Nightdust

Nightdust is a lean, slender, smoky black tom with reddish copper eyes.
Nightdust is a Blossomclan warrior, who was born under Owlstar and served under Nostar's Leadership, as a kit, He befriended Lilacpaw after the loss of his littermate sister, Bubblekit, at an early age he began to grow an increasing loneliness as an effect of his sister's death and his mother's growing depression, into early warriorhood, he fell in love with Snakeroot and aided in his attempts to take over Blossomclan with the promise of companionship and acceptance, only to grow mad instead, when his mate turned abusive, Nightdust took Blossomclan's side once again, defending the clan he betrayed to make it right.
== Personality ==
Nightdust appears to have a very emotional and outgoing personality, rarely ever remaining quiet, the dark tom is very social, even coming across as overly friendly to most cats, this is proven when occasionally as an apprentice he had to be politely told to shut up from time to time. In the past it is shown Nightdust has had some issues gaining friends due to his overly affectionate doting over anyone he considers close, of course, to cats that prefer less affection or even space for that matter, are often driven away, most times leaving Nightdust confused and frustrated, as the dark tom doesn't mean for these actions to come across as bothersome but also doesn't have the awareness to realize when someone has had enough unless they actually speak up about it. This sometimes keeps him from making friends and increases in lonely tendencies, in his current state, Nightdust has admitted that he is working on getting this behavior fixed to Lunacloud. He also appears to have an annoyance with being 'told what to do' as most times if he's on bad terms with someone he displays intolerance to listening to anything they say to him, having some instances of this with Snakeroot and Nostar in the past, which can and does come across as annoying, he hasn't had much of a problem with this in current times, however, since he has a deep respect for Lilacdream and Nostar, willing to follow their decisions in full belief that they are correct.
Nightdust has a tendency to be highly empathetic, finding it incredibly easy to sympathize with someone, even if their morals are awful, as shown by his allegiance with Snakeroot, he used to be easy to turn against someone for these reasons, Nightdust hates the bitter realization of loneliness and fears having no-one that cares about him, He personally desires to stand up (even avenge) those being mistreated, even if he's on the wrong side. When Nightdust became Snakeroot's second-in-command and head of his plans, the dark tom's personality grew to be more unhinged and blindly violent towards Blossomclan, disoriented and visibly more saddened as a result of Snakeroot taking control of his beliefs and emotions, during this time, Nightdust was also highly unpredictable, often misinterpreting others and taking simple things the wrong way, which made cats extremely nervous attempting to reason with the tom, comfort or talk him down from an attack, feeling the crushing weight of their words easily being taken incorrectly, giving the situation an unpleasant 'walking over eggshells whilst trying to not to crack them' feel. Despite the treatment he gave Blossomclan, Nightdust at this time was extremely loving and defensive towards Snakeroot, despite the mental isolation caused for Nightdust during this relationship. It's also hinted that he could've developed a sort of psychomotor excitement, as he's often unable to stay still. 
Currently, Nightdust appears to be a genuinely cheerful cat with Blossomclan now that he is in allegiance with them, his behavior no longer appears to be in such a terrible state since his time with Snakeroot, Nightdust often shows immense gratefulness for Blossomclan taking him even after his attempts to hand their leadership to a very ill-intended Snakeroot, the tom sticks by the clan's side, seeing it as payback for their patience with his past actions. The dark tom doesn't shy away from admitting his wrong doings and appears to be willing to take the responsibility to fix himself with inspiration and encouragement from lilacdream, making him more approachable, which appears to have worked since the tom has quite the pack of friends now.
== History ==
=== Kithood ===
Nightdust was born as Nightkit to Lilacpool, he was born with Bubblekit as a littermate and was named by Amberpaw at birth as a token of appreciation from his mother. Nightkit had the first desire to explore camp, despite his mother's wishes to keep him in the nursery for just a little longer, his natural excitement to learn his surroundings couldn't be contained in just one den. He explores camp by his littermate and his mother's side shortly after he opens his eyes, along the way, he meets Lilacpaw, one of Blossomclan's apprentices, and begins to ask frequent questions as he learns more about her and the clan.
Over the weeks, Nightkit and Bubblekit begin to frequently play with Lilacpaw, as at the time there were no other kits or queens expecting in the nursery, leaving it rather dull and boring compared to the company involved in the warrior and apprentice den.
When Bubblekit falls ill and Lilacpool keeps her in the nursery to recover, Nightkit sits out of the den, awaiting her to come and play, only to be shot down by Lilacpool and told to go someplace else and distract his mind.
Nightkit began to experience a growing lonely sensation without his littermate, so whenever Lilacpaw was off of her duties, he would spend time around her in attempts to drown out the distressful sense, which unknowingly would lead to a closer bond, as Nightkit began to think of Lilacpaw as his family more-so than his actual one, Lilacpaw would even manage to sometimes sneak him out of camp, which at least to Nightkit, gave him more freedom and peace of mind than the stress of clan camp ever did.
When Bubblekit finally died due to scarlet fever, Nightkit was not allowed to go near her in fear he would catch the very same sickness, Nightkit retreated from the entrance of the medicine cat den directly after her death to be alone, in response, Lilacpaw pursued in order to comfort him during his mourning. 
Following Bubblekit's death, when Lilacpool began to grow weak from sadness, Nightkit attempted to draw his mother's attention to eating, only to be briefly snapped at. Nightkit never interfered with Lilacpool's mourning afterwards, he shared fear with his clanmates that he would lose both his mother and his sister within the past moons, even when Lilacpool began to recover slowly, Nightkit never seemed to fully come close to his mother's heart like before. 
=== Apprenticeship ===
Nightpaw was appointed as an apprentice and was assigned Lightningstrike as a mentor, he showed slight guilt when his mentor seemed upset about receiving an apprentice, as a result of Amberpaw giving Lightningstrike a lecture after the meeting, Lightningstrike eventually accepts Nightpaw as his apprentice.
During Nightpaw's apprenticeship Blossomclan began to face more hardships, such as Blossom murdering innocent cats around Blossomclan territory since her banishment to alarming rain downpours, when a flash flood finally pours into Blossomclan's camp, Nightpaw rescues his friend Lilacpaw from a flood filled den, as they both retreat from the water filled camp, Nightpaw lets Lilacpaw know how much she means to him.
When Lightningstrike is murdered by Blossom, he along with Lilacpaw make a decitions to do something about the killings, chaseing her into the trees, they eventually get her to flee, Nightpaw begins to feel extremely bitter towards Blossomclan for not tracking down Blossom and taking revenge for once, He feels as if they've done nothing to stop her, despite this blossom disappears altogether and the killing stopped, showing that perhaps their teamwork paid off in the end.
During this time, Nightpaw begins to betray the warrior code by taking trips to the twoleg place, which would eventually lead to Nightpaw abandoning Blossomclan to live there for a short period, apparently because he felt like he was loved there by the humans far more than the clan itself, he eventually meets Clover, a residential loner who gifted Nightpaw the nickname 'shady fella' and began to show him around the place when he first showed up, Nightpaw even finds out more about himself and eventually begins to feel something for clover, but suddenly breaks things off with the tom when he misses his old friend back in camp, Clover is disappointed but accepting, and he leaves Nightpaw for good.
Nightpaw comes back to clan camp, only to find out that Lilacpaw is now a warrior named Lilacdream and he feels great guilt for missing her ceremony. Despite rejoining Blossomclan without suspicion of him having joined the twoleg place, Nightpaw feels somewhat detached from the clan since it doesnt make since why he can't have friends outside of blossomclan, especually since no-one trains or hangs out with him anymore, despite how happy he is to see Lilacdream, his overgrowing loneliness begins to settle in again, Notail also places more harsh restrictions to Nightpaw's abilities as an apprentice, such as rendering him unable to leave camp, caring for the elders, making him feel almost unwelcomed in clan camp, despite Nightpaw's attempts to continue training to build the clan's trust, Nightpaw is never assigned another mentor, making most of his time dreadfully lonesome and boring, without anything to do, he attempts to make friends, only to fail when most of the warriors wish to spend time with cats in their own rank.
he was also quite picked on by his senior warriors (such as Hollowheart) who often believed that he was far too weak to prove useful to Blossomclan, as a response, Nightpaw merely kept to Lilacdream's side, hoping that it'll wear the awful tom and his sharp tongue off even slightly, as the two warriors didn't get along very well.
=== Warriorhood ===
Nightpaw is finally made a warrior a long while after his return and requests the suffix 'Dust' as it was one of the two names Bubblekit wanted, making him Nightdust.
A new threat challenges Blossomclan shortly after Nightdust becomes a warrior, and soon he meets a mysterious stranger who goes by the name Snakeroot, after originally trying to get snakeroot to leave Blossomclan territory, the stranger suddenly speaks out about his understanding that still Nightdust feels lonely and pushed away, he encourages Nightdust that he will listen to him if he meets with him every afternoon in the same area, begrudgingly agreeing, Nightdust begins to meet with Snakeroot, who appears to relate to his issues with blossomclan and listens openly, even allowing him more freedom to speak than Nostar and Blossomclan most times, Nightdust slowly begins to feel loved by someone again, almost like with the twoleg place, and his trust with Snakeroot only seems to grow.
It's only a matter of time until Snakeroot begins to speak about his troubles as well, eventually revealing that he was supposed to be leader of Blossomclan, when Nightdust said that he didn't understand, snakeroot spoke that he was actually a long cast away spirit, who loyally served under Blossomstar's leadership and helped in creating this clan, she had broken her promise to make him deputy and chose gingerstar instead, banishing him and his soul away to be forgotten when he'd done nothing but stand by her side, Snakeroot reveals his true backstory along with some vulnerability, making Nightdust cherish the moment. despite their seemingly close relationship, Snakeroot begins to slowly isolate Nightdust from blossomclan mentally, making the dark tom believe that the cats who lived in his clan did not understand nor care about him, giving the dark tom an 'us versus them' mentality, Nightdust began to despise Notail and Owlstar, he showed great sympathy towards Snakeroot and insisted that he was different from the rest of Blossomclan, because he would help him.
Soon after, Nostar's restrictions grow harsher as Nightdust is singled out from patrols and battling purely because Nostar doubts his abilities, Nightdust makes the decision to abandon Blossomclan in favor of Snakeroot, with the thought that he would be granted unconditional love, Nightdust announces to Snakeroot that he wants to be help the mistreated and forgotten, if he has to abandon his clan to do that, he will.
Nightdust joined Snakeroot along with two banished cats from Blossomclan who'd also agreed to help Snakeroot, Brairslip and Littleflurry, during the creation of their little group, Snakeroot announces Nightdust as his deputy and is immediately granted with the love and attention he wanted so much.
=== Alliance with Snakeroot ===
Nightdust, over the moons, would aid in starving out Blossomclan by hunting all the prey, attempts to kill Notail and Lilacdream, during this period, it's note that despite his new alliance, Nightdust deep down despised hurting blossomclan, especially Lilacdream, they had grown apart but the dark tom had never forgotten how kind she was to him. however his bond with Snakeroot only grew, eventually becoming mates on top of just partners, Nightdust noted that he felt more freedom and acceptance than ever before in his new home and wished he'd met snakeroot far sooner, though when a tom came seeking to join the group, named Lionpride, Nightdust, Littleflurry and brairslip predicted Snakeroot would turn him away, as he was blossomclan and it was highly likely that he was a spy for blossomclan, when Snakeroot appeared to be considering on letting the tom join, Nightdust questioned his thoughts, asking if they really were going to let a cat they hardly trusted in, Nightdust was taken aback when Snakeroot welcomed him in, only responding to the dark tom with a promise to trust him.
Nightdust only began to despise Lionpride more and more as he shared part of his loyally with blossomclan and the other half with snakeroot's group, not to mention how Lionpride's infatuation with Snakeroot would get in the way, truthfully, Nightdust probably couldn't stand that snakeroot preferred lionpride over him.
after their progress to either overtake or Blossomclan, they planned when Blossomclan was weak from the lack of proper food due to their overhunting, they would attack and either get them to surrender or drive them out, but it would take some more moons before Blossomclan were starved enough, While Snakeroot and Nightdust used to be close, ever since Lionpride showed up, Snakeroot had been distant towards any affection given by Nightdust, becoming able to manipulate Nightdust's behavior by sometimes granted and withholding any acknowledgment depending on what he felt like, causing frustration in the tom.
One day when Nightdust had failed on catching a single rabbit in their quest of mass hunting, Snakeroot had clawed at Nightdust's face as punishment, which caused a great amount of shock and confusion as snakeroot had never reacted that way before, eventually Snakeroot made up and apologized to Nightdust the following night, causing the black tom to think nothing of the occurrence, not even considering it as a red flag.
Unfortunately, Snakeroot's reactions to small mishaps didn't improve as he began to favor Lionpride more, sparing him from the growing mistreatment of Nightdust and the other members of the group, what started with small yet violent bats to the face or pelt turned into verbally hurtful comments, as he began to put Nightust down in front of the others, Nightdust began to grow bitter to snakeroot for embarrassing him in front of everyone with these acts, so in a fit of frustration as a response for no allowance to take his resentment out, un top of his regretfully nature in abandoning blossomclan, Nightdust would sometimes give Snakeroot's greatest enemies a head start against him, examples as skipping out of overhunting prey and allowing Blossomclan to gain some strength back or neglecting and changing Snakeroot's orders towards Littleflurry and Brairslip in order to promote disorder within the group, causing Snakeroot to isolate Nightdust away from everyone upon finding out about these acts, keeping him in a sealed, dark tunnel until he learned manners, for a time it was strange as a punishment, until Nightdust began to have visions in those tunnels, of all the mistrust the others have of him, how he had no-where to go, How Snakeroot and Blossomclan both didn't love him anymore, and how alone the tom exactly was, having no-one that cared for him. Nightdust began to despise this punishment most of all, and quickly grew to obey Snakeroot with the promise that it won't happen to him again if he kept his place, however, these visions would only make Nightdust's mind even more unstable with his emotions and feelings, rendering him a stronger warrior physically, yet creating a weaker and unpredictable one emotionally, the black tom would begin to cling to anyone he could, even his enemies, in an attempt to not be left alone with these visions, which were probably caused by extreme guilt.
During a violent encounter with a rouge near Blossomclan territory, Lionpride was killed just near the border, only to be discovered by Snakeroot a mere minute later, a small kit was hiding beside the deceased tom, Fawnkit at the time, which caused Snakeroot to even further his distance and admit to cheating behind Nightdust's back with Lionpride, Nightdust lashed out at Snakeroot in reaction to this admission, despite this, Nightdust stayed by Snakeroot's side to continue to help in overtaking Blossomclan, since he had nowhere else to go.
=== Fighting with Snakeroot against Blossomclan ===
Upon observing that Blossomclan had starved out enough, Snakeroot decided to attack Blossomclan the following evening, despite the previous interaction Nightdust stood by Snakeroot's side, still wanting to believe he was doing that right thing, it is important to note that during the battle he learned that Owlstar had died and Notail had become leader in his place, along with the information that his now enemy, Lilacdream, was chosen as the new deputy, upon finding this out he bitterly made a bet that she probably sucked up to Nostar for the position, saying this with partial jealousy for Lilacdream's easiness to find friends.
During snakeroot's battle, Nightdust took part in assaulting Nostar, when the leader tried to calm him by telling him that he understood his needs, it only caused a mental collapse, resulting in Nightdust painfully lashing out at the leader, doubting Nostar's apology whilst believing the only reason Nostar admitted his mistake was because he was about to be killed.
in another attempt to kill Hazzypaw, the dark tom only stopped when Lilacdream begged Nightdust not to kill her, despite how the dark tom has evolved to hare both snakeroot and blossomclan over the moons, some part of Nightdust still loved Lilacdream, resulting in the eventual release of the apprentice, Nightdust was beginning to question whether he was really helping the victims, when Snakeroot screamed at Nightdust from afar to murder the defenseless apprentice, Nightdust, in a fit of realization for how Snakeroot had ruined his chances of having a normal life, betrayed the russet tabby, leaving sunpaw and lunapaw to kill him in response.
=== After treatment from the battle ===
Nightdust hid away from Blossomclan a mere two moons after the fight, mostly as a response from his sorrow for Snakeroot, having followed him faithfully all those moons, and as a measure of guilt for his disloyalty and violation of trust in his former clan, when Nostar found his hiding place out, he offered a place back in Blossomclan, much to Nightdust's surprise, unfortunately the black tom refused the offer, hoping to spend some time recovering mentally and physically from the fire, to which Nostar stated he would check up on Nightdust ever week or so, which made Nightdust question why he cared so much for a traitor.
As promised, Nostar began to visit Nightdust regularly, sometimes bringing him prey and speaking about how Blossomclan was recovering, Nightdust showed visible terror and regret when Nostar mentioned how much damage was caused from the clan, and the how Blossomclan's strength was recovering from the effects of their over hunting, which Nightdust took a moment to fearfully apologize to Nostar.
In response Nostar brushed off his apology and in turn apologized for restricting him so harshly and withholding his warrior ceremony which originally caused more isolation from friends, stating that it was unfair.
Over the weeks on Nostar visits from that point on became pushier to get him to return, which only made Nightdust more uneasy as time went on, yet his loneliness became a drive once more, and Nightdust eventually came back to Blossomclan, at points attempting to hide himself in shame beside the much larger tom.
He was soon approached by Lilacdream, who was surprised to see him back, Nostar witnessed as Nightdust gave his former best friend a regretful apology, to Nightdust's shock and slight confusion, everyone seemed forgiving of his actions, making Nightdust feel somewhat frustrated with Blossomclan's morals and not understanding why they weren't angry with the destruction of their own camp, the dark tom even briefly thought to himself that Blossomclan was pretending to accept him back in order to plan a much worse revenge. 
None the less, over the weeks, Nightdust began to repay blossomclan by replacing nests, restocking prey and helping rebuild damage caused by Snakeroot anywhere possible, which Nostar didn't instruct him to do but appreciated. 
=== Resuming Life in Blossomclan ===
After a few moons, Nostar allowed Nightdust the freedom to join patrols and come along on missions, the dark tom joyfully brushed against a surprised Nostar in response to the news that his duties as a normal warrior would resume.
When a kittypet named Acorn came to Blossomclan in help of rescuing her stolen kits from her ex-mate, Nightdust made the request to Lilacdream on if he could join the small patrol and help, Apon approval, he aided in saving the kits and fighting the kittypet tom, which apparently gained him a gash across his side afterwards, which he didn't notice until it started to sting a mere six minutes after the battle, thunderpaw noted that he wished he couldn't feel his wounds.
Afterwards Nightdust began to slowly grow more comfortable around Blossomclan's residence since the battle, now with the information that they weren't going to hurt or take revenge for what he did, slowly beginning to join more patrols and grow more cheerful towards clanmates.
In an attempt to rebuild trust with his lost friendship, Nightdust began joining more of Lilacdream's patrols and speaking with her regularly as well, even asking for advice on how to tell others about his personal wrongdoings, fortunately he found himself no longer fearful of approaching her afterwards and found himself on the same sense of comfort he once had with the ragdoll.
=== Battle with Echo ===
though Nightdust was pretty un-involved with Echo's prophecy or the rivalry between Ashlight and Echo, he did fight against her warriors in favor of Blossomclan when she attacked through the self-dug tunnels, he also shared the shock of the other warriors upon word of Blazestorm's death afterwards.
During this time, he faced some issues with the elders of camp being unaware that he served with Snakeroot, and his wishes to tell them that he aided and even was in love with the awful tyrant, while at the same time giving them the knowledge of how regretful he was of his actions, he approached Lilacdream about this matter in search of some ideas, when his advice from Lilacdream worked out, he showed his appreciation and gratitude on the next patrol he took with her.
=== Brairslip and Littleflurry's return ===
When Brairslip and Littleflurry returned to Blossomclan, Nightdust originally responded with discomfort, despite Nostar's reassurance to give them a chance, When Littleflurry and Brairslip eventually tried to frame Nightdust for poisoning Blossomclan's water, it backfired horribly and almost got them driven out, Nightdust confronted them and they didn't back down from their judgment of Blossomclan, despite this, Littleflurry and Brairslip regretted their actions when they remembered Snakeroot's abuse and related to enduring it together, Littleflurry and Brairslip left Blossomclan on neutral terms but didn't bother the clan since.
=== The Red fever journey ===
When a strange fatal fever infected camp, the moonstone revealed where the cure grew, unfortunately it grew a long distance and required starclan's guidance to find, Nostar sent out a patrol of the most trusted cats to discover it, He trusted Nightdust enough to follow the patrol secretly as a means of protection, along with a senior warrior named Beaverspots, the black tom was glad to meet the she-cat despite her grumpiness and they bonded rather quickly during their mission.
When the two caught up to the patrol past the moonstone, Nightdust was overjoyed to see Lilacdream leading the patrol, despite having to keep his appearance following the patrol a secret.
When the patrol was stalked by rouges in the mountains, Nightdust and Beaverspots did their best to protect the patrol, only to unfortunately be captured by their subjects, they met with the leader of the rouge group, A cat named Gus, who wanted information about the patrol which was intruding on their territory, upon which Nightdust and Beaverspots refused to let any information slip to the group, they soon escaped with Beaverspot's quick thinking and managed to obtain information on the rouge group's leader and power system, eventually they had to make their appearance known by warning the patrol about the previous threat, Nightdust was happy and eager to reunite with Lilacdream.
Nightdust then assisted with escorting the patrol back to the safety of the clan when they discovered the herbs they needed, he also helped track down thunderpaw when he disappeared and also found maplepaw, who refused to go back to blossomclan, Nightdust was confused but respected her wishes to leave the clan and agreed to tell Nostar that she had died during the journey, he made up a story to tell the patrol once he returned and successfully got them to believe that the apprentice was dead. 
Eventually the patrol returned to camp safely and Nightdust rejoiced, grateful to see Nostar again. 
=== Growing a relationship with Hawkkit and Silverkit ===
Upon his return, Nightdust met two out of three kits, otterslash's only litter since his mate's death, the dark tom began to grow a bond as he spent time with them around their first trip in the clan, slowly beginning to see them as siblings of some sort, unfortunately, Otterslash didn't approve of this bond due to Nightdust's past, in cause of otterslash's failing mental stability, he attacked Nightdust when he caught him spending time with silverkit and hawkkit, labeling Nightdust as a 'foxheart', when the dark tom dared Otterslash to kill him, Otterslash bitterly left Nightdust be, warning him not to be near his kits at all.
despite the previous interaction, Nightdust continued to speak with Silverkit and Hawkkit when they came to play around with him, the black tom felt cruel to turn the two away when their father was barley around to raise them, eventually Nightdust would almost take a parental role to the two of them after Otterslash's death.
=== Nostar's Coma and Fogo's Belief ===
Following the previous red fever journey and other interactions, Nightdust began to spend more time with Lilacdream, going on patrols with her, he got to know a little more about creekcry and Streamstripe, two warriors who often joined Lilacdream on her surveillances. 
During this time a strange loner named Fogo appeared in Blossomclan's territory, seemingly just a curious stray, he was allowed into Blossomclan to learn the clan's ways, within time however he began spreading very disturbing and maybe even untrue warnings that the sun would explode, and the world would be destroyed, the prediction most affected Quailwhisker, as the tom began to believe Fogo's stories, one these interactions only came to Nightdust's attention when he came across Lilacdream, who appeared disturbed, upon questioning, Lilacdream admitted that Quailwhisker has previously made a very unsettling Love confession involving the only way to escape a horrible fate, was to die and seek refuge together in the afterlife. 
being quite disturbed himself, Nightdust confronted Quailwhisker on these words, which he confirmed he had said, despite Nightdust's attempts and even successions to debunk Fogo's theories, Quailwhisker seemed un-swayed and even annoyed at the tom's aims to change his mind, Nightdust eventually gave up and strayed back to the clan to meet with Lilacdream again. 
Following these interactions, the notice eventually came to Nostar's attention, when the leader confronted Fogo, who admitted to the clan that there was a danger coming and that death was the only escape for all of them, which disturbed all cats in the clan at the time, Nostar banished Fogo from the clan for disturbing the peace with his predictions, Nightdust witnessed as Fogo promised the clan that he was only trying to help and that they would regret this decision. Fogo soon fled with Quailwhisker, who followed him into exile. 
Following the start of a very early Winter, a pack of dogs found it's way into Blossomclan's territory, Nightdust joined Archstone and Nostar in distracting the dogs away from camp, Nightdust was the one to lead and lose them in the twoleg place successfully, luckily, returning unharmed. 
unfortunately, the previously mentioned dogs soon found their way back to Blossomclan's territory, resulting in a battle Nightdust wasn't involved in, Nostar was thrown off and crashed into a bunch of harsh stones hidden in a very thin layer of snow, resulting in the leader going unconscious, he was promptly carried back to Blossomclan and placed in the medicine cat den where Amberberry cared for him, Nightdust was one of the cats most concerned about the leader, as he showed great fear that he would lose his friend.
When Nostar hadn't woken for two days, Lilacdream took over temporarily to guide the clan, Nightdust had a lot of trust and belief in her abilities to lead the clan in Nostar's place, despite his dread that Nostar would die. when lilacdream goes on a patrol by herself, Nightdust joins, they bumped into Fogo and Quailwhisker intruding in Blossomclan territory, yet after promptly confronting them and returning them to the twoleg place, it only provoked Fogo further into his plan of 'saving Blossomclan'.
Woefully, Fogo's words only came true only a few more days, as while Nightdust was alone, presumably patrolling the territory, large explosions in the sky appeared, spewing on the edge of the twoleg place (new years fireworks), which frightened the tom as he frantically dashed back to Blossomclan.
Nightdust was inherently there when Fogo came back to camp during the sky's destruction, appearing to light on fire, and spoke that what he'd predicted had become true and the only chance to escape they had now was to follow him into death, Lilacdream stepped up, attempting to convince her clanmates to stay in camp and wait out the explosions.
Nightdust was one of the cats who trusted Lilacdream's word and stood his ground, upon calling Fogo a 'liar', he also convinced Hazzybush to stay in camp with him whilst less fortunate cats followed Fogo to an awful grave, it was lightly shadowed upon that Lilacdream was glad that Nightdust had chosen to stay with Blossomclan and her in that time.
After Fogo fled into a horrendous fire sparked from the explosions, he and his followers were fatally burned and didn't come back home, all except Blizzardpaw. whom only suffered a minor ear tip burn, following the end of the explosions and the sky returning, Nostar finally awoke from his coma, in stable condition, but he had lost a life in his sleep. Upon seeing Nostar, Nightdust tackled him affectionately, welcoming him back into camp. With Nostar's return, Lilacdream resumed her duties as a deputy once more.
After Blossomclan had resumed to a stable condition with Nostar's recovery, Nightdust invited Lilacdream to speak to him in seclusion, upon meeting with the deputy in secret a while later, Nightdust confessed his love for her, Lilacdream admitted that her feelings were mutual in response, reassuring Nightdust when he grew concerned about how Lilacdream thought of his past, she informed that she didn't care and was willing to give them a chance. 
The two later walked back to camp together without much notice of their disappearance, Nightdust noted to himself that he'd never felt a warmer tenderness to someone ever before and had seemed to have forgotten his past mistreatment in romantic relationships in favor of this newfound endearment. 
=== Gaining an apprentice ===
During this time a new rouge joined up with Blossomclan, being a short tempered and smart mouthed she-cat named Night, whom upon meeting the clan didn't get off on the right foot with Nightdust for unnecessarily disrespecting Lilacdream.
During another one of his patrols with Lilacdream, Nightdust subtly revealed that he'd never been assigned an apprentice before, upon further questioning, it is revealed that Nostar still doesn't have trust with him and is holding back giving him an apprentice, upon realizing this Lilacdream makes an internal goal to request one for him.
Despite Nostar's doubts the two would get along, Lilacdream's persuasions worked and Nostar soon assigned Night to Nightdust, who seemed very happy to become a mentor, Nightdust and Nightpaw grow close, and the apprentice sees Nightdust as 'one of the only cats who was nice to her' Nightdust later speaks to Lilacdream, knowing that the deputy had done that for him, he lovingly tells her how amazing she is.
=== Hawkcall's betrayal ===
Upon Hawkcall becoming a warrior, him and Nightdust appeared to grow apart, partially because Hawkcall began hanging out with a tom named Xenosflame more, despite this the dark tom was on relatively good terms with hawkcall and silverpelt, this would all fall apart after Nightpaw is attacked by him after she finds out on his plan on snitching out blossomclan's location to Duskclan, his apprentice is temporarily paralyzed because of his attack, and Nightdust is distraught.
When hawkcall attempts to explain to Nightdust, the dark tom reacts with hostility, announcing that he no longer loves the dark tabby, instead now detesting him for what he's done, it makes Hawkcall's heart pulse with pain when he hears those words.
after hawkcall leaves, Nightdust lays by Nightpaw's side, refusing to leave until her recovery, Nightpaw and Nightdust's relationship improves after this, and the apprentice is happy that her mentor believes her.
Hawkcall and Xenosflame are outed right after they murder Fawnheart awhile later, as they are about to be exiled, Hawkcall looks to Nightdust, his expression carrying hurt, Nightdust is un-swayed and only bitterly remarks that Hawkcall should have never laid his claws on Nightpaw, signifying that he chooses his apprentice over his old friend.
After the pair's banishment, a rouge group moves in extremely close to Blossomclan's location, despite how Nostar isn't approving, the group seems friendly enough, even offering to let Nostar meet their group, uncharacteristically, Nightdust chooses to stay in Blossomclan while Nostar and some other warriors check things out.
this interaction didn't work out however, as Nostar comes back, furious with the group's morals, and it appears that the rouge group themselves had tensions against Blossomclan, as hunting and territory clashed with between them.
Hazzybush, however, is smitten with Chesnut, a respectable tom from the group whom despite being charming, also appears to have a blatant disregard for hazzybush's wants, when the rouge group attacks Blossomclan in hopes to drive them away, Hazzybush is kidnapped by Chesnut and held against her will in his den, Nightdust goes in search for the two, and swiftly arrives to save her, when the red tabby doesn't let him retrieve his sister, it evolves into a fight, and Nightdust is forced to kill chesnut.
=== Lilacdream's disappearance ===
Blossomclan regroups after many deaths, and the dark tom learns of Hawkcall and xenosflame's deaths, as well as the fact that they had notified Duskclan of Blossomclan's existence, luckily though, all duskclan warriors were killed in the scuffle, leaving no-one to tell the tale. Nightdust is struck with intense worry when Nostar makes the announcement that Lilacdream, Amberberry, Thunderstorm, Creekcry, Streamstripe and many others have suddenly gone missing, with this new arrangement, Nostar decides to send patrols to look for them, he decides to choose an acting deputy until they can find Lilacdream, Nightdust is the first to be selected. however, the dark tom rather bluntly refuses, stating that he can't replace the ragdoll. though Nostar is shocked, he deeply understands, before selecting Frostfire as the clan's new deputy. many of Blossomclan object to this choice, as frostfire can't speak, creating a communication barrier and many of the cats can't get over the loss of their deputy, their medicine cat and their clan-mates, Nightdust is one of the leading cats to go look for them, yet is unable to track them down, he grows more frustrated and even saddened. Nostar noticed that Nightdust spends less time fooling around with other cats and now spends more time out of the clan searching or laying in his nest in what appeared to be grief. Nightpaw accompanies him and often brightens his spirits, not letting her mentor blame himself for the great loss. Nightdust treasures Nightpaw, with her being the last thing Lilacdream ever gave to him. his searching still doesn't cease, however. 
=== Blizzardclaw's tyranny ===
Nightdust is there to witness his apprentice earn her warrior name, she is granted the name of Nightmoon. the dark tom is extremely proud and shows it with immense attention after the gathering, the two of them race as a form of fun, with his apprentice often beating him on most of these games, Nightdust is surprised but happy to have his apprentice out-best him, believing that she has leaned extremely well. 
most of his clanmates aren't the only ones to go missing however, as Blizzardclaw and his mother littleripple have also disappeared, along with Wrenwing and Panthershade, two she-cats who'd grow to become his mates. as well as Blossomclan's only medicine cat, Featherwing. it is found out that they had left to form their own clan, named Littleclan, which the dark tom personally found stupid. it isn't long before this new clan of cats turns against Blossomclan, marking borders and overtaking territory. Blossomclan chooses a rouge named as a healer for the time being, it is at this point that many begin to assume blossomclan is falling apart, with difficulty with a new deputy and a non-clan related medicine cat. Nightdust manages to keep calm and often ask himself what Lilacdream would do in certain situations, to keep everyone from going into mass despair. Nostar soon recruites Nightdust, Shadowbreeze and Nightmoon to be spies, traveling into Littleclan, now named Blizzardclan in order for some answers on their current numbers. during the whole trip, Nightmoon is extremely disrespectful towards Shadowbreeze, wanting to take control of the patrol. causing Nightdust to say a few words, commenting that she is free willed, and that he likes that about her, but that her difficulty to follow a plan and struggle for respect will end badly for the mission, Nightmoon apologizes to her ex-mentor, but keeps her distance from shadowbreeze. leaving Nightdust to apologize for her behavior later. 
When they arrive, the disguise their appearance with mud and rotten substances, Nightdust introduces himself to Blizzardstar by the name of 'scandal', he fakes a story that he is a rouge who heard of Blizzardclan, saying that he was the kind of tom who wanted to work only side the currents of power and not against it. Blizzardstar buys this and re-names Nightdust as 'scandalclaw'. both scandalclaw and Nightmoon, who was re-named 'moon' snicker at how awful the name is. the soon find that Blizzardclan is growing in number due to passing loners and rouges, whom probably had no previous knowledge of Blossomclan.
the three abandon Blizzardclan and quickly track back to blossomclan, stating that the new clan should be taken as a threat with its growing size. When Blizzardclan finds out that the three 'rouges' were spies, they immediately and unexpectantly launch an attack of Blossomclan, driving most everyone out of the camp, and completely seizing control of their entire territory. this is a devastating loss for the clan. and many appear to even grow sick from all the misfortunes happening around them, the dark tom doesn't really blame them, as the loss of their important figures and now the home they grew up in is almost too much to handle. Nightdust carries an injured Shadowbreeze form the battle, and tries to keep him alive, remarking on how strong he is. luckily, his new friend pulls through. 
Nostar makes the decision to go to a cat named Briggy, someone Nightdust had not really heard of before and camp there until they heal, coming up with a plan to bite Blizzardclan in the back and retain their lost camp. though with many ill from stress-relating illnesses and many also injured form the last attack, it doesn't appear to be happening anytime soon. Nightdust is in shock when a old cat, Lunapaw, comes back. she is worried about the clan since she'd heard they'd been driven from their old camp. Nightdust avoids her, thinking that she believes him to be a foxheart since the last time she'd saw him was in battle, fighting alongside his ex-mate, Snakeroot. 
strangely, she approaches him, telling him that she holds no grudges and wishes to be friends, Nightdust doesn't believe her at first but tolerates it. one day, Lunapaw earns her warriors name from Nostar in their hideout, she now goes by the name Lunacloud. he only quickly congratulates her, not wanting to spend any extra time around her in fear that she secretly hated him. Lunacloud only persists however, and he eventually warms up. they bond ever Nightdust's still-ongoing grief, wondering where Lilacdream is and if she is alright, whilst Lunacloud opens up to him on her confusion on whether to be a medicine cat or a warrior for blossomclan during this time. Nightdust advises her to listen to what she wants to do deep inside, whether she wishes to fight for them or heal the sick. Nightdust remarks that he, himself would suck at being a medicine cat based on his emotional state to fall in love with someone, and how he couldn't stand it if he couldn't be with cats he loved. this inspires Lunacloud.
A few days later, Nightdust hangs out with Silverpelt when he notices that she seems sad, he offers to take her to a place that he found not all that far away, and she accepts. they playfully chat along the way to keep themselves in good spirits. Lunacloud tags along and Nightdust is overjoyed to see her join, the three of them head to a large tree where the dark tom had claimed he'd 'found, forgot about, then remembered'. Lunacloud giggles at Nightdust's antics, and they have a good time, until they spot a brown she-cat wandering dangerously close to their new home, he and silverpelt go to check it out while lunacloud goes back to camp to report back to Blossomclan.
Nightdust pounces on the she-cat, who is very angry at his approach. she introduced herself to be Heather, a cat from Blizzardclan who has come to warm them that Blizzardclan is planning yet another attack on Blossomclan, this time with a goal to kill all of them. Nightdust doesn't trust her and instead questions why she would care about the very clan she's against. Silverpelt sooths Nightdust and calmly asks more questions, when it seemed she's telling the truth they head back to Blossomclan with this information.
Nightdust is one of the first to wish Lunacloud goodbye when she finally leaves, thanking her deeply for being a good friend. 
=== Surviving Blizzardclan and repairing Blossomclan ===
True to Heather's word, Blizzardclan attacks, this time underestimating Blossomclan and their new allies, as Briggy's rouges join in to protect the clan. Nightdust openly mocks Blizzardstar, calling him "Blizzard-brain". the odds go into their favor when Blizzardstar acts up, distracted with fighting beau more than his own enemies, most of Blizzardclan is either killed or driven away from the territory.
Now with the news that Blizzardclaw was dead, Blossomclan was excited to finally make the journey home, Nightdust included. Nostar finally sets the clan off, happy to get out of the two-leg place residence. yet the clan is horrified when they come back to a trashes camp, with rotting prey everywhere and skulls lining the leader's den, many begin to clean up camp. Frostfire does well with conducting it, and many seem to have partially accepted him, with many still not wanting to call him an official deputy and continue awaiting their lost clanmate's return, Nightdust is one of them. but appreciates Frostfire none the less.
Nightdust meets Azaelakit in camp one day and decides to secretly show her the outside of camp, due to her boredom of Blossomclan, the two form a friendship as he tells her about his familiarity with her situation, and how Lilacdream used to take him out of camp just like this when he was bored. Azaelakit questions him about his previous life with snakeroot, picturing it as an adventure, whilst Nightdust corrects her, saying it was a mistake and that proper adventures are ones you are supposed to enjoy, however, he tells her that he thinks she'll have the best adventures like him when she gets big enough. when she asks him to teach her how to hunt, he obliges joyfully.
Their outing turns dangerous however, a rouge in the territory spots azaelakit as she climbs the tree he's in, when he hisses at her, Nightdust quickly leaps up at slashes at his face, warning him to leave. The rouge taunts Nightdust on the inability Blossomclan has to keep their turf clean of intruders, to which Nightdust reminds him that he's the one backed into a corner by the aforementioned clan cat. he retreats and Nightdust decides that it would be best to take azaelakit back before more trouble starts.
=== A long-wanted Reunion ===
Nightdust is trailing back to camp after a disappointing hunt, only to be swarmed by scents new and old, he drops his caught prey in shock at the sight of lilacdream and amberberry back at camp and he trembles, wasting no time to greet her, he holds back in fear of tackling her from excitement, instead, brushing against her. Nightdust bombards the returning deputy with questions and vents, gushing about how much he'd missed her and how happy he is to see her again, the tom comes to an abrupt stop upon seeing her face, he brushes over her scar and anxiously asks her what happened, only to be filled in about her experiences with a new rouge group, how she'd gained her scar and the few new faces in camp. Nightdust's voice is husky with emotion as he says how proud he is that she has kept everyone safe and even returned with new friends. he, however is broken up by Hazzybush, who has also come to greet her former mentor. 
 
==Quotes==
== Cats Killed ==
* Chesnut
*Snakeroot (Indirectly)
=== Failed Attempts ===
* Nostar
* Hazzybush
* Lilacdream
== Trivia ==
* Nightdust was named by Amberpaw(berry) at birth as a token of appreciation by Lilacpool
* Nightdust never had any feelings for Lilacpaw(dream) as a kit, any other interest for her started to develop around 2 moons into apprenticeship.
* Nightdust always dreamed of becoming leader as a kit.
* Nightdust has some of the most fanart out of the Blossomclan roleplay.
* Nightdust is often hinted to have an underlying mental disorder, based on his symptoms of psychomotor agitation.
* Nightdust has a strong case of Autophobia or monophobia (Fear of being alone or unloved) though this fear has slightly faded throughout time.
* Nightdust possibly doesn't believe in starclan.
* Alternatively, Nightdust's eyes are also described as amber aside from copper.
== Sprite Art ==
== Extra ==
=== Fanart ===
See Nightdust/ Fanart Gallery
=== Relationships ===
See Nightdust/relationships
Category:Villains
Category:Heroes
Category:Unofficial Deputies
Category:Kittypets
Category:Snakeroot's Associates
Category:Rouges & Loners