CHAPTER 8
It had all begun as a fairly typical day. A typical day to Luna's frustration. Ever since she had discovered the third Sailor Scout, the priestess Raye at the Cherry Hill Temple, there had seldom been a moment's peace. Serena and Raye bickered and fought all the time. Sometimes it was Raye's fault, however nine times out of ten it was Serena who behaved childishly making Raye lose her temper. This was one such example.
They were all together at Raye's house when Serena noticed a very interesting book on the table. "Hey!" She was excited picking it up. "This is an adventure fantasy book starring my favourite character Sailor V. I'm going to borrow it Raye."
"Wait a minute." Raye snatched it out of Serena's hand. "That's a brand new book. I only just bought it this morning at the bookstore before you two said you were coming to visit." Raye tried to be reasonable. "I promise I will read it tonight and then I'll loan it to you."
"I CAN'T WAIT!" Serena wailed and then the latest fight began.
Luna felt like she would have a fit. "STOP IT!" Jumping up on to the table she said in a firm tone, "Serena. It's Raye's book. She's entitled to read it first. Just be sensible for once please."
"Luna you don't understand. Raye should learn to share."
The argument was averted by Amy suggesting that they all go to visit the new amusement park that was opening for its very first business day in the next half hour. "Anything to stop us from driving each other crazy," she added desperately.
Luna was very grateful for this suggestion because Serena even forgot all about Raye's book in the excitement of it all. The three girls deserved some fun and enjoyment to give them a break from fighting the forces of Queen Beryl.
Queen Beryl herself was briefing Jedite and Titus about their latest plan. "Have you both come up with an idea for a mission that the Dream Dolly can be sent on now that your hands and feet are no longer giving you quite so much pain?"
Jedite and Titus were both very resentful. They knew that Queen Beryl had only spitefully commanded their friend to be assigned to a mission because she had caught her treating their injuries from their last torture. If Dream Dolly had been discovered tending to their backs after the first occasion this probably would have happened even sooner. But they knew well enough to keep their feelings to themselves. As the usual main spokesman Jedite spoke first.
"We are setting up a trap at the opening of this new amusement park called Dreamland. Dream Dolly will infiltrate it and gather energy from the people there."
Titus added. "And if the three Sailor Scouts show up she will help us capture them once and for all. They'll never interfere with our plans again your majesty."
"I hope it works this time. If it doesn't I can think of even worse punishment for the Doom and Gloom Girls to inflict upon you." At these words her servants flinched nervously, bowed and swore they would succeed.
As they departed Queen Beryl thought wickedly to herself, "For once I'm actually looking forward to their getting a soldier killed. Not only will it be fitting for them to lose their friend but Dream Dolly herself deserves to die for her own insubordination. The nerve of her giving them medicinal aid after I had them punished."
There was a huge crowd of people waiting in line for the doors of Dreamland to be opened. But finally they declared themselves open for business and the ribbon around the door was cut. Everybody piled inside.
Serena and her friends were having lots of fun. Luna enjoyed watching them laughing and shouting for joy on the rides and she felt destressed and relaxed.
Next thing that happened was that they met the star attraction of the park. She was a very attractive woman dressed in flowing pink princess clothes. "Hello. I'm the Dream Princess." So she introduced herself with a big wave and smile. She was leading all the robot animals. Lions, bears, squirrels, rabbits, deer and many other remote controlled creatures. Serena had seen the Dream Princess speaking on television about the upcoming opening of the park last week and she was very excited to meet her in person. But when she waved her hand over an apple she was carrying in her opposite hand in order to make some of the animals do tricks Raye gasped. She seized Serena's hand and told her to get away from those robots. Serena was annoyed and when Raye told her she sensed creepy vibes coming from the Dream Princess Serena scoffed, "You are so crazy Raye."
While Amy and Luna tensed afraid another argument was on the verge the Dream Princess cut across it asking, "How would you girls like all the candy, chocolates, ice cream, cookies and cake you can eat?"
Naturally that captivated Serena's attention and she cried out yes eagerly to Raye's disgust.
"What are you talking about?" Amy asked.
She explained. "In one hour we are having a big special party in that huge castle over there. Everybody's invited."
"All those yummy goodies." Serena's mouth drooled while she clenched her hands. "I'm going to eat until I burst."
"Greedy fool." Raye thought to herself. She did not trust the Dream Princess one bit.
At that very moment inside the castle Jedite and Titus were ready to set their trap. "If those Sailor Scouts show up this time we'll be ready for them Titus. We'll drain away all their energy as well and they'll never get us into trouble with Queen Beryl again."
Titus put her arms around her sweetheart. "Yes, but I'm still worried about dear Dream Dolly. She's very brave but she's worried too. She told me she's scared that she might be killed. She was close to tears in my arms. Oh Jedite. We simply must protect her."
Jedite bit his lip. "Yes. I have taken a liking to her because of her kindness. I promise Titus. We will be by her side when or if the Scouts appear. We will bring her safely back to the Negaverse. I swear it."
The two lovers held each other tightly. They were very concerned for their friend. The Dream Dolly wasn't even a true Negaverse soldier in actuality. She was a member of Queen Beryl's kingdom yes. But she had never been enlisted in her army force. She had some powers but next to no combat training or experience. It was practically easy suicide and if all those trained soldiers had been defeated by the Sailor Scouts what chance did their friend have?
In spite of Raye's suspicions even Amy, let alone Serena thought she was crazy. Or at least Serena said she was crazy. Amy merely felt until they had more clear proof they should assume things were normal about the Dream Princess. Raye was sulky but she gritted her teeth and calmed herself to avoid making a public spectacle. However she and Serena did get into an embarassing situation to Amy and Luna's shame.
Raye noticed the Dream Princess pick up a little boy and place him on the back of the robot bear.
"Stop!" She cried out. "Get him off that. It's dangerous."
The Dream Princess smiled. "It's perfectly safe. He's remote-controlled remember?"
When Raye insisted she said, "Very well. You can ride a little later."
As she lifted the boy down Serena ran over saying it wasn't fair and of course he should ride the bear now. When she put him back on Raye tried to pull him back off. Both girls became angry and began pulling the poor distraught kid first one way and then the other shouting arguably. Finally the mother came over and hit them over their heads with her handbag.
"Let go of my son or else I'll report you to security."
All eyes were staring at Serena and Raye. Luna was angry and Amy was upset. "You two are so disgraceful. Amy and I are going to go off on our own for awhile. You can rejoin us when you've both grown up."
"This is all your fault Serena."
"My fault? You're so wacko."
Left by themselves the two girls wandered dejectedly to the kiddies train ride. Serena insisted she needed a ride to cheer herself up and Raye was feeling so distressed that she was willing to go along with anything Serena said. "I have never been so humiliated in my life. Thanks to you Serena." She groaned in her seat behind her.
"You and your stupid imagination." Serena retorted. But they both kept themselves under control. They knew that they could get in really big trouble if they caused another disturbance.
Suddenly Raye noticed an adult man in the seat ahead of them. She nudged Serena and said. "Hey. Doesn't that guy remind you a little of Tuxedo Mask?"
"Are you talking about me?" The man turned around. It was Darien. Serena made a choking sound.
"Darien!" She spluttered. "No way. This jerk looks nothing like Tuxedo Mask Raye. What are you doing on a kiddie choo choo ride anyway?"
Darien glowered. "You should talk. But then this is where you must feel right at home Meatball Head."
Raye gasped and smiled with amusement. "Of course. What an appropriate nickname for her. Meatball Head."
"I think so." Darien pointed to her two buns where her long plaits came out from.
Raye laughed again. "Meatball Head."
"Shut up! Shut your mouths up!" Serena wailed in anger. "You're a dork Darien. A jerk and a big creep. My so-called friend Raye had better not pick up any of your bad habits. You disgusting twerp."
"I don't know why I bother talking to you. I'm out of here at the end of this ride." With that Darien turned away and set his jaw in glaring silence.
After the ride Serena and Raye ran to the castle leaving Darien behind. There they discovered Luna who told them that Amy was already inside. Finding the doors locked Raye said she could sense something evil happening inside. Luna was convinced at last that something was suspicious though all Serena was worried about was that she couldn't get inside to share the goodies. Raye was getting angry again but Luna commanded them to transform. Serena reluctantly complied when Raye transformed. Using her Mars Fire Ignite Sailor Mars burned down the doors and they all ran in.
The first person they met was the Dream Princess. "Princess. What's going on? Where's the party?" Sailor Moon wanted to know but the Dream Princess didn't answer. She just blew some red dust like breath at them. Luna was immune to the hypnotic effect but the two Sailor Scouts thought they were suddenly in a beautiful meadow and Tuxedo Mask was welcoming them both into his arms for a group hug.
Luna cried out "No. You're both hallucinating." But the girls were deaf to reason. They believed they were hugging with Tuxedo Mask when all the time they had their arms around each other. The Dream Princess prepared to put them to sleep and take their energy with her magic apple when a rose flew through the air knocking it out of her hand. As the girls came out of their trance and reacted with shock at finding themselves embracing the real Tuxedo Mask called out from a high open window. "Sailor Scouts. Do not let this witch trap you in any more illusions." Then he jumped down out of sight and disappeared.
The Dream Princess began to become very fearful. "Jedite. Titus. Help me." As Jedite and Titus suddenly appeared by her side and transported with her scooping up the apple Sailor Moon finally understood and said to Sailor Mars, "You were right all the time. The Dream Princess is in league with our enemies."
"Come on. We must find Amy." Luna yelled running down the corridor as the Scouts followed her.
The end of the corridor opened out into a huge room where dozens of people, both adults and children, were lying unconscious around tables loaded with goodies. Amy was among them and she was just waking up and struggling to get to her feet as her friends ran up.
"Amy. Are you all right?"
"What happened?"
"I-it was the Dream Princess. When she appeared she blew a red dust into the air and all of us who'd eaten the goodies had our energy zapped away. I only ate a couple of things since I'm not a big sweet tooth. But even I was laid down until just now."
"Quickly transform. We need Sailor Mercury before our enemies make another move." Sailor Mars urged.
"Mercury Power!"
Just as Amy finished transforming the Dream Princess reappeared with the apple back in her hand. Sailor Moon declared "Listen you phony princess. We know what you're up to and we're going to punish you."
"You are right. I'm not a real princess. Let me show you what I really am."
To their amazement the Princess's head suddenly zipped down under her dress leaving her bare shoulders. Next as they all watched mesmerized her body began to turn round and round, her feet not touching the ground and her clothes changed. Then when she stood still her head slowly revolved up into place from where it had disappeared. She looked like a creepy puppet. It was none other than the Dream Dolly having shed off her disguise. "Hello. I'm Dream Dolly. Would you girls like to play?"
"Look out." Mercury pointed to the apple. "That magic apple is the source of her power. It will suck up our energy."
"You girls had better work together." Luna cautioned.
At the very moment Dream Dolly was taking a deep breath to blow more of her illusion-inducing dust Sailor Mercury attacked. "Mercury Bubbles Blast!"
Dream Dolly's attack of dust was dispersed head on by the freezing fog of bubbles. "Hey. W-w-where are th-th-th-they?"
Sailor Mars sprang through the bubbles parting them and stuck one of her charms upon Dream Dolly's forehead paralyzing her. "By the power of Mars I freeze you in your tracks. Okay Sailor Moon. Let's kill her together."
"Kill me?" The Dream Dolly shrieked. "Oh no. Save me my friends. I can't move."
Sailor Moon was about to throw her tiara and Sailor Mars was going to add her fire to the attack, when Jedite and Titus materialized and seized the prone figure of their dear friend. The two Scouts were all set to attack but the enemy were dematerializing before their eyes.
Quick thinking Amy threw her own tiara. She didn't have the power to turn it into a deadly spinning weapon like Sailor Moon's but whipping it off her forehead she aimed with perfect precision at the magic apple in Dream Dolly's hand. Just as they made their escape she struck it out of Dream Dolly's frozen grasp and it rolled away across the floor. "Never mind them girls." She gestured. "Destroy the apple and their power in this amusement park will be completely severed."
Her friends complied focussing upon their target.
"MOON TIARA MAGIC!"
"Mars Fire Ignite."
The spinning disc was combined with the burning fire surrounding it and they struck the apple blasting it to minute particles releasing all the energy it had absorbed.
As the entire castle began to crumble into dust and blow away Jedite and Titus realized their loss. "Oh no. The Sailor Scouts must have destroyed the apple Titus. We have been outsmarted again."
"At least we have saved our Dream Dolly Jedite." Titus cuddled the statue-like figure. "Let's take her back home. She needs hospital treatment. But I'm so happy we saved her." Titus sobbed tears of joy and Dream Dolly said her thanks profusely.
Jedite had to smile for he was delighted to, though he said, "Let's get out of here before those Scouts catch up with us." Then they all vanished.
The Sailor Scouts themselves ducked away into the shadows to change back to their civilian outfits after making sure everybody was all right. Those who recognized them as they were waking up before they dashed away out of sight spread the news about them. Many people were talking to each other about these strange girls who always showed up to save people in need. Even when nobody was altogether sure what exactly they had been saved from.
Later Serena and Raye were enjoying ice cream cones as they walked along in Dreamland while Amy was carrying Luna. Luna was very proud of them all.
"You three were remarkable. Even though the Negaverse enemies did all escape still you showed great teamwork. And Amy. You were wonderful to make getting the apple your first priority when they were fleeing. Both your tiaras and your fire saved the day."
But the good atmosphere was not to last. Serena turned to Raye and said, "Do you have to slurp your ice cream? It sounds so uncouth."
"You should talk. You're drooling Meatball Head."
Serena was incensed. "Don't you start calling me that."
Raye began running and jeering. "You're a Meatball Head."
As Serena angrily chased her she stumbled and fell to the ground. Raye was looking back over her shoulder and laughing so much that she ran into one of the park's big rubbish bins and half fell over it. The next moment the two of them began fighting and shouting each blaming the other for the loss of her ice cream. They were so rowdy that two security guards came running up and promptly evicted them from the park for being disturbers of the peace. As they dragged them outside by their arms they continued to blame each other.
"You've spoiled my day of fun and enjoyment Raye."
"You started this mess for us both you Meatball Head."
Amy and Luna who had stayed out of the whole fiasco both sighed. "I think we had better leave those two to sort out their own problems Luna."
"You're right Amy. The two of us need a well-earned break from them as well as the Negaverse."
With that Amy and Luna proceeded to enjoy the rest of their visit at Dreamland.