The heat was like nothing he had ever experienced before. Growing up in a land of ice, he was more accustomed to the other side of the spectrum, and his body was protesting loudly. A constant pant, hair shedding and thinning in amounts unknown to his skin. And weakness. Monarch wasn’t used to feeling so weak, a short walk draining him, especially if no water could be found. And even that, the inability to find water… when had he ever encountered that before?
There were so many suffering too, everywhere he went. Still the sun shone, still no rain fell. He had changed to walking at night and just trying to sleep through the day, because the sun was unbearable. Once you found a somewhat cool, shaded spot, he’d realized it was best to stay there. But he couldn’t just keep to himself… worry had begun to creep in, after days and days of this, with no relenting rain. What about Ara? If he was suffering what about her? She was so small, so pale. But how to find her?
He’d come to the forest at dusk, as the sun was setting, because the heat abated… if only a little. His tongue was still lolling, panting, and he kept his paws in a relaxed pace, knowing he’d tire too fast if he rushed… even if the panic was there. He was near the Redwoods, knowing there was some groups there to help, but also near the college. He had already been by Ara’s den, she wasn’t there. Monarch had felt worry and panic spike in his heart, but he shook his head and moved on. It didn’t mean anything, necessarily.
Now he swept closer to the college while skirting the Redwood. "Ara!" he called out, his voice raspy but clear, deep… loud. He needed to find her, make sure she was okay. He planned to go through the camps next but… he had to check everywhere.
