Chapter 18 – Old Wounds Cut Deep
Dino Mansion
California is known for its warm and sunny climate but on this particular weekend, heavy rain poured down from a dark and leaden sky. Inside the Dino Mansion, Kiera was sitting on a sofa in the front room. She twirled a loose strand of brown hair around her finger whilst staring blankly at a map of the city. There was a strange energy reading coming from the hills on the outskirts of Hunston Valley but she couldn't tell what was causing it.
The front door opened and a soaking wet Koda stepped into the main entranceway. Taking off his drenched waterproof coat, he rung out the excess water from his hair, "Hey Kiera, I'm done", he called out.
"Thanks for fixing the roof", Kiera began, "now I can sit in the lab without getting a free shower". She looked over the blue ranger, not a single inch of him was dry, "Go and have a warm shower, I'll fix you some hot chocolate". Koda smiled and walked upstairs to warm himself up. Kiera was true to her word and went the blue ranger reappeared fifteen minutes later, there was a mug of hot chocolate waiting for him.
Sitting on the sofa next to Kiera, he glanced over her shoulder at her laptop, "Still no closer to figuring out that weird energy reading?" he asked.
Kiera shook her head, "I can't go check it out either because it's on someone property". She clicked on a satellite image that showed an aerial view of a large mansion. A yellow dotted line appeared around the house, "Who needs that much land anyway?"
"Someone with more money than sense", Koda laughed. The front door opened and was very violently slammed shut. Shelby stomped into the front room and tossed her jacket onto the floor. She flopped down on other sofa and let out a very audible groan. "Hey Shel", Koda began, "long shift?"
"Yeah I like the new uniform", Kiera added. Instead of the usual fifties style uniform that the pink ranger usually wore, the diners uniform now consisted of a pink t-shirt and white shorts.
"Finch has decided to rebrand the diner", Shelby began, "thanks to us, the city now loves dinosaurs so we're now the Dino Cafe". Shelby reached into her shorts and pulled out a small card, "But that's not why I'm annoyed".
She tossed the card over to Koda and Kiera, "You have been cordially invited to the 25th birthday party of our beloved daughter", Koda read out loud, "formal attire only, signed Gerald and Marie Landsdown".
"As in Summer Landsdown?" Kiera asked, the pink ranger nodded in response, "I thought you hated her?"
"I do", Shelby replied, "she's been nothing but a Grade A bitch to me since we moved to the city". She stood up and started pacing, "But apparently my parents think it will be good to get out on to the party circuit". She turned and faced the others, "Don't they know this isn't what I want?"
"Depends if you've told them or not", Koda stated bluntly.
Shelby snorted, "You make it sound so easy".
"Let me tell you a story", Koda began, "I was in a similar position to you when I decided to work at Chloe's store after college. Our parents were furious because in their mind, they had paid for my education and I was wasting it as a repairman". He paused for a moment before continuing, "But when I told them my reasons, they soon backed down. I'm sure your parents are reasonable people and only want you to be happy".
The pink ranger sighed before turning to her younger friend, "What do you think Kiera?" Their chief scientist didn't respond, instead she was staring at her laptop, "Earth to Kiera", Shelby waived her hands in front of Kiera's face.
"Sorry I was lost in thought for a moment", she replied. She held up the invitation card, "Is this where the Landsdown's live?"
"Yeah, why?" Shelby asked.
Kiera smiled, "Guess on whose land that weird energy is coming from". She placed her laptop down and grabbed Shelby's hands, "We need to go to that party".
"Its invitation only", the pink ranger replied, "I mean I can bring a plus one but no offence Kiera, I don't swing that way".
"No no no, that's not what I meant", Kiera shook her hands, "we're all going, it'll be like a ranger mission".
"And how are you going to get us all in?" Shelby raised an eyebrow.
By now Kiera was almost at the bottom of the stairs, "Easy, Uncle Jason knows the party's guest musician. I'm sure he owes the rangers a favour or two". She bounced up the stairs, "I need to pack some equipment", she called out.
Koda looked at the card again before looking at Shelby, "Jason knows Maestro Eugene Skullovitch?"
Landsdown Estate
The Landsdown's party was the next day and fortunately the weather had cleared up. The Landsdown's garden was filled with some of the richest people in the country and unfortunately for Shelby, their stuck up and self centered children. Dressed in a knee length pink dress, she fiddled with her hair that had been tied up in a tight bun, "Why did Mom have to use so much hair spray, I can't top itching".
"Remind me how I ended up as your date for this party", Riley grumbled. He looked uncomfortable dressed in a black suit jacket, trousers and a green shirt, "At least I didn't have to wear a tie", he added.
"Quit your complaining", Shelby replied, "do you know how many men would love to have me as their date to this party".
"Now who sounds self centered", Riley smiled.
Shelby rolled her eyes, "Look it was a simple choice, Ivan still doesn't know much about this century, Koda's too old to be my date, Tyler is too excitable for this crowd and Chase is...well Chase". Riley laughed at her explanation but their conversation was cut short by the appearance of three people.
"Shelby darling", Marie Landsdown said and kissed the pink ranger on both cheeks, "so glad you could make it". Shelby forced a smile onto her face, Marie Landsdown must be approaching fifty but barely looked a day over thirty. The tight skin on her face suggested that she was getting a bit of surgical help. Her husband on the other hand was aging gracefully, his once brown hair was now mostly grey. Shelby would have called him handsome, if it wasn't for the permanent look of superiority that adorned his face, "I'm sure you remember our daughter Summer", Marie continued.
The pink ranger looked over at the birthday girl, as usual she was dressed to the nines in a sparkly yellow cocktail dress. She was expecting a boisterous greeting from the young woman but instead, Summer almost looked embarrassed to be there, "Hey Shelby", she mumbled. Shelby raised an eyebrow, something wasn't right but then again she had been fooled into think Summer was a nice person before. She wasn't going to let that happen again.
"We'll leave you two to catch up", Gerald Landsdown said and lead his wife away to continue mingling.
The trio stood awkwardly before Shelby asked Riley to fetch them some drinks, leaving her and Summer alone. "Your date seems nice", Summer began, "a little young though".
"He not really a date", Shelby replied, "he's a friend who's currently a student at the Valley, I thought he could raise his profile by attending this party".
Summer nodded before another awkward silence descended, "Look Shelby can we talk somewhere privately", Summer asked
"Perhaps another time Summer, I really need to find Riley", he quickly hurried away, leaving a disappointed Summer standing by herself.
Up at the house, the other rangers plus Jason and Kiera were unloading a couple of crates from Koda's van. "Alright that's the last one", Chase said as he shut the door.
"This should enable us to analyse the energy reading", Kiera added as she pulled out four hand held devices. She handed one each to Tyler, Chase, Koda and Ivan.
"How does this thing work", Ivan asked, shaking the device.
"Don't shake it", Kiera snapped, "I'll show you on the way".
"Guys be careful out there", Jason called out, "and watch out for Kiera won't you".
"You can count on us old man", Tyler gave a small salute and the group walked towards the hills that sat in the middle of the Landsdown's estate.
"Hard to believe that Billy's kid is nearly an adult", someone called out from behind Jason. He turned around and saw a tall, skinny man around his age. He had spiky black hair and was dressed in a classic black tuxedo.
"Hard to believe that Eugene Skullovitch is a world renowned pianist", Jason smiled and embraced the man, "Good to see you again Skull", he smiled. When his best friend Bulk left on-board Terra Venture, Skull decided to put his piano talents to good use. Over the last fifteen years, he had built up a reputation as one of the finest concert pianists in the world. His success had made him a millionaire almost overnight.
"You too Jason", Skull replied, "I was surprised to get your call but I'm happy to help out the Power Rangers any way I can". After the Space Rangers had revealed their identities in 1998, it didn't take Bulk and Skull long to figure out who the other rangers had been. Since then the pair had been loyal allies to the rangers.
"How are Bulk and Spike doing", Jason asked.
"Bulk's doing really well again", Skull replied, "he's opened a new restaurant in Panorama City. I think he's finally getting back on his feet".
"Yeah it was a shame that Bulkmeier's had to close", Jason sighed. Bulk had opened a hotel after returning to Earth. It was extremely successful but unfortunately he had to sell up during the economic downturn a few years ago.
"Yeah I did like that place", Skull sighed, "but Spike's working hard as a chef at the new place, I couldn't be prouder".
"Still not trying to be samurai's then?" Jason laughed.
Skull smiled and shook his head, "Thankfully no. Thanks for introducing us to Jayden and his team, Spike still can't stop talking about it". There was a pause before Skull continued, "So what's going on here?"
"We're not sure", Jason replied, "we've picked up some strange energy readings. Could be one of our missing zords or possibly something to do with the Legion of Deboss, we won't know until Kiera analyses the data".
"Well if you need any more help let me know", Skull stated.
"Thanks Skull", Jason smiled, "how about I help you set up your piano, it's the least I can do?" The two men walked back up the driveway and towards a waiting van.
Inside the Landsdown's home, Shelby shut the back door and leaned up against it. Every where she turned, Summer seemed to be right there in front of her. Initially she tried to distract her by using Riley as a shield but the girl was relentless. Deciding that hiding would be her best option, she retreated to the house. Walking quietly through the hallways, she wondered why Summer was so interested in talking with her. Usually by now, Summer would've said something insulting about her hair or her outfit but not so far today.
Over the years she had grown to hate Summer and everything she symbolised. They both had similar backgrounds, heiresses to a family fortune with more money, staff and property then she cared to count. Soon after meeting Summer, she had resolved to be the total opposite to that girl. It was one of her motivating factors when she took up martial arts, she knew that it was something Summer would never do.
With that in mind, it came as a surprise to Shelby when she walked past a slightly open door. Peering inside, she noticed that it was a small gym with several martial arts training dummies. Stepping inside she marvelled at the equipment on display, surely none of this could belong to the Landsdown's. "Can I help you Miss?" a male voice called out from behind Shelby. The pink ranger turned around and saw the Landsdown's family butler.
"I just needed a break from the party", she replied, "it's Andrews isn't it?" she asked the butler.
"Indeed Miss Watkins", Andrews replied, "you really should hear what Miss Summer has to say, she's a different person to who she was the last time you met".
Shelby snorted, "I'd like to believe you Andrews".
"Perhaps I should tell you myself", Summer stated, stepping out of from behind Andrews. "Please Shelby can I just have five minutes".
The pink ranger sighed, Summer had never used the word 'please' before, "Fine, the clock's running".
Summer nodded and dismissed Andrews and stepped into the gym. Standing opposite the pink ranger she tried to make eye contact but Shelby wasn't allowing it. "I'm sorry that's I've been a bitch to you for all these years".
"Sorry, that's all you have to say", Shelby roared.
"Well you haven't let me finish", Summer began but the pink ranger interrupted her.
"When we first met, you poured lemonade down my dress, I was twelve years old at the time", Summer looked to the floor, "the next time our paths crossed, you locked me in the basement of this very mansion. I also recall a conversation in which you told me that my sort", she used air quotations, "shouldn't be allowed at your parties".
"I didn't mean that in a racist way", Summer defended, "I'm might've been an asshole but I'm not a racist".
"So how did you mean it then", Shelby asked.
"I just meant that a nouveau rich family aren't the same as old money families like us", Summer replied.
"Yeah cause that makes it better", Shelby turned and walked away.
"My five minutes aren't up", Summer called out.
"Well I'm done listening princess", Shelby cried, "I don't even know why I came here". Suddenly the foundations of the house shook and there was a bright flash of light from the hills on the estate, "Oh yeah that", the pink ranger whispered to herself.
There were several flashes of light in the room and the two women found themselves surrounded by Vivix. Backed up towards Summer, the pink ranger hoped that this martial arts gear wasn't just for show. Otherwise she was defending Summer Landsdown without the ability to use her Dinovolver. Either way, Shelby Watkins was about to have a very challenging few minutes.
TO BE CONTINUED
A/N – So who predicted that we would see Skull and this universe's version of Summer Landsdown?