The Story of Tiberius

Chapter 94

Following the search party as they wandered around the animal filled apartment, Tiberius looked left and right at all the party animals. There was a game of kitten toss, dogs doing their fancy little greeting, whatever they were doing inside the bathroom and a poodle rocking out to heavy metal. The old hawk could feel the hunger rising inside him. It took every ounce of his being to keep himself from lunging at any of the rodents here and there and everywhere. Meanwhile, the rest of the group were in awe of the place. Norman looked over at Buddy and asked, "What is this crazy joint?"

"This here is Pops' place," Buddy answered with a slight chuckle. Leading the group around, he continued to explain, "His owner is never home so it's kind of a hot spot. Pops knows everyone in the city. If he agrees to help us, Max is as good as found!" A smile on his face, Norman squeaked, "Cool!" Her tail wagging and a spring in her step, Gidget yipped, "Fabulous!" Behind his best friend, Tiberius noticed that Chloe had hung back but didn't take much note of it. However, there was one thing on his mind. Food. And he just happened to see a tasty looking hamster not too far away. Checking to make sure he wasn't being watched, the old hawk snuck away while Buddy was explaining something else to the group.

The hamster was talking to some other hamster friends of his when he felt something grab him from behind. His companions screamed in terror and ran off. Grasping his prey in his talons, Tiberius tipped his head back and was about to drop the hamster into his open mouth when something whacked him on the back of the head. He released his hold on the hamster, allowing the small rodent to fall to the ground. The next thing Tiberius knew, Gidget grabbed his beak and dragged him off as she grumbled, "Now is not the time to be thinking off your stomach!"

"Ow, my beak! My beak!" Tiberius whined as Gidget half led, half dragged him back to where Norman and Sweetpea were waiting. Buddy was coming back with Mel, holding the pug by the ear. "Come on man! You know I want a girlfriend!" Mel whimpered. Releasing his friend, Buddy looked around and asked, "Right. Did you see Chloe anywhere?" Before anyone could answer his question, the group heard a loud yowl before Chloe suddenly flew through the air like a missile. Landing in a bowl of fruit punch, she stumbled her way across the snack table, making a big mess, before finally falling off. Holding onto what dignity she had left, Chloe walked past three dogs. As soon as she passd, the trio burst out laughing. A golden retriever turned to a chihuahua with a camera and exclaimed, "Tell me you got that!"

"Oh, heck yes I did," the chihuahua replied. His eyes lighting up, Buddy went over to talk with the chihuahua, Gidget following him. Mel and Sweetpea were laughing their heads off at the sight of Chloe covered in food while Norman was having a giggling fit. Even Tiberius supressed a quiet chuckle. Coming back over with Gidget wearing a huge smile beside him, Buddy informed the group, "Follow me. We found him."

"Come on Chloe!" Mel called to the tabby cat, who was washing her fur in a dark corner. The pug was struggling not to laugh again. Coming out, Chloe whacked him on the back of the head.