The next Gathering Creamfur watched the warriors pad out of camp. Hazelkit was sleeping, curled into a fuzzy ball. Creamfur licked her and left the nursery. She was uncomfortable leaving her, but she needed to do this.

She walked silently through the forest, avoiding fallen logs, stepping over roots, crunching leaves beneath her paws. She could hear cats from the Gathering, but she did not stay long enough to hear what they said. She scented out Pinetrail and walked towards Fourtrees, hiding behind a bush. Pinetrail's whiskers twitched and he turned towards the bush. "Creamfur?" he meowed. Creamfur stuck her head out from the bush. He walked towards her and jumped into the bush where they could talk. "What is going on? Are you okay?" he asked concerned. "Yes, yes I'm fine. Pinetrail, I'm leaving Thunder Clan…I can not bear to stay any longer."

Pinetrail narrowed his eyes. "Where will you go, what about our kits?" he asked. "I'm leaving; our kit, Hazelkit, I will bring her with me. I came to ask you if you would like to come." Creamfur replied. "I would, but one question. Why are you doing this?" Creamfur looked at him for a long moment, finding the right words. "I don't want Hazelkit to suffer her past. She will have a better life somewhere else, away from clan life." Pinetrail nodded. Creamfur turned and padded back towards camp.

Hazelkit was just waking up. Creamfur picked her up by the scruff and left camp for the last time. Pinetrail was still waiting in the bush. He came out when she returned and they both set off through the night.

The stalked through Wind Clan territory. Soon they were far away from any of the Clans. Creamfur stumbled a few steps. "Should we rest for the night?" Pinetrail asked turning to see if she was alright. Creamfur nodded and set Hazelkit down. Pinetrail laid down beside her as Hazelkit squeezed in between them.

The next day they set off early. Pinetrail led the way. They came upon a lake. No civilization seemed present so they continued on after drinking some of the water thirstily. They continued on through the day and finally they had to stop around moon high.

Creamfur lay awake while Pinetrail and Hazelkit slept wearily. She thought about Mistcloud, Lynxheart, Lionstar, and Vixonpelt. She hoped they were okay and not worrying about her. She knew they would be though.

A flicker caught her attention. She looked into the surrounding forest, beginning to wish they had found a better shelter to sleep in.

Then a black paw stepped out of the forest. Creamfur scurried up and watched the black cat stalk forward. He began circling her with moonlight glinting from his eyes. "A traitor, I have found. Tell me, she-cat, what are you doing here?" the cat said.

"I…I'm looking for a new home, this is my mate and my kit." She replied. The black cat looked down at Pinetrail and Hazelkit. "Where was your old home?" he mewed. "Thunder Clan…a far way away from here." She replied. "Ah Thunder Clan. I have heard of it before. Any Thunder Clan cat is welcome here." He flashed as smile. Creamfur thanked him and woke Pinetrail and Hazelkit up. They followed the black cat through the forest shadows.

A new clearing appeared and many sleeping cats were throughout the camp. The black cat turned to face them again. "I am Jetstar, and this is Secret Clan. Welcome…" They padded into the clearing and sat down. A few of the other cats shifted away. But most stayed put unbothered. Creamfur laid head down and Hazelkit snuggled close under her chin. Pinetrail moved closer and watched the other cats protectively. Tomorrow, Creamfur thought, will be a very interesting day.