Second Wind

You awoke as you always have inside the barracks. You get up, get your armor on, go outside, and train. Training today went without any major incident. Strength training and some cardiovascular exercise took place. Before you knew it, your 4 hours were up, and you immediately went back to your room. You probably didn't speak a word the entire time you were training. Rarity was actually in the room when you got inside.

"Hello, my love!" She jumped up, and gave you a hug. "I DO apologize for how busy I've been recently, but I think you'll like what I've arranged, darling." You kiss her on the forehead.

"You could give me a candy wrapper and I'd treasure it." She laughs.

"This is a little more elaborate than a candy wrapper, darling. I'll show you what I've got cooked up at this party you've set up tonight."

"Yeah...party." You look past Rarity, to avoid making eye contact. "I'm gonna go shower, and then we'll head out, start getting stuff set up in the castle."

You shower, but don't shave. You feel like you need something to motivate you, something to keep you pushing forward. You get dressed, and walk into the bedroom, and pull out your phone. You then walk out onto the balcony, and let a random song play. You had now idea how deeply it would resonate within you.

Youtube Video

Hold your grandmother's bible to your breast

Gonna put it to the test

You wanted it to be blessed

And in your heart

You know it to be true

You know what you gotta do

They all depend on you

And you already know

Yet you already know

How this will end

There is no escape

From the slave catcher's songs

For all of the loved ones gone

Forever's not so long

And in your soul

They poked a million holes

But you never let them show

Come on its time to go

And you already know

Yet you already know

How this will end

Now you've seen his face

And you know that there's a place in the sun

For all that you've done

For you and your children

No longer shall you need

You always wanted to believe

Just ask and you'll receive

Beyond your wildest dreams

And you already know

Yet you already know

How this will end

You already know (You already know)

You already know (You already know)

You already know

How this will end

The song itself captivated you. You could hear the hurt, the passion in the voice that sung. You could feel what he felt. The video resonated even further within you. It appeared to revolve around a very dark time in Earth's past. Then you saw something that really got to you.

That man was going to be executed. That man going to die. There was no escaping it. But he didn't break down. He didn't let go. He stood calmly. Rather than face his executioners, he looked past them. It was incredibly symbolic. It didn't help that he looked very similar to you.

The song wrapped up its final chorus. You were leaning slightly on the railing of the balcony, waiting for the song and video to wrap up. You felt very melancholy. You felt no dread. No fear. No anxiety. Just loneliness and sadness.  The voice in the song sung true.

You already know how this will end.

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You hated dressing up. It made you feel really lame. You still had a dress Rarity had made for you not too long ago, and you decide to wear it. Afterall, you wanted to look good for Aaden. You knew what exactly he was going to do, how he was going to have Celestia project his memories for all to see. You knew that the other ponies would accept him no matter what, especially if he really was considered a good guy if his little stint as a mercenary. Mercenaries in Equestria were rare to come across, but they usually were held in high respect, because they did the jobs no one else wanted to, or could do, for that matter. Sure, you had to pay them, but you were also taxed by the monarchy, which paid the Royal Guard. Equestria was more of an accepting and understanding place than Earth was, from the sounds of it.

"Rainbow, ya got to hold still!" Applejack grumbled. The girls were taking turns prettying each other up, and it was your turn. Everypony had their own reasons for wanting to look good. You were the only one doing it for Aaden.

Now that you thought about, you couldn't believe you were stressing this much about your appearance. You were actually making sure you had makeup on, making sure your teeth were as shining as could be, making sure your hair was tame, and that you looked stunning. You could only hope that you would be his center of attention. Pinkie Pie was super excited about this whole party.

"Guys, what do you think he's gonna tell us? I'm usually the one that plans the parties, I hope he does it right! Actually, I'm sure he will! I wonder if they need help at the Castle?" She would jump or turn her head rapidly with each new thought. Twilight decided to chime in.

"While I agree that it's a little off for a party to be so sudden, I'm sure it'll be fine. Aaden seems like a nice guy, and Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy tell me that he's pretty decent."

"Decent? How about AWESOME?" You interject. The girls all stare at you. You let out a nervous laugh.

How about totally awesome?

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"Tavi? Think you could give me a hand with this?" Octavia walked into the room. You were lucky she had just came into Canterlot for some orchestra thing. As she walked into the room, her eyes opened slightly.

"Vinyl, do tell me. What is that you're listening to? It sounds like that electronic gunk you listen to, but so much more...elegant." You see Octavia's hoof clopping to the beat gently.

Youtube Video

"Oh, it's some song that Aaden showed me. I may have been trash talking orchestral music, when he said he knew of some middle ground between our musical tastes, and ta-da. Good music." Octavia smiled.

"So, what is it that you need, Vinyl?" You point at your back.

"Zip this damn dress up, please." She cocks her head.

"Vinyl, you don't ever wear dresses. And besides, this is really tight on you. Aren't you afraid of getting a little unwanted attention?" You point again at the zipper.

"I'm actually hoping for it. Now please, zip." She walks over to you, and with a grunt and a shove, you are now zipped up. The dress you wore was slim fitting and black, with a cyan stripe going diagonal across the length.

Octavia sat in a chair next to you.

"So, I've heard an incredible amount about this Aaden. Shows up one day in Ponyville being chased by a manticore, almost dies, then becomes an Honor Guard. I hear he's really nice. I hear he has a real calming effect about him. What's he like?" You smile your infamous half-smile.

"Well, he's really talented. You name it, I wouldn't doubt it if he could do it. He's also really deep, which normally bothers me in a stallion, but something about him...he's experienced real pain, ya know?" Octavia nods her head. "I like the fact that whatever that pain was, it taught him more about his life. The guy really knows how to live, if that makes sense. Does that make sense?" Octavia nods again. "I dunno. He's just extremely unique. And pretty damn sexy, too." Octavia laughs.

"Is that what the dress is for?" You look back at the mirror, making sure you look good.

"Let's just say I want him to plow me." Octavia then giggles.

"Well, you have conviction. I suppose that's an admirable trait." Octavia stretches. "So, am I allowed to go to this party?"

"Well, Aaden said he wanted anyone and everyone that wanted to come, to come. Something about he was something he wants to show us all." You smile in a lustful manner. "I know what I want him to show me."

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It was 7 PM. The party was 8. Right now, it was just Celestia and yourself alone in the ballroom.

"Guardsman Locke. Are you sure this is what you want?" You nod your head.

"This has to be done, ma'am. I cannot hide this."

"Aaden."

Did she just call you by your first name?

"I understand your actions, and while my subjects will not shun you, they may not understand as I do. Are you absolutely sure?" You nod your head again, this time with a swallow.

"No more secrets, ma'am."

"Very well, my loyal Guardsman." You watched as the ponies walked in, and slowly began to congregate. They talked among themselves, while you and Celestia both stood on the stage, waiting to unveil the horrors in your mind. Oliver, Virgil, Applejack, Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Vinyl and Rarity all stood together.

Rarity.

This is for you, Honey. This is for you.

You walk forward on the stage.

"Everyone." You speak loudly. "I will not beat around the bush. I have called you here to show you something. I feel it best to show you, rather than tell you." You motion at Celestia. "Princess, if you would." the lights in the ballroom dimmed, and Celestia walked over to you, putting her horn to the back of your head. You watched as a random memory began to project from your eyes, into the space just in front of the audience that had gathered.

I love you Rarity. I love you.

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The mans face was completely enveloped in shadow. He was wearing a black suit and red tie, but that's all you could see.

"Aaden Locke. You are a candidate for the IMO." You see the orange bulb of a cigarette in the shadows. "Tell me. Why do you wish to join us? Of what value are you to us?" You look straight into the shadows were you thought it eyes were.

"I am a man who has lost everything. I am a man with no dignity left. No honor. No options. I want the money. I want the power. I want it all." The man in the shadows laughs.

"That's what I like to hear. Welcome to the IMO, Locke."

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You were in a nightclub. Everyone was dancing, having what appeared to be the time of their life. The entire room was lit up with laughter and smiles. You were nearing your target. You pushed your way through the crowd, until he became visible to you. You reached into his pocket, snatched his wallet, and then shoved him as hard as you could. He was sure to take the bait and follow you. And he did.

"HEY, ASSHOLE! GET BACK HERE!" You ran through the crowd, and back outside. He followed you.

You then ran into the alleyway. He followed.

You ran back to the edge of the building, and turned around. The target was sneering.

"You're about to get your ass kicked, moron." You reach into your coat, and remove your silenced handgun. You quickly draw it, and fire one shot, hitting him in his skull. You then quickly run up to him, and catch his body. His final stare is one of disbelief. You walk his body to the nearby dumpster, and put him inside of it. You take out your phone.

"Chairman. Target has been eliminated." You hear the iconic laugh of his.

"Very good. Your contract was for $200,000, correct?"

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You leaned against a car. Adam walked down the staircase towards you.

"Adam, we've got to talk."

"We do?"

"What we're doing, it isn't right. I feel filthy."

"Aaden, what were you expecting? You're a mercenary now."

"I know, but it's not right. I know what I'm doing is wrong. I just don't have the courage to speak out, or stop what I'm doing. It's hard."

"Look, kid, I know it hurts. If it makes you feel any better, try to be the good guy. Be a paragon. You're trapped here now. As am I. Better make the best of it. What's making you feel this way?" Your mind drifts back to the little girl and her father that you had saved.

"I've just had an epiphany, okay? This is wrong. I don't feel right about it, Adam."

"Stop calling me Adam. We'll both get our asses kicked if they hear that."

"Right. I don't feel right about this, Major Howard."

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You had been hired to protect this village from another PMC that had been hired to destroy it. You felt extremely awful. Apparently, the entirety of the village had to pool their money to enlist your help. You knew exactly what you were going to do when this was over. Eventually, the two forces met, head on. Eventually, you had repelled the invaders. Everyone else was boarding the helicopters to return home. You held three briefcases filled with their money. You walked straight to the town hall, and sat the money down. The mayor looked at you.

"Don't-don't you want the money? It's all we have..." You wave your hand.

"No. Keep it. War is a disgusting thing. It makes me feel awful enough already to know I'm being paid to fight, much more so that it's all of your money." He looks up at you, with hope on his face.

"Thank you."

"It's the least I can do." You walk to the helicopters, and take a seat next to a young man who was assigned to you as a new recruit. You can feel him staring at you.

"Can I help you?" You ask.

"My name is Alan! I've heard a ton about you, Captain Locke, sir! Everyone here is so concerned with money and stuff, that they forget how to be nice! I hear you're different!" You smile.

"Call me Aaden."

"Yeah right! Disrespect a hero like you? I don't think so! I'd probably only do that if I were dying or something."

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"ADAM! ADAM, PLEASE, GOD NO! MEDIC!" You continue to cry out. "FOR THE LOVE OF FUCKING GOD, SOMEONE, ANYONE, GET THE HELL OVER HERE, HELP!" You push as hard as you can on Major Howard's neck. He was now thrashing around on the ground, blood pouring from his neck. Gunfire rocketed from both sides. You then felt a powerful amount of force in your chest. You hit the ground. It was getting hard to breathe. You watched helplessly as soldiers ran to and from cover in the streets. You see the leader of the enemy PMC attempting to get close.

He was going to try to make an example of Adam.

Over my dead fucking body.

He walked among the battlefield, bullets still spraying everywhere. You weakly reached for your rifle, and held it up to your eye. The leader of the enemy PMC picked Adam up by his collar, and held him up high. With his free hand, he pulled out a handgun, and held it to his head.

You took a deep breath, and pulled the trigger to your rifle. The three round burst roared as it went from your rifle, to his chest. He immediately dropped Adam, and staggered backwards, falling on his back. If he wasn't already dead, he was soon going to be.

You threw one arm out in front of you, landing it in the dirt. You then threw the other arm out. You began clawing your way towards Adam, who was still breathing, but no longer thrashing. You eventually make your way over to him, and lift him up in his arms, just as you did Alan.

"Adam..." you cough out. "Adam...no..." He looked at you, and smiled, just as Alan had.

"God damn it kid...don't call me that...they'll kick our asses...you k-know?" He laughed, but the shaking from the laughter soon got slow, then completely ended. He had just died.

What was once 11 men, was now 10.

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"Captain Aaden Locke of the Pathfinders. What makes you think you qualify to withdraw from the IMO?" You slam your fist down on the table, cracking it.

"Because I'm sick of this! Money, power, none of it matters! Do you know what I've done? How many I've killed? I'll never be normal again, because of you!"

"I don't believe you've thought this through, Aaden."

"SHUT THE FUCK UP! I'm sick of you telling me what you think is best!" You regain your composure. "I'm leaving, regardless of what you think."

"Very well, Aaden. We will stay in touch. Believe me."

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You could finally see the ballroom once more. Celestia had replayed all of your memories, from the death of Alan to Anthony's stalking of you. The ones you just saw were ones that were completely new to you. You could feel something squeezing you extremely tight. Probably rope. You were going to be arrested. Executed, too.

Your eyes adjusted. What you saw surprised you to no end. All of the girls had formed a circle around you, and were hugging you. They were all sobbing. Even Vinyl. Rarity spoke up.

"Darling...I had no idea..." You could feel your tears coming.

"I didn't know what to tell you...I was so disgusted with myself, I could only imagine what you would think of me."

"Dude!" Rainbow Dash managed to choke out. "Would you stop saying that! We love you regardless! You did what you had to, and we understand, and-" Her words then became inaudible with babbling and sobbing. She forced her face into your stomach, her crying muffled by it.

"Aaden. I knew you hurt, but damn..." Vinyl wiped a tear away. She went to say something, but just shook her head. "Damn..." You watched as more tears came down her face.

You looked down. You felt a hoof lift your head up.

"Darling. I will love you regardless of what may have happened. The memories themselves have shown that you have changed. That isn't you. We all know that. We do not think any of less of you."

"Wow...this hurts so much more to actually see..." You heard Rainbow mutter. You saw Oliver walking towards you. His eyes were also welling up. The girls let go, and you walked towards him. You thought he was just going to say something, but his walk continued well past talking distance. He immediately hugged you.

"Brother. When one of us hurts, we all hurt. You are one of us now. You are no longer alone." You looked behind him, and saw the other Honor Guards and Virgil. They were all visibly moved. Everybody in the room was seemingly moved.

"Your attention, everypony." Celestia was speaking. "It is completely obvious that we are all touched by our newest addition to Equestria's past. It hurts us all as much as it hurts him." She looks at you. "Aaden, thank you for sharing that with us. It is good that you decided to come out with it, rather than conceal it. I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say that, Aaden, you are welcome among us. You always will be." All of the ponies in the room shook their heads. "Now. The night is still young, and we have an entire ballroom, and party supplies, including some food Aaden made from home. Shall we celebrate our new addition?" Pinkie Pie immediately perked up from her sorrow.

"Aaden? You made food?" She asks. Oliver releases you from his hug, also looking at you.

"Oh, yeah. I made some just in case I wasn't executed. Chips and Queso, a favorite of mine back home. Feel free to help yourself." Oliver cocked his head in confusion.

"Queso?"

"Liquid cheese with peppers in it, essentially."

"Hmm..." Oliver went off to locate this exotic food, while Pinkie Pie began to smile.

"Celestia is right, everypony! We've got the crying out of the way! Let's celebrate now!" The crowd seemingly all smiled and nodded in improvement. As music came on, and laughter and talking began to fill the ballroom, you felt a wave of relief. Music started to play. You couldn't believe they accepted you as they did. You feel as if you were completely free now. You were sure that your mind had to have been hiding more nasty secrets, but you would deal with those when they came.

You actually think you're going to enjoy yourself tonight. Eat a little bit, drink a little bit, talk with everyone. Now that this was out of the way, and being as everyone seemingly understands, you were actually quite excited for the evening to play out. You looked out of the corner of your eye. Vinyl, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity all came over to you, and put you in another hug.

"I'm so proud of you!"

"You did great, honor-boy."

"I love you, darling!"

All three ponies exchanged glances uncomfortably.

Oh, that's right.

This is also a problem.

You look out from your organic hug fortress and smile as you see Oliver locate the several bowls of queso and chips. He was seemingly very confused with how the whole set up worked, attempting to eat the chips and the queso entirely separate from one another. You were forced to stifle a laugh as other ponies followed his lead.

Let's start with the easier problems.