It seemed like the same thing that happened everyday to Picklock as she slaved away under Sombra's whip. Wake up early, make breakfast, deliver his breakfast, sing, clean up after him, then clean her 'cell', make lunch, deliver his lunch, clean his mess, start dinner, deliver his dinner, clean up, and then sing him to sleep before she could sleep.

Picklock was growing weak as she went with little food or water as she was serving him. To try to keep her strength up she would eat and drink after him only to experience some pain from the collar.

Though that changed one evening when she collapsed from exhaustion and lack of food.

Sombra rushed to her side and tried to wake her in every ways he knew how. Taking a look at her she looked terrible almost as if she was sick. Picking her up with his magic she took her to the rug near the fire to keep her warm. He also picked up his own tray and put it away in the kitchen.

Going back to her side he sat near her as she started to mutter in her sleep," You were…my friends…."

Sombra knew that she was dreaming of the night that her friends had betrayed her trust. He knew about the meetings, but he never understood them. Sometimes they would just talk about regular everyday things and that made him go to bed early.

Though the night her friend's hurt her he did listen to the whole conversation and it didn't make sense to him. This mare that had no special talent would be able to stop an ancient evil?

He chuckled at the thought if he was the so called 'ancient evil.' Sombra looked at the mare noticing her coat was looking dirty and she was extremely tired. His ears flatten as he kept looking at her. Knowing he should be cruel and just leave her but then who would serve him? At that he goes off to get some things together to get her better quicker.

Picklock slowly opened her eyes shaking her head as she lies on her stomach. Feeling warmth next to her she finds herself next to the fireplace. Confused and disorientated she tries to get up onto her hooves only to fall down shaking surprised at how weak she felt.

"Ah you're awake."

She looked up to see Sombra walking towards her carrying a small mug of something steaming.

She doubt it was for her and tried to get up but he pushed her back down gently," You need to rest. You've been working too hard."

"Of course I had to…I had a pain go through my body every time I do something wrong, or try to break free and even when it's time to do something."

"That will be my spell to keep you from doing harm because my anger can be worse than what you've seen."

"Could have told me but either way I'd be sick," said as she tries to keep back from him but, he surprises her by placing the drink down next to her," Drink it. It will help you."

She looks at the drink a few minutes as he turns to go to his desk she says gently," Thank you…"

He looks back equally surprised as that kind word kindled something within him. He rushes out of the room in great speed heading to a different room. Picklock sat there confused before she drank what was in the mug. Sighing gently she smiled to herself thinking,' Maybe there is kindness within.'

In a separate room Sombra was banging himself against the walls growling in wanted to fight the feelings he had been growing for her.

He should have stopped watching her while she was surrounded by those six ponies. She captivated him and wanted to be by her side. He growls and hits his head against the wall knocking him unconsciousness.

In his mind though the battle wasn't over…the evil that he was fighting was when he read the book when he was a younger stallion. He read it when he thought that the importance of life was to have others serve him so he let the magic take him over to achieve what he wanted.

When the time came that he wanted to stop his enslavement and the unjust it was already too late. The magic had taken complete control and locked his 'real' self away.

Then when his body was destroyed his true self was able to survive as well in his horn where both laid dormant until he was suddenly resurrected both sides have been fighting for the right of his body. The evil side was weak and the good was strong but as each day progresses the evil grows stronger and stronger. The good within him fights hard but he grows weaker with each fight. Waking up slowly he shakes his head and sighs as he goes to check on Picklock.

Picklock was awake and was placing his breakfast onto the table as he strolled in.

"Good Morning," she said gently.

He looks at the breakfast then at her," Have you eaten?"

She nodded," I did before I made yours."

Looking at him she noticed a bruise on his head," You have a nasty bruise on your head."

She reached up to touch his head but he pulled away from her almost blushing," It's nothing."

She nodded gently and sat down.

He beckoned her to go closer to the fire. "You should keep resting. I know you haven't fully recovered."

"I'm ok," She said though she felt exhausted just doing a simple meal.

He glared at her," Go on. You need to sleep."

She stood up and walks over to the fireplace placing herself down looking up at him. "Is it ok if I ask you something?"

He looks at her and gives a simple nod as he chewed his breakfast.

Picklock looked down as she was unsure if it would upset him but she asked," Why are you being so nice to me?"

He wanted to say,' Because I need you to serve me.' Instead what came out of his mouth was," You intrigued me since I first saw you."

They both blinked in shock and Picklock shook her head in disbelief. "I'm sorry…I thought I heard you say I intrigue you since you first saw me."

He looked at her and looked embarrassed.

"I…umm…maybe I should rest now…"

"Yes, have a good rest, Picklock."

Surprising her once again she laid her head down and started to fall asleep.

He looked at her in shock and awe amazed that the truth came out of him. How did she do that to him?