Blu could not believe how badly he messed up. He scored the winning goal. Which would be perfect if it wasn't for the other team. He cost the Spix's Macaw Tribe the nut supply. The Scarlet Macaw Tribe had it all now. His very last chance of fitting in, gone. And his family preferred to be here. He didn't fit in. He tried to tell Jewel but she told him to think of them and not himself. What did she want from him? He didn't belong here, he never fit in. How could he. He was taken when he was only a chick. His home, invaded by humans. Many birds were taken. Only a few escaped. Blu sighed. He remembered little of his days in the wild. He had a babysitter, a few actually. His mother had many friends. He didn't know what humans were yet. He simply went to sleep. When he woke up, birds were singing, until poachers showed up. He fell out of his tree. Blu never forgot, but he moved on after he was taken in by Linda.
But now, his family found a new life and he can't be part of it. He wanted to be with them. Although the Amazon terrified them, he wanted to be with them. But he knew they could never be happy with him about. He embarrassed them with his screw up. And the tribe suffered because of him. That's when he made his decision. He left. They could only be happy without him. As much as it pained him to think about, Ruberto would take care of them. It pained him a great deal. And so would Eduardo and Mimi.
That was months ago. He wasn't even in South America anymore, never mind Brazil or Rio. He was now in Zambezia. A place for different kinds of birds. He made friends with Kai and Tendai. They were the only birds he considered friends. That didn't mean he was hated or didn't get along with other birds. Sure, they were a few who looked down on him for his old life with Linda. But Blu simply didn't open up too many when he came here. He personally liked Ezee, the bird reminded him of some certain friends. And Zoe was kind to him. Sekhuru was respectable.
Currently Blu and Kia were taking drinks. And Ezee was prying into his business. "Come on, shy bird. Why only open up to Kai here. He won't bother sharing any secrets about you, no matter how much I plead".
"Exactly why I tell him".
Ezee raised each wing. "That's discrimination"!
Blu was confused. "How is it discrimination"?
"Discrimination towards birds who can't keep a secret".
Kai was amused but also respectful. "Lay off him".
Ezee ignored Kai. "You know, quite a few girls hear who look at you, males also, I'm open minded".
Blu finally relented. "My wife was named Jewel; we had three chicks".
Ezee gasped. "No wonder you left. Three chicks are too much".
Kai ran out of amusement. "Ezee, leave, now"!
"Okay, okay. Sheesh".
The 2 blue birds waited before Ezee left. Kai turned to Blu. "Sorry, he's a nice guy".
"I know. I like him. But he's a bit too nosy for my liking. You and your father respect boundaries. You might pry yourself. But not to his extent".
"Yeah. And I know I tried convincing you to go back. It was because I didn't want your kids missing a parent, like I did. Never knew my mother".
Blu knew plenty about Kai too. "It was probably rough. But I heard from many around here she's a hero and you are too".
"I didn't do it alone. Many birds fought off Budzo and his lizards. Including the marabous. Getting the respect they deserve. And we couldn't battle of the lizards with a game of football".
Blu wasn't offended. The opposite. "Hey, this coming from the bird with two left wings. Whose first, rescue mission involved crashing into your own allies".
Kai let out a laugh. "Yeah, some birds never let me forget it". He then asked something. "What was being a pe-er… human companion like"?
"Many birds mightn't remember humans fondly, but I could never complain. Even if I wanted to. She raised me. The reason I don't like being referred to as a pet is because she treated me like I was hers. I miss her like I miss Jewel, Bia, Carla and Tiago".
Kai nodded. "Look I hate to bring up a dead argument, but why not return if you miss her so much".
"I'd love to see them again. But I think their better off without me. I knew if I told them, they would convince me to stay. I knew they'd be upset about my disappearance, but they're probably over it".
"Still, you could try doing something other than moping about. You could try being a hurricane".
Blu snorted. "I make things worse. I told you that own goal story fifty times".
"Fifty-two and we can't let our mistakes define us".
"He's right". Tendai landed beside him. "Everyone has some sort of regret. I tried to leave this place behind. But my son, thought me that you can move forward in your life, even with regret. Personally, I don't think you made the right decision leaving either, but you did what you thought was right".
Kai nodded. "If you are gonna leave your old life behind, you could try and improve your new one".
Tendai nodded. "That is why I signed you up for the hurricanes. You are expected to attend. Don't disappoint me".
Blu thought of telling Tendai he was great at being one, but reluctantly nodded.
On the other side, a sulphur-crested cockatoo was yelling. "I finally found you. You probably knew I was in the amazon. That is why you fled, didn't you coward. I can't fly to the other side, but if you think it makes you safe, think again".
Gabi fanned herself in amazement.
"Preach, my friend". He turned to see a monitor lizard.
Nigel wasn't intimidated, but Gabi quickly got to his defence. "Get away from him, I'm poisonous".
Charlie hid behind Nigel, as much as he could.
"Relax my friends. I got no quarrel with you. In fact, I'm fascinated with your desire for vengeance. "I myself got some personal issues with certain birds who humiliated me".
Nigel crossed his wings. "Are you proposing we team up against a common cause. So, cliché".
"I was and does that mean no"?
"No. But I was simply pointing out how unimpressive it is. But if I can get vengeance, then I am willing to team up. I know. Also, cliche".
"Now we need to find a way to cross".
Nigel gave a shrug. "Why not wait for them to come to this side".
"It isn't about only revenge. I eat eggs".
Gabi gasped. "Baby birds, not even a chance to get one look at the world".
Budzo chuckled. "They can get a nice look of my insides".
Nigel gave a sigh. "Fine. That bird probably won't leave anyway. But understand, you can kill any bird, except him. The deed is mine to do".
"Fair enough".
But Nigel wasn't the only one from Blu's past in Zimbabwe. Jewel and her kids were also on the search for Blu. Also with them was Rafeal. There for Blu.