Rangers In Wonderland
Chapter 6 – Underland Under Siege

Furious at their improbable escape, Sledge called Heckyl and bid him to bring Wrench, Curio, and both of the Spikeballs to the estate. The crew did everything in their power to try dig open the hole but there was nothing. "Are you sure they went down there Fury?" Poisandra questioned for the umpteenth time. "How could they disappear into nothing?"

"I'm telling you, they were down there!" Fury growled. "Their energems must have opened a portal of some kind."

"Do you have any idea of ridiculous you sound Fury?" Curio scoffed. "Looks to me you've finally cracked."

"Perhaps." Heckyl interjected, he'd been using his powers to scan the hole and ground surrounding it. "But there is something strange about this place. I'm detecting an odd energy here and it seems to stretch all over this property."

"What type of energy?" Sledge trudged over to him.

"It's slight," Heckyl explained. "But tangible, more so in specific areas. Like the hole our beloved colleague lost the rangers in. It's registering almost like separate entity altogether. I can't describe it, it's unlike anything I've ever encountered before. Not at all similar to the power of the energems; it's…odder."

"Sound what do we do now?" one Spikeball asked. "We could attack the rangers in America now! Their numbers are low and we could overpower them."

"Sir I think we should still find a way to trace those ones," Wrench pointed to the ground. "There are two energems in one place. We rarely see such an opportunity."

"Why not both?" Sledge said with malice. "Spikeballs, find a monster and take some Vivix to pay the rangers a visit. Do your worst and get those energems. We'll stay here and go after those girls."

"Yes sir," they took off, eager for a fight.

"Well then," Heckyl smirked. "I believe now would be good time to say that I think I've found us a lead. Follow me." He led the crew back to the still smouldering remains of the Ascot mansion. "There's something here, I can feel it." He muttered, one hand outstretched like a divining rod. "Hang on," he raised his hand up to the higher floors. "It's there but it would be too dangerous to go up. I wonder if I could -" with a flick of his wrist, there was a raucous crash and then mirror flew out to hover in front of the group of villains.

"What is that?" Sledge demanded.

"A mirror with the same energy as the hole the rangers disappeared through," Heckyll gave him an imperious look. "One might presume that they lead to the same place."

"How do we open it?" Poisandra tapped the solid glass.

"Allow me," Heckyll held the mirror by it's frame, channeling all of his energy into it. He carefully prised open the interlocking magicks and the glass became nebulous. He turned it towards his companions, "Quickly! I don't know how long it will remain open." Sledge, Fury, Curio, Wrench, Poisandra rushed in then Heckyll twisted himself into the frame before the glass solidified again. The mirror dropped behind them and shattered on the ground.

*RIW*

The group of erstwhile villains landed in large meadow of flat grass with nothing around. The first thing they noticed was regiment of some kind marching towards them. The creatures looked broad and square. As they drew closer, they realised there some kind of armour-clad, spear-bearings beings, wait were they…playing cards? "Halt!" the one in front lowered his spear at them. "State your business."

Heckyll was quick to get in front, lest one of the buffoons caused more trouble than necessary. "We have none. We were out for a stroll."

"By order of her Majesty the White Queen, all inhabitants are to remain indoors while Underland is in danger."

"Ah yes," Heckyll nodded with a bow. "We honour her majesty's wishes. I think we are a little turned around. Which way to the main road again?"

"2 miles sud," another growled. "Now get moving the lot of you."

"Of course," Heckyll gave them all a glare that said not to argue and began ushering them away when a voice yelled 'STOP!'.

"Isn't that the one?" A card-knight questioned, pointing at Fury. "The one Ser Alice described." At once, all the spears lowered.

"Raise the alarm, inform the Queen that we have apprehended the criminals."

"Oh dear," Heckyll sighed long-sufferingly. "Here we go."

*RIW*

"We could draw them in," Shelby reasoned. Her, Kendall, Alice, Mirana, Iracebeth, Hatter, Mally and Chess sat in the Queen's personal quarters, surrounding a table covered with a map of Underland. "If we lead them into Tugley woods, we could fight them there and minimize damage to the residents."

"You're forgetting that creatures are different here my dear," Mirana reminded her. "Even if they do not live in houses, they're still my subjects. Every butterfly and ladybug."

"Bring them anywhere might take them through major towns," Kendall shook her head. "And I wouldn't trust them not to cause chaos just for the sheer thrill of it."

Alice began, "Perhaps -" but she was interrupted by the door swinging open loudly and McTwisp bounded in.

"Forgive me the intrusion your Majesty but there's been an attack!"

"Where?" Iracebeth demanded.

"Some miles north of the Meadow of Living Flowers. One of the garrison's spotted them and raised an alarm. The monsters attacked and unfortunately won but we managed to take a prisoner. They're brining whoever it is back along with the wounded as we speak."

"Prepare the infirmary," Mirana ordered. "Iracebeth, take some men and look over the area where the skirmish took place. Arrange transport for the fallen and try to determine where these creatures went."

"Done," she nodded and made to leave.

"And Iracy," her sister added. "Be careful."

The elder sister smiled slightly, "You too."

Then she was gone and Mirana turned to the girls. "I'll need to come with me and identify the prisoner. Alice, Tarrant, you have your stones?"

"Yes your Majesty," the two chorused.

"Good, I want you and Shelby to keep them here for now." She moved aside a painting to reveal concealed safe-like box. "Just for the moment, while we tend the wounded. I don't want to risk anyone seeing them."

Somewhat hesitantly, the three handed over their energems to the White Queen who put them in the safe. "It is attuned to my hand, it will not open for anyone but me," she assured them. "Now let's meet this prisoner."