//------------------------------// // The Unexpected Journey - Chapter 155 // Story: Diary of the Night // by CalebH //------------------------------// “Self-doubt does not fit a princess.” I can still hear Celestia’s words echoing in my ears even as I fly. To my right a carriage holds those who will join me on this quest. To my left another carries a burden I would be rid of. Celestia will have need of her student soon. Even now I cannot help but feel I race the inevitable letter to Ponyville. Prince Shining Armor has proven himself in my eyes but he is still no match for Sombra. Princess Cadenza is powerful in her own write but she has neither the skill nor the determination to fight as Sombra must be fought. Even together it will only be a matter of time before they fall. Celestia does not trust me to repeat my last acts before madness overtook me so the task will fall to Twilight. I have need of her first, there is a burden I would be rid of and my heart trusts none other to bear it. I cannot say why I did not tell Celestia. More than any other she deserves to know so why does the thought of telling her fill me with such apprehension? Twilight Sparkle is not unused to royalty simply dropping in. She rises from her studies into a cordial bow. After an exchange of pleasantries she compliments me on my speech. The less said about (or in) the Royal Canterlot Voice the better. ‘Twas a ridiculous custom in its own time and I have come to regret partaking a thousand fold. I was a fool for binding Twilight in an oath. Her life is far more important than any secret I care to keep and her word is worthy of much more trust than I showed. Luckily it was not too late to release her and she saw the spells as a mere curiosity. Finally I explain my purpose and reveal my burden. Twilight gasps as black cloth parts to reveal Chrysalis, frozen in time. She bites back bile when she sees the broken spearhead in her chest, the point only a hairsbreadth from her heart. On the battlefield when I wrest the spear from her brother’s grasp I saw Twilight as I had seen her those years ago. She floated into the air as the glory and power of Harmony wreathed her and her friends. She struck and instead of the destruction my crimes warranted she brought healing to my very soul. Whether it was by her decision or by her nature she had mercy on me, and try as I might I could not ignore that. When Twilight does break the spell she will have that choice to make again. Chrysalis can still recover but she will be helpless for a very long time. Live or die, it is Twilight’s decision now. -L