The Story of Tiberius

Chapter 115

Too far into seeing red at this point, Tiberius didn't even realize who or what he was striking at until it was too late. It was pure luck that both Gidget and, unfortunately, Chloe had managed to not get raked by his talons. Breathing heavily as he realized just what he done, the old hawk looked around at the others. Mel and Sweetpea were huddled together in a trembling heap while Pops was trying to grab the nail in Buddy's paw. However, he had his eyes on what was going on and the dachshund was shaking tremendously. Chloe was on the ground after Gidget had tackled her. She glared at the hawk with narrow eyes and a face that had the "I told you so..." look on it. Gidget, meanwhile, was quaking in fear, practically hugging the tabby for dear life with her sky blue eyes squeezed shut. When she opened them, Tiberius could see the terror glistening in them.

That was the final straw right there.

Not even saying a word to anyone, Tiberius quickly went back the way they came and took a left turn into a dark tunnel where he could be left alone for a little. None of the search party said anything either. Putting enough distance between himself and the dim light outside the tunnel, the red tailed hawk slammed his forehead against the wall. Standing there in that position, he stared at the ground while his light brown eyes adjusted to the darkness. Able to see, he saw that he was looking right down at his talons. He quickly shut his eyes, trying to rid himself of the memory of the events that just happened moments before. Listening quietly, he could hear the others pets whispering. He could tell by the tone of her voice that Chloe was not too pleased. She was probably stating that they should've never trusted him. At this point, Tiberius agreed with her. He agreed with every word that was coming out of her mouth. Every single one of them.

"Tiberius?" Gidget's voice startled Tiberius out of his thoughts. Whirling around, he couldn't help but growl in defense. Seeing the scared look that flashed over her facial features was another stab into the old hawk's heart. Averting his gaze, he kept quiet as she calmed down. Taking a step towards him, the fluffy white Pomeranian spoke softly, "Tiberius, we're getting out of the sewers soon. Let's go." She gently placed a paw on his left shoulder. Pain flared up due to the snake bite that was there and the hawk couldn't help but hiss quietly in anguish. Concerned, Gidget asked, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Peachy in fact," Tiberius grumbled, a hint of sarcasm laced in his gruff words. It appeared that Gidget didn't pick up on it as she replied, "Then let's go back to the others and get the heck out of here-"

"Back amongst the animals who hate my guts?!"

"...yes."

"I think I would rather die down here."

"You don't mean that-"

"I DO!"

"Tiberius, you're being ridiculous. I know Chloe is being difficult but she's al-"

"She's right. Gidget, you shouldn't trust me! None of them do! How bout ya follow their example?!"

"Just give them time. They'll come around-"

"What do you think I've been doing all day?! I've been trying my hardest to make them trust me and this is the thanks I get?! How do I even know if you trust me or not?!"

"I trust you with my life! I'm your best friend!"

"We only met this day and you're claiming that you can trust me with your life?! Where's the logic in that?! Listen to me Gidget, listen very closely. None of you should trust me. It doesn't matter what I do, I will always be seen as a wild animal. And nothing's ever gonna change that," Tiberius snarled, his temper flaming by now. He towered over Gidget as he was ranting, looking very intimidating in the dark tunnel with his light brown eyes flashing red in anger. Turning his back to the Pomeranian, the old hawk murmured, "I should've never come. I think I was better off alone." His feathers bristling, he stared into the darkness that laid before him just as he heard Gidget mumble, "I think you're right. I shouldn't have let you come."

Surprised by what he heard, Tiberius turned around. Gazing up at him with sad eyes, Gidget whispered softly, "You can leave once we get to the surface. I'm sorry for all the pain I caused you." Without another word, she trotted out of the dark tunnel and back towards the rest of the search party. Left standing where he was, the old red tailed hawk bowed his head sorrowfully as he mumbled to himself, "What have I done?"