Time Bomb (Sailor Moon)

(Queen Beryl's giving Jedite a sarcastic scolding for botching up his last mission... big time.)

Queen Beryl: Good work, Jedite. Now we have Sailor Mercury to contend with.

Jedite: Yes, majesty.

Queen Beryl: Looks like we'll have to step up our efforts. We will have to gather more energy to fend off those Sailor Scouts.

Jedite: I've got a plan that should bring you all the energy you'll ever need.

Queen Beryl: Go on.

Jedite: Humans expend huge amounts of energy when they're under stress or pressed for time. So, my idea is to speed up the process and double their energy output. We've already got everything in place. We're ready to go, Queen Beryl.

Queen Beryl: Excellent. Proceed immediately.

Jedite	"Right."

(The mall...)

Serena: Today, my new friend Amy and I decided to let loose and do some serious mall trowling.

(As the two are looking over snappy dresses, they talk with British accents.)

Amy: Do I look good in this color?

Serena: Of course, darling.

Serena & Amy: We'll both be simply marvelous.

(As they continue...)

Serena: We had so much fun. We went in every store, even a bookshop ...at Amy's insistence."

(In the bookstore...)

Serena: I got my comic books. How about you?

Amy: Oh, I could stay here forever.

(Serena notices the book Amy has.)

Serena: What's that big ol' book you've got there?

Amy: Advanced Physics. Here, look.

(They swap books to see what the other likes to read.)

Serena: Ew, I don't understand any of this stuff.

Amy: Serena's going to rot her brains on these comics.

(As time goes on, they stop in front of a clock store. It's packed!)

Serena: Wow! Check out the mob at the clock store! Let's go see. My alarm clock's broken.

Amy: So I heard. First thing they told me at school is that you're always late.

Serena: Actually, I usually make it by the bell. They're exaggerating, but a new alarm clock would help.

(Serena heads for the store, but Amy hesitates.)

Amy: I'm tired. I'm not an experienced mall trowler like you.

Serena: Oh come on, Amy. Just this one last store. We'll rest after that, okay? I promise.

(In the clock store are clocks and watches of all kinds. As Serena and Amy step inside...)

Storelady: Come on in, ladies. Please, feel free to look around.

(Amy and Serena look at all the luxury watches.)

Serena: Wow, they're gorgeous.

Amy: Yes, but they're so expensive.

Serena: Yeah. Someday, when I'm rich, I'll get myself one of those.

(There are clocks of all kinds, from a cute mushroom clock to a European-style clock...)

Serena: That's so cute.

(...to one resembling a black cat. Serena catches sight of it.)

Serena: That looks like Luna! It'd be great in my room. I'm gonna ask her how much it is.

(The storelady is there in an instant.)

Storelady: It's quite affordable. For you, it's ninety percent off.

Serena: I think I should be able to swing that.

(But when she checks her wallet... she learns that she's short.)

Serena: Oh no. I forgot. I spent most of my cash at the video arcade, and now I can't wake up on time. I'm gonna keep being late...

(She's about to cry, when...)

Amy: How about I come and get you on my way to school, Serena? Then you won't be late.

(Amy is a lifesaver! Serena hugs her.)

Serena: Thank you! You're the best friend in the whole world!

(When Serena gets home, her mother has a surprise for her.)

Serena: Hi, everyone!

Serena's Mother: Hey, I'm glad you're finally home. I've got a surprise for you.

Serena: Wow! What is it? Can I see?

(Her mother shows Serena a gift-wrapped box.)

Serena's Mother: I saw this at the mall today, and I just knew it would be perfect for you.

(Serena giggles. As she unwraps the box...)

Serena: What can it be? A new blouse? A dress? Or maybe shoes?

Serena's Mother: No, Serena. Hopefully, it's gonna help you do better getting yourself to school on time."

(It's the clock Serena was eyeing at the store!)

Serena: Oh, wow! This is the clock I wanted to buy!

Serena's Mother: Got your dad one, too. Get him to work on time.

Serena: Thanks, Mom.

Serena's Mother: I wonder how Luna'll like it? Looks just like her.

(Luna, however, begs to differ. As Serena sets up the clock that night...)

Luna: I don't see it at all. There's no resemblance between me and that stupid thing. Does it even work?"

Serena: Sure it works, and it's even got a snooze alarm so I can sleep a little longer.

(Serena turns out the lights.)

Luna: Hmm, did you check out its eyes? They have a really evil look to them.

Serena: You're just jealous. Night, Luna.

Luna: Me jealous of that plastic cross-eyed thing? Ooh! I am totally insulted!

(Midnight. Something odd happens to Serena's clock and the clock in her parents' room. A white light radiates over them. Luna sees it...)

Luna: What's that weird light?

(...and knows she must take action.)

Luna: That stupid clock. I knew it. In the morning, it has got to go.

(Next morning, Amy rings the doorbell to pick up Serena. Serena's mother answers...)

Serena's Mother: Coming ...

(...and opens the door.)

Serena's Mother: Amy. Hello.

Amy: Hi. I'm here to pick up Serena.

Serena's Mother: She's already gone to school.

(That's odd, especially for Serena.)

Amy: She has? We were supposed to go together.

Serena's Mother: Well, I know it's not like Serena, but she wanted to get an early start. She left over an hour ago, actually.

(Then, Serena's father tears out of the house in a gigantic hurry, toast in mouth.)

Serena's Father: Bye. Gotta go. I wanna get ahead on my project.

Serena's Mother: Have a nice day, darling.

(Turning to Amy...)

Serena's Mother: Now, if you'll excuse me, Amy, I have work to do. Lots of work. Cleaning, ironing, vacuuming. Bye.

(She closes the door.)

Amy: The whole family's wacko.

(At school...)

Serena: Miss H., can we start yet?

Miss Haruna: We'd better wait a few more minutes.

(Molly can't take the wait. She stands up.)

Molly: I'm gonna be late for dance class if we don't get started!

(Serena does the same.)

Serena: I'm gonna run out of munchies before dinner!

(Melvin, too.)

Melvin: I'll miss my snail watching club, and I'm the only member!

(Miss Haruna slams her hand on her desk.)

Miss Haruna: That's enough! Sit down. We're all busy people, but I'm in charge, remember? No one's leaving here without my say so. Now, since I've got four dinner dates tonight, I've decided to cancel the rest of your classes. Let's hit the road.

Serena: I can't believe how rude some people are. Here we are waiting and waiting.

(Melvin jumps in between Serena and Molly.)

Melvin: Ho! Hey, I've got a brilliant idea. One of you should hurry up and say you'll go steady with me for the rest of the year.

Serena & Molly: GET A LIFE, MELVIN!

Melvin: Huh?

Molly: Oh Melvin, who's got time to waste on boyfriends anymore?

Serena: Let's go. We're wasting time.

(Everyone agrees, so they leave.)

(The scene is the same all throughout the city. Stores are opening early. People are in a gigantic hurry.)

Amy: What's going on? Everyone is moving so fast.

(Then...)

Luna: Amy!

Amy: Huh?

(Amy turns and sees Luna carrying the clock from Serena's room on her back.)

Luna: I need to talk to you. Something strange is going on. It could be the Negaforce.

Amy: Hey, where did you get that alarm clock?

Luna: It's Serena's. Her mom bought it for her. There's something strange about it, too.

(In the park...)

Amy: If we find anything, how will we know what it is, Luna?

Luna: Hold on a second.

(Luna somersaults into the air and produces a small computer disguised as a makeup compact.)

Amy: Hey, what is this?

Luna: A mini-data-computer. You can use it to analyze just about everything. It's even got the sign of Mercury on it. See?

Amy: You sure? Sailor Moon might need it.

Luna: Are you kidding, Amy? She's still working on her tiara throw. You really think she needs a computer?

(Point well taken.)

Amy: Thanks. How's it work?"

Luna: Just point it at the alarm clock.

Amy: Okay, here goes.

(Amy begins to open the clock.)

Luna: Be careful, though.

(She opens it all the way. Inside is a strange speck of light, which immediately flies away.)

Amy: Wow. What was that light?

Luna: I knew something was in this clock.

Amy: Hmm, what was it?

Luna: I don't know. It was too fast for the computer, but, somehow, it's affecting time. Have you noticed how everyone's in a rush today? I mean, even Serena got up early... TWO HOURS EARLY!"

(Meanwhile, the situation downtown has gotten even worse. Drivers aren't waiting for green lights. The result: major accidents.) Driver: Someone help! I've been injured! I need help right away!

Second Driver: Look what you've done! Can't wait around here forever! Now I'm late!

(All this time, the energy from the hyperactive people is radiating away... and ending up in Jedite's hands.)

Jedite: Ha ha ha ha ha. I knew speeding up time would pay off big. Won't be long now. We'll have enough energy to release the Negaforce. HA HA HA HA!

(Meanwhile, the storelady, who is really Queen Beryl's servant, the Negamonster, Ramwoir, looks at the giant clock that was the attraction at the store. It's really the thing behind the whole time business.)

Ramwoir: Ha ha ha. This clock was a brilliant idea. We'll absorb infinite amounts of energy from all those panicky humans. Jedite should be pleased.

(Jedite appears. Ramwoir reveals herself.)

'Jedite: Oh, I'm very pleased, Ramwoir. Many humans are already under your spell. Queen Beryl will be impressed.

Ramwoir: I'm happy to serve her majesty, and you too, Jedite.

Jedite: So it would seem. And remember, those Sailor Scouts are still out there. We've got to stay on our guard.

Ramwoir: I'll take care of those brats.

(Elsewhere, at a bus caught in a bottleneck, Serena impatiently jogs in place. She's in a hurry!)

Passenger: Could you move it already? I got things to do!

Driver: What do you want me do? Drive through the other cars, ya moron?

Serena: Would you stop fighting... and get to my house already?

(Serena is knocked around as the bus lurches forward.)

Driver: All right. Are you all happy now?

(Someone pages for the next stop. The bus keeps going. The driver yells at the other cars...)

Driver: GET OUT OF MY WAY! I GOT A ROUTE TO FOLLOW HERE!

(Another page. No stopping.)

Waiting Person: He's making good time.

(The driver laughs, but one woman's had enough.)

Passenger: Excuse me, driver, but I wanna get off here.

Driver: Aw, just take a seat, lady. I'll stop my bus whenever I'm good and ready. All right?

(As the bus tears through downtown...)

(...down the street, Amy gets out of a phone booth.)

Amy: Still no luck. Serena's nowhere to be found.

Luna: I suppose we could go check out the video arcade again.

Amy: Or we could go check out that clock store together.

Luna: Hmm.

(As Luna is talking, the sound of screeching tires is heard.)

Luna: I think we'd better wait 'til we find Serena. It will be safer.

(Just then, the bus Serena is on crashes into a lamp post. As the passengers get out...)

Passenger: You're a total maniac!

Driver: The boss ain't gonna like this.

Second Passenger: Jerk.

Third Passenger: I missed my transfer.

Fourth Passenger: Menace!

Serena: (losing her temper) YOU'RE THE WORST DRIVER I'VE EVER SEEN! I'M GONNA REPORT YOU AS SOON AS I'M HOME!

Amy: Serena!

(Serena turns and sees Amy.)

Serena: What are you doing here?

(Later, outside the closed clock store...)

Serena: Look at that! Their clocks aren't even at the same time!

Luna: Never mind that.

(She pulls Serena over to an alley.)

Luna: We can't go barging in there without some kind of plan.

Serena: But we know something's up in there, so let's just go right in and raid the place! I wanna get this over with.

(This is totally unlike Serena.)

Luna: What's with you? Usually, we have to beg and plead to get you to come with us.

Serena: Yeah, well today, I'm already majorly behind schedule. I still have to do all my homework, have my favorite snack, go to the arcade, read my comic books... WHA?! LOOK AT THE TIME!

Luna: Relax, Serena. Just calm down, all right? Just give us a little time to think of a way to get in there.

(Turning to Amy...)

Luna: You got any ideas?

Amy: I bet they've got somebody guarding the doors. We could try crawling in through the heat vents.

Serena: (growling and losing her temper again) GRRRR! YOU GUYS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY! We're going in the front door NOW!

Luna: Wow! She's serious!

Serena: MOON PRISM POWER!

(Serena summons the power of her Moon Prism Locket and transforms into Sailor Moon, Champion of Justice.)

Sailor Moon: Whatcha waiting for, Amy? Transform. We gotta bust some bad guys.

(Amy, caught in the rush of things, agrees.)

Amy: Yes, what ARE we waiting for? I'm tired of planning everything.

Luna: I think our discipline needs some work.

(Holding up the Mercury Power Stick...)

Amy: MERCURY POWER!

(The Mercury Power Stick goes into action, transforming Amy into Sailor Mercury.)

Sailor Moon: CHARGE!

Luna: Huh? Wait!

(Sailor Moon readies her Moon Tiara...)

Sailor Moon: MOON TIARA MAGIC!

(The Moon Tiara cuts through the security door and leaves a wide opening. Sailor Moon and Sailor Mercury charge through. Luna runs after them, but the hole seals itself...)

Luna: MEOOOOW!

(...and Luna ends up crashing into the restored door.)

Luna: Barging in... is not my thing.

(Inside the store...)

Sailor Mercury: Look, there's the door.

(The Sailor Scouts find the giant clock... and Ramwoir.)

Ramwoir: Welcome back.

Sailor Moon: Time's up for you and your clocks, lady. The Sailor Scouts are here! I am Sailor Moon!

Sailor Mercury: And I am Sailor Mercury!

Moon & Mercury: We are the Champions of Justice!

Ramwoir: Oh, please. Do you really think you scare me, nosy pipsqueaks?

Sailor Moon: Surrender while you can, and make it quick, okay, because I haven't got any time. On behalf of the Moon, I will right wrongs and triumph over evil, and that means YOU.

Ramwoir: Hmm, we'll see about that.

(Ramwoir reveals herself...)

Ramwoir: I don't think you Sailor girls can hold the hands of Negatime! HAH! ADVANCE TO THE HOUR OF MIDNIGHT!

(The giant clock now reads midnight. A portal appears under the clock's face, and Ramwoir disappears into it.)

Ramwoir: Follow me, girls, if you dare.

Sailor Moon: Ready, Mercury?

Sailor Mercury: Yes. Let's clean her clock.

(The Sailor Scouts charge into the portal... and into the unknown.)

(Meanwhile, outside...)

Luna: I just hope they remember everything I've taught them.

(Meanwhile, in Negatime...)

Sailor Moon: Let's split up, okay? Hurry!

Sailor Mercury: No way, Sailor Moon. We can't just rush into this place. We'll get lost!

Sailor Moon: But there's no time!

(She cries out...)

Sailor Moon: COME OUT HERE, YOU COWARD! WE DON'T HAVE TIME TO CHASE YOU ALL OVER THE PLACE!

(From somewhere, Ramwoir's voice cries out...)

Ramwoir: Ha ha ha. I'll tell you exactly where to find me if you think you're brave enough...

Sailor Moon: FORGET IT! I'LL JUST FOLLOW YOUR VOICE!

Sailor Mercury: Wait! Sailor Moon! Wait! It could be a trap! Wait!

(Sailor Mercury taps one of her ear-studs. A VR visor appears over her eyes.)

Sailor Mercury: I'll use my VR visor. Just keep up.

(Sailor Moon kicks another door. The room has something strange about it.)

Sailor Moon: Where could she be?

Sailor Mercury: I'm getting readings over there.

(There is a strange field in the room.)

Sailor Mercury: Don't you think we should go back and let Luna in?

Sailor Moon: No. For once, I wanna show her I know what I'm doing.

Sailor Mercury: Okay.

(She pulls out her scanning computer.)

Sailor Mercury: Let's analyze this thing.

Sailor Moon: Hey, where'd you get that?

Sailor Mercury: Luna gave it to me. It's my data computer.

Sailor Moon: I'll look around while you mess with it.

Ramwoir: So, you haven't given up yet, eh?

Sailor Moon: Of course not.

(As she continues to talk, the pitch gets higher.)

Young Sailor Moon: I am Sailor Moon!

(Sailor Mercury notices. Sailor Moon is getting younger! She's becoming a small child! Fortunately, when Sailor Mercury pulls her away, she returns to normal.)

Sailor Moon: Good. It's not permanent.

Sailor Mercury: I'm not sure how she's doing this, but she's controlling time. She can make it go forwards or backwards. Anything she wants.

Sailor Moon: So she could change us into little old ladies, too?

(A young girl’s nightmare!)

Old Sailor Moon: I am Shailor Moon, the grandmudder o' justish.

(Perish the thought!)

Sailor Moon: We gotta get outta this time warp!

(Meanwhile, someone has entered the clock store: Tuxedo Mask.)

Tuxedo Mask: I know they're close by.

(Back in Negatime...)

Sailor Moon: Mercury, what's taking so long?

Sailor Mercury: Hold on. I'm getting close.

(The computer pinpoints the exit.)

Sailor Mercury: I think I found the exit.

(She deactivates her visor.)

Sailor Moon: That's pretty cool.

Sailor Mercury: Yes, it sure is. I just hope I'm reading it right.

Sailor Moon: So, can we get going already?

Sailor Mercury: Yes. We need to go north-northeast, which is...

(She points.)

Sailor Mercury: ...that way. But let's stick together, okay?

Sailor Moon: All right.

(The two head north-northeast. They soon find Ramwoir.)

Ramwoir: Ha ha ha ha. I thought I was going to have to come and get you. Time has run out for you, Sailor girls!

Sailor Moon: Not 'til you're back where you belong!

(She charges. Then, suddenly, she stops and drops to the ground. She's been frozen in time!)

Sailor Moon: I can't move my legs, Mercury.

Ramwoir: Ha ha ha. As I said, you can't hold the hands of Negatime. It zapped your most vital energy, and now you're helpless.

Sailor Mercury: We're in trouble.

(Ramwoir launches an attack.)

Sailor Moon: HELP ME!

Sailor Mercury: Try to get up.

Ramwoir: She can't.

(She blasts a ray at Sailor Mercury, draining her energy, too.)

Sailor Mercury: I ...can't move either! I wish Luna were here!

Ramwoir: I've frozen time just for you, girls. Now I just need to decide which of you'll be lucky enough to get zapped first.

(As Ramwoir readies what could be the final blows...)

Sailor Moon: Hey! You stay away from my friend!

(...Tuxedo Mask finds the great clock.)

Ramwoir: I guess you'll be first!

(Tuxedo Mask sends one of his roses flying at the clock's face, shattering it. As the energy is released from Ramwoir's grasp...)

Sailor Moon: The spell's wearing off!

Ramwoir: This can't be happening.

(...the energy returns to the Sailor Scouts, enabling them to move.)

Sailor Mercury: Hey! I can move again!

(She wastes no time...)

Sailor Mercury: MERCURY BUBBLES BLAST!

(...and creates a fog bank.)

Ramwoir: Where are they? Where'd they go?

Sailor Mercury: You all right?

Sailor Moon: Yeah, except I can't see where she is.

Sailor Mercury: Right over there. Just aim for the two dots.

Sailor Moon: Got it.

(Sailor Moon readies her Moon Tiara for flight.)

Sailor Moon: MOON TIARA MAGIC!

(Ramwoir disintegrates when the Tiara hits. With the spell broken, the clock store disappears. Serena and Amy appear from behind the illusion, to Luna's relief.)

Luna: You did it. Are you girls all right?

Serena: Yeah.

Amy: Yes.

(Later, walking home...)

Serena: I don't ever wanna see another alarm clock. You know? I might even give up shopping...

(Just then, Molly rushes up behind them.)

Molly: YOU GUYS!

Serena: Hey...

Molly: SERENA, YOU GOTTA HURRY! THE SHOE STORE'S HAVING A HUMONGOUS SALE!

Serena: I love shoes.

Molly: It's two-for-one! Ha ha ha. Come on!

(Serena follows, but trips. She ends up on the sidewalk crying.)

Luna: Oh well. I knew it would never last. Serena is Serena.

Amy: Yes, that's for sure.

SAILOR MOON SAYS

Serena: I like to do things fast and get them over with, like homework. But that’s where you make mistakes. Patience doesn’t come easy, I know. Slow down take your time and do it with care. It takes less time to do it right than doing it fast and having to go back and do it again.

Luna: So when are you going to apply this principle to your eating habits.

Serena: (laughing) Slow down eating? You’ve got to be kidding. (laughing) Mmm.