Author's Note: Here it is, at last! Sorry for the delay. I did NOT know where to go with this. Naturally, reviews are much appreciated; constructive criticism is welcome.

It was the end of an era for Sagwa and her family. Homeless, they wandered the streets of China; accompanied by Hun-Hun, Dongwa's newly official girlfriend, Jet-Jet, Sagwa's newly official boyfriend, and Wing-Wing and Lik-Lik, who were just along for the adventure. Together, the parade of nine cats prowled through the dark of night, until they reached the pagoda.

"We'll stop here," Baba announced. "It looks like a storm is coming in."

Sagwa looked contemplatively at her little sister, still sleeping soundly. "Mama," she said, "Do you see what I see?"

Mama looked down and smiled. "Perhaps not, Sagwa; I see my youngest daughter."

Sagwa took a few steps forward and lifted with a paw her little sister's tail, which was dipped in its first marking. Mama smiled, leaning lovingly into her mate's chest. "She's growing up," she sighed.

"Finally," Dongwa muttered, as he ascended the last step and came under the pagoda roof.

"Dongwa, be nice! This is a time to celebrate," Baba admonished.

"Oh!" Dongwa exclaimed. "What a great idea, Baba! Let's all hold paws and do a sun dance, and then we can have a mud fight, and competitions!"

"Dongwa," Baba answered reprovingly.

"I'm sorry, Baba; but celebrations were so much better at the palace," Dongwa answered cryptically. "There were things to do, cooked food to eat, and...and...more things to do!"

"We'll get used to this," Mama told him.

"I doubt it."

"We just need to make the best out of what we've got," Baba said, as he walked to the edge of the pagoda. "For now, we can watch the stars until the clouds come in."

"I think I'll pass," Dongwa answered, laying down close to Sheegwa. He put his head on his paws and looked miserably at the floor until his eyes slipped shut.

"Come on, guys; let's go hunting," Lik-Lik said, and he and the other male alley cats trotted down the pagoda steps. Remaining behind, Hun-Hun gracefully jumped up onto the pagoda rail and there she sat, her head tilted up to the moon.

"This is rather romantic," Mama said, still leaning against her mate. "Dongwa just needs to be thankful we're all safe."

"Why the sudden change of heart, my dear?"

"I'm with all the ones I love," she answered. "It's all I need."

Having heard his words, Hun-Hun turned her head to look into the dim pagoda. Then she leaped down off the rail and curled up beside Dongwa.

The clouds rolled in, and Baba stood. "Coming to bed?" he asked.

"When the boys return," she answered. Her voice was calm, but she was clearly worried.

Baba sat once more. "I'll wait with you."

Mama smiled, curling her tail around his; and the pair silently waited with the hearts of parents.