Humans. The way Sesshomaru announced his distaste at the thought of living among them, raised questions in Kurama's mind. It didn't take a genius (even though these two were) to figure out that humans did not have Sesshomaru's best interest at heart.

Kurama couldn't help but smile with much amusement to his expression. This was very interesting.

Sesshomaru appeared to not like humans, yet here he was walking beside someone who was no one other than a human. Well, part human anyway.

"Not a fan of humans huh? Why is that? You don't strike me as the type to dislike anything, especially individuals who are far more weaker than yourself. That seems pretty silly doesn't it? Unless there's a valid reason for it, and one I can accept. Perhaps one of them wronged you, or killed someone you love."

Sesshomaru calmly turned his head to gaze slightly down at his red-haired "friend." He better choose his answer carefully. He had already decided early on he liked Kurama. He was a very genuine human. Probably the most genuine human he had come across. This guy may just change his mind about loathing anyone who was a mortal. As a result, he did not want to alarm Kurama for dishing a group of individuals Kurama clearly favored and might even belong to.

Kurama broke into Sesshomaru's thoughts. "Look, you don't have to worry about answering me. I do not need to know the answer to a very personal question. Please forgive me for wanting to know."

Sesshomaru raised his eyes in surprise. Kurama was definitely striking his as the mysterious type. This intrigued Sesshomaru greatly. The way he was now, Kurama looked like an ordinary human. Though Sesshomaru was smart enough to figure out he was not all human. Half-demon like Inuyasha? That was a strong possibility. Sesshomaru did not yet know, but for some strange reason he found himself liking Kurama. The guy put on a strong front for not appearing to rival Sesshomaru in strength. Though Sesshomaru had yet to see what Kurama was truly capable of.

Kurama shrugged. "Do you know what happened to the thing with the mask?"

Sesshomaru wrinkled his forehead. "You saw him too?"

Kurama nodded. "Yes, I picked up on his scent. That is why I came outside to you when he was near. I strongly suspect it was him who is responsible for ruining our way back to the other side."

Sesshomaru glared down the road past Kurama where he had last seen the masked destroyer. "If that's the case...I want to find, and kill him."

A smile crept over Kurama's face. " You sound like Hiei, for that is something he would say. He was always jumping at opportunities get rid of anyone who was not on our side. It's too bad he's not here. Hiei is very good at finding things, demons, humans...well, pretty much anything."

"This friend of yours, Hiei, would I be correct in assuming he's a demon?"

"Yes."

"Hmmm, interesting, but not a very strong one..."

Kurama shook his head. "Hiei can be foolish and act on impulse...usually when he's angry or bothered, but he is no dummy. That is why his death comes as a strong surprise to me."

"Are you sure he is dead?" Sesshomaru faced Kurama and stared him down in a nonthreatening way.

Kurama looked at the ground. His eyes showed much sadness. Hiei not really dead? Oh Kurama didn't even dare to get his hopes up.

Sesshomaru was much too impatient to wait for an answer. "What if he isn't?"

Kurama's head felt heavy as he took in Sesshomaru's words with strong consideration. "I'd like to think he is still alive and out there somewhere. However, if Hiei was still alive, he would have found a way back to me by now."

"Unless he's trapped or being held against his will. It seems far more likely since you have already expressed your disbelief in his death."

Kurama's eyes sparkled with respect. "You are considerate to suggest an alternative possibility and I do appreciate it, but..." He looked away.

"Yes, go on."

"I think Hiei really is gone. I can no longer feel him or his strong demonic aura."

"Maybe he's testing you."

"Testing me? Why would he want to do that?"

"Because he wants to see how loyal you are to him."

Kurama was confused. "I'm afraid I don't understand. Could you elaborate?"

"Hiei is a demon. If he's anything like me, then he takes pride in being alone. He is able and fully capable of fighting all his battles by himself. If he's going to call anyone his friend, he will only do so after careful consideration."

"True, but you're forgetting I have already proven myself to him. Hiei knows he can count on me. That is why I want to take down his murderer."

Sesshomaru grinned. "Hiei doesn't know that."

Huh? Poor Kurama was in the dark trying to figure out what Sesshomaru was attempting to get at. He let out a big sigh. "I still don't follow. Hiei is dead. How would he know I'm proving my loyalty to him if he is no longer alive?"

Sesshomaru grinned deeper. He definitely knew something. "That's just it. I don't believe your friend is dead."

Kurama's mouth fell open.

"Regardless, we should still kill whoever has messed with him."

Kurama grinned evilly. "Oh absolutely. I would love nothing more than to engage in a fight to the death."

Sesshomaru's face lit up. "You don't fear death do you?"

Kurama closed his eyes and let the wind ruffle his long, beautiful hair. He couldn't remember anyone ever asking him this question before. He took a deep breath before responding.

"I've seen death through my eyes many times. I have even found myself being spared with such a fate by using what little I had of my own strength to escape. So no, that is one thing I do not fear."

Sesshomaru grew curious. His long hair blew in the wind too. "What do you fear?"

Memories flooded Kurama's soul. He took a couple steps forward with Sesshomaru watching him.

"I fear...losing myself...My identity. I wouldn't want to become the evil I hunt."

Sesshomaru didn't take his eyes off Kurama.

"Is that why you choose to remain in your human form?"

To be continued...