(4 years later)

Maids bustled around the Imperial Castle, cleaning and rearranging furniture, preparing the interior for a new celebration. Many ponies throughout new canterlot were also preparing for the spring season brought to the world by the Equestrian elite. Unicorns all across Equestria

Spero, or rather, Lieutenant Spero of the Imperial Canterlot army was sitting in a room adjacent to the Emperor's audience Chamber with in the palace. His white officers amor shined as the sun light breached the east stained glass windows, covering him in a rainbow of colors. He sat at an extravagantly embellished chair, waiting to be called in to the main hall where his master of 17 years awaited. He sat on the right side of the chair which had enough room for two ponies. On his left, sat his helmet with back sweeping wings, a hole for his horn and a gold trim around the brim of the visor, as well as the brim of the back of his helmet. He had a dark mantle that showcased the Imperial Nobility coat of arms. Two unicorn silhouette with a swirling snake around scepter with a flame atop. The mantle was hanging off his left shoulder.

As the maids continued their duties they would sometimes pass near Spero. They would bow to him and wouldn't make eye contact nor would they address him. It was customary for lower ponies such as peguise to ask for permission to speak to nobility and it was strictly forbidden for even lower ponies such as Earth Ponies to even speak at all to nobility unless asked. Many of the maids were earth ponies so not a whole lot was said. Spero never made any sign of speaking to the servants. He disregarded them as he sat patiently waiting to be called in to speak to Emperor Nightshade.

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It wasn't long before the hall doors opened and a figure stood in them .

" Lieutenant Spero sir?" called a pegasus dressed in black armor similar to Speros,from the hall doors. He was a staff sergeant. Spero looked up at him, his eyes were unemotional, showing no signs of excitement or any feelings at all. He was blank slate, a trait that only intimidated those around him.

" The Emperor wishes to see you now." Said the Sergeant as he bowed his head. Spero said nothing as he got up from the chair and trotted over to the doors. he made no eye contact with the pegasus guard as he troted at a mildly slow pace. The sergeant with a white coat and green mane continued to bow his head and make no eye contact.

The Audience chamber was elegant with with stained glass windows depicting scenes of conquest, mostly equestria and dark stones were used for the construction of the inside. Large columns lined the naive like center of the hall with the entrance at one end and The emperor's throne at the other.

.The hall was relatively empty with the exception of the imperial guard in their heavy armor and full helms that cover the visage. Nightshade was looking through several scrolls with one in his magical hold. Spero trotted up without a word and stood at attention, waiting for his master to say something. it wasn't long before Nightshade to notice his young pupil's pressnets.

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" Welcome Spero, it's good to see you." Nightshade said as he looked up from a scroll he had been reading. he levitated it down onto a golden table next to him.

" YOu called for me your eminence." Spero replied as he knelt to bow.

" Yes, I believe it is about time." Night Shade replied.

" It's been awhile since i've had somepony competent enough to take on a particular task Since your brother's death. Certainly you'll be capable enough to take on this responsibility." Nightshade said.

" What are your wishes master?" Spero asked

" I have decided to bestow upon you the rank of captain in your new position as warden of the imperial Prisons."

" The prisons?" Spero shot up and stared with a look that bordered on rage. His hooves trembled with hatred. Such an assignment was below him. Why should he be troubled with trivial jobs like this. His hooves ached to be bloodied and there were plenty of rebels to bloody them with.

" The Prisons hold the most dangerous individuals to my reign. Keeping them imprisoned is of the utmost importance to the empire. I have faith that you will see the importance of your assignment ." said nightshade nonchalantly. Spero was angry but he knew his place and he knew Nightshade's word was final. there was no chance of resisting his will.

" Yes your highness..." Spero replied.

(Later that day)

The The Imperial prisons in new Canterlot were designed for function over form. The castle like structure that held more common criminals, had a labyrinth of subterranean tunnels and rooms where some of the most guarded of prisoners were being held. nothing but dim lit lanterns were used in the tunnels, which were composed of sections that were closed off by steel doors and magic.

Spero lead with his escort of two guards down to the tunnels, into the farthest depths of the labyrinth. along the way guards saluted to him in respect. he payed no attention to them, trotting on like he had a mission. It wouldn't be long before he had to commence his promotion ceremony; something he rather didn't care about. Spero was replaying the conversation he had with Nightshade earlier that day in his head.

" Many of the prisoners are dangerous as you probably already suspected and I caution you to be diligently careful when dealing with any of them, especially a certain occupant of the darkest Loneliest cell. You're job is to keep her locked up. She is highly manipulative, already she had turned several of my own guards against me and i was forced to deal with them. You Shouldn't have any problems with her, however, do not open the cell door or look in side. Is that understood?" nightshade had told him.

" What kind of a psychotic monster does he have locked up here?" Spero thought to himself. He was certain who ever it were, she was the most vile of creatures if the Emperor was worried about her getting out.

He was now in the farthest reaches of the labyrinth and was trotting up to a inconspicuous cell door, one of hundreds. Its size was relatively small and it had a slit on the bottom for serving food and a slit at eye level to interact with the inmate which was large enough for the eye's only. to the right of the door stood a ever vigilant guard in black armor. He was a pegasus with a dark coat that had spots of brown and a white mane and tail. his red eyes looked onward as if he were staring into oblivion.

Spero trotted up to the door, looked over the guard and spoke,

" Sergeant dust wind I presume." Spero stared him in the eyes.

" Yes Captain!" dust wind replied

" How long have you been at this post?" Spero drilled him.

" Three years, two months and one week sir?" Dust Wind never stopped looking onward.

" Do you know anything about our friend here in this cell?"

" Negative sir, just what she sounds like and what she likes to eat." Dust replied.

" Neither of those are relevant to you anymore. I'm the new Warden and she will eat what she is given and she will speak only when asked. Do I make myself clear Sergeant?" Spero asked.

" Yes sir!" Dust Wind said.

" My my, only your first day on the job and you're already trying to make enemies." Said a soft, almost sothing voice that eminated from the cell. It nearly took Spero by suprise. He stared at the door and with his magic he opened the slit. It made a sqeak sond that echoed through out the prison.

" Prisoner come forward." Spero calmly ordered. Then he could hear heavy chains being pulled off the floor and hoof steps that brought a pair of magenta eyes into view. They weren't much to go by, but it seemed whoever this pony was, she was tired and broken.

" I am Captain Spero, Warden of the Imperial Prisons. It doesn't matter what liberties you were use to, I am your world now. I don't plan on making this comfortable." Spero's introduction was cold.

" Nice to make your acquaintance Spero, I find it customary to offer my friendship to new members of my circle. Will you be my friend?" The prisoner calmly and warmly offered.

"I gladly decline your offer and now you are ordered to shut your mouth." Spero Replied calmly.

" If you say so, Captain. Just remember, I offered." The prisoner warned.

" Yes, I'll note that in my journal, thanks." Spero retorted sarcastically.

" You sound like the others. They tried to be tough with me too." She said knowing this would evoke a response from Spero.

" I'm nothing like my predecessors in this prison." Spero replied.

" You have no Idea how true that is. " The Prisoner sounded sincere. Spero sensed it and was compelled to ask,

" What do you mean?" Spero was more curious.

" What do you know about the old kingdom of Equestria?" She asked.

" It was a long time ago and ponies back then had very different values." Spero calmly replied.

" Very different indeed." The prisoner echoed.

" None of that matters, None of it is relevant." Spero added. He didn't care much for the old kingdom.

" What about your lineage?" She asked.

" My lineage?" Spero was suprised.

" You have no idea who you really are, do you?" She calmly asked.

" I really don't care where I came from, It can't be better that what I have now." Spero Shot back at her.

" You're wrong Spero. If only you know who your ancestors were..." The prisoner said, her gaze looking down.

" I think I'm done with your crazy lies for today. If you don't shut up I'll personally serge 15,000 volts of electricity into your cell."

" Electrically charged spells, that's impressive." She dead panned.

" Keep talking!" Spero trotted up to the door and looked the prisoner strait in the eyes. There were a few moments of tense silence.

" (sigh) good night Captain." The prisoner said as she shuffled to her spot to laid down. Spero didn't say anything else, but instead he did an about face and made his way to the exit.

The old Mare laid down on the cold floor to rest her head on her fore hooves. She thought to herself, That young colt is very confrontational, but that's just his way with coping with his world." It wasn't long before she went back to sleep.

Spero Made his way out of the prison and was on his way back to the Palace, back to his room to get ready for the cerimony.

(3 hours later)

Haystack, an average sized earth pony with a brown coat and black mane and tail was organizing his few possessions in his new servants room in the palace. He had just been assigned to the new warden as his personal servant and so he had just arrived during the cerimony as a gift to Spero from the Emperor for his promotion.

Haystack wasn't too thrilled to be working in the palace, even though it meant that he'd be living better. The Palace was full of deadly pitfalls for earth ponies. An earth pony could never speak unless asked to, he could never explore the palace beyond his section and he was subject to the orders of his master. If he was even the slightest out of line, he most certainly wouldn't be heard from again. Still though, Haystack wouldn't be starving like in the other earth pony villages on the outskirts of the empire.

In his room, Haystack was given a clock. To the ordinary pony, a clock was just a clock, but to Haystack, it was another implement of his long and drawn out torture as it was there to let him know when to implement the various tasks that his new master would certainly order him to do. It's insistent ticking assured him that he was going to be under a lot of stress.

Haystack wondered what his new master was like. He knew of all the rumors about Spero, his brother and how they fought to the death. He also heard about Spero's cruelness as well. The thought of any of those rumors worried Haystack, so he was committed to being as small as possible with his existence. Haystack wasn't the type to be shy but he knew Spero wouldn't be any friend of his.

Haystack had just finished unpacking when there was a knock at his door. He turned to trot to the door and open it as he replied,

" Im coming." The knock was loud and authoritative. Haystack trotted to his door and opened it. standing before him was the head servant named Haughty Semillon . He was a tall earth pony with a styled back, yellow mane and short tail. His coat was a light lavender and his eyes were blue.

" Yes sir, what can I do for you?" Haystack asked. Haughty looked Haystack over and then took a look behind him to see his room.

" Hm, seems like you have settled into you new room. Are you enjoying it?" Haughty asked with a tone of annoyance. His muzzle was turned up and in an effort to show his superiority to Haystack.

" ugh… yes I am." Haystack replied uneasily. He was confused why Haughty was being Haughty.

" Well I'm glad that you enjoy it, most trash that comes from the outer empire usually work in the mines and even if they do start off in the palace, they don't get their own room. I hope you are grateful to Emperor Nightshade for bringing you here." Haughty said with disdain. Haughty felt that Haystack was given more that he deserved as Haughty had to work damn hard for his position and even he didn't have a room to himself until a year ago. Most ponies from the Inner Empire, even the earth ponies, felt they were better than those from the Outer Empire.

" Don't worry sir, I am." Haystack said with as much enthusiasm he could muster. He honestly hated most of the servant staff because they knew he was from old Manehattan.

" Good, now that you are settled you are to wait for Master Spero at his Quarters. Wait for him there and don't say a word to him unless he tells you. Do you understand?" haughty asked.

" Yes sir." Haystack said with an exaggerated salute. He knew he had to behave in front of pegasie and unicorns but he was not about to let this earth pony feel superior to him, even if he was the head servant. Haughty gritted his teeth in anger but then he composed himself. He wasn't about to let this outer trash get the better of him.

" If I were you, I would watch how you act around here. That disgusting personality of yours will only get you into trouble young one." He said with a conceited smile.

" Right. " Haystack said flatly.

" Now get going!" Haughty said, and with swish of his tail he was trotting back down the hall he came down. Haystack watched him trot away.

" I hope he trips down a flight of stairs." Haystack thought to himself. After waiting for Haughty to leave out of site, Haystack made his way to his new master's room in the north side of the palace.

( Shortly after)

The ceremony lasted for three hours and Spero made his exit quickly. He wasn't keen on mingling with the nobles since they usually tried to marry off their daughters to him. He didn't care for anything beyond gaining more power and they were all idiots in his eyes any way.

Finally he was back in the palace making his way to his personal room. As usual, many of the servants bowed to him and the occasional unicorn gave him words of congratulations for his promotion. And as usual, he would nod his head and trot off with little words of his own. Eventually he made it up to the hallway that lead to his room. It didn't take him long to notice the brown earth pony, conspicuously standing near his door. Annoyed, he cantered up to his room.

" Who are you and what are you doing here?" Spero demanded. Haystack was bowing down to him, averting his eyes.

" Sorry Master, My name is Haystack and I'm assigned to you as your personal servant." Haystack continued to bow waiting for Spero's response.

" And who assigned you?" Spero asked confused. What did he need a personal servant for? He didn't need anymore ponies in his life as he had his continued studies and his new responsibilities as a warden.

" Emperor Nightshade sir. He personally assigned me to you." Haystack replied. Spero was even more confused. However, He had more pressing matters at hoof.

" Alright then. I need you to organize some books for me in my room, then i want you to fetch me dinner for later. Whatever the kitchen is serving for the evening is fine." Spero requested. Haystack felt a pressure building up in his chest. The word "fetch" was now beginning to tick Haystack off.

" Yes master, I'll 'fetch' you some dinner when I'm done putting your books away." Haystack couldn't help himself, being treated like a dog was definitely something that set him off. He still needed to do what Spero told him, so all he could do to satisfy his anger was a bit of snark. Spero sensed it immediately though and it brought his annoyance to a boil.

" Well aren't you something special! Wasn't it my mentor that brought you into the palace?" Spero Asked.

" It was him sir." Haystack replied with a bit of anger in his voice.

" Why did he assign you to me?" Spero asked.

" Because I'm good at what I do!" Haystack replied.

" which is exactly what?" Spero's anger was rising even higher now that he could see how ungrateful Haystack was.

" Usually shutting my mouth and doing what i'm told."

" Then maybe you ought to consider doing that right now!" Spero raised his voice. Haystack slowly lost his composure.

" Maybe when somepony around here would actually treat me like a real inner empire pony and not like a dog!" Haystack yelled at Spero. Immediately, Spero used his magic to grab Haystack by the neck and lift him up into the air, then he smashed him against a wall. Haystack struggled to breath and he could see Spero's eyes which were full of rage now.

Spero was pissed now. He was holding Haystack up against the wall with the intent of watching him die slowly. Any moment he would hear Haystack try to plead for his life. Instead, all he saw in Haystack's eyes was an intense stare that iminated hatred. His stare was spiteful and hostile, something Spero never saw in an earth pony before.

Spero suddenly noticed something just to the left of Haystack, a mirror on the wall that somehow had stayed on despite the force he smashed Haystack with into the wall. He could also see himself in the mirror and his eyes were staring back at him with the same intensity, the same look. Spero realised that he was doing something more that just punishing a servant.

Spero put Haystack down on the ground where he began to cough. Spero realised he was taking years of pain out on his new servant, something that his servant was doing back to him as well. Spero sighed.

" Alright Haystack, I think we've had enough of that for one day. Clearly it's been a long day for both of us." Haystack looked up from the floor with disbelief. He completely expected to die. He slowly rose to his hooves. Spero relaxed his frown and said,

" Just focus on the books. I want them alphabetized." Spero said. Haystack rubbed his neck and nodded.

" Yes sir." He said between gasps.

Spero turned to his door, opened his door and trotted in with his new armor and his new servant.