//------------------------------// // 24 - Home // Story: Sunny Starscout and The Mystery of Magic // by OneLonelyPickle //------------------------------// Grandmother Cerena hurried down the stairs. Sunny’s heart fluttered inside her ribcage, its every thump shaking her entire body. She wanted to scream, cry, run, fall over, and be sick all at once. Her grandmother wrapped her in her embrace. The scent of lilies and cinnamon overtook Sunny’s senses. She closed her eyes with a pleasant sigh. Her grandmother’s hug was warm and inviting, like falling into a bed of marshmallows. Sunny snuggled into the crook of her neck. “It’s you Grandmother…” Grandmother Cerena held her granddaughter tight. She stared with wide, wet eyes at some random part of the floor ahead. Her voice was far more sophisticated and aged than Sunny had imagined. “I cannot believe it. I cannot believe it’s true. I heard the rumors, but for it to actually be true is—” She quietly sobbed. Sunny was a mixture of happy and teary. “Grandmother! I never knew, I never knew I’m sorry, I would have come a long time ago if I only knew!” The two hugged until their crying turned to sniffles, and then silence. Sunny slowly opened her eyes and watched the purple and orange flames flicker nearby. She didn’t know if she should pull away from the embrace or if it would seem like she didn’t like the hug. Eventually, Grandmother Cerena did. Sunny saw in her grandmother the same things she remembered about her mother, and that alone made her tear up again. Grandmother Cerena had a darker yellow fur coat than her daughter and her mane was the same shade as Sunny’s but styled in a tall coiffure that parted in the middle, revealing all of her grandmother’s creased forehead and especially her shiny eyeshadow. There was also a purple jewel inset in a brooch tucked away on the left side of her mane. Her wrinkles and age lines covered the space under her eyes, though Sunny thought she still looked good for her age. A clasp of a shiny material shaped into the Starscout Cutie Mark held together a purple silk robe that wrapped around her grandmother. “You remind me a lot of mom, too.” Grandmother Cerena smiled warmly and spoke softly. “I suppose that makes sense, given our relation.” They exchanged a laugh and a huge smile. Grandmother Cerena smoothed a piece of mane down on her granddaughter’s forehead. “Your mother was so very dear to me, Sunny. Your father too…” Grandmother Cerena looked away, forlorn. “I’m so sorry that you have been alone all this time.” Sunny frowned. “I don’t understand though… why didn’t mom and dad tell me about you, about the family. Why did you never come see us, see me? I mean at least when they…” Sunny’s voice broke. “You could have come then. I needed you.” Grandmother Cerena held her granddaughter’s chin with a hoof and smiled, tears still in her eyes. “Oh my sweet girl, I had no idea Caela and Argyle had a child. If I had…” Grandmother Cerena closed her eyes, tears coming out of their ends. She wiped the salty water away and exhaled carefully. Sunny’s eyes were full of longing, and her head hung a bit lower than usual. “I will answer your questions, in time.” She cleared her moist throat and descended the remaining stairs. Her demeanor shifted to happier, less serious. “Come, we will fix you something to eat. Noearthpony can have serious discussions on an empty stomach. And I’ll have Argus fetch my stylist - she will have you looking like a proper Starscout.” Sunny stood for a moment, watching her grandmother move within the shadowy foyer. Sunny looked around again; the wide, echoey space was quiet and still. It was almost like a funeral home. Grandmother Cerena called out. “Sunny?” Sunny looked back down, a slightly dour look on her face. “O-oh… coming.” Her ear twitched. “Wait – my friends! They’re still waiting outside. I was going to invite them inside, is that okay?” Grandmother Cerena kept her back turned. She cleared her throat and spoke plainly. “Your cousin Furyis will be attending to them. He will take them for a tour of the back garden.” Sunny descended the stairs and followed her grandmother down the western hallway. She shook her head. “Why would he do that, don’t you want to meet them? We sort of have a long story to share…” Grandmother Cerena did not immediately reply. “Later. Come.” She led Sunny past several closed doors to a larger one at the end of the hallway. Grandmother Cerena walked through it easily, as Sunny discovered it was a swivel door. From inside the room, Sunny heard her grandmother’s cheery command. “Hop to it, Spencer! We have company again, for once. My granddaughter is here! Could you prepare something fitting, please?” Sunny pushed through the swivel door. Her breathing stopped. The long room was, as the rest of the home seemed to be, illuminated solely by various purple and orange flames. All the windows Sunny could see were bordered up and shuttered. The light in the room was enough that Sunny could see the grandeur of the kitchen – a long, marble top island sat in the middle, hanging rows of utensils from the wood drop ceiling were above, and cabinets of fine mahogany lined the walls. A grinning stallion trotted from one part of the countertops to another, all in a tizzy. The stallion, whom Grandmother Cerena referred to as Spencer, wore the traditional outfit of chefs Equestria-over—that is, a white shirt, pants, and a big, poofy white hat. He was stout and his bushy black moustache looked like a thick caterpillar. His eyes were strikingly wide and white. “Yes of course Madame Cerena! Right away Madame Cerena!” Sunny’s grandmother looked back at her with a light smile. “Spencer is an irreplaceable servant to our family. He cooked your mother her first meal here, too.” Sunny beamed, looking like a filly at her first carnival. Her previous worries and doubts took a backseat. “Really? What was it?!” Grandmother Cerena smiled. “Spencer can tell you, if you wish to ask.” She moved to take her leave from whence she and Sunny had come, stopping right before leaving. “You can relax in the room adjacent to the kitchen while you wait, should you wish – I am sure you are weary from your travels.” “Wait!” Sunny reached out and snagged a hoof on her grandmother’s robes. Grandmother Cerena looked back with a pleasant yet neutral look. “I have so much to say! Where are you going?” Grandmother Cerena tussled Sunny’s mane. “I have to attend to a matter. I am sure you have so many questions, but please, rest for now. We will talk later. We have all the time in the world. Trust me; you are safe here.” Sunny looked in her grandmother’s eyes – the same magenta eyes that she had. Nothing seemed off. Nothing worried Sunny. Perhaps that worried her most of all. Could things be so perfect – so safe? It didn’t make sense. Her Grandmother wanted to leave as soon as they met? Sunny looked down. “I don’t understand.” “Sunny.” Grandmother Cerena did not sound angry, but she was blunt, and her tone reflected that same energy that grandfoals throughout the world recognized well. She cleared her throat. “We will talk of such things later.” She half-turned back to her granddaughter and winked. “Eat some of Spencer’s food, and we will see if you still wish to talk.” Grandmother Cerena finally left after that. Sunny watched the swivel kitchen door flick back and forth. She felt her mouth draw into a line that only slightly curved down at one end. “She is right.” It was a quiet voice from behind. Sunny turned to Spencer. He smiled, showing off the straight, white teeth underneath his big moustache. “Once you’ve had my cooking, nothing else will bother you. It will put you in your Zen.” He stared at Sunny, long enough that she got somewhat awkward. She brushed her mane back behind her ear. “W-what?” Spencer sighed contently and placed his hoof on Sunny’s shoulder. “It’s great to meet you, Miss Sunny. You really look like your mom…” He turned his head to the side and his mouth straighted. “Ehhh not so much like Argyle, but I’m sure you at least have his love of books, right?” Sunny shook her head and smiled wide. “Nope! I hate ‘em! Mostly history books. I don’t mind the ones with pictures.” Spencer made a worried expression. “O-oh… I see.” He nodded, chuckled, then returned to his task, the wavy flames casting shadows all over the spice jars and sacks strewn about the counter, as well as the glass containers of leaves and oats and the loaves of bread. Sunny sighed. “I doubt that… what are you making exactly?” He explained as he went from one counter to another, seemingly preparing a few different dishes all at once. His movements seemed like a choreographed solo dance, except in a kitchen and sometimes involving a knife. “Let’s just say you won’t be disappointed. Your mother certainly never was.” He chuckled. Sunny smiled at that. Spencer looked over at her and stopped what he was doing for a second to return the smile warmly. He laughed once. “Of course, your father tended to be a bit pickier. Some of the spices—umm, no, I guess almost all of them—they gave him bad reactions.” Sunny giggled. “I can see my dad worrying about something like that.” Spencer continued, speaking in a nostalgic, happy rhythm. “He was always over a lot, even before your mother and him dated. They were almost always together. Argyle and Caela! They’d run in and out, in and out, talking about some adventure or another that Caela had in mind for them. It would give your great grandfather a fright every time.” Sunny took a seat on a stool by the island countertop and watched Spencer work, a grin on her face the whole time as she listened. “Your grandmother loved your father like her own son.” Spencer paused. “I’m glad you’re here. It feels like they are back, in a sense.” He was like a quick culinary shadow, and given the lighting situation in the kitchen, that was more factual than metaphorical at times. Sunny leaned on her hoof and sighed and traced her other hoof along the top of the counter. “I wish they really were back… sometimes.” “Not all the time?” “I miss them, but they wouldn’t want me living in the past. I don’t want to live there either.” She looked up, confident and proud. Spencer saw and he grinned. “They always taught me to look forward, so that’s what I do! That’s partially why I’m here, well, it’s connected anyway.” Sunny yawned. Spencer hummed. “Perhaps your tale can wait. Go and rest, I will be some time still.” Sunny blinked slowly. “M-maybe…” Spencer threw a mass of red spices into the air and into a bowl. “Madame Cerena will have your friends brought in by the time you wake up, I am sure. Sometimes, the vetting process can be long. She is wary about any newcomers. You know how things are these days, I am sure.” Sunny raised an eyebrow. “Vetting process? I thought she said that my cousin was showing them the back garden.” “Indeed. That is another way of saying ‘seeing what they’re like’. Noearthpony comes in here unless Furyis says so, or unless you are family.” He laughed. “Stop worrying – it’s only customary. If they are your friends, it won’t be an issue.” Sunny nodded and looked away. She yawned again and jumped off her stool. “Okay, let me know when the food is done. It already smells great!” Spencer held up a cleaver like a goodbye wave. Sunny left the kitchen and entered the room next door. She inhaled the scent of ginger that floated about and closed her eyes. It had been a few days since she had been in such a cozy little room, and that one was even better than her own rinky-dink apartment. Her family home—Sunny was beginning to think of it as a mansion—was so expansive and lavish that even the tiny resting room had a lounge couch of red velvet with golden trimmings, a fine desk for writing, and a small coffee table with a plant on it. One orange flame alone illuminated the entire room, flickering from a fat candle on a ledge opposite the door. Sunny sighed and flopped onto the couch. She stared at the smooth etchings on the shiny wooden panelling – it didn’t hold one speck of dust, not at least that could be seen with the low lighting. The couch was comfortable, and Sunny felt like sleep would take over if her mind could be turned off. Instead, she blinked and mingled with her thoughts. This is a big deal for everypony in the family. Nopony has seen my mom or dad in twenty-five years – they didn’t even know I existed! I can’t even imagine how Grandmother is feeling. She must be wary of strangers, and that’s assuming she doesn’t know about what’s going on. Sunny closed her eyes. It will all be okay – yeah. Yeah! It will. She smiled and let a nap take hold of her tired brain. * * * A knock at the door made Sunny shoot up. “Wha-whosit?!” “Dinner is served, Miss Sunny.” Sunny rubbed her eyes. She had had another dream involving her parents. She could feel the presence of a memory she could not recall pester her from the front of her head. Whatever it was, Sunny remembered something about a worried expression on her mother’s face. “Ugghh thinking isn’t my strong suit…” she said out loud to herself. “Miss Sunny?” “Yes! Sorry, I’m coming.” Sunny followed Spencer from the hallway, through the kitchen, and into the adjoining dining room. By that point, and especially following her odd dreams, the length and sumptuous nature of the dining room did not shock Sunny or even pique her interest. Instead, she felt her cheeks and ears hang sadly. What good is a room like this without the ponies to share it with? A sprinkling of sorrow pestered Sunny. Spencer brought her to a seat that was set for her. There was no sign of Grandmother Cerena, great-uncle Argus, or even Feryl. Spencer’s food looked so tasty, and plentiful, and Sunny hadn’t had such a scrumptious looking meal since her last before leaving Maretime Bay, that she almost sat down to dig in. But the memory of the restaurant in Maretime Bay also reminded her of her friend. Izzy… Sunny frowned. She thought of Hitch, too, and his silly antics and mannerisms. He’d probably question the lack of natural light here and how bad it makes his mane look. “Spencer… why aren’t my friends here yet?” Spencer smiled wide and closed his eyes. “Your grandmother is speaking with them presently. She has to ensure noearthpony comes here that might want to harm the family. Furyis is one thing, but Madame Cerena herself must personally ensure the ponies that come here are not up to any trouble” He opened his eyes and sighed with a frown. “It’s unfortunate, I know, but it must be done.” He gestured to the food, Sunny’s face showing she was still unsure. “Try it – please! I want to see and hear your reaction! Everyearthpony loves my cooking.” Sunny hummed, her mouth a slanted line reflecting torn thoughts. She sat down reluctantly, at first, but when the scent of the food tickled the inside of her muzzle, she closed her eyes and sighed happily. “Wow… I forgot about that amazing smell…” Spencer lit up and chuckled. “Thank you! I have worked so very hard to please the Starscouts since I was young! Your parents loved my cooking, Sunny. Please, eat! I want to see if you will feel the same way!” And so, Sunny did. The first bite was slow and measured, but once Sunny realized just how good the food was, her dainty foray turned into a savage conquest. The plates and bowls of bread, soup, goulash, and so many other dishes were quickly devoured with chomps and slurps. Sunny smacked her cheeks and sucked in a sharp breath. “TWHIS IWS AMWAZING SPWENCER!” Spencer’s round, rosy cheeks shined with joy. He sat down next to Sunny, vibrantly interested in her eating. “Tell me, tell me: what is your favorite part? Your mother loved my dumplings, and your father was a big fan of the soup—I used a bit more spice with yours, as you can imagine. Is it okay?” Sunny looked down at the two food items mentioned. There were other dishes before her as well. She pointed at a plate with just one half remaining of a steamed golden-brown loaf covered in an orange sauce. “That orange bread stuff seriously kicked my flank.” Spencer closed his eyes and inhaled. “Orange marmalade moist bread… ahhhh that one is always well received. I learned the recipe when I was very young. The old family chef took me under his wing, when your great grandfather was the head of the family. That old chef was very sick, and your great grandfather wanted him to secure a replacement.” Spencer leaned back and looked to the ceiling. He removed his hat. “Back then, I would have done anything to be given the opportunity to cook for your family – and I did, I really did do everything!” He jumped up and pretended to run. “I got up early every day to get groceries and bring them back here to Greasy Spoon, the old chef. He had one of the old Equestrian-style names.” Spencer pantomimed hauling large sacks of groceries. Sunny giggled. “All I did for the longest time was move groceries and boxes, day in and day out, then I got to learn how to peel and boil and mash and sauté and filet and chop and slice and…” He was out of breath. Sunny took a slurp of soup. “And THEN I got to cook.” Wonder and stars filled his old eyes with the youth and vigor of bygone days. Sunny smiled. “Your family was always the center of this place, always the light of Tall Tale. Those days were always full of joy.” Spencer sighed nostalgically and caught his breath. Sunny swallowed her previous bite. “What happened to make things so gloomy? I mean look at this place – boarded up windows, the front yard looks like it hasn’t been cut in forever. It’s like a haunted house.” Spencer secured his chef’s hat to his head and sat back down. He looked at Sunny’s lap. “Well… I will let your grandmother explain everything herself. I’m afraid it’s not my place to tell you that, Miss Sunny. I wouldn’t want to put words in her mouth.” Sunny nodded. “That’s okay, I understand. I just hope she can be happy again now that I’m here. That’s what everypony keeps saying, anyway.” Spencer flinched. He cleared his throat awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. “O-oh, you said everypony.” He whispered the last word. “T-That’s rather taboo.” Sunny put her hoof to her chest. “It sure is! That’s me! Mom and dad were all about pony unity, Unicorns, Pegasi and Earth Ponies living in Equestria together, free of borders.” Spencer turned pale. Sunny beamed. “That’s my dream, too!” Spencer stumbled out of his chair, his breathing erratic. Sunny looked worried. “W-what is it? Are you okay?!” Spencer walked toward the kitchen but stopped halfway. His response was shaky. “D-dishes. I have so many to do. Please excuse me, Miss Sunny.” Sunny leapt to her feet. “Come on, I can tell that something’s wrong! Let me help!” “No miss please! Just…” Spencer breathed out slowly. “Please relax. Dishes are a job for a servant. You go and rest some more when you are done eating. Brayleen the maid is out dusting the foyer. Go see her and she can show you to your chambers.” He motioned behind Sunny, and she looked and saw another door. “That leads right to the foyer.” He left without another sound, though Sunny protested. “That’s definitely strange…” Sunny said to herself. But maybe not. It’s not like ponies have ever been that receptive to my ideas before. Still… She rested her head on her hoof and stared at the closest orange flame on the dining table. I thought my family and the ponies that worked alongside them would be more open about it. Isn’t that why mom and dad were so pro-unity? Sunny looked at the plates she had all but licked clean. The realization of how much she had eaten hit her at the same time as the mass of food hit her colon. She groaned and held her stomach. Wow… ooooof… With a huge exhale, Sunny stumbled up and piled plates and bowls. Before she could balance all the dirty dishes onto her back, another servant entered the room. He was a brown stallion with a youthful face and dimples. He rushed over. “No Miss Starscout, I will do it! Oh please, don’t trouble yourself please!” Sunny snapped. “Comon! Let me help already! I’m not royalty, you know. Why are you all like this?” The servant beamed. “We love your family! It’s no trouble. We love to work for the Starscouts! It’s an honor.” He had wide, blue eyes. Sunny smiled awkwardly. “I’m going to be the next chef, but for now I help Mr. Spencer.” He leaned in and whispered. “If I can’t even do THIS by myself, he might consider a different replacement!” Sunny rubbed her neck. “Then I guess if this is practice… I better leave you to it, right?” The stallion nodded profusely. “Thank you thank you Miss. Starscout! Go find Bayleen and she’ll show you to your room. It’s got a big bed, clean sheets - everything!” Sunny nodded and did as suggested. The door nearby led to the foyer, right behind the massive staircase. A purple flame on a candle holder right outside the dining room revealed a small painting. A white-yellow stallion with a square jaw, a medium-length curly mane of pink and a long, thin moustache was standing in front of a fountain. He wore robes similar to Grandmother Cerena, the Starscout Cutie Mark fixing it in the middle near his chest. Sunny’s mouth widened. “Oh, hey, that’s the fountain outside!” Behind the stallion and the fountain appeared to be stalls and ponies of all shapes and sizes. Balloons flew into the sky and smiles were on every face. Mirthful fillies and colts ran in a circle nearby. Sunny smiled. That does look like fun… wonder who that old fella is. Or was. A quiet throat clearing brought Sunny’s gaze forward. It was a tiny little mare in a maid uniform, her reddish fur hiding her blush as she half looked down, half peered at Sunny. “H-Hi… Miss Starscout. Umm I think you… I think you want to go to bed now? I think…” Sunny glanced back to the painting. “Is this guy my great-grandfather?” The maid mare’s tail swished back and forth and she hopped over. “Yes! That is Argyle Starscout. He was the best head of the family ever, or so the old ponies say!” The maid gasped and closed her mouth. “Sorry, I didn’t mean your grandmother isn’t—she’s wonderful! The best!” Sunny waved her away. “It’s fine, I don’t even know my grandmother, let alone my great-grandfather. His name was Argyle?” The maid ‘mhm’d’ cheerfully. Sunny cocked her head. “That’s an odd coincidence because my dad’s name was Argyle too.” “Oh, that is odd. I never knew your father or your mother. I’ve only been a maid here for a year.” Sunny breathed out with finality. “No use pondering over all these questions. There’s only one thing to do to get the answers.” She looked straight into the maid mare’s green eyes. The maid looked down. “You’re Bayleen, right?” The maid nodded. “Can you show me to my grandmother’s room?” Bayleen cleared her throat. “I c-could but… she wanted you to go rest as soon as possible…” “I had a cat nap earlier! I want to talk to her, that’s why I came. My friends should be there, too.” “F-friends?” Sunny narrowed her eyes. “Yes, Spencer said my grandmother is talking with them right now.” Bayleen’s head lowered even more. “O-oh yes—oh t-that’s right, she is!” There was a pause. Sunny shook her head. “Okay and where are they?!” Bayleen took a step back. Her head almost touched the floor. “Ummm…” The stairs creaked and dust drifted down from underneath the staircase beside Sunny. She trotted to the front of the foyer and saw her grandmother leisurely descending the stairs. “Oh, Sunny.” “Grandmother! Where are my friends?” Grandmother Cerena smiled warmly. “I sent them on an errand. And don’t worry”— Grandmother Cerena winked —“the ‘you-know-whos’ are taken care of while you are staying in Tall Tale.” Sunny blinked a few times, shifting her head back. “O-oh.” She looked away and paused to process what had been said, then looked back. “What kind of errand?” Grandmother Cerena cackled an old granny’s laugh and rolled her aged eyes. “Sunny, you are as inquisitive as your father. He was always a busy body, trying to find all the answers. You need to keep some surprise in your life! How was the meal?” For the next few minutes, they made small talk, but Sunny managed to steer the conversation aside finally. “Grandmother, I love to talk about food, the weather, and acorns as much as the next pony, but we need to talk about why I am here.” “Tomorrow.” “Huh?” Grandmother Cerena looked away and cleared her throat. She flexed her mouth muscles about before settling on a tiny line of a smile when she looked back to her granddaughter. “We will have that discussion tomorrow. We both know where it might lead… let’s enjoy today. Okay?” Sunny was concerned, as her brow showed. Her ears pulled closer to her mane. Grandmother Cerena was so genuine with her warm expression that Sunny found herself pulled in. Her mouth lost the battle to happiness and drew up at its corner. “Fine, okay. Just for one day. What did you have in mind?” Grandmother Cerena smiled a closed-eye grin. “The stylist I talked about should be here shortly. Let’s get our manes done together! Come, we will go to the second-floor salon.” Sunny followed up the stairs and just behind her grandmother. Standing at the top of the second-floor foyer stairs, Sunny got a much better perspective on just how large the mansion was. She wasn’t even at the top-most floor yet it appeared so expansive, so vast. A question tumbled into Sunny’s mind. “Grandmother, what’s with the fires? Are they magical?” Her tail swished around and her face came alive with excitement. Grandmother Cerena gave a curt response. “No. Magical things are dangerous. The color comes from a simple powder in the wick. They are special candles – the firekeeper oversees them.” Sunny smirked as she followed her grandmother down another candle-lit, orange-and-purple hallway. “Why not just open the windows in the daytime? Seems like a waste of candles, and it’s kind of spooky in here. You’re not a witch are you Grandmother?” After a pause, Grandmother Cerena replied with as much enthusiasm as last time. “Please do not insult the aesthetic of our home. It has been in our family for hundreds of years, through countless generations.” Sunny hung her head, her ears drooped. “I have my reasons for keeping it this way.” Grandmother Cerena pushed open one of the doors and held it open with a back hoof to let Sunny inside. She looked back, letting a smile push away her dourness. “Come.” * * * The remainder of the day flew by as Sunny and her grandmother had their manes washed, styled, and their coats brushed and groomed. The second-floor had fancy chairs for ponies to sit in that could be maneuvered to any angle. The stylist eventually arrived and worked with Sunny and Grandmother Cerena all afternoon. They talked a lot, but never about anything too serious. Never about what Sunny really wanted to talk about. If she tried to broach such subjects, her grandmother either ignored the implication or became close to what Sunny could sense was upset. Sunny rolled over in the guest bed, listening to the crickets chirping outside past the boarded-up window / door. Sunny sighed and sat up. The candlelight in her room was strong enough to reveal her new mane to her in the mirror on the vanity against the wall near the end of her bed. She turned in different directions, admiring that it looked so fancy. Barrettes and broaches adorned the mane, made into a double braided style. Sunny glared aggressively at her reflection. “Let’s see that Layla Grassroots now. I look a lot better with this style than her!” Sunny pushed her hoof up next to her mane and made a kissy face. She giggled at her silliness and flopped down onto the bed. She frowned, looking up at the top of her bedcovering. I wish Izzy were here. I could play with her mane and tell her how much I wished it was mine. She turned onto her side and snort-sighed. With determination, she leapt up and moved to her door. “This is all wrong. It makes no sense! Hitch and Izzy should be here by now.” Sunny strained to turn the doorknob leading to the third-floor hallway, but it did not budge. She strained until she was positioned with a backhoof against the door frame and yanking with all her might. Eventually she slipped and tumbled backwards with a rambunctious flop. “Ouch…” Sunny glared at the doorknob. “What the hay gives!” She pounded on the door. “Grandmother! Somepony! Why am I locked inside?” She pounded more and more. “Hey!” A voice responded from just outside. “Just go to sleep. You and Grandmother will talk tomorrow.” The voice was not familiar at all and sounded young, albeit uncommonly deep. Sunny continued. “I’ll break this door down if you don’t open it! Why am I locked in the guest room of my own family home?!” Sunny knocked on the door more, gritting her teeth. “Last chance to open this door before I do, by force!” “I wouldn’t recommend that.” Sunny backed up to the other side of the room and galloped full speed at the door, roaring as she launched herself into a flying tackle. The lock clink-clanked and the door opened right before Sunny made contact. The result was that instead of barging through the door Sunny flew into the hallway and slammed into the opposite wall. Her head spun and spun as she fell to the ground, groaning. The last thing she saw was a figure above her. She thought she heard it sigh. “Why did you… that… seriously…” Then, sleep took over.