Getting back out, at least, is somewhat faster, the path far more obvious from this direction.

Typical. Still. Ant can...maybe make eir way back without Akachi, but she wants Akachi somewhere safe first.

The mountain outside the temple has very slightly fewer things to fall off of, or at least the trees are likely more familiar to Akachi.

"Are you going to stay here?" ey asks Akachi seriously.

Innocent chirp.

"-I know that sound," Ant says, suspicious. "That's the sound I make when I'm not gonna do what someone wants me to do."

Who, Akachi, disobey??? No, that is the very face of innocence. 

"You are trouble aren't you," Ant says, almost playfully. "Please stay here? I don't think it's safe for us both to be in there?"

Dramatic flop.

"I'll be back soon? And maybe we can play some when I'm done, huh?"

Sad chirp.

Ant's quiet for a moment. "Y'know. If having you guys as people I can summon involves me leaving you alone, I don't think it's worth it. Keeping you safe is more important." Ey holds out eir arms.

Running leap for snuggles!

Snuggles!

"Well. I guess we should head back then."

Chirp!

Well then, they can head back, Ant continuing to cuddle Akachi as they do so.

The leader of the red pandas is waiting for them. "Did you complete your task?"

Ant cuddles Akachi more. "It wouldn't have been safe to complete it with Akachi there."

"She is a bit of a rascal. Have you given up, then?" she asks.

"No. Unless your domain changes, I know the way now. So. With Akachi safely back here I can go back."

"It's impossible to navigate without a guide; to a human, you could say it changes, indeed."

"Then you've set a task with impossible terms. I can't complete it and keep Akachi safe."

"Do you wish to surrender, then?"

"I don't wish to," Ant pouts. "But I don't think I have a choice."

"There are always choices."

She pauses.

"Still, the one you made was to protect Akachii, rather than to complete the task set to you. You have passed our test."