Splashpool stared at the ruins of the Rain Kingdom. Shivering, she glanced at the sodden bodies lying around. Her friends. One in particular, caught her attention. She stood motionless, her face a mask of horror, at the single, soaked, smoky-grey body lying just a few yards away from her. Bayfrost. Her apprentice. He had just been made a Healer. He didn't deserve to die. Why didn't you just take me? She questioned The Star Kingdom. Bayfrost... He had a whole life to live! 

I must stay conscious...

With a sad sigh, she recalled his energetic personality, his determination to heal his patients... He passion and zeal... But amidst all the darkness, there was a spark of hope. Just a small spark. But enough to hang on to. The Leaf, Twig, Dew, Flower and Root Dens were destroyed, but the Grass Den still stood. The Grass Den was the strongest of them all, built for the Royal family. But they were gone now. Splashpool thought sadly. King Branchfall, Queen Dewfall, Princesses Leaffall and Dropfall and... Prince Twigfall." Her voice caught on his name. Prince Twigfall had been the only love of her life...

Through the madness and chaos...

Stop it, Splashpool. Healers are not destined for love. But she gaze still traveled to the tawny brown tom lying on the soaked floor. Wait. Was that a movement? She frowned at the body. His flanks were moving! He was alive! She ran back to the destroyed Flower Den and managed to retrive a few sodden scraps of herbs. Wet, but still effective. Let's see... Aha! Peppermint and Osha Root. Thank StarClan! 

So I call on my angels...

She gently pushed the herbs into Prince Twigfall's mouth. Suddenly, he gasped and his eyes fluttered open. "Mother? Sisters? Father?" He wheezed. Splashpool's heart clenched in pity. "I'm sorry, my Prince... It's over." She whispered. "Splashpool." He said mournfully. "They're dead." Splashpool sighed. "I am sorry, my Prince." She repeated. The prince dipped his head in resignation. "The Rain Kingdom... It's gone." He murmured. 

They say...

"That means..." He said, glanced at his dead father. 

Oh, ye of so little faith...

"Yes, my Prince. Or should I say, my King?" She said. "King Twigfall..." He muttered to himself. "King Twigfall of the Rain Kingdom. Yes, I am King Twigfall."

Don't doubt it, don't doubt it...

 Suddenly his eyes flashed with determination. "The Rain Kingdom shall rise once again." 

Victory is in your veins...

"We'll survive."

You know it, you know it...

"We will not fall."

And you will not negotiate...

"But..." He hesitated. "Fight it, my King." Splashpool urged.

Just fight it, just fight it

"Yes. We will not fall." He took a deep breath. "I, King Twigfall of the Rain Kingdom, pledge to rebuild and transform the Rain Kingdom - A better one. The Rain Kingdom will not fall!" He said with passion. "I trust in you, my King. I believe you will succeed."  

And be transformed...

--

// Song ➵ Rise by Katy Perry //