AN: Aw, no followers yet? I hope I get some soon! Here's the prologue. The next section will be up soon! (I had to wait until I finished the prologue to start updating. I'm still not done with this story, but its enough for a slow start. If you like it, follow! Reviews, as always, are well-loved, put on soft cushions, and locked in treasure chests for gloomy days.

Fernblossom, show us what we're playing for?

Fernblossom: Why am I in a slinky dress with my fur curled?!

Me: Heh...just go through the disclaimer quick, please and thank you!

Fernblossom: -_- Topaz does not own WC. Thank Starclan.

Nightfall: *wearing top hat and monocle, nods in agreement*

Me: Hey!

~Topaz


Nightfall was reluctant to go to the Moonpool. He knew he should, but it was hard enough to make himself get out of his nest in the morning. It had been many days since Fernblossom passed away, but he still grieved for his mentor. She had been a graceful hunter and a talented medicine cat. He had always wanted to be like her, healing the clan both with her kindness and her skill, but it had never really sunk in that when she died he would be responsible for them all.

Until now.

"Where's Fernblossom?" That was Dawncloud. She had been apprenticed around the same time as him, but she'd been a full medicine cat for much longer. She even had an apprentice, now. Compared to Nightfall, she was much more experienced.

Nightfall sighed. "She...she's with Starclan," he said dully. Sunleaf gasped.

"That's awful. I'm so sorry, Nightfall." Dawncloud rested her tail comfortingly on his shoulder for a moment, then whisked it away. As they got to the stream that led to the Moonpool, Nightfall saw Mudfrost, Runningpaw, Spiderheart, and Sootpaw. He suddenly felt self-conscious. He had been the oldest medicine cat apprentice. Now, even though the medicine cats were closer in age, he was the newest medicine cat.

He told them about Fernblossom and, as expected, received words of sympathy. Finally, they reached the Moonpool. Nightfall lapped up a few drops of the starry water, then closed his eyes. He opened them to Starclan's hunting grounds. Fernblossom was there, hunting fish with apprentices. Then she saw him. Fernblossom bounded over and nuzzled his cheek.

"Oh, Nightfall," she murmured, "I know how you feel. You'll make an excellent medicine cat." Nightfall looked down. "I have a message for you." Nightfall looked up. The sky seemed to grow darker as Fernblossom spoke. "Darkness creeps and owls screech; Night comes closer. Flowers to be burned to nothing, without Raven's gentle murmur. Secrets and lies twist and tie the clans into a knot. Scars mark the traitor for whom he is, but the thief gets away with his lot." Nightfall opened his mouth to ask what she meant, but then, darkness closed in.

Nightfall opened his eyes to the sight of the sun rising over the Moonpool. Around the body of water, his fellow medicine cats were waking up. They appeared peaceful. None of them had received a prophecy like this. Nightfall tried to compose himself.

He would just have to talk to Greystar about this development.