A/N: This story is dedicated to the author of the Redwall series, Brian Jacques, who tragically passed away on February 5th. He wrote a magnificent series that I will always cherish and a world in which I can escape to.

Many thanks to those who have requested for a sequel to my story, Rising From the Ashes. As I had a wonderful time writing it, I wanted to honour your requests and have thus written a sequel. It is not essential to read RFtA in order to understand this story, but it is encouraged. This sequel, titled Rises the Warrior, will be more Redwall-focused, and centred mostly around Culy.

Please note that this story is still being written. Depending on how RL goes and how often I can work on the chapters, it will be updated most likely every two weeks or so. Saying that, please keep in mind that it is subject to change. I thank you for your patience and understanding on this matter.

Thanks to Taryn for contributing some ideas to this story and poking me with a virtual encouragement stick via Facebook.

As a refresher, listed below are the Redwall names and their corresponding CSI:NY characters. Once again these are all my creations (as are the other characters in this story), so please do not use without first asking.

Semser - Messer
Emroon - Monroe
Dasmaros - Adam Ross
Torlay - Taylor
Askhew - Hawkes
Alddon - Donald
Ganlel - Angell
Culy - Lucy
Mahdis Camberk - Sid Hammerback
Synno - Sonny
Livandle - Danville
Treyl - Tyler
Lilee - Ellie

All mistakes are mine, and reviews are always greatly appreciated. Enjoy!

Rises the Warrior - Chapter 1 (Prologue)

Mossflower was under siege, the roots of its various tree species nearly being ripped from the earth due to the wind that howled like a wounded animal and viciously tore apart small plants and shrubbery. Not a single star could be seen in the night sky, as the bruised underbellies of immense clouds hid them from view. Everything was blanketed in snow, and more continued to fall from the heavens. Those who were unfortunate enough to be caught in the blizzard would have found themselves virtually blind in the maelstrom of snowflakes and blistering wind. There was no end in sight; it was as if the clouds had unleashed their fury upon the land.

Inside Redwall Abbey, the inhabitants were cozy and warm. They had taken shelter in Cavern Hole, a large area beneath Great Hall that served as the Abbey's eating area. It also doubled as a meeting room in times of trouble. Candles resting in sconces bolted to the walls lit up the area as creatures, both young and old, took their respective seats at the many chairs and tables. At the front of the column, perched comfortable in a large ornate chair, was an adult female otter. She was a beautiful creature, with sterling blue eyes and glistening chocolate-coloured fur that was illuminated by the nearby flames. Muscles and sinew were evident on her arms and legs, and she gazed up in admiration of the two older otters who were standing on either side of her. The male, who was holding her right paw, squeezed it gently upon noticing she was watching him. She merely smiled and returned the gesture.

The other female nudged her. "You think that storm will ever let up?"

The younger otter winked mischievously. "Even if it doesn't, at least we've got a good story to tell. Isn't that right mates?"

A rousing cheer lifted up to the ancient ceiling as the Redwallers clapped excitedly. The ottermaid bowed her head slightly and waited until the noise dwindled before gesturing to an old hare seated nearby. "Abbot Torlay-"

Before she could continue, her fellow creatures erupted in another cheer at the mention of their Abbot. The old hare, whose fur was now completely grey with age, smiled humbly and pressed his paws together.

The ottermaid spoke again after several moments of waiting patiently. "Abbot Torlay has requested that I share my tale with you all. It is a night for storytelling, as you can probably tell by the wind outside that the blizzard is still strong. We have plenty of food and drink. Those of you who are visiting, I welcome you. Redwall Abbey is your home for as long as you wish."

The two older otters released their hold on her paws then, kissing her forehead and taking their places near the front. Upon sitting down the female kissed the cheek of a young male. He blushed visibly and took her smaller mitt in his. Aside from being much younger, he was nearly identical to the other three otters. The female also held the older male's paw, obviously content in her surroundings.

Leaning back in her chair, the female sighed softly and spread her paws wide in a gesture of the entire room. "This place wasn't always peaceful. There have been countless stories of vermin warlords who attempted to conquer our beloved Abbey, evil ones who believed they were the rightful rulers. Redwall has lost many a brave warrior, but it remains standing and will so for all time. My story takes place in a time of despair and cruelty, when Mossflower was under the tyranny of an evil creature never seen before in these woodlands."

"Every creature leads a different life, but they all must learn a valuable lesson: friendship and loyalty are the most important things in this world. Some will forget this, but others will hold onto it for their entire seasons. You may even find friendship in the most unlikely of creatures. Remember this when you are listening to my tale."

Outside the wind continued to howl and moan, and the only thing that could be heard inside Cavern Hole was the crackling of the fires as the ottermaid began her story.