After spending the past day and a half almost naked, Ichiro found it odd to be getting dressed again. The action had a sobering effect on him, for it marked the end of his bond with Kumiko and his return to being just another commoner trying to survive.

How sad. I feel as if I'm waking up from a dream....

He finished tying the sash around his waist and turned to see Kumiko brandishing her sheathed sword like she was about to head into battle. Knowing her past, he guessed this wasn't the first time and could only hope it would be her last.

"You'll need something to cover your face with when we leave," she explained while turning towards him. "Your hat alone won't be sufficient."

Ichiro remembered her warning about the neighbors and nodded. "Of course. What else do you have in mind?"

"Wait a moment." Kumiko hurried towards the cabinet, flinging the doors open and searching around until she pulled a round object out in delight. "Here it is. An oni mask."

Ichiro flinched at the huge eyes and jagged teeth. He stretched his hand forward with hesitation. "Are you sure about that? It looks rather menacing."

Kumiko held the object close for inspection. "Trust me, it's just a mask. You need not worry about being eaten."

"I suppose you're right. I shouldn't be frightened of something inanimate..." Ichiro accepted the mask and secured it carefully to his face. Seconds passed without any misfortune befalling him, so he proceeded to slip his hat on as well.

"How do I look?" he asked, blinking through the narrow slits of the mask until he could discern Kumiko's smiling face.

"Perfect," she whispered in excitement. "Nobody will guess you're human."

"That's bold of you to say. I'm not an actor."

Kumiko placed both hands against her hips. "You know what I mean. Now, tell me, are you ready?"

"I am," Ichiro lied, afraid of showing any more weakness. "What about you?"

"Yes. Shall we get going?"

Ichiro's breath caught in his throat as he tried to come to terms with knowing this would be the last time he would ever see Kumiko. He reached out to touch her in desperation, but she grabbed hold of his arm before he could do so.

"No matter how hard this is for you, please know that it is even more difficult for me. I don't want to lose control again."

She let go, allowing him to lower his arm and give it a gentle shake. "Come on. Let's not waste any more time."

******

Kumiko thought it a shame that she could no longer gaze upon Ichiro's fine features, so she tried to remedy this by regarding him in the most dispassionate way possible.

He was just another sack of meat and bones, destined to be spoiled by disease and age until he wasted away to nothing. In fact, Kumiko was sure that the process had already begun. Ichiro's forehead had a way of wrinkling ever so slightly when he frowned, as if to warn her of the withered old man he would become.

Yes, that is the only truth that matters now, she thought with a bitter smile while tightening her grip on the sword and continuing to lead Ichiro forward. An evening fog was drifting its way toward them, so she turned to make a suggestion.

"Hold my hand and stay close. This fog may hide us from view, but it will also allow us to slip if we aren't careful."

Ichiro slowed his pace. "I suppose. Here you go." He held his hand out for Kumiko to take, and she sighed when their palms met. His warmth surprised her yet again, bringing back memories of being caressed and embraced by him the night before.

She clenched her teeth in an effort to cast out the unwelcome thoughts. No. Think of what lies beneath! The bones! The imminent decay!

Ichiro sensed her discomfort and spoke with hesitation. "Is... something the matter? Have I offended you?"

"No," Kumiko replied while hurriedly finding an explanation. "I'm just a little restless."

"Well, please don't be. For my sake."

The gentleness of his voice was enough to calm her down. She turned back to face the approaching fog and gave his hand a slight tug. "You're right. Let's keep going."

They moved forward once more, and when the fog began to cloud Kumiko's vision, she directed her gaze toward the ground to avoid straying from the narrow path.

She remembered the distance from her house to Lord Tengu's portal. As long as they didn't encounter anyone else in the next fifty ken, she'd be able to let Ichiro go and then return home like nothing had happened.

Except, something had definitely happened, and Kumiko wasn't sure if she would ever be able to forget it.

With an uneasy heart, she willed herself to glance at Ichiro again. There was no denying that he was a sack of flesh and bones, but he was also capable of being a worthy companion and filling her nights with unmatched pleasure.

She realized in dread that she wasn't ready to part with him after all. And, even worse, the portal to the outside world loomed ever closer.

"Wait!" she cried, stopping and turning around just in time for Ichiro to jolt against her. He let out a grunt before expressing his annoyance.

"What is it now?"

Kumiko breathed inward while trying to regain her confident bearing. "There's one more thing I need to ask. Please hear me out."

"Of course. You can tell me anything."

"I... I don't want to forget about what we had. If it's agreeable, could we meet again in the future? Perhaps in your hometown?"

Ichiro shook his head. "That won't be safe. Unless..." He paused for a moment to think. "You come dressed as a merchant's daughter without telling anyone who you really are."

The simplicity of this idea surprised Kumiko, and she felt like a fool for failing to consider it first. Nevertheless, she had to congratulate Ichiro's intelligence since wearing dull clothes would be a small price to pay for another chance to enjoy his body and all it had to offer.

"Why, that's wonderful. How should I find you?"

"Just ask around for the son of Susumu and Kaede. Somebody is bound to know who I am."

"I suppose I shall try," Kumiko replied with renewed hope in her heart. She directed her sight back towards the distant portal. "Now, let us hurry. When I tell you to close your eyes, you must do exactly that. Do you understand?"

Ichiro blinked beneath his mask. "Yes, but might I ask why?"

"There are some things you simply shouldn't see, and I don't have the time to explain." She tugged on his hand for emphasis, prompting him to inch forward.

"Whatever you say," Ichiro relented before quickening his pace to keep abreast with her. "As long as I still have a chance to see you, I can't complain. You are quite extraordinary, after all."

Kumiko could not resist smiling at those words. You do have a way of lavishing me with praise. If only you knew the truth...