As the train carrying the Princesses, the Guards, and the Sentinel headed north towards the empire, Twilight looked outside her window at the moonlit night. A tear streaked down her face, and she brushed it away.

"Twilight, are you alright?"

She turned to see Sentinel walk up.

"I'm alright." she said. The Sentinel nodded and sat next to her.

"Sentinel...what can you tell me about Scipio?" she asked.

"Scipio was known as "The Northern Dragon." Sentinel said. "He inspired much bravery in his troops. He did not rely on brute force, but on trickery and tactics. He was tutored by Sun Flame, the great dragon Tactician and general himself. He was all but invincible in battle."

"Then how was he defeated?" Twilight asked.

"Remember, he attempted to claim the Tree of Harmony as his final prize of war. The Tree then cursed him to his ghostly existence. It took the Tree's power to force his bended knee." Sentinel said. "His army was cursed along with him. I was one of them. The Tree chose me to become its Sentinel, for I was his lieutenant. Those memories of that time are gone, but my battle prowess remains."

"I see." Twilight said, yawning.

"You should get some sleep." Sentinel said.

Twilight nodded and set her head down on the pillow, and soon, she was asleep.

============

As the train arrived in the Empire, Twilight was swept up by a hug from both Cadance and Shining Armor, both of whom were relieved to see her alive. After the Sentinel was introduced, they headed towards the palace. Shining looked over at the Sentinel, who was garnering many looks of shock and awe.

"Are you okay, Your highness?" the Sentinel asked.

"Yes, I'm fine." Shining replied. "I can't help but feel grateful to you for saving my sister."

"It is well-received." The Sentinel replied. "Let us hope we can win this war."

"Let's." Shining said. As they walked into the Crystal Palace, Twilight sighed.

============

Majesty Blueblood stormed out of her father's room, angry and sullen. Her questions to her father had been met with hostility and anger, and she had been told to never speak of them again. Majesty swore loudly, and stormed into her room.

"Skies above us, I…" she growled, slamming her hoof into her desk. Then, an idea clicked in her mind.

"Time to get some answers." she said, charging her horn for a teleportation. She vanished in a flash of violet light.

==============

Much later, As Twilight packed supplies and provisions into her saddlebags, Sentinel walked up, bearing a large bundle roll.

"Safe travels, Twilight." Celestia said. "And be careful."

"I will." Twilight said. As they exited the Empire's limits and vanished from sight into the mountains, Cadance, Shining, Celestia, and Luna watched.

"Think Twily will be alright?" Shining asked.

"If there is even a fool's hope…" Celestia said. "It is still hope."

As they departed, the winds started to blow.

===============

Twilight and Sentinel walked along a stone path, worn from centuries of disrepair. Sentinel walked in stride, the cold winds not bothering him in the slightest.

"Twilight, we must keep moving." Sentinel said at Twilight, who was lagging behind.

"We've been walking along this path for hours now." Twilight said, exhausted.

"The Monument is not much farther." Sentinel said. "After this pass, we will arrive. I cannot take your exhaustion from you, but I can share my strength with you."

Sentinel picked Twilight up and carried her along the path, sheltering her from the wind. Then, at the end of the path, was a cave. Sentinel set her down and summoned ethereal blue flames to warm them.

"Sentinel...Will Scipio even listen to us?" Twilight asked after she had eaten.

"It is uncertain." Sentinel said. "Scipio was brash, bold. Often he sent men into clear traps because he knew they would triumph over whatever came to fight them. Overtime, he began to regard himself as invincible. He will not be an easy being to persuade."

"Then we'll have to wait...and hope." Twilight said, yawning and starting to fall asleep.

"We shall proceed into the Monument at tomorrow's first light." Sentinel said. "Get some rest, Twilight."

"Sure."

As Twilight unfurled her sleeping bag and collapsed into slumber, Sentinel closed his eyes, knowing what would come.

"You have returned…" said a voice in his head, deep and dark.

"I seek your aid, Scipio." Sentinel said/

"So you say. You did fight for me...Sirius."

"That name was cast aside long ago." Sentinel said. "I am Sentinel now."

Scipio laughed.

"If you insist...Sentinel. However...If you truly seek my aid, you must face me like you did then. I will not hold back."

"As you wish, but know this...Scipio, the Northern Dragon…" Sentinel said. "I won't either."

Scipio laughed again.

"Your confidence is astounding. I will enjoy our battle."

"As will I." Sentinel said. "Brother."

==============

As Twilight awoke, Sentinel made sure she had eaten before they began their trek deep into the cave. Eventually, they arrived in a large cavern, and at the far end, was a withered oak tree, scorched by flame.

"You have come, Sentinel."

Twilight then saw the forms of thousands of steel-clad warriors, their war-paint crimson red, staring at them from all directions. Then, a unicorn, clad in armor emblazoned with red streaks and ebony, with a plumed helmet, walk forward. His skin was once grey, but now an acidic green glow came from him, as did all his warriors. His face was gaunt, and he laughed.

"An alicorn?" he said. "Who might you be?"

"Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship." Twilight said. "You are Scipio, the Northern Dragon."

"Indeed." Scipio said. "But...did the Solar Princess give you your title? Friendship...bah. Celestia always did have a way with peace, but not with war. It was a result of my conquests that she abstained from battle for her life. That is why Equestria has never fought in a war since my time."

"I can see that happening." Twilight said. "I request your aid, Scipio."

Scipio laughed.

"State your request."

"The Diarchy of Equestria has been usurped by a tyrant, who sent assassins to kill me in my sleep. Now, Equestria is ruled by an iron hoof, one of tyranny and evil." Twilight said.

Scipio grinned.

"I see. I will...consider it...but…"

Scipio strode forward, drawing his sword.

"I still need....motivation...Sentinel, if you will?"

Sentinel drew his sword, and raised his shield.

"You always were a defensive fighter...Brother." Scipio spat, drawing a longspear and a gladius. Twilight gasped at Scipio's words.

"I was." Sentinel said. "I swore to protect her. If that includes fighting you, so be it."

"INDEED!" Scipio said, rushing forward. As the two brothers clashed, Twilight offered a prayer of victory for her guardian.