Rangers In Wonderland
Chapter 1 – Home And Away

One thing was certain, that the purple ranger had had nothing to do with it: - it was the pink ranger's fault entirely. Hence why our tale of fanciful warfare begins in a place called Amber Beach. The first tendrils of summer were beginning to wisp and waft in the air as the seasons blended, gradually moving from one to another. Unfortunately for the rangers, they found themselves locked in the lab, scouring the world for the final two dino gems. The space was littered with research notes and books, evidence of the team's search for the elusive navy and yellow gems. "Keeper," Chase huffed frustrated. "Are you sure you have no clue where these things are?"

"When I distributed the gems I had communed with the dinosaurs telepathically," Keeper responded calmly. "I have an idea of what they looked like but where or what they were I have no idea."

Just then Kendall's pager went off, she looked at with a strained sigh. "We're going to have to put this on hold for a while. I have meeting with the board of directors for the upcoming Kingsleigh exhibit."

Shelby gasped, "As in Alice Kingsleigh? THE Alice Kingsleigh."

Kendall smiled at her enthusiasm, "The one and the same."

"Who's Alice Kingsleigh?" Tyler asked.

"She was the first female trader and captain, extended routes all the way to China." Shelby gushed. "Her story is so fascinating. I read some of her diaries. The way Hamish Ascot tried to win her hand and when he couldn't, he manipulated her mother while she was away and put her family estate in jeopardy if she didn't give up her ship."

"Sounds like a piece of work. What did she do?" Riley pushed.

"Her mother was going to sign over the Wonder but changed her mind and let him have the estate," Kendall answered. "Then they started their own trade company and put Ascot out of business in a couple of years."

"Bad-ass," Chase crowed.

"She was a bit eccentric but she was a great woman." Shelby sighed, "Hey Miss Morgan, did you ever read about her hatter?"

"Oh yeah," Kendall recalled. "That was so sad."

"Who?" Ivan queried.

"She fell in love with a hatter, she'd known him her whole life but just when she was beginning to realize how she felt, they were separated." Kendall narrated, "She never said how or why but they never saw each other again. Some scholars have suggested he died. Regardless, it broke her heart. She would never love another like she loved him. 'In the garden of memory, in the palace of dreams. That is where you and I shall meet'."

"That's beautiful," Tyler smiled softly.

"Those were his last words to her," Shelby nodded. "She later married a good man after her mother passed away but her hatter was her true love."

"Anyway," Kendall refocused. "We're going to do an exhibit about her. The directors want to make sure that everything goes off without a hitch. Which means I may have to fly to London for a few days to discuss some things with her great granddaughter."

"London? To meet Alice Kingsleigh's granddaughter?" Kendall squealed. "Oh please Miss Kendall, let me come with you."

"This isn't a vacation Shelby -"

"I know it isn't. I promise I will be completely professional the entire time. Please Miss Morgan!"

In the face of Shelby's imploring gaze, Kendall's shoulders sagged in defeat. "Alright you can come but remember, completely professional."

"You got it, I mean of course Miss Morgan," Shelby swore.

*RIW*

Around the city, posters about the Kingsleigh exhibit had already gone up. They were large photos of Alice with the caption, From London, the Kingsleigh Collection! COMING SOON! Fury was passing by when he noticed one stuck on a pole. "I know that face," he grabbed it. "It's that girl."

Shandong Province, 1876

"HEY YOU!" Fury had spotted a girl with light hair and blue clothes holding the yellow energem. "Give me that gem!"

She immediately clasped it in her hand. "No." He ran at her and she swung at him with fist holding the gem. The moment she connected there was a blast of yellow energy that sent Fury flying back several feet.

Fury struggled to stand while the girl stood amazed at the power. He tried to go for her again but she noticed and took off, running much faster than a normal human. He made to follow and managed to keep pace with her until they got to town. Of course the sight of him sent the villagers scrambling and the girl deftly slipped in amongst them. He tried to keep track of her but she knew her way and was able to give him the slip. Once the villagers had cleared, no one could be seen and the girl was gone.

"So you see Master Sledge," Fury explained. "This is my chance to reclaim the yellow energem for you. It must be among this women's affects if she's not still alive because of it."

"Humph," Poisandra scoffed. "It's his fault he lost it in the first place. Someone else should do it, why not me sweetie?"

"I'm the only who knows what the girl really looks like and has her scent." Fury growled. "If you want, you can be my back up."

"BACK UP?!"

"ENOUGH! This is no time for your idiotic squabbling. This is the first promising lead we've had on a gem since we lost the others to those rangers," Sledge mused. "Alright Fury, you may take your chance but this time there will be no mistakes. We will all got to this London place and take the yellow energem once and for all."

A/N: Hey guys, hope you are all having a wonderful holiday season, eating tons of food and just enjoying some downtime before the new year rolls around. Have a happy new year and I will see you all next time. ENJOY! R&R PLZ!