Chapter 2 – A Beautiful New Dawn

The blood red sun had awoken from its slumber. Its gentle rays stroked the night sky softly, whispering sweet lullabies as, once again, the moon was put to sleep and the sun reigned the sky. Soft oranges and vibrant reds mixed with the cool hues of the night, creating streaks of violet and indigo throughout the wavering sky. Timid clouds peeked into the sun's realm, spattering their night cloaks with splashes of rosy pink and creamy peach. A silent twinkle was the last farewell of shining stars, as they too were engulfed by the blood red dawn.

It was one of the most beautiful dawns Blackshadow had ever seen.

Rays of oranges and pinks had escaped through the trees and dappled all over the foamy forest floor. He marvelled at its beauty. He looked up to see the baby green buds appearing on the branches up above. It was the sign of new life, of new beginnings. New-Leaf was on its way.

Not that any cat could tell. Blackshadow shivered as a sharp breeze ruffled his dark fur. His paws crunched on the glistening frost which layered the forest floor, and his eyes shone as he contemplated the beauty of a frozen spider web, the rosy light diffracting inside the tiny crystals, creating sparkling spectacles for all to behold. In all his seasons of being alive, Blackshadow had accepted that this time of the year was his favourite. Yes, the prey was scarce, but it was running and would continue to do so. Yes, it was cold, but nature made up for it in her own spectacular way.

He closed his amber eyes, absorbing all around him. He picked up the melody of twittering birds, celebrating the rise of a new day. He could hear the distant roar of the raging river, its waters he knew were swelling with inky black water. As the sweet scent of crisp leaves and frozen dew filled his glands, he let out a sigh full of content, his breath forming misty figures as it slowly faded away. His old shoulder wound ached numbly in the chilled air.

The cold breeze brought with it the oncoming mews of the rest of his dawn patrol. Blackshadow chuckled when he noticed one mew in particular was more verbose than the rest.

"Blackshadow!"

The dark tom turned his head slightly, his sleek tail waved in greeting as a small dark brown tabby tom made his way through the undergrowth. The tabby's pale amber eyes were dancing with amusement and his plumy tail was twitching with contained laughter.

Blackshadow smiled at his friend, "Gorsenose, how's Thun-". He was interrupted by the arrival of a rather forlorn looking dark grey tabby tom. His long fur was clinging to his sides, heavy with water, droplets dripping all around him. There were tufts sticking about all over his pelt, an obvious, but failed, attempt to dry off. NightClan's so-called strongest apprentice now shared a strong resemblance to the drowned rat Blackshadow found the other day.

At the sight of the miserable tom, Gorsenose couldn't hold it in any longer. He collapsed on the ground laughing, his tail swirling up a mess of leaves.

Blackshadow, being the senior warrior, decided to set a good example. Instead of collapsing in fits of laughter, he merely snorted with laughter and smirked at the unfortunate mess the young tom had landed in.

"Don't you start too Blackshadow." Appearing behind the wet bundle of fur was a dark brown tabby she-cat, her light stripes turned rosy in the dawn's light. Dawnstreak may be the smallest of the patrol, but she was by far the fiercest, as her apprentice found out all too well. "You should be at least reprimanding him as well."

The poor grey tom flinched at her arrival and suddenly had a great interest in his drenched paws, flicking flecks of mud off of them.

His cleaning efforts were awarded by a sharp cuff to the head by a powerful paw.

"I can't believe my apprentice, of all cats, had the most brilliant idea to try his fishing skills in the river when it was at its most dangerous peak."

The tom's kit-blue eyes widened at his mentor's temper. He, of course, was used to it. But that didn't mean he wasn't afraid of it. Any sane cat would be petrified with terror. He shuffled his huge paws awkwardly and tried to form some sort of valid excuse. His antics only made Gorsenose to guffaw even louder. Dawnstreak shot her brother a glare of pure ice.

"Well, erm, you see, there was a huge fish, and uh-".

"No excuses! I have told you thousands upon thousands of times: No fishing in the Raging River! Especially during Leaf-Bare." Her amber eyes narrowing in fury and her tail lashing, she spared no thought of mercy to her cowering apprentice.

"You're lucky the otters of the Raft saved you when they did. Any moment later and you would've been over the Edge. Not to mention you held up the whole of the dawn patrol! Blackshadow had to go by himself to check the borders whilst Gorsenose and I went to fetch you from the otters, you embarrassed me in front of their whole Raft! You're almost a warrior. Act like it."

Sensing the lecture was nearing its closing, Blackshadow decided to interfere out of pure pity for the now trembling apprentice. He had suffered under Dawnstreak's wrath multiple times over the moons, many cats had. No cat should go through such torture for long. Clearing his throat, he swatted his tail at the still chuckling Gorsenose and stepped between the warrior and her apprentice.

"I think Thunderpaw has learned his lesson Dawnstreak. Being tossed into the ice-cold waters was probably punishment enough." Facing the grey tabby tom, he fixed him with a stern stare. "You know as well as I that the rules say that you should stay at least two fox-lengths from the river during Leaf-Bare, let this be a valuable mistake, one which you will learn from and never do again."

The dejected tom bowed his head with shame under the forceful glare of his mentor. Blackshadow noticed that he was visibly shivering and his nose was starting to run. They needed to get him back to camp to Hawkfire, lecturing the cold tom could wait.

But before Blackshadow could utter a single word, a black blur tumbled through the vegetation. The dawn patrol looked stunned at the panting she-cat in front of them.

"Nightwhisper?" Blackshadow mewed, confused. Why was his sister here? She was supposed to be out training with Sunpaw.

The black she-cat's head shot up at the mention of her name. Her beautiful brown eyes now crying out in urgency, and her sleek flecked pelt was now ruffled with desperation. It was well known that she was the fastest in the Clan.

She gathered her composure and her urgent gaze bore into her brother's amber eyes.

"Ravenstar's called a meeting. Everyone needs to be there."

Gorsenose flicked his ear in mild bemusement. "Surely we can be filled in when we get back from the patrol?"

Nightwhisper shot him a glance of exaggerated exasperation. She turned her attention back to Blackshadow, her muscles rippling underneath her coat, ready to leap away at a moment's notice. She was never known for her patience. She leaned towards him, her frame crouching slightly and her ears folded back.

"Hakwfire and Icepaw have brought back a rogue." She hissed. "You are needed especially. Ravenstar won't be happy if you don't show up."

Blackshadow felt his pelt bristle with suspicion, and unsheathed is claws into the foamy ground to stop himself from snarling. "A rogue? Why the hell should we go back for a rogue?"

His sister glanced away, uneasiness flooding over the urgency in her gaze. "He's… strange. You'll know it when you see him."

A tail was gently placed on his back and he turned to see Gorsenose. His amber gaze was full of suspicion and curiosity.

"Blackshadow, we should go. It's Ravenstar's orders." He mewed gently.

The black splotched tom faced his sister once again, her paws were shuffling with impatience. He nodded cautiously, not sure what the fuss was about over one rogue.

"Finally! You were the last patrol, let's hurry back to camp."

Thunderpaw looked more than pleased to be able to be on his paws once more. The poor cat was shivering all over and he had begun a series sneezes which he had not quite finished. Dawnstreak murmured to him to see Hawkfire as soon as they got back to camp.

And then they sprinted.

NightClan's forest looked like a graveyard of skeletal trees during Leaf-Bare. Especially since the early morning mist had slowly drifted from the river, only to hang onto the shrubbery like a drunk man holding onto his beer.

It was a beautiful sight though. Orange and pink rays of the sun dyed the mist a glowing peach colour, making it seem the forest was bathed in an opaque light which was far too lovely to touch.

The forest, being so close to the marshy banks of the rushing river, was well known to have countless streams of all variety covering the territory. They were like veins; all connected to the heart which gives life to the forest, the river. These streams were the blood of the forest, the trees and vegetation all relied on the waters nutrition to live on. The red earth beneath the roots was limited in the nourishment it could give to the plants. But because the river had never dried out once in the millennium of moons the Clans had settled by the Edge, the forest and its natural habitat had never once lost its greenery and vibrancy of life- even in Leaf-Bare.

Due to the Clans' territory being placed near a rocky cliff, it is no surprise that rocks and boulders of all sizes are frequently found in both territories. The Ragged Peaks is one such place where there are countless rocks and stones.

Five streaks raced through the tinted mist, parting it like the Red Sea. They flew across frothy leaves and climbed up frozen slopes. Passing silver streams and trickling waterfalls, they dodged and weaved through countless ferns and thorn bushes, knowing their territory like the back of their paw.

There were two entrances into the NightClan camp. One; follow a hidden tunnel of thick ferns and shrubbery to the main entrance. Two; find that faded path no one knows about on the steep ridge the Clan was placed upon. It is a secret entrance, and exit, only NightClan cats know about. It's used in times of emergency, or if you just wanted to get into the Clan unsuspiciously. Nightwhisper led the dawn patrol up the face of the ridge, clambering clumsily as she gripped onto the soft mud and vegetation with unsheathed claws.

Once the five cats were on top of the flat surface, they knew immediately something was off. In front of them were boulders the size of monsters, and trees which seemed to embrace the sky. Beyond the intertwining roots, and the vines of ivy which suffocated the rocks, lay their home. Blackshadow could scent rolls of anxiety and confusion and the subtly sweet aroma of fear and anger mixed into one. His ears lay flat and his tail was lashing. Who was this rogue?

One by one they squeezed through a gap, guarded by thick vines of black ivy and endless ferns, between two giant boulders. Blackshadow led his patrol and stormed into the Clan's clearing. The sight he was greeted by shocked him slightly.

Pelts mingled and merged into one as many cats sat in the middle of the clearing, their gazes never tearing away from a thickset branch hanging firmly over the front entrance of the Clan.

Upon that branch were three cats. One was a black she-cat, the silver streaks of age visible on her shadowy coat. However, her regal aura and her sense of majesty was unmistakeable. She was the leader of NightClan, Ravenstar. She renounced the life of a queen and focused on serving her Clan for many moons. Many admire her for the determination and courage which often shone in her blue and green eyes.

Next to her, near to the end of the branch, sat her deputy. Emberclaw was a young tom, only recently appointed, replacing his father as deputy. Yet none doubted his ability to lead. He had a certain strength in him which others immediately trusted, and his quirky sense of charisma made him a popular cat within both Clans. None questioned Ravenstar's choice.

The final cat was Hawfire, NightClan's trusted Medicine Cat. He sat right next to the trunk where the hollow of the leader's den was. He was fidgeting nervously, his eyes flickering from the leading figures back to the leader's den. He was obviously anxious and unsure of what was to come.

That was the common thing between the three cats, Blackshadow noted. All of them looked anxious. He didn't like it.

Blackshadow felt Ravenstar's coloured gaze rest on him as he led his patrol into the bustling crowd of onlookers. Dawnstreak led Thunderpaw away to see Icepaw in the Medicine Cat's den, before he could catch a cold, whilst Gorsenose settled beside Shadefall, a dark grey tabby tom, and immediately caught up with the news of the mysterious rogue.

Hating the feeling of being packed into a crowd, Blackshadow chose to stay at the back of the meeting. His frame was rigid and poised, the suspension making him incredibly wary. He almost relaxed when he spotted a familiar splotchy brown pelt in front of him.

"Swiftwing." He hissed. The cat turned around to reveal a pretty she-cat with long, delicate whiskers. Her large yellow eyes widened with surprise.

"Blackshadow! You're back."

"Apparently it was an emergency. What's this about a rogue?"

She gave him an anxious glance, her soft ears flicked uncomfortably. Her pretty eyes had narrowed in suspicion. "Hawkfire brought him back. Apparently he wanted to speak to Ravenstar. I saw him when he was brought in. He seems young enough, but with one look I knew there was something… unsettling about him."

Both Blackshadow's curiosity and dread deepened. "How so?"

But before Swiftwing could open her mouth to answer, Ravenstar interrupted.

"Cats of NightClan!" Her mew was strong as it echoed around the woody clearing, the raspy edge in her voice indicated her age.

Swiftwing turned back to glare at the hollow of the leader's den. "You'll see." She hissed.

"Now that the dawn patrol has arrived safely back, we shall now begin the clan meeting." Ravenstar turned to look into the murkiness of the hollow in the tree and started to beckon with her slender tail. "Come, young one, let me introduce you to the Clan."

Once Hawkfire had shifted out of the way, the first thing Blackshadow noticed about the rogue was his frame, and how he held himself in front of the Clan. Any normal, cowardly rogue would tremble in fear at the sight of so many cats, the height of the branch wouldn't have helped either, not with so many questioning gazes focused on him alone. However, this cat did no such thing. He strode forward, calm and confident, yet there was no trace of arrogance. His poise was collected and polite, and he dipped his head to Ravenstar out of respect before countering the suspicious glares with a cool look.

For a split second, those deep green eyes caught his and Blackshadow immediately knew what Swiftwing had warned him of. It was true, he was a young cat, no more than a couple of seasons as a warrior if he was a Clan cat. Yet his eyes held a somewhat haunted look. A look only seasoned veterans held; one that had seen too much. Blackshadow grew more wary, what sort of cat was he?

The young tom himself looked as if he had travelled for many moons. His ragged pelt would take a while to restore to its natural shine, and even though it was evident that he had groomed himself to make himself look presentable, mud was still crusty around his large ears, and his hide was still layered in dust. It was obvious that he needed to rest, yet he still held himself with strength in front of hostile strangers. Blackshadow felt a twinge of respect for the tom in the midst of his deep suspicion.

"This is Tide." Ravenstar flicked a grey streaked tail towards the dark grey tom once he had settled beside her. "You all know by now that Hawkfire brought him here. Apparently he seeks our help."

Yowls of doubt and harsh interrogation answered her, but a savage snarl from their leader hushed them immediately. Her ears flicked and Hawkfire stepped forward. The white and black splotched tom looked across the gathered crowd, caution clouding his gaze.

"I found this young tom by the Edge, near the waterfall. He had a companion, a pale grey she-cat named Lupa. She's with Silversong of MeadowClan and is most likely speaking to Smallstar as we speak. They came to us, the Medicine Cats, to ask the Clans for help. Ravenstar, Icepaw and I have all been warned of them coming by StarClan, we just never knew when or why."

Worried murmurs spread throughout the Clan. One cat yowled out, "Why us? Why do we need to help him?"

At this the dark grey tom looked directly at the accuser. Blackshadow couldn't make it out from this distance, but he swore he swore a flicker of anger, and maybe fear, in those composed eyes.

"I was led to your Clans for a reason." Cats pricked their ears up in surprise as the rogue spoke. "Lupa and I, we are being chased by an entity so much more powerful than the two of us. We were told that since the Clans were full of strength and life, you would be the most obvious to turn to for help."

His voice was deep and soothing, kindness and gentleness rumbled from his mew. But that didn't stop Blackshadow noticing how many things the tom was hiding from two simple sentences. Tide leads the listener into thinking that he and his companion has power, but why? What of it? This 'entity', why chase the two of them? Why are they so important? Who is this being? Who told them about the Clans?

So many unanswered questions from a simple statement. Blackshadow did not trust this rogue.

Obviously his Clanmates agreed with him. Many were shocked that something so powerful could endanger the Clans. Many were accusing Tide of bringing it to their peaceful homes. Many were just yowling insults.

"Silence!" Their leader's snarl quietened them, but not entirely. Some still threw hushed insults and most were murmuring frantically.

"I was afraid that this would happen." Tide continued as if he was never interrupted, he didn't seem phased in the slightest. "However, you cannot change the flow of fate. No matter where I or Lupa may have travelled or sought help, you would ultimately suffer the same fate. If Lupa and I are caught in their jaws, then not just you, but the whole of the animal kingdom will perish."

His cool gaze travelled to each cat. They were shocked into complete silence. What cat, a rogue nonetheless who knows nothing of StarClan, comes and pronounces the Clans demise?

Blackshadow was agape for another reason. What cat comes and pronounces such devastating news with such a calm and kind face? No, he didn't trust this rogue one bit. His fur prickled whenever that disturbing deep green gaze caught his. This was not a cat to be reckoned with. This was a cat who had seen too much to care.

Ravenstar stood up, signalling the meeting was almost over. "We have had confirmation from StarClan. What more do we need? I will speak to Smallstar at the nearest convenience. For now, this meeting is over. Emberclaw will be in charge of extra battle sessions for all warriors and apprentices, and Tide will oversee it. Nightwhisper, you are to be in charge of creating extra protection around the camp. We need barriers. We will be in training for a foe of unforeseeable power. Do your utmost best. NightClan, dismissed."

For a second, all cats were still. Too shocked to move, unable to comprehend that moons of peace would be shattered by an appearance of a couple of rogues. Then slowly, one by one, cats started to move. Everyone was gossiping and shaking their heads in disbelief.

Blackshadow didn't move a muscle. He caught sight of a slight smile upon Tide's face. A content smile. A smile that indicated that everything was going to be fine. Blackshadow held back a snarl of rage. Everything was fine until he showed up.

"Blackshadow."

His black splotched ears pricked at the sound of his name. He looked up and saw Ravenstar beckoning him to her den, the hollow in the tree. What did she want now?

He bounded up to the Great Tree, and leapt from branch to branch until he settled himself upon the sturdy branch, overlooking the whole Clan. He padded silently into the hollow, dust particles were shimmering in the morning sun's light. He was greeted by a multi-coloured gaze from the shadows of the den.

Blackshadow forced his fur to stay flat when he noticed Tide sitting poised and perfect next to Ravenstar. The young tom was examining him, he had done ever since he laid eyes on him. Why? Blackshadow would find out momentarily.

"Ravenstar." He mewed awkwardly, half hoping this wasn't going to lead where he thought it was. "You called."

She blinked warmly, friendliness glazed over her eyes. "I did. Blackshadow, you are my most senior warrior. Not only that, but you are my sister's son. You are one of the few in the Clan who I can trust my lowly life to."

His paws shuffled awkwardly, his fur tingling with the praise. "I am honoured Ravenstar."

"With this reason, I am choosing you to take Tide under your wing and teach him the Clan ways. He refuses a Clan name, but he is now part of NightClan. He is to help us defeat this evil. He is on our side."

Yes, but with motives of his own no doubt.

"Blackshadow, I reassure you, I have no intention in purposely harming your- our Clan." That deep green gaze pierced his soul and Blackshadow's tail started to tremble slightly. It was if he had read his mind.

Ravenstar got up and padded over to him. Her elderly tail rested on his back and her frail frame only reminded Blackshadow how many moons she had seen.

"Please." She whispered. "I know you don't trust him yet, nor do the Clan. But time will tell, he is here to help us."

He sighed, StarClan knows what sort of mess he was going to land himself in. "Fine, I'll look after him." He glared in the direction of Tide. "You, young tom. You know I don't trust you. You will need to change that somehow, and the rest of the Clan. Show me what you've got."

Ah, it was such a beautiful dawn this morning. Why do things have to change?

Tide's eyes glistened with the prospect of a challenge. A slight smirk formed.

"It would be my pleasure."

AAH IT'S DONE!

I'm so sorry this took forever. But it's here, I wanted to post before I leave tomorrow for like a month. I hope a super long chapter (4,000ish words!) would make up for it :P

So. What do you think?

How'd you like Blackshadow? Will Tide be accepted into NightClan?

So next chapter will be about Lupa's transition into MeadowClan.

Thanks for all the guys who reviewed or submitted OC's! I will use them eventually don't worry, we just need to go through some major plot points first.

If you want to submit an OC, please check out my profile or the previous chapter!

Oh, and constructive criticism is welcomed! Please tell me if I have any grammatical/ spelling errors!

Thanks guys!

~Moony.