Arik's heavy paws dragged through the tough foliage of the asian rainforest. He angrily swatted hanging branches away, snarling with frustration. To be honest, he was quite lost, although he would never admit it.

While surveying his kingdom, now merely an annual endeavor, he strayed a bit too far and ended up wandering into the deep recesses of a rainforest. And in his efforts to find his way out of the green labyrinth, he only managed to worsen his predicament.

As his stomach growled impetuously, Arik spotted movement in the brush. His eyes may have been old, but he was not delirious. At least, not yet. The silhouette was large, and appeared lithe. Perhaps his luck was making a change for the better...?

After creeping upon his target, Arik snarled and exploded from his cover.

Shangri-La moved slowly through the thick jungle heat, taking deep even breaths to steady her heart. She wanted a drink from the pool nearby but couldn't overcome this strange feeling that she was not alone, or that she was being watched. She pressed on carefully, being sure to keep her eyes and ears perked for any strange activity. And then she heard a rustle.

A very faint, but noticable movement behind her was just enough to put her on guard; she spun around just in time to dodge the pounce of a large African lion.

The giant cat fell flat on his face in the brush before her. And Shangri-La was livid.

"You clumsy idiot! If anyone heard that commotion we'll be blankets tomorrow!" she hissed.

Arik roared again as he rose from the brush, shaking leaves and dirt from his mane. It appeared that instead of a meal, all he had managed to do was upset a local stripe-cat, by the looks of her. What foul luck. Nothing like a king explaining why he was lost in the jungle.

"Watch who you're calling an idiot, tigress," Arik said, brushing past her roughly. "If you hadn't dodged when you did, you would have been just another casualty of the jungle."

Even though Arik wasn't a regular denizen of the jungle, he was well aware that the jungle took just as many lives as it gave life to. It was incredibly dangerous, but, then again, where wasn't nowadays? The world was changing.

Arik paused and turned back to the tigress, his own yellow eyes meeting hers. "...tell me the direction of the African savannah."

Shangri-La scoffed in disgust and felt the hairs raise on her neck.

"You've got a lot of nerve for an oversized Savannah-sloth!" she narrowed her eyes and inched closer to Arik. "'Another casulty of the jungle'? Ha! I was born and raised here, where you wouldn't last five mintues in this jungle! You have no idea where you are or where you're going and you have the nerve to try and threaten me? And then you ask for my help!? Get out of here before you get us both killed!"

As much as she hated to admit it, Shangri-La knew he was right; even though Arik was nowhere near being a threat to her--probably never having hunted anything a day in his life--she knew there would be poachers out hunting soon, and close, as she could hear the rushes of the waterhole nearby.

But at the time, she didn't care; what mattered now was the situation with this stupid lion, miles from home and missing the silver spoon from his mouth, no doubt. She hated him already, he was ignorant and disrespectful. And he tried to jump her in her own territory! Who did this proud bastard think he was? Just the thought pissed her off even more. Shangri-La continued to advance, showing her teeth and hoping to pressure the lion into submission.

But as she got closer, Arik noticed something about the now angered tigress: he had pushed a button and saw the opportunity to regain some dignity.

Arik's fierce scowl turned into a cold chuckle, and he simply shook his head.

"If anyone is going to get us killed, it's you, tigress. Lower your voice. With all your hot-headed snarling, you're just leading the humans right to us." He said quietly. The tigress before him lacked proper respect, and didn't seem to know how to address a king. However, she was strong-willed indeed to try and will a lion into submission. Not to mention she was his only chance at getting out of the forest. And as much as it irked him, he had no other options besides wandering the maze of trees alone until he died of starvation...or worse.

If he was going to get her help, he would have to change his strategy.

He sighed deeply. "I'm afraid we're at a stalemate, tigress. I've lost my way and you no doubt don't care whether I live or die. With that in mind, I'll make you an offer. If you show me the way out of the rainforest and back to the African plains, I won't get us both killed by roaring and giving away our position."

It appeared that Arik had played a wild card. If he remained alone in the jungle without guidance, he would definitely be killed one way or another, so he had nothing to lose with this gambit. The tigress, on the other hand, would be killed with Arik if he roared, as both of their positions would be forfeited immediately. She would have no choice but show him the way.

Arik smiled warmly. "If all goes well, I'll be out of your fur in no time. What do you say, tigress?"

Shangri-La glared back at him with disbelief. He didn't seem to be dishonest, but no one does at first. She would not be the one caught off guard. But she did realize that she had been shouting, and her snarls and roars were no doubt drawing attention to the area. So she spoke again, much softer this time, but still with the same malevolence as before.

"For your information, my name is Shangri-La, not "tigress," and I don't have time to teach you how to navigate. I have a feeling that something big is about to happen, and I don't care if you perish or whatever, mister..." she looked him over once more and twirled her paw in the air, searching for the right word, "Lion. So I bid you good day."

Shangri-La rolled her eyes and turned to go on her way. She took a few strides and looked back to realize that the lion had actually been following her. The eat-shit grin on his face was most irritating.

"Ugh! Fine! I'll show you out but when we reach the big grasses you're on your own. I'm not fond of the open land. AT ALL."

Arik held out a paw, indicating she take point.

"Very well, tigr...err, Shangri-La. Lead the way."

Arik scratched the stubble-like fur on his chin lackadaisically with a claw, an intrigued expession appearing on his regal face. Shangri-La? An odd name, but for all he knew it could have been rather common around this region of land.

Her demeanor was becoming more and more unpleasant with every step. Had he not made her the ultimatum that he did, she would no doubt try and leave him for dead, if not kill him herself. The last thing he needed was another enemy, but to him, fraternizing with a tigress wasn't exactly a high priority.

However, something she had said burned itself into his mind. She said she had a feeling that something big was going to happen. Strange...Arik had felt the same tense atmosphere for quite some time now. It was difficult to explain...something just didn't feel right.

"...hmm. I need to speak with the leader of this region immediately. Do you know where he is?"

"He just happens to be busy at the moment," Shangri-La said back, not bothereing to mask her sarcasm. "Strangest case: I woke up this morning the female leader of this region, an area that used to be called Asia, before the Great Merge. And now I'm the private tour guide for a pussycat whose only concern is his own. Woe is me."

She rolled her eyes and continued on. She was rather suprised at his inquiry. Surely he had not come all this way to seek her out. He said he had just gotten lost...but now she wondered if he had more up his fur.

She decided to test his knowledge and get a better understanding of just what all he knew.

She started, "I wouldn't expect you to know anything about it, so you shouldn't concern yourself with the leaders, if there are any more. I was hand chosen to dominante this area, and see to the well-being of the creatures there-in. Obviously, the leader of your region isn't doing his job; alas, you're miles from safety and he has no idea that you're searching out the other leaders behind his back. A rather irresonsible leader indeed..."

She trailed off and smiled slyly at Arik behind her, waiting to hear his reply.

Arik’s eyes went wide with realization. He was to believe that this impetuous female was the leader of Asia? With all his years, he’d heard stranger things. However, he had to question…her decision. What did she see in this…tigress? Arik saw nothing more than a disrespectful, childish wretch.

Arik snarled a low warning growl.

“Careful, tigress. That sharp tongue of yours can get you into more trouble than you realize.” He was growing tired of her condescending tone. Were she not a chosen leader, Arik would have had her hunted down and executed the moment he returned to his throne. Just the thought made his claws dig deeper into the ground.

Arik laughed humorlessly at Shangri-La’s final statement. “And to think you’re a leader. You’re more ignorant than the soil you tread upon. I am the leader of Africa and all its spoils. And unlike you, my royal pride can keep watch over the region while I am away.” Arik downcast his eyes, and his tone went from insulting to sincere.

“…but you are partially correct. I am here seeking information regarding these…premonitions I cannot ignore. I thought that another leader may perhaps be more well-informed than I.”

Shangri-La adjusted her attitude. This lion was another leader? And of Africa! She had heard that this was a land almost as vast as her own, and equally dangerous. She had not even realized it, but this animal had the same duties that she did and she had to respect him, just for having the position.

"Well, lion, I apologize for not recognizing your rank," she said sincerely. "I always thought if ever I met another leader, it would be blantently obvious. But I suppose I can understand your use of discretion."

She had now paralleled herself with the lion, instead of walking in front of him as she had been doing before. And then she remembered something.

"Now what were you coming to inquire with me about? You mentioned a premonition. And I'm afraid I don't know your name, Mister--?"

Arik made no indication of it, but a hint of anger still boiled inside of him. How convenient that as soon as he reveals his title, her tone instantly changes. Tigers. He doubted he could ever truly be able to sit within their company as an ally.

"I am called Arik, as my father, and his father before him. I am a descendant of a long line of kings." He said. "And yes, I have had somewhat of a premonition." He paused as his stomach growled indignantly and tried to reclaim full attention from its owner.

Arik grimaced. He wouldn't be able to ignore his hunger much longer.

"Call me paranoid, but do not call me unprepared. I have noticed strange signs. Rain falling from the sky with not a single cloud visible. Whole colonies of insects gone without a trace. Animals partaking in obscene, horrendous acts of cannibalism. Even the nightlife on the savannah is as silent as a mouse."

He snarled, frustrated. "...but what does it all mean?"

Shangri-La listened carefully as Arik expressed his concerns.

"Yes I've noticed similar occurances here in the jungle, more cannibalism and disappereances. And I've noted light tremmors and earthquakes that, unless you were paying attention, you wouldn't have felt at all. But I'm on constant alert so of course I felt them."

She heard his stomach growl again and shifted her eyes to his abdomen. She didn't know exactly how long Arik had been lost in the jungle, but she was sure he hadn't eaten in a while. Alas, his ribs were beginning to show.

"I can't explain what's been going on lately, but there must be someone who knows. And I think you and I should venture out for answers," she paused and looked him back in the face, "just after we have some lunch!"

She suddenly turned left off the path and whispered to Arik, "Follow me," before disappearing into the thick jungle brush.

Arik nodded. He had been right after all.

Even the tigress had noticed unusual activity. Although he had felt no tremors in the African plain, there was nothing keeping them from occurring here in the jungle. However, questions still remained. What was causing the world to behave this way, and how could they stop it? Would they become worse over time? Should these even be a cause for concern?

Arik wrinkled his brow in frustration. "You're right, we must find answers. I need to ease my pride. I dare not return to them without relevant material I can present." Just then, Shangri-La offered they find something to eat before continuing. Arik's stomach growled immediately, almost as if agreeing with her.

"You must've read my mind," he said with a small grin, following her quietly.

Shangri-La pursued a wild boar and brought it to the ground, sinking her teeth deep into its neck. When it was dead, she split it apart with ease and portioned some to the lion.

"I've heard of a wise creature that lives in the depths of the ocean," she said between chews. "A massive sea blanket, elderly and knowledgeable. I think once we get you back to your pride, we should explain to them that we are going to seek its wisdom and possibly assign someone to your seat in your absence."

Shangri-La knew that Arik was a king, and although he was experienced in leadership, she still felt that he was presumtuous, like he was entitled and didn't want to get his paws dirty. But if they were ever going to find answers, he would have to humble himself and do some real work.

"So what do you think, should we seek out this old intellect of the sea? I think I know how to reach her."

Arik's eyes widened and he shuddered.

He hated water, and he hated the ocean even more. Even if this creature did exist, Arik was out of his element in the water. Not to mention his joints were getting sore just from all the wandering he had been doing in this damned jungle. The thought of another journey made him cringe.

"Such a beast would prove invaluable to our understanding of the world's chaotic state." He said, a mouth full of boar meat. "However, I'm...getting too old for such a...quest. I'll send a lioness of mine to...accompany you in gathering information once I return to my pride." He finished, waving a paw to shoo away her thoughts of him joining her to visit the seabeast.

Yes, he was trying to get out of the journey, but he had good reason! He was old, tired, and missed his throne so. Surveys and walking about like this were for the young, and he was well beyond his golden years. Upon returning to his throne, he would make sure to complete his annual survey of the land.

Once every five years.