Straightfur and Arosparrow padded into a clearing, where Nondawn was putting the finishing touches on a few nests. They looked up at the two toms, who were carrying a few pieces of prey.

Nondawn: Good, you're back. Did you two happen to spot Gayday by any chance? He still hasn't come back.

Arosparrow: No, we haven't. He really hasn't shown up yet?

Nondawn: No, isn't that wei—

A loud yowling becomes audible, coming from the direction that Gayday had gone, and cutting Nondawn off.

Straightfur: Was that Gayday? Something's wrong, we have to go find him!

Arosparrow: It came from this way!

The three cats run off in the direction that they heard the howling come from. They eventually skid to a stop when Gayday bowls into Straightfur, knocking him over.

Gayday: Thank StarClan! You guys have to see this! It's crazy!

Nondawn: What is it? Why were you yowling?

Gayday: No, you just — you have to see it to understand, trust me.

Gayday turns around and goes back the way he came. Straightfur, Arosparrow, and Nondawn look at each other before following him. They break through the tree line, and Arosparrow lets out a gasp at what they see in the valley below.

Arosparrow: What is that? It looks like a . . . like a clan, but . . . ten times larger!

Straightfur: There are so many dens! How could a clan possibly be that big?

Gayday: That's what I said! Do you think we'll find Hiss down there?

While the three toms are all looking down in awe, Nondawn's lips curl back in a growl.

Nondawn: I hope Hiss isn't down there. That place isn't for the pure-hearted. It destroys any semblance of happiness you might have while forcing hateful propaganda down your throat.

Gayday, Arosparrow, and Straightfur all turn to look at the dark tabby with wide eyes.

Arosparrow: Um, Nondawn, are you okay? That was . . .

Gayday: That was hella dark, man! Where did that come from?

Straightfur: Do you know this place?

Nondawn: *quietly* That's the Compound. I was born there. It may be terrible, but the cats deal in information. We have to go down there.

Gayday slides in front of them, stopping them from stepping forward.

Gayday: Hold up! You don't just say stuff like that and expect us to go down there without anything else! What are we walking into?

Nondawn glares at him but answers.

Nondawn: The cats who run it are extreme homophobes, Gayday. Anyone who doesn't fit in gets . . . retrained. So when we're down there, your name is Day, Arosparrow's name is Sparrow, and my name is Dawn. And we're all cishet. Understand?

Straightfur: What about me? Should I go by Fur?

Nondawn: Probably, no one has clan names here.

Arosparrow: Guys, I don't like this. This seems really dangerous. But if it's the only way . . .

Nondawn: It is, trust me. Just let me do the talking, and we'll be fine.

Gayday: Gladly! I'll even stand in the back, you know, to not distract you. Definitely not out of fear.

Straightfur: Lead the way. I'll take the rear.

Nondawn parts some ferns on the edge of the cliff, revealing a hidden trail down into the valley. In a single file line, they begin to carefully descend, with Nondawn in front, followed by Arosparrow, then Gayday, and Straightfur in the back. For once, Gayday keeps the comments to a minimum. When they reach the bottom, the Compound is close enough to make out individual cats.

Nondawn: Careful, now. Don't get separated. And don't accept any deals.

Straightfur: Okay.

Arosparrow: Of course.

Gayday: No issues here!

Once they had received agreement from the three toms, Nondawn begins to lead them into the Compound. Together, they wind through the various stick structures, only receiving a few glances from the unknown cats. Eventually, they reach one of the larger dens, in a more private corner, and Nondawn nudges them in.

Nondawn: In, quickly. Don't say a word.

The four cats enter the dark den and Nondawn steps forward. They hit their paw against a piece of wood on the ground and out of a hidden back area steps a sleek tuxedo tom. A grin stretches across his muzzle at the sight of them.

Nondawn: Beetle.

Beetle: Dawn! I never thought I'd see you again, after I helped you out last time. Who are these strange cats? Surely they're not from the Compound. I've never seen them before.

Straightfur: I'm Fur. The orange tom is Sparrow, and the one in the back is Day.

Beetle: Well, it's always nice to get some new faces around here! So, Dawn, what can I help you with this time?

Nondawn: We want information, Beetle. We're looking for a she-cat named Hiss. Silver tabby, would've passed through here with her family many moons ago.

Straightfur: She was heading in the direction of the setting sun.

Beetle: I'm not familiar. But I do keep records in the back, let me check with my assistant.

Beetle returns to the back room, and begins to speak to another cat. Their voices are low enough that no words can be made out — however, the assistant sounds barely older than an apprentice. After a few minutes, Beetle comes back out.

Beetle: Found her. Hiss and her family came through here, traded for some traveling herbs, then left to go settle by the lake at the end of the valley. You'll find it if you just follow the river that winds through the Compound.

Nondawn: Wonderful. What's the price?

Beetle: Oh, you don't owe me anything, Dawn. You've already paid!

Nondawn: What? What are you talking about?

Beetle: By virtue of being here, of course! You wouldn't believe the bounty that your family offered for you. Truly a once in a lifetime reward. I believe that's payment enough!

Nondawn's expression turns from one of collectedness to one of pure fear. She immediately whirls around, and looks at Straightfur, Arosparrow, and Gayday with panic.

Nondawn: We have to go, now!

Before the four of them can run out of the den, a large, dark grey tom steps into the entrance, blocking it. Two other large cats stand behind him. He smiles at Nondawn, not a kind smile, but a sinister one. Nondawn practically shakes.

Nondawn: Dusk, please, don't do this. I don't know what you were told, but I didn't do anything. Just let us go.

Dusk: That's not true, Dawn, and you know it. You broke the rules. And you ran. But you're back now. Once you've been retrained, you'll be welcomed back with open paws. After all, what kind of cat would I be if I let my sister keep living a lie?

Nondawn: No! You're not taking me there, Dusk! I don't care if you're my brother, I will fight you before I let you do this.

Dusk: I knew you would say that. All of the cats with the Sickness do. That's why I came prepared.

The cats that been behind Dusk rush forward, tackling Straightfur and Arosparrow to the ground. Beetle grabs Gayday by the tail and forces him down, while Dusk grabs Nondawn by the scruff, forcing them to go limp.

Dusk: Beetle, tell your assistant to let my father know that we're coming. He can meet us at the Citadel. He'll know who to bring.

The cats leave, dragging Straightfur, Arosparrow, and Gayday with them. Once they're alone, Dusk leans down and looks Nondawn in the eyes.

Dusk: You'll be cured, Dawn. It'll be better that way. You'll see.

He then forces them out of the den and begins to take them toward the center of the Compound.

Written by Mack
Edited by Solstice