45 Chapter 45: Triumverate Complete!

I woke up bleary eyed and confused. Looking around I seem to be laying on some sort of bed, though a nest might be a better term for it. It seems mainly constructed out of discarded clothing, and anything else that might be considered "soft".

I try to sit up, and I do manage it with a lot of effort. Even that small bit of movement left me winded and panting. "So this is what happens when you use all of your mana. Good note for the future I guess." I say with a grimace. While my mind did remain clear, I feel like I haven't slept in days. Every action requires care and my thoughts are like jelly.

A chill runs down my body. "I'm naked, but I'm sure that I put my clothing back on after that fight...didn't I?"

Conflicted I survey the room, but I can find neither my belongings, or my little demon friend to answer questions.

I cough softly and bellow at the top of my lungs, "GET THE FUCK IN HERE."

I pant softly after my yell, and I can hear loud thumps around me, hopefully, indicating that my freedom is close.

A small face with eyes blacker than midnight pops around the doorway. "MASAMUNE YOU'RE AWAKE". The incubus bellows at me before launching himself nearly 15 linear feet to grab me.

I struggle to push him off me, but I clearly don't have the strength for it yet. "Yeah, yeah I'm awake. Did I ever get your god damn name?" I ask him aggressively. My Incubus doesn't seem to notice, or mind, and merely announces, "I'm Asmodeus!" That stupid little grin of his is going to give me an ulcer!

Still struggling with two armfuls of demon that can't seem to stop investigating my injuries I finally firmly place him into my lap to stop his squirming. "Just stay put damn it." I mutter.

"Look I gotta be heading home..." I leave the sentence hanging in the ether to make sure this little demon doesn't snap. "Oh, okay!"

He chimes in happily enough so I rub his head and demon horns a bit. "Thanks for being understandable. I left your broach on your desk, you probably found it by now." Smiling a bit I let my mind wander.

I'm only broken from my reverie by what I swear sounds like cat purring. Perking back up I investigate around, and find much to my consternation that the demon that was sitting so obediently in my lap is now asleep dozing quite happily.

'ugh, oh well. I can always leave after I make my contract.'

I call out to Marriot and have him bring the Water Nymph here.

Waiting with very little to do a few truly wicked ideas cross my mind. Just staring at his face is almost enough.... "Why, oh why did you have to look like a cute girl!"

The musical fluttering of fairy wings and I can see my new compatriot. Unlike with the actual animals I have contracted, the water nymph has human features, so I feel that talking to her would be even easier. Most people forget that 90% of communication is done without words.

"Hey little sister, Marriot should have told you whats going on by now right?" I prod her gently.

She lowers her head demurely, then in a hesitant wavering voice. "Is it...Is it...really true? You're the King of the Druids!"

Her face is shining bright, I don't have the heart to tell her that I'm just stroking my own ego! "Yeah...Yeah, that's right little sister." I use my most mystical smile on her.

She hovers around me, looking at me from every angle and corner that her tiny body can reach. "Okay, you can be my master. "

I smile at her and bow.

"Oh mighty earth mother please give unto me the power of an undying warrior, the passion of an ever burning sun, and a heart as patient as a stone. In the name of the ancient druidic ways I call up on you to be my power. As I protect, love, and nurture you, shall to I be nurtured. I too Shall be protected. I too shall be loved. Our bond is that of symbiosis, and only together can we grow. May our lives be linked. Now, my protector give me your name!"

I the Water Pixie Xia vow to protect your forest, through ice and hail. I shall reap your foes and water your lands. From this day on wards I vow to grow your forest and protect you as you journey through the seas of life. I will be the water of life that comforts you at sea, or home. This I vow in the name of the Earth."

A rush of power comes at me, as I feel Xia's energy suddenly enter my forest. Then suddenly I feel a shift in my forest. What I could once feel if I chose to, now feels like it is infinitely closer. From just adding my third spirit I can feel my inner forest much more intimately than I could before. It's like hearing a conversation from across the room, or right next to you. While both are definitely possible, the latter is a much easier feat.

I try to steady my breathing as the wave of power reaches a crescendo. As I gasp I can feel my muscles bulge and twitch, like they've been filled to the brim with energy and blood. "What the." Is all I can manage before a ringing sound begins. It started off softly, but it quickly overtook my senses. The ringing in my ears and the power in my blood grow and grow with no signs of slowing. I breathe in again trying to re-center myself, and as I do I can feel my the latent power and energy in my body finally 'Crack'.

A jolt of pain causes my hands to clamp down and hug against my chest. It feels like heart added another chamber!

This feeling I revel in is hard to describe, I feel light and airy. I feel centered and grounded. I feel so many conflicting sensations, but the one constant feeling is of my forest growing, and growing.

I try to pry my eyes open, and I come face to face with quite the flustered Asmodeus. He's been trying to get out of my iron like grip for a while now.

I pet him softly on the head, "Good kid, just stay there and relax." Is all I can mutter to him before I'm called down into my forest. The changes there were too monumental for me to ignore for even one more second!