The audience was quiet. There wasn't a single noise that rippled through the large group of cats, and instead, everyone was silent. It was as though everyone was waiting for something to happen.

Objects and flowers were littered on the ground from Pride's celebration six months earlier, and nobody had bothered to clean them up. A few cats had evidently gone by and swept away some of the flowers and letters written to Gaystripe away from the aisles.

But besides that, it was almost the same. It was almost like they were waiting for another Pride to happen.

And so when the lights flickered, everyone began to scream.

Silver Tabby: OH MY GOSH, we're gonna get a new Pride! IT'S PRIDE, IT'S PRIDE!

Brown-Patched She-Cat: But guys, it's-

The screaming continued, and it got louder and louder as the lights flickered more and more. The brown-patched she-cat appeared to grow irritated with those around her, but she just sat back down in her seat and shook her head.

Black-And-White Tom: GUYS, GUYS, IT'S PRIDE, GIVE ME YOUR RAINBOW DYE!

Cats started to pass out rainbow dye to the other cats nearby them, seeming pleased with the newest developments. Supposedly, it was Pride, so why would they be sad? 

Yet, backstage, there were different things happening.

A dark brown tabby cat paced nervously, tail swishing back and forth. They were waiting for something to happen within the audience, and it had yet to barely even start. They turned to the cats behind the curtain and waved their paws in the air.

Dark Brown Tabby: Guys, come on. We have to get their attention somehow.

Gaystripe: Sorry, I could never master that on my own *takes candy cigarette out of his mouth before chomping on it* Good luck.

Dark Brown Tabby: Wait, what? Where did you even get that? *pointing at the partially eaten candy cigarette*

Gaystripe tipped a rainbow hat that suddenly appeared on his head and he strolled out of the back. 

Dark Brown Tabby: Hey, wait!

The dark brown tabby's mouth dropped and they watched as he exited. They raced to the exit as though to call him back but the tom was gone, so they turned back around.

They drummed their paw on the table nearby and peered to the setup they had. They had no idea what to do, not since Gaystripe had left. He was usually the one to help new shows startup, right? Well, now they knew it was a solo project and there wasn't going to be any help from Gaystripe.

As the tabby suddenly got an idea, the audience continued to chatter away. They were all excited about Pride, and nobody seemed to listen to the brown-patched she-cat.

That was until the curtains drew backward to reveal the tabby and a desk. Lights flashed all around and the audience silenced immediately, evidently confused that it was not Pride and the cat that they were seeing was not Gaystripe and instead, a new brown tabby.

The cat seated themself down in the chair behind the desk and flicked their paw, and instantly all of the lights in the room focused on them. They pointed to a sign that had been hung above their head and, with a small smile, they spoke.

Dark Brown Tabby: What is this, you may ask? This is Nondawn's News, and welcome to the very first episode!

The audience clapped loudly, and Nondawn smiled wider.

Nondawn: Thank you all for coming! I kind of figure this isn't for me and was meant to be for Pride in 2020, but, oh well. That's alright. I appreciate everyone coming anyways!

Nondawn: Anyways, this is my show and in it, I'll be teaching everyone about current happenings. And not just any current happenings. Can anyone make a guess?

Everyone was silent for a moment before a small black tabby raised a paw.

Nondawn: Yes? *pointing to the black tabby*

Black Tabby: LGBTQ+ happenings?

There was a moment of silence where everyone held their breath.

Nondawn: Yes!

The crowd yelled and shouted excitedly, throwing new flowers and various other objects into the air out of excitement and joy. Everyone seemed pleased that there was going to be a new show that went over, well, the news in an interesting way.

Nondawn: Wow, I wasn't expecting this much positive feedback!

The audience shouted things like "Of course you would!" and "Why wouldn't you?!" as they giggled a little bit, and after smiling for a bit longer, Nondawn flicked a paw upward at the sign.

Nondawn: Why thanks! But do you see the sign? Do you see what's underneath it?

Nondawn: It says law, the world, and social media. These are the three subcategories that this will news show cover! *smiles as the audience squints to see the sign*

Nondawn: Law will obviously cover laws, courts, rulings, etc. involving LGBTQ+ topics. The world will cover news that has to do with LGBTQ+ topics around the world, like how LGBTQ+ people are being treated. And finally, social media will cover LGBTQ+ social media topics!

Everyone cheered loudly.

Nondawn: Now, there will be both positive and negative things going on. Many were concerned that only bad or only good things would be considered for this news station, and I am pleased to announce that I find it necessary that everyone is educated on good and bad things.

The group shouted their words of agreement, which was certainly something that made Nondawn smile for a little while longer. They eventually stood up and padded to the front of the stage, where they looked out at the audience.

Everyone went silent for a few moments as they waited for something else to happen. Were they going to talk or do something? The lights flickered for a moment before focusing once more on Nondawn.

Nondawn: *bowing slightly to the audience* Thank you all for coming, and I hope this brief explanation has helped you understand what this news show will be all about.

Audience: OF COURSE!!

Nondawn seemed startled at the loud noise that immediately echoed around the stage, and they stood up with a smile evident on their brown tabbied features. 

They bowed and then spoke once more.

Nondawn: Unfortunately, this is just an introduction, and the very first episode of this show will be up sometime soon. Be sure to tune in then, but for now, thank you for coming!

Nondawn bowed again with a bright smile before skittering off the stage, and the crowd yelled and shouted loudly in an approving manner before the lights dimmed.