It wasn't long until Crimson found Bleeding Heart. After all, Crimson just had to think of places he normally went. He found him in the centre of town, talking to the two ponies that he kicked out of his shop a couple of days ago. He walked up slowly, to avoid drawing attention to himself. He thought it was best that Bleeding Heart didn't see him, until he was ready to make his next move. Crimson crouched behind a stack of hay bales and listened to what Bleeding Heart was saying to them.

"I suppose I owe you both an explanation as to why I closed up the shop early and kicked you both out. It is rather rude to do such things after all." Crimson's teeth clenched as the thought of Bleeding Heart posing as him echoed in his mind. "Well we were concerned about you. You seemed really distressed and we thought we could help." the older of the two ponies responded. The two mares looked at him curiously, wondering why he was doing this. "Well the truth is that I was so full of guilt..."

"Don't you even think about saying another word!" Crimson shouted as he jumped out from behind the bales. "What if I did? What could you possibly do to stop me? All I'm doing is telling these two ladies the truth you were hiding from them. Is that so wrong?" Crimson stared at Bleeding Heart, not moving a single inch. "This is none of your business. They do not need to know. I'm sorry you two, but the pony standing next to you is not who you think he is. He isn't me. I am." Bleeding Heart chuckled. "Are you still sticking to that lie? You know the truth already. I told you before. I'm you and you're me. We're one and the same!" he laughed as his horn began to glow. The journal in Crimson's bag floated out and landed in front of Bleeding Heart's face.

"What book is that? It looks pretty special." said the younger of the two mares as she gazed at its engraved cover. "This book my curious little pony, is a journal, and a special one at that. This book contains all of the things that Crimson has been hiding from you ever since he moved into this town. His past. His true feelings. Its all in here!" The older mare looked at Crimson with disappointment in her eyes. "Is this true Crimson? Have you been lying to us?" she said, looking down. "I thought you were my friend. Friends don't keep big secrets like that." Bleeding Heart was clearly enjoying the situation as the smirk on his face was clearly not going anywhere. "Its sad but true. He's been lying to you. Thats why I'm here. I'm here to show you all the truth. To reveal the secrets and hidden truths that Crimson has kept locked up all this time." His horn began to glow brighter and Crimson's hooves became shackled to the ground, stopping him from moving. Crimson tried using his own magic to release him, but he couldn't cast a single spell. "Oh those shackles absorb magical energy of those that they imprison. You're not going anywhere." Bleeding Heart said as he opened the journal and read out one of the entries.

"I don't know why I even bother with these ponies anymore. None of them know me yet they still act as though they do. Why do they see me as their friend. I don't know about them, nor do I care to find anything out. I don't need friends. These ponies are just background noise to me. All they're good for are passing time with light, meaningless conversation and giving me money so I can afford to live off my own back." Bleeding Heart closed the book as he walked up towards Crimson. "How could you do this?! They weren't meant to know!" Both of the mares were standing there in shock. "Is this how you really saw us? You never wanted to be friends? You know Crimson, we're not angry with you. We're just disappointed. Not because you don't care about making friends. Its because you tried putting on a fake personality." They turned around and began walking away. "Just don't speak to us again."

"Well Crimson. See what happens when you lie? You actually began to care about them didn't you? Well now look what happened. You ruined your friendship with them because you were dishonest. How does that feel Crimson? Does it sting? Does it burn? Tell me. I'm dying to hear your pathetic excuses." Bleeding Heart released Crimson's shackles and stood in front of him, looking into Crimson's eyes. "I want to know why." Bleeding Heart looked a little puzzled. "Why what? What explanation could you possibly need now?" Crimson stood strong, refusing to cower to his Shadow. "Why did you do all of this? You're nothing but an evil, heartless monster. What possible reason could you have for making me suffer like this?!"

Bleeding Heart just stood there for a moment, and then began to speak, knowing Crimson would not believe his words. Despite this, Bleeding Heart knew that if he didn't tell Crimson this now, his goal would never be fulfilled. "The fact that you assume I am evil suprises me. Just because I am a Shadow, shrouded in darkness, you think I am here to cause nothing but pain. Think for a moment Crimson. You may have suffered, but because I brought you into the journal and showed you what your lies can do to others around you, you have begun to open your eyes to the truth. That was my purpose. To make you see that the reality you hid away in a dense fog needed to be released. You endured the pain and because of that, you have grown one step closer to facing yourself. Now Crimson, one last task remains. To put the past behind you, you must accept the one painful truth. I am you. Once you accept this fact, your suffering shall end. So Crimson Breeze... is there something you wish to tell me?" Next Chapter: Accepting Oneself Estimated time remaining: 3 Minutes