Sagwa avoided the pack for the rest of the day. She was sitting down and appearing to watch the sunset, and mice were walking freely all around her; only scurrying back inside at the presence of a less distracted cat. As he sat down beside her, Sagwa's ear twisted attentively, but she didn't look at him.

"Sagwa," her Yeh-Yeh finally said. "Do you remember when the Cook and Reader would play Checkers?"

She looked at him, eyes narrow as she tried to figure out his topic of choice. "Yeah."

"Do you remember, they would jump the pieces to become king?"

"What are you saying?"

"That is exactly what you have done, Sagwa. You have taken your competition off the board. Now, the pack looks to you."

As she sat there, all of her anger and self-loathing gave way to an eventual smile. "So...do you think they'll listen to me?"

"They are waiting for you right now." Then he cocked his head. "But, what is it you have to say, Sagwa?"

She stood up, tail flicking in determination. "I'm putting a stop to this," she muttered, as she resolutely led him through the forest.


The cats had been too surprised by the sight of their leader being humiliated to just casually go about their lives. They milled around camp, speaking quietly in small groups or puttering uselessly by themselves. Hun-Hun observed the situation closely, looking at the expressions on the cats' faces. Then, looking into the west, she noticed the pack dividing in half; creating a small walkway. And a cat emerged, eliciting respectful bows. from everyone she passed. Everyone except Siao-Po's mate and children, whose nervousness was not disguised by their indignation. Sagwa jumped up onto the platform with a soft thump and turned to face the sea of felines. Her eyes passed over theirs as she tried to get her bearings. Boy, that was a big crowd! She drew a slight breath in and began her speech; the first and last one she would ever make. "I've been told you now hold me to the same standard as you held Siao-Po."

The Miao cats were just as invested in her words as everyone else. Yeh-Yeh joined his family, all of whom were unaware of what she was doing.

"Well, don't. I think I made myself clear already how much I think of him. And I don't want to take his place. In fact, I don't want anyone to take his place. And that's why I officially disband the pack." Or however she was supposed to say it. She continued speaking over the gasps that swept through the crowd. "From now on it's everyone for themselves. The way it's supposed to be out here! No more power struggles between friends. No more control over someone else." Her eyes met the pale green eyes of her nephew. "No more being afraid to be a kid."

Song smiled happily at her brother. "So you can play with me now, right?"

"Yeah," Fan answered, sounding puzzled.

Sheegwa raised her eyes to the platform, but Sagwa had already vanished. And as she stood there, absorbing what had just happened, she realized something.

She realized that she was relieved.

But Fan turned to her then. "Where's Baba?"

Sheegwa nodded, feeling silly. Of course he would want his family to be whole. "Want to help me track him? Let's go," she said, when her children both nodded. Sheegwa spared her parents, brother and grandfather one last look as she guided her kittens from the campsite.

Remaining where they were, the rest of the Miao family looked around as the crowd began to disperse. The fire was extinguished, the pillows were packed up, and the food shack was raided, until there was nothing left. And the pack continued to scatter, until the Miao family stood alone.

Baba sighed and smiled at his mate. "Finally."

"I'm glad someone did it..." Mama shrugged. "But I didn't think anyone would."

"I guess I..." Dongwa shrugged. "Thought Sheegwa would do it."

Mama began looking around for her daughters, both of whom had seemingly vanished. Her priorities were beginning to come into focus, and now she knew there was nothing keeping her from them. As one, the family surged forth; with eight hearts and one mind.