Notes & Disclaimers (Aug 21, 2023):

• Rio is Blue Sky IP.

(Please leave a comment and enjoy!)

Chapter Fifty One: Family Moments Part 2

Late in the afternoon, in the obscure city of Rio de Grandata, things appeared to be peaceful all over town. Including for the newcomers from Rio de JANEIRO. Many of them found a new spot to rest and think through their next plan, wanting tirelessly to return home.

At the same time, a few divided groups of them split up. They intended to browse through so much of the new city to find out where the exits were and of anything else to work as helpful directions.

For the moment, two of the groups decided to reunite. They hovered, approaching a large street light, one near a road that wasn't too occupied but in what appeared to be the downtown area.

The birds that came together were…Mikka, Leo, and Angel, the loving scarlet family, and Rafael and Eva, the toucan power couple of Rio. When they saw each other, they revealed their smiling beaks, happy to see each other, but not of the situation.

Leo was the first to speak, and said to Eva and her husband, "Hey guys. Any progress reports to share?"

Eva replied, "Unfortunately nothing too important."

Rafael, "To be honest, we were pretty distracted by all the sights. I know this isn't a vacation, but still. It's quite an interesting city."

Leo and Mikka's daughter, Angel, spoke. "Yeah, we noticed. It's quite amazing, though despite looking so much, we haven't found anything helpful yet either."

Mikka, "There are tons of highways that work as exits for the city, but we haven't found any maps that describe where they all lead to."

Leo, "But we least found maps, period. Of just the city by itself that is."

He revealed to everyone a small paper map he was holding in talon. It was somewhat crumbled from his grip, but he was able to open and flatten it a little. Leo showed his friends and family the map and said, "Okay. From all the times Blu taught us how to read, I think the name of this whole place is 'Rio de Grandata', according to the map."

"'Rio de Grandata'?" Eva questioned. "Never heard of it."

Angel replied, "Neither have we. But on the bright side, we're in some form of Rio. Even if it's not our city."

Rafael, "I suppose that's right. And like I said, it's quite a sight. Even the map seems to show that. Look at all these places. Can I carry-"

"Oh sure." Leo gladly said, and gave Rafael the map to look at.

The toucan carried the map with his wings, looking closely at it and felt seriously invested in the whole thing. Then he soon said, "Wow. Even our Rio doesn't have this many amusements."

Mikka silently chuckled and said, "Anyway, we also came by to talk to you about Blu and Jewel."

Eva asked, "Oh yeah, how are they doing? We know you three were the last to leave before we split up."

"They're doing fine. Carlos and Sophia are still with Blu and Jewel in our new shelter area. Jewel's wing is still in pretty bad shape, but they're doing all that they can to help out."

Rafael heard them, and lowered the map, deciding to mention something important. "Oh, actually…I'm not too sure about that." He said.

Leo, Mikka, and Angel then responded with a "Huh?"

"What do you mean?" Said Mikka.

"I don't doubt that everyone else is doing fine. For Blu, however, earlier before we left, he told me that he was worried about Jewel. I mean…to my eyes, he even seemed more frightened than he claimed. All that fear in his eyes." Said Rafael.

Angel, "Well, can you blame him? His wife (my dear sister-in-law) broke her wing while she's still pregnant. Of course he would be this worried for her."

"I know. I assured him that we had his backs all the way. Though something tells me that doesn't entirely make him feel better. It's making me worried for both of them now."

"What?" Leo questioned.

"Don't be silly, Rafi." Mikka stated, then placed her wing on his shoulder. "Look, Leo and I also have an understanding of what it's like to worry about each other."

Leo, "Definitely. The night when Mikka lost most of her wing, and discovered that she could no longer fly, I was terrified beyond belief for her. But as difficult as things were back then-"

"We still remembered that we had each other."

"Yep." Leo kissed Mikka's cheek.

Then Eva spoke, saying, "And it's not just with our spouses, it has even been that way with our friends. Remember what happened to Blu the time he and I met you, Rafi? His wing got crushed by a tree. I was worried for one of my best friends. But that event still led to some good things: Blu and Jewel confessing their love for each other…"

She lowered her tone, and slowly took Rafael's wing, speaking in a flirting manner, "…and you and I, when we met for the first time. The best day of my life."

Rafael smiled and responded the same way, "That time I met the most beautiful bird in the world."

"You know it."

The toucan couple kissed next, feeling good of the reminder that came to them in their position.

Mikka spoke again, saying, "So Rafi, like you said to Blu, we've got his back all the way. And each other's."

Leo, "Because without any doubt in our minds or feathers-"

Angel, "We're family."

Rafael, "Thank you, mi amigos. Now, if you don't mind, could you maybe reenact this conversation for Blu and Jewel when we see them again?"

"Maybe." Angel joked, and the five chuckled all together before coming for a group hug. Making themselves feel good again.

A few seconds later when they let go, Angel looked over and noticed something across the street. It was a small TV store, not being noticed or crowded by many humans, but Angel felt intrigued to see it. So she glimpsed just a little closer before seeing a news broadcast. It was going on about the news back at Rio de Janeiro, talking about the big event that everyone had been looking forward to earlier.

"Oh hey guys, look." Angel got their attention and pointed to the store window, and they saw it as clearly as she did. Then she continued, "Carnaval is going on later tonight. Man, I forgot all about that."

"Huh." Leo said. "I guess with everything that's happened, we all did."

"Carnaval? Aw." Eva's tone revealed disappointment. As well as bringing her head down. "Of all the times for it to show up, it has to be when we're not even at home."

Mikka, "I know. I had a good feeling about celebrating it again this year, but…I guess now it's not a good time."

Everyone appeared to be disappointed. But as Rafael looked back at the store window more, he saw every picture display of the people dancing, celebrating, and singing. It looked like a fantastic time. Making a light bulb pop up above Rafi.

So he smiled, and said while taking Eva's wing. "Actually, I wouldn't say that."

"Huh?" Everyone questioned in unison.

"Like I said before, Blu never gave us a time limit. And if you think about it, Carnaval is never really something to celebrate in just one area. Same goes for other events we know and love. So…who says we need to be in Rio to join Carnaval? Especially when we have each other. Am I right?"

For a split second, the other four birds felt unsure. But as they looked at each other, Eva became the first to smile. Immediately started dancing slowly with her husband.

"I think that's a lovely idea." She said.

Then the two started dancing together as music played from the TV, while still staying balanced on the street light post. Leo, Mikka, and Angel watched them, and began smiling too. Deciding to join in.

So Leo said, "Would you ladies like to both dance with me?"

"Absolutely." Mikka and Angel replied.

The three hugged, and danced also, having their wings together forming a spinning circle.

The five together still danced on the post, and their sense of feeling good did not cease, but just wanted to savor every moment they had together. Thinking nothing would ruin their time.

Meanwhile, outside the city in the jungle, many of the animals that didn't split for their reconnaissance were together in one new area. A spot that was used as their shelter to rest and stay safe together. Which included Nico, Pedro, Luiz, Carlos, Sophia, and many of the other birds that were victims of the smugglers. Even Blu and Jewel.

For Jewel, however, while everyone was mainly standing on the ground looking over at the city or talking with their talons on tree branches, she was by herself and did neither. She just laid down near one nest on the ground, observing the stars as it was close to the evening. She viewed just what looked like a better sight than what Rio normally overshadowed at night.

To her eyes, they were beautiful. Shining very little but noticeably. Making it the only thing that Jewel was occupied with. Until a voice popped out.

"Excuse me, my darlin."

It was Blu. Jewel looked over to her husband hovering toward her, and in his talons, he held a few flowers and Brazil nuts. Making her smile again as she heard him continue speaking.

"I brought a little something for you."

"Aw Blu. Thank you." Jewel replied, standing up slowly.

Blu handed her her treats, and said, "No problem. I figured you deserved something good after all the trouble we've been having."

"Well thanks again, but you should know that having you around is the only treat that I really need."

"Aw you."

They chuckled then stared into each other's eyes, sharing that same happy look they had when they felt romance flowing in their hearts. So Jewel intended to kiss Blu, using both her wings. Blu encouraged it, wanting to hug her the same way. Before…

"OW!"

Jewel reacted as she unwittingly lifted her bad wing. Reminding her that it was still not in any good condition. Blu gasped, and tried holding her steady by placing his wings on her shoulders.

"Oh, oh! Jewel, I'm sorry." He said.

"No, it's alright." Jewel replied with a grunt. "Mm! I know I need to keep it steady in this condition. I just wish the pain wasn't there to remind me of that the hard way."

"Don't worry. Soon Carlos, Sophia, and I are gonna finish making that cast for you. Once you have it on, it'll help your wing stay still. A whole lot more easily in fact. So I thank both Heaven, and Linda and Tulio, that I was able to learn how to aid someone to health."

"Yep. I'm hoping so. And if I may say, even if you weren't a doctor of sorts, you being smart does have a lot of perks." Jewel smiled.

"Oh yeah? Like what?" Blu questioned but smiled back.

"Like having the humility not to brag so much. Having the kindness and knowledge to read and understand the people you love. And having the charm that makes you look so handsome and lovable. Hmm."

Jewel rested her head on Blu's neck, making them both feel as comfortable as they wanted.

"Thank you." Said Blu. "At the same time though, I haven't forgotten about all the perks you have. Your kind heart, your beautiful eyes and voice, and your love of freedom. Especially the kind of freedom we share together."

"You know it. Hm."

Both of them had their heads resting on each other, feeling good in their own way like normal. But while they looked around from where they were sitting, they noticed more of the crowd of birds. While they saw them as their friends and fellow liberated, and while they were safe, they could sense something else. Many of them had their beaks down, looking sad and hopeless. For they knew their true home was in Rio de Janeiro. Though they all trusted Blu and each other, they all looked like they felt it wasn't enough. They mumbled, chatting to each other still, not going over anything except the situation, from what Blu and Jewel could guess.

But then, it gave Blu another idea.

He smiled and whispered to Jewel, "Hey Jewel?"

"Yeah?" She asked.

"It just occurred to me…Carnaval is going on back at home, isn't it?"

"Is it really?"

"Oh yeah. Seeing everyone here, I know they're not all having a good time, but it reminds of the times when I do see everyone smile. Specifically those times when every bird would bounce around in the jungle, singing and dancing, celebrating Carnaval."

"Hang on. Are you suggesting that we try that right now? You want to dance?"

"Absolutely. But I'm still aware that you're not in the best condition for that, so…" Blu smiled deeply, and stood slowly, before he danced. He danced slowly, imagining the samba rhythm flowing through him, while making Jewel blush. Then he continued, "…allow me to be your personal entertainer for this evening."

Jewel chuckled, "Uh Blu, I don't know. You really wanna dance? At a time like this where everyone could be watching?"

Blu, "Yes, it's not my first rodeo. Watch. Now, I think I can recall there being this one song everybody sang during the morning of Carnaval. How did it go again? Uh…"

Jewel rolled her eyes and still chuckled, "Blu…"

"No wait, I remember now." Blu cleared his throat next, as he still danced, he began singing in a moderate and cheerful tone. "All the birds of a feather. Do what we love most of all. We are the best at rhythm and laughter. That's why we love Carnaval!"

He tried not to do it too loud, but somehow it still became noticeable as the other birds nearby heard him.

Blu continued singing, and everyone started smiling as they admired his attitude. "Call so clear we can sing to the sun and nature's big moon. Dance to the music, passion and love. Show us the best you can do!"

Suddenly, Blu stopped as he and Jewel heard every bird sing along.

"Everyone here is on fire. Get up and join in the fun. Dance with a stranger. Romance and danger. Magic can happen for real in Rio, all by itself! You can't see it coming, you can't find it anywhere else!"

Everyone laughed, but showed positivity as some of the birds carried Blu on their shoulders. Then Carlos and Sophia gently lifted Jewel, before she soon joined in.

"Loving our life in the jungle. Everything's wild and free."

Then Blu, "Never alone 'cause this is our home."

Then they both sang, "Magic can happen for real in Rio, all by itself! You can't see it coming, you can't find it anywhere else!"

Then Nico and Pedro sang their parts of the song. Blu, Jewel, and everybody heard them, and all of them continued singing. They showed tons of smiles on their beaks, wanting to share their positivity, and as the sun was setting further, the true blue lovebirds were able to stand on their own. Then rest their heads on each other, watching it, believing things will be better.

Before hearing Luiz yell out, "I LOVE YOU, RIO!"

More Notes & Disclaimers:

• "Real in Rio": The same song from the first film.

Hi everyone! It's me C again. I understand that I've been absent from FFN for a bit, in the sense of not sending any comments to other stories or publishing too many new chapters. I hope you guys still like my pacing of having to share at least 1 story per month, but I will try to be more active with reading more stories and sharing my opinion. That being said, thank you for respecting my timing.

Now for the next things to mention.

I understand if this chapter didn't come off as too exciting. I didn't put too much effort into it, which becomes difficult when I get distracted with other things to enjoy. Same goes for other fanfictions I read. I have many stories saved and want to read from you guys, but my mind gets too easily side-tracked with the many different stories elsewhere. Thank you again for respecting my pace, and note that I've also been working with other things outside of "alter-ego life," if you can call it that, haha. But know that you'll never see me share only one thing per month.

www deviantart com / t8ecr34t0r

www twitter com / CR34T1VE2016

I'll still be active somewhere and I hope you enjoy what else I have to share. Including these new answers to questions that came to me a while back. Thank you to everyone who has read my last two stories: "Blu, Jewel, and the Snake" and "For The New Spider-Man," and for sending your comments.

To Zoroark X,

You asked "What do you think about James Gunn and his DCU?" My answer is…I like it! When I first heard about it, I can't remember what my reaction was but I know I'm looking forward to it. I know we'll be seeing SUPERMAN: LEGACY, THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD, THE AUTHORITY, SUPERGIRL: WOMAN OF TOMORROW, and more. I am hoping all the movies won't be rated R, and that he'll bring a lot of improvements to DC Studios. The kind that'll be part of a new era of awesome movie-making. I hope it'll be great, and that tons of improvements will come to other studios too.

Also, if I'm not mistaken, I probably published another chapter a while back that shared my opinion on the DCU. I can't remember which one but it's possibly somewhere.

One more thing, buddy. About your other question, I think it would be better if you simply asked Alexriolover95 yourself if you want to see one of his older stories continue.

To Alexriolover95,

Thank you for your comment on my other Rio tale. I will try to continue this story further and read some more of the stories you and others have shared.

For your question, you asked, "Have you seen the trailer and first gameplay of Star Wars Outlaws and if so, what do you think about it?" My answer: I have seen them, though partially with the latter, I think. While I think it looks cool, I might be more invested in that other Star Wars game they announced. "STAR WARS: ECLIPSED." I know they haven't shared anything new or even know too much of what it's about, but hopefully that and Outlaws will be awesome.

Oh! And if you ask about "Jedi Fallen Order" or "Survivor," yeah…I haven't played either. I recall watching a cutscenes video of the former, but not with the latter, and like I said, I've been distracted with other things.

But I will try again to see how active I can be with the things I want to do as C. Including when I use my "Easy-Story-Making" method with "C's Summary Collection." Until then, thank you again and have a great one, everbody!