(In which case, they're likely to have a very happy eldritch abomination who is stroking multiple cats.)

"Okay, cats are cool, but I just wanna see where trying to summon something takes me."

Cats are very pleased with this!

Hisame grins at Ant. "That'll be neat! The sequence isn't any different for a new summons if you don't already have someone - you'll probably be pulled to their realm, though, but they'll be able to send you back here."

"To be fair, I've got coming back from other realms covered with Ira. Okay then. Do I have to pick something, or can I just attempt a generalised summoning?"

"Generalized! I'm not sure if they pick you or if it's some kind of mutual best fit thing?"

"Well. Let's find out!"

And Ant sets about setting up a generalised summoning!

The chakra surges - and ey is distinctly somewhere else, now.

This is so exciting. Ey looks around eagerly for any clues.

It's a forest! There's a slightly large red panda hanging out in a tree over there, and a smaller one comes bumbling out of the shadows, looking curiously at em.

Ey crouches down and holds out a hand. "Hey," ey greets.

Bumble bumble bumble closer. Sniff sniff.

"Who are you?" calls the red panda in the tree, moving to see em better.

"I'm Ant," ey introduces emself. "I was trying out this summoning thing."

"Oh! A new summoner! We haven't had a new summoner in forever!" exclaims the red panda, standing on their hind legs a bit. The small one by Ant bounces excitedly. "We should tell the boss!"

"I'd appreciate that!" Ant agrees, smiling widely.

The panda bobs. "I'm Kouyou, and that's Kintoki! He can't use the human tongue yet, but doesn't mind if you carry him. Follow me!" And they jump down to the ground.

Ant holds out eir arms to Kintoki.

Armful of snuggly small red panda!

Kouyou starts bumbling off.

Ant cuddles the red panda and follows after Kouyou.

Trees! Red pandas peering curiously! Stone steps, eventually, covered in moss, beside stone walls decorated with carvings of animals and plants and odd symbols. And an enormous stone temple - inside, a red panda larger than all the others combined, her face sunken into her skull, red lights like fire shining from her eye sockets.

"Who are you?" she rumbles.

"Ant," ey says, staring up at her. "You're the boss then?"

"Yes. Do you wish to sign our contract?"

"Very much so, yes."

"There is a test..." she begins, tilting her head. "We must ascertain you are right for us."

"Oh, yeah, that makes total sense! I'm up for that as well!"

She nods. "You must go to that mountain in the distance, and retrieve a certain object. I will send with you my granddaughter, to lead the way."