"What in Equestria is that supposed to mean? How can you be me? I'm me." Crimson was completely confused now. He had no idea what this cryptic message was meant to mean.

"Isn't it obvious? I'm the real you. I'm the Crimson that you've been hiding away from the world. All of those things you write in that journal, are the words that gave me life." The other pony pointed straight at the journal with his horn, as if to tell Crimson to look at each page. Crimson responded by scanning through each one, taking in the memories of years and years ago. "Don't you see yet? I was born from that book. The dark secrets you wrote down all poured together and I was the result. I am the real you. Accept it Crimson. You haven't even got a choice now." Crimson slammed the journal closed and glared at this other pony, refusing to accept what he was saying. "There is no way I'm going to believe you! I know who I am. You're nothing but a fake. You're... not me!"

Those last three words felt like music to this mysterious pony's ears. "Heh. You still refuse to accept the truth. Its like you want to live in ignorance. In a world shrouded by fog. Well its not going to be possible now. I have been given life to lift the fog covering your lies. Face it Crimson. You're the fake here. I am the true Crimson Breeze! I am... Bleeding Heart!" The floor underneath Crimson and Bleeding Heart began to turn black, as did the walls around them. Crimson didn't know what was happening, but was unable to escape. He tried to move, but could not even take a single step. The door had vanished. The windows had disappeared. All that was left was darkness, and the blood red pony in front of him.

"Where are we?! Let me go!" Crimson shouted in frustration. "We're in my world now. It should be very familiar to you. You see it every single day." As Crimson was about to interject, the floor changed from black to white. He looked down to see words written all over the floor. After examining them for a brief moment, he realised that it looked like a page from his journal. "We're inside my journal?!" Bleeding Heart just chuckled for a moment before responding. "Please tell me you're not actually suprised. I did tell you that this book of yours gave me life." "Just let me out of here. This isn't where I belong."

"You can try to run if you really want. Its not like you can leave without my permission. I brought you here and only I can let you leave." Crimson was so angry, but knew that lashing out would only make it worse. This other pony was clearly too powerful anyway. "What are you anyway? Nopony I know is capable of magic like this."

Bleeding Heart smirked. "You really want to know? Fine. I'll tell you that much. I am a Shadow, the true self. I am the manifestation of all of your true feelings, so now I'm going to make sure everypony knows what kind of individual you really are."

Crimson started to back away slowly. "Nopony will believe you're me. As long as I'm around, I won't let you do that." Bleeding Heart started laughing maniacally. "What makes you think you're going to be around to stop me?" "What are you going to do, kill me so I can't stop you?" "No. I won't kill you. I need you alive. After all, you can find peace in death. If you're not alive, you cannot suffer if I show everypony the truth. Besides, I can always kill anypony who gets in my way. As for you, you're staying here. Excuse me while I go and reveal the truth. Farewell." Bleeding Heart continued his laughter as he faded away into the shadows, leaving Crimson trapped in the journal, his inner demons surrounding him. The horrible memories began to resurface in his mind, and he collapsed on the floor, screaming in agony. "Don't do this to me! Let me out! I can't take this anymore!" Next Chapter: True Friendships Estimated time remaining: 9 Minutes