Ok, short chapter, I know, but it lives up to its title... I'll make up for it with an extra long chapter 5. And once again, a HUGE thank you to all that reviewed!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!

Chapter 4: Secrets Revealed

The maids were hurrying around the castle. Many of them were carrying blankets, medicine, hot water bottles, and your occasional bowl of soup.

As soon as Pan emerged from her room that morning, still in her pajamas, she knew something was wrong. She hurried to Trunks' room, only to find he was not there. So she did the next best thing; she went to Bra's room.

"Come in." Pan opened the door to see her sister sitting at her desk, accompanied by a textbook, a piece of blank paper, and a pencil. Obviously, her studies tutor had dropped by recently. But it wasn't like Bra not to quickly finish her studies so she could concentrate on her one true passion; medicine. Ever since she had gotten bored with throwing tea parties for her stuffed animals, she began bandaging them, and pretending to feed them medicine. Then when she had grown older, she began sneaking down to the castle doctor's quarters, and began receiving weekly lessons from him. She had actually become quite advanced in biology and anatomy for anyone her age. That was one of the main reasons she disliked being a princess. It meant she couldn't become a doctor.

Pan could tell something was wrong with Bra right away.

"Bra, is something the matter?" Bra looked up from her blank paper, and stared at her for a moment before speaking. Her eyes were tear-stained.

"Oh Pan, haven't you heard? Okaa-san is very sick. None of the doctors know what's wrong with her. They suspect it's some new disease originating from some other planet that wasn't meant for Saiyans. Plus, it might be inheritable. Any one of us could have the disease, too!"

Pan had never seen her sister look so frightened and helpless in her life. Bra continued to stare at her paper, as though commanding it to write itself. Pan could tell she was trying very hard not to cry. Pan herself did not know what to say to comfort her. Pan let Bra calm down for a few minutes, then asked if there was anything she could do. After being rejected from helping in any way, Pan left to find Trunks. After searching the kitchens and castle gardens thoroughly, she decided to go and see her mother instead.

She was surprised to find Trunks there.

Trunks had pulled up a chair next to his sleeping mother's bed. Both of his strong hands wrapped around one of her small frail hands. He was gazing out a nearby window, which had been opened to let in some fresh air. He seemed to be in a deep trance when Pan quietly entered the room. Seeing her brother in this state, she walked over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Oh, Pan. I didn't hear you come in." He turned to look out the window. A single bird could be heard singing in the trees just outside the castle.

"How is she?"

"She's just resting now, but the doctors say she's getting worse... Pan..." He let go of his mother's hand, and turned to face his sister. "There's something Okaa-san wanted me to tell you."

"What is it?" Looking back at Bulma, then back at Pan, Trunks stood up and walked toward the door.

"Why don't we take a little walk?"

"Okay, just let me get some clothes on first." Pan ran to her room and quickly pulled on some comfortable jean pants, and a red t-shirt that showed a little midriff with yellow lining on the neckline and sleeves. Then she grabbed her favorite orange bandana, and followed Trunks outside. (A/N: Outfit sound familiar? I always thought that outfit was so tight!)

They were both now outside in the warm, bright sunlight. The two proceeded to walk to their favorite spot in the garden; a small gazebo overlooking a winding creek that flowed right underneath it. They sat down on opposite ends of the gazebo.

"Trunks, there's something I've been meaning to ask you about." Pan said quietly.

"Yeah?" Trunks laced his fingers, and looked up at her.

"Yesterday, in the gravity room... My ki blast got so big all of a sudden... Why did that happen?"

"I suppose you just got too overexcited, and focused too much ki on your blast. Try to remain calmer next time, okay?"

"Sure, thanks." Pan sighed. She looked around, at the light shining through the thick leaves of the trees all around them. She turned back to Trunks, suddenly remembering why they were out here in the first place.

"So, what is it? What did Okaa-san want you to tell me?"

Trunks sighed, and then took a deep breath.

"Pan... you're... you're adopted."