Well here's another one.  I got this done fast, it just seemed to come all
on it's own.  I added the last little bit from three, so you don't have to
go back and reread it.  This one is definately dialogue driven so don't 
expect a lot of action.

All standard disclaimers still apply.  And my address is still the same.
Jendra@aol.com

Enjoy!

Sailor Moon Universal

Chapter Five  The Twins


"What, Luna? You mean you don't remember him?"

"Remember him?"  Luna asked, totally confused.  "Should I remember him?  Was 
he from the Moon Kingdom?"

"You could say that.  He's my twin brother, Prince Tranquillity!"

-----------
"WWHHHAAAATTTTTT?"  Luna screeched.

Travis turned to Serena, "She can howl louder than you on occasion, can't 
she?"

Serena laughed even as she hit him.  "I take it you don't remember him?" she 
asked Luna.

"No, I don't remember him!  If this is some joke..." Luna didn't know what 
to think.  For once Serena was taking news calmly while 'she' was wailing her
head off.  Luna tried to get herself under control.

"I'm not really surprised you don't remember me,"  Travis put in soothingly, 
"I wasn't around much."

"I know."  Serena pouted, "and I hated it."

"Here, let's sit down, and I'll tell you what I remember, Serena can then 
tell what she remembers and we'll see if anything sparks your memory, okay?"
Travis led them over to the couch and the three sat down with Luna on 
Serena's lap.  Travis began.

"Our parent's marriage was not a love match.  It was simply a political 
marriage for both of them."  

Serena interupted, "That's one reason Mother was so determined that I would 
marry for love."

"Serena, do you want to tell this?"  Travis asked sternly.

"Sorry."

"As I was saying, our parents marriage was a political one.  It was made 
solely to ally the Kingdom of the Moon and the Kingdom of the Sun.  In case 
you haven't figured it out yet, our father was the King of the Sun.  Part of 
the alliance concerned the children, the first born daughter would become 
the heir to the Moon and the first born son would be heir to the Sun."

Serena interrupted again.  "Luna, could Mother have planned it so she would 
have twins?  I mean, could she have used the Crystal to make sure of it?"

"I think it's possible, Serena," Luna said impatiently, "but would you 
please be quiet.  I think I'm remembering some of this and I would like to 
hear the rest."

Travis waited until all talking had ceased before he continued.  "It was 
thought best that we stay with Mother the first few years.  I hear that we 
were inseperable during those years.  Then we turned five."  Travis grew 
silent and after waiting a few seconds Serena continued.

"When we turned five, it was decided that we were old enough to start 
learning about our kingdoms.  Tranq had to go to the Sun.  We only got to 
see each other about twice a year.  When we did get to see each other, we 
spent all our time together."  Serena grew silent as well, trying to 
remember times that were still misty.

"I remember," Luna said quietly.  Her mind, too, was caught in the past.  "I 
remember when you were born.  The entire kingdom rejoiced.  When you were 
shown to the people for the first time, everyone thought the Queen had been 
blessed with a pair of angels, you were so good.  They didn't know you very 
well."

"Hey!"  Serena cried out, surprised from her thoughts by what Luna had just 
said.  "What do you mean by that?  For that you can sit on the floor."  And 
Serena unceremoniously dumped Luna from her lap.  

Travis laughed as Luna managed to twist herself to land on her feet.  Then 
he calmed down.  "What 'did' you mean by that, Luna?  Maybe it came out 
wrong?"

Luna washed herself for a few minutes before she decided to start talking 
again.  "You two were total terrors."  Luna said suddenly.  "Especially that 
first night."

"What did we do?"  Serena asked, interested.

"You cried."  Luna said bluntly.  "We tried feeding you, you cried.  We tried
rocking you and walking you, you cried.  We tried changing you, you cried.  
We brought in a doctor because you cried so much.  Normally, a newborn baby 
only cries when hungry, wet, or wanting attention.  You two just cried.  We 
decided to leave you alone, you cried.  Nothing we could do would make you 
stop crying.  We were going out of our minds, sure that something was wrong 
with you."

"So what happened?"  Serena and Travis asked breathlessly when Luna stopped.

"The noise just stopped suddenly.  We all rushed in to see what had happened.
The nurse had been rocking one of you, I think it was you, Tranquillity, 
and accidently put you down in the wrong cradle.  Your crying had made us 
all so crazy that it's not surprising she didn't even notice the cradle was 
already occupied.  When we got in there she was just looking down into a 
cradle that had two sleeping babies in it.  We thought you two had finally 
gotten tired of crying and went to sleep.  So your mother picked up 
Tranquillity to put him back in his cradle.  You both woke up and started 
crying, even though you'd definately been asleep the moment before.  She put 
him back down, you were both asleep, lift him up and you were awake and 
crying.  That's the first time we got a hint of it."

"A hint of what?"  Serena and Travis asked simultaneously.

"You two would 'not' be separated.  You would be the sweetest children in 
the world while together, but try to separate you and you almost went 
berserk."  Luna looked disgusted.

Travis didn't look too happy either.  "I cried!  I can't believe I couldn't 
find another way to make my displeasure known."

"Oh, you did!  After you were two or so, 'you' started the silent treatment. 
You would just sit there, not say anything, and do absolutely nothing.  It 
was so frustrating!"  Luna sounded like she was still frustrated about it 
1000 years later.

"How could you separate us, then?"  Serena asked softly, holding on to 
Travis's arm as if someone was trying to separate them now.

"We didn't have a choice."  Luna said just as softly.  "It could have 
provoked an interstellar incident if we didn't.  Tranquillity wasn't even 
supposed to stay until he was five.  The alliance between the two kingdoms 
had been a necessity, there was bad blood between the Moon and the Sun.  
Your birth had stopped some of that, but when Tranquillity didn't come to 
the Sun, rumors started going around that Queen Serenity was holding him 
hostage, to ensure good behavior.  He had to go.  Though come to think of
it, a war would probably been a lot more fun than those next two months."

Travis decided to break up the solemn atmosphere.  "What I would like to 
know, is who got the bright idea to name twins Serenity and Tranquillity?  
Do you have any idea how often I got teased about that stupid name?  I would 
love to be alone with that person for just five minutes."

Luna looked away guiltily, blushing slightly.  Travis had turned to share a 
laugh with Serena so he didn't notice.  Unfortunately for Luna, for once 
Serena was sensitive enough to notice and looking the right way.  "Luna!  
You didn't!"  Serena said, shocked.

Travis turned to glare at Luna.  "It was 'your' idea?" he asked in disbelief.

"I didn't mean it seriously,"  she exclaimed, backing away.  "Serenity's name
had already been decided, all queens of the moon were named Serenity, but 
there wasn't an inherited name for the sun and no one could decide what to 
call you.  Then you were born and we had to come up with a name quickly.  I 
was just joking with the queen, trying to keep her spirits up and I said 
that it would be cute if you were named Tranquillity, it went so well with 
Serenity and it was the name of a sea on the moon.  How was I to know she 
would take me seriously and really name you that?"  Luna was backing away 
even as she babbled.  Travis was coming after her and he looked very annoyed.
It looked as though fifteen years of being teased over his name had finally 
come to the forefront as he went after the cause of his misfortune.  
"Besides,"  Luna said, "Apollo agreed to it and he had the last say since he 
was your father's representative at the court and was to be your guardian."  
Luna's voice slowed down as she listened to what she had just said.

"Apollo?"  Travis and Serena said in stereo.  Serena still looked a little 
bemused, but Travis looked like he had gotten a revelation.  He ran outside 
with Serena on his heels.

"You don't honestly think its him, do you?" Serena gasped as she followed 
after him.

"What are the chances that my guardian would have a golden falcon named 
Apollo, who 'didn't' have anything to do with me?"  Travis said as he hit 
the steps, his eyes scanning the skies.  He turned around at the "oof".  
Serena was sitting on the steps and rubbing her buttocks as she slowly got 
up.  "Are you alright?"  Travis asked, concerned.

"Yeah, yeah, just another klutz attack.  But didn't Apollo have the symbol 
of the Sun on his forehead, like Luna has the crescent Moon?  And I don't 
remember seeing one on 'this' Apollo."  

Travis and Luna both looked at Serena in surprise.  They had both expected 
her signature wail at the fall, not a calm continuation of the conversation.

When she didn't get an answer to her question, Serena looked up to catch the 
two of them staring at her.  "What?" she snapped.  She got even more annoyed 
when they looked at each other, shrugged and said "Nothing" in exactly the 
same tone of voice.

"Maybe he was reborn like us, instead of being put in a stasis capsule like 
the cats.  We'll never know until we ask.  Come on."  Travis started out 
into the yard. 

He whistled, loud and long, and waited.  The falcon flew straight out of the 
rising sun.  Travis punched his fist up into the air.  *When Uncle Darien 
first showed me Apollo, I did this, and Apollo was going to land, but Uncle 
Darien said that it was the wrong way to do it.  He was right.  If this 
isn't 'my' Apollo, this is going to hurt.*  But the falcon landed gently on 
the upraised fist, mantled his wings, and stayed in place as Travis lowered 
his arm to look him in the eye.

Luna was back in Serena's arms and looking nervously at the large predator 
in front of her.  "Serena was right, he doesn't have the sun symbol, I don't 
think it's him."  Serena and Luna looked at Travis to gauge his reaction to 
that statement.  They were very surprised at the reaction they got.

"You always were quick to jump to conclusions, Luna."  Everyone's head 
whipped up as they looked at each other in shock.  The voice had 'not' come 
from one of them.

They turned to look at Apollo.  He looked back at them with his beak slightly
open, in the closest thing to a grin any of them could imagine on a falcon's 
face.

"It is you!"  Travis said happily.  

"It's nice to see you again, too, Travis."  The falcon said in a slightly 
grating voice.  "At least you know me this time.  And as for why I don't 
have the sun symbol on my forehead?  I just learned to hide it."  As Apollo 
said this his forehead started to glow and the symbol of the sun was 
suddenly glowing there.  Serena looked at Travis and stared.  The sun 
symbol was shining on his forehead as well!

Serena was about to remark on this when she suddenly glanced at the real sun.
"Travis?  What time is it?"

Travis looked at his watch.  "It's seven forty-five.  We're going to be 
late!"  The two of them tore back inside, leaving Luna and Apollo staring 
after them.  They looked at each other for a long moment, then in complete 
agreement said one word.  "Teenagers!"

Miss Haruna had only one word for them when they came in ten minutes late to 
class.  "Detention."


That afternoon at detention

"You know," Serena said, "I'm not sure if even finding out about you makes 
this day worthwhile."

"I know what you mean."  Travis agreed, "Late for school, didn't eat 
breakfast, didn't bring lunch, have detention."

"And no one seems to be talking to me."  Serena finished for him.  "Amy and 
Lita were acting like I was carrying the plague or something.  I didn't even 
get a chance to tell them about us."

"Probably because you were trying to eat their lunch."  Travis said, 
laughing.  "Well if we're stuck here, we might as well get some work done."  
They pulled out their school books and started working on their homework.  

Miss Haruna looked in on them a couple of times, only to see them working 
diligently.  She shook her head as she walked away.  When Serena had come 
in late this morning, she was sure that everything was back to normal.  It 
seemed this was not so.

When Travis finished his homework, he looked over at Serena.  She had a look 
of extreme concentration on her face as she worked a problem.  He took her 
math homework and started looking it over.  When Serena finally finished he 
pointed out a couple of mistakes she had made and she fixed them.

"Serena," Travis asked, "when is your birthday?"

"Nineteen days from today,"  Serena answered without even stopping to think. 
She had been keeping track. "Why, you going to get me a present?"

"In other words, two weeks from Saturday, right?"  Serena nodded.  "The same 
day as mine."

"Is that so surprising?"  Serena asked, puzzled, "We are twins after all."

"We 'were' twins, Serena.  The question is, are we still twins."  Serena now 
looked extremely puzzled, he didn't even wait for her to ask.  "We are the 
same age, have the same birthday and are both adopted.  Do you think we were 
born as twins in this reincarnation, as well?"

"No."  Serena said immediately.

Travis waited.  "No?  That's all you've got to say?  Why not?"

"Because I know my parents, they would not have adopted me without adopting 
you too."  Serena had 'no' doubts about it.

"What if I got adopted first?  'My' parents wouldn't have any qualms about 
splitting us up."  Travis watched Serena as she thought that through. 

"Why don't we find out then?  I know where my adoption papers are.  Do you 
know where yours are?"  Serena asked logically.

Travis just stared at her.  Even with the increase in the amount of homework 
and studying she did, logical thinking was 'not' something he ever expected 
out of Serena.  *Actually, Serenity did think logically every once in a 
while.  Bringing back our memories of each other, probably brought Serenity 
more into the forefront of her mind.*  He realized Serena was waiting for an 
answer.  "I can find them, I think."  He waited to see what else she would 
come up with in this weird mood.  He wasn't disappointed.

"Then I'll go home and get mine while you try to find yours.  I'll meet you 
at your house as soon as I can.  We'll compare the papers and see if we have 
the same parents."  Serena started getting her books together.

"Sounds like a plan,"  Travis agreed as he got up.  "I'm proud of you."

Serena looked after him for a moment as she thought about what he said and 
how she had been acting.  Then she laughed to herself.  *Two plans in a 
little more than a week, I'm doing good.*


At the Tsukino house

*It's a good thing Mom is out grocery shopping, I really don't want to tell 
her about this until I'm sure.  I do feel a little bad about looking in her 
stuff like this, though.*

"Whatcha doin?"  A voice came from behind her.

Serena jumped.  She turned around, standing in the doorway was Reenie.  
Serena smiled at the little girl.  "Can you keep a secret?"

"Of course.  I'm not some little kid."  Reenie said, annoyed.

"So can I"  Serena laughed as she went back to looking through the papers.  
*Here it is.*

"I'm gonna tell on you.  You're not supposed to go through your parents 
stuff."  Reenie was apalled that Serena would do such a thing.

Serena noticed.  She knelt down in front of the child.  "Reenie trust me.  I 
know what I'm doing.  What I just got is information about me, there's 
something I have to find out the truth about.  As soon as I do, I'll tell 
my parents, okay?"  

Reenie nodded slowly.  She wasn't completely convinced, but decided to trust 
Serena for a little bit longer.

Serena stood up.  "If you promise not to tell 'anybody' about what you're 
going to see and hear until I tell you you can, then you can come with me.  
Agreed?"

Reenie thought for a long moment.  "I promise."  Reenie said.  Serena looked 
down at her for another minute, before taking her hand and leading her out 
of the house.  Reenie soon figured out where they were going.  She stopped.  
"Serena?" she asked hesitantly.

"Yeah?" Serena answered, distracted by what she hoped they were going to 
find out soon.

"'Is' Travis your new boyfriend?  I mean, I guess I can understand, with 
Darien gone and all, but..."  Reenie trailed off.

"No, Reenie, he isn't.  I still love Darien, I always will.  In fact, I'm 
hoping we'll soon find out it isn't possible for Travis to be my boyfriend."

Reenie looked confused.  "Huh?" she asked, but Serena refused to say another 
word and they continued on to Travis's house.

Serena looked down at Reenie as she thought of a way to get her mind off of 
what they had been talking about.  "Race you to his house,"  Serena yelled 
as she started running.

"Hey, no fair!"  Reenie started running after Serena, but her legs weren't 
as long and she hadn't had as much practice as Serena.  "Luna Ball, slow her 
down."  she cried.  Luna Ball flew towards the unsuspecting girl and between 
her legs, causing her to fall down.  Reenie ran past, laughing.  "That's 
what you get for trying to cheat."

"I'm gonna get you for that one, Reenie,"  Serena yelled as she got up and 
started running again.  By the time they got to Travis's house, they were 
even, and Serena took the lead going up the steps.  She burst through 
the door, turned her head to laugh at Reenie, and ran straight into a large 
body.  The papers in her hand went flying.  She looked up.

Standing there was a man, he was tall, at least six feet, with very short 
brown hair and green eyes.  He was holding Travis's shoulder with one hand 
and staring at the girl who just ran into him.  *That's one weird hairdo* 
was his first thought as he bent down to pick up the papers she had caused 
'him' to drop.  He looked at the little girl standing in the doorway, 
staring at him.  *Maybe it's a new fashion.*

Looking at the man standing in front of her, Serena got to her feet, bowed, 
and started talking.  "Excuse me sir, I didn't see you there, I was just 
racing my cousin, I didn't mean to run into you, I'm really, really, sorry.  
I should have watched where I was going," she babbled.  "Who are you anyway 
and what are you doing in Travis's house?"

"I could ask you the same question, young lady.  I own this house.  My name 
is Darien Jacobson.  Who are you and what are you doing here?"  Darien 
Jacobson waited to hear her answer, he was surprised at the answer he got.

"Don't you dare, Serena."  Travis ordered.  "Now is not the time to start 
crying over your boyfriend!" as she was about to start wailing.  "I'm sorry, 
sir, her ex-boyfriend's name is Darien and anytime she hears something that 
reminds her of him, she starts wailing."  During this explanation, Serena 
tried desperately to stop the wail she had started at his name.  She just 
barely managed to swallow it.  Jacobson, however, had stopped paying 
attention.  He was looking at the boy he was holding.

"I had almost forgotten about you.  You were going to tell me what you were 
doing going through my papers."  He looked at the papers he was holding.  
"Your adoption papers?  Why were you looking for these?"  Serena had bent 
down to pick up her own papers and was looking at them wide-eyed.  As Travis 
looked over at her, she pointed to the papers Jacobson was holding and 
mouthed "mine".  Travis nodded.

"I..just..wanted to know for sure.  Sir."  Travis said slowly.  Before 
Jacobson could ask anything, "I just,  I don't have anybody left, not really.
I mean you're great and all, but I just wanted to know who my parents were, 
okay?  I wanted to know if the day I had always celebrated my birthday on 
was really the day I was born or just something my 'parents' had made up, to 
make my adoption less likely to be found out.  I don't even know if I was 
born with the name Travis."  By the end of this Travis was shouting, and 
tears were standing in his eyes.  It was obvious that he meant every word he 
said.

Serena looked on in sympathy, then looked down as she felt someone sidling 
up to her.  She smiled at Reenie, who was watching all of this with wide 
eyes, and drew her gently next to her, leaving her arm around Reenie's 
shoulders as Reenie held onto her leg.  *I feel so sorry for him, growing up 
with a family that didn't love him.  It's no wonder he wanted to know about 
his first family.*  She stayed quiet, she knew Jacobson had forgotten about 
them, although Travis hadn't, because he was trying to keep her from seeing 
his tears.  She shot a glance behind him, to where Luna and Apollo were 
sitting at a window, looking in.

Jacobson's face had softened as he heard his ward's impassioned speech.  He 
could understand.  He looked at the paper's in his hand.  "Why didn't you 
just ask instead of looking through my stuff?  Never mind, I know, I wasn't 
here was I?  Yes, you've been celebrating the right birthday, Travis. I 
don't think they would have changed that.  As for your parents, their names 
were Trevor and Sarah Aton."

"Trevor and Sarah Aton, sounds nice."  Travis said, even as his eyes were on 
Serena, who was nodding her head, with a gigantic smile on her face.  "And 
my name?  What name was I born with?"  He looked back up at his guardian.

Jacobson looked at the top of the page.  Without really looking at it, he 
read. "Serena Usagi...Aton.  What?"  He stared at the name for a moment, 
until his attention was taken by one of the two girls he had forgotten.

"YAHOOO!  It's true!  It's true!"  Serena was jumping up and down in place.  
Travis suddenly wrenched himself free of the hold Jacobson had on him, and 
ran to Serena.  Picking her up he swung her around into a bear hug.  They 
were both laughing and crying at the same time.  

Reenie and Jacobson looked on, flabbergasted.  Then Jacobson bent down to 
pick up the papers that the girl had just dropped again.  They, too, were 
adoption papers, and the name at the top was Travis William Aton.  He stared 
at the two papers, comparing them for a long moment, then he spoke. "You're..
Twins?" he asked, completely and utterly stunned.

"What?"  Reenie screeched.

Serena laughed.  "I told you I hoped it wouldn't be possible for him to be 
my boyfriend.  And it's not!"

Jacobson was still in shock, but was trying to work his way out of it.  Then 
Travis asked a question.  "Sir?  Which of us was adopted first?  Does it 
say?"  

Jacobson noticed that the girl, Serena?, looked a little worried at the 
question, but he answered it anyway.  "You were, Travis, by about three 
days."

Serena's face cleared up.  "See, I told you my parents wouldn't have 
separated us if they had known.  One more question, while your holding the 
papers, please."  At Jacobson's nod, "Which one of us was born first?"

"Um, this says that Serena was born at 10:47 p.m. and Travis at 10:53 p.m."  
Jacobson looked up at them.  "Will you two stand next to each other for a 
minute?" 

They shrugged and did as he asked.  Looking at them, he could see the 
resemblance, both had high cheekbones and small noses, although Travis's 
weren't as noticable because he was huskier.  Their hair was only shades 
different and their eyes were exactly the same.  The same clear blue, filled 
at the moment with joy.  It was obvious, just from looking in their eyes, 
that they were both extremely happy at the moment.

"I can see it."  Reenie said, also looking at them.  "How come nobody 
noticed it before?  They do look a lot alike."

Travis answered before anyone else could.  "Because no one was expecting it. 
After all, I'm from Virginia and we're from separate families.  No one even 
knows, besides us four and Serena's parents, that she's adopted."  He thinks 
for a moment.  Then he looks at Serena and his Uncle Darien, "Do you want us 
to keep it a secret?  Serena, if you tell your parents, you'll have to let 
them know that you know you're adopted.  And Uncle Darien, if it gets out 
everyone will know I'm adopted."

Everyone grew quiet as they thought it over.  Then Jacobson spoke.  "It 
doesn't matter anymore, if you're adopted or not, Travis.  I don't mind if 
it gets out."  He looks at Serena, "And if she's going to be around for a 
while, maybe you had better call me Uncle Jake instead.  A lot of my friends 
call me Jake so I won't have any trouble getting used to it."  Travis nodded 
grinning.

Serena spoke up a minute later.  "I have to talk to my parents.  They need 
to know.  But I don't think we should tell anyone else until I've talked to 
them, okay?"  Travis and Jacobson nod.  "Reenie?  Is something the matter? 
You did promise you wouldn't say anything until I gave permission."

"I know and I won't, but not even the others?  I thought you didn't keep 
any thing secret from them?"  Reenie looked up at Serena, "And what about 
Darien?"

"No one Reenie, not even the others.  I tried to talk to Amy and Lita about 
what we suspected today, but they weren't talking to me, probably still mad 
about last night.  Besides, this really has nothing to do with them, it's a 
family thing at the moment.  And by the time 'he' comes back, everyone will 
probably know."  Serena thinks for a long moment.  "I need to find time to 
talk to them when Sammy's not at home."

"How 'bout tonight?  Sammy's eating dinner at Bobby's I think."  Serena 
nodded.  It was obvious to everybody that she was already nervous about it.

Travis looked at his guardian, "Do you mind if I eat dinner at Serena's 
tonight?  I know it's your first night back, but I think she needs the 
support."

"I have a better idea."  He said quietly.  "Serena?"

"Yes?"

"I hear that Travis has been eating at your house every morning.  I think 
it's only fair that we return the favor, besides I should meet the parents 
of my ward's best friend, don't you think?  Why don't I invite them over for 
dinner tonight?  It will at least help to put you all on neutral grounds.  I 
think that might be important."

"I think that would be a good idea.  Thank you."  She suddenly grinned.  
"Uncle Jake."


That night

"Thank you for inviting us, Mr. Jacobson.  I'm sorry our son couldn't come 
with us tonight, but he had already made plans."  Mrs. Tsukino said as she 
came through the door. 

"That's alright, Mrs. Tsukino.  Reenie told me he was eating at a friends 
tonight, but since I'm never sure how long I will be able to stay at home, 
I decided to invite you over when I could."  Jacobson said as he showed the 
Tsukino's into the dining room where Travis, Serena and Reenie were bringing 
out the food.

The conversation was light during dinner, focused mainly on Mr. Jacobson's 
job as a photojournalist.  The Tsukinos noticed that Serena didn't eat as 
fast as usual and rarely talked, but put it down to good manners.  They told 
Jacobson what a good influence Travis was on their daughter.  He got a laugh 
out of Travis's form of a wake-up call.

Then dinner was over and it was time.

All through dinner, Serena tried to think of a subtle way to open the 
subject.  She failed, so finally she decided on her usual way, blunt.  As 
her parents sat down on the couch in the living room, Serena asked it.  "Why 
didn't you ever tell me I was adopted?"

She was watching her family as she said it.  Her mother dropped the glass 
she was holding and her father's face got white and tense.

"How did you know?" her mother asked quietly.

"I've known for years, Mom."  Serena said, going to her knees in front of 
them.  "Remember that family tree I did in third grade?  You showed me 
pictures and paintings of all my ancestors.  Not a blond among them.  Even 
at that age, I knew it wasn't possible.  Then a couple of years ago I found 
this."  She reached over from where she was sitting and Travis handed her a 
paper.

Her parents barely glanced at it.  "Your adoption certificate," her mother 
said, even quieter.  "Why didn't you ever say anything?"

"Do you love me?"  Serena asked.

"Of course we do!  How could you even ask such a thing?" 

Her father than spoke for the first time.  "We loved you the moment we saw 
you, you were only about three months old and looked so little and helpless."

Serena leaned up and kissed her parents on the cheek.  "Then 'this' doesn't 
matter," she  said, pointing to the papter her mother was holding.  "As I 
told Travis, when I told him I was adopted.  'Families are made of love.  
My family loves me.  Nothing else matters.'"

"That's sweet."  Mrs. Tsukino said, looking at her daughter with new eyes.

"Why did you bring it up, then?" her father asked, still unsure about what 
was going on and her reaction.

Serena, who was in a very sensitive mood at the moment, saw it and 
understood.  She squirmed up between her parents, and tried as best she 
could to hug them both at the same time.  She turned around so she was 
facing them again and took their hands.  She spoke forcefully and looked 
them in the eye so they could 'see' she meant it.  "You are my parents.  I 
love you and will 'always' love you.  Nothing in this world or any other can 
change that.  I am 'your' daughter.  I always will be.  Don't ever doubt 
that, please."  There were tears in her eyes as she finished.

Serena's mother hugged her for a long moment.  Tears dripped down her face.  
Somehow she had never expected this.  Sometimes she had nightmares about 
Serena finding out and not loving them because they weren't her 'real' 
parents.  Serena had just put all her fears to rest.  She knew that Serena 
had meant every word she said.  She looked over at her husband and caught 
him watching them with a slightly misty-eyed expression.  "Why?" she asked.

Serena reached back.  Travis again put a paper into her hand and she gave it 
to her parents.  "Look at them," she said, settling back onto the floor.

Her parents stared at the two nearly identical pieces of paper in front of 
them.  Almost simultaneously they raised their heads to look at Travis and 
Serena, and then at each other.  Mr. Tsukino got his voice back first.  
"Travis William...Aton?"

"Once, but I'm Travis Watson now, the same way Serena is a Tsukino.  It's 
your decision now."  As they both turned to look at him, he continued, "If 
you don't want anyone to know that Serena's adopted, that's fine.  Nobody 
has to know we're twins.  As long as we know, it's alright.  You have to 
decide whether we tell anyone else or keep it a secret."

The Tsukino's thought for a long time.  They had kept it a secret because 
they were afraid of how the children would react.  Based on Serena's 
reaction, they had worried needlessly.  They talked quietly for a moment 
before Mr. Tsukino spoke.  "It's fine with us if you want people to know.  
Just give us a few days to tell Sammy and get him used to it and then you 
can announce it to the world."

"How about on our birthday?"  Travis asked.  As they looked towards him 
inquiringly, he continued his thought.  "We could have a double birthday 
party here at the house and tell everyone at the same time."

"That sounds like a good idea, except for the fact that you didn't ask your 
guardian first."  Mrs. Tsukino laughed for the first time in the last couple 
of hours.  She grew serious once more.  "Travis, I want you to think of 
yourself as part of the family.  As our daughter's brother, you are, and we 
would like you to think of yourself that way.  Alright?"

As Travis tried to swallow the lump that had grown in his throat,  Jacobson 
added, "Serena, that goes for you too.  You are welcome here whenever you 
wish.  You can even call me Uncle Jake."

"Does that mean we can have the party here?"  Serena asked.  She grinned at 
Reenie who had been sitting quietly the whole time.  "If the fungus, here, 
doesn't wreck everything by tripping over her own feet."

"I'm not the one who klutzs out, Meatball Head!"  And the arguement they 
started dispelled the rest of the tension in the room.


Several days later

The secret the three kids shared bonded them closer together.  Serena was 
happy about that.  Sometimes it seemed they were the only friends she had.  
The other girls still were barely talking to her and not even Luna could 
find out why.  Because of that, none of them knew about Serena and Travis.  
Wednesday afternoon, the three of them went to the arcade.

"Serena, can I talk to you?"  Andrew seemed unusually serious and Serena was 
worried as they followed him into a back room.  He started, "Early today I 
got a call from a friend of mine in Denver.  Darien went there on vacation."

Serena bust in.  "Something's happened to Darien?"  

Reenie followed.  "He's okay, right?"

"I'm afraid not.  He was exploring some ruins and fell into a pit.  It 
collapsed on him.  They couldn't even find his body.  I'm sorry.  I know 
you liked him."  Serena was just shaking her head as Reenie began wailing.

"NNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOO!  I don't believe you!  You're lying! Darien's okay.
He's got to be!"  Travis rushed to her as she screamed.  She started hitting 
him on the chest.  "He's okay.  I would know if he was hurt.  He can't be 
dead!  He can't!  He promised he wouldn't leave me alone.  He promised, 
Travis!  He always keeps his promises.  Always!  He's not dead!  Make Andrew 
tell the truth, Travis.  Make him admit he lied.  Please!  Please, Travis!"  
Finally she collapsed to her knees, crying as if her world was destroyed.  
Travis just held her, rocking her, and trying his best to comfort her.  He 
reached out with one hand and pulled Reenie to him and held them both as 
they cried.

Half an hour later, Reenie had cried herself to exhaustion and was asleep on 
the floor of the storeroom.  Travis still held Serena, she still cried.  She 
wasn't wailing anymore, but nothing he could do could stop the endless rain 
of tears.  After making sure she would be alright for a moment alone, he 
went into the arcade to call his guardian.

Andrew came up to him.  "I didn't think it would hit her that hard."

"She loved him," he said simply and then made his call.

Fifteen minutes later, they were at his house.  Jacobson had carried a 
sobbing Serena out to his car, while Travis followed with a still sleeping 
Reenie.  Reenie was laying in one of the guest bedrooms, while Serena was in 
another, still sobbing.  Luna was in there with her and asked for Travis to 
leave them alone for a little while.  He agreed and was now worrying in the 
living room.  He had tried calling Serena's parents, but they had decided to 
go out of town for the night with Sammy, since they knew Jacobson could and 
would take care of the girls and they needed to talk to Sammy alone.

Travis went in to check on Serena.  He was very surprised when he got there.
Serena wasn't in her room.  Luna sat on the windowsill, looking worried.  She
turned to him.  "She got a call.  There's a fight going on at, of course, the
park.  She went, but she's not in any shape to fight.  I'm worried about 
her."  she finished, looking out once more.

Travis didn't hesitate.  "I'm going after her.  I'll tell Uncle Jake that 
she's asleep and not to bother her."

"What can you do?" Luna asked.  You're not a Scout and I don't think you
know how to access your prince powers yet, do you?"

"No, I don't.  But I will do whatever it takes to make sure she gets home
safely."  He turns to leave.

He told Jacobson not to bother Serena and that he was going out for a walk.  
As soon as he was out of sight of the house, he took off running.  Apollo 
found him a moment later.  "What's the matter, Travis?  Unlike Luna, I am not
allowed inside the house.  I saw you carrying Serena inside, is she hurt?"

"Not in the body, not yet, anyway.  We recieved word that Endymion had died
earlier in the week.  She's still in shock and then was called on to fight."
Travis wasn't really paying attention to his words.  He was more interested
in making sure he got to the park.

"That's not possible."  Apollo said.  His grating voice cut through Travis's
thoughts.

"She's Sailor Moon, she's expected to fight.  Why isn't it possible?"  Travis
asked.

"No, I meant Endymion having died and you just getting word.  I remember how
close you three were.  I've seen you limp for a week when he broke his leg.
And you were half a solar system away at the time.  You would have felt his
death, believe me!  I've been watching you and Serena this weekend.  You've 
shown no signs that he's even been hurt."

"Maybe the link doesn't work anymore."  Travis said.  

Apollo shook his head.  Travis almost smiled at the sight.  "How does Tuxedo
Mask always know when Sailor Moon is in trouble?  The link is still active
and 'cannot' work one way.  He's still alive."

"Are you sure, Apollo?  If you're right, it's wonderful news, but I won't get
Serena's hopes up on a possible."  Apollo just looked at him.  "Well you
believe it, so it problably is true.  Why do I have a link with him, anyway?"

"You don't remember?"  At Travis's look.  "I guess not.  You were blood 
brothers.  When you performed the ceremony, you became linked the same way
you and Serenity were."

"I need to tell Serena this.  Here's the park."  He looked towards where 
lights were flashing.  "And there's the fight."

When Travis got to the fight, it was all he could do not to rush in and try 
to help.  The Scouts were having a hard time, fighting a monster made almost 
entirely out of tentacles.  Sailor Mercury was trapped in the droid's hold.  
Sailor Mars was just getting up from where she had been thrown against a 
tree.  Jupiter and Venus were powering up for their attacks.  And Sailor 
Moon was just standing there, not really paying attention.

"VENUS LOVE CHAIN ENCIRCLE" cut the vines off of Sailor Mercury.  She 
fell to the ground.  Travis grinned.  She was still working her computer and 
didn't even seem to notice.

"Do something Sailor Moon!  Don't just stand there." Sailor Mars yelled out.  
Sailor Moon looked up as if she had  been awoken from a dream.

"Oh, alright.  MOON TIARA MAGIC" and she sent a discus toward the droid.  It
wasn't a very high powered discus and didn't do any damage.

"What is the matter with you, Sailor Moon?  That was pitiful!"  Mars yelled.  
"You?re acting like your best friend died."

Sailor Moon just collapsed weeping.

Travis stared up at  Apollo.  "I've got to help them.  I'm the prince of the 
Sun, can't I become Sailor Sun, or something."

Apollo shook his head.  "Not without the Sun Stone, and I'm not entirely sure
where it is."

Travis was about to ask more questions when the action in the clearing took 
up his attention. 

"JUPITER THUNDERCLAP ZAP"  "MARS CELESTIAL FIRE SURROUND" both hit at the 
same time.  Almost all of the monster's tentacles fell off.  

"MERCURY ICESTORM SPLASH"  "VENUS LOVE CHAIN ENCIRCLE" took off the rest of 
them.

"Now, Sailor Moon!"  Mars called out, but Sailor Moon just lay there, crying.
Mars ran up and slapped her across the face.  As Sailor Moon looked up, 
shocked, Mars said, "You are our leader and you will act like it.  Or we'll 
find a new leader.  Do you understand?"  It was obvious she meant it.

Sailor Moon got to her feet and looked toward the droid.  She took out her 
scepter "MOON SCEPTER ELIMINATION" turned the droid into dust.  Then she got 
up and walked away.

Travis met her as she left the clearing.  "Are you alright?"

"That's a dumb question.  The man I love is dead and it looks like my best 
friends are turning on me, and you ask if I'm alright?"  she almost screamed.

Travis looked on in sympathy.  "Apollo doesn?t think he's dead."  he said 
simply.  As she looked up, he continued, "he says that the link, which always
tells Tuxedo Mask when you're in trouble, works both ways, and that if he had
died you would have felt it."

"That?s true, Princess.  The bond between you two was strong enough, that 
when Endymion got hurt, you felt it up on the moon.  There is 'no' way in 
which you could have not felt him dying while on the same planet."

Sailor Moon thought about it for a very long time.  They were almost back to 
the house by the time she spoke again.  "I do remember.  I felt it when 
Zoisite wounded him.  I just didn?t know what it was."  She turned to Travis.
"Do you really believe that he's still alive?"  her eyes were begging for 
reassurance.  Travis gave it to her.

"I do.  Apollo said, Endymion and I are blood brothers and the bond we have 
by that is almost as strong as the one you two have.  And I don't remember 
feeling anything was wrong this entire weekend.  I think, that until they 
find his body, I will not believe he is dead.  You shouldn?t either."

"I?ll try."  Sailor Moon jumped up to her window.  "I?ll try."
-----------

Well, there's another one.  Truthfully, I hadn't expected this one to take 
so long.  Let me change that, I had planned for this one to incorporate
everything that's going to happen in Chapter Six The Sun Stone.  As has 
happened before, it took on a life of its own.  Oh well.  Tell me what you
think at Jendra@aol.com