“There’s a shortcut we can use.” Ikiru continued. “There are paths which lead directly to our destination, it’s said that no one knows all of them… but I know of one.”

“This would have been a great thing to mention earlier. Also, how do you know it while no one else does?” I asked.

“It’s how I escaped once before hundreds of years ago. If I hadn’t have found it, she never would have let me go.” Ikiru looked noticeably troubled.

“Who is she?” I asked. “This wouldn’t be the same one that Inazagi is here for?” Ikiru remained silent and started walking, and I followed. “Got it, good guess I made then, so proud of myself,” I muttered aimlessly.

The stone room opened up into a cave entrance looking out onto the windswept frozen waste that Ikiru had described. “Please tell me this shortcut is close by,” I said staring out into the cold.

“Nope, but you’re not possessing me now so you won’t feel any of it.” He answered.

“Oh thank the Kami for that. Let’s go.”