He decided to leave in the early hours of the morning. Everyone was fast asleep, exhausted from the energetic dance last evening. The chompina and he were judged to be the best jigglers, but he'd humbly refused the prize, giving it away to the chompina's family instead.

He didn't do goodbyes very well, because bidding adieu to the people he'd come to love was painful. Best to rip the bandage and be done with it. He thought of the chompina for a moment and hesitated, but soon made up his mind. Attachments would only bog him down on his noble quest.

Carrying his belongings in a rucksack on his shoulders, he stepped out of the gingerbread hut they'd let him stay in, and set off on a brisk walking pace down the main street that led out of the village.

He had barely made it to the outskirts when he heard a cry from afar. A figure was running down the street after him, barely visible in the dark, pulling on something behind it. It resolved itself into the form of the she-chomp bride-to-be.

"Wait! Won't you stay for the wedding?"

"I cannot. I must find out what is wrong with Cakelandia before it is too late. Don't worry about me. Live long in peace with your bellies full."

The she-chomp was almost expecting this. She wasn't very surprised.

"Ok then. But at least take this parting gift from the village. A token of appreciation for all you have done for us."

She was holding a creature by its reins. It was big and furry and meowed nervously.

"What...is that?" Asked the chomp.

"This is a patoot - a fast moving riding animal."

He could definitely use one of those.

"Very well, I thank you. I shall name it... Floof."