Supa Strikas AU: Beyond the Playing Field

Dance of the Macaws

Pairing: Don Aldo x Kalina

[Rio, Brazil 6:40 pm]

PHEW~

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🎆BOOM—BOOM!

🎇CRACKLE/BOOM!

"Whoo~/Ha-Ha~!!"

Rio fills with laughter and joy. Musicians play their instruments while some spectators sing loud and dance to the samba rhythm. So did we, here on the Copacabana beach.

"Another day in Rio, aye!"

"Too bad we can't celebrate during games!"

"Of course we will celebrate," I holler, "when we beat our opponents with the Palma way!"

"Alright/Yeah!"

[Senhoras e senhores~! Welcome to tonight's festa! Is everybody having a good time!]

We cheer alongside the crowd while fist-pumping towards the man on the giant stage.

[Then put your hands together for tonight's performance! The Jungle Familia~!]

The music plays as dancers with flashy costumes and capoeira masters wearing the white uniforms come out. With each step they took, they infuse capoeira with samba. The performers' rhythm was in sync up till the finale.

>>>>>>>TIMESKIP>>>>>>>

[2 am...]

The streets weren't as crowded as before. Still, it was an exciting night, like always. Rick and I were walking down the quiet, confetti-filled road near the beach when I spot a smoothie stand that was still open.

"Ei, I'm going to get some acai. You want some?"

[Acai: Berry-like fruit soft-drink, mixed with guarana and blended into a smoothie.]

"No thanks."

"Alright. See you tomorrow."

I whistle a tune as I walk towards the hut.

"Bem vindo senhor...well, well; if it isn't Don Aldo, Palma's great captain."

"The one and only."

"What can I get you?"

"One acai, please."

"Coming right up."

She turns to the machine as I lean back onto the counter to wait.

"...Hm?"

Just then, I notice a girl with tan-skin, her hair covering her face, lying on top of a suitcase.

"Ah~ the girl..."

The owner comes back with two smoothies, each with a spoon.

"She's one of the performers you saw on stage. She arrived just yesterday but has no place to stay. Poor thing is exhausted, and still no taxi arrives. Probably compacted with drunken people, no doubt."

The woman pushes both cups to me.

"Would you mind?"

"...Of course, senhora."

Taking both smoothies, I quietly sit beside the girl before I tap her shoulder. In seconds, she stirs, lifting her head. Pushing her shadowy hair back, I was astonished to see no makeup on her. Her natural appearance made it hard to believe she could be this beautiful. With thick eyelashes fluttering, she looks up, before leaning back, startled.