No Heart For An Assassin

Myrmox was almost home by the time the sun had begun to set, flying through the air. By now, the cloudhome was beginning to come into view. More so than usual though, he had to be sure to be extra careful on his flight, considering he was flying currently for two.

Scootaloo had her hooves wrapped around his neck, holding on tightly as his wings buzzed to her sides. On her back was a small pack of things she would need for a sleepover. Just as Rainbow Dash had asked him, he opted to carry her to their home whilst she was still at work. As the flight neared its end, he found himself somewhat strained. As a changeling, he was never very strong as a flier, but he was managing.

As he reached the entrance,he let her down on the surface gently. As she climbed off, he opened the door and closed it as the pair walked in. He saw her as she went into the living room and set her small pack down on the couch, getting settled in. This wasn’t the first time she had spent the night over, so he was aware of the routine. He did sometimes wonder though about at one point talking to Dash about a guest room or something, that way Scootaloo wouldn’t have to sleep on the couch.

“So where is Rainbow Dash?” Scootaloo asked.

“Still out working.” Myrmox spoke, coming into the living room. “She should be coming home soon. Are you hungry at all? I can cook something up if you want.”

“A little, but I can wait is you want to.”

“Wait for Dash?” She nodded.”We shouldn’t have too wait long for her, and she’s working hard these last few days. I’d her to come home to something to eat. I’ll go and make something for the lot of us.”

“Oh, ok then. Thank you by the way.”

“Your welcome.” He walked his way to the kitchen before stopping and turning his head to face her.”How does Tomato soup and grilled cheese sound?”

Scootaloo grinned and nodded at his suggestion.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” Myrmox walked his way into the kitchen and began to sort out the various ingredients and cooking implements. He didn’t considered himself a great cook by any means, but he tried to at least make something decent when he did. Though he believed Dash to be a better cook simply because of her Equestrian upbringing, he often opted to try and make dinner. Back in the Changeling lands, food for most changelings was rarely on par with that found in Equestria. He was lucky that his Silencer training and membership gave him some access to better eating than average, but he still felt it fell short compared to what ponied get.

As he began to cook, he heard and found Scootaloo meander into the kitchen, either out of boredom or curiosity. “Say Myrmox, can I ask you something?” She broke the silence.

“Go ahead.” he kept his attention to the his cooking, but listened in.

“What do changeling’s usually eat? I mean, i see you eating pony food all the time, but do you eat anything else?”

Myrmox thought for a moment about how he would answer that. “While we can eat most of the same things that ponies do, we are more carnivorous by nature. Every now and then I have to have some, so I usually eat at a restaurant with some sort of meat menu.”

“Oh. You don’t just...go out and hunt or something?” her tone was hesitant, but remained curious.

Myrmox glanced at her in the corner of his eye. This wasn’t something he thought was appropriate for dinner or something he would expect her to ask, but then again she was just a curious little filly. Overly cautious though sometimes. “ Not since i came to Equestria for a number of reasons. Mostly because of how difficult it is get a proper hunting license.”

“How so?”

“Well for one it cost more than I can really spend at the moment. Also you need to go to and make a case for why you are seeking one, whether its for a job or otherwise, and the closest place is Canterlot and I have no intention of heading up there.” Realizing the grilled cheese sandwiches were finished, he placed them onto a large plate to let them cool, before getting some smaller plates to set out. “I might be able to squeeze in a fishing license, but I have never been good at that.”

“Ah. Well what about that stuff on changelings feeding on love?”

“Love provides some nourishment, but not enough to sustain oneself on. It’s more for fueling our magic really. I’d still be able to use spells that are specific to changelings, but I wouldn’t be able to do much beyond that, or nearly as good as I could if I had love energy.”

“Huh.”

Myrmox began to set out a series of bowls,utensils, and plates around the dinner table for the both of them as well as Dash when she came home. “Can I ask you something, Scootaloo?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Have you seen any… strange ponies around?”

Scootaloo raised an eyebrow.”Strange how?”

“Anypony who is new or acting odd? Maybe both?”

Scootaloo looked up in though, silent for a moment before returning to him. “Well, there was that one red stallion who been walking around for about a week.. I swear I saw him staring at me and my friends, the weirdo. I even heard that when Pinkie Pink approached him for a party, he told her off! What kind of pony does that?”

“I don’t know Scootaloo,” Mymox half lied.” But let’s hope he minds his own business from now on.” It was only earlier today that Myrmox found out that he not only was he being ordered to end Dash’s life, but also that he was being shadowed by an unfamiliar changeling.

Myrmox, having tailed him to his hideout earlier, knew what he was going to do. One way or another, he was going to get some answers from the changeling. He would likely end up breaking a few rules, but one way or another, he was going to get an answer.

He heard the front door open up and close. Immediately, scootaloo shot up and got out of her seat to greet the newcomer. Myrmox followed along taking his time. He followed her into the main room as he spotted a familiar cyan blue pegasus walk in.

“Hey Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo yelled enthusiastically she her idol came into view. The filly ran up to meet her, almost jumping in the air.

“Hey squirt, how you doin?” Dash ruffled the filly’s mane as Scootaloo came up to meet her.

“Great! Myrmox made grilled cheese for us!” She gestured to the awaiting changeling.

“Did he? Well that’s nice of him.” Rainbow walked up to Myrmox and gave him a quick embrace.
The embrace held between them for only a few seconds, too short in Myrmox’s opinion, but it was always something he would never tire of.

“Why don’t you go in and get some food, squirt. I’d like to talk to Myr here for a moment.”

As Scootaloo walked back into the kitchen, Rainbow lead Myrmox away for a moment before facing him. She began to have a look of concern on her face. “I spoke with Fluttershy today.”

Myrmox’s eyes widened for a moment, but soften as realization that dash was aware of his incident earlier began to sink in. “I see. So she mentioned how she found me ?”

Dash nodded. “How many times has this happened to you?”

“That was the first time.”

Dash sighed.” I’m sorry for leaving you behind earlier, but you should have told me.”

“It’s not your fault Dash.”

“I don’t want to see you having problems anymore Myrmox. I know you have trouble sleeping at night.” She rubbed his cheek with her hoof. “ I love you Myrmox. YOu mean the world to me, but I don’t want to sit around and see you in pain. Eventually I want you see some sort of help or something. Ok?”

Myrmox hesitated for a moment. While he knew that his moment earlier wasn’t because of some repressed memory, but he didn’t know if he could let her into the truth of the matter. He didn't want to risk being taken away from her from the Royal Guard or something,so reluctantly, he nodded to her. “Alright Dash, I will.”

Dash brightened and threw her hooves around him in another embrace. He wrapped his hooves around her and pulled her in close.

“It’ll be alright Dash.” He whispered.

“You guys ok it here?” Scootaloo’s voice rang out.

The pair pulled away from each other and looked to the kitchen before to each other.

“Now how about we get some food?” Dash spoek.

“Sure.”

By the time the trio had finished eating, night had already fallen. Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash were spending talking various things, from Dash’s newest move to who their favorite Wonderbolt was. Myrmox had spent the time merely meandering around. He spent much of that time thinking about how tomorrow might occur. He would get up as early as he could and try to get to the stallion whilst he was sleeping, or more likely he would have to take Scootaloo home and try to lead the changeling off somewhere. Then things would just take off from there. Myrmox knew next to nothing about this changeling, but already had some doubts about his skill. Whoever he was, he only used a single disguise, was often blatant in his observation and didn’t even bother to check to see if he was in the clear.

Myrmox didn’t see his job to be too difficult for tomorrow beyond keeping quiet, but he knew was paying a dangerous game. If he failed, he could ended up locked and charged with crimes that could keep him from ever seeing Dash again or worse. Not to mention that he was betting on the fact that after all this, the surviving Silencers would simply leave him alone after this. He held onto the hope that it would go that way, finally giving him a chance a peaceful life. Still, only time will tell if he succeeds or not.

After a while, he made his way back to the girls. Mostly out of boredom, he lounged himself on the nearest chair, the couch being occupied by the pegasi as their discussion began to move to the newest Daring Do novel. Personally Myrmox had no love for said novel series, even though Rainbow dash insisted endlessly that they were real.

The discussion between Dash and Scootaloo went on for a good few hours, with Myrmox jumping in every now and then. Soon enough, Scootaloo began to look fairly tired as she yawned frequently.

“You tired there, squirt?” Dash asked said filly.

Scootaloo nodded with another yawn. Seeing this, Myrmox went upstairs, only to return with a pillow and blanket for the filly. Dash got up from her seat Myrmox laid out a small makeshift bed for her on the couch.

“You have everything you need?” He asked scootaloo.

“Yep! Thanks.” Scootaloo spoke.

“Well, goodnight squirt. Come get us if you need something. Otherwise, we’ll see you in the morning.” Dash spoke before turning and heading up to their room.

Myrmox dimmed the lights as Dash left. He turned back to the filly. “Goodnight Scootaloo, have a good night.”

“Thanks, you too.”

With that, the filly laid her head down as Myrmox turned around and followed Dash up. He gave one last peek at her, seeing that Scootaloo had closed her eyes already for bed. He made his way up the stairs and into the bedroom. Closing it behind him, his eyes were met Dash’s. She was lying on her belly on the mattress facing him. Her head was resting on the crossed hooves in front of her. A loving smile was plastered on her face.

“What?” Myrmox asked, beginning to smirk at the sight in front of him.

“Nothing.” Dash spoke out.

“What’s up with that smile?” Myrmox began to walk himself over to the bed. He sat down and leaned down so his head was resting the edge of the bed, right in front of dash’s.

“I just think it’s how you treat her.”

“Scootaloo? She’s a good filly.”

“I know. I’ve been looking out for her for a while now.” She looked down for a moment.”I can only do so much on my own though. I mean, she has her friends and all and they’re great to her,but I wonder if she actually views anypony as family.”

Myrmox looked at her as her eyes began to sadden. He knew what she was talking about and almost sympathise. During his training, any contact he had with his family, he treasured above all. Some of his training “comrades” had no real family beyond each other. He had no idea how they managed to get by as he doubted he ever could.

Scootaloo and Myrmox were always bond to cross paths eventually, but he was surprised and actually pleased that the two of them got along actually well. Partially it was admiration for the filly,despite her age, but it was actual concern for her. She was just little filly in a very nasty world. No child should have to deal with that.

“I think she has one, Dash.” Myrmox, finally spoke.

Dash looked back at him, an eyebrow raised at what he spoke. When she caught on to his meaning, she began to soften her gaze and smile at him him again. She reached behind his hoof and pulled him into her lips. The two locked lips for a moment before breaking away. As they did, Dash crawled forward and nuzzled his cheek. As Myrmox returned the gesture, he began to crawl up into bed with her until the pair ended with facing each other on their sides. Dash made herself comfortable with her head half buried in his sternum. He kept his hooves wrapped around her tightly as she fell to sleep.

Myrmox stayed awake a little while longer. He couldn’t hear a thing beyond Rainbow Dash’s breathing. Looking down at her figure and knowing there was filly downstairs whom he could look after and help keep safe made him feel..right in his life. If he could pull it off tomorrow and keep the silencers away, it would set him free. He would have a life of his own now. All he had to do was not fail.

For now, all he had to do was rest, for tomorrow the work begins.

***

Myrmox awoke with a sharp inhale of air. Immediately as he opened his eyes, he saw that it was still night out. He saw that Rainbow Dash was still at his side, sleeping soundly whilst he found himself wide awake. The clock nearby read as 2 in the morning sharp. He begrudgingly pulled himself out of Dash’s hold gently so to not wake her up and into a seating position. He wiped his face with his hooves as he groaned to himself.

Another damn nightmare. He thought to himself. He was hoping that these would begin to end, but it didn’t seem to be the case. He had held onto the hope the fabled Princess Luna would give him the time, but it didn’t seem to be the case. Either she was busy with others or she just didn’t bother to give any attention to non-ponies. He didn't know or really care at the moment.

This one was...concerning to him. He had dreamed he was in his home, with Rainbow Dash at his side. Scootaloo was with them, as if one happy family. As he went to kiss her however, he found Dash Cold to the touch. He looked down, only to find her bleeding profusely. A stab wound in her chest.

And he was the one holding the bloodied blade.

In his dreamed panic to stop the bleeding, he turned to see scootaloo to have disappeared. The light began to disappear as he began hear the words “Murderer” and “Monster” all around, growing more and more loudly until the darkness consumed him. It was then that he woke up, gasping for air.

Just reliving the dream was enough to frighten Myrmox as he tried to shake it from his head. He pulled himself out of the bed and tiptoed his way out and downstairs. He wasn’t ready to try to sleep again,he had to get a drink.He brought himself into the kitchen and poured himself a glass of water. The changeling found himself sitting down, drinking bouts of water in the darkness alone. He thought about turning on light somewhere, but didn't want anypony to awaken because of him.

He didn’t want it to come true, his dream. The fact that Dash and scootaloo met such a fate was bad enough to him, but the idea that he was the cause of it only made him want to sit in a corner and cry. He didn’t have any belief that dreams were anything more than one’s imagination, but they could hurt. That much had proven itself to him over the years.

The silence was broken though as he began to hear hoofsteps. Myrmox groaned to himself, thinking for a moment he may have woken somepony up, but he found that thought casted away when Scootaloo came, oblivious to his presence.

The pegasus filly didn’t look over to him, only tired carried herself to the fridge. She opened it, causing light to pour out and illuminate the room. Myrmox found himself temporarily blinded to the light, but adjusted to it before speaking.

“Having trouble sleeping?” He half whispered.

Scootaloo whipped around with a gasp. Her eyes went wide as she grabbed her pulsing chest, breathing heavily. Myrmox would have giggled to himself at having so easily startled her if his mood was better.

“What the hay?! You scared me, Myrmox!” Scootaloo remembered to keep her voice quiet, but still had shock in her voice.

“You ponies make it so easy sometimes. Anyway, did you need something?”

“I was just a little thirsty and wanted some milk. I didn’t think you or Dash would mind.” By now she had relaxed and went back down on all fours.

“Oh don’t worry,Scootaloo. Go ahead and get some.” Myrmox pulled himself up and grabbed a small glass for her. He went and poured a small drink before putting the milk away and taking his seat with Scootaloo at his side.

“So why are you still up? Changelings do sleep...right?” scootaloo asked him, raising an eyebrow.

“What? Of course we do. I just,” He hesitated for a moment.”Had a bad dream.”

“About what?”

That was the last thing he wanted her to ask him. What would tell her? That her and Dash were murdered by him? What kind of thing is that to tell a filly? He sighed to himself as he tried to push such thoughts out of his head. “I saw some very important ponies to me get really hurt and couldn’t help them.” He finally answered, trying to keep it vague.

“...Oh. well it was just a dream right? I mean a dream can’t only hurt you if you let it.”

Myrmox looked at her with some skepticism. “How would you know that?”

Scootaloo let out a sigh and looked down.”I use to have nightmares myself. I would get scared really easily.”

“There is always something that can scare somepony easily, Scootaloo. Even for adults.”

“It wasn’t the same for me though. It was nothing more than a campfire story , but I couldn’t help but get nightmares about it.”

Strangely enough to Myrmox, she didn't show any signs of fear to him. It was as if she was either over it completely or just good at not showing it. If anything, it was more like embarrassment in his eyes.

“Thankfully though, Princess Luna came and helped me. She told to confront my fears by dealing with them in real life. And I did, eventually.”

“It helped?”

Scootaloo nodded. “That was the time that Rainbow Dash took me under her wing. She’s been there for me ever since then.”

Myrmox smiled slightly upon hearing that. It was always good to him to hear of one of Dash’s loyal deeds. He gave words some thought. “I makes sense I suppose.”

“Yeah.” She looked back at the changeling.” Maybe that’s what you should do? Confront whatever is giving you nightmares?”

Myrmox knew what he was about to say. Oddly enough, her advice did make some sense to him. Although she in turn got got from another source, it did give him hope about what to do. If he could succeed in driving away spies out of Ponyville and away from anypony, perhaps he could finally see some improvement. He looked back at her, a sense of purpose in his red eyes.”That’s the plan.”

Scootaloo nodded with a grin. “Awesome.” She drank the last of her milk and yawned. “Well,I’m off to bed. Thanks for the talk and drink.”

“Your welcome, Scootaloo, have a good night.” He spoke as she left him alone.

He looked down at his own drink, seeing it emptied before looking back upstairs. The talk with the filly made him feel much better. He already knew his intentions tomorrow, but it seemed that he just needed some reassurance about it.

Placing his emptied glass away, he tiptoed his way back upstairs. He came into the room to find Dash still fast asleep. He crawled his way back under the covers and into her hooves pulling her close. With better hopes on his mind, he found himself falling back to sleep.

As he hoped, Myrmox awoke this time with the sun. Seeing as it was now 6:30,he found himself relieved to have at least gotten to sleep without to much trouble. Whilst it was later than he would have preferred, it was still decent enough. Looked down to find Rainbow Dash already stirring in his hooves.

“Morning, gorgeous.” He whispered as her eyes fluttered opened.

When her eyes, landed on him, she began to smile. “Morning to you too.” SHe yawned.”What's the time?”

“6:30:”

She sighed to herself. “Well, gotta get up. Scootaloo has school and I have cleanup to do. Busy day today.” SHe pulled herself free and out of the bed, stretching herself out as she went.

“Me too.” Myrmox added silently as he got up and joined her.

The rest of the morning went in a flash. By the time they got downstairs, Scootaloo was stirring awake. Then it was a quick eating of some breakfast before they finished.

“So who’s taking me back to the orphanage? I gotta drop my stuff off before heading to the school?” Scootaloo asked.

Dash and Myrmox looked at each before he spoke up.

“I can take her back.” He checked the time, realizing they had to leave now. “Go get your stuff ready.”

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to.” Dash spoke a Scootaloo exited the kitchen.

“I know, but it won’t be a problem.” He got up from his seat , walked over over to her and embraced her tightly. He held her close, in hopes that his last night dream was nothing but a figment of his imagination and not reality. Whatever happened today or in the future, he wanted to always be able to return to this. He pulled back, looking in her eyes.” I’ll see you later,alright?” He spoke again.

“Of course.” SHe gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. “Now, go on. She has to get to school.”

Myrmox exited the kitchen and into the living room, seeing that Scootaloo was ready and waiting for him. He led her out the front door and into the outdoors. Before leaving, he made sure to grab a small bag that he had prepared the night prior. The orange gleam of Celestia’s sun was beginning to show itself. He gestured her to hop onto his back and to hold on, which she did. WIthout another word, he flew his way down and towards her destination.

The extra weight on his back made his descent to the orphanage somewhat more difficult, but he was able to manage. As he made his way to the ground, he slowed his descent down to come to complete stop on the ground.

Scootaloo hopped off him immediately walked a few steps forward and turned to face him. “Thanks for the trip and letting me stay over.”

“Of course, it was good to have you there. Now go on, got to get to school.”

“Ugh, I know, but at least my friends will be there. Anyway, see ya!” With that, she turned headed into the orphanage

Myrmox waved the filly goodbye as he saw her disappear behind the front doors. Now free to follow his own accord, he remembered his self-appointed task. Without another thought, he began to make his way through town towards the Inn.

Although he feared that by now he would be too late to catch the Changeling early, but Myrmox figured that it was at least worth the attempt to find out what he could, even if that meant tearing the place the apart for any sort of journal or documents. Whoever this changeling was, he was deliberately breaking the law by using a disguise without any consent, which he almost certainly would not have. Either he was in hiding from some organisation or was running recon on somepony, but it mattered not. Either one could mean trouble for not just dash, but the whole town as well, and he had to deal with it. He thought about inform the princess about it, but if this changeling knew whom Myrmox was and he had done, it could expose Myrmox to the world and ruin his new life very easily. He had to see this through himself.

It wasn’t long before Inn came into sight. Ponies all around were beginning their daily routines, opening up their stalls and unlocking their stores. A few here and there greeted him as he passed by, which he greeted back. Some only glanced or even outright glared at him. He paid no mind to them, their opinions didn’t concern him. He had bigger fish to fry. All the while though he kept his eyes open for the unknown changeling, or at least his disguised form. Not a single sighting to date.

Myrmox made his way through the door of the Traveler’s Inn. He was greeted by the familiar air within it, remembering his temporary stay here before moving in with Dash. The same receptionist, a Blue Earth Pony mare, sat in the front office, minding her own business. She didn’t even noticed the changeling until he spoke.

“Excuse me?”

The mare looked up, noticed him and then proceeded to sit up straight with with a smile. “Hello there, what can we do for you?”

“I’m looking for somepony, a red stallion with a blue mane.” Myrmox answered , walking forward.

The blue mare looked alittle confused for a moment before speaking again. “May I ask why you are asking for this pony?”

“Business.” Marmox answered bluntly. His face was stoic, but had the expression of somepony who didn’t want his time wasted.

“We uh…” She hesitated, understanding his seriousness. ”Normally do not give out their room numbers to strangers, but we can make an exception for you I suppose.He is in room 13, just up the stairs to the right.” SHe made the appropriate gestures with her hoof.

“I see, thank you.” Myrmox left without another word. He followed the directions up until he found the correct room. Luckily there were ponies around to watch him at all, so he used the privacy while he still could.

He put his ear right up against the door, listening in to anything going on. Closing his eyes, to better focus his hearing, Myrmox could barely begin to hear some form of movement. Perhaps he wasn’t too late after all?
Myrmox pulled himself away from the door and gave a few knocks on it. Nothing. He tried a again and heard a voice call out.

“Go away.” A male sounding voice called to him from inside the room.

Myrmox knocked again, more loudly this time time. He heard a grunt of irritation and some mumbling as somepony approached from the other side. He heard the door unlocked and watched as the door swung open, revealing the pony inside.

The pony inside was the exact same one from before. A dull red coat with a blue mane. His immediate expression was one of anger but slowly changed to one of shock as he realized who his visitor.

Myrmox narrowed his eyes and gave the pony no time to shut the door as he barged his way into the room and shut the door behind him him, locking it before facing down the stallion.

“You and me are going to have ourselves a nice long chat with one another.” Myrmox spoke through gritted teeth.

“What, What are you talking about!?” THe stallion spoke out.

“Don’t play dumb with me. Now drop the disguise”

“What? What are you talking about?”

“I said don’t play dumb with me, whelp. I know what you are, now shut up and do it.” Myrmox all the while kept backing the stallion up into the wall.

“I don’t know what you are talking about-” He was cut off as Myrmox pushed him up against the wall, his hoof against the stallion.

“I know you have been spying on me and you what your are. Now drop the disguise or I will tear it from you.”

The stallion continued to flinch at myrmox, but relented as his magic engulfed him, leaving behind a regular blue changeling. He was smaller and seemingly less grown than Myrmox, barely out of his teens.

Seeing that he’d gotten the first thing he wanted Myrmox pulled the youngster from the wall and threw him to the ground on his belly. Myrmox used his magic and pulled out a rope from his bag.. He wasted no time in tying the youngster's limbs together as well as his wings to his body. Securing the knots, he picked up the changeling and threw him onto the bed, facing him.

“What’s your name?” Myrmox questioned.

“Aten, sir.” Aten spoke.

“Do you know who I am? What I use to do?”

“Ye-yes sir. You’re Myrmox of the Silencers. A royal Assassin of Queen Chrysalis.” Aten seemed to relax a bit. “Can I get up sir?”

“No, and if I see your horn glow, you’ll regret it.” As Aten stayed down, Myrmox began his questions again. “Now tell, why have you been following me? Don’t bother denying it, I have been noticing you for a while now.”

Aten gulped. “That were my orders. I was told to shadow you and report any information.”

“By who?”

“Master Vesp. He was the one who-”

“Wait, Master Vesp?” Myrmox raised an eyebrow at the title. First this changeling had been shadowing for the sake of gather intel and now he was referring his old commander as Master? It initially made little sense to Myrmox. Unless…

“You’re training for the Silencers, aren’t you.” Myrmos spoke, more as a statement than a question. “How long have you been training?”

“This is my first year.”

That made Myrmox’s eye widen a bit. A first year? They send a first year to spy on me without any experiance. Either they're testing him or things are getting more desperate.

His trail of thought was interrupted as another knock on the door was heard.

“Room service!” A mare’s voice, a different one from the one below, rang out.

Myrmox and Aten made eye contact. Myrmox shook his head as an order to aten, hoping the youngster would get his meaning. Fortunately he as Aten turned to the door.

“N-No, thank you!” Aten yelled out.

“Alright then.” No more was heard from the door.

“Alright, now I want nothing but the truth from you right now.” Myrmox got up and walked himself closer. “Are you the only one here?”

“Yes.” Aten nodded with his answer.

“Then how are you giving them info?”

“They usually come to me for info, but I’m due to return home soon.Today is my last day here.”

Lucky me I guess. Myrmox counted himself lucky to have done this this today, but berated himself for not doing so earlier. He looked done for a moment, silent. He knew now that this changeling may be the one responsible for telling the Silencers anything there was about him. He may even be indirectly responsible for why he was wondered Dash’s murder.

Nevertheless, there remained an important question still in Myrmox’s mind. What to do with Aten? Leaving him here tied up wasn't any use. Somepony would just come in eventually and release him and in turn get him in trouble with the law. Besides, he could just escape eventually. Perhaps sending him away with a warning not to return could suffice, but Myrmox had his doubts. He did not believe Vesp would be so easily intimidated into backing away regardless of the apparent lack of manpower. It was possible, but not likely.

Once again Myrmox thought about turning him into the princess, but that once again that had its own difficulties. First, Aten would certainly speak out everything he knew of Myrmox, from his former profession to his deeds before and during the war. Then assuming Myrmox was still in Ponyville, he was certain that the imprisonment of one of their agents would definitely get a reaction out of the Silencers. That could range from a rescue of Aten, a raid to cripple Ponyville or worse, a an attempt on Twilight Sparkle. So many things could happen and he had no idea to where to even begin. Even he never fully understood how the Silencers were truly meant to operate.

The last choice unnerved him, to simply kill Aten. If he could pull it off and dispose of any evidence, it might work in keeping them away. Aten’s disappearance could be chopped up to desertion and maybe leave them none the wiser, but if he failed, then he knew everything would fall apart around. He could be locked up, banished or even executed for murder and of course such information would certainly reach the Silencers on such an act. Regardless if he was imprisoned or not, he feared for their certain retaliation. They would undoubtedly attack those Myrmox cared about without him being able to protect them.

Besides, what would Rainbow think of him if he did such an act? Aten is just a pawn being used. Myrmox could tell just by looking at him that Aten was still scared out of his wits. Eh actually doubted himself even capable of such an act. Aten was not even an adult yet, barely more than a child his Myrmox’s eyes. He had decided long ago that growing up in the Silencers was no way for one to grow up. He had already seen one die, his old friend. Could he really not only watch another die, but do the act himself?

Myrmox sighed loudly to himself. He didn’t like any of them one bit, but he made his choice. He begrudgingly made his way over to the bed and rolled Aten onto his belly.

“What? What are you doing?!” Aten begin to yell out.

Without another word, Aten felt the knot around hind hind and fore hooves freed. He felt his wings also be released from the painful rope being so uncomfortably tied to his back. He managed to sit up and look at Myrmox, whom began to put away the rope .

“Listen kid,” Myrmox began. “I want you to just go home. Just go home and don’t come back. If they ask you what what happened, tell them that I’m done. I want nothing more to do with them. This is my life and I will li9ve it as i see fit. Now go.”

Aten look confused for a moment, but pulled himself up as Myrmox gestured out the door with his hoof.

“And while you’re at it kid,” Aten stopped as Myrmox began again.”Think about if this is really what you want. Trust me, there is nothing in this life but pain and a lot of regret.” Aten re donned his disguise and left without a word, leaving Myrmox alone.

From then on, Myrmox was left alone in the now deserted room. He felt himself almost breathless. Though relieved to be sure, he felt his chest almost tighten, whether out of fear or receding adrenaline, he couldn’t tell. All he knew though, was that there was no turning back for him now.