Author's Note: This is the first series that takes place in my Dino Fury Expanded Universe, meant to fit into the main PR Dino Fury continuity. It has nothing to do with my UPR series.

Amelia Jones: Ghost Hunter

Chapter 01- How to Find Meaning in Glitter Glue

Amelia wanted to be a journalist to investigate deep and hidden truths, not vlog about the latest trends in candy-flavored nail polish.

Did she like her job? Of course she did. She created content for Buzzblast and had quite the online following. But Buzzblast didn't exactly focus on investigative reporting. The digital media company specialized in skaters, singers, sports and fashion tips. Amelia wanted more than that—she was capable of more than that.

A part of her felt selfish for thinking about her career now that she'd become the Pink Dino Fury Ranger, a warrior of the Morphin' Grid who battled evil creatures called Sporix. But it's not like the Sporix attacked every day. Although it felt like it sometimes.

Relax, you're overthinking, she told herself as she walked into the office of her boss, Jane. There's nothing wrong with having a life outside of being a Ranger.

Jane sat behind a desk cluttered with awards; similar awards and plaques covered the walls like sheets of clunky wallpaper. Amelia spotted something new every time she stepped into the place. This time, she noticed a plaque that read "Kitchen Fridge Award: Top 5 Uses for Glitter Glue" and another that said "Strawberry Milkshake Award: 6 Signs Your Horse is Out to Get You."

Yep. Cutting-edge journalism.

Amelia took a deep breath and swayed back and forth, anxiously. Don't freak out, you've got this. You can pilot robot dinosaurs to fight giant monsters, you can handle a story pitch.

Jane tapped her fingers against her desk. "Amelia, I love you, hun, but you've been standing there not saying a thing for I don't know how long."

"Oh, sorry," Amelia said, all smiles and pleasantry—she had to make this pitch work. "I wanted to run this story idea by you."

"Does it involve haunted dinosaur stones again?" Jane asked. "You know how I feel about haunted dinosaur stones."

"Uh, no, nothing like that," Amelia said. "I was going over the police reports from the other day, and it looks like three kids were reported missing."

"That's something the newspapers can take care of," Jane said, then hesitated. "They still make newspapers, right?"

"Yes, Jane, but listen," Amelia said. "I did some digging; turns out these kids went missing around that abandoned mansion just outside of town. The old McCormick place. Kids have gone missing there before, it happens every few years. No one knows why or who's responsible."

"And let me guess," Jane said as she leaned back in her chair. "It might be something paranormal? Like ghosts or little fairy gnomes?"

"No, nothing like that," Amelia said. "I was thinking we could maybe do a story on the top unsafe landmarks to avoid in Pine Ridge. That gives you a little bit of tourism, with some safety mixed in, all based on factual news. If it gets a lot of engagement, we can re-package it for Halloween later this year."

"Hmm." Jane tapped her fingers thoughtfully. "I like that idea, actually. You're not thinking of replacing any of your other stories, though, are you?"

"Not at all," Amelia said. "I just wrapped up one of them this morning: How to Pick the Perfume-Scented Shoe that's Right for You."

"Perfect," Jane said. She really was a nice boss. Friendly, personable. And she always seemed willing to give Amelia a chance as long as it didn't involve anything too crazy. "You can do the story, as long as it doesn't get in the way of your other assignments."

Amelia couldn't help making a small hop at the good news. "Yes, thank you. I won't let you down."

She left her boss's office with a spring in her step. Finally, a chance to investigate. To unearth some truths. She'd find out what happened to those kids. She'd do some good, not just as the Pink Ranger, but as Amelia.

"Next stop," she whispered to herself, "the old McCormick place."

Three nights ago, the old McCormick place

Drew crept through the dark hall. The floorboards squeaked beneath his sneakers.

"Josh?" He called out for his brother. No answer. "Jo?" His sister. No answer. "Come on, guys, this isn't funny."

Grade schoolers, they'd snuck into the house at night on a dare. They didn't believe any of the urban legends about the house being haunted. Ghosts didn't exist. Right?

Maybe there's one of those Sporix things in here? Drew fumbled in his pocket for his smartphone to call the Ranger Hotline, but dropped it. The phone whacked the floor with a noise that might as well have been as loud as a cannon blast within the quiet house.

The kid froze in place. Goose bumps covered his skin.

Come on, Drew, don't be a baby, he told himself. There's nothing here. You're just letting yourself get scared. You can-

A cold hand grabbed his arm and dragged him into the shadows.

To be continued…

Author's Second Note: If you like my PR work, please check out my original stories on Wattpad under the username The_Ryuranger and visit my author website Dragon-Metal *dot* com. My first novel "Jestin Kase and the Masters of Dragon Metal" is coming out soon in print and e-book formats, and PR fans will love it.