Amazon Adventures

Chapter Three: Honeymoon in Rio

It was a standard day at the Centro de Conservaçāo Ambiental. Everyone was working, taking care of sick or injured birds. Inside their imitation forest room were two unique guests: The sulphur-crested cockatoo Nigel, and the tree frog Gabi. Linda and Tulio had found them in the Amazon, Gabi clinging tightly to Nigel. They took this as meaning the two had bonded, and brought them back to Rio de Janeiro for "continuing observation," to Nigel's intense dismay.

"Oh, I love these lazy mornings." Gabi sighed, leaning against Nigel. "Don't you, sugar-beak?"

"Oh, get away from me, you irritating amphibian!" Nigel screeched, edging away from her. "Can't I have a moment alone?"

"I know you don't mean that." Gabi giggled coquettishly. "But I loooove these games you play."

Nigel groaned. Nothing he had said or done so far had succeeded in getting the amorous frog to dial down her affections for him. Any insults thrown her way led her to label him as a "bad boy", and any attempt to escape her clutches made her think he was "playing hard to get".

The door to the room opened, and Fernando entered, carrying a tray with two bowls of food.

"Hey, Nigel." He smirked, having recognised the cockatoo the moment he was brought in (But had chosen not to tell anyone). "How's the little woman?"

Nigel would have dearly loved to jump up and claw Fernando's face off, but two things stopped him; His inability to fly, and the fact that Gabi was currently clinging to his foot.

"One romantic breakfast for two." Fernando chuckled, clearly enjoying Nigel's current situation. "Enjoy, you two lovebirds."

Fernando left the room, sniggering all the while.

"Ooh, I'm starved!" Gabi left go of Nigel's leg, hopped over to the tray, and starting eating.

Nigel, suddenly struck by an idea, quietly stepped away and hid himself amongst the counterfeit foliage, hoping to evade his would-be paramour.

"Safe at last." He whispered. Taking a moment to glance at his mangled wings, he added "Don't think I've forgotten about you, Blu. This dump can't hold me forever. I will escape, I will find you again, and I will have my revenge!"

Nigel tittered menacingly.

"Nigel?" Gabi's voice called out, the lovestruck frog finally realising her beloved was missing. "Nigel!"

Nigel drew back deeper into the bush, determined not to let her find him. From his hiding place, he saw Gabi hop past.

"Come out, come out, wherever you are!" She sang. "WHERE ARE YOU?!"

For a moment, it looked like Nigel was safe. He allowed himself a quiet sigh of relief. The moment was short-lived, however, as the bush was suddenly pulled back, revealing Gabi standing before him.

"Aah!" Nigel yelped.

"Oh, there you are!" Gabi leapt up and hugged Nigel's face. "Still playing games, huh?" She giggled. "I love it!"

"Ugh, what did I do to deserve this?" Nigel sighed. "...Oh, right. But seriously, fates, must this be my penance? Trapped for eternity, with only a lovestruck frog for company? I beg of you, let the punishment fit the crime!"

"Ooh, I love it when you wax poetic." Gabi cooed. "You've still got it, tiger. By the way, I brought your food. It's right over there."

The tray was indeed right beside the bush. Nigel let out another sigh before eating.

"I love a bird with a healthy appetite." Gabi smiled.

Once Nigel was done, Gabi leapt back onto his face, kissing him under the eye.

"Best honeymoon ever." She beamed. "Right, sweetie?"

"I'm beginning to wish that dart really was poisoned..." Nigel admitted.

"You big kidder." Gabi planted another kiss on him. "To us, my love."

"To us, indeed." Nigel rolled his eyes. "I suppose this beats telling fortunes, at least..."

"Oh, you're so sweet!" Gabi hugged him even tighter, constricting his head.

"But... just... barely!" Nigel groaned.

To Be Continued...

(Rio 2 and all associated characters are the property of Blue Sky Studios and 20th Century Fox.)