CHAPTER SEVEN

PRINCESS PROBLEM

The bell at Crossroads Junior High school rang loud and clear for the last time that year. A deep rumble from within the school exploded as the students ran out of the building.

“No more school until September!” Serena said happily as she ran towards her friends.

Lita turned and smiled as Serena sped towards her, pig tails flying. She and Amy had been waiting for Serena outside the school so they could walk home together.

“Let's hit the arcade!” Serena suggested.

“Sorry Serena, I'm going shopping with Mina and Raye,” Lita said.

Serena turned to Amy with a huge grin and grabbed her friend by the arm.

“How about a movie, Amy?” Serena asked. “You can pick.”

“I can't. I have to go to the library to get started on my extra credit essays,” she said.

“Why don't you come with us to the mall?” Lita suggested.

Serena shook her head.

“I'll just call Jenny and see . . ,” Serena stopped short.

Amy put her arm around her friend's shoulder.

“But I can't do that because, she's gone,” Serena said softly.

“Maybe I do have time for a movie, how about it?” Amy said gently. “I’ll buy you some popcorn.”

Serena shook her head and wiped away her tears.

“No thanks, I'm not in the mood anymore,” she said as she walked away.

Lita and Amy watched sadly as Serena slowly walked towards her house, leaving the comfort of her friends behind her.

*****

“Hey Serena, do you want to come over for a while?” Amy asked on her communicator. “My mother is away for a while and we could have a sleep over.”

Serena shook her head. “No thanks, Amy. I think I'll study or something.”

Luna watched her silently before jumping onto Serena's lap and looking into the communicator.

“Get the other scouts. Serena will be there,” Luna said.

Amy smiled and flashed off.

“What did you say that for?” Serena demanded.

“Because you've spent enough time moping about. Jenny is gone and you've got to face it. I'll probably never say this again, but go out and be with your friends,” Luna said.

“Will you come too?” Serena asked.

“If you want me to,” Luna answered.

Serena stood from where she had been sitting on her bed.

“Okay, let's go,” she said.

*****

Mina, Artemis, Lita, and Raye were already at Amy's apartment when Serena and Luna arrived.

“We can go to the park and play ball, okay?” Amy said.

The others agreed enthusiastically, but Serena just shrugged. Soon they were in the fresh air, all their worries forgotten. From a nearby bench, Luna and Artemis watched.

“This is good for Serena,” Luna said.

“Yeah, she hasn't been this depressed since Darien went to the Negaverse,” Artemis agreed.

“Heads up, Serena!” Amy called as she tossed the ball.

Serena leapt up and whacked it to Lita.

“No so hard!” Lita laughed as the ball was passed to Raye.

Mina reached up to hit the ball Raye passed to her and missed. The ball continued on its path and it seemed to quicken it’s pace as it smacked Serena right in the head. She fell over backwards and didn't move.

“Serena!” Luna cried as she and Artemis rushed over.

Two dark shadows in the bushes laughed wickedly and vanished. The scouts crowded around their fallen friend. Lita propped up Serena’s head and gently shook her.

“Hey, wake up!” she called quietly.

Amy rushed over to a nearby water fountain and soaked her handkerchief with cold water. She sprinkled the water on Serena's face. The unconscious girl moaned.

“She's waking up!” Mina exclaimed.

“She’s all right,” Raye said with relief.

Serena blinked and opened her eyes. She looked around at her friends.

“Oh, my friends! What has happened?” she asked.

The scouts exchanged a four way glance.

“Is it just me, or does she sound different?” Mina said.

“Different? It is not me who sounds different,” Serena objected.

“Yeah, now that you mention it, the normal Serena would be wailing at the top of her lungs,” Raye agreed.

Lita helped her friend into a sitting position.

“What is your name?” she asked.

“What a foolish question! I am Princess Serena of the Moon Kingdom. You are Princess Jupiter and a member of my court,” Serena answered.

“Oh dear,” Luna muttered.

*****

“Mission . . ,” Albite began

“Accomplished,” Halite finished.

Prince Rutile sat on his throne and smiled. “Perfect.”

The Dark Scout of the Negaverse stood beside him and started blankly ahead. Rutile laughed to himself, recalling the brief struggle he had had with the girl Jenny as her mind was slowly taken over by the dark force.

“Dark Scout! Come forward for your orders,” Rutile commanded.

The person who once was Jenny obeyed and bowed before him.

“Yes, my Master?” she said.

“You will capture the Princess and destroy the Sailor Scouts. When she is in her Princess form, Sailor Moon no longer exists. Bring her to me,” Rutile ordered.

“It shall be as you command, Master,” the Dark Scout promised.

*****

Back in Amy's apartment, no one could figure out what had happened to Serena. The princess was seated on the floor, watching Mina play a Sailor V video game. She was dressed in one of Amy’s dresses and was watching the television with great interest.

“Does this bring back any memories, Princess?” she asked.

“What an amazing device! When did the Moon Kingdom acquire such technology?” Serena said.

Mina sighed and shut the game off.

“I have an idea,” Serena said with a grin. “Let us go skating before Mother finds us away from our duties.”

“She thinks she's on the Moon,” Mina said.

“Are we not?” Serena asked, blinking in confusion.

Amy was sitting at her desk, thinking.

“Princess,” she began, “do you know who Sailor Moon is?”

“Sailor Moon? I do not,” she answered.

“Do you know who the Sailor Scouts are?”

“Of course! They are the protectors of my kingdom. Princess Mercury, surely you remember! You are a part of that team!”

“Princess Serena, what is the last thing you remember before waking up here?” Luna asked.

“I was speaking with my mother about becoming Queen someday. Where is my mother, Luna? Is she here?” Serena said.

On her desk, Amy's computer began to flash.

“We've got a monster attack in the park,” she reported.

“Let's go,” Mina said, running out the door.

*****

The monster in the park was hideous. It had four faces on its head and each one reflected a different mood. At the moment, the angry face was destroying a park bench. It was very tall and wore a leotard that changed colour with the faces.

“Mercury Star Power!” Amy yelled.

“Mars Star Power!” Raye cried.

“Venus Star Power!” Mina shouted.

“Jupiter Star Power!” yelled Lita.

They transformed and soon the Sailor Scouts were ready to fight. Serena stood with Luna and Artemis, watching. The Scouts bravely stepped into the open and called to the creature.

“Hey, four face!” Sailor Mars yelled.

The monster turned to look at her.

“We are the Sailor Scouts and in the name of Mars . .”

“On behalf of Mercury,” Sailor Mercury added.

“For Venus!” Sailor Venus declared.

“And for Jupiter!” Sailor Jupiter said.

“We will right wrongs and triumph over evil and that means you!” the said together.

Luna turned to Serena, hoping for a response. There was none. The Princess only stood with her hands clasped together, watching her protectors battle.

“I call upon the power of Mars! Fireballs Charge!” Sailor Mars said, throwing a anti-evil sign to the monster.

The angry face shot two beams from its eyes. One hit the sign and destroyed it and the other hit Sailor Mars and flew her into a tree.

“Princess Mars!” Serena called.

“Mercury Ice Bubbles Freeze!” Sailor Mercury cried.

The face switched to happy.

“Oh boy! Snowball fight!” it cried.

A shield formed and the ice bubbles were shot back at Sailor Mercury. She froze solid.

“Princess Mercury!” Serena cried.

“I'll handle this!” Venus declared.

“Venus Crescent Beam Smash!” she yelled.

The monster's face switched again; it had droopy eyes and it’s mouth was in the shape of a yawn. The face yawned and jumped aside as the beam sped past.

“Aren't you tired?” it asked, shooting pink dust out of it’s mouth. Sailor Venus struggled against its magic.

“No . . I . . ,” she said before she collapsed into a deep sleep.

“Princess Venus! Oh no!” Serena said.

“Did your mother teach you to use the Imperial Silver Crystal?” Luna asked.

Princess Serena nodded and tears filled her eyes.

“Can you use it?” Luna insisted.

Again, Serena nodded.

“Good. Here's the Crescent Wand. Take the Crystal from your locket and place it into the wand,” Luna instructed.

Wordlessly, Serena did as she was told.

“My turn, fuzz brain,” Sailor Jupiter said.

She stepped in front of the creature. The face turned to sad.

“Oh, don't hurt me!” it said. “You’ll make me cry.”

“Guardian Jupiter, bring storm clouds, bolts of lightning, wind and fire! Jupiter Thunder Dragon!” she yelled.

The Thunder Dragon shot to the monster. It held a tissue in its hand and held it up. The Dragon hit it and was absorbed.

“Get ready,” Luna said to Serena.

“Have a tissue to wipe away your tears!” the monster cried.

A long rope of tissue shot out of the monster's hand and tied around Jupiter's throat. The monster pulled and Jupiter fell to the ground, gasping for air.

“Now!” Luna ordered.

Princess Serena stepped forwards, holding her wand. The sad face remained as it looked at it’s new adversary.

“Princess,” Jupiter gasped.

The monster’s face turned to happy and it began to laugh. It held up it’s hand to shoot the princess, when she raised her wand up to it.

“Cosmic Moon Power!” Serena cried.

The monster was surrounded in a bright light and was destroyed with a scream. The rope around Jupiter’s throat slackened and she fell to the ground, breathing deeply.

“You did it!” Luna said happily, running to where the Princess stood.

Serena sank to the ground. “I feel weak,” she whispered.

“The battle's not won yet,” a new voice said menacingly.

From the darkness of the Negaverse, the Dark Scout stepped forwards. She stopped in front of the weakened girl and smiled evilly down at her.

“Jenny?” Luna said in disbelief.

The Dark Scout laughed and turned her gaze to the cat.

“That weak fool is no more. Now, Princess, you'll come with me,” she held out her hand.

Princess Serena struggled to her feet, and held forth her wand again.

“Cosmic Moon . .” she began.

Luna and Artemis couldn't stop her. Serena didn’t remember Jenny at all, and saw only an enemy before her.

“Power!”

Again, the bright light surrounded the Dark Scout. She laughed as the light faded. Princess Serena fell to her knees again.

“It didn't hurt her!” Luna gasped.

“Foolish Princess,” she said, “I am more powerful than your pathetic crystal! I command the powers of the Sun!”

The Dark Scout held her hands out and a small yellow ball formed between them.

“Ultimate Heat Source!” she yelled.

A giant ball of fire attacked the injured Sailor Scouts. They screamed as the fire burned them. The heat was enough to melt Sailor Mercury from her icy prison and she landed on her feet.

“Mercury Bubble Blast!” she ordered.

The flames were beat down by the fog. The other scouts struggled to their feet and, as the fog cleared, Sailor Mercury stepped out to meet the Dark Scout.

“Jenny! Snap out of it! It's us, your friends,” Mercury called.

“You are weakened by your loyalty to one who no longer exists,” the Dark Scout said.

“Jenny, please, listen,” Venus added.

“Silence!” the Dark Scout commanded, holding her hand to Venus, palm facing the scout. Sailor Venus was blown backwards by an unseen force.

“Sailor Venus!” the other scouts cried.
They placed themselves firmly between the Dark Scout and Princess Serena. The Dark Scout only smiled wickedly and continued her advance.

“Try to heal her,” Luna whispered urgently to Serena.

“I do not know how,” she replied.

“Point the crystal at the Dark Scout and say 'Moon Healing Activation',” Luna said.

Serena stepped out in front of the scouts and pointed the crystal at her former friend.

“Moon Healing Activation!” she called.

The Dark Scout screamed and fell to her knees. As the light of the crystal slowly faded, a hint of light return to Jenny's eyes.

“You . . must destroy . . me!” she gasped.

“I cannot,” Serena replied.

“Use your wand, while I am weak. Hurry!” Jenny whispered.

“I cannot,” Serena repeated.

“You must! If you want to survive, use your crystal,” Jenny nearly shouted. “I have the power to destroy the Earth! Kill me before I kill you.”

Tears filled Serena's eyes.

“Jenny,” she whispered, “don't make me do this to you. You know I can't.”

“Do it, for me! If I survive, the Negaverse won't have any control over me. If they do get me, take my ring. I'm powerless without it,” Jenny insisted.

Serena turned to her friends for support.

“You have to, Serena,” Mercury said.

“It’s for our own good,” Mars added. “Jenny’s as well.”

“Very well,” Serena said quietly. “Cosmic Moon Power!” she said, pointing it at Jenny.

The Dark Scout screamed and collapsed onto the ground. Her body twitched as the energy of the Silver Imperial Crystal coursed through her.

“Thank you,” she muttered before fading into unconsciousness.

Two figures appeared out of shadow behind them. The regarded the fallen Dark Scout with an almost concerned look.

“You have destroyed out finest warrior and your dearest friend. We will take her back for a proper disposal,” they said together.

The Scouts placed themselves between the unconscious Dark Scout and the twin Negaverse generals. Their eyes grew grim with determination as they prepared themselves to fight again.

“No you won't,” Sailor Mars said.

“You'll have to get through us first,” Sailor Venus added.

“Yeah and that won't be easy!” Sailor Jupiter said.

Halite and Albite bowed as one, and took a step backwards.

“Until next time, guard her well,” they said and vanished.

*****

They placed Jenny on Amy's bed. She had transformed back into her human form, but the signs of the Dark Scout still showed on her pale face.

“Should we call the hospital?” Serena asked.

Serena was back to normal now. Luna suspected that seeing Jenny brought her to her senses. They all crowded around the fallen sixth scout and worried about her health.

“What would we say for reason she's hurt? Sailor Moon blasted her with a crystal because she was part of the Negaverse?” Raye said.

“Hey, I wasn't Sailor Moon at the time,” Serena argued.

“Right. This sounds much better. A wacko that thought she was the Princess of the Moon blasted her,” Raye said.

“Enough!” Amy cried. “This isn’t the time for you two to start bickering!”

Serena and Raye were immediately quieted by Amy’s uncharacteristically harsh tone. The room was silent for a few minutes.

“Why don't I heal her with my crystal? Sort of like what she does with her ring,” Serena said.

“It wouldn't work. Your crystal heals people who are monsters. Jenny's ring only heals the scouts,” Luna said.

From the bed came a weak groan. Mina checked her pulse again and it was stronger.

“I think she just needs to recover on her own,” Mina said.

“Good idea. Now, who wants to play ball while we wait?” Serena asked.