//------------------------------//
// Bringer of Pain - Part 3 
// Story: Book 1 - The Behemoth came to Canterlot 
// by Equimorto 
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Lightning cracked along Firecracker's wings, their eyes pinned to the stallion in front of them. "What are you talking about?" the pegasus asked through gritted teeth.
"You think this is over? You think things will just stay like they are now, and all you'll need to do is adapt to them?" The stallion shook his head. "What you saw was just the beginning. And things have kept moving, beneath the surface, out of notice from you creatures. But they are still changing. We are far from done in this world, Fire', and we are far from the worst of it."
Firecracker's teeth clenched harder, arches of electricity sizzling through their mane. "And you're a part of this?"
The Charioteer nodded. "Indeed. As I have said, someone needs to direct this to where its presence is required. I have sincere doubts there are many, if any, who'd be willing and able to do it out there in this world. And so, I have to play my part, as I've said."
"And what happens if someone stops you?"
The stallion smiled. "I am not quite sure, to be frank. Certainly, someone could be quite displeased by the fact, provided anyone is there. But here? I suppose things might simply stop, at some point. Not quite immediately, I imagine, as some are already in motion, but eventually. Likely before reaching the most dangerous portions of the planned course."
Firecracker nodded, breathing slowly. "What can you tell me about scales?" they asked.
"Not too much," replied the stallion, "but I can tell you that Twilight is correct in her guesses to their origin. And that there is still something you haven't figured out, as she believes."
Another deep breath. "What happened to me, and the others like me? Is it all really the same? How many are there?"
"A few more still you don't know about, and yes, it is the same for all of you. Merely showing in different ways. But as for what it is, well, I'm sorry." The stallion shook his head. "That's not something I can tell you."
Firecracker looked silently at the stallion for a few moments. "If I were to try and fly my way back here, would I be able to?"
The stallion pursed his lips. "I doubt it. It is quite surprising that you arrived here in the first place, and... Something else, too, but I will wait a little still to address that."
Lightning was coursing over Firecracker's body, but it was less agitated, more controlled. A deliberate output rather than nervous discharges. "Then this is my only chance to stop you, and in turn stop what's happening to Equestria," they said. "You've said you don't have a choice in your actions. I'm willing to believe that, and don't blame this on you. I hope you won't blame me either, if I decide that if your actions will lead to the destruction of my home, and of the lives of those I love, then I should stop you here and now."
The stallion's smile widened. "I've said it before, Firecracker. You're welcome to try to force my actions. Don't be too disappointed if you fail."
The pegasus' answer came in the form of two bolts of lightning, shooting from their outstretched wings towards the stallion.