Helloooo everyone! Can yuh believe it?! I had to write this chappie three times! My comp kept going down with virus twice because of a stupid game I installed! T-T

Anyway! I'm finally updating it! Enjoy!

Chapter 23- Secrets Unfold

Len tried to open his eyes but they seemed swollen. A heavy weight seemed to be burdening his head too. Finally, mustering up his strength, Len forced his eyes open all the way. His vision was still blurred but he could make out that he was in a room- his room! Soon Jun's wet face came into view.

"Len? Are you awake? Mother! He's up!"

Ran hurried over to the bedside and looked down at him.

"Are-are you okay, son?" she gasped, her eyes puffy.

"Huh? …How?" Len mumbled and sat up. His forehead was indeed wrapped in a heavy bandage. "H-how did I get here?"

"Len, where've you been all this time? We were so worried!" Jun ignored his question.

"I was- I.." Suddenly it all came flashing back to him. His eyes widened. "TAMERA! She-she's dead! Xui killed her!!" he hollered and jumped off the bed.

"Len!" Ran panicked and pushed him back.

"You don't get it mother! I care about her!" Len snapped.

"And I care about you Len!" she said worriedly, "Don't you care the least about your mother?!" she sobbed and wrapped him in a tight hug.

Len angrily pulled away.

"Little brother, are you sure you're okay?" Jun asked softly, "I didn't see any body when I found you. Pai-long even searched for Tamera but she wasn't there.."

"I told you I'm alright!" Len retorted.

"You don't have to shout!" Jun shouted back, looking hurt. With an angry sob, she turned on her heel and stormed out of the room, making sure to bang the grand doors after her as hard as possible. The pressure was so much that the doors hit the sides and bounced back open.

"Len! You shouldn't act that way towards you sister!" Ran said as she walked to the doors and carefully closed them.

"And why, may I ask you?" Len asked sarcastically.

"Because she was the one who found you!" Ran said out loud and sat down beside him on the bed, "While she was trying to run away, that is." She muttered under her breath.

"Huh? Run away? Why was she trying to run away?" Len gaped at his mom.

"You'll find out soon enough," she replied and gently ran her fingers through his hair.

At that moment, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in!" Ran called out, standing up and looking towards the door.

A flaming red-haired young man entered the room. His emerald green eyes showed brightly.

"Oh, why hello Kurama," she smiled forcefully.

"Hello, Mrs. Tao. How is Len doing?" he asked, bowing slightly to reach Ran's height. Though way younger than her, Kurama was taller. He was wearing a dark pink coat over matching thin pants. The coat was open over a white shirt.

"I'm alive! And I can listen so ask me since I'M Len!" Len grumbled out, his arms folded.

"Hum?" Kurama looked at him, then smiled. "Of course. How are you Len?"

"Why don't you ask her?" Len jerked his head towards his mother's direction. "She usually knows and controls everything I do. Who are you anyway?" he demanded.

Kurama could not hide the fact that Len's behavior was out of control, but he looked calmly towards Ran and spoke,

"Mrs. Tao? May I speak to Len for a while?"

"Of course. Yes," Ran replied, looking at him. They stayed that way for a while- Ran looking at Kurama and he looking back at her.

"In private?" Kurama finally asked, realizing that she did not get it.

"Oh! Alright," she said hesitantly and stood up, then nervously walked to the door. "Um…just- just make sure he doesn't jump out the window!" she said hurriedly and fumbled out the room.

"And who might you be anyway!" Len snapped, blushing furiously at his mother's comment.

"I'm Fan Kurama, your sister's fiancé," Kurama smiled.

"Jun is getting married? How BIZARRE!! Anyway, you have no business with me so run along," Len waved his hand for him to go but suddenly stopped, his eyes widening, "Wait! Did you just say your Fan Kurama? Fan?!"

"Uh…might have," Kurama mumbled uncertainly, looking sideways.

"MIGHT HAVE? Your family member just killed my-" Len managed to stop himself, "killed Tamera!"

"So ...My sister's back," Kurama drew his eyebrows.

"Huh?" Len looked at Kurama confusedly, his temper reaching new heights.

"Who's Temera?" Kurama asked carefully.

"TAMERA!" Len replied.

"Uh...sorry...Tamera?" Whew! Close!

"She-" Len went red, "She's my friend…well, she was! Until your sister came along!" He was not just going to stand there when a possible friend of Tamera's killer was standing there beside him! With a furious growl, Len jumped off his bed and reached for his kwandao. Kurama was quick to slap his hand away and push him back on the bed. Muttering heatedly, Len rubbed his hand.

"I don't want any trouble, Len." Kurama said seriously.

"Nobody bosses me!" Len yelled and grabbed his kwandao, pointing it at Kurama. The man eyed the blade carefully, and then looked at Len.

"Don't be hasty," he was somehow managing to control himself.

"Your sister just killed Tamera! Don't expect me to just sit there!" The short-fused Len growled and slashed his weapon at Kurama once. It tore his sleeve. Blood dripped out his arm.

"DIE!" Len yelled and charged at him again, catching Kurama thrice, once on the cheek.

"I haven't seen Xui in three years!" Kurama cried, jumping back from Len's other assaults.

"HUH!" Len stopped, his eyes wide.

Just then Ran came rushing in. If she was worried before, she looked likely to faint now.

"Kurama! Len! Oh, dear! What are you doing!" she gasped, her face white. Moving slowly, she walked to Len and with trembling hands, led him to his bed. Finally, getting control, she regained her wits.

"LEN! What were you thinking!? Oh dear! Kurama? …Are you alright?" she walked to Kurama, whose hand was trying to cover the cuts on his right arm.

"We…we were just…just playing along, Mrs. Tao," Kurama muttered and looked sideways at Len, one last time before stepping out with Ran Tao.

So? What do you think?! Hope you liked it! .

Love,

Saori

PS. I really want t thank my sister who helped me alot with this chapter..so Azumi, this chappie is dedicated to you! o

Oh and please review They make me feel Special v

Love yall...