You thought that just because the words "THE END" appear at the conclusion of a story means that it's actually over? Well, you sure were mistaken. A good story should be continued, but a great story must be. Whether this is a good or great story is up to the reader. In any case, time sure flies. Not even a month ago a special domesticated blue macaw was sipping on some hot cocoa, and now he was preparing to take flight into the wild. Yes, life couldn't be any more exciting for Blu…or nerve racking for that matter. Linda, her fiancé Tulio, their soon-to-be adopted son Fernando, and the two lovebirds Blu and Jewel made their way up to the deck of a new tower. This tower was erected in honor of Blu and the blue spix macaws, as well as because it was necessary for the well being of many endangered birds. It stood in the center of the Blu Bird Sanctuary, and was a large landmark for all of the local arial inhabitants. As the hybrid group of birds and humans reached the summit, each could feel their hearts skip a beat. However, none was more scared than Blu. As a gentle breeze caressed his face, this macaw felt anything but tranquil. He walked off of Linda's shoulder and onto the wooden railing of the tower. Everyone soon turned their attention to Tulio, who was currently holding Jewel in his cupped hands. Looking up at the sky and preparing to feel the warm embrace of freedom once more, the female blue spix macaw leaped out of the ornithologist's hands and, for the first time in weeks, gracefully soared into the clear Brazilian sky. Tulio always felt slightly saddened when releasing recovered patients, but this time he felt this even more so. Because of these birds he not only found the love of his life, but also a new perspective; one that focused on happiness and a more fulfilling existence. While the bird doctor was reflecting on the events of the previous few weeks, the two Minnesotans were preparing to say their goodbyes. It was not goodbye forever, for of course the two will see each other again. But it was a farewell to their old life. Linda was right when she told Blu that they would be back home before they knew it. Rio was home. The two best friends looked into each other's eyes. And one more time they shared a moment together as friend and companion. Then, as a final token of friendship the two performed their special hand-talon shake. After their shake had finished, Blu walked over to his owner and allowed her to pet him. Blu savored the warmth of her hand running down his spine. In one way he didn't want to leave his old life. It was fun, safe, and calm. It was perfect for his docile disposition. But Blu knew that this new life, despite its uncertainty and danger, was what he needed. Blu turned to face the jungle. He jumped off of the wooden railing and flew into the blue sky.
The humans then pulled each other close, now happy that at the very least they were all part of a new family and a new life. Linda smiled.
"That's my big brave boy"
After a few seconds, Blu finally caught up to Jewel. The two flew side by side over the jungle. Not a word was spoken between the two birds until Blu broke the silence.
"You were right Jewel." He happily stated.
Jewel turned her head to her left and looked at Blu with a slightly confused expression.
"Right about what?" She chuckled.
"About everything. Flying is freedom. I see that now." Blu replied before turning to his right to look at his loved one.
Jewel just shook her head in response.
"I wasn't right about everything Blu. Freedom isn't anything if you're alone."
Blu was about to reply but was interrupted by a sudden outburst of drums and other instruments. The two blue macaws looked down into the jungle to see that the local samba birds were starting, what seemed like, some sort of song.
The chorus sang:
All the birds of a feather
Do what they love most of all
We are the best at rhythm and laughter
That's why we love carnival
A steady rhythmic beating began playing. A large smile grew on Jewel's beak before she dove down to get a closer look. Blu stopped and hovered in midair as he watched Jewel disappear beneath the treetop canopy.
Possibly we can sing too
Sun and beaches, they coo
Dance to the music, passion and love
Show us the best you can do
"J-Jewel?" Blu called out as the music stopped.
"Blu!" A familiar female voice called out.
Fearing that something had gone awry, Blu darted down in pursuit to where Jewel disappeared. Blu burst through the canopy as leaves shot out in various directions. The jungle appeared quiet and desolate.
"H-Hello?"
Everyone here is on fire
As they chorus sand that line dozens of birds appeared out of nowhere, dancing and singing in the air.
Get up and join in the fun
Dance with a stranger, romance and danger
Magic could happen for real in Rio
All by itself, you can't see it coming
You can't find it anywhere else
Numerous birds flew around Blu, spinning him in circles in the process. They flew faster and faster as the wind they generated just caused the blue macaw to twirl more violently.
It's real in Rio, know something else
You can feel it happen, you can feel it all by yourself
Then the birds dispersed, leaving a dizzy Blu in center stage. He moaned while the world slowly ceased rotating. The song however, was not finished yet. The steady drum beat continued.
All the birds of a feather
Do what they love most of all
Moon and the stars, sun and guitars
That's why we love carnival
A stream of singing toucans and military macaws swooped down towards Blu, nearly colliding with him but for a centimeter or two of clearance. Blu clenched and curled up into a blue ball. He started falling, but after a few seconds he realized that his body was never met with the cold hard ground. Blu moved his left wing away from his eye and peaked it open. To his surprise, he was resting in Jewel's wings. Jewel smiled warmly and slowly shook her head.
"Come on Blu. Let's join in on the fun." Jewel said sweetly before putting down Blu and taking off to make a part for herself in the song. Blu watched as Jewel darted upwards and then performed a cartwheel.
Loving our life in the jungle
Everything's wild and free
Feeling the rhythm in his heart, and a sudden uncontrollable burning in his chest, Blu jumped up into the sky and retuned to center stage.
Never alone 'cause this is our home
Magic can happen for real in Rio
All by itself, you can't see it coming
You can't find it anywhere else
As Blu and Jewel finsished sinigng their lines, a ceritan red crested cardinal popped in front of them and started doing his own thing.
I'm a kako wero kinga, kinga, kinga, kinga
Birds like me 'cause I'm a hot winga
There's your hot winga
Pedro flew past a tree branch on which a yellow canary was perched. He held a bottle cap to his chest and started singing his portion of the song.
Here everybody loves samba (I like the samba)
Rafael pokes his head out of his tree hollow (along with his family) and sings his line.
Rhythm you feel in your heart (I'm the samba master)
Beauty and love, what more could you want?
Everything can be for real in Rio
All the birds in the jungle then flew above the tree canopy. From afar, one could see the mass exodus with its beautiful array of colors contrasting with the sky. All of the beautiful creatures sang the ending to their song.
Here's something else (something else)
You just feel it happening
You won't find it anywhere else
On a distant tree branch the last male Cuban Red Macaw was watching the spectacle. He exhaled deeply and then looked down, gazing past the branch on which he was standing and at the jungle floor.
"Well Blu, you did it. You did what I couldn't."
He rapidly blinked a few times to clear his watery eyes.
"Don't worry buddy, I'll make sure you're safe." Paris sighed. He then looked upward and took off into the sky. What he didn't know was that he was being watched.
"Oy, but what would ruin the fun mate." A large bird with pink feathers evilly chuckled.
"And everyone loves a little fun." He crackled before laughing maniacally.
Hours had passed, and now the sun had finally set over the beautiful city of Rio. The two lovebirds Blu and Jewel had secured a tree hollow of their very own, and were currently standing on a branch that stuck out near their entrance. They watched the stars glisten in the night sky, and the moon cast its entrancing rays over the jungle. They both sighed simultaneously.
"Isn't this beautiful Blu?" Jewel inquired while resting her head on her lovehawk's chest.
"Yeah, I guess." Blu replied sounding unimpressed by the view.
"What does that mean?" Jewel queried.
"It means that I can think of something else that's way more beautiful." He answered, turning towards Jewel.
Jewel smirked and looked up at Blu.
"Yeah, and what's that?" She asked.
"You of course. It's nothing compared to you Jewel." Blu answered, gazing into his love's eyes.
"As corny as that sounds I accept your compliment." Jewel giggled. The two then returned to star gazing.
A few moment of silence passed before Blu interrupted.
"So Jewel. What are we going to do with our lives now?"
Jewel smirked, her eyes still affixed on the night sky.
"Whatever we want. Was there anything you wanted to do Blu?"
Blu thought for a moment.
"Yeah. I-I want to tell the world…that I found happiness. I found you. My reason to fly." Blu poetically replied.
A tear formed in Jewel's eye.
"I love you Jewel."
"I love you too Blu."
Aaaaaaaaaand that's it. Thanks for reading "Now What?" everyone! I've got some fun ideas I want to write in the future, so keep an eye out on my profile. Today is the last day for Alex the Owl's Rio awards. So if you haven't yet voted, go on out and well, vote! I don't care if it's for me or not, I just think it's a fun idea and want to support it. Oh, and if you have an OC you would like to see in my upcoming stories don't hesitate to let me know either in a PM or review. Anywho, that's all. Leave a review if you want, and I'll see you in my next story! I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
- Egilmaster365 / Egil the White Macaw