Notes & Disclaimers:

• Rio is Blue Sky Studios IP.

Hello again everyone! Happy…well, almost New Year! Given how this is the last week of 2021. So could be my last story of the year. Before you read it, let me bring up some things.

First off, you remember how I would sometimes come up with a plan on how and when I would publish my stories and then throw them away before coming with a new one? Well, we're gonna see how this next one goes, where I do the same thing DisneyPlus is doing.

If I write a new chapter or story arc, I don't move on to the next story until this one is done. Same as how DisneyPlus does with their shows with Marvel, Star Wars, and the others. One season for a show at a time. If that makes sense. In fact, with the DisneyPlus shows I have seen, it's also inspired me to make some of my future fanfictions (including "Mercy: A Star Wars Story") look like a short series. Unless I change my mind later, but let me know what you guys think. Plus, besides the stories, there will also be tons of posts I want to make and reading I want to do.

Second, I noticed that two folks so far have sent a review to my story "The Sign of Christmas." So to our guest, "Blu", know that you and the others who love this series don't have to wait any longer. And to TeatedTiten, thank you for your kind words. I'm glad you like my stories. Know that I will be continuing with them, but be sure to read "Guess Who's Back" Ch2 to look at the info regarding my status. Anyway, thanks again and it's great to see a new friend admiring my work. Also know that again, "Sign of Christmas" is based on an animated story that was based on actual events as recorded in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

Now, third, how many of you have still been reading this series since I've been gone? If you haven't, then let me give you a little recap.

In this version of Rio, Blu was never captured by poachers as a chick. So he was able to grow up in Rio and create a big difference in the town. Despite that, he still ended up with his good old friends, while making new ones too.

Plus, if I may ask, on the day when this story was published, did anyone think that it was possible for the characters to reenact their first adventure regardless of the alternatives? If you didn't, then take a look at this.

(Please leave a comment and enjoy!)

Chapter Forty Two: Real in Rio Again Part 1

After so long, after all the time that had passed, after all the experience a certain group of animals and humans had, it was finally that year! It was February 2010, and during one new day, it felt like a fine time for one bird that was flying close to the ground. His name was Blu, and he had one big smile on his beak while the wind blew on his face, allowing his wings to touch the water when passing by lakes, and streaking through branches and vines that looked like hoops. And laughed through the excitement of his ride.

So at one point, he looked at the sky and planned to go up. He made a cocky grin and tried flapping hard, raising himself up, going a few feet higher than his usual speed, trying to go above the trees. But as he went straight past the goal point, he suddenly felt like he was losing his balance and began losing altitude.

"What the? Ahaha!" Blu complained as he was falling from the sky and plummeted into a bush.

"Whoa." He mumbled, appearing to be fine from the fall but said, "Okay, that hurt. At least it proves I'm still alive." Then he shook his nerves out thinking, "Man. I don't get it. I've been living in these jungles for fifteen years now, and despite me being able to fly, I can't get any higher. What is it going to take to change that?" Blu pondered on a lot of things going on in his mind. He grew up in the jungle, learning how to protect himself and had friends help him along the way yet he couldn't go any higher than his friends could. So he just sighed and sat down. "Oi. Maybe…maybe I'm just blowing this whole thing out of proportion. Perhaps I'm not understanding how it works yet, or maybe there's something holding me down. Either way, I think it's time I get back. Jewel will want to know what I've been doing during workout time again." He smiled, thinking about his wife and knew that she would be able to bring confidence up again. So he tried hovering and glided to the direction of his home, where his special someone was waiting for him.

A few moments later, his wife Jewel was inside her shared nest, having a smile that she wouldn't let go of as she admired in her home.

Years ago it was once a forted nest in front of the tree her husband once fell off, but later the inside was turned into a nest. And inside, Jewel and her husband made it look like a bird-made human house. She laid in her moss bed, looking up at the fireflies on the sealing, and thinking about all the good experiences she had with Blu.

"Hmm." She moaned smoothly. "Fifteen years. Almost fifteen years of spending fantastic times with my one and only, and my friends. I don't know where I'd be without them. A wonderful sister, two loving parents (or four counting Mikka and Leo), six awesome and humorous friends, and the most amazing husband in my book. This is my kind of family. Especially since a few more members will be joining in." She chuckled and rubbed her belly.

Then suddenly, she heard flapping going on. Causing her to sit up and make a bigger smile. So she turned her head and touched a mobile radio next to her. Then she saw Blu's peak inside as he asked, "Hey Jewel, are you awake?" It was dark so he could barely see, but he could at least notice Jewel as the radio's music began to play. "Jewel?" He questioned and saw her smiling at him romantically.

"Hi Blu. Would you like to dance?" She replied softly. Her husband was confused by her behavior but started hearing the gentle melody and smiled before taking her wing, going with the flow. Then…Jewel sang along with the song on the radio.

"How can I wait until? Counting the days until. Every hour speaks to me of the time until long stays the moon until, spring flowers won't bloom until sunlight covers the earth, winter hides until our songs move through us again, like kisses blown in the wind. Seasons come and go, never standing still but when I see you once more, I'll know what I've waited for. How I love you so. I'll be yours until."

The sound of her voice was so soothing. As Blu continued dancing with her, his mind was in a totally blissful state, hoping that their dance wouldn't stop. Until Jewel reached the final note, Blu dipped her down, and she slowly pressed her beak to his. Causing their cheeks to become more red than ever once again.

Once the radio stopped, they released the kiss, and stared deeply into each other's eyes like everyday.

"Wow." Blu moaned. "You always seem to flatter me too much."

Jewel, "That's what makes it fun. I flirt and I smile over your reaction, my handsome hero."

"Well, thanks. You never cease to amaze with your charm."

"Ditto, hehe. Though…there is one thing I wanna bring up. There's a special reason why I decided to flatter you so much with this dance right now."

"Okay." Blu smiled, thinking her surprise was going to be something great. His wife was about to say it but her lips felt like they were trying to seal themselves up and her legs shook like maracas. So she sat down in her bed and had Blu join her. Jewel took a deep breath and finally stated, "Blu, it has almost been fifteen years since we first met, and fifteen years since you started learning how to survive on your own. All that together was the best time of my life, because since we met you've been there for me. As both my best friend, my boyfriend, and then my husband." She smiled and revealed the pearl that she left on her talon since the night they married. "For so long, we've been going on adventures, meeting new friends, singing and dancing everyday, learning new things, and always having the best time of our lives. And I don't think I'd be happy through either of those years if you weren't there. Thank you so much for all of them." Jewel hugged Blu tightly, causing him to have tears of joy be released.

So he asked, "You really feel that way?"

"Without a doubt. Which is why, I'm about to give you the biggest surprise of the year, and so far in our lives. Blu…I'm pregnant." Once she said those words, Blu's tiny smile grew up with every passing second. Until he finally grabbed her shoulders and said, "You're pregnant?"

"Uh huh." Jewel chuckled.

Blu laughed, feeling so great with the news that he repeatedly said, "Awe, awe, awe!" Before grabbing his wife with a hug and giving her a big kiss. Making Jewel chuckle with him and kissing him back. Then Blu finally calmed down and said, while still hugging her, "Are you sure? We're going to be…?"

"Parents?" Jewel interrupted. "You better believe it, sweetie."

"Awe. Jewel…you are amazing. Hmm. I love you so much."

"Me too. And I'll admit you're taking this news pretty well."

"What, did you think I wouldn't?"

"No, no." She continued chuckling. "I just didn't think you'd be this excited about it."

"Oh please. But heck, I can't believe it. I'm gonna be a daddy. I mean…honestly, I am pretty nervous but still the idea of it is awesome. When did you find out? And wait, who else knows?"

"No one. Well, no one except for Linda and Tulio, I mean how else could I have known if they didn't give me a check up last night."

"How long did they say?"

"Um, I think they said I was two weeks pregnant?"

"Two weeks? Awesome. Oh." Blu tried holding back more tears. "This is so fantastic. I'm glad you told me, Jewel."

"I'm glad you became excited. Now I'm just wondering this: How excited do you think our friends will be when we tell them about this?"

"What? You mean you want to tell them now? Are you sure?"

"Definitely."

"Well…okay. My angel of jewelry, let's go break the news to our friends. But first, are you still able to fly?"

"Yes. Don't worry, I'm only two weeks pregnant."

"Well, if you're sure then so am I. Come on."

The two became so excited that they instantly zoomed out of their nest, soaring through the jungle in mid-air not caring about anything but sharing the news with their friends. Except for the fact that Blu still couldn't get any higher and Jewel tried supporting him. But nonetheless they kept flying. Still soaring before they went through the jungle, and the city until they reached the fruit market and the samba club.

Blu opened the entrance like a gentleman for Jewel, making her chuckle again as they walked in. They expected to see many birds dancing like always. But instead, all they did see was a small group gathered together and talking. No music was playing, no disco lights were showing. The two just saw that the group was their friends and they looked like their conversation wasn't a good one. So they dropped their smiles and joined them.

"Hey guys, what's going on?" Blu asked.

One of their friends, Nigel, said, "Oh, hello Blu. Hello Jewel. I'm glad you two came in here."

Nico, "No kidding. Nigel was just trying to tell us something big he discovered."

Leo, "And it's not something great."

Jewel, "Huh, what is it?" She and Blu started sitting with the gang.

Nigel wanted to start over but felt Mikka touch his shoulder and asked, "Uh, are you okay if I explain the first part, Nigel?"

Nigel kindly replied, "Oh. Be my guest."

"Thank you. Blu, Jewel, just moments ago, Nigel started telling us about the biggest news. He said…"

For about two weeks now, I've noticed that some of our friends, like Kipo and other amigos, as well as many of the birds that visit the club and that just live in the jungle, have been missing. On my side it's getting close to a ghost town and I didn't know why. Until last night. I finally found out.

I saw a group of humans walking through the home town near Cosme Velho, I think it was, and they had a black cubish thing in their hands. I wasn't able to tell what it was until I heard chirping. So I followed them and saw something horrific inside from the side window. It was a room full of caged birds, all locked up and terrified. And it made me realize the worst. Those humans are smugglers, and they planned to take all the birds they captured…possibly to sell them somewhere far off to the highest bidder. And there are two things that make it worse: They're going to leave during Carnival…and they have another cockatoo helping them.

After Mikka explained what Nigel told them, he began having a flashback. He remembered looking into the side window last night and feeling scared and sorry for the birds inside. Wanting to go in and help, but thought he couldn't fit through the window, and as he planned to at least try, he saw one door open. So he slided to the edge, attempting to hide, but peeked to look inside, expecting to see the human smugglers. But to his surprise, he saw someone else. He saw another cockatoo, a female. The one that was helping the smugglers.

She wasn't in any cage, and didn't say a word, but just walked through the room with an evil grin, almost like she was trying to taunt everyone else with her freedom. Above that, she was beautiful. Blue eyes, shiny white feathers, charming form, and had a trusting smile. But she didn't seem that way to the birds. They thought she was beautiful but were too frightened about their situation and didn't trust her.

As for Nigel, he took a good look at her and felt his heart beating rapidly. His face also turned pink and felt as though he had a feeling that he would have never experienced before. Which made his feeling of fear for the other birds diminish but stuck out his tongue and stared at the female cockatoo. Until she was about to turn and look out the window, causing Nigel to freeze in fear before jumping away. From there, he flew to the air, hoping he wasn't spotted. But from the distance…she saw him just flying. "Hmm. I wonder what that was." She mumbled, but shook her head with a feeling of apathy.

Then as Nigel kept flying through the night sky, he kept hearing his name repeatedly. "Nigel? Nigel. Nigel!" Then he snapped out of his flashback and saw his friends staring at him. "What?" He babbled and heard Mikka ask, "Nigel, I've been trying to get your attention."

"Oh, I-I'm sorry, I was just thinking about last night. What were you saying?"

"I was saying, since you know what happened to those birds and where they are, do you wanna do something about it?"

"Uh…actually I do. I think that if we come up with a plan and work together on it, we might be able to help all of these birds escape before we leave Rio."

Luiz, "You think we can all do that?"

"I know we can. After all, you birds pretty much freed me from a life of doubt after I was booted from show business. Who's to say we can't do the same for this?"

Everybody in the group loved hearing their friends' enthusiasm. Including Blu and Jewel, but after hearing everything, they looked at each other, holding their wings, and had the same idea. Mentioning the news that they were going to be parents seemed like it had to wait. So they nodded, and stood with their friends.

Then Blu said, "Nigel, while you were there, did you happen to see what types of birds were in the cages?"

"See?" Nigel replied. "I think I saw all kinds of Brazilian birds. Including some rare ones. Rare animals and items are things that most humans especially love to collect."

"Rare birds, huh?" Blu touched his chin, and Jewel asked, "What are you thinking, Blu?"

"Jewel…do you remember that night when we met Linda, Tulio, and his dad? When they found us, they not only aided us but also assumed we were the last blue macaws on earth. So what if those smugglers thought the same thing?"

"Huh?"

Rafael, "Uh, amigo, are you suggesting that you and Jewel allow yourselves to be captured?"

Blu replied with confidence, "Captured, and being able to free everyone from the inside easily."

Everyone gasped, "What?"

Pedro, "Hang on, Blu Bro, that sounds good and all, but kinda risky."

Leo, "Too risky, even for us."

Blu, "I know, I know that sounds crazy, but the idea of it-"

"Could work." Nigel interrupted.

Mikka, "Excuse me? Nigel, do you agree with that? I'm not going to let my son and his wife be caged by criminals."

"Well it's better than any idea I could've come up with and if I may ask, do you guys have better ideas? Because I don't know how many of us can go through the side-window. How many smugglers there are. Or often that other cockatoo might check on us and alert her masters if all we did was just sneak from behind."

Mikka and Leo, out of everyone, wanted to argue but when they all thought about what he said, they were thinking maybe he was right.

Then Jewel said, "I agree. I say it sounds like a good idea, and if we're able to do it and figure out how to accomplish it well, then I say we'll be able to succeed. I trust my husband. I trust Nigel. And I trust all of you. And I trust that this plan, having us be captured in order to help everyone else get out, will work. What about all of you?"

More good points were said, and when Blu and Jewel held their wings tight again, everybody saw that they were confident about it. So Eva took Jewel's shoulder with a confident smile, implying she agreed too. Then Rafael, Nico, Pedro, and Luiz. Seeing them smile and gesture they were all in, made Mikka and Leo feel better about the plan.

So Mikka said, "Okay. If you are sure about it…"

Leo, "Then so are we."

Nigel smiled next, and with all of them standing, they brought their wings together and brought up in the air, knowing they were all in agreement with the big plan.

More Notes & Disclaimers:

• The song that played on Jewel's radio was "Until" by Swan Dive.

• The part where Blu said, "At least it proves I'm still alive"? I most likely got that from Spider-Man.

• "Cosme Velho" is the name of the neighborhood in Rio that the smugglers lived in, right?

• "I trust Nigel." That's one phrase you guys probably never expected Jewel to say, huh?

Now for those of you who have been waiting for the next chapter of NKS, there it is. Or was. And like I said in the top A/N, I'm going to see if I can continue this arc before I publish the next stories.

In fact, when this arc is done, the next stories I work on will probably be…

• Sonic the Hedgehog(s)

• A Grand Day Out…with the Young Six

• The Gang Secrets: FanFiction Series

• Restart Forever

• TBA

For other notes, in case anyone is wondering, no. That female cockatoo Nigel was talking about will not be named Gabi. In fact, I haven't read many Rio fanfictions that involved a female cockatoo, so if I'm lucky, this OC won't be too similar to the ones you guys have made.

Plus, if you ask why Kipo was one of the kidnapped birds, just remember that the bird helping the smugglers is not Nigel. So things could still occur very differently.

Anyway, for any final things I want to address: Thank you to everyone who has responded to my stories. And to the friends who have tried to message me over these two years, the ones from Wattpad and FFN, I apologize but as I've mentioned before, I won't be doing private messages anymore. Not with my fellow authors.

So thank you guys for reading these stories and notes again, and have a great new year.

(You may also read this on DeviantART or Wattpad, at least after I publish it on Wattpad.)