Shutter Bugged

(At school, Molly discovers something in her magazine.)

Molly: Hey, doesn't this guy look kinda familiar? Huh?

(Serena grabs the magazine to look.)

Serena: No way. That's Peter Fisher. He goes to Raye's school.

(She suggests to Amy...)

Serena: Let's all go get his autograph. Come on, Amy. He's really nice. We all had humongous crushes on him before.

Amy: I have to study.

Serena: Oh please, Amy. You've got plenty of time to study. Our math test isn't even happening until tomorrow.

Amy: I know, but I want a perfect score.

Serena: Phooey. Such a goody-goody.

(Peter Fisher, though still in school, is already a prize photographer. He has only photographed landscapes, but what he photographs is of the highest quality.)

Reporter: Peter, how does it feel to win the National Photography Contest?

Peter: Uh, overwhelming, I guess.

Reporter: So, now that you've won this big prize, is this going to affect your photography in the future?

Peter: What do you mean?

Reporter: Do you think you'll still photograph only landscapes?

Peter: Oh yeah. Sure.

(Serena and company find him.)

Serena: There he is. Let's get his autograph.

Molly: All right. Let's go.

(But when they try, an arm blocks them.)

Raye: Hold it.

Serena: Move it, Raye!

Raye: Sorry. For reporters only.

Serena: Hey, Raye. Who died and made you the school police all of a sudden?

Raye: Does your teacher know you're not in class? Just turn around and go back to your own school. Our prize student's busy with interviews. He can't be bothered by you.

Serena: I'm getting pretty sick of your bossy ways.

(Just then, Peter slips in between them.)

Peter: Please stop arguing. You're upsetting my creative energy.

(That afternoon, Peter is on a cliffside, about to take another picture. He's in a pretty precarious position.)

Peter: This should be a great shot. The light is just perfect. This'll make a great picture.

(He takes two pictures, then loses his footing! Only a timely grab by a man saves him.)

Maxfield: Anything for a good shot, huh?

Peter: You saved my life. Who are you?

Maxfield: Never mind. Let me get your camera.

(As Maxfield Stanton (better known as Nephlite) touches it, he leaves a Negamarker on it.)

Peter: Thanks.

Maxfield: It seems to be okay. By the way, I think your work is first-rate. Keep it up, Peter.

(That night, in his mansion, he once again gazes upon the star map. This time, he lays a magazine on the floor at his feet, turned to an article about Peter.  The stars let their light strike the page.)

Nephlite: The movement of the stars rules everything. Great powers of the Negaverse, I have found my next victim. A human who is reaching his maximum creative energy output: Peter Fisher. He will serve the Negaforce well! Ha ha ha!

(Meanwhile, Peter works on his camera. The effects of Nephlite's marker are beginning to take hold.)

Peter: Ha ha ha. I feel my creative energy rising, searching for new inspiration. I'm tired of lifeless landscapes. I want live targets teeming with energy!

(Next day, Serena reads an ad.)

Serena: Wow! Peter Fisher's sponsoring a contest to find himself a supermodel. Wow! Lovely!

(Luna walks up to Serena, with a new device.)

Luna: Serena, look at this. I've got a new communicator for you.

(But she isn't listening.)

Serena: I can be a great model.

Luna: Amy and Raye each have a communicator, too.

Serena: Great! Luna, I gotta call Amy and tell her about this contest.

(If it weren't required of her, and if it weren't so important, Luna would have abandoned her job long ago. It is so frustrating!)

(Serena takes the communicator and turns it on.)

Serena: Amy, come in.

Amy: Serena, what's up? Are you in trouble?

Serena: No. Everything's fine. I just wanted to tell you all about Peter Fisher's modeling contest.

(Considering that the communicator is only for Sailor business, Amy is obviously annoyed.)

Amy: Serena! I don't believe you! Our communicators are for Sailor business! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm working on a program to help us find the Moon Princess.

(She cuts off.)

Serena: Fine. Be that way. Maybe Raye will be interested in what I have to say.

(Then she remembered her attitude yesterday.)

Serena: Yeah, right. Like I really want another one of her lectures. Forget it.

(At dinner, Sammy, Serena's brother, laughs at what she has just announced.)

Sammy: You wanna be a model? Ha ha ha...

Serena: Knock it off.

Sammy: It’s too funny. You can't even walk and chew gum at the same time. What makes you think you've got what it takes to be a model?

Serena: If I just smile pretty, that's what counts.

Sammy: You can't even do that right. Remember your last school picture? Huh? 'Break the Lens' time. Unless there's a need for spaghetti and meatball models, you don't stand a chance, Serena.

Serena: Aw, Mom. Don't you think I can be a model?

Serena's Mother: You can be whatever you want to be as long as you don't borrow my clothes.

Serena: Gee. Thanks so much for your support.

(She starts crying.)

(After dinner, at the arcade...)

Andrew: Cheer up, Serena. What's your brother know, anyway? Forget him. If you wanna go into modeling, you gotta just go for it.

Serena: Do you really think so, Andrew? You think I've got what it takes?

(Darien's at one of the games.)

Darien: Yeah. Absolutely. I can just see you tumbling right off the stage... braying like a donkey. It's 'Serena the Hyena.'

Serena: Just stay out of this. Okay, Darien? Who asked you?

Darien: I'm just trying to help you, Serena. Modeling is tough work. You gotta get up early and do exactly what you're told. You gotta be on time, and you really have to watch what you eat. You can't eat and eat junk.

Serena: Creep. How would you know?

Darien: Well, uh, actually, when I first got out of high school, I did some modeling to help pay my tuition.

(Serena's surprised. For once, Darien's dead serious.)

Serena: You did modeling? No way.

Darien: Sure did. It's not all glamour. Believe me.

Serena: Yeah. Well, don't you worry about me, buddy.

Darien: I'm not. I know you're gonna fail. You're never on time. You're always cramming junk food into your mouth, and you can't walk one block without falling down... and taking at least three other people with you.

Serena: Thank you so very very much, Darien, but I'm gonna do just fine. You watch.

(With that, she walks off.)

Andrew: You know, Darien, sometimes you're pretty mean. How come you're always so rough on that girl?

Darien: I really don't mean to be. It's just something that comes over me when I'm around her.

(As Serena leaves...)

Darien: A feeling that I just can't quite explain.

(A few days later, Serena is waiting outside, by the gate to the house.)

Sammy: So, got rejected yet?

Serena: Buzz off, Sammy.

Sammy: Serena, you know, I really do think you could be a great model.

(Why the change of heart?)

Sammy: I know this place where people go and take tons of pictures. You'd fit in really well there. It's called the Zoo.

Serena: You're crusin' for a bruisin'.

(The mailman rides up.)

Mailman: Serena, got some mail.

Serena: Me? Thanks.

Sammy: Junk mail, probably. Dweeb.

Serena: They want me! I'm entered into the first round! Watch out, Sammy. This Saturday's gonna be my big day. I'm gonna be famous. Your sister's on her way to the cover of VOGUE!

(In her room, Serena tries the old posture trick of balancing books on her head.)

Luna: Serena, what are you doing?

Serena: I'm trying to learn to walk gracefully.

Luna: Shouldn't you be reading those books?

Serena: No way. It'll strain my eyes.

(The books tip forward and fall off.)

Serena: See what you made me do. Remain calm, Serena. That's it. A model always manages to look peaceful no matter what.

Luna: Give me a break.

(And Luna falls over in frustration.)

Serena: Okay. Now, what outfit should I wear? Oh yeah. The invitation said to bring a bathing suit.

(She checks her dresser.)

Serena: Good thing I bought one last year.

(But when she finds it, it's full of holes!)

Serena: Oh, I forgot the moth balls!

(Saturday, at a ritzy hotel, Peter Fisher is conducting his contest. Serena rushes in.)

Serena: Wow. This place is packed!

Peter: Ladies, may I have your attention, please? I'll be starting the photo sessions in just a few minutes, but first, I want to lay down some ground rules for you. I expect you to follow them exactly or you're out. Got it?

Girls: Yeah!

(Serena brought Luna with her in a basket. As they walk to the dressing room...)

Luna: I'm not sure this is a good idea, Serena.

Serena: How come?

Luna: Just a hunch. That photographer seems weird.

Serena: Peter's always been like that. He's a creative genius.

Luna: That may be, but the guy sure isn't choosy about his models. Is he?

Serena: Hey! What's that mean?

(Luna ducks her head into the basket. Molly and Miss Haruna are walking towards Serena.)

Molly: Serena, do you know where we go?

Miss Haruna: We missed the first part of orientation.

Serena: We go to the dressing room, then we wait for our turn.

(In the dressing room, Serena pretties up her face while Molly and Miss Haruna change.)

Serena: That nap in math class really helped. Ooh. Aah. Cheese...

(Molly and Miss Haruna finish.)

Miss Haruna: Gotta suck it in.

Molly: Right. Hey Serena, did you get yourself a new bathing suit?

Serena: Sort of.

Molly: So let's see.

Serena: You can't laugh.

Molly: So, you gonna show me?

Serena: Uh huh.

(She had had to cover up the holes in her old bathing suit with bows since she couldn't afford a new one.)

Molly: Oh well. Don't worry. The suit's not that important anyway.

(Luna, meanwhile, is not too pleased. She's wandering around.)

Luna: All right. So what's the big deal with this guy? I want to go home.

(She sees Peter about to take pictures of some young ladies.)

Peter: Smile. Give me lots of energy. That's it, ladies. Excellent. Now hold it right there while I capture all five of you. Right?

(His camera, influenced by the Negamerker, takes more than a picture. All five models are trapped in a picture!)

Luna: They disappeared! I'll bet it's the Negaverse.

(Luna pops into the dressing room.)

Molly: I'm getting so nervous.

Miss Haruna: Don't worry. You'll do fine.

Luna: Serena, there's big trouble. I just saw five girls vanish in front of Peter's camera.

Serena: What are you talking about?

Luna: The Negaverse. I bet my whiskers that's what this whole contest is about, and Peter's definitely in on it.

Serena: Peter? Nah. You've been staring at too many flashbulbs.

(Luna tries a different approach.)

Luna: Move it, or I'll shred your bathing suit.

Serena: But we're up next.

Molly: Serena, who're you talking to?

Serena: Uh, just my reflection.

Miss Haruna: Right. Let's go out and become supermodels.

(Miss Haruna's tight swimsuit and mannerisms scare Molly.)

Molly: Hurry up, Serena.

(Meanwhile, Serena steps out and uses her communicator.)

Serena: Hey Amy, it's me. I'm over at the modeling contest with Luna and she's going bonkers.

Luna: Not true.

(As she's talking, Molly steps out of the dressing room, then Miss Haruna.)

Luna: Amy, I think we might have trouble, so stay tuned.

Molly: Serena, come on! We gotta go!

Miss Haruna & Molly: Remember, suck it in.

Serena: Okay, it's showtime.

Luna: Wait for the Sailor Scouts.

(When Serena doesn't listen, Luna jumps and steals one of the cover-up bows.)

Serena: OW! Luna, come back! Give me back that bow.

(She goes after her.)

Serena: Luna...

(In the studio, Peter plans another session.)

Serena: Luna! Stop! Give it back!

Peter: Hold it while I check the light.

(She turns. Peter is about to take another shot, and Molly and Miss Haruna are in it.)

Serena: Now I'll never be a model. I'm supposed to be out there right now.

Peter: Now give me lots of energy, girlies!

(The cursed camera flashes, and the ladies (Molly and Miss Haruna included) vanish too!)

Serena: WHAT HAPPENED?!

Luna: Now do you believe me, Serena?

(Serena can only agree.)

Serena: We gotta save them.

Peter: Who's next? HA HA HA HA!

Serena: You stop right there! Where did my friends go?

Peter: A truly great artist never reveals his secrets. Now say cheese.

(He takes focus.)

Serena: Don't even think of pressing that shutter.

Peter: Why not?

Serena: Because the Peter I knew would never make people disappear.

Luna: Transform, Serena. Quickly!

Serena: MOON PRISM POWER!

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

Sailor Moon: I am Sailor Moon, the Champion of Justice! Gimme that camera now, Peter, or I'll turn you into moon dust.

Peter: Try and take it.

Sailor Moon: Fine.

(She jumps down to engage him.)

Sailor Moon: On behalf of the Moon, I will right wrongs and triumph over evil, and that means YOU, Peter!

Peter: HAH! Smile for the camera, Sailor girl.

(He starts shooting. Sailor Moon has to constantly dodge the beams the camera keeps shooting.)

Sailor Moon: You're no match for Moon Power!

(She rushes him, still dodging, and leaps into the air. When she comes down, she knocks the camera out of his hands and sends Peter to the floor.)

Sailor Moon: Oh. I really nailed him that time.

(Meanwhile, the camera is given the word from Nephlite. The Negamonster, Kyameran emerges!)

Kyameran: Ha ha ha. Sailor Moon. Give me a nice smile for your last portrait!

(Her right hand reveals an Evil Eye!)

Kyameran: NEGAZOOM!

(It shoots, and hits Peter. Now he disappears as well!)

Sailor Moon: Luna, what now?

Luna: Don't let her take your picture! If she does, the only thing that will be left of you is a lousy snapshot!

Sailor Moon: And my hair is probably a mess.

(She dodges more shots. One fast dodge sends her sliding to the floor.)

Luna: Sailor Moon! Get out of the way! Meoooow!

(Luna jumps, and intercepts the shot intended for Sailor Moon! Now Luna is gone, too.)

Sailor Moon: No! Luna! No! She's gone!

Kyameran: Here.

(She produces two pictures: one of Peter and one of Luna! They're trapped in photographs!)

Kyameran: I get to keep the negatives.

Sailor Moon: Where are they? Bring them back!

Kyameran: Now why would I want to do that? And why would you? As soon as I reload, YOU'RE JOINING THEM! HA HA HA HA HA!

(What now?)

Mercury & Mars: Hold it right there, slime-ball!

(They had arrived just in the nick of time!)

Sailor Moon: Sailor Mercury! Sailor Mars!

Sailor Mercury: MERCURY BUBBLES BLAST!

(Sailor Mercury shrouds the room in fog. Meanwhile, Sailor mars prepares one of her mysic spells.)

Sailor Mars: I call upon the power of Mars. FIREBALLS CHARGE!

(She launches the spell sheet, but the enemy's ready.)

Kyameran: Try all you like, girlies. You're too slow.

(She snapshots that spell and the others Sailor Mars launches, nullifying them. Soon the fog clears, and...)

Sailor Moon: The Sailor Scouts! She's got them, too!

(She had kicked in a sneak shot in the middle of her target practice. Now Sailor Moon is all alone. The monster blithely tosses two more pictures.)

Kyameran: Here's some more for your scrapbook.

Sailor Moon: They're all gone 'cause they tried to save me.

Kyameran: And you're a goner, too. Hah!

(Sailor Moon is backed into the wall of the studio.)

Sailor Moon: If Sailor Mars and Sailor Mercury couldn't stop her, I don't have much of a chance...

(She turns and discovers that the wall is mirrored. It gives her an idea.)

Sailor Moon: ...unless I find a way to get her to zap herself! That's it!

Kyameran: MAX DESTRUCTION NEGAZOOM!

(She lines up her best shot and fires, but Sailor Moon takes advantage of the situation. She jumps over the shot, which reflects off the mirror back to Kyameran!  Sailor Moon lands safely behind her, while the monster is deformed from her own blast.)

Kyameran: There goes my shot at getting into Queen Beryl's Evil Hall of Fame. Nasty Sailor brat!

(While she gripes...)

Sailor Moon: She's moon dust.

(Sailor Moon takes aim...)

Kyameran: NOOO!

Sailor Moon: MOON TIARA MAGIC!

(... and hits her dead-on! With the Negamonster gone, the photos change back.)

Sailor Moon: Amazing. I actually saved everyone on my own.

(In Nephlite's mansion, the energy beam that was the monster vanishes.)

Nephlite: What's happening? The stars are fading.

(Then his map disappears, too.)

Zoisite: Ha ha ha. Looks like Sailor Moon's turned your plan into moon dust, Nephlite.

Nephlite: It can't be, Zoisite. I was so close. I almost had that frisbee-throwing brat!

(Zoisite's image appears. She's had a grudge against him since he had begun his mission. She had wanted the position herself.)

Zoisite: Well, obviously, you've got the same problem that Jedite did, Nephlite. You underestimated Sailor Moon. Fool.

Nephlite: Be quiet! Tell Queen Beryl that my next plan will get rid of Sailor Moon and her annoying Sailor friends once and for all.

Zoisite: What makes you so sure?

Nephlite: I had two of those Sailor Scouts captured, so they're not invincible. Ha ha ha ha. Don't worry. I'll still gather enough energy to free the Negaforce and get rid of those scouts!

(That night, Serena's parents and brother watch the news. The top story is about Peter.)

Serena's Father: Where's Serena?

Serena's Mother: She's taking a little nap.

Sammy: I can't believe Serena's gonna miss this. They're talking about the results of that modeling contest today.

(With his senses recovered, Peter makes an announcement.)

Peter: Actually, I decided to call this whole contest thing off for now.

Reporter: But didn't you say that you've found your new inspiration?

(Though his memory is foggy, one thing sticks in his mind.)

Peter: Yes. Actually, I did find her, but I'm not even sure that she actually exists. She was this beautiful heroine with long blond hair, and she said that she came from the Moon, so I'm going to concentrate on moonscapes.

Reporter: Was this some kind of alien or something?

Peter: No, more like a princess.

(Hmm...)

Serena's Parents: Uh huh.

Serena's Mother: I don't know, but seems to me this kid's gone over the deep end, dear.

Serena's Father: The boy needs help.

Sammy: A Moon Princess? Give me a break, please.

(As Serena dreams, Peter's comment has to make you wonder. The Sailor Scouts have been trying for a while now to find the Moon Princess for real. How close can they actually be to the truth?)

SAILOR MOON SAYS

Serena: We girls spend an awful lot of time primping and trying to look hot. So do you guys, but you don’t like to admit it. But there’s more to beauty than looks, and being a beautiful person inside where it counts. So remember, beauty is way more than skin deep. And I told you so!