The morning was full of activity and excitement. William was very overwhelmed with enthusiasm, since today was the day they began there journey to see his parents. His children were eager to meet them for the first time, and Cody was also excited to come and see his first home country, and show Lilian the sights. His old companion, Caitlin, had agreed to take them. So everyone was excited. Except one female blue macaw. Larissa wasn't as keen as the others, because she enjoyed the comforts of home. She was fine with visiting her parents-in-law, but to go a long distance from home was a new thing for her. She hadn't even been to Rio before. And she couldn't hold in feelings like others could. Luckily for her, the one she loved was coming by, and noticed that she looked a bit down. Unlike him, she was truthful about her feelings, and tried really hard not to hide them.

"Larissa, are you okay?" he asked in a concerning tone. She shook her head and resumed preening herself. Will sat beside her and took one of her wings in his own.

"I'm worried. I've never been further than that human structure nearby, and I've heard so much about those...cities" she finally said after searching for the right word. Even with someone that was once part of that civilization, she still couldn't understand some of those words. William hugged her comfortingly, his warmth radiating through her.

"You'll be fine. I will be with you every second." She quickly gave an skeptical look. "I promise" he added, then rested his beak against hers and they closed their eyes, enjoying the moment. It was too bad it had to be ruined.

"Come on, dad! I don't want to be left behind!" Lucas shot back out, leaving his parents with bewildered expressions. Never had they seen their son so excited.

"We'd better go" Will stated. "Don't want him to force us out, now do we?" Larissa nodded and they were both, but at a steady pace. They were in no hurry, since they were the ones the others were waiting for. So they could take all the time they wanted. They tried to enjoy the moment, though when they were close to the meeting place, they were met with impatient looks.

"What were you doing that took so long?" Lilian queried.

"I have an idea" Cody snickered, earning a stomp on his talon. He made a small yelp, and his wing flew to his beak to stop it from coming out. But it was too late for that, and William smirked at him.

"Sorry. We were having a little talk" Will explained, and winked at Larissa. She knew why he did that, and would thank him later. Even though she did share her feelings, it was sometimes uncomfortable to do so in public. It was too bad though that Blu and his family could not join him, because they were going on a trip to Rio for the summer. Will was sure they would have enjoyed it, save for the snakes and spiders and other deadly creatures. He shuddered just thinking back on them, and actually began rethinking the trip. Then again, they wouldn't be anywhere near the wilderness. His parents lived in the suburbs, so they should be fine. That made the fear disappear. At that moment, a tall human joined the scene.

"You all ready?" Caitlin asked. They all nodded eagerly. "Then let's go!" she cheered, and they headed to the sanctuary building, where their transportation awaited them.

The trip wasn't too long, because all they needed to do was get to the nearest airport. After all of the necessary protocols of going through the airport, they were off into the sky. Will didn't seem very comfortable in the cage, and neither did anyone else but Cody. He was enjoying the ride, and Lilian slept uneasily on his chest. Will sat back against the bars, and his eyelids slowly drooped. Though they weren't closed for long when he felt a soft body against his own chest, and found Larissa passed out against him. Their kids laid around them, sound asleep. Now only him and the green macaw remained awake.

"It's good, isn't it?" Cody asked, drawing Will's attention and confusion.

"What is?"

"Returning home." He sighed happily, looking at the ceiling of the cage. "You must miss your parents, huh?" Will nodded, and his face fell. "Don't worry. I'm sure they would glad to see you." But Will shook his head.

"That's not it. It's just that...well, last time I saw them was a couple of years ago. What if something has happened to them? I couldn't live with myself if something had." Cody's face fell too.

"I know what you mean." He paused, took a breath, then continued. "After my escape, the first place I went to was home. I expected a warm welcome. But I got the opposite. They insulted me and sent me away, just because I was different. My own family sent me away." Will gasped, his eyes full of apology. "There's nothing you have to be sorry for. Though sometimes I wish i could go back. But if I did, then I wouldn't have any of this" he added, gesturing to his friends and Lilian. "I wouldn't be living the good life."

"What about your family? Ever heard from them since?"

"Nope. And a good thing too. They'd probably insult me more." He put his wings behind his head and let out a yawn. "It's a long way. Get some sleep." Will obliged, and quickly nodded off, wrapping his family in his wings.

He awoke some time later to feel the plane jolt. The sudden movement woke everyone else up, and his children jumped in fear.

"It's okay. We're here." He looked at the door, waiting. Then, it opened and light poured in. Already he could feel the memories rushing back. The radiating sun high above, the clear air and the warm winds. Just how he remembered it. "Larissa, kids...welcome to Australia." He could hear there gasps of bewilderment and amazement. They had landed in the north of Queensland, where it was quite tropical and humid. It was the best place for them, besides going to somewhere like the city of Canberra. Even now he felt the cold that was around there.

"It's good to be back" Cody murmured. The cages were pulled out, and after going through the airport, they were back with Caitlin. She put them into the back of a taxi, and the ride wasn't too long. Soon, they stopped out the front of an easily recognizable house. The walls were grey, with a black roof, with gauze windows and door. They were let out of their cages and William soared over to the front door. Once everyone caught up, he pecked at the door bell. There was a ringing sound, then the door opened to reveal a woman.

"Hello there. How may I-William?" He nodded, and then was pulled into an embrace that was a bit too hard. He squawked, and she let go, looking slightly bashful. "I'm sorry. But it's been so long." She stood there for a long moment, then shook her head to clear her mind. "Oh, please come in!" They all welcomed themselves inside. Will flew through the house, taking in the sights that brought back memories. "My husband is out, but he should be back soon. Would you like some coffee?"

"No thank you" Caitlin politely said. But her eyes were at other places, taking in the scene. "This is a lovely home you have."

"Why, thank you!" William's mother looked down and spotted Larissa, and kneeled down to her level. "Hello, dear. Do you need anything?" Larissa shook her head. Then the kids popped out, feeling a little shy around the human. "And these must be my grandchildren!"

"Say hi to your grandmother" their mother urged, edging them forward. Lucas gulped, then said his greetings. But all that came out was squawk. The same happened with Emma. But when Roderick did, he surprised everyone.

"Hello, ma'am." His grandmother's tongue almost fell out from her agape mouth. His own mother's beak fell open because she knew why the old woman had reacted that way. She had understood him.

"Hey guys! You should see the rest of this place! It's just like how I- Is something wrong?" he asked as he came back flying down the hall.

"Honey. We need to talk. Now." Will didn't like the tone in her voice, and followed along.

"What happened? Why is my mother's mouth hanging open, and I know it isn't to catch flies."

"She understood Roderick" she answered plainly. Will's eyes bulged. It may have been good news, but also bad news. Since his old enemies were still out there, they would find his son interesting, and that wasn't a good thing. Just imagining him being taken away made his blood boil.

"We can't let Zeel know. I don't want him to have a life like mine." His face fell, and he sighed in sadness. Larissa hugged her mate close. "I could never live with myself. It's my fault he is like this." He heard a shocked gasp, and felt a feather against his lower beak that lifted it up.

"Don't you ever say that!" Larissa relaxed herself, and her eyes were once again loving and peaceful. "It is not your fault. It was never your fault. Do you understand?" He nodded, and they shared a kiss. She was the first to speak after they broke it. "Good. Now let's enjoy today." She left, her tail feathers swishing from side to side. He couldn't help but glance, though managed to peel his eyes away after a second. But he did hear a giggle, so he knew he had been caught.

"Just enjoy the day" he thought to himself. "We can worry about this later." After he finished with his thoughts, he joined the others.