Aiden stared at the dirt wall of his hideout in thought. He'd already built the place, as shoddy as it was, and he was being offered work. In essence, the way out he was looking for. And it hadn't come with a warrant or jail time.

For now.

He'd get to Canterlot. Find something to do. Materials. Big city pawnshop. Items to scrap, valuables to sell. Maybe get even with Princess Luna for digging in his head with as much tact as a raging bull.

He really did want to get even for her. He had almost stopped having nightmares. He could never stop seeing the body. But for just a split second, in just a single moment- an entire age, an entire lifetime of healing, as little as it was, had been wiped away. Decades of slow growth were almost entirely gone in an instant, like reefs in a boiling ocean.

He wanted to right that wrong. As foreign claws broke into the earth, they imagined flesh and hide underneath them.

Nothing as extreme as murder, if the sisters could even be killed. He held his own in a dream, armed to the teeth, but in the waking world, he had nothing that could match the power of a tentative demi-god. At most all he could do was plant a bomb in a chariot, maybe give them a particularly nasty case of food poisoning if he were so inclined.

But there was nothing in life that was free of consequences. Harming, let alone killing a figurehead had consequences, and killing someone with a family, a family that cared deeply for them? That had consequences. Many.

Just like how he'd turned out. After that damned job.

Aiden growled. Always fighting, someone, somewhere. All he wanted this time was a little peace. Just a little peace. Could he have taken a more direct approach to peace? Yes. He could have. But now? Now it had all been thoroughly shot and butchered. So he'd begin again without a plan, work his way up from nothing. Most of it had him wishing he were human. It just felt like it would have been easier.

But for now, he would get through things step by step. Live like a vagrant. Make up some caches, hidden spots like he had back in Chicago. One way or another he'd find a place out here, and it'd begin with preparation and learning.

And he had to that somewhere other than here.

Which brought him back to staring at that wall. Food finally making its way into his system.

He was short on money still. Train tickets, going by human denomination- could be upwards of twenty dollars. He could hike, but that would involve frequent rest stops and campsites. Supplies he neither had nor had money to pay for, and also the possibility of a trail for others to follow.

Twenty-two bits were cheap. Unfortunately, he was short by at least twelve. Even less if he decided to hurl the day after a bit of drink at Sugarcube Corner. Hard emphasis on sugar. He could barely remember the last time he had something that sweet. He had needed to cut back on the sweets in his age.

Frustrated and nauseated, he rummaged around for his rags. Made of leaves and burlap, it was some mishmash abomination of a poncho, a cloak, and a cowl. Somehow the leaves were still fresh. He'd be wearing this today. The coat was for business.

And he was incredibly lucky that nobody in that group had recognized him. That, or they were biding their time, using a job to snare him. But in any case, it wouldn't work. They'd made one fatal mistake.

They gave him some fucking food.

"So remind me again what you can do?" Applejack started.

"That depends." Was Aiden's reply.

"Shucks, just spare me the riddles and tell me outright what ya can do would ya? Otherwise, we'll be out here pointing at things ya can't. "

Aiden Pearce gave only a mild frown and a mild look to Applejack's way as they walked towards the farm. It was just a few minutes before sunrise would begin, the denizens in Ponyville were either still asleep, relaxing in bed, or just now getting up to prepare themselves for a busy day.

Generally speaking, things were typically calm outside of the occasional monster of the week, and considering the distinctive lack of anything, it would be safe to assume that he was the event of the week.

"No, it really does depend. You offered me work but never told me what. You want me to dig? Farm? Sort? Build? You offered me work yesterday, now I'm here for it."

Applejack's face scrunched up and she sighed, he had made a valid point. "Alright. Well, so far the only work I have for ya to do is on the orchard. So unless you can come up with some skills that'll have you working somewhere else, that's all I've got."

Aiden Pearce shrugged. "It's a start."

"So? Got a list of tricks up your sleeve?"

"I'm a good bodyguard. I can fight, and I can handle a weapon."

"Oh, a bodyguard eh?" Applejack remarked, her tone a little more sarcastic than before "Lookin' a little scrawny for that line of work."

"I was able to knock you down." Aiden stated plainly.

"That was with magic." Applejack sighed and continued as the pair walked along the stone path. "But, ah well, even if ya were good in a scrap, there's not much use for that kind o' hired muscle here. Got anything else ya can do?"

Aiden walked as he thought. There was a short handful of skills he had from his original line of work that might help.

Chemistry. Basic stuff, but with the way this town is set, it might have seemed advanced. And he didn't even learn that much in his high-school courses. Mols. Avogadros number... Nitrogen fertilizer explosives.

Improvised explosives were more of his stronger suite of chemical skills. Outside of that, chemistry was likely a bust.

Next up, numbers.
Computers and hacks lived among functions and mathematics, so he prided himself on arithmetic as well. If she needed an accountant, then he was her guy.

The last thing he wanted to mention was his irrelevant skillset as a hacker. Electronics. He was good with those. And he was good at rigging things together. He'd seen some high end speakers in someone's home at one point. It wasn't entirely useless, but it was a skill that could be offered.

His focused rapid-fire thoughts are interrupted as Applejack abruptly laughs just a few seconds after they were done talking. Yet it felt like so much longer in his head. "Well, Mr. Scrawn-a-lot, it seems no matter how small you seem, you're quite capable of holding your own." Applejack continues on down the path before stopping suddenly.

"Wait, I never did ask, but why did you even accept this job? You seemed mighty quick to accept whatever id offer you."

Aiden gave an unseen grimace. An annoyed expression flashed across his face. "Remember when you ran me out of the market when I was trying to sell jam? That's why."

A slight flicker of realization crosses Applejacks face, before she sighs. "Look, I'm sorry about that, I just didn't trust you... I can be a little wary of strangers, and well... You reminded me of a diamond dog."

Unease filled the air. "It's fine. In the past now."

It really wasn't. But there wasn't a point holding a grudge if it would get in the way of some much needed coin. For now at least.

A few seconds of silence passes before Applejack looks at Aiden. "So do you know anything about the world of fruit trees, gardening, or farming, in general? I don't mind training you, if you don't."

"My sister took up gardening. She grew alot of things before..." Aiden trailed off abruptly midthought. Memories he had once been at peace with came flooding back with vengeance. "Nevermind. I understand how to not kill a plant. Don't expect me to not ask questions though."

Applejack chuckles, a brief and humble smile gracing her features. "Don't worry, I don't mind answering questions, and I promise, I'm very patient."

After that, there's a glint in the eyes. Nothing malicious but that of realization, as a small amount of pity flashes through Applejacks eyes. "Sorry, but I have to ask, something happen to your sister?"

"Let's drop that subject." He replied evenly. Though his tone hadn't changed, never once became hostile or cold, the quickness of his words wasn't unnoticed.

Applejack stares for another few seconds before she breaks the silence with another question. "Hey, I know this might be a little strange, but I have a pretty important question"

Aiden Pearce paused. "What is it?"

"Well, you've already mentioned a sister, but what about any other family? It would seem to me that you're a little too young to be living fully alone, or, maybe I'm wrong and you're not as young as you look" Applejacks tone becomes softer as she finished her last few sentences.

"I thought you'd have noticed I didn't want to talk any more about family." Aiden said evenly. He wasn't trying to be openly hostile, in fact he'd thought he'd said it about as politely as he could. But there was a growl to it. A harsh undertone.

A deep frown spreads across Applejacks face. She looks away from Aiden for a few seconds as she thinks, before she finally speaks back up. "Hey look, I'm sorry, I know you clearly don't want to share those kinds of details, but can you at least tell me how old you are? Maybe that'll help me understand a little more about you"

"Older than you" Aiden replied dryly, continuing to walk along.

Applejack rolls her eyes in response, giving only a light chuckle as a response "So you're what, twenty, twenty-five years old? That's still pretty young to be living like a wandering varmint."

"Im seventy-two." Aiden said with a smirk.

A flash of surprise flashes across Applejacks face as she nearly stumbles over herself in shock "You're SEVENTY-TWO years old? That can't be right!"

Aiden lets out a short chuckle as he notices how shocked Applejack is "Yeah, I'm pretty old. I'll admit though, for my age, I'm lookin' pretty good. Ain't that right?" He gives Applejack a playful grin

A few more seconds pass as Applejack continues to stare at Aiden with a sense of complete disbelief. "Yeah... you're lookin' pretty good... For a pensioner"

Aiden laughs again at the response before becoming even more amused by her disbelief of his age "You don't believe me do you?"

Applejacks eyes narrow into a stare as she stares back at Aiden with a mixture of disbelief and annoyance[. "Well, I mean, I'd like a little proof"

Aiden lets out another quick chuckle before he stops in his tracks and turns to face Applejack. "Alright, how do you want me to prove that I'm actually 72 years old?"

A few seconds of silence goes by as Applejack thinks about it, before finally looking at Aiden with a smug grin "Alright, here's how you can prove it, you gotta tell me a story from when you were younger"

Aiden freezes up. There wasn't much he could say that was pleasant. Chicago wasn't very nice to say the least, and neither was homelike. Shit, he'd have to sanitize everything.

The silence stretches for a few more seconds as Applejack waits for Aiden to give her a story. The silence is eventually broken with Applejacks reply as she speaks again, but her voice is filled with a tone of skepticism. "Well? How about it mister old man? What, can you not remember how many decades you've been around?"

He grumbled in dismay. "Can it. I'm old enough to be your grandad."

Applejack laughs in response. "Well, for a grandad, you sure are a grumpy one, I'll admit that"

Applejack pauses for a few seconds while she continues to stare at Aiden, before she asks one more thing. "Hey I've got another question for you"

Aiden sighs softly as Applejack talks about a new question, but he gives a reluctant nod as he replies back. "What is it?"

"Do you have any kids, or any kind of family at all? You've told me a bit about your younger sister, but I was wondering if you've got any other family left"

The corner of Aiden's mouth curls into a small, sad smile as he continues to walk and listen to Applejack's question. Just melancholy. "No. I don't have any kids, or any other sort of family... My sister was the last family I had, and I lost her a long time ago" Aiden sighs as he looks away for a moment, memories starting to come back to him.

Applejack looks back at Aiden with a faint sense of pity. Her voice is soft as she asks her next question. "Sorry, I mean, I know you obviously don't want to talk about this subject, but if you're alright with answering... What happened to her?"

Aiden doesn't respond for a few seconds, his expression becoming solemn as he looks back at the ground, the memories becoming more vivid. Damn that princess. He lets out a sigh before he eventually turns back to Applejack as he replies with one word.

The simple word carries a harsh tone of grief behind it, as well as underlying hints of rage. As with every time Aiden had mentioned his sister, he immediately goes silent after he finishes his reply, leaving a heavy, uncomfortable silence between him and Applejack.

Applejack stands in silence for a few more moments as she tries to process the answer, as well as the emotions that are coursing through her brain. She was about to speak up again before she stops herself, realizing that the last thing Aiden needs is to have her ask any more questions about the subject. Instead she just sighs "I'm sorry... I..." She stops in her tracks, not certain of what else to say.

The walk forward is awkward and heavy.

"Just tell me what you have for work."

Both of them continue to walk forward on the path for another few seconds. Eventually, Applejack speaks up again in order to break up the silence. "Right, well, aside from the usual work of watering the orchards and maintaining them, there's one other task I need you to complete"

Aiden looks over at Applejack, raising an eyebrow. His tone remains neutral, and his expression is just as blank as before, though there's a faint feeling that something is up, as he asks what she has in mind for him to do. "And what exactly is this extra task?"

Applejack gives another light chuckle as she finally answers his question, her tone remaining as friendly as ever. "It's nothing really, just a small side mission, I guess. Basically, I want you to handle a pest problem in one of my fields"

A small amount of surprise flashes across Aiden's face "You mean... You want me to go through and take care of some of some critters? That's it?"

"Yeah, that's all. They're just a small group of diamond dogs that have been harassing our farm for the past few weeks, they've been coming to our farm and trying to steal anything they can get their hands on. They're a nuisance, and I'd greatly appreciate it if you could go and scare them away for me"

Aiden pauses, the surprise on his face turning into one of confusion. She'd mentioned pests, not an entire group of humanoids. He'd only briefly read of them in the geography book he'd 'borrowed' from Twilight in the dead of night.

He didn't have a library card, so what was a guy to do?

"When you say critter, most people think of something smaller. Like... I dunno, rabbits. Or maybe moles. Or maybe a really small dog." Aiden said as he looked over to her. His tone had gone from mildly confused to something between a mix of concern and annoyance. "You mean you've got a pack of sentient thieves?"

"Yeah, and they're a bunch of trouble. They've been raiding the farm and trying to take anything they can get, I don't know what they do with the stuff they steal, but they're causing quite a mess"

He paused, thinking of what it could be he'd have to deal with. "How many are we talking?"

Applejack pauses for a few seconds, as she tries to think of the exact number of diamond dogs on the farm. "I think there are only about five of them. They usually work in groups of two or three, and I'm pretty sure I've seen all of them come together to try and steal things at least once or twice"

He nodded along. Five was no different than a gang in Chicago. "Alright. When can I expect to start?"

"Immediately, if you're ready. Just head on over to the farm, and you should see them there if they've decided to move up already while I was out. They're most active near dark when we're all packing up for the day."

Aiden nodded, and gave an imperceptible huff as he rubbed his forehead in annoyance. Critters. Calling a diamond dog a critter was like calling a bear a rabbit or a SWAT team a group of cops. There was a severe difference. But at the same time, the work was still the same. And he'd be getting pay.

"I'll get started then. What can I expect out of them?"

"Well, mostly they're harmless, for now. I'd have Rarity handle them but she's busy being frou-frou somewhere. Just be careful and don't let them get the jump on you. If you do run into any trouble, just call out for me and I'll be there to help. Promise" Applejack explained.

Internally, he grimaced. She reminded her of Jordie. Just a bit. Downplay the problem and promise to be there when it all goes sideways. He still couldn't believe he called the cops on themselves at the stadium.

But there wasn't a point in making her feel bad.

"Right. So, just deal with them, and that's it? Anything else I need to do?"

"Just make sure you don't let them get away with any more of our food. If you can do that, then I'd consider it a success."

Aiden nodded and looked towards the direction of the orchards. They had paused a little distance ahead of her home and just before they reached the entrance to the big red barn. "Alright, then. I'll get to work."

"Alright, thanks. Oh, and one more thing: I don't think it's a good idea to start a fight with them right off the bat. Your uh... Close enough, that I'm sure you could convince em to leave." Applejack spoke with an oddly unsure and slightly sleazy tone leaking into her voice. "You'd be a real good peacekeeper."

He paused, and looked at her in disbelief, the implication stitching itself together in his mind. He'd have some fun with it first, make her squirm a little. "And what do you mean by close enough, Applejack?"

"Well, to be honest, you look like you'd fit right in with the group. You got that stature, you got claws, you've got some fur. And, well... I think you could blend right in, if you tried hard enough"

His eye twitched. He'd just gotten here. He was trying to start over. He was even trying to have a decent conversation, and then she goes and says that he's close enough. Was this how it felt to be discriminated? He wasn't sure if that was the right word for it. But still...

He wasn't a goddamn diamond dog.

"So, what, you're implying that I look like a dog?" Aiden questioned, his voice taking on a slightly more annoyed tone as he started to feel a little irritated.

"What? No! Of course not! I'm just sayin' you look similar enough that I bet you could fit right in. You know, uh, talk canine to canine." Applejack stammered, her tone quickly becoming more awkward and uncomfortable as she tried to backtrack on her words.

"Talk canine to canine." Aiden repeated, deadpan. His voice had now become much more agitated.

"I... uh... I mean, uh..." Applejack stammered as she continued to backpedal on her words.

Aiden sighed. "I'm not a dog, Applejack."

"Right. You're not a dog." She said, still trying to recover from her blunder.

Aiden turned and started walking towards the orchard, grumbling under his breath as he went. He didn't look back, but he could feel Applejacks eyes on his back as she watched him walk away.

Applejack sighed, and shook her head. She knew she had messed up. But she had to admit, she didn't expect Aiden to take it so personally. Maybe he really was sensitive about his looks after all. She shrugged, and began to make her way towards her house, hoping to find a way to make it up to Aiden. Maybe she'd offer him a nice drink at Sugarcubes, or maybe she could invite him over for a nice home cooked dinner. She had no idea what kind of food he ate though, but she'd try her best to find something that would be to his liking.

Aiden on the other hand no knowledge of this, and had no interest in learning. He'd gotten his job, his task, and he'd do it without complaint. He didn't take it personally at all, but really- a dog? He was a fox for crying out loud. It was as obvious as the day he looked into the river.

He'd let her sweat. It was good for her, considering what he was going to go through.

It didn't take him long to find the Diamond dogs, the traces of their digging were obvious. And the few straggler bits of trash that had been left behind were all too familiar to him. He didn't like it. Not one bit. He'd been living like that for the past few days. Eating scraps and digging in trash.

But here, he could have his fun.

He was a patient man, and he could afford to wait. They had to come back, the holes in the ground were proof enough. He had at least a couple of hours before the night fell. So he'd sit and wait. Wait for the sun to fall, and the moon to rise. He'd wait for the diamond dogs to come out of hiding, and then he'd strike.

The wait lasted until the moon was high in the sky. The farm was dark, and the wind blew through the trees, rustling their leaves. The sound of crickets filled the air, and the soft hum of insects was heard all around. The only light came from the moon, and the stars twinkled brightly above him. He was perched on the edge of the barn, his claws gripping onto the wooden boards. His eyes were fixed on the ground below, searching for any movement.

There was one perk about having claws, and that it made gripping some surfaces easier. It had made his fingers hurt like hell though.

The Diamond dogs arrived, and Aiden could hear their footsteps as they approached the barn. They were quiet, and their movements were precise. It was clear that they knew what they were doing, likely from striking other places just like this.
Aiden watched as they moved towards the barn door. They were carrying bags, and they were clearly looking to loot the place. They were silent, and they moved quickly. They were clearly professionals, and they had the skills to back it up.

He was going to have some fun with it.

He leapt off the roof of the barn, landing on the ground with a roll. He moved quickly, staying low to the ground. He could see the Diamond dogs in front of him, and he knew he had to act fast. Scare them off or talk, the choice had to be made fast.

He chose scare.

He let out a low growl, and the Diamond dogs froze. They turned to face him, and their eyes widened. They were clearly surprised, almost confused. But they were also afraid. They were scared, and they were unsure of what to do.

"Alright, you mutts. I don't know who you are, or what you're doing here, but I can tell you this: you're not welcome. You can leave now, or I can make you leave."

The Diamond dogs looked at each other, and then back at Aiden. They were thinking, trying to decide what to do. But they were scared, and they were unsure. He made the choice for them when he brandished his self-made baton. Granted it was wood, and it lacked the menace of his old telescoping police baton but the sight of a club was intimidating nonetheless.

He didn't waste energy by taunting them or waving it around. He just stared them down as the seconds ticked by, and it wasn't until one of the Diamond dogs finally spoke up that he realized how long he'd been standing there.

"We're not here to cause trouble. We're just looking for some food." Said the Diamond dog. It's voice was low and gravelly.

Aiden's expression didn't change. "Yeah, and you're gonna keep looking, because you're not gonna find it here. Now get lost, or I'll make you get lost."

The Diamond dogs looked at each other again, and then back at Aiden. They were thinking, trying to decide what to do. But they were scared, and they were unsure.

"Hey, look, we're sorry, alright? We'll just leave, and you'll never see us again." Said one of the Diamond dogs. It's voice was high pitched and nasally.

"Yeah, that's right. Just turn around and walk away, and you'll never have to see me again. You'll be out of my hair, and I'll be out of yours." Aiden said, his voice cold.

The Diamond dogs looked at each other one last time, and then nodded. They turned and began to walk away, and Aiden watched them go. He waited until they were out of sight before he relaxed, and let out a sigh of relief.

Nobody had their teeth bashed in today. That was good. He didn't want to make a habit of hurting people, but sometimes it couldn't be helped. Today, he had avoided violence, and that was something to be proud of.

The night wore on, and Aiden spent it perched on the barn's roof, watching for any signs of movement. He saw none, and eventually, the sun began to rise. Few moments later, there was a loud noise of a rooster crowing. He didn't remember quite where he saw a henhouse, but it wasn't important. He yawned and hopped off the roof, landing on the ground with a soft thud. He was tired, and he was ready to go to bed.

He'd have to tell Applejack about what had happened.

He made his way back to the farmhouse, and he knocked on the door. It took a few moments, but the door finally opened, and he was greeted by the sight of Applejack. She looked tired, and she was clearly not happy to see him. "Can I help you?"

Aiden shrugged. "I'm here to report."

"Report?" Applejack asked. "Report what?"

Aiden shrugged again. "That I've done my job. The Diamond Dogs are gone."

Applejack's eyes widened. "You mean they left? Just like that?"

Aiden nodded. "Yep. I scared them off. They won't be bothering you again."

Applejack smiled. "Well, that's good to hear. Thanks, Aiden."

Aiden shrugged again. "No problem."

Applejack's smile faded. "I'm sorry about yesterday. I didn't mean to insult you."

Aiden shrugged again. "It's no big deal. I've been called worse things."

Applejack's smile returned. "Still, I'm sorry."

"It's fine. I'm not offended."

Applejack's smile faded again. "So, um, Aiden, what do you plan on doing now?"

"Aside from collecting the bits I'm owed?" Aiden asked. He had a plan, but nothing he'd say to her. But there was at least one thing to look forward to. "Getting something to eat."

"I can cook something up for ya, if ya want. Got some good oats." Applejack offered.

Aiden shook his head. "I can manage."

Applejack nodded with a hint of dejection. "Alright. Well, come on in, and we can settle your pay."

She opened the door wider, and Aiden stepped inside. It was a small room, with a kitchen table and chairs, a stove, and a sink. The walls were painted a pale yellow, and the floor was hardwood. There was a door at the back of the room, and a set of stairs leading up to the second floor.

Applejack pointed to the stairs. "My room's up there. I'll be right back."

Aiden nodded, and Applejack walked upstairs.

A few minutes later, she came back down, carrying a small leather pouch. She handed it to Aiden, and he opened it up. It was full of gold coins. Bits. "Here's your pay. I hope it's enough."

Aiden nodded. "It's more than enough. Thanks."

Applejack nodded. "You're welcome. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get to work."

Aiden nodded again, and Applejack walked out the door. He waited until she was gone, and then he walked out the door as well. He closed the door behind him, and then he walked back to his dugout. He didn't have a home, or a bed, or even a place to sleep.

But he had a job, and he had a little money in his pocket. And that was enough for now.

Now he had bits, and he tried to measure the pouches weight. If he could hazard a guess, it certainly felt something more than the thirty bits he was owed.

Which meant he could have a little more to bring with him along. He had enough for the train ticket to Canterlot, and he would have to stop to count this out in private if he wanted to add anything else to his meager budget. He knew the basics of the currency system, and what was expensive and what wasn't, but he wasn't aware of the value of every single item in Equestria.

That was going to change. Soon enough, he would have to learn how to make a living in this world. He would have to learn how to survive. But for now, he was just going to focus on getting to Canterlot. Small towns didn't have much for him, but Canterlot was populated. A city painted in gaudiest gold. But everything had an underbelly. Everything.

The city was the best place to start a new life, and the best place to disappear. He had done it before, and he was going to do it again. He was going to be fine. But more importantly, he had a princess to pay a visit to for interfering with his mind. He'd get even with her for dragging up a bad dream of his niece. She had no business doing that to him. She'd learn her lesson.

It didn't matter if he didn't have a single modern weapon on him. He'd find a way to get even. He'd spend a thousand bits to get the right ponies to machine the parts and put together a gun himself if he so had to.

He was going to get even. And then he was going to disappear.

The night had passed by without event, and as Aiden had gotten his pay from Applejack, he had left to count his new earnings. He wasn't sure how many bits it was, but he knew it was more than he needed for a train ride. And a lot more.

It had been seventy-five bits. Enough for a ticket and a single meal and a restaurant if he so pleased. He could sleep outdoors. City hideouts were nothing new to him.

And with that, he had set off for the train station. There was a single train that left for Canterlot every two days, and he had just made it in time for the next one. He didn't care where he sat. It didn't matter. What mattered was getting to Canterlot. It was the first step in his plan.

The train ride was uneventful. He'd taken the night train to save bits, and he had spent the entire time thinking of all the ways he could have done things differently. He could have been more careful, he could have been more cautious, he could have been more prepared. But he hadn't been. He'd been careless, and now he was paying the price. Couldn't really show his face in Ponyville with the mare he stole from looking for him, so he'd be skipping that town for a long while.

He'd scuttled his Ponyville hideout somewhat. Ditching books that he wouldn't need and keeping what few he would. The geography book was a keeper until he could find an atlas. And the reference guide on the elements of harmony and a few others had been thrown through the window of Twilight Sparkle's home with a note attached to the front of the book.

He didn't want to steal the books, he was only borrowing them.

And besides, the two needed the exercise. He ran like hell when he saw them coming. They'd nearly caught him in a net.

So now here he was, taking the midnight train going anywhere. He'd ditched the leaf outfit the second he could and go back to his classic darker style. No more playing the part of some mysterious fox druid.

He was Aiden Pearce. And he was going to make Princess Luna pay.

Author's Note

You may have noticed the previous chapter is missing. I'm gonna like. Rewrite that bit. Or not. Maybe I'll shatter it and sprinkle it across the story, dunno. Rest assured though if you did read through that fever induced delirium of a read, it'll come up again at one point.

Anyways personal headcanon that Aidens kind of a dweeb inside. If you've seen his billboard hacks, you probably know what I mean