CHAPTER FIVE
Blu cocked his head to one side as he stood dumbstruck and confused as Rico stopped talking for a couple of moments. For the first time since his story began, the bird thief could not contain his grief. His head lulled forward, his wings trembled as if contemplating the weight of every life lost because of Marco's greed and lust to further his own power. His beak clicked together several times as he lowered his head. His eyes filled to the brim with tears. He looked pained, conflicted with an endless sea of turmoil and a longing sense of regret which could never heal. Blu studied him for a moment, noticing the turmoil within him, it was the same as he used to feel back when he first felt free of his darker personality. It was the look of a heavy burden that sank deep and wounded the soul.
The Spix macaw felt his heart skip a beat. He shut his beak tight, not wanting to insult his daughter's new boyfriend by saying something stupid in such a serious moment shared between all of them. Through his peripheral vision, he eyed his family who looked saddened by the thief's sudden display of emotion. Could there be something else that Rico didn't really want to mention? Could there be something much more serious that Rico kept hidden deep down inside of himself… deep within his subconscious that only now had begun to reveal itself?
"Hey," Blu muttered, holding out his cerulean wing. "It's alright, Marco has been defeated. He will never be able to hurt another innocent creature again. I promise you that one."
Rico nodded his head. He didn't smile. He couldn't. Even though the plague that was Marco's evil was indeed gone forever, that didn't help the collateral damage. He held up a wing and continued to let his eyes fill with tears. Every feather on his body drooped as he weighed Blu's remark. It sounded so easy for him to say such a thing, but he did not yet realize the whole picture. How could he? He would never know anything about the loss, at least until he finished his story.
"Yes, you defeated him. For that I am thankful," his frown deepened as he struggled to speak. "But that doesn't matter, Marco is nothing compared to Sabrina's cruelty. You have never seen darkness or power like hers, it transcends beyond even space and time… however, even if Marco could match Sabrina in terms of strength, you still can't comprehend the reality of just how many creatures lost their lives, or how many of those creatures could not defend themselves, some families are even still affected to this day. They'll never find peace. They'll always live in fear that maybe, just maybe, something like that will happen again."
Blu lowered his head and let his eyes widen with grief. He had not really thought about any of those things. He felt more than a little foolish, but he understood that thief's harsh remarks. So many different creatures had lost their lives and many of the citizens of the jungle remained affected by Marco and his villainous gang. Many of them had lost somebody that they cared for. Those who lost their homes and were forced to flee for their safety. He himself knew so many who ran. Eva and the toucan kids were among a few of the more noticeable examples. He thought back to what Roger had told him. The Scarlet Macaw held blame for the attack on Jewel's home, separating her from her family. He clenched his wings and drummed his talon across his beak.
"Stupid… stupid… stupid…" he berated himself, drumming his talon against his beak. "Come on, Blu, how could you possibly be so stupid… stupid… stupid…?"
Rico let out a heartfelt sigh and peered at Rose. His eyes reflected his concern for her especially when it came to the next part of his story. He would be diving into the last few members of the Dark Robed Society and of his own personal tragedy.
"Would you like me to continue?" he asked, "Do you really want to know about my past?"
The trio of Spix macaws nodded their heads, though their guilt became imprinted upon their faces. They frowned and eyed each other a little worried about what to expect from him. They did not want him to be in any discomfort or pain but on the other hand, they each remained curious as to what brought on the display of emotion. It seemed so out of character for him, that they couldn't help but keep that as a mental note in the back of their mind. Whatever came next would be something so cruel and heartbreaking that it made the thief tear up before he ever even got to it.
"Marco and Roger remained close for quite some time. They continued to lash out at the birds across the jungles of Rio de Janeiro, though it appeared that they lashed out far less frequently than in the past. Roger kept his focus on Amber and would sneak off to spy on her every now and again. Three years would go by before he finally made his move and brought out another member of the Dark Robed Society."
#
Roger crept through the darkness, slipping through the shadows until he entered a window leading into an old run-down and very abandoned house. Without wasting a moment, he skipped across the broken floorboards and fluttered up onto a nearby table. Around him, three humans and several feline creatures known as Margays stood gathered around the table. Two of the three humans chuckled to themselves, taken aback by the sudden appearance of the strange, robed bird, while their leader, a large plump man dressed in a white coat and hat, stood up while fidgeting with a red lollipop. He picked up the bird and stroked his finger through the macaw's feathery crown.
"Welcome back, my friend," he said with a cold, cruel, and calculating tone which reflected his suave though still very dangerous attitude. "What news have you brought for us today? Hopefully, it will be something that will make us a little tiny bit of a profit. It would be quite unfortunate for you if we had to cancel your partnership with us... if you catch my meaning."
Roger fluttered back onto the table and waited for the human to slide a pent and a piece of paper over to him. During his time with the humans, the Scarlet Macaw had mastered how to write. He squawked and wrote down specific instructions for them to read. The lead human grabbed the paper and read the words aloud so his companions could understand.
"I have located a family of Spix Macaws due west in the jungle, look for a lone cannonball tree… if you succeed in capturing them alive, they are worth a large fortune apiece."
The lone human arched a curious eyebrow and turned his attention to the Scarlet Macaw. "Who cares about a couple of birds, we're in the logging business. Still, I heard that Spix Macaws know how to find some of the nicest trees in the whole of Brazil."
His eyes narrowed as if in disbelief of the situation. He pointed an accusing finger at the bird. "However, there is another issue too, how do we know that you aren't trying to pull my leg or something? The Spix Macaws have been extinct in the wild for years. The only ones I know about are being held in captivity throughout various breeding centers… not exactly reliable when it comes to logging if you ask me."
The Scarlet Macaw appeared to shake his head. He pointed a wing out the window towards the jungle. He squawked in a vicious style and tugged at the human's finger. His voice rang out in a similar fashion to that of a parrot. Go and get them.
The lead human peered down at the sheet of paper in his hands once more and forced a smile. He did not have much else to go on, but he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that to follow any lead he could get, no matter who he got it from. Roger hadn't steered him wrong before.
"However, you also bring up a good point, these birds are worth a fortune." He sighed, succumbing to his greed. "Fine whatever, we will go and check it out. You had better be right about this, it would be a shame if you could not deliver what you promised us. As much as I like you, Roger, I like money better."
Roger nodded his head and spread his wings, he flew out the door and headed towards the opposite end of Rio de Janeiro. His eyes shined with unfinished business. There were so many more evil deeds to be set into motion that night and all of them would need to be played out flawlessly if his plans were to succeed. After a couple of minutes, Roger landed just outside of another run-down building. He tapped on the door with his heavy talon and waited for two less than intelligent humans to answer. One was a large obese man named Tipa, the other a skinnier man with large puffy brown hair named Armando. Both smugglers peered down at the scarlet macaw and smiled.
"Well, it's about time, what kept you, Roger?"
Armando swatted his hand striking Tipa across the end of his nose. The obese smuggler pouted and wiped a finger across the impact spot. He glared out at his friend with a hurt expression.
"Shut up!" Armando warned him.
"What? I was only asking… no need to be rude about it-"
Armando again struck him with his finger and repeated himself. This time in such a harsh voice that Tipa couldn't argue with him.
"Shut up!"
Roger rolled his eyes and ignored the two pig-headed and rather oafish humans. Without a word, he proceeded into the smuggler's den. The room seemed dim, barely lit by the single eight-watt light bulb hanging off the ceiling. He could hear the faint chirping of captured birds coming from a closed-off doorway, but that became drowned out by the volume of a soccer game playing on the television. He spread his wings and soared up onto the table, where a third gentleman named Marcel awaited him. He chuckled to himself and stroked a white sulfur crested cockatoo on his shoulder, who didn't seem too pleased to see him. Marcel noted the look on his pet's face and held up a single hand.
"Calm yourself, Nigel. There is no harm in finding out what he wants. Unless it's too free our catch."
Roger's eyes glistened in the dim light. He grabbed a piece of paper and wrote a note down and slid it across to Marcel who read it, with a little tiny bit of interest. "There is a lone Spix macaw in an abandoned nest south of our current location, look for a large gathering of macaws and toucans, you can't miss it. P.S. Spix macaws are worth a fortune."
Marcel pondered the thought for a moment. He grabbed his spring-net gun and nodded his head. He issued for his two companions to rise up off the couch. They swallowed a lump in their throats and did as they were bidden.
"Okay, listen, you two. We've got a valuable bird out there. One that will make us richer than our wildest dreams… let's go and catch it, alive."
Armando and Tip nodded their heads and rushed to follow Marcel who hurried into the front seat of the truck. Nigel sat on the dashboard and forced a wicked smile. He didn't know who this strange scarlet macaw was, but he loved the idea that he would have a new victim to torture before they managed to sell him to the highest bidder.
Roger followed suit and cackled. He watched the truck pull away at full speed, its exhaust pipe shooting several thick clouds of black smoke. It coughed and sputtered as it attempted to keep the engine running. The scarlet macaw wiped a wing through the air. With nothing but a single night, he managed to send two groups of smugglers out after the last two groups of Spix macaws. Marco wouldn't need to even lift a talon to deal with them. The humans would handle it themselves.
"I better be on my way to Amber's. I wouldn't want the humans taking away the only Spix macaw I would consider to be a prize. She'll be mine before the night is out… and Marco will have another member for our Dark Robe Society."
Roger spread his wings and took to the sky, flying as fast as his body would allow him. He needed to get there first before any of the humans managed to sink their claws into his desired target. He wouldn't let them injure her. The rest would be fair game, but Amber would be his and his alone.
#
The day had started off just like any other. The sunrise appeared on the horizon like a silent sentinel overlooking the countryside. Its golden light filtered through the canopy like gold dust on a clear calm morning. A young female Spix macaw smiled as she breathed inwards, enjoying the smell of freshly fallen rain.
"Oh Mamma, let's go for a picnic!" she chirped happily, "Isn't it the most perfect kind of day to have one?"
A pair of older female Spix macaws appeared by her side, one was a rather plump older woman with a short beak and an even shorter feathery crown, the other a picture-perfect representation of who Jewel would one day become. Both birds studied the greenery of the trees for a moment. The plump old woman chuckled, smiling, and wrapping her niece within her wings.
"Oh Jewel, I would love to take you for a picnic, in fact, I already have prepared for the occasion. I could hear your request upon the breeze this morning so I knew you would ask. I just knew it."
The other female frowned as she nudged her sister-in-law with her wing. "Actually, Jewel, I have a better idea. Why don't we go to the city and have a picnic lunch and then we can go and see some of the wildflowers growing in the city? You can even pick some and bring them home if you'd like."
Jewel spread her wings. Excitement shined across her face. She hugged her mom and smiled as she became lost in the moment.
"Oh mama, that is such a wonderful idea." She cooed, "Thank you, thank you, I have always wanted to go to the city."
The mother tightened her grip around the child. "That's my girl. You're my beautiful jewel of the jungle."
"Really?" Another large female macaw growled, rolling her eyes. "And just what exactly does that make me?" Her eyes burned bright, glaring at Jewel. "Going into the city is far too dangerous, what if humans followed you back here? It could mean certain death for all of us."
"That's enough Amber!" Jewel's mother snapped, "Humans can't find us. The grotto is too well hidden. You know this. Quit trying to frighten Jewel."
Amber a rather chubby female macaw very similar to Mimi, eyed her young sister. It was quite clear she hated Jewel with every fiber of her being.
"If humans follow us back here, it will be no one's fault except your own." She hissed. "If anything were to happen, I would hope they'd kill me because I would make the remainder of your life a living nightmare. Remember that dear sister."
Jewel's eyes filled with conflicting tears. She wanted to go see the wildflowers so badly, but she also didn't her sister to be angry at her.
"I'm sorry, Amber," Jewel sighed, "I'm not a very good sister am I?"
"Ignore her," Jewel's mother whispered, "She is jealous that's all. You're the jewel of the jungle. She is amber, a cold strong stone that is precious to many and has immense value. Her hard demeanor and cold instincts will make her the leader of our nest after me and your father are gone."
Jewel nodded her head.
"Come on Jewel," Mimi nudged her niece with a playful wing. "We have got some flowers to look at."
"Yes," Jewel's mother frowned, "This isn't the time for sibling rivalry. Let's just enjoy the day we have been given."
The day moved on quickly, Jewel skipped through the fields surrounding Rio. Her eyes shined full of delight as she sang to herself in a voice that often filled her parents full of pride. She did not sing anything special, just a private little tune she had made up on the spot.
"Little flower, jewel of the forest
I want you to meet your friend
I'll put you in water and give you some sun
That way your life won't end
One day soon, I'll come back to you
And pick you for my wedding
I'll tell things to you, and hand them to you
My dear when I say I do."
Jewel's mother and Mimi smiled as they took admired the child's musical lyrics. Mimi ran forward shoving Jewel playfully with her wings, laughing as she repeated the words in harmony. Her eyes narrowed as she teased her niece.
"And just exactly who do you plan to marry Jewel?" she asked, raising a curious eye. "Wouldn't be Roberto would it?"
Jewel peered away, blushing.
Jewel's mother intervened. "That's enough. Roberto is a good reliable bird who cares deeply for Jewel. If she chose him, I would be deeply honored to add him to our little family, and I know her father agrees with me on that, one hundred percent."
Mimi giggled. "Come on, Maria," Mimi grinned. "Can't you see that little Jewel and Roberto are meant for each other? They're so lucky to have each other. Besides a girl can have a little fun."
The three females started singing Jewel's song once more. The last harmonious notes of the song died away on the breeze. Jewel certainly proved to be a romantic at heart. With a nod of her head, Maria unfolded her wings and called out to the child.
"Okay, Jewel, it's getting late, we had better head home. You know how your father and sister get when we're late for dinner."
The little bird frowned and rushed over to the flowers and plucked a single red one for her collection. Without a word, she protected it in her wing. Her mother and Aunt shook their heads. Maria stepped forward and grabbed the flower. With a few seconds of work, she fastened the flower to Jewel's head.
"That looks so much better," Maria smiled, "Any bird your age that sees you should love you instantly, even Roberto. But remember to make him work for your affection. If he wins your heart, he'll be yours forever."
Jewel nodded her sweet little head. "I'll remember, mamma."
All three birds spread their wings and took to the sky. None of them suspected a pair of eyes watching them. A set of evil twisted eyes. The eyes of a predator. The eyes of the Margay. The Margay whistled softly into the air, imitating the voice of a bird. A human chuckled as he picked the creature up.
"So those are the Spix macaws, eh? A dying breed and they must be worth a fortune."
The cat-like creature purred and rubbed against the human's shoulders. He adjusted his sunglasses and hopped into his car, following them with a devious smile, all the while sucking on a bright red lollipop.
#
That night had started like any other, soft traces of moonlight peered down through the grotto, entering the nest of Jewel and her family. A soft breeze haunted the air, blowing in a thick blanket of storm clouds. As if sensing the evil about to happen, the wall of clouds continued to build, until a mighty thunderstorm began to rage not too far away. Forked lightning split upon the horizon, lighting up the sky and drawing Amber's attention. She came awake, just after midnight, stumbling out of the nest and out onto a lone branch. Her eyes reflected the storm as it caught sight of the lightning. However, her attention quickly fell upon something else. Down on the ground, a group of humans raised their hands as they attempted to rev up their gas-powered chainsaws. The leader a rather chubby man dressed in white with a white hat and sucking a lollipop. Her eyes widened in horror as she turned to the hollow. Panic embraced her very soul. Cupping her wings together she screamed at the top of her lungs.
"GET UP NOW! HUMANS ARE CUTTING THE TREE! EVERYONE QUICKLY RUN FOR YOUR LIVES."
Within seconds of her warning, the inside of the hollow became complete chaos. Shouting, running, and mass panic seemed to be the three things she could make out except of course for the roaring of the chainsaws. Her eyes narrowed as she took to the sky, charging with all her might at the evil humans. She swung hard and fast, spinning as she clawed at the nearest human with all her might. The human raised his hand, spinning the chainsaw and pointing the deadly blade inches from her face. She could feel the heat and wind the machine created. With her courage deserting her, she flew sideways and found herself struck in the side. A sharp stabbing pain enveloped her as she struggled to move. Holding a wing to the side of her chest, she felt a warm liquid pass through her wings. Three sharp claw marks grazed along her chest, burning as the blood flowed from the open wound. Her eyes looked up, just as lightning struck the tree, creating sparks and setting the base of the tree on fire. Under the intense heat, the tree lurched forward preparing to collapse. She watched in horror as she witnessed her mother give one final scream and vanished amongst the flames, mere seconds before the tree followed and fell to the Earth below.
Amber scrambled to her talons, ignoring the shooting pain of her injuries. She stumbled forward, before collapsing to the ground.
"Well… well… well… what do we have here?"
Amber peered up in horror as three Margays emerged from the jungle. They cracked a smile, baring their jagged teeth as they approached her.
"What do you think here?" The first Margay cackled, spraying damp traces of saliva across its cracked lips.
"I don't know," the second one piped in, "Looks almost good enough to eat, doesn't it?"
"It sure does," The first one grinned. "But I thought all of the birds from the tree were dead. We just finished a six-course meal, but I think we could do with a little dessert, don't you think."
The third Margay nodded its head, lurching forward and cracking its jaw closed inches from the young bird's face. It cackled, taking note of Amber's fear.
"I thought I heard the humans saying for sure that all of the Spix macaws we found were dead." The third one piped in, "Wouldn't want to make them liars now, would we? We might as well just get rid of you too."
All three Margays laughed as they circled around her. The first one, jumped forward, sinking its fangs directly into the left side of Amber's face. The sharp stabbing pain coursed through her muscles as the flesh ripped from her face leaving nothing but exposed muscles, large traces of blood, and severed nerve tendons, even her eye, hung by a loose strand, now physically useless and seeing only darkness. Finding what little energy she had to turn around, she sprinted for her life, falling to the dirt just as lightning struck a nearby tree, separating her and the closing in cats who longed to make her their dinner. Breathing a sigh of relief, she peered up at the sky as Jewel flew overhead, running for her life. She held up a wing, calling to her sister.
"Jewel… help me…. Please don't leave me here…. I don't want to die…"
Finding enough energy to move, Amber crawled as fast as she could. Struggling to move despite her injuries and cringing as she felt the sharp jagged stones and twigs digging into every part of her body. It tore at her, creating several new gashes, new cuts, and new open wounds for the blood to escape from. She groaned, giving up and collapsing. Her eyelids shut as she prepared to embrace her death. Then she heard his voice.
"Well… well… well… if it isn't the little girl I met several years ago. You definitely have seen better days."
Amber would have swung her wing to strike the creature, but she found herself too injured to move.
"Roger?" She choked out, coughing, "Is that you?"
The Scarlet Macaw, dressed in black, bent down beside her. "I can take care of you, but with my kindness comes a steep price. In exchange for your life, you must serve our order. You must seek your revenge."
"Agreed," Amber nodded, she recalled the moment Jewel flew past her, leaving her to die. "I want revenge on one person… my sister…. I-I-I will do anything, help me… please."
Roger smiled and nodded his head. He lifted the bird off the ground. He stared into the damages of her face… the eye which now became permanently blind, the facial tissue that would never heal. He couldn't peel his eyes away. He hoped he would find her in such a state. The irony of the situation pleased him, now she would be unable to refuse anything he might request of her. Her lift meant far too much to her, and he could always just leave her to die.
"But of course my dear!" he chuckled. "What kind of creature would I be if I didn't help you out?"
Roger spread his wings and launched himself into the sky, carrying the injured creature in his talons. He could feel the damp blood ooze down the flat surface of his claws. The scent of it… he licked his beak and clacked it together. He continued onwards, cackling to himself.
Not long after, he landed on a small wooden tower nestled within a clearing. Amber opened her serviceable eye and stared out at her surroundings. The man-made structure had long since been abandoned. Around her, there were only two individuals, a creature dressed in blue and her savior Roger.
"Who is she?" The creature dressed in blue asked.
Amber studied the creature for a moment, surprised that she couldn't make out any feature of his face amongst the strands of white hair. His pitch-black eyes continued to burn out at her.
"She is the newest member of our order. She requires immediate medical attention."
The creature in blue laughed to himself and slapped Amber on the back. She winced as the pain shot through her.
"Welcome... dear girl."
"Don't mind him," Roger grinned, "He can be a strange creature, but he'll grow on you in time."
Amber nodded her head before finally passing out from the extent of her injuries. She came awake a few hours later. Bandages wrapped tightly around the left side of her face.
"Where am I?" She asked a little fearfully. "Why am I here?"
"Relax," Roger smiled. "We've saved your life."
"Saved my life?" Amber asked holding up her wings to study them. "I don't remember anything."
"You will in time," Roger soothed, "Soon you will remember everything that happened to you."
Amber continued to study her blood-stained wings. She shook her head as she recalled the fate of her parents. "They're dead, aren't they?"
"I'm afraid so." Roger nodded, "I tried my best to save them... but there wasn't anything that could be done."
Amber's serviceable eye filled with tears. She started to sob.
"But I have some news for you. It appears your sister survived that night. She was working with the humans who destroyed your home and killed your family. She's out there right now, living a decent life... while you're here all alone."
Amber shook her head, shedding her tears. She wiped her wing to clear her vision. Her beak trembled. "What am I supposed to do now?"
"Hate her?" Roger explained. "Don't deny your anger. Don't deny your hatred. Your sister betrayed you. She watched your family die, and she didn't even attempt to help you. She left you there to suffer."
Amber nodded her head. "If that is true, I want to get revenge. I want to avenge my family."
Roger snapped his wing like a pair of fingers and issued the blue-robed creature forward. He held a sharp stick covered in purple paint.
"Then accept the mark of the shadows... it will guide you towards your revenge. Allow it to be a constant reminder of what you lost!"
Amber nodded and held out her wing. The stick pierced her skin like a tattoo needle. She felt it drag along as it left a purple imprint of a macaw on her wing.
"Very good!" Roger smiled, "You're now officially one of us."
Something inside of Amber's mind snapped into focus. She could not feel the creature she had been moments ago. Any sense of right and wrong disappeared as a wicked smile appeared upon her face.
"I'll bide my time until the moment is right. Jewel will pay for what she did!"