The Beginning of the End
Element of Surprise
Tonight was the Grand Galloping Gala and Anderson was done preparing for the social event. Rarity had made him a suit to wear to the gala along with a new set of clothes as a welcoming gift. The suit fit perfectly on him and reminded him of back before he had joined the army. He was wearing a navy blue jacket with silver and gold highlights around his shoulders and also the edges. Underneath was a green vest that supposedly brought out the color of his eyes. Sir Henry walked into the room from somewhere in the back of the carousel boutique with a completely different attire. His outfit consisted of a ceremonial chest plate, gauntlets, and boots as well as a cape that was a dark purple with gold and silver highlights.
"Did Rarity make that outfit?" Anderson asked looking over the integrate designs of the silver and gold flourishes.
"Why yes, she seems to know exactly what styles are good and what we are accustomed with." Sir Henry replied as he looked over Anderson's outfit.
"That does seem a little bit odd since we have barely been here for almost two weeks." Anderson commented. “That reminds me, how are we all going to get to the Gala? I don't think one carriage is going to cut it."
"Don't worry Anderson; I have a plan for that." Twilight Sparkle stated from Anderson.
Turning around Anderson saw Twilight Sparkle standing in the doorway. She had gotten into her dress earlier that day before Sir Henry and he got changed.
“I have devised a new spell that will make an extra-large carriage so all of us can fit in there." Twilight said with an air of confidence
"That's great so I'm guessing everyone else is ready to go?" Anderson asked.
"Yep, we'll be the last ones to get in the carriage. I just have this feeling that this is going to be one of the best nights ever!" Twilight replied as she moved out of the doorway.
Anderson and Sir Henry followed Twilight Sparkle out the doorway and were amazed at the carriage. It looked like the one he saw them use in the season finale of the first season but if they mixed it together with a stretch limo. This carriage could easily hold all of them with no problem. A flash on the horizon caught Anderson's eye but as he turned to look he could see nothing except the setting sun. He pushed the thought from his mind and proceeded to get into the carriage after Sir Henry. Anderson took the last seat and looked at all the wonderful dresses he had seen many times before.
"Rarity, how did you know exactly what formal wear matches where we came from?" Anderson asked as the carriage made its way to Canterlot
"I had the hardest time trying to figure out what to do for your attire until a voice came out of nowhere and gave me the ideas. After it told me a little about you two it disappeared. It was odd that it came from your strange hat you like to wear." Rarity said as she pondered over what happened. "Are you alright dear? You look as if you have seen a ghost."
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Sergi stood in the storage area of the Valkyrie Gunship holding onto one of the overhead hand grips. Only 3 of these gunships were made back in the other world, but the ones that were active defiantly were well worth the high cost. Unlike most gunships that still worked off a light helicopter frame. This gunship used state of the art technology to replace the rotors with jet engines and wings that made the gunship look more like an aircraft. He didn't mind because the Valkyrie has saved his life more than once. The new engines also allowed for a heavier load. The armor on the craft was 8 inches thick and carried enough armaments to level an entire small country. With just one of these, the Russian base in Luxembourg is just a pile of dust now. He wore his Cossack's formal attire, a uniform similar to most everyday military uniforms but with a few changes. The color scheme was a pure black with highlights of gold and red. His chest was filled with all the ribbons he has collected throughout the years. The emblem of the Cossacks was shining proudly on his hat. He also had knives hidden everywhere. There was a belt buckle knife, a pair of knifes hidden on the back of his belt, a boot knife, and his Kukri hidden in the small of his back. On his right hand was the Golden gauntlet. Even though he had taken it off multiple times it seemed to just appear in his hand whenever he attempted his new magic.
"One minute until destination, opening rear hatch." The AI said through the speakers.
"How are the Night Watchmen?" Sergi asked as he walked forward towards the growing opening.
"Night Watchmen 1-6 are in position and ready. 7-10 are in reserve at the base camp." The AI answered through the rushing wind.
"Keep me updated on any changes." Sergi replied as he casually stepped off the Valkyrie and onto the Canterlot city wall.
He pulled his hat down just enough that his eyes were hidden along with the majority of his scar. Sergi sighed as he headed towards one of the guard towers. Ever since he came to this world he’s had to act nice and normal. He’s killed more than enough people to last a lifetime and that was completely fine by him. The deaths of the enemy and his old companions had dulled his emotions towards his actions. When the time came for action he stopped at nothing to complete the objective. The only moral keeping him going was that of Cossacks Honor, protect the weak and kill the powerful. A simple code by itself; outsiders don't usually see eye to eye with the ideal. So for the time being, he’s had to wear a ‘mask’ in order to not startle them. Sergi pushed the thought aside and opened the door leading into a tower. Sergi descended the stairs and back out into the open air. A patrol of three Royal Guards were making their way through the streets checking for something. He stepped into the shadows and watched as the group passed.
"What did Dawn Treader want us to look for again? There is absolutely nothing out here." The pegasus guard whined.
"He said that something was approaching the wall on this side. We will pass by and check for anything out of place. After that we can head back to the Gala." The earth guard said.
"I don't really mind heading out for this, the Gala is just one big security headache." The unicorn guard stated as the continued their way past Sergi.
He waited in the shadows until the guards disappeared into the tower he had left earlier. The path was clear for now and Sergi didn't want to take any chances by waiting for the patrol to come back around. He hugged to the shadows and proceeded past party guests and more guards. He then approached a large building made out of huge blocks of marble. It was heavily decorated with precious gems and gold. He slid in after the patrol team he had first passed came back from their patrol. Sergi crept over to a dark corner and watched the party go along with high regality. The walls started to change and the ponies were replaced with humans. This was one of the royal parties in Northern Ireland. The walls were filled with books from the ages past. All British military leaders and advisors were in attendance. Other than the important military leaders of the British forces there were also about five undercover British agents. A server came up with a plate of appetizers came up next to him.
"Good to meet you Sergi. My name is..." The server began.
"Daniel, I have already done my research on the Celtics." Sergi answered as he scanned the party attendees.
"Did you do any research on the party?" Daniel asked obviously irritated.
"Mostly, but this is your territory. You know this place better than I ever could hope to. Also I am only going to be here for a little bit and then I'll be out of your hair." Sergi answered keeping a monotone voice.
"The one you’re looking for is over there by the big hearty general over there. Your only safe escape would be going through the hidden doorway in the panel over by the bust of Winston Churchill." Daniel replied as he nodded over to a general who had defiantly treated himself well to the fine cuisine and a man in a black dress jacket and dress pants.
"Thank you for your support. The Cossacks owe your group a favor." Sergi said as he slowly made his way through the crowd toward the two.
"Excuse me general but I must say it is a pleasure to meet you! If anyone is going to stop the Russian armies it would be you." Sergi said as he came closer.
"Oh, why thank you. Now if you excuse me I have some very important business to discuss." The British General said trying to edge away from Sergi.
"Before you go and discuss your top secret stuff could you sign this for me? You are my son's hero and he would be honored if he could get your signature." Sergi said as he pulled out a picture.
The look on the General's face changed from annoyed straight to shock. The picture showed the man he was talking with caught on a security camera with several dead agents around him. In the lower right hand corner was a message written in red. 'This man is a Russian spy. When I make my move, be ready. Sign the picture to not arouse any suspicions.' Sergi tighten his grip on his cane and prepared to make his move.
"You look parched General; do you want me to get you something to drink?" Sergi stated more than asked.
"No, I can get my own drink. Hope your son appreciates this." The General said as he regained his composure.
"It is good to know that the military is still looked up to in this dire time. By the way my name is..." The other man began to say.
"I know just who you are and what you do Prokhorov." Sergi interrupted before swinging the cane at Prokhorov.
"I must say it is a pleasure to meet you again Sergi. I always knew you were going to cause problems for me later on." Prokhorov said as he easily caught the cane.
"Well if you guessed that then do you know what will happen next?" Sergi asked as he held his gaze with Prokhorov.
"You’re going to release the cane and go for your kukri knife hidden inside your jacket." Prokhorov answered with that grin he always had on his face.
"Very good, you know what I would do if I was here by myself. Good thing the Cossacks branched off into different divisions." Sergi replied returning the grin.
With a quick and smooth motion Sergi pulled the head of the cane and plunged the blade hidden in the cane into Prokhorov's gut and forced it deeper into his chest. Screams could be heard around him as he held the dying body of Prokhorov close to him.
"The Fathers are now satisfied upon your death. May the First Fathers guide you in your passing." Sergi whispered into Prokhorov's ear as he felt the life slipping away from the body.
He pulled the blade from Prokhorov's body and shoved it toward the crowd. The screaming crowd of observers blocked any way for the agents to reach Sergi. Wasting no time he rushed to the hidden passage way and bolted out of the room.
"Excuse me, are you Anderson? My sister has told me all about you and most of your friends." A new voice asked as the memory slipped away and Sergi found a unicorn in armor looking towards him.
"OH, my apologizes I forgot to introduce yourself. I am Shining Armor, Captain of the Canterlot Guard and I believe that you have already met my sister Twilight Sparkle." The unicorn continued.
Before Sergi could answer a familiar voice interjected.
"Sergi, It is a pleasure to see you here tonight. I must say that you look almost too good for this event, almost." The voice of Dawn Treader greeted as he walked toward the two.
"Wait. Are you the ‘Sergi’ that killed a full grown Basilisk and took down Nightshade in a close quarter’s combat match; not to mention completely destroying a small griffon army camped within Equestrian borders?" Shining Armor inquired as a spark of interest flared up in his eyes.
"The very same." Sergi simply stated.
"I have to say that you have defiantly placed Commander Nightshade in his place. He was getting a little bit cocky for his position." Dawn Treader commented.
"For the little while you’ve been here I must say that you have defiantly made your mark here in Equestria!" Shining Armor exclaimed "Even though you have been able to avoid my little interrogator of a sister."
"You don't say... If you don't mind can you tell me how you are ranked with everybody else?" Sergi replied trying to figure more about the inner workings of the Equestrian guards.
"Outside the walls of Canterlot I am the rank of a captain but when inside the walls I am ranked just the same as both Commander Dawn Treader and Nightshade." Shining Armor explained.
"So how does that work with both of you in Canterlot?" Sergi asked trying to see how this could be anything except a security nightmare.
"Shining Armor and I have worked out an agreement that I will be a sub-Commander when I am in Canterlot. Before he was here though, this was just one giant security nightmare." Commander Dawn Treader answered. "So if you are here, where are your friends?"
"I came by myself. I have my own ways of getting places now." Sergi answered as he began scanning the crowd of ponies again. "After my little run into town a little while ago I have had to find a new place to call my own."
"Now that we have all gotten acquainted with each other I think that a certain somepony would like to see that you are doing alright." Dawn Treader said trying to get a point across without wandering ears finding out more than they need to know.
"Are you sure it will be fine. She seemed pretty determined to take me out last time." Sergi replied wanting to just stay in the comforting shadows that he knew would protect him.
"With me and Shining Armor with you, I am confident things will go smoothly." Dawn Treader said punctuating his point that things would be fine.
The trio moved away from the edge of the event and headed through the sea of ponies. Ponies couldn't help but stare at Sergi as he made his way through the party with the Commander of Celestia's Royal Guard and the Captain of the Canterlot Guard. After heading through various rooms they reached a room that seemed more like an entrance lounge. There was a large stairwell that leads down to a very intricate door enlaided with what seemed like every different type of gems that existed. A steady flow of ponies in dresses and suits streamed through the doors and quickly dispersed into other rooms. Celestia stood on top of the stairs greeting ponies as they reached the top of the stairs. When they got closer Celestia was still occupied with the stream of ponies. Commander Dawn Treader coughed and caught her attention.
"Why Commander Dawn Treader, it is good to see you made it out here for the Gala. Did Twilight Sparkle and her friends already arrive? I don't remember seeing any other humans arriving earlier tonight."
"It is a pleasure to meet you again Celestia. Even though our last encounter was not as pleasant." Sergi said in a calm voice as he raised his hat up to its normal position.
"Sergi, why I did not expect you to be here. This is definitely going to put an interesting twist on tonight." Celestia responded after being shocked with his attendance. "I want to thank you for your effort in taking out the griffon camp we found in the forest. If I had only known earlier..."
"I am over the issue. I understand that only a few seconds afterwards did you receive the report of the burn site. These things happen and we can't leave ourselves trying to apologize for things outside of our reach." Sergi cut in before a train of self-degrading happened in the public view.
"Your right, so are we on even ground again?" She asked quickly regaining her composure.
"That lightning bolt you hit me with didn't even sway my position. I am still willing to help with the Griffon situation." Sergi answered as he gave a tip of his hat.
"It is good to know that everything is straightened out now." Another familiar voice commented.
The heads of the royal guards and Sergi turned to see Princess Luna standing there.
"Since both of you gentlecolts are busy with the security and my own commander is busy with other tasks, would you mind if I take this fine Cossack here as a royal escort?" Luna asked with a smile on her face.
"I would be honored, especially if there won't be any Basilisks jumping out at us." Sergi said with a grin.
"I promise no creatures will be jumping out at us this time around." Luna said visible pleased he accepted. "I need to head over to the Guard Station and then I would like to head over to a local pastry shop."
The two then headed off deeper into the castle. The closer they got to this Guard Station the more ponies were seen wearing armor. Guess were pouring out of every possible door with patrol details and other orders. Even though they were different than her Royal Guards they still should all the respect as if she were.
"How is everything proceeding tonight?" She asked as she entered the busy room filled with stacks of paper and blue prints of the castle.
"Everything is proceeding as planned Princess and the Guards are prepared for anything tonight." One of the more elaborately decorated guards stated.
"Can I see the patrol plans and also the locations of both the stationary and undercover units?" Luna asked wanting to make sure everything was in order.
With a few inspections of guard positions and floor layouts the pair left from the busy beehive of activity and out into the nearly empty streets of Canterlot. Sergi could easily see that something was troubling her but she tried to hide her uneasiness.
"I can tell that something is troubling you. What is wrong?” Sergi asked after he was sure no one was close enough to eavesdrop.
"I once knew someone like you in many ways when I was only a little filly. His name was Alexander. He was my personal guard in the revolution against the Lord of Chaos Discord and the closest friend I’ve ever had. Before the last battle against Discord himself, he and many other humans suddenly disappeared from the world. I now see he was taken into your world because one of his ideas is standing right next to me, a Cossack for the people." Luna tried to explain.
"One of the first fathers was named Александр. What else is troubling your mind?” Sergi asked as she clearly had avoided what really was troubling her.
"Nothing else is troubling me. I think the pastry shop is at the next corner here." She replied quickly.
"In my life I have been able to read anybody by just their body language. I will ask you again; what is troubling you?" Sergi said as he could easily tell she was hesitant and very quick to change the subject.
"You have been raised in a world of chaos but you act as if it were normal. Chaos should never be normal! How have you been able to go through your life without any peace?! Even though I have lived for more than 1000 years, seeing any type of chaos as a normal thing has never been possible! I just want to understand how any of this is supposed to work." Luna blurted out what was really troubling her as she began to break down.
"I can live with it as normal because there was no peace where I came from. Peace was just a dream that one day we might be able to achieve. Sadly that dream will never be fulfilled..." Sergi replied as he remembered the broadcasts that told of the end of the war and everything else in the world.
"What do you mean by never to be fulfilled?" She asked as she slowly regained her composure.
"Before my arrival in your world here, my world was so deeply entangled in war that they broke down old laws and used weapons that should have never been used again... Is this the pastry shop we were looking for?" Sergi replied simply trying to get away from the memories of things that couldn't possibly be contained in the deepest part of hell. Some of those things he personally did...
"Why yes it is, and I know that we have both mentioned things that were meant to be kept secret. Thank you for listening to one of the problems that I have been pondering since I healed you. I think that we have more in common than anyone else might think. Maybe we could talk again some time when things aren't so hectic." Luna said ad they entered the building.
Sound escaped from the pastry shop as the door opened. Laughter and excited voices filled the air. Along with the voices came the smell of freshly made pastry delicacies that Sergi had only experienced only three times before in his entire life. The six ponies he had gotten himself acquainted with when he first arrived and his two other companions were sitting around a large table off to the side of the room next to the windows.
"Why did you freak out earlier when Rarity mentioned that Sergi had told her what Sir Henry and you had been accustomed to?" Twilight Sparkle inquired.
With that one question Sergi, formed an idea in his mind. He gave a gesture to Princess Luna to stay quiet even though the smile on her face clearly showed that she was thinking the same thing.
"It is just how Sergi knew that the Grand Galloping Gala was tonight and knew when Rarity was working on the ideas." Anderson said as his back was to Sergi as he silently glided up to him.
"I have my sources Anderson, haven't you learned that yet?" Sergi playfully asked as he squeezed Anderson's shoulders.
"Sergi, I didn’t know you would be here tonight." Anderson managed to get out after nearly choking on a donut.
"I have heard that a lot today." Sergi replied calmly as he released Anderson.
"What are you doing here? You don't seem like a formal attire type of guy." Applejack questioned.
"He is my escort tonight since the other commanders were busy this evening." Luna answered as she walked up beside Sergi.
"Princess Luna, I haven't seen you in here for a long time. What can I do ya for?" The pony behind the counter asked in a heavy eastern U.S. coast accent.
"I wouldn't mind an éclair if you have one Donut Joe." Luna replied to the pony behind the counter.
"You got it, one éclair coming right up!" Donut Joe stated as he placed the order on top of the counter.
"Thank you sir." Luna chimed as she placed some golden coins on the counter with her magic and then snatched up the éclair.
"Hey Sergi, are you alright from last week? That seemed like a pretty powerful spell the Princess used." Rainbow dashed asked with a slight hint of concern in her voice.
"I have recovered from that unfortunate accident and I have also settled my affairs with Celestia. Everything is fine at the moment." Sergi replied noting the new tone in her voice.
"My goodness, I must complement you on that gorgeous looking outfit you are wearing. I have never seen such style before, those small ribbons and medals on your chest give it an interesting twist." Rarity said as she critiqued his outfit.
"Thank you, this is the Commanders jacket worn only by the sole leader of the Cossacks and I would rather not want to go into how I acquired this jacket." Sergi answered as he saw a certain look appear on Twilight Sparkles face.
"Why not? It can't be..." Twilight Sparkle began before a guard burst into the pastry shop.
"PRINCESS LUNA... WE HAVE A THREAT LEVEL 3... SITUATION OUT IN THE GARDEN COURTYARD!" The guard exclaimed between breaths.
“Hold on everypony. This is going to be a first time for most of you." Shouted Luna as her eyes turned pure white and her horn glowed with magic.
The room was filled with a white light that Sergi recognized from when he arrived. The light lasted only for a few seconds before it disappeared. He and the others stood in middle of a marble floored courtyard surrounded by many unique statues. The sounds of panicked screams and confusion filled the air and a large clearing could be seen with several variously armored griffons and a pony in a blue jumpsuit with a mane that looked like fire. The apparent leader of this rag tag group of griffons was shouting out threats and basically looking for a challenge.
"You ponies thought your little night raid on our camp would quell the wrath of the griffon army?! That little idea has only fanned the flames of the Griffon War Machine! So if the pony in charge of the night raid is here, I challenge them to a duel! Just me and that worthless piece of meat! If no one comes and accepts the challenge any time soon, I'll give this pony here a new hole to breathe through!" He soured out as he pressed a dagger against the neck of the hostage.
Sergi started to move toward the griffon while reaching for his Kukri before feeling something holding him back. He turned around to find Fluttershy holding him back by one of his pant legs.
"Sergi, please don't kill them! There has been enough death already!" She quietly begged.
Sergi looked at the other ponies there and read a general idea. The faces of Twilight Sparkle and Rarity had a look of fear. Applejack looked as she favored not killing them, but not enough to know that it might be the only way. Rainbow Dash and Spike had a look of excitement on their faces for being able to see some action here at the Gala. Pinkie Pie was...
"Here! I always have a baton stashed away somewhere just in case of a nonlethal situation!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she popped out if one of the marble squares in the floor holding a black police baton.
Sergi just took the baton and looked at Pinkie Pie as she disappeared back under the piece of marble that easily weighed more than four times more than her. He shook his head and continued his way to the griffons testing the weight of the baton as he went.
"I'm the one you’re looking for. Now you’re going to release the hostage and go back into the hole you crawled out of." Sergi shouted out with a voice devoid of any emotion.
"Ah, so it looks like a bedtime story comes out to save the day. I will have so much fun slowly pulling your life from your body." The griffon replied as cruel smile spread across his beak. “Lieutenant, take hold of the prisoner."
As the pony was being passed to another griffon Sergi whipped out his Kukri and pinned the claw of the lieutenant to a Statue of an alicorn.
"RUN NOW!" Sergi ordered to the pony as the griffons were stunned at what had just happened.
The pony flew quickly out towards the outside of the ring of ponies but stopped to watch the duel unfurl. Sergi sprinted up towards to the first griffon and knocked him back with an upward swing from the baton. With the element of surprise gone, Sergi took a quick look around to scope out the other hostiles. Other than the leader there were only three other griffons. They all had a look of fear in their eyes and did not move. The leader got back up and threw himself at Sergi hoping that the force would knock him down. Sergi side stepped and dealt another powerful blow from the baton. He then grabbed the griffon by the scruff of the neck and tossed him at the statue holding the lieutenant. The griffon collided with enough force to make small cracks appear on the statue. Sergi walked up to the two griffons and pulled out his knife. The lieutenant grabbed his superior officer and flew off into the night. They were quickly followed by the other griffons and silence fell upon the courtyard for only the briefest of seconds until the crowd started murmuring about what had just happened.
"Good Evening Everypony, My name is Captain Shining Armor and I need your full cooperation. I need all of you to vacate the courtyard. You may continue your night in the other parts of the Canterlot Castle. I hope that this did not spoil your Grand Galloping Gala experience." Shining Armor said over all the accumulated voices in the courtyard.
Although the crowd started to disappear Sergi felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned his head to see the hostage from before. He could clearly see a white lightning bolt going down the side of the jumpsuit.
"Hi, I wanted to thank you for what happened back there. My name is Spitfire, Captain of the Wonderbolts. I can understand letting those griffons go but they need to get what's coming to them..." She began before Sergi gave a slight chuckle.
"If you want to see them go down stay here for a little bit." He said as he opened up his comm channel.
"Send in Night Watchmen #2 to eliminate four bogies heading away from the castle." Sergi ordered through his TACPAD,
"What is going to happen?" Spitfire asked as she moved forward a little bit more.
"Just wait." Sergi said as he could hear the faint sound of one of the Night Watchmen fly over the courtyard and head towards the griffons.
Only seconds passed before a whine along with a steady line of tracer bullets ensured that the griffons were no longer a problem.