Sesshou stood, breathless, as Kagome ran over to the limp Tsumai and tried to revive her.

"Tsumai! Tsumai! Shippou, go get me that rag and soak it in water. Inuyasha! What's going on?" Kagome tried her best to wake the skunk demon up, but to no avail.

Miroku was the first to speak. "I believe she was so exhausted by this possessing demon that she can't be woken up just yet. We've probably never known the real Tsumai. We've just known this 'soul' within her."

Her explanation made absolutely no sense to anyone but Inuyasha. He just grunted and turned away, his arms folded.

"Inuyasha, what's going on?" Kagome's voice was accusing.

"Well how do you expect me to know?! Ask this 'Sesshou'! I bet he'd know!"

Kagome, Shippou, and Miroku turned to the demon for an answer.

"I think Miroku was right. You probably never did know Tsumai. I did…but now I'm not so sure. Tsumai would never had allowed herself to be possessed by a demon of this weak type." Sesshou was doubtful.

"And…you say you knew her?" Miroku inquired.

"How?!" Inuyasha was very interested again. And beginning to look mad. "How would you know her? Huh?"

Apparently, Sesshou didn't know Tsumai's history. At least, he didn't seem to know…

"I and Tsumai…knew each other long ago. We were with each other. But we knew we couldn't stay that way. So, one day, we went our separate ways and haven't spoken since."

Kagome suddenly understood. So that's why he wouldn't hurt her straight out! He…she…they loved each other, but, now they can't…

"Why couldn't you?" she blurted out, not knowing that she had said anything. Kagome immediately blushed, but Sesshou looked even more sheepish.

"We…it's just…" He sighed and looked sad. Then he turned and walked out of the clearing, towards the lake.

"Well that got us nowhere. Let's go back to the village. I don't feel like staying out here." Inuyasha leapt away.

***

That night, Kagome checked and made sure Inuyasha was nearby, Shippou was asleep, and she tucked herself in. Tsumai was in the next hut, and Sesshou had disappeared since the clearing.

But Tsumai's bed, unknown to Kagome, was empty.

Tsumai was in the clearing.

"S-S-Sesshou…" Her voice trembled to the shadows.

He came out, a sad look on his face. 'Tsumai, we can't. I can't." He tried to stay away from her, but her legs buckled. He caught her as she fell.

Silent words transpired between them. She began to cry. Her tears mirrored his. They held hands, but stood separate.

"I'm sorry, Tsumai. I truly am. But, I cannot be with you."

"You…you said-…"

"I remember what I said. And I truly meant it…then. But now…now I can't. I am sorry." He let go, and backed away.

The night went on as Tsumai sank to her knees and cried, face in her hands.