"Now, for the kits of DoveClan."

        Echostar's words rang throughout the clearing, and a murmur of excitement rose from Rosekit's clan. Rosekit shifted on her paws, her whiskers twitching as she gazed up at the rock where Echostar stood, gazing proudly down at the kits who were gathered below her. Rosekit could feel Seedkit's cream fur bristling, and his wide,  anxious grey eyes peered at her. She laid her tail-tip on her littermate's pelt, silently soothing him.

        "Go on, now," Deerflight meowed softly, gently nudging them with her tail. Rosekit stood, swaying a little on her paws before glancing back at her parents. They both nodded at her, their eyes shining with pride and sadness, Cedartail pressed against Deerflight, who purred softly. With Seedkit right by her side, Rosekit walked in front of the leader's rock, where they were joined by Hollyflower's kits. Goldenkit's muzzle was raised, his tail fluffy tail sweeping slowly from side to side as he led the way for his two littermates. 

        "Rosekit! Seedkit!" Swankit's eyes were shining, and her dappled white coat shone underneath the moonlight. She bounced on her paws, before gazing up at the tall rock in awe. 

          "I'm going to be the best DoveClan apprentice!" Mistkit meowed, her light grey fur trembling. She lifted her head proudly. 

            "Not if I'm better, mouse brain," Swankit teased, her eyes dancing with amusement. Seed-kit purred, thrusting out his chest. "Well, you would have to beat me first!"

            Goldenkit was silent, and he exchanged a look with Rosepaw, who was licking her chest fur, suddenly uncomfortable. The other kits soon fell silent, and Swankit tilted her head, gazing curiously at Rosekit. 

            "Rosekit? Are you going to-"

             "Seedkit of DoveClan. Step forward." Their leader's meow echoed around the clearing, and Seedkit obeyed, his head held high as he gazed up at Echostar. The worry and fear seemed to drain out of his fur, seeping into the ground as he padded forward, confident.

             "You have reached the age of 6 moons, and it is your turn to choose your destiny and your fate. May the moonlight guide your paws to the Clan where you belong."

             Seedkit puffed out his chest. "I choose DoveClan!" His meow was loud; loud enough for Rosekit to hear the unwavering loyalty in his meow. She felt a pang of jealousy and sadness. Oh, how she wished she was as sure and determined as her litter brother. 

             Echostar dipped her head to the small kit, purring. 

             "DoveClan welcomes you back, Seedpaw." 

              Mintflower stepped forward, placing a marigold stem at Seedpaws' paws. A symbol of DoveClan. 

              The clearing erupted in cheers and yowls, though the loudest of all was from Deerflight and Cedartail, who Rosekit could see were almost bursting with happiness. Rosekit yowled her brother's new name, though she was unable to stop the feeling of guilt and worry that stayed in her chest. Seedkit gave her a shy nod, his eyes seeming to shine with happiness. Rosekit nodded back at him, trying to convey her happiness for him as he padded back to join his clanmates.

               So it's decided. Seedkit will stay in DoveClan, with Deerflight and Cedartail. And I....I...

               For once, Rosekit felt completely and utterly lost as she gazed desperately around the clearing at the different clans. She closed her eyes and felt as if her heart was tugged to a different direction. She opened her eyes and found herself gazing at FrostClan. FrostClan's cats were brave and fearless, their steps and yowl confident and sure. Freedom seemed to be etched onto their paws, and Rosekit found she could not tear her gaze away from them. They were cats who chased the wind; cats who were fearless.

               She cast a look back at her parents. Cedartail caught her gaze, and for a heartbeat, he seemed to understand her thoughts. He dipped his head, his eyes shining with sadness and grief. A silent nod of approval, for whatever she chose. 

               Rosekit shook her pelt. I can't leave DoveClan, she told herself desperately. She gazed at the familiar faces of the cats she grew up with; the same cats who were always so selfless and strong. 

             I can't turn away from that. I...I have to choose-

           "Rosekit of DoveClan, step forward." Rosekit shook herself, realizing that her thoughts had caused her to miss Swankit and Mistkit's ceremonies, though it wasn't hard to guess which Clan they chose. They sat with Hollyflower, and only Goldenkit was left beside her. Rosekit padded forward. 

            Echostar repeated the words of the ceremony, and then waited, her emotions hidden as she waited for her answer. Rosekit felt her heart racing, and she trembled. After what felt like an eternity, she found her voice. 

            DoveClan. I must choose DoveClan. But... 

          "I choose FrostClan."

           A few cats gasped, and Rosekit flinched, not daring to look back. She knew it was uncommon for kits to choose new clans, and she dipped her head.

           "Rosekit! No!" Seedkit's yowl was heard above the other cat's murmurs, before it was abruptly stopped, probably by Deerflight.

           Echostar nodded, and Amberstar stepped forward with a flick of her tail. Her amber eyes were piercing as she gazed down at Rosekit. Her dappled grey coat turned silver underneath the moonlight as she dipped her head. 

           "FrostClan honours your courage and determination at choosing your own fate. Welcome you to FrostClan, Rosepaw."

            The deputy, a powerful tomcat named Snowflame, walked forward placed a crown of silver brambles on her head. A symbol of courage and strength. Its gnarled branches turned silver underneath the moonlight, and Rosekit was surprised by how right it all seemed.

            "Rosepaw! Rosepaw!" Amberstar was the first to call out her new name, though it was quickly joined by Deerflight, Cedartail, and then the rest of the clearing. 

             Stumbling on her paws, Rosekit cast a last glance back at her family before a she-cat with sharp green eyes and an unfamiliar scent quickly rushed to her, gently herding her towards the cats of FrostClan. Her new clan. 

             I have to be the best warrior I can, Rosepaw thought to herself. I can't look back now, for all I have left is the path forward.