, all within a 5 minute flight of each other. It took a few minutes to reach Bia's hollow due to them flying slower than they used to, and Blu and Jewel landed on the hollow entrance, perching and retracting their wings.
They slowly walked in and were greeted by the excited cries of their 2 grandchildren.
''GRANDMA, GRANPA!'', Bia's kids, Tomas and Ana (eldest and youngest respectively) cried out in excitement. They came running over to their smiling grandparents, hugging them as Blu and Jewel greeted them with open wings.
''Tomas, Ana!'', Blu and Jewel greeted, hugging their grandchildren, ''How're you little rascals doing?'', Blu laughed.
''Good!'', they responded in unison. Despite being 4 years old, they acted a lot younger around their grandparents, or more so when they got excited, which wasn't hard to accomplish as they are quite easily excitable.
''Come on kids, go easy on grandma and grandpa.'', a male voice spoke, belonging to Francisco, Bia's mate.
Francisco is a handsome bird with a friendly, somewhat awkward and almost baritone voice, with feathers that were of a similar, but slightly darker shade than Blu's when he was his age. His eyes are emerald green, his beak is black, and he takes an interest in the same things as Bia, taking a love for reading (though not as much as Blu and Bia) and this love for learning shared by both Francisco and Bia has rubbed off on their kids, who had been encouraged by their parents to learn and be curious about the fascinating world around them. They even know how to read.
He shooed the kids off of Blu and Jewel, ''Sorry about that.'', Francisco sheepishly apologised. He always did so, even though Blu and Jewel frankly didn't care too much. But at least he was considerate enough to worry about his kids hurting them.
''No, it's alright.'', Blu reassured. Francisco nodded in response, as Blu and Jewel went further in the hollow. The hollow was well decorated, and although it wasn't as large as Blu and Jewel's, it was still fairly spacious and cosy.
There were flowers, drawings by Bia and her kids, photographs, artificial windows in the walls with flowers and makeshift leaf curtains, and bits of plant decorating the hollow walls and even some makeshift furniture. It was very beautiful.
The light shining through the hollow windows gave a nice streaming look with the bits of dust floating in the air, and the hollow was about as pleasant as it gets for a natural (but improved) hollow. Blu reckons if Bia were a human, her house would be stunning and would be full of flowers, paintings, drawings and sketches of animals and plants.
''Never ceases to amaze me how beautiful your hollow is.'', Blu complimented, looking at Francisco. Jewel nodded along, ''Not even I could make a hollow this well decorated.'', Jewel added. While their hollow was well decorated, Bia's was even more decorated, or maybe just appeared that way thanks to its smaller and cosier size.
''Well, it was mostly Bia, so tell her that.'', Francisco humbly dismissed, smiling bashfully.
''I'm sure you helped.'', Blu countered playfully. Francisco chuckled, brushing the back of his head with his wing,
''Well yeah, I guess…'', Francisco sheepishly responded, ''But it was Bia who came up with most of this.'', Francisco added. Blu lightly shook his head, chuckling a bit. He'd take stubborn humbleness over egotism any day of the week.
A flapping of wings, and talons perching was faintly audible, and Tomas and Ana picked up on this, they rushed towards the entrance.
''Mama!'', they cried, but found it wasn't their mother who had just arrived, but it was instead their Uncle Tiago, who had stopped by to visit his older sister, as he did quite often. Although he usually brought his mate, Carolina (although like with Francisco being nicknamed Francie by Bia, Tiago (and most birds that know her) nickname her Carol) and their 3 kids, Martim, (or Marti) Matilda and Mickie. (Eldest to youngest, and they have the nickname of 'The 3 Ms' thanks to their names all beginning with M)
Tiago had grown up into a very handsome man, with a slick featherdo, well-groomed plumage, his inherited scruffy neck feathers from his father, and a chiselled beak and a deeper voice that had made him and his mate the envy of many, either for women who wanted to be with him, and men who wished they were as handsome as him. Tiago surprisingly never let it get over his head, as he had matured with age, as most do.
As for Carolina, she was a beautiful golden eyed woman with a cerulean blue plumage. Although it didn't have the same patterns as Jewel, but was a similar, albeit slightly darker shade. Her beak was grey, and her voice was soft and motherly.
''You calling me a lady?'', Tiago chuckled playfully, jokingly placing his talon on his chest and wearing a fake offended/shocked expression, which elicited a giggle from Tomas and Ana.
He quickly lowered his talon and dropped his expression, smiling, ''How's it going?'', Tiago greeted, hugging his niece and nephew. (the proper joint term is 'niblings' but that sounds stupid)
''We're good, Uncle Tiago!'', Tomas and Ana responded in unison. Tiago sometimes commented how much they think alike to Bia.
''That's good.'', Tiago responded, ''Hey where's your mother?'', Tiago asked, although he already had a good idea of where she was.
''Getting us breakfast.'', Tomas answered, which elicited a chuckle from Tiago, ''Hey, what broke your connection with your sister?'', Tiago joked. Tomas and Ana screwed their faces up in confusion, ''Eh, never mind.'', Tiago shook his head, too lazy to explain to them why he said that.
Tiago walked further in, and was greeted by his father and mother who had walked towards the entrance,
''Hey mum, hey dad!'', Tiago greeted his mother and father, hugging them both. Despite his appearance as a confident, tough and handsome man, (which he was) he was rather soft at heart, as he always was. He isn't nearly as vain as one may expect from his appearance.
''Hey Tiago! I see you decided to come alone.'', Blu commented, parting from their hug. Tiago scratched his neck with his talon,
''Well, Carol is feeling quite tired and Mickie's sick today, so I decided I'd come say hello.'', Tiago answered, ''And don't worry, we have enough food to last the day.'', Tiago quickly added so as not to worry his parents and look like a bad father as a result.
''Well I hope he gets better…'', Blu responded, worry in his voice. Blu looked at his mate, who was a bit quiet, and gave her a concerned look. She glanced back at him, cracking a small smile, reassuring him that she was alright. Blu smiled in response but was still a bit concerned for the love of his life.
''You alright?'', Tiago asked, worry in his voice. Blu and Jewel glanced at him, ''Yeah.'', Jewel responded quietly, nodding and smiling reassuringly. Tiago wasn't all too satisfied and worry still lingered inside of him just like with Blu.
Just then, they sound of wings flapping was heard, and Tomas and Ana came running to the entrance, excitedly crying out for their mother.
''No, it's just your auntie Carla.'', Carla laughed. Tomas and Ana were a bit disappointed that on 3 separate occasions they thought their mother had returned with breakfast, only to discover it was their grandparents, and uncle and aunt. But Carla was joined by her mate, Joao, a handsome party loving man, and their adoptive scarlet macaw son, Diego.
Carla had grown into a beautiful green-eyed woman and was less chubby then she was as a chick but wasn't thin by any means. She resembles her mother quite a lot in plumage and size, although she is a bit chubbier than her mother was at her age, and also has bright green eyes rather than turquoise eyes. She also has a rather sarcastic sense of humour, a bit similar to her mother.
Joao is a handsome dark blue bird (his plumage colour is similar to Roberto's) with beautiful ocean blue eyes (#4F42B5) and slick, well-kept and groomed feathers. He's also rather tall, standing slightly taller than Blu, Roberto, Tiago, and Francisco, and he is of average masculinity, as he and Carla prefer partying over sports. His voice is also quite deep, and smooth, providing him with great charisma (and sexiness) when singing, something Carla is very fond of.
Despite being the oldest of the three chicks, (Not by a lot though) she and her mate became parents last. Tiago became a father first, at age 14, joined by his sister Bia a month later. Carla however, decided to wait a bit longer to live life with just her and her mate before she settled down and had a family.
She tried with Joao at age 15, but after a few tries it was discovered that Joao was sterile, which was heart breaking for the both of them. They decided to just adopt, and eventually managed to adopt a scarlet macaw chick, named Diego, and have loved him and he's loved them despite not being biologically related or even the same species as them.
''Oh, what are the chances?'', Tiago laughed when he saw his older sister with her mate and son by the entrance, ''Is this a family reunion or something?'', Tiago joked.
''Yep, didn't you get the invitation?'', Carla sarcastically responded. Tiago didn't catch on, and looked worried and anxious for a few moments, before Carla laughed, ''Just kidding. You should've seen your face!'', Carla laughed, and Tiago rolled his eyes in annoyance, but was deep down relieved.
Carla, Joao and Diego came further inside the hollow. Diego tugged at his mother,
''Mum, can I go play with Ana and Tomas?'', Diego asked. Carla held her wing over him in affection,
''Of course you can, but play nice.'', Carla answered, which made Diego jump for joy, ''Yes, thank you so much mum! You're the best!'', Diego cried, and went off to play with Ana and Tomas.
Blu and Jewel were cuddled together, watching their now fully grown children and their grandchildren. They still remember when they were little featherless chicks fresh out of the egg, and now they're beautiful/handsome adults with a mate and children. It all seemed to have gone by so fast, even if it were 18 years, which was more than half their entire lives.
Jewel let out an uncomfortable sigh, and Blu looked at her, worried, as she was shuffling a little bit,
''You okay? What's wrong Jewel?'', Blu softly asked, his voice full of concern. Jewel weakly smiled, ''Yeah, I'm fine.'', Jewel softly responded, reassuring Blu that she was alright. Blu wasn't exactly satisfied, but he did sometimes get random small bits of pain in his body, as he was quite old. So, Blu just assumed it was that, but he still could not brush off this creeping feeling of anxiety.
The conversations around Blu phased away, as he focused on the decorations, trying to distract his mind from the creeping anxiety he was feeling. The decorations were not too much unlike a human's home, if that human was an avid botanist and a green thumb.
This wasn't just due to Bia's upbringing, as Blu noticed this décor style in many other hollows he has visited, though this was one of the most decorated ones. Of course, the other hollows don't have photographs and drawings on the walls, and most don't have makeshift furniture like in Bia's hollow.
Blu had wanted to do things like this, as did Jewel, but with age it's a bit taxing to do all this décor, and considering how so much was done when they were younger, it would just be extra activity for not too much reward.
Just then, the familiar sound of flapping wings was heard, but this was followed by the call of a familiar voice,
''Kids! Breakfast!'', Bia called out, walking in carrying a leaf full of various foods. This included fruits, berries and some nuts, all made for a balanced breakfast to make sure the chicks grow into big and strong macaws, as Bia would always say. (as it was what Blu said to her and her siblings when they were young)
Upon hearing the cries of their mother, Tomas and Ana let out an excited squawk, and rushed to the living room/main room, with Diego tagging behind.
''MUM!'', Tomas and Ana cried, as they rushed into their mother's wings. Bia let out a mix of a laugh and a yelp, as her kids hugged her. Bia hugged them back, kissing them both on their head in affection,
''Come on now, it's time to eat your breakfast. And make sure you eat the nuts too if you want to grow into big and strong macaws.'', Bia told her kids, who nodded, and grabbed food for themselves to eat, ''If I knew you were all coming here I would've gotten Francie to come with me and get more.'', Bia sheepishly apologised, looking at all the guests.
''It's okay.'', Jewel said quietly. She held her talon, closed her eyes and looked up for a few moments, giving grace in her thoughts. She opened them, and joined by Blu, went to grab some food to have for breakfast. Blu let her go first,
''You go first.'', Blu smiled, and Jewel looked back, weakly smiling, ''Thanks Blu…'', Jewel quietly responded. Blu was a bit worried, but hoped she was just being quiet for the sake of politeness. Not that she did that often…
Jewel went to grab a fruit, but tensed up, groaning in pain. Blu's eyes widened, and he went up to her as she stumbled back and collapsed.
''Jewel!'', Blu cried, as he grabbed Jewel, who was groaning in pain, and her eyes, although half closed, were unfocused and her gaze was confused. The reality of the situation dawned upon Blu, with the wait of a thousand stones.
Jewel was having a heart attack.
The other guests began to panic, with Ana and Tomas getting caught up in the confusion,
''Mama what's happening?!'', they cried. Bia didn't answer, going up beside Blu, who was beginning to see Jewel weaken, as Blu began to pump her chest with his talon, trying in vain to get her heart beating again. Blu was crying,
''Jewel, please don't die on me!'', Blu sobbed, his voice desperate and panicked. The weight of the stone of getting old had been ignored by him, only focusing on some of the pains and reduced mobility. But now Blu felt its weight completely, as he knew this was going to happen sooner or later.
Jewel's gaze was going away, as her beak opened and shut slowly, like a fish trying to gasp for air. Blu couldn't tell if she was trying to breathe or speak, but it was clear no air was going in and no sounds were going out.
''NO! Please not yet!'', Blu cried, pumping her chest, but he began to stop as Jewel's eyes had rolled back, and her eyes were closed. Blu looked at her, and began to cradle her lifeless body, and began to sob uncontrollably as he held her, and gazed out with a look of anguish.
''Mum… No…'', Bia croaked, beginning to cry, as Francisco held her close, as he looked on in sadness at Blu, completely lost in grief. Tiago went beside his now lifeless mother, not sure of what to do, and just simply sat down, and cried.
Carla to sob into Joao's chest, as she arguably had the closest relationship with Jewel out of any of her siblings. Ana, Tomas and Diego watched on in confusion and sadness, before the reality came crashing down onto Ana and Tomas like a ton of bricks. Diego was confused, as he wasn't fully aware of death. But as Tomas and Ana were interested in life and things like that, they knew what had happened.
Tomas and Ana went to their mother for comfort, as Diego wandered to his mother, sad because of all of his relatives crying. But Blu was most distraught of all, as Jewel was pretty much his whole world, and with the 18 years he'd spent with her, he would never be ready to deal with the inevitable, no matter how much he tried to ignore the fact.
The weight of the stone was now fully evident, and Blu felt every single gram…
The news of the death of Jewel spread quickly throughout the tribe, even the neighbours heard the news. While Blu had declined their position of tribe leader, as did Jewel, wanting to focus more on their family. Instead, Roberto inherited the position, with the deal that Blu and Jewel's kids would be able to inherit the position if they so choose.
But even though Eduardo had died years ago, it was still a shock to learn that the daughter of the previous tribe leader had passed away. Many birds came to offer their condolences, but for the most part Blu was quite unresponsive. He felt cold and empty, like a big amount of his insides had been hollowed out, replaced with a cavity/chamber of air that he couldn't hope to fill in.
Blu had decided to move in with Bia, who had let him stay in the guest nestroom, which would be decorated with some photos from their old hollow that hadn't been inherited by Bia, Carla and Tiago.
The funeral would be attended by many, with Blu sitting by, mourning the loss of his one and only. He didn't cry as much as the others expected, he simply looked dead inside, and his cold and lost gaze showed sadness greater than any amount of tears ever could.
Blu would sit by the grave his mate would be buried in, which was near Bia's hollow, roughly in the centre point between their three kids' hollows. Even as the others started to leave after Jewel had been buried, Blu sat by, grieving and empty.
Even as it began to rain, Blu sat by, and he had to be carried back to Bia's hollow, and was laid in his nestroom. Bia knew what this was and knew that she had to work extra to help her father recover, lest he die of a broken heart. (or suicide)
With the assistance of Bia, Francisco, Tomas, Ana, and Tiago and Carla, Blu eventually managed to recover. But still, the grief would never leave him fully, like the grief of losing his parents when he was just a chick.
Little over 4 years would pass by, and Blu was at the ripe old age of 38, (he celebrated his birthday/approximate hatchday a month ago) which considering most Spix's Macaws would only last into their early 30's, was very impressive.
Eduardo had died at the old age of 36, which was 4 years after Blu and Jewel had arrived in the Amazon. He was quite healthy for his age when Blu and Jewel arrived, when he was 32. But it wasn't old age that took his life, but rather lingering effects from a head injury he had 2 years prior.
Mimi had gotten to the old age of 40, outliving her younger brother by 4 years. Blu knew he was probably next, and he hoped he was. He was 38 after all, and the last thing he wanted was any of his children or even worse, his grandchildren, having their lives taken too soon. Blu didn't want to lose anyone close to him again, and almost no pain could match seeing his children be buried before him. Well, there was a pain greater…
Blu's eyes slowly opened, as he groaned groggily. The effects of his old age was even more apparent than it was before. He was more tired, his feathers fainter, his voice raspier and quieter, and his feathers looked scruffier and old. Blu was now unable to fly and had to have assistance to be able to walk much. Although he could still walk on his own, he would use the assistance of mostly Bia to walk.
So, Blu just laid there in his cosy nest, until he saw someone standing by the entrance to the room.
''Morning dad.'', the voice greeted sweetly. It was Bia, who was now showing early signs of aging, but nowhere near the level of her father, ''Did you sleep well?'', Bia asked.
''Yeah. I guess that's one benefit of being old: I get to lounge around and sleep all day. And it's so easy to sleep too.'', Blu responded humorously. Bia chuckled in response,
''I also like your sense of humour now.'', Bia commented. Blu smiled,
''Well when you're as old as me you begin to just begin to find humour in everything.'', Blu responded, ''Or maybe its just me.'', Blu added, somewhat awkwardly, like always.
''I'm glad to see you like this.'', Bia said sweetly, ''I mean, maybe not your withered old self, but your personality.'', Bia quickly added, ''Its great to see you lively again…'', Bia spoke softly, remembering the difficult and dark times after the death of her mother.
''Yeah…'', Blu sighed, ''By the way, can you help me up?'', Blu asked. Bia nodded, ''Sure thing dad.'', she responded as she went over to Blu, and helped him up.
''Thank you.'', Blu thanked, as Bia supported him while he stretched a bit, which allowed him to walk better without his muscles cramping up and sending him to the ground. That had happened quite a few times and Blu can attest that it was not fun in the slightest but was funny for observers, as he would always humorously add.
Once Blu finished stretching, Bia assisted him into the living room, and guided him to a makeshift chair, fitted with cushioning crafted from a mixture of soft moss and down feathers wrapped together with smooth, carefully sown together leaves. Blu noted that Bia would make a good craftsman (craftswoman) if she were a human.
Blu sat down and relaxed in the cosy seat. Bia had her reserves of breakfast, and Ana and Tomas were coming down. Ana and Tomas were now 8 years old and were not too far from moving out of the hollow and into their own hollows. Hell, they even had been in some relationships. Blu would joke that they were "9-7 years too early", (depending on the age of their relationship) fully self-aware of how late he was to have his first (and only) romantic relationship.
Ana had inherited a rather similar plumage to her mother, just with a fairly darker feather colour. Her eyes are grey, which neither Bia, Francisco nor Blu know where she got that from as none of their family has had grey eyes. Not even Francisco's grandparents had grey eyes, and if it were from Blu or Jewel's side, their children would've likely inherited it. Bia has settled on it being a genetic mutation.
While Ana was insecure with her grey eyes, she has grown fond of them and how rare they are, even if blue or green eyes are more desirable. She is a beautiful young woman, with her rare grey eyes and borderline black beak, and as such many boys her age have a crush on her.
Tomas had grown into a tall, handsome bird, with plumage very similar to Blu's (of course, when he was his age) in pattern and shade/colour. His eyes are hazel, like his mother, and his beak is dark grey, similar to his father. (although Francisco's beak is black) He even has slightly scruffy neck feathers, like his grandfather and uncle.
Blu noted how strong whatever gene that causes scruffy neck feathers is, considering how it appears in Tiago and every grandson. And Blu wonders if it would appear in his great grandchildren, even though he'd never live to see it. (Even if he is alive to see his great grandchildren hatch, he won't live to see the trait become apparent)
Tomas sports a smooth buttery voice, similar to Roberto's, but just slightly deeper and less smug, like Joao's voice, except Joao's is deeper. His traits allow him to be a rather confident, but still friendly and nerdy bird.
''Is breakfast ready?'', Tomas asked, and Bia faced him, ''Yeah, just let me get it.'', Bia responded. There was a storage section used for the surprising purpose of storing things, particularly food. It was a mixture of nuts and fruit. The former was stored for up to a week, while the latter would be 2 days. That way Bia and Francisco don't have to go out every morning and afternoon to collect food for them to eat.
Bia got out a mixture of nuts and fruit out and put them on a large leaf that is used as a large plate. The sound of wings flapping was heard, followed by Francisco landing next to Bia.
''Morning honey.'', Francisco crooned, Bia looked back at him, smiling, ''Morning Francie.'', Bia responded, and the two shared a quick kiss.
Tomas and Ana had grabbed themselves their food and flew off into their rooms to eat in privacy. Blu watched them go off, and smiled as he faced Bia, shaking his head slightly.
''I remember when you went through that stage Bia.'', Blu chuckled. But he sat in silence for a moment, as he began to smile with nostalgia. Blu looked at Bia,
(Time, by Pink Floyd (2:18))
''I still remember when you were a little chick…'', Blu recalled sweetly and nostalgically, ''Its amazing how the years have gone by.'', Blu continued, ''It didn't seem long ago when I was cradling you as a featherless baby, and now you're 22 and you have your own kids…'', Blu finished, blankly staring out, his eyes grew watery, ''How has so much time past?'', Blu croaked.
Bia looked on sombrely, and her head hung low as she looked at her talons.
''I… I don't know…'', Bia responded. She still remembers when she came to the Amazon, and how much of a thrilling adventure it was. It didn't feel like it happened that long ago, but Bia realised it happened 18 years ago. She was only 4, and now she's 22.
Bia remembers when she was Ana and Tomas's age. She and Francisco were already girlfriend and boyfriend, and they were young and wanting to explore the world around them. She'd have fun, although she wasn't as party hardy as her older sister was and remembers thinking she's still young and has plenty of time to kill.
So, she spent her days hanging out with friends, Francisco, sometimes attending parties, and having sex sometimes too. Then it seemed that one day she realised that 6 years had passed her by, and she wasn't that young anymore. So, she settled down with Francisco and started a family.
Time flies by, especially as compared to other macaws, Spix's macaws don't live for that long. Their scarlet and blue and yellow macaw neighbours would live into their 50's and 60's, maybe even their 70's. While she'd probably last into her mid 30's. She probably had around a decade and a half left to live, and that was being generous.
Francisco had a sad look too but saw Bia's eyes grow watery. He brought her closer, hugging her. Bia began to softly cry,
''Shhh, its okay sweetie… We still have a good 13 years left…'', Francisco whispered, comforting his mate. Blu looked on in guilt,
''I-I'm sorry, I shouldn't have mentioned that…'', Blu apologised. Bia looked at Blu, still resting her head against Francisco's soft, feathery chest,
''Its okay dad…'', Bia softly responded. She sniffled and wiped her eyes and took a deep breath, ''Lets… Lets just eat.'', Bia spoke. She grabbed a mango, and faced her father, ''I assume you want this?'', Bia asked, holding the mango up with her talons. Blu nodded,
''Yes please.'', Blu responded. Bia passed the mango to Blu, who began to slowly eat it. His beak wasn't as strong as it used to, not that it was the strongest or sharpest, thanks to the lack of sharpening in his development with Linda.
Bia herself grabbed herself a piece of fruit, and a small talonful of nuts to eat. Francisco did the same, and they went by the entrance, in a small lookout. It was connected to the main entrance and was just carved into parts of the trunk.
It was large enough for Bia and Francisco to sit side by side, with a little room to spare. In depth into the trunk, it was enough for Bia or Francisco to stand on the side facing the end of the lookout, or the entrance, with some room to spare. It wasn't anything fancy and was just a little project that Bia and Thomas had, with the help of some makeshift tools and other birds.
So, they sat side by side, eating their breakfast and gazing out at the beautiful scenery. They even played a game of guessing the plant species, which they were both not the best at thanks to the distance from many of the plants, though they could get the genus/tribe right, but not the specific species.
Blu just sat in his seat, eating his mango. Despite his age, his memories seem to be fine, something Blu is indescribably thankful for. When he's alone or just idle, he often evaluates his life, trying to dig up as many memories as he can, with the hopes that he won't forget them. Luckily, Blu had a journal that he had gotten soon after they moved to the Amazon, and he'd update it every day.
This helped him keep his memories on paper. Not only in the sense of making sure that the events in his life were documented by writing them down by the end of the day on paper, but by writing down as many memories as he could by just sitting and evaluating his life. He was very successful in this and had an extensive collection of his many memories. He always made sure to write his will and his desire for the last day to be finished if he dies before he can write it out.
Sure, it was hard to get his talons on a journal, but it was worth it. His hopes are that the journals would be preserved after his death and would still be left so his family could know more about his life. Hell, it could even be published as a novelty and an insight into the mind of an animal. It'd probably sell well, but as money would be of no value to him or his family, Blu hoped that it'd go towards research and preservation of nature. He included that in the notes in his will at the beginning of each journal.
As Bia and Francisco were just about finished their breakfast, a familiar scarlet macaw landed next to them. Bia, who was on the right side, (looking out, back faced to the wall) turned her head to look at him,
''Hey Diego, what are you doing here?'', Bia greeted with a welcoming smile.
Diego had grown up a fair amount, and his appearance right now would end up being very similar to his adult appearance, assuming nothing happens to change that. His eyes were cobalt blue, and his beak was dark grey with the top 2 thirds of his top mandible being a creamy beige colour. His plumage was the usual for a scarlet macaw, and his feathers were vibrant compared to the other macaws in the tribe, on account of being a different species of a rather colourful macaw.
Like all the others in the extended Gunderson family, he had the gift of handsomeness. Thanks to his unique appearance in the tribe, and his vibrant colours and handsomeness, many girls swooned over him. Despite this, Diego doesn't seem all too interested in them, or at least not yet.
His voice was polite and soft, being slightly less deep than the others in his adoptive extended family. He stood slightly shorter than Tomas, who was his best friend, even though they'd be considered cousins.
Diego scratched his talon as he sat in silence for a second,
''Um, I'm just coming over to hang out with Tomas.'', Diego answered, and Francisco spoke up, ''Did your mother let you?'', he asked. Diego blinked, sitting in silence for a second,
''Yes, she did.'', he responded, taking a breath after doing so, ''Uh, is he here?'', Diego asked somewhat awkwardly. Bia and Francisco nodded in response. Diego smiled, and walked inside the hollow. Bia turned her gaze to Francisco,
''Something tells me he snuck out…'', Bia said to Francisco, who shrugged in response, ''Well, at least he's safe here, and that'll be his problem when Carla comes here.'', Francisco replied, chuckling a bit at the end.
Diego walked inside, looking around the room. He saw Blu just idly sitting on his chair and eating a mango, staring out blankly. Diego's expression dropped a bit in sympathy as he stood by.
Blu heard the familiar sound of wings flapping and turned his head in the approximate direction of the noise. It was Tomas, who landed beside his grandfather. He smiled at his grandfather, before turning his attention to Diego.
''What a coincidence.'', Tomas chuckled, ''Hey Diego.'', Tomas greeted his friend as they hugged. They soon parted, ''Hey, where's your parents?'', Tomas asked. Diego sheepishly smiled,
''Well, I snuck out here to hang out with you.'', Diego answered, quietly so the others didn't hear, ''But don't tell anyone.'', Diego asked, ''I don't want to get yelled at.'', Diego finished jokingly.
''I won't.'', Tomas reassured, smiling, ''Come on, lets go to my room.'', Tomas spoke, before flying off to his room, with Diego following behind him.
Blu watched on the entire time, and he let out a sigh as Tomas and Diego went into Tomas's room. Blu ate the last bit of the mango he had and sighed once more. Bia and Francisco came walking in, after finishing their breakfast, and Bia saw the solemn look on Blu's face.
''Dad, are you okay?'', Bia softly asked, walking up to her father with a concerned look on her face. Blu exhaled, turning his head to partially face his daughter,
''Its just… Some things…'', Blu responded unsurely, and sat in silence, with Bia's unsatisfied and concerned stare figuratively boring into him, and he faced her completely, sighing, ''Its just sadness that I've carried with me for a long time…'', Blu replied gloomily. Bia sighed,
''Do you want to talk to me about it?'', Bia offered. Its usually the other way around, but with pretty much no one else to possibly talk to, Bia would be his only option if Blu wanted to discuss it.
''I-I'd rather not… I really don't want to talk about it…'', Blu sadly responded. Bia sighed, nodding, ''I understand, but feel free to talk to me about it if you want.'', Bia responded, before hugging her father the best way she could from their position.
Blu noticed he began to feel a bit numb and stiff on one side, and things started to look and feel weird. It took a few moments to realise what was happening, and Blu faced his daughter,
''B-Bia… G-get m-me t-t-to b-bed…'', Blu asked, his speech slurred, and he began to cringe. Bia knew what this was, and her eyes widened, ''D-dad!'', Bia gasped, and grabbed her father, ''Francie, help me get him back to his nest! I think… I think he's having a stroke!'', Bia cried to her mate, who obliged, and helped Bia get Blu back into his nestroom as he was cringing in pain.
They reached his nest, and Bia and Francisco carefully laid him down on his nest. Bia looked at him with worry and fear,
''Dad, please you have to fight it!'', Bia pleaded, and Blu looked at her, or tried to as he was looking away. The world was spinning, and confusion swept in. Somethings looked vaguely familiar but was at the same time so alien looking.
''B-Bia… G-get the… others…'', Blu slurred, the only rational and sensical thing at that moment. Bia understood, and faced Francisco,
''Francie, please get Carla and Tiago…'', Bia told Francisco, her voice desperate, ''I think dad's dying!'', Bia cried. Francisco nodded and quickly hurried to go get the others. Ana, Tomas and Diego had heard the commotion, and rushed down to see what was happening. Bia heard this, and faced out the entrance of the nestroom which led to the main room,
''Kids! Get here please!'', Bia cried out, and Ana, Tomas and Diego rushed inside, ''What's going on?'', Tomas cried, and Bia looked at them, tears forming in her eyes,
''Grandpa's dying…'', Bia croaked, and fear set in the hearts of Ana, Tomas and Diego. Memories of Jewel's death came back to them, and they realised they're losing their other grandparent.
They rushed over, and tried to speak to Blu, but at this moment Blu was delirious. A rational thought broke through, and it was fear that he wouldn't get to say goodbye to his family.
''Dad!'', Bia cried, holding her father, who's eyes were delirious and confused. Bia started to cry, ''No… I don't want to lose you too…'', Bia sobbed.
Meanwhile, Carla and Joao had arrived at the hollow, and Carla was quite angry. She walked in, trying to find Diego, but heard the crying. She faced Joao, her expression changing from anger to worry. She said nothing, as her expression spoke more and louder than words. Joao nodded, understanding her.
They went to Blu's nestroom, and were greeted with the sight of Bia crying over Blu, while Ana, Tomas, and their son Diego watched on in horror and fear. Carla gasped, and rushed over,
''Dad!'', Carla cried, and Bia faced her, ''Where's Francisco?'', Carla asked before Bia could say anything, ''He went out to get you and Tiago.'', Bia responded, and Carla gasped, hoping that he went to Tiago first.
Not too long before, Francisco had reached Tiago's hollow and frantically flew in.
''Tiago! Tiago! Get here quick! Blu's dying!'', Francisco cried out, and Tiago came rushing in with his mate, Carolina, followed by their 3 kids, Martim, Matilda and Mickie, ''Come on, no time to talk!'', Francisco rushed, and Tiago and his family followed suit without a word.
They rushed back to Bia's hollow, while Francisco planned on heading to Carla's hollow to get her, and hoped to God that they'd get back in time.
Carla had rushed to the hollow entrance, as she saw Tiago and his family accompanied by Francisco flying by,
''IN HERE!'', Carla yelled out, and Francisco heard her, and flew directly to Bia's hollow, accompanied by Tiago, Carolina, Martim, Matilda and Mickie. They landed by the hollow entrance, ''They're in dad's nestroom. Hurry!'', Carla told them, and they rushed to Blu's nestroom.
By now, Blu's state of confusion had faded away, and was starting to gain control of his speech, but he knew he was still dying. Carla, Francisco, Tiago, Carolina, Martim, Matilda and Mickie rushed inside, and they gathered around Blu. With Bia, Carla and Tiago being the closest to their father.
''Dad, no…'', Tiago croaked, as he looked at his father, ''Dad, please you're gonna get through this!'', Tiago began to cry. Blu looked at him,
''Please don't cry…'', Blu spoke quietly for the first time since he told Bia to get the others. Tiago froze, speechless from his dad's words. His beak was still quivering, and his eyes were still watery.
''Dad please don't die on us…'', Carla croaked, and Blu faced her too, ''I'm sorry… I don't really have a choice…'', Blu softly responded, and Carla continued to cry more, ''Dad…'', Carla spoke in a strangled voice.
''Don't cry… Please…'', Blu's eyes began to water too, his voice quiet and soft. Bia was sobbing her little hazel eyes out. She and her father had an amazing bond, and he was one of the few birds who understood her interests, and he was the one that inspired her curiosity and thirst for knowledge. He was an irreplaceable part of her, but Bia knew it was all going to end. Every single gram of the stone's weight was felt by Bia.
''Dad, don't go… Please, I don't want you to go…'', Bia pleaded, sobbing in sadness. Blu brought his wing up and brushed Bia's face, ''Shhhhh…'', Blu said as he wiped away Bia's tears, ''Don't cry…'', Blu spoke, and looked at his three children, and sighed weakly.
''Please… Don't be sad it ended… Be glad it ever happened…'', Blu spoke, his voice fading a bit. Bia, Carla, and Tiago looked on in speechlessness and grief. Blu couldn't speak anymore, he dropped his wing, and his breaths were short and laboured. He was dying, but he weakly smiled in joy of his last words.
(Eclipse, by Pink Floyd)
If he ignored his family's grief, he actually felt quite happy and at peace. His life had been full of sadness, happiness, hardship and triumph, friends and loneliness. He had felt it all.
Blu remembered the sadness he felt over the loss of his parents, and he remembered the sadness of being alone, and being flightless. He remembers the insecurity and dependence on human things as it was all he had for most of his life, and he remembered how he felt left out by others.
All the pain he had felt, all the tears that he had cried, all the days he felt alone, all the times others had rejected him, all the hurtful words and all the blue and all the yellow. All the smiles that had been directed at him, all the times he was told he was loved by his family and Linda, all the kisses and hugs he received, all the times he made sweet love with Jewel, all the warmth and comfort brought by snuggling into her, all the happiness, all the love, and all the tears of joy.
It was all going to be left. All the weight of sadness and anger was going to go. The pain would go away, he didn't have to cry anymore, he didn't have to lament. It was all going.
All that he felt, all that he touched, all that he spoke, all that he heard, all that he tasted and everything in his 38 years on this planet was all going to be left behind. Its all over, and the pain didn't matter anymore. He won't be hurt anymore.
Blu internally smiled, his breaths becoming fainter. He looked at his family, crying, and although he felt sad about that, he knew that it was all over. Blu felt at last at peace and accepted his death completely.
He closed his eyes, so they won't have to. He was free now. The weight of the stone had been lifted off of him.
I love you all, so much…
Those were his last thoughts as he took one last small breath, as his heart beat for the very last time. Everything faded out and into the peaceful black abyss of death.
He had eclipsed.
Well, that's the end.
I wanted to offer two different views of death. One of tragedy, and the other of peace. I won't ever know the thoughts of someone about to die, until I too are in the same position. But hopefully the death of Blu may give you a new perspective on death, and maybe it may make you less scared of it.
I got it from my interpretation of Eclipse, by Pink Floyd. (Which is also where I go the title of this story) The ending lines with Blu internally monologuing about how all the pains and joys of life will go away are inspired by the lyrics of that song.
I've heard somewhere, and it goes along these lines: "You can spend your whole life trying to avoid death. But one day you'll realise that you had wasted your life."
So, in the words of Blue Oyster Cult: Don't fear (the reaper)
I hope this was a nice send off to 2020, and here's to 2021 being better, while still being interesting. This year was good for me, but I know that wasn't the case for many. I can't explain why in this author's note, but I will say its in the main Rio forum if you want to check it out.
Until next time, goodbye.