Once Emoshy was the one who was fronting again, she left her cousin's house to go for a walk; the little pegasus really needed to trot to clear her head a little. Shadow had given her a few pieces of advice, all of them sounding both terribly wise and just terrible : pretend to forgive them for now, part with them little by little, and finally do a great act of revenge when the possibility finally arises. It was drastic and manipulative...
These ideas made her wonder if the magenta-eyed pegasus was not a persecutor, like the case her shrink had told her about - after all it really seemed like destructive behaviors while having technically protective intentions... But yet it was her who had had the idea of breaking away from her friends originally, not Shadow. Emoshy had the inceptive idea - though it was only an intrusive thought initially - the magenta-eyed pegasus had just turned it into a plan... Did that make her a persecutor ?
She really didn't want to give a label with such a negative connotation without real proof, especially when Shadow already saw her role as an alter to help the little pegasus without even thinking about herself... It was clear that the magenta-eyed pegasus had a misguided view of the world, and Emoshy was more interested in helping her move past her dangerous ideas than deciding early on that Shadow was dangerous herself.
To be honest though, the little pegasus didn't know what to do; she didn't want to hurt her friends, but she also didn't want to be manipulated or mistreated either. Maybe she could try talking to Shadow again; like that she could know why she thought that the best course of possible solutions was revenge. Maybe Shadow could give her more information to help her make an actual informed decision... Then, as if fate decided to stop her from overthinking, she suddenly came across her group of friends.

- Oh Emo', thankfully we ran into you ! Ruby exclaimed, an expression of regret on her face. We were just about to go to your place...
- We really wanted to atone for what happened last night. Dream continued, her tone filled with remorse. We all got carried away, we really shouldn't have taken what you said to heart when you were clearly in distress...

Emoshy was now almost sure that some revenge was not the right way to go; listening to her friends' sincere apologies had convinced her that this situation had been nothing more than a huge misunderstanding between a group of friends who were all a little too impulsive in their decisions. She didn't want to hurt them unnecessarily just for that, after all she knew herself how hard life could already be and there really was no need to complicate it further by holding grudges over nothing...
Maybe the best thing to do was simply to give them a chance to show that they had changed, as well as to explain to them what happened so as to make sure that it never happened again. Her cousin had always taught her to forgive when the pony blamed themself for their actions, even to forgive herself when she accidentally hurt the other alters.

- I... I forgive you everypony, it doesn't matter. the little pegasus whispered, looking at her front hooves. You wouldn't have guessed that I was in a traumatic flashback, I didn't even tell you that I suffer from that...
- Whut, is that why ya was like that ?! Apple Wolf asked, shocked. Naw wonder ya was scared 'nd angry...
- Our sincere apologies Emo', it must have been a terrible memory for you to break down so... Dream said, visibly ashamed. And, instead of being there for you, we solely made it worse...
- Don't listen to them Emo', they're just trying to appease you to make you forget your pain, it's fake. Shadow said immediately, seemingly in co-consciousness. They are good actresses, but this time you are the one who will play them.
- I don't think they're acting. Emoshy thought, pained. I know them much better than you, you know...?
- And yet it's you who's naive, not me. the magenta-eyed pegasus said, and she would probably roll her eyes if she could. Believe me, they will forget right away and it will all start all over again... Unless you do something.
- L-like I said, all is forgiven. the little pegasus assured softly, biting her lip. Let's move on, all is well.

It was decided without a word that they were going for a walk together and the silence that followed was a bit awkward. It was like the other ponies were too scared to speak up and say something stupid, meanwhile Emoshy didn't speak because Shadow kept going on about how she needed to get her revenge and it was hard to focus on something else. She almost stopped fronting but, thankfully, having a stroll had always been something that helped ground her.
Eventually, it was Dream who spoke, which was unsurprising; she had always been the one who managed to speak up when no one dared to, the most eloquent in any situation... She took down a picture from her saddle and floated it in the direction of the little pegasus.

- You know, there was something very strange that happened last night, I don't know if you noticed it when you left but would you look at this. the magenta-eyed unicorn said, visibly fascinated. Merely a few minutes after our argument, the moon suddenly became crescent.
- Huh, but how ?! Emoshy asked, staring at the photo in disbelief. The moon was full, wasn't it ?
- Well, after they all went to bed, I decided to do some research and... Dream started explaining with a big smile on her face. Apparently it has happened several times, but the cause of this phenomenon remains a mystery so it remains a rare and unpredictable event.
- Wow.

They all began to speculate on the possible origin of this strange event while walking, laughing at their theories that were each more unlikely than the others were... Well, until a strange pony dressed in a cape attracted their attention. It was very difficult to tell if it was a mare or a stallion, but this pony's muzzle - which was the only part of their body that was visible as well as their front legs - was of a shape more specific to mares.
Her coat appeared to be a pale beige judging by her muzzle, but the rest of her appearance was cleverly concealed by her creamy white cape - which at least hinted at a horn on her head. There was a dark energy emanating from her yet it wasn't malevolent, for her aura looked as peaceful as a balmy summer evening; maybe it was her pretty bubblegum pink eyes.

- Excuse us, who are you ? the ponies asked in chorus.
- Me...? the unicorn said, her voice dark and devoid of emotions. I'm just a wanderer visiting the village, you have nothing to fear.
- Excuse us, but we are not accustomed to seeing ponies attired such as you are, thus it is normal for us to be confused. Dream said, pointing to the mystery pony's cape.
- I wear a cape to avoid a ''pony'' who constantly follows me, in fact I should be going before he finds me, farwell. she simply said before leaving.

Despite being very intrigued by this mysterious unicorn, Emoshy and her friends decided that it was best to carry on as if nothing had happened; if this unicorn would turn out to be dangerous in the end, it would be up to Princess Twilight and her friends to deal with it, not a group of teenagers. Nevertheless, it was clear that they all wanted to know a little more in spite of everything...

- I wonder who she was fleeing from, who can be annoyin' enough that ya don't even wanna see them from afar ? Apple Wolf asked, not thinking she would be answered.
- Hey, wouldn't that be Applejack's filly, Rainbow Dash's filly, Fluttershy's cousin and their friends ? Discord asked while appearing completely out of nowhere, as he usually did.
- Why are you here this time, to "measure" our patience ? Dream asked, remembering vividly their last encounters with the draconequus.
- No, I have a question to ask you urgently ! he exclaimed, making an alarm appear on his head. You wouldn't have seen a caped pony who has the annoying tendency to run off when she doesn't want to answer questions ?

The ponies looked at each other in surprise and confusion; the "pony" this unicorn was running from was none other than Discord ? It was strange because the draconequus was not known to be interested in ordinary ponies so this unicorn must have been important to him... Besides, Discord was somepony trustworthy - despite all the chaos and drama he was creating all time - so, after a little hesitation, the group pointed the way to him and he left. The ponies talked for another twenty minutes and then each went home.

***

- I didn't think Fluttershy's cousin, out of anyone, was such a good actress... Discord said, suddenly barging into the yellow pegasus' room while she was playing the guitar.
- Huh, say what...? Emoshy asked, surprised and confused. What are you talking about, uncle Discord ?
- When you were with your friends, there was an aura of deception constantly all around you. the draconequus said simply, making black smoke appear around her as if to mime his words. So much anger in you, so much desire for revenge... What exactly is the matter, kid ?

Emoshy's eyes widened and she shivered a little bit; it was so hostile, she felt like she was being attacked for her intrusive thoughts... The little pegasus bit her lip; she knew that Discord could sense the disruption within magic, but were her thoughts really so strong that it was similar to a burst of magic...? Maybe Shadow had therefore been right, maybe she really had this need for revenge that she needed to clench.

- Ignore his words, act as if he were wrong. Shadow said with a mischievous tone. What can he do against you, with your cousin as protection?
- I don't know what you're talking about, Discord... Emoshy lied nervously, looking at the floor.
- You know very well what I'm talking about, kid ! the draconequus exclaimed, very clearly seeing through her lies. Your cousin wouldn't like to know you act like that around me, she taught you better than that. Without even having to, after all, she's not even-...
- Discord, what's going on ?! Fluttershy interrupted, having clearly only heard the end of the conversation. Leave Emoshy alone, the poor thing !
- Fluttershy, my dear friend, I'm not bothering your cousin at all. Discord said, making a halo appear on his head while smiling with a little sheepish look. I was talking to her, that's all.
- Well this tone is not very adequate to address you to her, is it ? the yellow pegasus asked, mimicking the tone the draconequus had used on her cousin. What you were saying was really hurtful, you saw her grow up and you talk to her like that ?
- Argh, but you don't even know...! he fumed, literally turning red before catching his breath and returning to his usual color. Alright, alright, you're right... I'm sorry, kid, I was wrong and all, bye bye.

Discord therefore teleported, disdainful, leaving the little pegasus alone with her cousin. Said cousin gave her a big hug to reassure her and, once she stopped shaking, walked out to let her recover from the confrontation. Alone with her thoughts - or, more accurately, alone with Shadow - to accompany her, Emoshy felt both heavy and extremely light; she probably felt the emotions of the magenta-eyed pegasus since she was in co-consciousness...

- You see Emo', you already have the upper hoof, I didn't lie to you. Shadow said before laughing.

Emoshy chuckled shyly; she imagined that was indeed true, maybe this idea of revenge was a good idea. She went back to playing the guitar with even more fervor than before, her good mood now more or less regained. A few hours later, she went to bed calmly.

***

Emoshy found herself back in that dimly lit room, but the distance between her and where the voice was coming from had narrowed. She was in front of her, back and moving slowly away. It was an Unicorn, which seemed the size of Princess Luna. The distance was too great to see her appearance, but her mane was clearly ethereal - like the two princesses. She repeated the same thing as usual in her unfamiliar but familiar voice.

- Aren't you happy with yourself, that was what you wanted, was it not ? the voice asked with hatred, as if Emoshy had just committed a crime. None of this matters to you, you only think of yourself, you are a monster.

***

Emoshy suddenly awoke from the nightmare, the taste of her lunch already in her mouth - although it was far more bitter. She wanted to vomit; this taste was really unpleasant, where could it have come from ? She felt like she was dissociating and Glow starting co-fronting, because it was all too much all at once and she really had no idea what to do...

- Emoshy, angel, you shouldn't wake up in the middle of the night to go grab a snack like that dear... Fluttershy said, entering her room to bring her pancakes made just for her. I know sometimes you need it but you should still avoid doing that kinda thing, okay ?
- I... I woke up at night ? the pegasus asked, surprised.
- That's strange, we were all together having a picnic in the inner world so none of us could have taken control of the body to do that... Glow said, just as confused as the little pegasus. Well, except for Shadow, I hadn't been able to find her.
- Sorry, I was exploring the forest in the inner world, I would have come if I knew. Shadow said apologetically, apparently co-conscious. But I too haven't taken control of the body, I don't even know if I can...

Glow and Shadow continued to talk, but Emoshy wasn't listening anymore; she found it way too strange... Finally, she decided not to ask herself any more questions because, after all, she could simply have been sleepwalking because of the nightmare. Instead, she decided to go see her friends - it looked like Glow had eaten for her, her plate was empty. Still a bit lost in thought and still dissociating, she bumped into somepony in the way.

- Hey, careful Emoshy. Scootaloo said, pretending to scold the little pegasus. Where are you going like this ?
- What are you doing there Ms. Scootaloo ? Emoshy asked, having this "bad" habit of addressing her like that since she was a police officer.
- I'm going to take the train for an investigation in Manehattan, normally nothing very serious. If you hang around here when I come back, I'll give you the scoop. she said with a wink before leaving.

So Emoshy kept on going to Applejack's place, where the others were; they would always meet there to celebrate the last day before the end of the holidays, even if usually it was not just after an argument... She felt bad again, now that she thought about this idea of revenge again. She had been sure yesterday after seeing Shadow's "victory", but she still had no reason to take revenge and she was currently realizing it...

- Get revenge ? Glow asked, shocked at the thought. Since when is there an idea of revenge?
- Oh mom, uh, it's an idea Shadow and-... the little pegasus thought, before the beginning of her explanation was interrupted.
- And don't worry, the word "revenge" is a bit of an exaggeration, we'll just make sure we have enough distance so that Emoshy doesn't get hurt again. Shadow explained with an audible smile. Nothing mean or dangerous, it's just setting boundaries, don't worry.
- Ah, okay... the blue mermaid pony said, smoothly leaving her co-consciousness. Alright, I'll let it go if it's really nothing serious...
- Emo', we were wonderin' if you were gonna come. Come in, we've been waitin' for you. Apple Wolf greeted her with a big smile, having obviously waited patiently outside the farm for her friend. Now that you're here, we can party !

Emoshy smiled and the two of them went to join their other friends to commence partying. They danced, then did some fun activities on the farm and ended up eating delicious apple pastries. At the end of the day, they separated to go home, all saying goodbye to Apple Wolf. Emoshy was disappointed not to have seen Scootaloo on the way, but went back to her cousin all the same, too tired to care too much with a simple investigation.

- Emoshy, I looked in the fridge this afternoon and there's no more of your lunch, can you quickly go and buy some ? Fluttershy asked as he cooked supper.
- Going ! the little pegasus exclaimed, picking up a few coins before leaving.

So she went to the flower shop in the village, checking that there were no other customers; it was a secret, but Daisy sold "food" to "trusted ponies". Emoshy sighed softly as she opened the door; it shouldn't be talked about because it wasn't very well seen, but the alternative was even less well seen, so she didn't see the problem...

- Still out of stock, kid ? Daisy asked, packing her order directly since she knew that was what she had come for. Yet you should be old enough to know how to make some.
- I know, but I refuse to use this method. Emoshy explained simply, this being a big trigger for her.
- Too bad, as you grow up you'll understand. the pink pegasus said, handing her her purchase.

Emoshy - or maybe it was Flare since she had just started co-fronting, their thoughts tended to merge when worried - rolled her eyes before paying. Once done, she went home and joined Fluttershy at the table; all of this was just ridiculous and tiring, she hated these kinds of stupid topics... And of course, it was not going to end since apparently the conversation was going to continue here.

- Emoshy, I have a quick question if you don't mind... Fluttershy sighed, serving her her soup. I was wondering, you know the other way so-...
- No, we'll never do that, ever. Flare stated without even waiting for the end of her cousin's sentence, having taken control of the body. We can avoid this subject now, this old dilemma is stupid and I don't give a fuck...
- Haha, okay Flare, sorry. the yellow pegasus said with a smile, recognizing the crimson red pegasus by her vocabulary.

After eating, Flare went to play the guitar until she was tired enough to finally agree to listen to Emoshy who asked her to go to bed - the little pegasus would need to get ready the next day for back-to-school on Monday, the body therefore needed energy for everything that needed to be done.

***

The next day, Emoshy woke up and she thankfully hadn't had a strange dream that night, which reassured her a lot. So it was with confidence that she trotted to the kitchen for breakfast. Then she went back to her room; she had to pack her school supplies, come up with an idea for a small but hearty dinner so she wouldn't need to eat cafeteria food like last year, and make sure she wouldn't run out of water during the day.
The little pegasus was at the end of preparing her pencil case and her notebooks when the doorbell rang. Curious, she immediately decided to go open it instead of letting Fluttershy take care of it. The two ponies at the door were none other than Dream and 'Bot, and they both looked quite concerned... Emoshy also began to worry; what was going on ?

- Emo', you heard about it ?! the pink robotic pony immediately asked, visibly shocked.
- Uh, I don't think so... Is there a problem ? Emoshy asked, not quite understanding the situation.
- Well-... Dream started before getting cut off - probably because she was talking way too slowly for a seemingly worrying subject.
- There was a murder in Manehattan last night ! 'Bot exclaimed, overheating. Come, Scoot' will explain it to you too !

The three ponies joined Scootaloo, who was with the rest of their group of friends; apparently Dream and 'Bot had brought them all back here so they could find out about this murder. They all sat down on the ground, looking up at the mare with apprehension but yet curiosity; there was almost never any murder in Equestria, so what could have happened ?

- We had an intervention to do at Sunshine Petals' and found her unconscious, we just looked away to take a look around... Scootaloo explained, still very confused by it. But she was on the side when we came back, dead, with fang marks on her neck...
- T-there was one of those dreadful vampires that came to Equestria to c-commit murder ?! Ruby asked, speechless.
- Yes, but don't worry, we'll take care of stopping him. the orange said pegasus in a serious tone. We already have a few clues, so we'll find the murderer quickly, so don't worry.

The police officer then flew away, leaving the group of friends alone with their thoughts. Emoshy was probably the most worried one, having to do her best not to have a traumatic flashback; luckily Glow had come into co-consciousness and was calming her down a bit - it was kind of like a mental hug to reassure her. After a silence caused by fear and stupefaction, Apple Wolf struck up the conversation.

- Do y'all think this vampire will start again soon ? she asked, worried.
- We can only hope that not. Dream said half-reassuringly, half-terrified.

They finally separated to return home and continue to prepare their things for the start of the school year, even if they were all far too affected by this revelation. Once at Fluttershy's, the little pegasus went to talk about this with her cousin to reassure herself a little by getting some advice to calm down panic attacks. After these emotions left, she immediately went to bed, fear having completely destroyed her appetite.