The screams attracted attention. The young ones hurried up and arrived there first, and their loud-pitched voices the grown-ups.

Kurama turned the plant into shreds with a soft gesture of his fingers and a tossing of his hair. From the ragged remains of the plant a sweaty, panting pair of youkai emerged - Hikaru and Yomi, entwined in a very tight, indecent kind of embrace.

Kinno jumped forward, giggling and clapping the odd scene.

"You made it! You're lovers now! You made love! I'm so happy about it that..."

They heard a roaring sound, coming from Hikaru who stared back at Kinno furiously. Rage sparkled in his very clear blue eyes.

Shura walked up to Kinno, circling him with his arms, very affectionate, as he asked the blond fox not to celebrate; In fact it seemed heads were about to roll...

Kurama approached the grey youko and Gandara's King. He scowled at the pair, keeping his hands on his hips and a very nasty attitude. His golden eyes glinted as he adressed the two of them.

"What do you think you are doing? You're messing up with my garden!"

The pair panted hard, and their clothes were torn and undone. The plant's acid sap had started to corrode the silk, linen and velvet, and they were half-naked by now. Slimy and dirty, they were entangled together, by a confusing mass of grey and black hair and plant's vines. Hikaru straddled Yomi's lap, and they were out of breath, slimy, burned-out, pale and shocked.

Kurama's mood was altered with a blend of shock and outrage Could it be the Skunk and Mr. Broad-Ass were together? No! How could that happen?

"You perverts! My plants are not a motel! Why didn't you go somewhere else? I have kids!" Then Kurama hurried to grab Hyoko in order to cover his eyes with his hands, preventing the kid to witness such scene. "Degenerates! Exibitionists!" He accused, still trying to keep Hyoko in place.

"No, daddy! I wanna see! They're making babies! I wanna see it!"

Hiei came closer to the remnants of the monster flower, observing the demon couple with an expressionless stare.

"This part of the garden in very dangerous. You should have tried the river banks; It's calm and shady."

Yomi shook his head, trying to get rid of the long strands of slimy gray hair intertwined around his horns. He wiped his face and his ears clean of all that mucous vegetable mess, and showed an effort to keep all composure he could.

"It was not a choice. It was an accident, I assure you!"

The King started to crawl out the shreds, pushing Hikaru off his lap.

"My hair! Look at all this mess! It's gonna take days to disentengle it! Inari!" Hikaru complained, in a sorrowful tone, as he slid his fingers down his snared and slimy long hair. He slipped off Yomi's thighs, creeping a little away from the king, and at the same time, gathering the rags of his clothes to cover himself. That plant's sap had corroded much of the fabric he wore. He was almost naked!

"It is your fault!" Hikaru exclaimed, pointing a finger at Kurama with angry determination.

Kurama scowled. He hated to be pointed at. His golden eyes locked on the slender grey fox, and he roared.

"What do you say? Are you accusing me?"

It is then he realized, Hikaru's narrow, and furious eyes and his accusing finger were aimed at another figure, right on his back - Kinno!

Kurama let the tension leave his shoulders and relaxed. It was Kinno's doing then? Well, that kid's middle name was Trouble, with big, flashing letters....

He stepped off the way as Hikaru got on his feet, a little unbalanced and hesitant because of what he had been put through. With one hand he kept his ragged pants on, not minding the shreds of his tattered tunic to slip down his arms and trunk. His hair was like a snotty mass pasted to his chest and back. His tail was stiff and bristled up, and he showed his fangs as he glared at  Kinno, viciously.

"Why did you lie to me? Kinno! You reached the limit of my patience this time!"

Kinno looked around, and stepped backwards. He felt Shura's arms around his waist and his own body supporting him, but even then he became very afraid of Hikaru. He had never, never seen him so altered...

"Hikaru, it was not my fault, it is daddy's plant, I didn't do..."

"OH! Do shut up before I snatch your brainless head off your neck!"

Kinno trembled. All color left his cheeks, and he grasped Shura, fearfully, as he bowed his head, babbling a series of whiny, nervous excuses.

"Don't speak like this to Kinno!" Shura retorted, intervening, standing before Kinno, protecting him with his own body. "We have done nothing!"

"Shut up, you brat! I don't like to be manipulated! I'm no puppet! I'm not a patsy! I'm not a dummy to be used to entertain you!"

Hikaru was very, very nervous. His eyes blazed with fury, and he was not aware he was actually shouting and roaring at the same time. His hands were clasped, showing his claws, and his arms were very tense.

Ikki was shocked. He stared at it all with wide-eyes, while Eiko worriedly watched the usually soft, perfectly polite Hikaru turn into a fierce-eyed, growling savage. Hyoko squirmed in Kurama's arms, twisting and kicking, eager to be set free, complaining he wanted to be close to Hikaru oji-san. Takeshi was the more enthusiastic of all them. He even cheered Hikaru. With an evil smile the human boy punched the air, chanting something like *Rapunzel go, go, go! Kick the Barbie Bimbo outta this world!*
 
They were so much entertained watching Hikaru threaten Kinno, speaking the worst things that could be thought of to him, that they did not realize Yomi, also in shreds, tottered forward.

"It is your fault that we are exposed to such ridicule!"

Kinno was about to cry. He looked at Hiei. His Ji-chan was ostentatiously off the confusion, cold and collected, observing it all with  his arms crossed at his chest, content to be a mere observer. Kurama stepped back, keeping the children close to him. And he could not even count on his brothers - Eiko and Ikki were static and expressionless as always, and Hyoko and Takeshi were on Hikaru's side!

Hopeless, Kinno mumbled a series of fervent negatives,  as he clasped tighter  to Shura who was his guardian, his only protection against Hikaru's fury.

But his protection ended when a fast blur seized Shura off his arms.

They hardly saw it happen. It was Yomi, who jumped forward, and snatched Shura with a furious, very angry grasp, pulling him by his coat and hair.

Alone, Kinno trembled stronger. He fell to the ground, and joined his hands before him, begging Hikaru to calm down, as in shock, he watched from the corner of his eyes, Yomi shook his son up, down and around, vociferating it was the only way to stick some sense into his head.

Then, to everyone's surprise, Yomi grasped Shura by his waist, lifting him and stuffing him under his arm like a bundle. A squirming, kicking bundle, but Yomi kept him still and spanked his son's butt with one hard, loud blow.

The prince froze. Pain and panic startled him.

Shame caused his cheeks to flush, and he stopped resiting his father's clinch, resignated there was no escape. Not only Yomi was much stronger, but he was his father; Shura knew he comform to it.

He showed a brave face, even when Yomi slapped his butt again. Being spanked in front of his fiance, and Youko Kurama? before the eyes of all those kids? He could hear them laugh at that scene. It almost made the prince cry with shame.

"Papa! Please!"

Kurama showed them all a contemptuous sideways smile. He was sure there was no need for so much fussing about.

"Hn. So much ado about nothing... It must be PRS - pre-rut-syndrom... It affects all kinds of youkai."

Hikaru gave the silver youko a very angry stare.

"Are you aware of what your son and this despicable prince did to us?"

Yomi directed his shut eyes to Kurama also.

"They tried to fool us!"

Hiei's eyes diverted from Kinno to Shura, and then back to Kinno. He glanced at  Hikaru and Yomi, who seemed very pissed off. But Hiei could not understand why those grown-up youkai were so peeved about two kids.

"They tried to fool you? You two? And you mean they managed it?"

A heavy silence fell upon the scene.

Yomi furrowed his brow, but he did not answer, and Hikaru lowered his eyes, clenching his fists harder, and grumbling something which looked vaguely like an affirmative.

Hiei exchanged an amused glimpse with Kurama, and the silver fox gave his partner an ironical sideways glance, indicating Hikaru and Yomi with a tilt of his head, before bursting out in a loud laughter.

Hiei laughed too.

And so did Takeshi, Hyoko, Ikki and even Eiko, though she discretly tried to hide her smile with the soft touch of her hand.

It was Hikaru and Yomi's turn to become red in the face. Yet, the grey fox proudly kept his stand, refusing to accept the provocation.

"We trusted what they have told us! But they lied! They used our feelings and friendship agaisnt ourselves!"

Yomi raised a hand, softly, asking for a moment of Hikaru's silence.

"Indulge me; I shall explain." On saying this,  he clinched his son's arm so firmly that the boy showed a grimace of pain.

Detaining the prince very close to him, preventing Shura from trying to run away, Yomi started.

"These two have framed us with lies. Shura assured me Hikaru-san was deeply infatuated for me. Kinno begged me to be nice and friendly to him, not to break his heart. Meanwhile these two pulled the strings, doing all they could think of to  bring us together!"

"I suspect they even tried to drug us in their attempt to coerce us to have a relationship!" Hikaru interfered angrily. "They made up stories, and even hired me as a phony tutor! All of this just to try to push me to this despicable Tyrant's arms!"

Again, there was a soft gesture from Yomi. Hikaru acquiesced, a little embarrassed. He had always valued appropriateness very dearly, and yet, he could not keep his composure at that moment. In fact, he had been prone to fits of temper since... well... since... a long time ago...
 
"It is very clear Hikaru-san and I share very antagonic traits and opinions. Yet, these kids insisted, pushing us both into the most disgusting situations. They have lied to Hikaru in return, telling him it was I who was deeply in love for him. therefore they asked him to come to me and act like a friend not to disillusion me further yet!"

"Hn. What a stupid plan! Only Kinno could come up with such an idiotic plot." Hiei stated, gravely.

All eyes turned towards Kinno. He blushed more, and lowered his eyes.

"It was Shura-chan's idea... I thought it was so cool! So smart!"

All eyes diverted to Shura. Gandara's prince was so vexed, he looked at the other side, to avoid their eyes, filled with perplexity.

"I have read it in a book... It was a play. In the play it worked very well, then I..."

Yomi grabbed one of Shura's ears, dragging him along. The demon boy tried to escape the grip, but Yomi did not allow him to.

"You have never been spanked but on this day you shall be! You do deserve it, so be prepared!"

His left ear was red, and it burned like fire! But his father's fingers were like tongs, and no matter how much the prince squirmed and begged, he could not free himself. It was terrible! Not to mention the shame! Shura was on the verge of tears, because of the pain and the intense vexation, as he tried to avoid the mocking stares of that bunch of despicable adopted youkai kids.

"No, papa! Please! I just wanted to help!"

"The road to Hell is paved with good intentions! I'm gonna spank you so hard you wont be able to sit down for a whole week! And it won't be Kinno to blame this time, but my strong right hand!"

Kinno wanted to interfere, to beg Yomi not to be so hard on Shura, but it was Hikaru's turn to grip the blond youko by one arm, yanking at him for attention.

"You played with my feelings, Kinno. I won't forgive you this time! You betrayed my friendship!"

Saying this, Hikaru ostentatiously shoved the other youko away from him. Kinno fell down to the floor, shocked and disoriented.

"I should have learned. The only golden-eyed youko I could trust is dead." Hikaru added, with a very displeased expression.

"Hikaru... Please..."

"I don't wanna see you again, Kinno! Don't come near me for at least 100 years!"

The blond fox still tried to argument over it. He could not understand why his best, his only friend was so mad at him.

"But you're my best man, Hikaru!"

Hikaru just turned his back, and left, followed by the shocked stare of the others. Hiei was about to go to him, maybe intercede, but a strong long-nailed hand clasped his shoulder, demanding him to stay right where he was.

"Let the skunk go! We don't need him around!"

It was Hyoko's turn to try to run after his oji-san. Kurama circled the skitty kid's waist with one arm, lifting him up to his lap.

"No! He's not family! We're not even the same cast! Let him go!"

Hyoko had tears on his eyes. He squirmed, and kicked, tying to free himself from his big father's arms around him, resisting to being held, but after a while, after many failed attempts, he sniffled his cry and surrendered to Kurama's embrace. He leaned his white-haired head on Kurama's shoulder and just watched his favorite oji-san walk away.

The other kids have circled Kinno, trying to cheer him up. The pretty blond youko was criyng hard and loud, like a baby, as Yomi took his son away by one ear, still vociferating at him.

"You're grounded! No more dates for you! No more training breaks! And I shall cancel your unlimited credit in Gandara! You have to think about the The Tournament! Your life will be strictly fight-training and studying till I decide you've been punished enough!"

Bowled over, Hiei observed the infuriated grey youko and Gandara's King leave, each taking an opposite direction across the hill. It seemed Shura and Kinno had indeed found deadly ground on trying to match those two.

Kinno was sitting in the grass, knees bent as he hid his face on his crossed arms. He cried loudly, as if the world had come to an end.

"You fucked it up like always, silly sissy." Takeshi declared, drily. "What happened here anyway?"

Eiko glared at his crying brother. He had really suspassed his own idioticity that time.

"What did you think? It was a silly plan! This is real life! It's not a love-play or a romance! Did you think they were not going to find it out?"

Ikki caressed Kinno's golden hair softly.

"Hikaru oji-san is angry indeed. You should not have played with him this way, Kinno..."

Kurama sighed in, and crouched next to Kinno. He allowed Hyoko to slip off his embrace, but still caught him close by the hem of his shirt. He knew the baby was too eager to go after the Skunk.

He trembled and sobbed and squirmed a little more, but as Ikki continued to pat his head, he quietened. He noticed a strong hand hold his, as if to give support, and looked up to his father's concerned face.

"Dont you worry about him; he's just a skunk."

Hiei grabbed Kinno by his other arm, pulling him up to his feet.

"If  he is indeed a friend he will end up forgiving you. Just give him time." The youkai declared, calmly.

"I'm so sorry... Shura is going to be punished, papa Yomi is angry, and Hikaru is so mad at me..." Kinno whined, very sorrowfully. "I wish I were not so stupid; I only wanted them to become lovers..."

Kurama, was still infuriated.

"Those two idiots! They destroyed my garden! Messed up with my plants! And you feel sorry for them? Don't you know Hikaru is not Yomi's type?"

Kinno rubbed his eyes, wiped his face dry with the back of his hand, and sniffled the remnants of his cry. He blinked, facing his daddy with wide, inquisitive eyes, still feeling very sad and very guilty, but a little better.

Hikaru would remain his friend; he knew that. That episode could not be enough to ruin the affection they shared. Hikaru just needed time to cool down... 

Hiei helped Kinno to stand up, and they came down the hill, walking slowly, strolling back to their dens.

Takeshi defied Ikki saying the last to arrive back home was a pansy fart. They burst on a fast sprint then, and Eiko stopped to collect some herbs she needed for a potion she said she had been planning for weeks. Hyoko sniffled in Kurama's lap. It seemed the kid was crying also, though very quietly. He enjoyed Hikaru's company; it would be difficult for him to.

"What is papa Yomi's type of guy, daddy?" Kinno asked then, all of a sudden.

Hiei took a sideways glimpse at his youko. His expression changed slowly to one of suspicion as he looked askance at the way that talk was heading to.

He said nothing though.

"Anyone but that big-headed effeminate aristocrat," Kurama announced, angrily.

"Aristocrat? You mean Hikaru's an aristocrat?"

Kurama became pale with shock. He had indeed to watch his mouth in all related to the Skunk!

"No! Not at all! He just looks like one! Just that!"

"What a shame... Shura and I tried so hard..." Kinno continued, very sorry for his failed attempt.

"Give it up. Yomi and Hikaru? It will never happen!"

"But why, daddy? I thought they were perfect one to the other!"

"Yomi is a bottom act; he's nothing but youko food! He likes the rough, brawny, muscular type! That friend of yours is a pansy! He looks like a girl! Yomi would never feel attraction for him!"

Kinno acquiesced. He wished he had asked his father's opinion before it all happened. Perhaps he could have convinced Hikaru to get into body-building and get a more macho attitude.

"How come you know Papa Yomi so much, daddy? Is it because of your affair with him? Maybe you could help and..."

"Are you mad? I told you! Hikaru is not Yomi's type! Yomi likes youko of a very different type and I..."

It was then Hiei cut their conversation, clearing his throat loudly, and yanking at Kurama's tunic, to make the youko get a life.

A smack on his butt shut the youko up.

Kurama was frozen in a state of perplexity.

Unnoticed to the sudden dissension between Hiei and Kurama, Kinno kept on walking, talking merrily to himself, already trying to make plans for his future attempt to bring love-happiness to either Yomi and Hikaru. But Kurama halted for a moment, holding back a stupefied protest as he looked down at Hiei. He scowled at his shorter partner, showing a very vehement disapproval.

"Shut up, youko! You are too avert to letting Yomi find a partner! Do you think I'm stupid? It is that youkai who's got horns, not me!"

"But... But.."

"You say you don't like him, but why can't you let him go away? You like to have him around you, permanently drooling at you, right? It excites your pride, doesn't it?"

"Hiei! Absolutely! Its just that Hikaru is not..."

Hiei faced Kurama with a very grave expression, and crossed his arms at his chest in a defiant pose.

"What do you care? Are you jealous of Yomi?"

Kurama blushed in the face.

"Never!"

Hiei just gave the youko a squint, angry look.

"It is you who deserves to be spanked, not Shura!"

The youko made no objections. Then Hiei walked up to Kinno, joining him, and offering him a pleased smile.

 "You should give them time to forget this incident and then try it again!"

"Really, Ji-chan? You're gonna help next time? That's great! Thanks!" Kinno chanted, cheerfully. If someone as cool and smart as Hiei ji-chan and his daddy Kurama helping, their future matchmaking plans would never backfire!

Kinno felt very happy with all that support. He showed a radiant smiled, and started to chatter about his future plans, as he moved in between Hiei and Kurama, circling them with his arms, very amorously.

"I'm very worried about Shura, but I know he wants his papa's happiness! My sweetheart is not going to give it up, neither I! I know Papa Yomi won't forbid Shura and I to meet for very long! I hope he won't punish Shura too much! We only wanted to help... I'm gonna go there and beg Papa Yomi to reconsider! Papa Yomi loves me so much, I know he will let us date again!"

Hiei agreed. He was about to add something, but Kinno kept on his excited babbling.

"Hikaru and Papa Yomi are too alone! I worry a lot about them! Now I know love is too good not to try it! I want papa Yomi and Hikaru to get along well and get married, just like Shura and I! It would be fantastic! Father and son getting married right on the same day! It is so romantic!"

Hiei smiled. It was a very ironic smirk, that he aimed at Kurama.

"In fact, Kinno, I think Hikaru and Yomi are a great pair." Hiei stated, staring viciously at Kurama. "Don't you think, Kurama?"

The silver fox's eyes shifted from Hiei to a smiling and expectant Kinno, and then back to Hiei. The Fire youkai glared at him, making it clear he urged for a response.

"Next time even your daddy is going to help! Aren't Hikaru and Yomi a great pair, Kurama?" Hiei questioned, demanding an answer.

Kurama agreed hopelessly. It was a very dangerous pairing. It was like promoting the alliance of two of his worst enemies -  Yomi knew too much of his past... And Hikaru...

"Yes. They are. A pair made in Heaven..."

Kurama's sarcasm was so strong it was obvious in fact he though the contrary. But Hiei did not mind it, and Kinno did not grasp his father's cruel irony.

The blond fox was very enthusiastic - he would not give up! He wanted to help his friend, and so he would!

"Great! I like Love Stories with a happy ending! I'm sure we are all gonna be very, very happy! Shura and I, daddy and ji-chan and papa Yomi and Hikaru! Love is all that matters! Then we will all be very very happy!"

Kinno tightened Hiei and Kurama closer against his body. It was a very warm, very sweet embrace.

"Thank you! For your help, and for loving me, ji-chan and daddy!" He exclaimed, with a touched voice, showing one of the most beautiful of his smiles.

Now that he had love, he only wanted everyone in the whole Makai to feel happy as he did! How could he give up such an important mission? Never!
 
 

 Things did not go exactly like Kinno and Shura have planned but anyway it is...