//------------------------------// // Chapter 23 // Story: Jumper // by lollipopchica //------------------------------// Once the weekend drew to an end, the students of Baylot were somewhat sad to start a new week. Homecoming had been a major triumph for the football team and all the teens looking to party. Monday morning, Chrysalis found herself absently listening to her friends as they hung out underneath the bleacher’s before school started. Fluffle was going on about starting in this week’s upcoming basketball game as Maud puffed away on a cigarette. The school’s basketball team was decent enough having won their first few games already. Jeanie Dust, a starting small forward had sprained her ankle in last week’s game, giving Fluffle the opportunity to show off her skills. No one was truly worried as Baylot had yet to go up against a true titan in the sport. However, in two weeks, that would all change as they’d be facing the Comets to everyone’s dismay and equal delight. Chrysalis’ former school’s reputation proceeded it. Especially the Alicorn heir Luna’s. When the news didn’t elicit the response she’d thought it would, Fluffle stilled in her signing as she tilted her head. The other girl had been furiously texting someone the entire time. She hadn’t seen a thing. She threw a glance at Maud, who simply shrugged as she coolly blew out a cloud of smoke. Come to think of it, Chrysalis had been checked out all morning, engrossed in her phone. ‘Luna was just worried,’ Celestia texted. ‘Worried? She was basically frothing at the mouth at me!’ ‘You know how protective she is… And she mentioned rumors…’ ‘Rumors??? About me???’ ‘… someone else…’ ‘Is something wrong?’ Fluffle had reached out and touched her friend’s arm only for her to flinch away. The other girl looked pained as she threw her hands up and her phone clamored to the ground. Maud raised a brow at the response. Fluffle besieged her with concern shining in her big blue eyes. “S-sorry…” Chrysalis stuttered quickly bending over and snatching up her phone, “just a little tender from this weekend.” A lie, sort of. “Sparring.” She smiled tightly at the fluffy pony person. She could tell Maud hadn’t bought her explanation by the way her eyes narrowed, but she ultimately kept quiet. “My mom went back to Canterlot yesterday.” She volunteered hoping it would be enough to throw the perspective Pie sister off her trail. “We don’t know how long she’s going to be away…” That part wasn’t a lie. ‘Oh.’ Fluffle’s expression was surprised before it turned sympathetic. Adelpha had announced her plans the other night after dinner, apologizing for having to leave so soon and having to stay away for so long. Chrysalis had deflated at the idea as it felt as if she and her mother were finally starting to talk and relate in a way they never had. “Everything was finally getting back to normal…” Her mother’s leaving felt like ripping off a band-aid to a barely clotted wound. It just reminded everyone of what they were just beginning to move past. Cadence had been all but insufferable that morning and her Dad seemed bummed. Not to mention the dreams that had started back up. Part of her blamed Luna, while the other logical part of her knew that was stupid. She’d been texting Celestia, feeling as if she had no one she could be honest with. Luna just kept trying to convince her to say something. Staring at her two friends, she wished she could be honest with them. But what could she say? ‘Hey guys, I’ve been lying from the start about who I am, but I promise now I’m being honest as I unload all this bullshit onto you…’ She sighed. “Want a cigarette?” Maud offered sympathetically. Chrysalis buckled and took one. Fluffle glared. **** “I can’t believe my Mom has to go back to Canterlot…” Cadence groaned. “It’s not fair… I feel like she just got back.” Cadence and Shining Armor were posted up against the teen’s car, waiting for the bell to ring. “Her job must be really important.” “It is.” “What does she do? You’ve never said. You know about my parents.” His father was a contractor, while his mother was a respected interior designer. He realized he didn’t know much about her home life at all. She cut him a sideways glance not ready to divulge her lineage quite yet, “My mom works for the embassy.” She said not elaborating. “Oh wow… That does sound important. And your Dad?” “He’s a lawyer.” She downplayed. She didn’t mention that he was actually a legal advisor to King Cosmos, who just happened to be his brother. Shining Armor whistled, having not known how established his girlfriend’s parents were. “How long will she be away?” “She doesn’t know…” Cadence sighed. He kissed her hand, “Sorry Cadie…” “Me too…” She sighed, moving closer to him as she threw her arms around his shoulder. “So tell me more about this competition.” He froze. “Twilight said something about it the other day.” He rolled his eyes as he settled his hands on her hips. Of course she had. “It’s for my art class.” “Well duh,” Cadence chuckled, “What’re your plans for it?” “I’m going to do a darker take of Botticelli's Venus.” “Oh?” She leaned forward, clearly intrigued. The older boy vaguely described his idea not really sure of her reaction. “Sounds beautiful.” Her expression turned playful. “Do you need any help?” “You draw?” He deliberately played dumb. “No silly, like do you need a model?” She pressed a kiss to his mouth and trailed her fingers down his chest. “It could make for an interesting weekend project, don’t you think? You can look and touch.” He blushed. “While you’d make the perfect Venus, my work isn’t really about the Goddess of love.” “No?” She pouted as she folder her arms across her chest. “Then who?” “Uh… A Goddess of Night… Chrysalis is helping me. She’s in my class too.” He watched as her face changed as she took in the information. “Chrysalis…” Cadence repeated slowly, frowning. The warning bell rang, and the older boy had never been so grateful. “Let’s talk more about it later, okay.” He kissed her quickly and pushed off of his car so that they could walk to their respective classes. Her smile was stilted. **** The Rainbooms had exploded in popularity thanks to their Battle of the Band performance. People had been approaching the girls all day. Rainbow Dash had even been propositioned by the prom committee to perform a small set list for this year’s venue. Even Trixie had gained tons of new fans until she frightened them off with her self-absorption. While neither group placed how they would’ve liked, everyone was satisfied with the show they’d put on, resulting in an eerie truce. “Tell us about your date with Flash!!” Pinkie Pie baited at lunch, having seen a gossip worthy snap earlier that morning. “How?!” Twilight looked like a deer caught in the headlights. “When were you going to tell us?” Applejack folded her arms across her chest with a smirk. Pinkie had sent a screenshot to the group, minus Twilight. “It wasn’t a date…” Twilight defended honestly. Gold Bay Park was a vibrant and relaxing park in the city. Culturally sound and sprawling, it was a chill spot to link up with friends, play some outdoor games or take a scenic walk. Museums lined the area as well, making it a local favorite for the bookish girl. “We just met up at a park and went over math homework.” So those super cute photos of you guys at the Hayanese Tea Garden sharing green tea cheesecake is part of math homework?” Rarity poked her side with a grin. “Ugh! I told him not to post those!” “It’s okay Twilight, you guys looked really good together!” Fluttershy spoke up. “The Hayanese Tea Garden looked so peaceful and beautiful.” “We’re just teasing Sugar Cube.” Applejack smiled. The group continued to harass their friend until a huffy Cadence plopped down rather loudly at the table. Six sets of eyes studied the older girl whose tray hit the table with a clang. “Cadence, what’s the matter?” Twilight asked the pouty teen. “Why didn’t you tell me your brother was working on his art final with m- Chrysalis?” Twilight rolled her eyes at the petulant tone of her voice. “What’s wrong with Chrysalis?” Applejack spoke up with a hint of challenge. The dancer blinked, not expecting someone to defend her sister. “She’s a good student and a damn good fighter. Not to mention that thing she did for Twilight.” Cadence didn’t know that they knew of her true relationship with the older girl. “Nothing!” Cadence quickly backpedaled. “It’s just… Shouldn’t his girlfriend be his model?” She really was annoyed more than anything. The idea of her boyfriend slaving over a tribute to the feminine that wasn’t her was kinda hurtful, she explained feeling embarrassed. “I don’t think he meant anything by it,” Twilight offered carefully. “It’s just you don’t fit the look he’s going for.” “I know it sounds bratty, but I just feel like it should be me he’s dreaming about or obsessing over. Not Chrysalis.” “I don’t think he’s dreaming about Chrysalis…” Rarity giggled. “You’re beautiful.” “Besides if he makes an ugly portrait of her, no big deal. If he messes up one of you though…” Rainbow Dash trailed with a shrug. “Yeah, he’s probably afraid of offending you in case it flops.” Pinkie Pie agreed. “Plus she’s in our class.” “I hadn’t thought of that.” Cadence said thoughtfully. “You guys are right. I’m being extra.” “It’s okay Cadence.” Futtershy reassured, “We all know how much you care about Shining Armor.” “He just makes me so hot, ya know.” Some of the group giggled while the others kinda cringed. “Don’t give me that! It’s a natural reaction.” Twilight still looked grossed out. Cadence smiled wickedly. “Did you guys know Twilight had a date with Flash Sentry?” “We saw the pics!” “Oh no! That was date number two…” The group converged on Twilight to the older girl’s amusement. *** Throughout the rest of the day, Chrysalis felt haunted by what her cousin had alluded to. How could she focus on school when something like that hung over her head. She’d been hiding out in the broom closet since lunchtime, not caring if she were missed or reported. What did Celestia mean there was someone else? ‘Celie, WTF??’ She’d texted hours ago. It had never dawned on her that someone else could’ve gone through what she had been forced to endure. This couldn’t have been before her… Or else she would’ve heard about it, right? The hypocrisy of the thought prickled against her consciousness. Maybe this girl was ashamed… like her. Maybe she too flinched at the pressure of skin cause she couldn’t reconcile this new version of herself with the old. She shook her head bitterly. Could she have saved her? The thought made her tremble. ‘I hear your sister has a crush on me…’ The idea of Regal anywhere near her or her family made her sick. Cadence would never suffer his presence again, she swore. Did this make her selfish? Weak because she only thought of herself and her family? The icy fingers of a panic attack dug into her chest, making her crash into the shelves behind her as she gasped for air in the dimly lit closet. Everyone said she was so brave and bold- a real badass. But as Chrysalis bit the back of her hand, trying to choke back a sob and a wave of shame, she didn’t feel like a badass. She felt compromised and defeated. Her lineage had ruled nations, and here she was groveling in submission. Afraid to speak up, so concerned about everyone else. She was a descendant of warrior queens whose spirits’ could not be broken- indomitable. An alicorn mixed with changeling royalty. Tears began to stream down her face. She’d only wanted to move on. Leave the part of herself that was still tied to that room, and that boy and his friends. She hadn’t thought of their cruel laughter in weeks, but now it was all she could hear. All she could think about. She wondered if this girl had heard it too. This was Luna’s fault, Chrysalis was sure now. No one asked her to open Pandora’s box.