The different Painter: Chapter eight
Twilight and Spike were both in the Master bedroom in which Twilight slept. Twilight was a watery mess, and Spike was doing his best to cheer her up.
"Maybe you didn't see it right. Maybe they weren't kissing; they were just... Um... Practicing for a play?" Spike suggested, trying to cheer up Twilight.
"Spike, I appreciate your help, but I know what I saw. Spirit of Loyalty my flank!" Twilight grumbled, holding back anymore tears.
"Twilight, have you considered that maybe it wasn't Rainbow who kissed Applejack, but the other way around?"
"You have a point there... But I've seen Applejack's family; a very homophobic lot, they are. It's unlikely Applejack would make any kind of move like that on her."
"In a secluded area away from prying eyes? I'd say that's the perfect place to make a move if your folk are against that kind of thing." Twilight moaned, covering her face with her hooves.
"Stop making sense, Spike! It's making me feel worse for yelling at Rainbow like that." She complained, but paused when she heard a knock at the castle door. "Spike, can you get that for me, please? I'm not in the best of conditions at the moment."
"Of course. Will you be alright all on your own?" Twilight nodded, letting Spike rush down the long spiral staircase to the door.
When Spike answered the door, he was greeted by Applejack and Rainbow.
"Hey, Spike, is Twilight in?" Rainbow asked, seeing him look back at the stairs.
"Yeah, she's in quite a state. Is it true? Did you two... You know..." Aj sighed, and answered.
"It was only me. She had no idea what was happenin' before Twilight stepped in. It's all ma'h fault."
"Twilight's just upstairs. You two really need to speak with her; I've tried, but nothing's working." Spike added, proceeding to climb the spiraling staircase.
When they reached the top, and right before Rainbow knocked, a ground-shaking boom was heard along with screams of others.
"What in Equestria was that?!" Rainbow exclaimed, rushing to the window next to the top of the staircase. As all three of them gazed outside, their faces turned to awe in horror at the sight.
"Ah think that'd be the creature Speedpaint was talkin' about." Aj commented, amazed and horrified from seeing the monstrosity. Rainbow Dash, without warning, jumped out the window, and charged towards the Dream Changeling at great speeds. "What in the hay do ya think yer doing, Rainbow? You're gonna get yerself k-" Aj paused, realising what the situation was.
Fluttershy was screaming with anger as she flew towards the creature. Flying faster, and faster, she was just about to fly into the Dream Changeling until she was suddenly knocked off course by a fast object.
"What in the name of Celestia were you thinking?! You would have been killed!" Fluttershy heard, before turning towards the familiar sound. She was relieved when she saw it was just Rainbow Dash.
"I'm sorry... I was so angry... And after what it did to Speedpaint, I couldn't control myself..." Landing back on the ground, Fluttershy held Rainbow tightly, realising what she had just tried to do. "I'm so sorry, Rainbow! I didn't know what I was thinking!"
"You really need to be more careful than that, Fluttershy. You're lucky I saw you when I did."
"Such a lovely sentiment... Too bad you won't live long enough for it to last." The Dream Changeling taunted, surrounding them with smoke. As the smoke approached them, less and less light was getting through. They both began to feel weaker, and were both losing more hope. It truly felt like the end.
"Fluttershy... If we don't get out of her alive, I'm sorry for lying to you all these years. I never wanted to hurt you; I just couldn't face the truth." Rainbow said, as Fluttershy brought her into a hug.
"Rainbow, you didn't hurt me. I'm really fine with you feeling this way. I do love you, but not in the same way as you." Rainbow smiled lightly, letting a tear fall from her eye.
"I remember in flight school, and I always helped you feel better whenever someone messed around with you. I always had your back." Rainbow smirked, glancing at Fluttershy lightly. "Now I'm the one who's getting all soppy."
"Rainbow, if it's any consolation, I would've given you a go. Just... So you could be happy. I'm sorry about what happened with you and Twilight."
"It's fine... Hey, if we are going to die here, can I just do something? If you're okay with it, that is."
"And what's that, Rainbow?" Fluttershy asked, as the smoke slowly approached them leaving barely any light.
"Can I have one kiss? We're going to die, so we might as well." Fluttershy's face turned worried, but she soon turned curious.
"I guess we could. I mean, it's just a kiss. It's not like we'll be making it out alive, anyway." Fluttershy breathed in, as more and more light disappeared. "Okay, let's do it. I owe you that, at least." She smiled, and leaned in to Rainbow as the last spec of light went from sight, and insane laughter was heard coming from outside the smoke.
Aj, Twilight, Rarity, Spike, and Princess Luna had all witnessed what had just happened. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy had been surrounded by the Dream Changeling's smoke, and no sound was heard from it.
"I arrived too late, it seems. It has taken two more lives out of this world." Luna commented, watching the smoke continue to surround them.
"Is it just me, or is it the smoke beginning to glow?" Rarity commented, as the glow became brighter.
"By the heavens, what's happening? This is beyond odd!" Luna exclaimed, and the Dream Changeling roared in pain.
"No! What happened? This can't happen!" It screamed, as the smoke retracted from the two ponies.
"Wer- we're not dead? But, how?" Rainbow was amazed, moving away from Fluttershy.
"Rainbow! The kiss! I think it's damaged by kindness!" Fluttershy gasped, staring at Rainbow. "Of course! The answer was so obvious! If it feeds off of anger; hatred; pain, and other negative emotions, then it must be affected by positive ones!"
"Fluttershy! You're a genius!" Rainbow hugged her tightly, noticing the Dream Changeling had shrunk in size, and was flying off in its smoke form.
Rarity, Twilight, Spike and Aj all ran towards them in relief, all asking what happened.
"Rainbow, Fluttershy! What in Equestria did you do? How did you harm it?!" Twilight asked, impressed by what they did. They both went quiet, as they did not know what to say.
"Well, it's hard to explain, really." Rainbow said, rubbing the back of her neck.
"Come one, Rainbow. You must have done something!" Rarity stated, as they both went quiet.
"Just to let you know, we were close to death, and we thought we might as well do it." Rainbow stated, awkwardly.
"Really, Rainbow, it's not like you two kissed!" Rarity joking said, but they then went even more silent.
"You didn't..." Twilight commented, hoping it was something else. "Oh, for the love of-" Fluttershy interrupted.
"It was my idea! Rainbow wasn't entirely sure what had happened!" She lied, leaving everyone speechless.
"But... I thought you were straight... You said so, yourself!" Twilight commented, confused.
"I... I lied. I... Uhh... I'm... Uh... It's complicated..." She continued, as everyone was stunned. "...uhh... Surprise...?" She went super quiet now, and her face was burning up.
Everyone then looked towards Rainbow for confirmation, but she just shrugged her shoulders with an unsure face.
"Hey, we almost died! Everyone already knows how I feel for Fluttershy! I thought there was nothing else to lose!" Rainbow look back at Fluttershy. "Flutters, you're not a very convincing liar. Sorry, but I can't let you take the blame." Luna interrupted, trying to get back on topic.
"Can we please just stop this pointless discussion? Here, we have found the weakness of one of the most dangerous creatures known to Equestria, and you're all fussing over a kiss? And where's Speedpaint? I am sure he'd love to hear this!" Everyone hushed, but Fluttershy just screamed in shock.
"Speedpaint! Oh my gosh! Speedpaint!" Fluttershy screamed, flying over to the unconscious blue pegasi. "We need to get him to a hospital! QUICKLY!" Princess Luna teleported over to them, shocked at the force used against him.
"What ever happened? Was this the work of the Dream Changeling?"
"Yes! Now, please! He needs to go to the hospital!" Fluttershy pleaded, trying to pick him up.
"Here, let me help you." Luna said, using her magic to lift him up. "Athenians weigh more than an average pony, due to their incredibly strong structure." She stared over his body, looking for any signs of awakening, but it was to no avail. "We must hurry! We haven't much time!"
By the time she reached the hospital, Luna could sense Speedpaint getting weaker. She hadn't realised how fast she was flying, and had left everyone further back.
She bursted through the doors, and everyone bowed at her presence before noticing what she was carrying.
"This is an emergency! Someone get this pony to the emergency room!" Doctors all rushed to them, and put Speedpaint on a stretcher.
"What happened?" A doctor asked the princess, whom was rushing around.
"He got in a fight, and was hit very hard against a large boulder. I think he is just unconscious, but I am not sure." She explained, hoping he could be healed the same way Equestrian ponies would be.
"Very well. Thank you, we will get him only the finest treatment." She nodded, and watched as he was pushed past double doors, and out of sight. The rest then came rushing in.
"Did we make it? Is he alright now?" Fluttershy asked, running up to Luna.
"Yes, Speedpaint is in the care of trained doctors. He will be just fine." Just then, a doctor came back from the doors, concerned.
"Excuse me, but there seems to be a problem with the pony you brought in." They all grew full of worry, hoping nothing bad had happened.
"Is everything alright? Speedpaint isn't too badly damaged, right?" The doctor looked at her funny.
"Actually, we did some scans, and all his vitals are fine. We tried to get a diagnostic by taking some blood, but the needle didn't even pierce the skin. He couldn't be in better shape. Who exactly is this pony you sent us? I've never seen anything like it." Luna went blank, remembering Speedpaint wasn't any average pony.
"Wait... I'm so stupid! Speedpaint is from Athenius! Of course no doctor here could do anything!" The doctor was now even more confused.
"I'm sorry, I do not understand. Athenius? Where's that?" The doctor asked, completely unsure with what was going on.
"It's complicated. Could you please just keep an eye on him? If he wakes up, we can't know the full extent of the damage."
"Of course. Does he have any family that we can contact? Anyone that might need to know he's here?"
"No, sorry. He has no surviving family left. But I guess the closest thing to a family is Fluttershy, here. He has been staying at her house." Luna said, pointing towards the yellow pony.
"Very well. Fluttershy, could you please fill out a this form so we are able to contact you in case of an emergency, please? Nothing to worry about; It's just a basic procedure so we have somepony to contact. But I'm sure he just needs some rest."
"O-of course!" Fluttershy responded, taking a clip board that was brought over to her, and sat down to write down the information.
It had been two days after Speedpaint was put into hospital, but no word had been sent about recovery. Fluttershy was at home, in her kitchen sitting at her table silently. She did not move at all; just sitting there in silence with her head staring at the wall. She had been doing that for a whole hour, not a single voluntary muscle moving. It all changed when there was a slow knock on her door which put her out of the trance.
Once she realised that the noise was just the door, she feared the worse, and assumed it was a doctor from the hospital with bad new.
She got out from the chair, and stretched her stiff, unmoved muscles, slowly making her way towards the front door.
Again, there were more knocks, which had gotten louder, and faster, as if it were an emergency. She was unsure what could possibly be so important, so when the approached the door, her heart stopped slightly as the turned the door knob.
As the door opened, and with the sound of the creak made by the hinges, her her heart raced for the unknown individual pony whom was behind the door.
A wave of relief had flow through her, and she sighed deeply as a rainbow maned pony greeted her.
"Oh, Rainbow Dash! I'm so glad it's you! Ever since Speedpaint was put in the hospital, I had been worried sick! What brings you here?"
"I just wanted to check up on you. We haven't spoken for two days, and I really need to talk to you." Rainbow said, with a worried face.
"Of course, Rainbow! What's on your mind?"
"It's just about everything that's happened lately. I just need to talk. May I come in?" Rainbow asked, and Fluttershy nodded.
They both sat down on her sofa, and Rainbow sighed.
"Fluttershy, about the kiss..."
"Rainbow, it's fine! There's no need to worry about it!" Fluttershy quickly responded, but Rainbow sighed again.
"No, I know you're fine with it! It's just... Why did you go first? Why did you lie about it being your idea? Because it's pretty obvious you're not interested in mares."
"I just couldn't stand seeing anymore hurt in your eyes. I just wanted to do something nice for you. You don't deserve this confusion." Rainbow looked at the ground, avoiding eye contact with her.
"What's the real reason? Please, I want to know the truth. I can see it in your eyes that it's not the actual reason you kissed me first." Fluttershy wasn't sure how to respond, but started to question what really happened.
"I- I don't know..." She confusingly admitted.
"Maybe this will help." Fluttershy was put into a strong kiss again, but she pushed away quickly.
"RAINBOW DASH! WHAT THE HECK?!" She yelled, but was forced into another kiss that lasted longer, in which she couldn't escape. "STOP, RAINBOW!" But she was just too strong for Fluttershy to handle.
"Oh, you know you love it. Don't deny your true feelings." Rainbow commented, but was then kicked off by Fluttershy's hind legs. "Fiesty."
"I don't know what's gotten into you, Rainbow! Get out of here! NOW! AND NEVER COME BACK!" Rainbow had a smirk on her face, licking her lips.
"As you wish." She responded, exiting the door without another word.
About five minutes after she left, there was another knock at her door.
"Fluttershy? It's me, Rainbow Dash. Can I talk to you about the other day?" Fluttershy opened the door, and when she saw the rainbow maned pony, she punched her square in the face.
"GET THE HECK OUTTA HERE! GO ON, I TOLD YOU TO NEVER COME BACK HERE!" Rainbow was in confusion. Not only the hoof to the face, but what was yelled at her.
"What the HECK, Fluttershy? All I wanted to do was talk!" She groaned, getting up. "Still, it was a good punch."
"What are you doing back here? I told you to never come back here after how you treated me!" Rainbow was in even more confusion, now.
"Say what, now? We haven't spoken in two days! What have I done to hurt you?"
"Are you serious? You were fucking kissing me, and wouldn't let go! How could you forget THAT?!" Fluttershy spat angrily.
"Oh, that! Last time I checked, it was you who kissed me. I only asked." Fluttershy's face turned to one of confusion.
"What? What the heck are you talking about? I was NOT consenting! You forced it onto me!"
"Wait, wait, wait! We were going to die, and I asked for just one kiss, and you kissed me first! You were very consenting!" Fluttershy rubbed the temples of her head in frustration.
"Oh, I'm not talking about that! You were literally forcefully making out with me, and holding me down against my will! How in the deep depths of Tartarus have you forgotten?! It was literally about ten minutes ago!"
"Fluttershy! That wasn't me! Because I was clearing the sky just before I came here!" Fluttershy went quiet for a moment.
"Wait, what?"
Over at the hospital, doctors were marveled at the physiology of Speedpaint. It truely was incredible.
Just then, Speedpaint's brain monitor began to speed up, and he began to twitch. All the doctors and nurses were watching him as his eyes bagan to open. The room was silent, until Speedpaint sat up.
"Hey, where am I? Who are you ponies?" He asked, defensively.
"You're in the hospital. You had a pretty hard hit to the head." A doctor replied, watching Speedpaint rub his head in confusion.
"Can I just ask another question?"
"Of course. What is it that you want to know?" The doctor asked, hoping to help in any way he could.
"... How did I get here? I have school on Monday."
"Princess Luna brought you in here. What do you mean you have school on Monday? You look at least 26 years old." His eyes shot open, and looked out the window.
"What? Where is this place? Why aren't I in Cloudsdale? What do you mean I look 26 years old? I'm only 16!" Speedpaint panicked, trying to find something reflective. "A mirror! I need a mirror!" As he was given a mirror, he almost fainted at the sight. "But.. That's impossible! How long have I been out? What year is this?!"
"Y- you've only been out for two days. And the year is 2015. You're in Ponyville." Speedpaint's face showed even more confusion now.
"Okay, now I KNOW that's impossible! It's February the 12th, year 294. I'm supposed to be in Cloudsdale, in my house. Not somewhere on the ground, in some wierd-looking hospital! Now where's my family? I need to see them!" He was getting more aggressive, thinking it was all just a prank.
"Sir, I need you to calm down, now. It seems you have faced some major memory loss. The year 294 was over two thousand years ago. We can bring you to a pony named Fluttershy you can stay with for now on, until you regain your memory."
"Who? Memory loss? Two thousand years? What the hell is going on?" He yelled, but then looked at the callender in the room. "March the 10th... 2015? How in Tartarus am I still alive? You said something about Princess Luna? She may be able to clear this all up. And what of this 'Fluttershy'? If I'm staying with them, then they may also be able to spread some light on all of this."
"Of course. If you would like to follow us, we can sign you out, and you can go to this address. Will you be able to find it by yourself?" The doctor asked, handing Speedpaint a slip of paper.
"I think I can handle it from here." He replied, staring back at the slip of paper. "Fluttershy, I sure hope you can help me." He said, getting off the hospital bed.
After 20 minutes of asking ponies for directions, and names, Speedpaint finally found a cottage just on the outskirts of the town. As he approached, he watched all of the animals happily roaming around; and when crossing the bridge, watched as all different species of aquatic life swimming against the flow of the stream underneath.
"Nature surely is a beautiful thing. The natural flow of wildlife, and the complexity of various creatures are really something to admire. And even in artificial structures, animals can thrive if the right needs are met. This place couldn't look more calm and gentle; I'm sure this 'Fluttershy' will match all that perfectly." He spoke relaxed, staring off into the landscape, and picturing a possible painting he could create.
Once he reached the door, he nervously knocked, awaiting whomever was inside. He heard hoofsteps approach, and when the door open, he was met with a sudden hug before he could even say a word.
"Speedpaint! I'm so glad you're okay! What am I saying? Of course you'd be okay... I'm just so glad you are okay! Come in! I have wonderful new regarding the Dream Changeling!" Speedpaint stared at her in confusion, unsure what just happened.
"Uhh... Fluttershy, is it? Apparently I have experienced some memory loss. They said I will be staying with you for now." Fluttershy's heart sank a little.
"Memory loss? You mean you can't remember me? Anything we've done together? Nothing?" Fluttershy stared at him, noticing he seemed more relaxed than usual. "Wait, how old are you? I need to see how much memory you've lost." Speedpaint was even more confused.
"Uhh... Last time I checked, I'm sixteen years old. Apparently I'm over two thousand according to the doctors. Can you believe it?"
"This is bad... This is REALLY bad! You mean you have forgotten over two millennias worth of memory? Does the name Ruby Shine come to mind? Braeburn? Do you remember about Athenius, at all?"
"What are you talking about? Who's Ruby Shine? Isn't braeburn a type of apple? I've never heard of Athienus before. Why? Is any of that important?" Speedpaint watched as she went back into her house.
"Rainbow Dash, we're going to Twilight's. Speedpaint has forgotten everything about his godhood, and I'm sure Twilight has a book or something to restore his memories." Rainbow came through the kitchen door, and saw Speedpaint with a seemingly young expression.
"Really? So he can't remember anything? Wow, that must have been a strong blow to the head!" She commented, as they both approached Speedpaint, who was now back at the stream.
"You know, we don't have fish in Cloudsdale. They truely are wonderous creatures." He commented, and turned around to see another pony. "Oh, h-hi, there." He stuttered, as the two mares approached him. "My name's Speedpaint! It's a pleasure to meet you." He said, going up to Rainbow Dash, and walking straight past Fluttershy.
"I know who you are. Hmp, you really have lost your memory. I'm Rainbow Dash. Nice to meet ya... Again." Rainbow Dash greeted, shaking his hoof, in which he had put out.
"And it's a pleasure to meet you, too." He repeated.
"Yes... You said that already. Now, we must go see if Twilight has any spells that can restore your memories." Rainbow stated, stepping back slightly. Fluttershy watched nervously.
"Yes! Tell me, do you like flying? I'm close to graduating from the Cloudsdale Flight academy. It's quite a new things that's been going on for a few years, but I'm one of the best flyers on my team! I invented a new move! I went so fast I created a Sonic boom behind me!" Rainbow's jaw dropped in astonishment after he said that.
"Wait... So it was YOU who made that legend? You invented the Sonic Rainboom?! Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! This is such a huge honour!" She excited her voice.
"A legend? Oh, that's right! The whole 'memory loss' thing. Boy, this is getting confusing..." Speedpaint suddenly stopped in his place, as if his world just crashed. "My parents... My family... They're... If it's really been two thousand years, then they must be... Oh my, no! No! No! This can't be happening! Please tell me they somehow survived like I did! Please!" Speedpaint panicked, trying to find anything that would suggest this is all just a prank.
"Speedpaint, I'm so sorry. They... They were..." Fluttershy began to say, but he stopped her.
"Please don't say it! Don't you dare say it! They can't be! They can't have been- no! You're lying! Tell me you're lying!" Fluttershy's heart broke even more, not knowing how hard it would be for him.
"I'm sorry, but... They were murdered. Not too long after you became immortal." Fluttershy spoke with sadness, remembering he only had the mind of a sixteen year old. In his mind, he wasn't even an stallion, yet.
"This can't happen... Mother... Father...? What about my brothers? They survived, right? Do I have ANY family left? Any great, great, great, great, great, grandkids?" She shook her head, painfully watching tears form in his eyes.
"No... This can't... I'm the only one left? I-I can't even... No... NO!" He screamed, flying off into the clouds instantly.
"Wow... Hey, I'm going to go after him. I'm the only one fast enough to keep up with him." Rainbow stated, looking off into the clouds.
"Thank you... I can't imagine what he's feeling right now. Remember, he may be centuries old, but he still has the mind of a teenager. Please be careful with him." Rainbow nodded, looking at where he flew off to.
"From looking at where the trail leads to, he only stopped in that cloud. It's probably best if only one of us goes."
"Understood." Fluttershy said, nodding to Rainbow as she flew up to the cloud.
"My family... My friends... My home... All gone... I never even got to say goodbye..." His eyes winced as tears began falling down his cheeks. He tucked his head into his legs, and began to weep softly.
Rainbow Dash had just entered the burrow that was made in the large crowd, and heard Speedpaint's tears of sadness.
"Hey, Speed, you need some comfort? I can't imagine what you're going through right now. Waking up in the distant future, and finding out everyone you ever knew was gone, with no memory of the years that went by." She slowly approached, sitting down behind him. "I promise we'll find a way to get your memory back. Only then will you understand this confusion."
She was then pulled into a strong hug, but nothing she couldn't handle.
"Thank you..." He whispered, sobbing over her shoulder
"Hey... It's no problem... Really!" She said slowly rubbing his back with her hoof. "There, there..."
"I'm just so scared! I don't know what I should do!" He cried, with tears falling down his face as if it were a waterfall.
"Shh... You WILL get your memories back. If there's anything you want, don't be too afraid to ask." He stared down, sniffling. He signed as he looked back up at her.
"C- could we just talk for now? I just want someone to talk to right now..."
"Of course. What is it you want to talk about?" Speedpaint started looking around, and it seemed like he was checking if anyone was near them.
"It's... Can you keep a secret? It's something I've kept hidden away for some years, now..." She suddenly grew evermore curious now.
"O- of class! You can tell me anything!" She listened in carefully, as his voice began to crack.
"It's just that... I- I... Can you please promise NOT to tell anyone? It's... It's Rather personal..." His eyes winced again, and his face grew with more pain.
"Speedpaint, you can tell me anything! I promise I won't tell another soul!" Rainbow smiled, placing her hoof on his back.
"It's just that... I... I think I... There's... There's this colt in my class that I think I like!" Speedpaint slightly yelled, taking Rainbow back slightly.
"Oh... That was... Unexpected..." She commented, but he stared down in regret. "Hey! It's fine! It really doesn't faze me! I was just surprised, that's all!" He sighed, turning away slightly. "Hey... There's no need to get upset. What's this colt's name?"
"His name... Its... Well, he doesn't tell others his real name, but calls himself JDL."
"JDL? What does that stand for?"
"No one knows. He always said it was his initials, but I don't know what it stands for..." He looked back at Rainbow, and spoke once more. "Well, there was this nickname he had."
"And that was?"
" we called him Discord. He was always so mischievous, so the name fit. But I guess that's all history now..." He noticed Rainbow Dash had frozen, and grew concern. "Ms. Dash? Are you alright? Was it something I said?"
"N- no, it's fine. Never mind that. Let's just focus on the task at hoof, shall we?"
"Thank you for listening... It really means a lot." Speedpaint smiled, and sighed again.
"Speed, just a head's up. Before you lost your memory, you and Fluttershy... Were very close. Like, really close."
"Wait... You mean... We were... Me and Fluttershy... We were together? Like as a couple?"
"It's complicated. Fluttershy clearly wanted to be in one, but you wanted to wait."
"Why? If we both wanted to be with each other, then why would I want to wait?" He asked, wondering what his older self is actually like.
"It's probably best if you ask her. I didn't really get too involved with her love life. That, and she's too shy to tell anyone."
"How much does she love me?" Rainbow sighed, and huffed gently.
"More than anything. She's so in love with you, but you won't let her be with you because of all the danger." He just looked at her with confusion, and shock.
"Wait, what? What danger?" Just then, he was knocked through the clouds by a dark cloud of smoke, and went hurdling down to the ground. "Okay, what the heck was that? What's happening?!" He panicked, noticing a black smoke start to morph into a figure. "What in the love of Celestia is THAT?!"
"You can't remember me? Hah! That blow to the head really did a number on you! Perfect... I can ruin your life all over again!" The figure yelled, with an echoed voice.
"What are you?! What's happening?! Someone, please explain!" He screamed, with a voice full of fear.
"I am the nightmares in your sleep; the voices in your head. I bring misery to the happiness you once had. I am the undying torture for you miserable life. I am not just any ordinary Changeling. I am a Dream Changeling." Speedpaint stopped for a moment, blinking once.
"A Dream Changeling? You're meant to be a creature of pure nightmares, and yet you have the name of monster that sounds like you belong in a children's story book?" He commented, slightly unimpressed. "You could've at least tried harder with the name."
"SILENCE! You won't be laughing once you remember everything I have done." The Dream Changeling suddenly zapped his head, and his eyes began to glow. He fell to the ground, and shook his head, then looked right at the creature.
"You... You killed everyone I have ever loved! Everyone I cared about! I will KILL you!" Speedpaint screamed, charging at it with full force, and no hesitation. The whole time, the creature was laughing.
"You were always pathetic." It taunted, whilst not being the slightest bit affected by being thrown around by Speedpaint. "You assume I can be killed with force. You think that if you hit me hard enough, you think I'll get weaker." Speedpaint was throwing everything he had at it, but it was to no avail. "Let's see if you can live this down."
All of a sudden, Speedpaint was engulfed in the smoke, and it wasn't long until it had full control over him.
"I know EXACTLY what I can do now..." It exclaimed, flying back to Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. He came back pretending to be injured, and limping slightly. "H- hey... I- I'm back! It got away... Ow... What was that thing?" Fluttershy came rushing up to him, hoping he would be alright.
"Speedpaint! Are you okay? Are you hurt?" She worried, carefully looking over him.
"Yes, I'm quite alright. I just need some rest." Fluttershy's face went into her caring look.
"Of course! Please, come with me back to the house! We'll worry about your memory loss later." She held him up, and lead them back to the cottage. Rainbow also helped, as well.
"Hey, I've got you too." He had a smile on his face that seemed happy.
"Thank you... Everything will be better in the morning..." He smirked, and his eyes suddenly flashed red. "This is going to be easier than I thought..."
