46 Chapter 46: The New Fores

Being linked to my very being, I never had any issues navigating and exploring my forest. Even when it was recently expanded, the exact knowledge of the plants root structure was simply in my mind. Like having an additional limb, your mind simply comprehends where it is and how it can move.

That used to be the case, but this new forest is much closer to an enigma than the last one. My trees, from their location, to their root placement, all the way to how the branches shake in a gust of wind are all the exact same. The differences are simply everywhere else.

I had gotten used to my forest being just that. A forest. Now, though it's much closer to an ecosystem!

"Esme get over here!" I call out to my sun cat, and in a flash of light she seems to materialize in front of me. Since this is just a mana construct inside of my soul, my sun cat does not need to be physically near me to be conjured in this realm.

'That's odd, it seems like my familiars move better now that my contracts are more established.'

Esme, quickly scampers up my back to rub her feline dander all over my skin and face.

"Ha ha, quit it Esme we have time for that later," I attempt to push her away, but she digs her tiny claws into my shoulder holding firmly.

I can't help but sigh in defeat, "Fine, fine I suppose I have been gone for awhile." I reach up casually petting my kitten as she purrs loudly against my cheek. After several more minutes of skinship Esme finally deigns to speak with me.

"Where did you go master! Snake Mommy is really mad!"

My eyes go wide, "Wait what did you just call...No! First we have a job to do Esme, and I promise I coming straight home when it's done okay?"

Esme eyes me with suspicion but eventually nods her fuzzy head at me. "Okay master....if you promise..."

'Wow, it seems like the girls really missed me....Maybe I should have left a note...'

"Okay Esme, firstly I think some introductions are in order. Marriot, Xia come here please!"

I call out and my wind weasel, and water pixie materialize in similar bursts of light to Esme. The only differences being color. Green for Marriot, and Blue for Xia.

I scratch my neck nervously, "So Esme, I want you to first meet your little brother Marriot." I say with a calming smile.

Esme, looks in their direction briefly before closing her eyes. "NO! I'M THE BABY" she screeches out. I have to try to not jump as her claws dig their way into my collarbone.

"Shhh Shh Shh, it's okay Esme, you're still the baby." I say petting her head softly as I gesture for Marriot to climb into my opposite palm.

Esme, sadly, has broken down into full hysterics. "THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT ELF MOMMY SAID WOULD HAPPEN! YOU GOT A NEW BETTER FAMILY AND YOU'RE NEVER COMING HOME NOW!"

I can't help but sigh in exasperation. 'Come on Arith! Don't say that to little Esme, I'm really going to have to take my wives more in hand when I get home.'

"LISTEN ESME!" I yell at her. She jumps slightly and even cowers down.

"Aren't you happy that you get a new....big brother? He, and your big sister are going to help you! You can be best friends!" Encouraging has perked up the little kitten a bit. She even takes a few tentative steps towards Marriot.

"There you go, now how about you and Marriot go and talk, if you need me I'll be right here okay Esme?"

It takes quite a bit of prodding, but eventually she decides to attempt to make nice. "Okay, Xia do you have any idea why my forest looks so...weird?" My water pixie lands gracefully on my palm. "Of course master! Don't you?" She cocks her tiny head at me.

'Huh, weird. Before now everything I needed to know about being a druid just came to me....I wonder why this is different...'

"Sorry, I'm a bit unique when it comes to druids. What happened here?"

Xia places one tiny hand against her chin, "Well you've finally created a sustainable power foundation master, when druids reach this stage of training they are even able to borrow power from their contract beasts. The amount and power really depends on the druid, well that's what my last master said at least! He was super interested in druids and stuff, so he had tons of books about em. "

I nod my head slowly, 'This is huge news if its true... In fact, wouldn't this make me a wizard?! Epic win!'

"So Xia, is there anything I should be doing next? I can't make another contract without leveling up, so what do you think?"

Xia flutters around a bit, almost like she's pacing, "Well master, I'm not sure. The old master didn't talk to me much....He wasn't able to hear me anyways. There was this one thing he said though. ""Every time there is a big power boost, is when a druid is at their weakest,"" so...hide?"

I nod my head deep in thought. Obviously hiding won't work, but given all the reasons I have already I really can't put off going home any longer.

"Okay, Xia, you take your two siblings around the forest and map it out. Take special note of weather patterns too. I have a feeling this place, and understanding it, are key to being able to use my powers."

Xia bows her little head before flying up to see me at eye level, "As you command master."

"It's nice to have at least one well behaved daughter." I say with a slight smile on my face.

Fading out of my forest I still have two handfuls of panting demon. "Yo Asmo, I gotta go!" I tell him and attempt to shove him off my lap.

He grips on tight to me, "No, please! You're so..soo....so.." He trails off with a deep red blush.

'God, I'm just not getting out of here easily am I? Is this a punishment for being a pervert all the time?!'

I steel my nerves and grab Asmodeus by the shoulders, then in one deft motion pull him into my embrace kissing him deeply with passion.

"I must leave now Asmodeus". I tell him in no uncertain terms. He meekly moves aside, and I hastily book it out of there.

Making my way towards the Tipsy Pony.

'I really wish I didn't like that kiss..'