"Regret is not part of our profession."
***
The mountain air was chilly and cut into the both of them as the train made its way up the mountain track. James yawned and looked out upon the valley; upon the town of Ponyville and the adjacent forest that was rapidly fading into the distance. The train was running steady, and he had stolen the only one scheduled to run on the line that day, so he didn’t have to worry about any obstacles getting in the way.
Twilight had calmed down considerably since they had left town. She still had a wary look in her eye, but she seemed to accept the fact that Bond had killed with necessity. Not to say she agreed with it, but she accepted the fact all the same. After all, she’d rather not think about what those dirty stallions would have done to her and her friends had he not been there to protect them and the rest of town. He had explained everything after they had left, so she understood his problem.
The door to the engine car swung open and Twilight entered. She didn’t say a word, but instead used her magic to shovel some more coal into the fire.
"Look, Twilight," Bond spoke up. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry. I'm sorry if I scared you."
"Thanks, James," she replied. "But it's alright, I understand. You were just protecting me and yourself." She turned around and looked up at him. "Just tell me one thing, though."
He nodded. "Go ahead."
"How do you deal with it?" she asked. "How do you wash away all the things you've done, and what you'll have to do?"
"You don't," he answered simply. "There's no time to think, you have to act. If there's one thing I've learned, you either shoot first, or don't shoot at all. It's just the way it is."
"Don't you ever look for a non-lethal option?"
"When I draw my gun I'm committed to using lethal force," he explained to her. "If I try to shoot someone non-lethally, I'm either going to hit a vital vein or artery and end up killing them anyway, or miss completely and wind up dead myself." He looked away from the view of the valley and down at her. "In the end, you can't take any chances."
Twilight nodded slowly, processing the information. "I understand where you're coming from, James. Our methods may be different, but our goal is the same."
"And what goal would that be?"
"Keeping innocent ponies safe," she said to him. "After all, I'm the Element of Magic. If some ancient evil threatens Equestria, my friends and I are the only ones who can stop it."
James nodded. There were a few moments of silence, before he spoke up again. “How far are we from Canterlot?"
“A few minutes, tops.” She looked up at him, but didn’t hold her gaze, looking out upon the valley soon after. “I’d bet the elements that the princesses already know we’re coming.”
“Because of what happened back there?” James asked, checking to see the train had enough fuel to keep going.
“Bingo. It’d be a surprise if there isn’t a squad of royal guards waiting for us when we arrive. Heck, my brother’s probably with them.”
“Your brother’s part of the royal guard?” Bond asked, hoping to start a conversation that would steer away from the somewhat touchy topic they had been discussing earlier.
“Try captain of the royal guard,” Twilight corrected. “And Prince of the Crystal Empire, to top it all off.” She smiled distantly. “Still, I couldn’t ask for a better brother.”
“You got along well as kids?” Bond wondered.
She chuckled. “That’s like saying Fluttershy just ‘gets along’ with her animals.” She sighed and smiled again. “We did everything together. He was my B.B.B.F.F.”
James looked at her, a puzzled expression on his face.
“Big Brother Best Friend Forever.” She answered his silent question almost instantly, as if she’d had to do it multiple times before. “Look, we’re almost there.” She pointed upwards as the train reached the top of the mountain and approached the regal city. James gazed up in awe at the tall, gilded towers and majestic architecture, like something out of a fantasy novel. The capital of Equestria truly was a sight to behold, and James finally understood Rarity’s obsession with the city’s culture and society, for it was obviously a place of nobility.
“Ready to face the music?” His companion asked as he started to apply the train’s brakes. “Honestly, I don’t know how Princess Celestia is going to react.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine,” Bond replied. “After all, you are her personal student, right?”
“All the more reason to not disappoint her, James!”
“Don’t worry,” he reassured her. “If she’s anything like you said she is before, you’ve got nothing to worry about.” As for himself, he wasn’t sure. Celestia might not be as welcoming as her student was, after all. On the other hand, the student always learned from the master.
His thoughts were interrupted by the train rolling to a stop in the station. As the steam cleared, both he and Twilight were surprised to see that there wasn’t a welcoming party of guards to greet them. In fact, there was nothing to hint that anything was out of the ordinary at all.
“So, I create a national crisis in a nearby town, and the guard here don’t seem to care?” James commented. “Yet another victory for gross incompetence, it seems.”
"Oh hush, James," Twilight reprimanded. "For all we know, they could have beefed up security in the castle itself."
"They're two immortal goddesses," 007 scoffed. "Doesn't sound like they need much security to me."
“Immortal doesn’t always equal invulnerable,” she replied. “Although I will admit, they do know how to take care of themselves. Still, we better make our way up to the castle.”
James went to say something in return, to continue the conversation, but was cut off when a group of guards approached them. “Well, so much for peace and quiet,” he muttered, rolling his eyes.
“Gross incompetence, huh?” Twilight sighed. She should have known the absence of ponies around the train station was too good to be true. In all likeliness, the guards had cordoned off the train station and the few blocks surrounding it, in preparation for their arrival. “Good evening, gentlecolts,” she called out to them. “How can I help you?”
“Miss Sparkle!” the officer of the group barked towards her, while the rest of them adopted an aggressive stance. “Step away from the creature immediately!”
“He has a name!” she shouted, ignoring his order. “I know you want to take him to Princess Celestia, but the fact of the matter is, he’s not going anywhere without me.”
“Listen to reason, Miss Sparkle!” the officer replied, still glaring at 007. “You don’t know what it’s capable of!”
“I know perfectly well what he’s capable of, sir!” Twilight stepped in front of James in a protective manner. “But I also know he wouldn’t hurt someone for no reason!”
“No, Twilight, it’s fine,” James told her softly, walking past her towards the guards, his hands in the air. The guards immediately surrounded him, spears raised menacingly, and started to escort him towards the castle that towered over the city. Frustrated, Twilight galloped after them.
“For the last time, Miss Sparkle,” the officer hissed. “The princess wants to speak alone with this... thing.” It took all of his effort to remain composed and not raise his voice at the annoyingly stubborn mare. “Accommodation has been provided for you in the west wing of the castle. I suggest you make your way there as soon as possible.”
“No,” she told him, much to his ire. “I’m staying with James. Besides, the captain of the guard wouldn’t want to find out that you’ve been harassing his sister, would you?”
The officer stiffened, and grimaced. After a few seconds, he replied. “No ma’am. This way, ma’am.”
“I didn’t think so.” Twilight smiled smugly, trailing close behind the group of guards as they made their way away from the train station. Confirming her suspicions, the area around the station had been cordoned off by the city guard. A large group of curious ponies had gathered behind the fence, eager to see what all of the commotion was about. When they laid eyes upon Bond, a few of them recoiled in shock, unsure of the strange creature before their eyes.
“You ready?” Twilight whispered to James as they approached the swelling crowd.
“Of course,” he murmured back, scanning the ponies in the crowd. “Besides, it’s not like any of them are stupid enough to mess with the guards, right?”
“I hope you’re right. Ponies in Canterlot tend to be a little more... unsure of new things or people. This is the most heavily guarded city in the world, after all.”
The guards who were guarding the fence noticed them approaching and lifted the tape to let them through. Most ponies in the crowd stepped away as the guards escorted James through, however some made sure to voice their shock and disgust.
“What is that thing?”
“Such a vile creature, in our fair city?!”
The officer’s patience was beginning to wear thin. “Everypony, disperse! Return to your homes immediately!” Shoving a few stubborn stallions out of the way, the group of them picked up the pace, making their way towards the castle. The crowd was not swayed so easily, however, and many curious ponies followed the group through the streets.
They soon reached the front gate of the castle. A few more groups of guards approached from the castle itself to hold back the crowd. Thankful for the new found peace, James continued with his de facto captors into the castle itself. Every single guard seemed to be standing guard in the castle’s foyer, beside two mares; one, large and pearly white, the other slightly smaller and dark blue. Must be Celestia and Luna, Bond assumed.
“Halt!” the officer in front of him barked, turning to face him. “Bow before your ruler!”
Before James could say or do anything in reaction, Celestia, spoke. “Stand down, sir.” She spoke softly, but with a commanding undertone. “My sister and I wish to speak with our guest.”
The officer stiffened again. “Of course, your majesty.” His group of guards retreated from their protective circle around James, allowing him to approach the princesses with Twilight. He took a few steps towards them before Luna stepped in front of him.
“Before you come any closer, please relinquish your weapon, Mr. Bond.”
James scanned her for a few seconds, before relenting. Reluctantly, he reached inside his jacket and drew his handgun, holding it in the air. Luna took the weapon in her magic and gave it to another unicorn beside her, who carefully took it out of the room.
“Try not to point it at anything you’re fond of,” James called after him, before turning back to the royalty before him. They both eyed him warily, but did not seem hostile. If anything, they seemed slightly welcoming. The silence continued, so he spoke up. “Good evening, your majesties.”
“And to you, Agent 007,” Celestia replied, a small yet noticeable mischievous grin upon her face. “I hope the guards weren’t too rough on you.” She took note of his bewildered and accusing expression and laughed. “Don’t worry James, your secrets are safe with us, I can assure you.”
Twilight, meanwhile, was just as confused as he was. “‘Agent 007’? James, what haven’t you told me?”
“We shall explain that to you later, Twilight Sparkle,” Princess Luna told her with a warm, friendly smile. “For now, my sister and I would like to talk to Mr. Bond alone.” Twilight looked up at Princess Celestia, who also smiled and nodded. “If you are hungry, the chefs will be more than happy to cook something for you.”
Twilight sighed. “No, it’s alright, princess.” She looked at James uncertainly. “I think I’ll just make my way to my room; the one that the guard mentioned.”
“Very well.” Luna nodded, holding out a hoof. “Well, I look forward to catching up with you later.”
Twilight smiled and took her hoof, pulling the moon goddess into a friendly hug. Luna was briefly surprised, but soon returned the favour. “I look forward to it, Luna.” Twilight turned and trotted out of the room, waving goodbye as she went.
James watched as she left, before turning back to the alicorns before him. “Well, I’m here,” he said to them. “What do you want?”
Celestia raised an eyebrow, before turning around to open the doors of the main hall. The two of them entered, leaving him to follow. The hall itself was massive, yet barely furnished. At the very end of the room were two large thrones, but, other than that, there was not much else of note. Celestia and Luna walked down to the far side of the room and sat on their thrones. Before James could say anything, there was a small flash and another, smaller chair, appeared out of nowhere. Encased in Celestia’s magical glow, it was placed in front of the two thrones.
“Please, Mr. Bond, sit,” Princess Celestia asked softly, gesturing to the chair. “We have much to discuss.”
Deciding to go along with whatever she wanted, James obliged. The chair was comfy enough, but still a little small for his larger body.
Princess Luna cleared her throat, drawing his attention. “So, do you know why we had the guards bring you here, Mr. Bond?”
“I can hazard a guess,” James answered. He felt like a schoolboy, reporting to the headmaster because he was in trouble. “Something to do with the trouble I caused back in Ponyville, right?”
“That would be correct,” Celestia replied curtly. “After all, you did kill five ponies.”
“I was protecting Twilight, and the rest of town.” James defended his case.
“For which we thank you,” Luna interrupted. “We only wish to know why those ponies wanted you in the first place.”
Fair enough. Deciding to start from the top, James started to divulge the course of events that had transpired since his arrival in this strange new world.
***
The room was warm and hospitable, as they always were, for which Twilight was thankful. Still, she couldn’t get any sleep. The things she had seen today proved such luxuries impossible. Instead, the used her time to do some research. If what James had said was true, she needed to know any information about it.
A light knock on the door snapped her attention away from the third book she had been skimming through. “Come in,” she called.
The door opened and James entered, still wearing the jacket Rarity made for him but carrying what looked like a tailored suit. “Hey,” he greeted her softly. “You alright?”
Twilight glanced down at her books and yawned, before looking back up at him. “Yeah, I’m fine, James.”
“You sound tired,” he observed.
She shrugged. “Maybe a little.” A smirk spread across her face. “What’s the suit for?”
“A party,” he told her, pulling out an invitation. “The royals are having a night out to a prestigious casino tomorrow evening, if you can believe that. Apparently, I’m the guest of honour.”
“A party? Didn’t you tell them about the crazy cultists who want to overthrow the throne?”
“Of course I did,” he told her, feigning offense. “Which is why I’m supposedly doubling as security.”
Twilight raised an eyebrow, and chuckled. “Of course, because you look so inconspicuous.” James chuckled as well. “I'm guessing you did something similar back home, 'agent'." He nodded. "So, am I invited as well?”
“Not exactly.” James held out the invitation in his hand. “But I can take a plus one.”
She grinned. “Guess I’d better find something to wear, then.” She hopped to her hooves and trotted past him, towards the wardrobe. “Funny,” she wondered aloud. “I didn’t take the princesses for fans of gambling.”
“Apparently, they’re not,” James said. “Their nephew is, though.”
Twilight poked her head out from the wardrobe. “Prince Blueblood?” she groaned. “I should have known.”
“Bad experience?” Bond asked.
“Not personally,” she called out, still sifting through the assortment of garments in the wardrobe. “Talk to Rarity about it sometime, I’m sure she’d be just happy to tell you about it.”
Bond chuckled again. “Maybe I’ll ask her then.” He glanced at the clock, which read eleven o’clock. “It’s getting late,” he told her. “I’ll leave you to it.” He turned to leave, before remembering something. “Oh, and we’re having breakfast tomorrow morning, before a brief of some sort. Eight o’clock sharp.”
“I’ll set an alarm then,” Twilight replied, stepping out of the wardrobe. “Goodnight, James.” She smiled and waved as he bid her farewell and left the room.
Alone again, Twilight glanced around the hotel suite. She knew she needed sleep, but there were more important things to worry about right now. She trotted back to the desk, covered in books and papers, and started to read again. Something evil was out there, threatening the throne as well as the citizens of Equestria, and she needed to find out what.
Sleep could wait.