Different One

This page contains a fanfiction written by Jay and Blazey. This page contains the opinions of the original author(s), and is not patrolled for factual accuracy. Remember that this story is non-canon. It may contain false characters, plots, or locations. Responses, comments & other feedback should be made on the comments section below.

Chapter One - Waterlily (Jay)

"Your test results shall be given."

His words echoed in Waterlily's minds, the words of Aspentail, the Clan's deputy, and 'Inspector'.

Recently, the four Clans have been having tests about if they 'suited the Clan'. Like for the Clan Waterlily was in, RiverClan, they were meant to be good at swimming and have long silver-ish fur.

"What are my results?" Waterlily asked, preparing herself to be stung with words.

"By the rule of Minnowstar, I hereby declare you as Inbetween. This means some of your qualifications were perfect, some others were horrible." Aspentail announced.

Waterlily let out a sigh of relief and the same time her lungs tightened up in her chest. "What will happen to me now...?" She asked. Aspentail only narrowed his deep amber eyes dancing with wonder.

"Something will. Something." And with that and a swish of his tail, Aspentail had padded off to go tell Minnowstar. She huffed. So what if she don't remember the tale of Sunningrocks? Or had a completely silver coat?

Waterlily sighed and paced around camp. From a distance, she could hear Aspentail screech, "You ugly, flimsy fool! Grey and white?! We are RiverClan! We have coats of pure silver!"

Skypelt padded up to Waterlily and said, "Hi."

"Hello Skypelt." I replied. Skypelt was one of those cats who was up on the list for getting tested. She had a pure white coat with brown and grey spots and beautiful green eyes. Waterlily just hoped her last two friends left, Skypelt and Stormfeathef, would be alright. Skypelt might not pass - but Stormfeather was completely silver with long fur and was graceful, she had a higher chance of passing.

The silver tabby got up and gazed at the sky. It was a dull grey with some streaks of blue but thick white and grey clouds for the most part. The sun was bright and warmed the camp, but most cats definitely didn't feel warm on the inside.

Waterlily ran out of camp, happy that the chilly breeze could calm her breathing and wrap around her coat. She reached the river and sat down, plonking a few pebbles in, watching the water flow and ripple. She dipped her paw in and flicked up a bit of water, and did this again, this time a small silver fish fell onto the bank. Waterlily quickly leaned down and sunk her teeth into the fish. She suddenly heard screeches coming up. Waterlily turned around to see...

Not much to her surprise, Sharptooth and Nightheart dragging Webear and Rockfall to the river. "Stand back, Waterlily. There's two stupid mange pelts that didn't pass their little tests." Sharptooth hissed.

"Let us go!" The two unfortunate victims hissed.

"Bad luck!" Nightheart shouted as he pushed Rockfall in the river and sunk his class in the poor cat's neck. Sharptooth extended his claws and slashed them across Webear's belly.

"The punishment of death!" Sharptooth yowled as he dropped the two bodies in the river. Waterlily watched in absolute horror as blood flowed from their wounds. Her mouth was wide open, and she was too shocked to speak. Nightheart turned to her, paws scarlet with blood, and he said,

"Waterlily, Minnowstar and Aspentail await your visit back at camp. They wish you to learn your punishment." Anxious, Waterlily took a nervous nod,

"O-okay." She mumbled. She slipped back in camp and ignored Skypelt's tail waving in greetings and she just charged straight up to Minnowstar and Aspentail, who were both staring at her, waiting for her. Minnowstar leapt down from the rock where she stood,

"Waterlily, it is time you earn your punishment. The results of being inbetween." Aspentail snarled quietly, voice dangerously low.

"Waterlily." Minnowstar began,

"Yes?" The worry-stricken she-cat meekly mumbled.

"You deserve the punishment of being a RiverClan prisoner. A slave."

Chapter 2- Yewheart (Blazey)

He's so little.

Yewheart watched her younger brother, Duskkit, parade out of the nursery. He was followed by their mother, Roseclaw. Duskkit's fur was groomed so well, not a hair was out of place. Roseclaw walked behind him, head bowed as though already at his funeral. Duskkit halted in the center of the camp. She saw cats gather around to watch him, eyes as wide as the moon.

" Please." Yewheart heard her sister say. She said it so quiet, Yewheart barely heard her. But Yewheart knew why she was saying please.

" He will pass the test, Hollyheart," Yewheart said firmly. " He will."

" How do you know?" Hollyheart raised her voice. Her blue eyes met hers. " What if-"

" Shut up!" Yewheart growled, and stuffed her tail into Hollyheart's mouth. Yewheart didn't want to think about the 'what-ifs'. Duskkit was taking the test. Like everyone in their family, he would pass. Yewheart remembered her own test. She had been so nervous, but she'd passed with flying colors. Father passed, mother passed. Our two elder siblings, Blossommist and Tallwhisker passed. Hollyheart and I did.

" Cats of ShadowClan, we are gathered here today to witness the Test of Duskkit. Will his f-mother step forwards, please?" Darkstar fumbled slightly, but Yewheart winced. A deep gap seemed to open inside her. She remembered her father being brought back from the ThunderClan border, a deep gash in his throat. Father, are you watching Duskkit now?

" Yes," Roseclaw padded forwards. Her black fur seemed to melt into the shadows of the trees.

" Do you witness this test, and understand the consequences?" Darkstar growled. The consequences. I shuddered. What Darkstar was trying to say was that Roseclaw could not stop her son from bend killed.

" Yes," Roseclaw said mechanically. But her eyes betrayed her pain and fear.

" Very well. Duskkit, come to my den and we shall commence with the physical test."

"Okay," Duskkit nodded tensely and followed Darkstar. A rumble of voices broke out after they were gone. Blacks pelts shifted like a sea of shadows as cats formed groups and debated the outcome of Yewheart's brother. She hated it.

" Let's go," Hollyheart said. She looked equally disturbed. Trying to go unnoticed, they slunk towards the entrance. Suddenly, they bumped into a dark flank. Yewheart bit back a hiss of annoyance. With all these black pelts, it's hard to know what's fur and what's not. The warrior in front of them was named Poolclaw. His fur was black, like any other ShadowClan cat. His tail was exactly half the length of his body, and he had a light frame.

" Hey, you two!" Poolclaw yowled, but they took off. Yewheart didn't want to be drawn into a talk about Duskkit. Side by side, the two sisters padded across the marsh. Yewheart let the sweet scent of the pine trees calm herself. She found herself drifting deep into thought, until the ground beneath her paws vanished and became a part of her intellectual world.

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The yowls and shrieks from the nursery entrance gradually began to die away, until all that was left were whimpers. Yewpaw pressed close to Hollypaw, praying that StarClan would spare her mother and the unborn kits. They'd already lost so much.

Her father died by the border, and her elder sisters Tallwhisker and Blossommist died not long before. Tallwhisker had caught a bad bought of green cough. Blossommist couldn't bare to live without her sister. Grief had eaten away at her until she died half a moon later, screaming deliriously for Tallwhisker in her sleep.

"Please." Hollypaw whispered. Just then, the medicine cat slid out of the den. His amber eyes were dull.

" What happened?" Yewpaw cried, voice shrill with panic.

" There were four kits. Two were born dead. The third is dying as we speak," he meowed in a hollow voice. Yewpaw let out an agonized moan and charged for the nursery. Her mother was curled around four bodies. Only one flank rose and fell. It was that of a dark grey kit, hardly bigger than a mouse. In that moment, Yewpaw knew he was her hope. I will never let you die, she silently promised.

" Yewpaw?" Roseclaw raised her head.

" What will you name him?" Yewpaw whispered, breathless at the love she felt for the tiny kit.

" Duskkit. For when he was born, and the time his siblings died."

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Yewheart sighed. She had promised never to let Duskkit die. So what was going to happen now? Hollyheart seemed lost in her own memories as well. Her blue eyes were far and distant.

" He will pass," Yewheart found herelf muttering. " But he has dark grey fur. His tail is a little long, but that's okay. He's nost exactly light framed, but it's not heavy either. He's made a catch before six moons! It just got away before he could kill it. And I'm sure he'll love the dark when he's actually outside in it…" her voice tapered off. She wasn't helping.

" Hollyheart?" Poolclaw poked his narrow snout between the bushes to see them. He's crazy about my sister. Yewheart nudged her, and her blue eyes widened her surprise as she was jolted out of her thoughts.

" What?"

" Well…" Poolclaw shuffled from paw to paw. " Duskkit's results are out."

" For both tests?" Yewhart jumped to her feet, heart racing. Her legs wobbled. " Answer me!"

" No, just physical…" Yewheart didn't like how Poolclaw's voice kept dwindling off.

" Well?"

" He failed."

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" He failed!" Yewheart cried. She barged past Poolclaw and raced for camp. Desperation fueled her on. Before they do anything. Before they torture him. Before they murder him in cold blood. Yewheart had been taught that killing was good. But killing her brother… never. She would not allow it. Yewheart burst into camp, skidding on the wet grass. Blood roaring in her head, she raced over to Darkstar's side. He stared at Duskkit with eyes that were once warm. The kit cowered in the corner as if trying to hide his 'wrong' pelt.

" Stop it! Don't lay a claw on him!" Yewheart yowled and stood in front of him.

" He's an impurity. An imperfection." Darkstar growled and unsheathed his claws.

" He is the only son my mother has! He's the third kit of hers that will die. Don't you dare touch him!" Yewheart pleaded. I don't care about the other cats. Duskkit is the most important cat who's ever been tested. Darkstar regarded her impassively in reply.

" But, Darkstar. Couldn't you wait until he's older? Maybe his pelt will darken. RiverClan cats wait," Hollyheart reasoned. Yewheart wasn't surprised that Hollyheart had joined her. They were always together, and she thanked Hollyheart silently. She is the reasoner. I just rush in and fight.

"No. The sooner we get rid of this, the better," Darkstar says firmly.

" Okay, then can you please give him the traits test? If he passes, he can be an Inbetween."

" Inbetween…" Darkstar looked thoughtful. Then, he sighed. " Alright, I will do it. If he passes this, I'll make him an Inbetween. If not, well, you know what happens." he strode away back into the gloom of his den. Duskkit made a move to follow him, but Yewheart called out loudly:

" Duskkit, you've got a massive burr in your fur!"

" I do?" Duskkit twisted around to look.

" Yes!" Yewheart moved closer to him and pretended to bend down and inspect something behind his ear. Instead, she began to whisper to him. " Duskkit, this is crucial. You have to answer every question Darkstar asks the way he wants the answer. I don't care if it's not what you think. If you stay yourself, you'll no longer be here. He wants ruthless cats. Cats who say bad things about other Clans. Vicious cats. Understand?" I growled. Duskkit nodded. Of course.

For him, Yewheart was the big sister. She knew everything. Whatever she said was to protect him. Why would he contradict her? A sinking feeling seemed to appear in her stomach as she realized how much this little cat trusted her. " Go." she nudged him gently. Duskkit glanced back at her, eyes full of trust. Then he disappeared into Darkstar's den.

" We've got to hope," Hollyheart murmured, eyes softening. " What is a world without hope?"

" A world without disappointment," Yewheart hissed. She stalked away, wondering how Duskkit could possibly pass the test. He was like me when I was younger. Softhearted, lenient and caring. Not the ShadowClan cat Darkstar needs him to be. And Yewheart remembered how she had promised herself to protect Duskkit.

I have to protect him. I cannot fail.

Chapter Three - Birchclaw (Jay)

"And the new deputy of ThunderClan is..."

Choose me, choose me! Birchclaw thought over and over in his head.

"Littlewhisker."

Birchclaw stood up, shocked, his mouth agape. His eyes wide and slightly narrowed down in anger. Littlewhisker? Is THAT your best choice, Bravestar?

"LITTLEWHISKER? He has never passed the test! This is insane! Sure, choose the warrior who's younger then me and didn't pass the test! He didn't mentor anyone, and I've mentored two apprentices already!" Birchclaw snarled. It felt good to let all his anger and feelings out.

"I understand you're feeling upset, Birchclaw, but that's no way to heal problems and scars. I chose my choice, and that's that." Bravestar explained evenly. Birchclaw growled and mumbled something inaudible beneath his breath, shooting sharp claws and fangs at Littlewhisker with his burning eyes.

Littlewhisker was a scrawny ginger tom with heavy, long whiskers and a head far too big for his body. Littlewhisker had big amber-ish eyes that looked like they were gonna bulge right out of his sockets. He was clumsy and had a super long tail, and short, stubby legs, with pointy ears that looked like they could reach right up to the stars.

Birchclaw whipped around and stalked off in anger. He didn't feel very humiliated at the fact he had just argued with the new Clan's deputy, he just feel mad at the fact Bravestar chose a skimpy little fleabag like him instead of Birchclaw!

The powerful, big dark brown tabby tom continued to walk throughout territory, until he heard the soft patter of pawsteps sound behind him. He broke into a sprint to run away from Littlewhisker. "Littlewhisker, get away!" He roared.

The tom stopped himself as he reached the river that split up RiverClan and ThunderClan. He whirled around just as a ginger and white she-cat lay her tail on his shoulder, her eyes pleading, "Please." She said. It was Lightwing! What was she doing here?

"Why should I be happy for Littlewhisker? He hasn't mentored a single apprentice!" I hissed, rage twisting Birchclaw's voice.

"No... Bravestar wouldn't break the code like that. Listen to me." Lightwing soothed, her voice edged with a hint of delight.

"But he just did!" The warrior snarled.

"I know more about him then you do!" Lightwing raised her voice. She cleared her throat and murmured, "You must not tell anyone this. You must not inform Bravestar that I have told you. This is... our little secret."

Birchclaw nodded slowly. "Yes. I promise. Cross my heart, hope to die, stick a claw in my eye." Lightwing purred and whispered in his ear,

"Bravestar doesn't like Littlewhisker as a deputy at all. He is as well aware about his test results I am, but he insists there is some omen or prophecy about him from StarClan. Bravestar thinks Littlewhisker is doomed.. I know it looks like he favours him because of the looks in the depths of his eyes, but he doesn't. He's faking it. He has something planned for Littlewhisker, a brutal death in an even worse way as a result of the test he went through. You are a strong, handsome warrior that'll stay in the Clan forever... You passed the test successfully and I sincerely hope you or I get the role next."

Birchclaw purred with happiness, heart rising in his chest. "Okay." Lightwing stared at him with beautiful sun gold eyes and said with a voice of dripping, sweet honey,

"Want to walk back to camp together?" Birchclaw nodded and padded off by her side.

Littlewhisker, prepare for downfall...

The two warriors got back from camp, and Birchclaw and Lightwing both watched as Bravestar stared at Littlewhisker all serious-like, and they went into the den. Lightwing gazed at me and I gave a curt nod, and we ducked behind the Leader's Den to listen and see what was going on.

"Littlewhisker?" Bravestar said, his expression grim.

"Yes?" Littlewhisker coughed out, his legs were shaking uncontrollably.

"You are well aware that you never passed the test successfully, right?" The leader hissed.

"Yes, but luckily you kept me in the Clan, right?" Littlewhisker's eyes formed a happy yet scary sensation that made me shudder.

"Not anymore." Bravestar's voice went cold and harsh.

"Wh-what?" Littlewhisker looked up in fear.

"You're no good in ThunderClan, you're not a good deputy to me either!" Bravestar snarled maliciously. Littlewhisker had no reply and only started coughing, gasping, and wheezing as he flopped down to the floor, shaking violently and clawing the ground of the leader's den. Oh no.. Birchclaw thought. He's having a seizure...

"Epilepsy." Lightwing whispered. Birchclaw nodded and continued watching.

The next scene all happened way too fast. Bravestar leapt on top of Littlewhisker's back and slashed his thigh. "D-don't do this! Have mercy on me!" Littlewhisker yowled, but it was too late Bravestar slit his neck.

"There was an omen of doom about you, so it cost your life."