Jayhaven Chronicles

“We are here today to honor the death of a truly great cat. He was brave and fought like a lion, but died like one, too. Of course, I am referring to the leader of the Battlers, Claw.”

All of Jayhaven gathered around in the exact middle of the city, where graves had been dug for all the fallen cats. Willow trees rustled in the breeze, and the air carried the smell of rain. Rapid looked over at Flame, whose eyes never left the stone that represented Raven.

The speaker was none other than the King of Jayhaven, Panther. Rapid had never seen him in the flesh, but instead of kitten-like excitement at meeting every young cat’s hero, Rapid only felt deep sadness.

Panther continued, his green eyes solemn. “As king, I have decided that Onyx will be permanently serving as the head of the Battlers, though we will never forget Claw, or any of those who fell in battle. Remember their sacrifices, all of you. Remember what they gave for this city. Now, I have a guest who would like to speak for a moment.”

Rapid tilted his head. A guest?

He couldn’t believe his eyes when Splash stepped from the crowd, her tiny frame barely able to be seen.

“Hi.” Splash called in her youthful voice. “I am glad to be here among all the g’own-ups. I feel big.”

Rapid shot a glance at Sedge, who looked as shocked as him.

Splash cleared her tiny throat and continued. “I wanted to sing the Jayhaven anthem for everybody, to get us in the, um, spiwit.”

She opened her mouth, and her voice rang out, high and clear.

Let chants of hope and harmony fly

Across the pink streaked cloudless sky

For dawn hath broke across the land

Let us all together stand

Let us all together stand

Rapid smiled for the first time in days. He raised his head to the sky, and all of the city, in unison, sang along.

We may have stood divided

But we shall fall united

If war should take

Before I wake

Let me not have died in vain.

Let me not have died in vain.

Rapid smiled and closed his eyes. And to think I’m barely more than a kitten. No matter what happens next, Jayhaven Forever.