The Story of Tiberius

Chapter 57

"Come on you fool, think. Where would she be?" Tiberius questioned himself as he flew around Central Park. He figured that was the best place to begin his search. But now he didn't know where to look. He knew Rosa spent most of her time with either Juno or Pietro. Juno was sleeping back at the Great Oak's hollow though with the majority of the Council. And with the turkey vultures acting like they didn't want anyone to hang out with them today, Pietro was out of the question. Sighing, Tiberius landed on the ground, trying to get his thoughts together. He began muttering to himself, "She can't be hunting, she hates violence these days. She couldn't have run away... right?" Stopping for a moment, he grumbled, "Great, I'm talking to myself!" Facewinging himself, he suddenly remembered this one spot in Central Park that his little sister loved. With that in mind, he headed for it.

It wasn't long until Tiberius spotted the ancient willow tree in the northwestern corner of the park. The wind rustled through its leaves and branches, causing it took shake a little. It stood beside a small pond and clearing. Oak, birch and maple trees grew around it while bushes encircled the clearing. It was no question why Rosa loved this spot. It was peaceful, just like her personality. Speaking of his sister, Tiberius could hear her voice. Before he could swoop down though, he heard another voice talking to his little sister. Curious and a little worried, the red tailed hawk landed in a birch tree. Carefully making his way through its maze of branches, he listened quietly to the conversation.

"I should probably get home soon..."

"Oh come on, we were having fun."

"I know, I know."

"Do you really need to go?"

"You and I both have homes to go to."

"But I'm so lonely without you."

"Same here."

"Hey, I just had an idea!"

"Oh no, not another one! What is it silly?"

"How bout you stay with me tonight?"

"I don't know..."

"Come on, you could use a break from the domestic life."

"I suppose one night won't hurt..."

Peering through the leaves of the birch he was in and gazing down at the clearing below, Tiberius found his little sister Rosa. However, she wasn't alone. She was with a young male red tail that the hawk had seen around a few times. And he acted like most birds of prey of his age. He was egotistical, hotheaded and full of himself. Noticing his dark brown tail, Tiberius noted that he wasn't even mature yet. Sure, he was getting there but he wasn't there yet. The young hawk also had this weird glow in his light orangish yellow eyes. Looking over at his sister, Tiberius saw the same glow in hers.

His feathers bristling in agitation, Tiberius forced himself not to suddenly dash out into the open and strangle the young hawk. His light brown eyes narrowed to slits, he continued watching. Every muscle screamed at him to do something though. Battling the voices in his head, the red tail almost lost it when he saw the younger bird nuzzle Rosa's cheek as he whispered, "Maybe you can even move in with me one day." Nuzzling him back, Rosa replied, "I'll think about it, I promise." Purring, the pair smiled at each other before sharing a small kiss. Mentally puking inside his mouth, Tiberius knew at that moment that they were in love with each other.

And there was a chance that he might lose his sister forever.

Not wanting that to happen, Tiberius made his move.