Zaley Love: Okay, so yes; I'm trying my best to get up the initial first few chapters so we can get done with the introductions. And I promise, the chapter after this one will be the last 'introduction' chapter. The ones to follow after the next introduction should be much more interesting, since the characters will be interacting more and getting on with the plot. Thanks for bearing with me!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Power Rangers, they belong to people much more intelligent than me (at least they were intelligent up until the letter -sigh- ) but I do own the 'Gem Force' idea, plot and some characters.

Angel Grove, CA

At the sound of movement, a male jumped awake; only to get struck by a pillow.

"Gotcha!" A child squealed with delight, tossing down the pillow in favor of clinging to his older brother.

"Edmund, momma said that I was going to get big and strong like you. How did you get big?" Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Edmund patted his youngest brother on the back and chuckled.

"Slowly, I had to eat all the vegetables on my plate and listen to mom and dad." He stated with wide eyes, giving a smile as he began to tickle his little brother.

"And lots of tickling. So if you want to get big and strong Dan, you'll have to be tickled a lot." The child's laughter rang throughout the house, causing twin girls to smile.

"No fair, Dan gets all the attention. Why doesn't Edmund tickle us mom?" In the kitchen, an elegant looking middle aged woman smiled to her young daughter.

"Perhaps it's because every time Edmund opens his mouth around you two, he gets an earful of complaints. Besides, isn't thirteen a little too big to fit in his lap?" She teased softly, brushing some hair from her girl's face.

"Edmund, PLEASE stop! I-I I can't BREATHE!" Dan pleaded between laughing and gasping for breath. Edmund released his little brother, watching the seven year old scamper out of his room and down the hall to the safety of the kitchen.

"Edmund, breakfast!" He heard his mother call out. Edmund smiled. At Twenty years of age one might think he'd have moved out, but no. Edmund enjoyed the pleasures of staying at home. He got to spend his free time with his parents and five siblings; what could be more enjoyable then that? Well, other then some alone time with a book at the youth center.

"Coming mom." He hollered out as he changed into some jeans and pulled on a deep green button down striped shirt. Running a hand through his messy hair, he smirked.

The scent of sausage and toast wafted in the air, causing his stomach to grumble. His mother sure knew how to start the morning!

"Wow, where's their food?" He teased with a wink to his mom, Dan froze to stare at him, unsure of the jest.

"Edmund, is that all your food?" He inquired, his sweet innocent voice seeming generally confused. Edmund smiled, shaking his head.

"Nope, it's all yours Danny. Do you mind sharing with all of us though?" The seven year old seemed to be in deep thought on this one.

"Well... alright. But just this once." He said, giving a nod as he took a seat at the table. His mother chuckled lightly as she shook her head.

"Oh Edmund, don't you go making him think he can eat everything." He pecked his mother's cheek and just smiled.

"Never. I'm going to eat and take a shower; is there anything you need me to do today?"

After a noisy breakfast and a quick shower, with his mother's permission, Edmund dressed and headed for the library. He was on winter break so he wouldn't have to commute to the university at all for the next two weeks. This gave him some much needed free time, so he decided to stop by the library for a decent book. After selecting a book, he'd likely go to the youth center. Maybe get a smoothie if Gwen was working. With a quick few strides he was at the door to the library. The librarian glanced up, but simply smiled, Edmund was one of the regulars at the library. What could he say? Growing up with many siblings, he enjoyed the quietness that the library offered. Not to mention the books. Books were something Edmund enjoyed immensely, never tiring of a good read or two.

Spending nearly two hours in the library, Edmund finally resurfaced with a decent sized book in his hands. It was actually one book that held multiple books inside in. 'The Chronicle's of Narnia' by C.S. Lewis. Of course he'd read this series several times before, but when you found a good read; why stop at one time? So, with his book selected, Edmund made his way toward the youth center. It wasn't a long walk, and actually a very enjoyable one at that. He took the route that led him through the park, past the lake and straight to the front of the youth center that housed Ernie's Juice Bar.

Walking in Edmund couldn't suppress a smile seeing Gwen at work. She had been in every one of his classes throughout high school, and middle school. But other then her name, and little facts he'd learned from her growing up, that was about all he knew. Well, that, and the fact that her favorite fruit was an orange, she loved the beach at night, autumn weather and her favorite time to be outside was when it was raining. Okay, so maybe he knew much more about her then he let on. But could you blame him? She possessed one of those smiles that radiated the room, causing everyone else to smile. Gwen had always seemed to at peace, shy and pure. Not like most girls you meet in high school. He'd always expected her to go to college and do something amazing, but she turned down all offers of college just so she could stay with her aunt after her mother passed away. And now, Gwen seemed content to stay in Angel Grove.

Gwen spotted him with a smile, causing him to reciprocate without a thought as he approached and nodded. He didn't even get a chance to ask for a smoothie before Gwen turned away and began mixing one up.

"Cherry lemonade with a lime inside." Gwen said, presenting the cool drink with a flourish. He smiled; was he that predictable?

"Thanks again Gwen." He said, taking his drink and heading toward his usual table in the back. It was the most secluded table, perfect for just being alone. Taking a sip he nodded, looking up as he spotted Kat getting a hug from Gwen. After Gwen's mom passed away, Kat was the closest thing Gwen had to a mother, and you could tell they were close. He took another sip from his drink and continued on with his reading.

He must have been completely engrossed in his book, because the next time he realized everything around him, it was when a loud crash sounded a table away. Jumping up, he saw Gwen sitting under a table covered in soda and water. He furrowed his brow, watching as she attempted to get up. Upon noticing she was going to lose her footing, Edmund hurried over to her side and caught her arm.

"Are you alright?" He asked, a worried expression caught in his brow.

"I'm... I-I'm just gonna go now." She stuttered out, pulling away from him and running out of the Juice Bar. Edmund looked after her, but simply sighed. When his sisters got embarrassed, he was the last one they wanted to see.

"Hey Ernie, you've got a mop right?" He asked, setting down his book and picking up the fallen tray and pitchers.

"Yeah, I'll get it." Ernie responded, pausing to exchange some words with Kat and Jason. Edmund shook his head, taking the tray and pitchers up to the counter in exchange for the mop.

"Don't worry about it, I'll deal with it." Ernie told him with a nod, not wanting to make Edmund feel compelled to clean the mess.

Edmund retrieved his book and decided perhaps it was about time for him to head home. Besides, his arm had gotten a bit sticky from catching Gwen's arm. He smiled. He didn't mind getting sticky if it meant he'd stopped her from falling again. He walked outside, releasing a deep breath as he watched Jason and Kat following Gwen to the truck. He'd just turned to go when he heard her scream, whirling around he watch as Kat and Jason ran to the truck and checked on her. Edmund froze, not wanting to leave, but also not wanting to intrude. He heard Kat say something about calling someone, and then he saw stars dancing before his eyes as his back hit the pavement.

"What the- AHHHH!" He cried out, a sharp pain in his chest causing him to pass out. Kat jumped, nearly dropping the phone at her ear. She looked to Jason, but he'd jumped out of the truck and was sprinting toward the entrance to the youth center. There, non other than Gwen's Edmund lay in a heap, a green shard protruding from his chest before sinking in.

"Hello? Kat are you still there?" She heard Billy's voice and bit her lip as she fought to calm herself.

"Billy, something really weird is going on. We need you to come and offer us an explanation. Gwen and her friend Edmund are both unconscious, and we're not sure what happened!" She rushed out as Jason approached, Edmund slung over his shoulder.

"I don't get it Kat, what were those things?" He grunted, laying Edmund in the back of the truck and closing the tailgate.

"Tell Billy we'll be at my place. You ride in the back with them." He stated, moving toward the driver side to fire up the truck. Kat nodded, following him and speaking to Billy.

"Jason said we'll be at his house, but please Billy, hurry. I'm scared." Kat admitted, trying to ignore the fact that her eyes were watery. Jason lifted her into the back, pecked her forehead and hopped into the front seat.

"I'll be there." Billy said urgently, hanging up the phone and grabbing a few things before rushing to his car.

(Alright, so there's Edmund. Some of you probably saw this one coming after me mentioning him in the previous chapter. But I don't care, I adore him! XD Oh, if you'd like to see a picture of the team, check out epiclittlebeka18's deviantart. I asked her to make an image for me, and she kindly complied with something I absolutely love! Only one more introduction chapter left, and then you'll be getting some answers. Thank you!

~Z.L.)