The Story of Tiberius

Chapter 75

"You think this will really work?" Ivory asked Tiberius. The hawk and the hairless cat were standing outside the city's airport. The sun was barely up and all was quiet except for the early morning birds singing their beautiful songs. Silence joined the pair as they stared quietly at the front doors, though to Tiberius it was just an empty space since he couldn't see glass like all birds on the planet. Turning to look down at the hairless cat beside him, the hawk murmured, "If it keeps you safe from this stupid killer dog, it will work."

Sighing softly, Ivory gazed up at Tiberius with her brilliant blue eyes. At that moment, the sun started peaking up over the horizon. The dark pink sky was growing lighter with each second. Preparing for its daily run across the heavens, the sun shone its light upon the city before it, along with the two animals in front of the airport. Feeling the rays hit the right side of his face, Tiberius had to squint his right eye for a little bit. Looking down at Ivory, he saw something flash in her eyes. However, the flash was gone in seconds. Lifting a paw and placing it on his right cheek, the feline murmured, "How can I ever repay you for this?"

"Please, my actions don't need to be paid. I'm just protecting one of the few friends I have left," Tiberius replied, leaning his head into Ivory's paw. It felt comforting to him since he feared this would be the last time they ever saw each other. When he had told the sphynx cat that his plan was to send her to somewhere safe and far away from New York City, he hadn't mentioned that there was a chance they might not see one another ever again. Though it broke his heart that he would be losing another friend yet again, he at least told himself that she would be much safer somewhere else. Tilting her head to one side so she was looking Tiberius in the eye, Ivory meowed, "You think we won't see each other again, don't you?" Knowing that she would've figured that out eventually, the hawk nodded his head quietly. Hugging him, the cat murmured, "I promise, once this whole thing is done, I will come back."

"But London is such a good place. Why leave?"

"New York City will always be my home."

"Fair enough."

"Also, I think my kittens would very much like to meet you."

"Don't blame me if they start calling me Dad."

"I won't."

"I'm being serious."

"Alright. But I can already tell that you and the kittens will be very good friends."

"Guess we'll have to see."

"I suppose so," Ivory murmured. Looking up at Tiberius, she whispered, "You take care of yourself now." Nodding his head, the red tailed hawk responded in a hushed voice, "Keep yourself and your little ones safe." Smiling softly, the hairless cat reached up and gave the hawk's cheek a gentle lick. Nuzzling him, she mumbled, "Thank you for everything Tiberius. You're a good friend." Taking a deep breath, she added in a very quiet voice, "Goodbye..." With that, she backed away and headed towards the airport's doors. The hawk stayed where he was, watching silently as the hairless cat who had become his friend glanced over her shoulder one last time before slipping inside the large building to find the plane heading for London. Sighing quietly, Tiberius murmured, "Goodbye Ivory." Spreading his wings, he headed for his home.