It took only moments for Ghost to find the reddish she-cat. She was on the edge of the clearing, up in a tree, as if deciding whether to run or stay. She licked a white paw nervously. Ghost flicked her tail in greeting, and the other cat nodded back. "Are you leaving?" Ghost asked, climbing steadily.
"I don't know yet. What about you?" She replied, ears twitching.
Ghost shook her head fervently. "Of course not. You know, you probably shouldn't leave either. The cats in the mist are telling you to stay, aren't they?"
She shuddered, and her splotched red and white coat rippled over a petite frame. "So you see them too, huh? I can't believe they can talk. Um…what's your name? I'm Sparrow."
"Ghost. Nice to meet you. I'm looking for the other cat who's like us. He should be around here somewhere." She glanced across the clearing distractedly.
"By like us, I guess you mean that he can see them. Can I help?" Sparrow cocked her head, showing her over-sized ears. "Once I figure out how to get down." Ghost laughed and showed her how to grip the tree trunk with her claws. She'd taught herself as a kitten, using the trick as a means of hiding from bigger cats.
"Of course. Let's check around the Clans." The groups were steadily forming, and Ghost weaved her way through the crowds. As soon as she reached ShadowClan, she felt the reassuring brush of her ancestor's tail on her flank, urging her onward. The black and white male, larger than both Ghost and Sparrow combined, saw them coming and stiffened.
"Hello. What's your name?" Sparrow said, obviously awed and unaware of her blunt greeting.
"Frost. And you two are?" He replied, tension gathering in his muscles. He must know, Ghost thought.
She said, lowering her voice only a little, "I'm Ghost, and this is Sparrow. You know they're here, don't you?"
"I don't know what you're referring to, she-cat." His arrogance was frustrating her already, but Ghost refused to let it show.
"Yes, you do. Our ancestors are here, Frost. They need us to help them."
"You're spouting mouse dung," Frost leered, whipping his tail across the ground.
With a sigh, Ghost queried, "Why do you reject them? They've obviously chosen you for something important. You could become important, someday. The way you're acting now doesn't bode well for your future, though."
He drew back as though scratched. "I…I don't want to talk to crazy cats. Or imaginary ones."
"Who said you were?" Ghost remarked smartly.
His coat shimmered in the moonlight as he stood, drawing himself up. "You think you're funny, huh?"
"Not at all. I'm just honest. Much more honest than you, I'm afraid. And perhaps braver."
Sparrow watched, stepping a few paw lengths back. It seemed as though the two cats were going to fight. "What makes you say that?" He questioned, unsheathing his claws. "Answer carefully."
"Well, for one, I'm not trying to pick a fight with a cat I hardly know over a very peaceful conversation." This made Frost sit down with a thump. "Secondly, I can admit to what I see and appreciate it, as well as be willing to tell others about it."
He mulled over her words, surprising the young red and white she-cat. Perhaps Frost wasn't so bad after all. "Okay. I suppose you've earned my respect, for now. Not many cats can stand up to me, especially when I'm angry."
Ghost nodded deeply in appreciation. "Please, come with me. We need to find my friend and the other Chosen one." She trotted off, leaving the two to follow. They exchanged wry glances and moved swiftly through the hordes of cats.
They found Dew on the outskirts, talking persuasively to a recognizable ginger male. He looked up when he saw them coming and sighed. "Please, tell your friend to stop talking. I made my decision when I first saw these spirits."
Dew began to speak, but Ghost covered the golden calico she-cat's muzzle with her tail. "What is your decision…?"
"I am Oak. I have always wanted to be part of something important, and this is my chance. Please, allow me to join you in following our ancestors."
"You are welcome, Oak. Now we just have to figure out what they want us to do." Ghost turned to her grandfather.
'Determine your Clans. Tell the leaders of your abilities. Then wait for a sign.' The spirit began to fade, along with the rest in the clearing. They'd all heard his words.
Frost spoke up first. "I am meant for ShadowClan. I feel as though it runs in my blood."
To everyone's surprise, Sparrow cleared her throat. "I really think I should be in ThunderClan. I know I don't look brave, but I could be." Her soft mew had a firm edge to it, as though nothing could sway her decision.
"Well, I want to be in WindClan. I'm definitely fast and agile, just like Wind said." Ghost silently agreed.
Oak stood and stretched, his sleek ginger coat clear in the night's light. "RiverClan is for me. Are you alright with that, Ghost?"
Ghost realized she was the only one left, and the only Clan left to her was the one she'd been drawn to since the beginning. "Yes. I will be honored to join SkyClan."