Notes & Disclaimers (Oct 2, 2023):

• Rio is Blue Sky IP.

(Please leave a comment and enjoy!)

Chapter Fifty Two: Et Tu, Nigel? Part 1

Late at night, in the city of Rio de Grandata, all things seemed once again peaceful. Including for a pair of birds that were currently not with the company of Blu, Jewel, and the others. The pair together was Nigel and Chama the Cockatoos, who had become friends on the same day Blu and Jewel were set free from the smugglers.

That event was actually earlier in the morning. Whereas since the morning, Nigel and Chama decided to stay on the roof of the karaoke place to recuperate and think about how good things were starting to turn out. But they did so individually as Nigel was awake, just looking up at the bright city and its sky, while it seemed Chama was sleeping.

While viewing, Nigel was deep in thought, saying in his head, "Wow. Throughout all my time as an actor and even a citizen of Rio, I feel like I've forgotten how to slow down and just admire the scenery. The beautiful scenery of a gorgeous city…" Then slowly, he stared at Chama. He saw her only from her back, as she was laying on her side and had her wings in a position like a pillow. Nigel smiled, seeing her at ease and continued, "…and the even more beautiful company that is alongside me. You, Chama, are the rarest of all roses that share beauty and compassion across this planet. You live up to your name, Chama, the flame that forms in the shape of all things lovely to the eyes of the beholder. Though the start of our journey has been one of hardship, it has proceeded with one of thrills and bravery. Especially for you."

Then he sighed and mumbled new words through his beak. "I hope the others will see you the way I do. Since we came together as friends, you've shared so much with me and I've gained enjoyment out of it. Knowing you more and knowing that you are willing to help me find my friends. To which I hope will be easy. I hope all my friends are safe, and will indeed see you as someone to admire and trust. From what you've told me…I say you deserve a reward for your selflessness."

The male cockatoo still smiled, and breathed in what felt like sweet fresh air before he silently walked to the other side of the roof. Planning to sleep himself, he took one last quick look at Chama and the sky, and shut his own eyes to sleep. Unaware that Chama…was never really asleep.

As Nigel laid down, Chama turned her head a little, staring at him next and said in her head, "Look at him. So strong…kind, and humble. I still can't forget about those things I said to him before the plane. I made him feel down just so we wouldn't be attached, and yet…he still showed kindness to me. I've helped a lot of animals all my life, and yet somehow I feel I never see too much of that from anyone. Except for my brother." Then she looked at sky and continued, "Forte…wherever you are, I hope you're free. I hope you are proud of me. I…I made a lot of mistakes. I should've listened to you when you said not to go to that facility, but…I just couldn't help it. I wanted to be a hero, but I just seem to mess things up. Nonetheless, I hope you are proud of the fact that I at least tried. A group of animals have still been set free at least, and…I think I have a boyfriend now. You'd like him, and while we may be taking things slowly…" Looking back at Nigel, Chama also mumbled through her beak, "…I think he and I are going to make it work. I just hope his friends think so too. Love you, bro. And…I love you, Nigel."

So from there, the two stayed on the roof where they were. Choosing sleep separately, but they were close enough to have only the roof's air-vent between them. And as they slumbered, they both began having the same dream. A dream…of falling more in love than they admitted earlier.

Three days later, it was a brand new day in Rio de Grandata. Though, while the citizens tried to be more lively than usual, it was more foggy than most sunny days. Yet it didn't stop Nigel and Chama from flying in the air, continuing their mission of finding the other birds. For hours, they were able to fly around the city, trying to find the group but could only find the birds and animals that were actually native to the city.

Neither of them had any luck. Then later close to midday, they arrived at one spot in the border between the city and jungle. They found each other, and hovered down to the ground before chatting about their progress.

"Any luck?" Nigel asked.

Chama replied with a frown, "No. I may not know your friends as well as you do, but even I never forget a face. Every bird I've come across just isn't the ones that were on the plane with us."

"I know. But wait, you told me that you've been to this city before, correct?"

"Yes, but not enough to be familiar with everything."

"Okay. Well, let us see. We have been here for three days now. We've been recuperating our wings through two of them, and have spent all the time we've so far had today trying to find them. I know this city and its jungle are massive, but unless they left, how is it that it can be so hard to find…" Nigel began showing a face of frustration, not knowing what to do but sharing his rage by kicking against a rock.

"Ow!" He reacted.

Chama felt shocked and helped him sit down on a nearby root sticking out of the ground.

"Whoa, you okay?"

"Yes. Ow, no." Nigel rubbed his own talon, feeling more physically sore than emotionally.

As he did, Chama looked at him and started blushing with an idea in mind. "Look…" She started speaking. "…allow me to take care of that."

"Huh?" He wanted to know what she meant but started blushing too as she didn't say anything. Instead, she sat down with him and rubbed his talon with her wings. The sensation felt smooth and relaxing, making Nigel feel as pampered as he used to be during his celebrity life.

Chama blushed just as much, pampering the talon of someone that she saw as her boyfriend. But then decided to distract him from the moment, asking, "What's really bothering you, Nigel?"

Nigel looked at her wings, then to her eyes as he replied, "Well…very well, I might as well tell you the truth. For a while now, even though it hasn't been my fault, somehow things go bad whenever I try to help. The time I warned everyone about the smugglers and we got captured…"

As he said that, Chama blushed more, remembering that most of that was her fault. But Nigel noticed and said, "Oh. I-I'm sorry, I was not trying to-"

"It's okay." Chama interrupted. "I know what you meant. Trust me, I can understand that."

Nigel felt awkward, thinking he made a big mistake again. But shook it off and proceeded saying, "Uh, there was also that part where I tried helping you fight off that human, but we both got pushed off of the plane and landed on the fishing boat. And now…we're trying to find everybody, and look at where we are. We are finding…as some people would say…'Squat.'"

Chama felt sorry, understanding Nigel's frustration, and knowing that a lot of that was still technically her fault. So as she continued rubbing her talon, she decided to lighten the mood.

"You know, Nigel…maybe…it's not all bad."

"What do you mean?"

Chama scooting closer to Nigel. "Everything that you did was to help your family. To do something good for them as they did for you. In my book, I call that very heroic. In fact, if you hadn't done the things you did, you and I probably never would've become friends. I would've been left to take care of that smuggler myself and we never would've bonded the way we did three days ago. It's because of you that we're safe, that your friends are at least free, and that…you and I are friends."

Nigel began blushing more as Chama put one wing around him to his shoulder.

"You…Y-You really think so?"

"I know so. And if your friends are as tough as you say they are, I'm sure they're happy, safe, and together waiting for you somewhere. But until then, we at least have each other."

"Y-You know something? You are right. And if you don't mind me saying, I say your friendship is indeed the best reward I could ask for. Although…the other day…when we both confessed how much we liked each other, would you say we are friends? And not instead…"

"More?"

As they stopped speaking, their cheeks still proceeded with turning more pinkish red, following with them staring into each other's eyes.

So Chama said, "You know something else…I would love to be more than friends. In fact, may I…kiss you?"

"G…Glady."

Nigel felt hesitant, but desired a kiss from his newly loved one as much as she did. So they slowly shut their eyes, and prepared to share the experience of having their beaks pressed together. Until something faint, but noticeable stopped them.

"Watch out! SNAKE! SNAKE!"

"Huh?" Nigel and Chama questioned, being heard what sounded like a scream coming from the distance. So they looked around, and heard silent hissing, and a massive giant snake popped out from the grass.

"AH!" Nigel and Chama reacted and flew even further into the jungle. They tried hard to stay together and fly away from the predator, but all the trees in the area blocked their way of going up. Though as they tried going up, the snake would also speedily try to catch up with them. Scaring the two even more.

Chama said, "Okay! I've never met a snake that was this fast!"

Nigel, "Are you implying you've met many snakes?!"

"No, but let's not get sidetracked! Any ideas!"

"Well…" Nigel took a quick look around and noticed that in one spot was a massive cherry blossom tree with multiple roots from it sticking out of the ground. Giving him the best idea. "…wait, yes! I do, follow me!"

Chama just listened and followed Nigel through. The two flew through the area. Each root of the tree was thick and had a large space below. The snake followed, thinking they would soon go into his mouth.

Nigel believed otherwise, though Chama replied, "We're not losing him!"

"Don't worry, we won't have to."

The two still kept going around and around all the roots. Going fast, but as they were feeling tired, Nigel flew to the tree itself, and he and Chama reached one of the highest branches before he yelled, "Now stop!"

He stopped, and Chama gently bumped into him as they remained hovering.

"What?!" She responded.

"Just trust me!"

The two stop hovering, just standing on the branch next, but the two saw the snake still coming. Slithering up the stem.

"Uh, Nigel? He's still coming." Chama claimed with fear.

"It's okay, he'll stop soon."

"But Nigel…he, he…ah!"

As the snake was getting close, Chama felt totally fearful, and immediately hugged Nigel tight. Thinking it would be their last moment together. But as she waited for the big end…nothing happened. It was just silence, plus the sound of her and Nigel's hearts beating rapidly. So Chama opened her right eye to glimpse down and see the snake trying to snap at them, but to no avail.

Chama looked further and saw that its whole body was tangled up from the roots they passed earlier.

Surprising Chama enough to make her stutter asking, "Uh Nigel?"

"Yes?" Nigel replied more calmly.

"How did you know that would work?"

"I saw this same kind of scenario in a movie once. Before we landed, I took a good look around to see these chain roots, and when the snake chased us I thought it would be the best way to trap it."

"W-Wow."

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you the whole idea. There wasn't time."

"No, no. It's okay. I'm just impressed…and maybe a little shaky still."

"Well, not to worry, I got you."

Chama looked to see that she was still embracing Nigel, still causing their cheeks to turn red. But Nigel was the first to smile.

"You do?" Chama showed a face of appreciation for her friend's comfort.

"Always. That is, if you are okay with that."

"Well…given the fact that we just survived together again, with you saving me, and the scenery that we're in, I'd say yes. So I'll ask again. Can I…kiss you?"

"Gladly."

The two, unlike before, felt no hesitation. Instead, they became so mesmerized by each other's eyes and approached their beaks closer, before shutting their eyes again…and sharing their first ever kiss. Their beaks were gently pressed together, and they had their wings around each other. Embracing the feeling of romance in the field of sunshine and the cherry blossom tree.

Ten seconds later, once they released the kiss, they smiled at each other, feeling pure happiness and the feeling of never wanting to take anything for granted again. Unaware that someone, besides the now tired snake, was watching them. It was a small yellow canary with a bottle cap on his head.

One bird that Nigel would recognize if he saw him, and at the same time, was unable to hear him whisper, "Wow. I'm not one for gossip, but wait 'til Blu and Jewel get a load of this?"

One hour ago, that same bird who everybody knew as Nico was with Blu, Jewel, and the rest of their friends and fellow freed captives. They were all in the same refuge spot in the jungle as they were during the past three days, and while they were crowding up, Blu and Jewel were in front of them all. Ready to discuss what else to do.

"Okay now, everyone." Blu spoke up. "I know we haven't had much luck trying to find a way out of the city and back to our Rio, but I'm proud that all of you have been working so hard. You've been trying to gather all the info you could and worked well together in the teams you've been with. So thank you, and I can guarantee that if we keep trying we will find a solution on how to get back."

Suddenly Blu's sister Angel replied, "Excuse me, bro? But how soon do you think we will even find the solution?"

"Angel, I know it seems pretty difficult but any challenge we're going through right now won't last so long we keep doing our part. In fact…for today, I have something else in mind. I want everyone to go across the city or jungle to find more information again, but this time…you do it individually. Meaning no teams this time."

"What?!" Everyone yelled back, and began chatting out all their fearful opinions on that idea. Even Jewel showed the same reaction. Each of them didn't show any signs of liking it until Blu got their attention again.

"Hey! Hey! HEY!" They all silenced and looked back at him before he continued. "Look, I know that sounds extreme since we're still not familiar with everything around here. But we've already seen so much in three days, so I feel like if we are vigilant and go around more separately, then we can cover the most ground. We'll be able to find said solution faster. Is that alright? Don't you all wanna get home faster?"

Once again everybody was silent, but then they spoke or nodded, implying that they agreed.

"Thank you. Now if you are not at all comfortable with this, you can still go by in teams of two at least, or stay here. Either way, I have confidence that we can do well. All of us."

By then, the whole crowd split. Some stayed behind while the rest flew off back to the city, ready to see if they could find out more on how to get back to their Rio. Though for the former side, Blu looked back at his sister. She appeared to be upset, making Blu wonder what was going on. Until Jewel touched his shoulder.

She said, "Uh Blu?"

"Yes, dear?"

"Are you sure you don't want to go with them?" She wondered as she knew Blu didn't go on further trips as everyone else did since they started.

"Of course. I mean, yes I want to do more to help them but I care more about helping you. Your wing is still broken and I don't feel comfortable leaving you alone."

"But I'm not alone. Luiz and some of the rest of our friends still stay behind. Plus, you know the jungle and humans better than any of us. You and that little noggin of yours…" Jewel joked around by playfully tapping her husband's head with her good wing. Then continued, "…are the best hope we have of finding out how we're gonna get home. Because what everyone has been bringing back here, I don't think it's enough."

"Hm. Maybe. But either way…I love you too much to take any chances. So please…if…if things do start becoming difficult, then I'll go help out more. But until then, please…" Blu placed a wing on her belly, implying the other reason why he wanted to stay. "…a thousand times please, let me stay with my family."

Jewel smirked, "Okay. Just know however that I've only been pregnant for a short while, so the baby won't be coming anytime soon."

"And again, I love you too much to take any chances."

"I love you too much, period."

The two kissed and walked back to their temporary nest away from home. Meanwhile, Nico joined everybody that left, but unlike them, he decided to go deeper into the jungle area. Hoping there would at least be something there.

"Hm." He looked around and thought to himself, "Ya know something? If Pedro and I were able to turn our club into a franchise, I'd sure love to see our second base be here in this city. It may not be our home, but it certainly seems like a swinging place for our peeps. Or at least it would be if we could find Ni-" He stopped for a moment as he came upon a tree and saw something from a far distance.

It was two cockatoos. It was Nigel and Chama, and the second Nico saw them he said with a gasp, "What? Yes! Nigel! Ni…what the heck?" He was happy for the moment and tried getting his friend's attention until he noticed another shock.

Nigel and Chama were sitting together on the tree's root. To Nico's eyes, it looked like they were flirting with each other, especially when he observed Chama rubbing Nigel's talon and later put her wing around him. Nico shook his head, not believing at all what he was seeing, but as he looked the other way, he took a good observation at the grass nearby and saw the snake approaching the cockatoos.

Nico gasped, "What the?!" Then stuttered with panic before finally yelling to the two, "Hey! Look out! Snake! Watch out! SNAKE! SNAKE!" He screamed his heart out to warn them. Still to Nigel and Chama it was faintish, but they looked like they noticed as they saw the snake and evaded it.

Nico saw the whole scene of them staying to get away from it. He wanted to help but didn't know what to do. He could only standby and watch, but soon felt quick relief when he also saw them handle it. They got the snake tied up and they were safe above the tree. So Nico decided to continue watching them. To avoid their eyes, he stayed at a far distance, enough to not hear their words but still see them clearly. Then as he still tried watching…he saw them kiss. Making him blush and reply, "Wow. I'm not one for gossip, but wait 'til Blu and Jewel get a load of this?"

For Blu and Jewel would soon be in for that big surprise.

More Notes & Disclaimers:

• "Forte": That is the name of Chama's brother.

• "recuperating": That's meant to explain why Nigel and Chama haven't been found sooner.

• "SNAKE!": Please forgive me if using a giant snake in my stories is becoming too redundant. Because it seems like it is.

• "movie": That particular film would be Tarzan.

Hello everybody! It's me C again, and I hope you guys liked this good chapter. Now finally after so long, one member of Blu and Jewel's side of the gang has found Nigel and Chama, but also a surprised twist. Will Chama be able to gain everyone's trust despite all that's happened, or will Blu and Jewel suppose she's pulling another trick? Find out next time.

Finally, with this chapter done, and how long it took to get it done, I hope I'll have somewhat of an easier time trying to work on the next stuff. In fact, after that part with Nico finding the two, I intended on still making it go further but thought this chapter already has enough hundreds of words. I will still try to publish 1-2 chapters/stories as often as I can. Though now, I will be taking a good long break, and next time instead of adding Part 2, I'm going to try finishing one other story first. At the same time (if I can), I'll also try publishing new entries to my stories in "CSC" more often than the rest.

Now with the PLANNING announcements done, let's move onto the INTERACTIONS side of this episode.

To Alexriolover95,

Thank you again for your comments. You asked if I saw Sonic Prime S2 and what I think will happen in the next seasons. Well, I did see it and it was cool. Though seeing Sonic be in deeper trouble like seeing the pirates overreact toward him because of their greedy captain and Nine not listening to him in the end…yeah, that sucked.

But hopefully the next season will indeed be awesome. I have a guess that when the show does end, it'll end with either…the Shatter-Verse being restored back to its original form, or they'll be remade into a new world where all the different variants co-exist in separate dimensions along with Green Hills. Kind of like how the usual "multiverse ending" stories go.

(E.g. Archie's Worlds Collide, DC's Crisis on Infinite Earths, and Marvel's Secret Wars.)

On that note, I noticed you even said that you were retiring and wanted me to continue one of your stories again. Well, for the former, if that's what you want then that's okay. As for the latter, perhaps that's possible but I'll still be busy with my work. Plus, if you're okay with it, I can have it be a part of "C's Summary Collection." Plus maybe some other stories of yours if you approve of that.

To Zoroark X

My friend, you asked if I was sure about not making any Angry Birds fanfictions. Well so far, the closest thing I can think of is a certain story about other video game characters coming together. Something that I will most likely just use for "C's Summary Collection."

You also asked why I've been changing my chapters. Well, because I want to redesign them in a form that's more comfortable to me. I'm working harder to make sure all my stories are worthy of a K to K-Plus rating. Rest assured, I will hopefully not change too much and eventually you'll still be able to enjoy them. That not only goes for "Rio in 2 Form" but the other stories that I marked as "Under Maintenance."

So with all that in mind, thanks everyone for reading. And know that I'll still be as consistent with my work as I can be. Thank you and see ya!