TWFE- The Truth Within The Truth

Ryu's mind was a whirlwind of activity as he stood in the Void, a portal of his own making, a place where he could truly be alone and voice his own thoughts in total seclusion. He had just had his world rocked by Darbus...he'd been GIVEN permission to see Celestia whenever he wanted...and that was a disturbing thing to the dragon. Ryu had his hand under his chin as he was wracking his brain in thought...nothing about this made sense...the errands that Ryu was being tasked with...the way that Darbus was acting towards him and the state of the world outside of the mountains...nothing made sense to him anymore as he pondered what to do next. Ryu was deep in thought when he heard a voice coming from his room, he opened his portal slightly and saw his friend Zaukarian in his room, holding a satchel filled with scrolls.

Ryu opened the portal and grabbed his friend, quite abruptly as Zau made a gasp when he saw a clawed hand come from nowhere, finding himself for the first time in Ryu's Void. The white scholar dragon looking around the pitch black that surrounded him like a vale; “What is this...” Zaukarian asked in bewilderment as Ryu's voice came from everywhere it seemed; “This is the Void Zau, where we can talk in safety. Don't be afraid, you're safe here. I'm the only one who can allow access to this space, now, what have you found out?” Ryu asked his friend, Zau looking hard and only seeing his friends blazing red eyes; “Cripes Ryu, that's creepy as hell...I know your a shadow dragon and all...but damn man...” Ryu chuckled slightly; “Sorry buddy, you're the first to be in this space with me, now what have you found out?” Ryu asked hoping that Zau had turned up something, the white dragon shaking his head softly; “Sorry Ryu...my search has yet to yield any fruit...I can't dig deep enough into our lore without drawing suspicion.” He admitted with a sad tone.

Ryu tsk'd under his breath, he had hoped for better news...things were not looking good and he was feeling a sense of urgency as he thought about what to do next. “But Ryu...I do have something you might want to hear...” Zau spoke making Ryu look at him with intense eyes; (Cripes that is disturbing as crap...) “Anyway, it seems Darbus and Cransi are scheduled to have a private meeting tomorrow morning...of course this is only a rumor I heard while I was digging around for stuff, so it may be false...” Ryu thought about this and shook his head; “No, that's better than nothing...I can spy on their conversation from the shadows, they'll never know I was there. You keep digging for what you can find...I fear things are about to go South real fast, so we must find something as quickly as we can.” Ryu spoke with utter seriousness making Zaukarian nod, he didn't know what Ryu was talking about...but he did want to find out if there was anything being hidden from them...although a part of him hoped that Ryu was wrong.

“Alright, I'll see what I can find on my end, you keep doing what you're doing...and Ryu...be careful my friend.” Zaukarian spoke reaching out and finding Ryu's shoulder, Ryu doing the same and flashing a smile...his pearly whites flashing making Zau flinch; “That's it! Never bring me in here again...you freak me right the heck out!!!” He snapped making Ryu laugh as he opened the Void and stepped out with his friend; “Alright alright you sissy...you be careful too, contact me if you find anything else out, and I'll do the same for you.”

Ryu then watched as Zaukarian left his room, the black dragon beginning to pace as he thought about Zau's words; “A meeting...even if it isn't real...it wouldn't hurt to look in on things...I can't help but feel Darbus is hiding something...and I will find out what.” Ryu spoke with a yawn as he knew he needed sleep, retiring to his bed and falling asleep quickly. Zaukarian returning to his dwelling and sitting at his desk and tearing through a pile of scrolls that he had acquired from the library, scouring over every detail, hoping to find something that would tell him if Ryu was crazy or truly onto something. Zaukarian worked late into the night, each scroll yielding the same thing...nothing; “ARGH!!! This is pointless!!! Ryu...I don't know what's gotten into you, but there is NOTHING here! Uh...I'm sorry friend...but I can't do this...” Zaukarian sadly spoke as he retired quite late to bed, hoping that Ryu would forgive him for not believing his words.

The next day, Ryu woke fresh and ready to find something new, or at least he hoped so, opening the Void and moving through the shadows to Darbus's chambers, waiting in the corner and looking as Darbus was indeed preparing for something. Guards posted in front of his door and he was standing at his slab where he initiated Ryu to General, Ryu watching from the shadow as Cransi entered and joined Darbus at the slab. (Hello...what have we here?) Ryu thought as he listened to the two; “Cransi...how are things on the Western front?” Darbus asked as the elder dragon stroked his chin softly; “Things are progressing as planned my Lord, you have the full support of the Western Forces, which are preparing as we speak.” Darbus smiled at this; “Good, I want every dragon able to fly ready, we move in five days.” “Yes my Lord.” Ryu watching from the Void and curious as to what they meant (Five Days? That's...the Summer Sun Celebration! What is he planning...come on, spill it!) Ryu thought as he grew nervous for Celestia as the thought of having the entire dragon force mobilized made him gulp.

“Summon Ryu-Sosin, I have one more task for him.” Darbus spoke making Ryu gulp and return to his chambers quickly to avoid being caught, Darbus smiling and looking at Cransi with a wicked glare; “Cransi...I want you to take this to Zaukarian, it should prove to be entertaining.” He spoke handing a scroll to him, the elder dragon bowing and leaving to find the scholar as Ryu was entering after being summoned by one of Darbus's guards. “Yes my Lord, you summoned me?” Ryu spoke after taking a knee, watching as Cransi left the two of them alone, Darbus looking down at his General; “Ryu, I want you to go and oversee the dragons training, make sure each of them is combat ready.” Ryu nodding; “Yes Lord Darbus, may I ask sir, what are they preparing for?” The Lord snapping; “Do not question me!!! You will do as instructed, now go!” Making Ryu bow his head quickly before heading off towards the dragon barracks, Darbus addressing one of his guards; “Summon Leonidus, I have a task for him.” Ryu flying quickly towards his assigned location and muttering; “Well...that was more in character of him...-sigh-oh well...duty calls.” Landing in the grounds and letting loose a roar to get all the dragons attention.

“Listen well!!! I have been sent to oversee your training! Everyone will double their efforts to impress Lord Darbus!” The soldiers roaring for him and resuming their exercises with Ryu paying close attention to every detail of their regime. Target Practice with each of their elemental powers were sharpened, hand to hand combat was improved, tactical advantage...all these were scrutinized and drilled repeatedly over the next two days. Ryu even went so far as to impart his wisdom and prowess in combat to a few that he knew well and would benefit from it most, all of them trying to impress him as they sparred with the General who soundly defeated them. “GOOD! You all show vast improvement! Keep training and I know Lord Darbus will be pleased!” He spoke to inspire his chosen warriors who all roared in thanks of his time invested in them as the third day drew to a close, Ryu sending the warriors to rest, which he needed as well. Training a unit as massive as that was taxing to say the least, and Ryu headed home to get some well deserved rest. Meanwhile, Cransi was making his delivery to Zaukarian who was reading a tome of arcana, when a scroll was flung through his door, hitting him on the nose and startling him.

“What the...” Zaukarian exclaimed as he went to his door and looked around for anyone...but nothing was around, drakes were already settled in for the night and Cransi was nowhere to be found, he's used his arcane knowledge to make himself invisible as Zau looked and then shrugged as he went back and picked up the scroll. Looking it over quickly as he went back to his chair before opening it, his eyes widening with shock as he read it to himself. He read intently for a good hour, scouring over the scroll, sleep being the furthest thing from his mind as he finished reading...his mind ablaze with shock as his entire world had just been rocked to it's very core; “I...I don't believe it...Ryu...was right. It's all here...the real history of our people! Everything we know...is a lie. I've got to get this to him!” Zaukarian spoke as he hastily rolled the scroll and packed it in his satchel, heading out his home and towards Ryu who was sound asleep.

Zaukarian made impressive time for one who lacked in the physical traits, arriving with sweat pouring from his body as he landed and headed for his friend; “Halt! What business do you have here at such a late hour!?” One of the guards stationed at Ryu's entrance shouted at Zau as he approached, making him stop as he caught his breath; “Just dropping off a package for my friend, it's urgent that I get it to him right away.” He replied with a weak smile as the guard looked him over; “Very well, hurry and deliver it then get home! No dragons are meant to be out this late.” Zau bowing and hurrying inside, seeing his friend sound asleep, Zauk smiling weakly and laying the satchel next to his snoozing body and quickly exiting, heading back to his home. Zau stepped inside; “Welcome back Zaukarian, I've been waiting for you.” A voice came from the shadows as Zau entered his home, and before he could respond, the figure rushed him and knocked him out in one shot; “You've played your part perfectly Zau, now we wait for our “friend” to play his.” The voice spoke in a maleficent tone as he picked up the dragons body and flew off towards the heart of the mountain.

The next morning came and Ryu woke feeling rested and ready to resume his training of the army, but when he saw the satchel that belonged to his friend, he immediately tore it open and grabbed the scroll inside. And this is what it read;

Here lies the history of the War For Equestria, as accounted by I Lord Zaldin, Second Ruler of the Dragon Race.

Equestria is a beautiful land, filled with magic and resources beyond measure, whoever controls them will know prosperity and power beyond measure which is why both races; Equines and Dragons are battling for it. The King and Queen of the ponies; Lord and Lady....(Damn...the names are smudged out...can't read it...) Are mighty Alicorns, providing no end of trouble for me and my people these last few years, yes years...this battle has waged without end for many moons now...I'm beginning to wonder if it will ever be over. But nevertheless we will continue to fight as I believe that dragons should rule the land! (Hm...okay that coincides with everything we know so far...)

The battle has continued to wage on for another six months now...both sides have suffered casualties beyond measure and yet we still show no sign of ending this war, I'll be damned if we lose to weak bodied ponies! (Yep...that's Darbus's grandpappy all right)

Things have taken a sudden turn for the worst, something that neither side could have counted on (Oh? What have we here...) Tartarus...the doors of Hell have swung wide and released it's demon army! They have attacked both sides of the existing war, showing no mercy to either, they seek one thing...blood and they don't care whose it is! Pony and Dragon bodies lay in strewn heaps everywhere! The blood is flowing like a crimson river and I fear neither side has the strength to overcome this foe on it's own! (Woah...never expected that...) Which is why the King and Queen have agreed to meet me to discuss the growing threat. (NOW we're getting somewhere...)

I have met the Lord and Lady today, we have all agreed that we cannot ignore this threat to all the races of Equestria, they proposed something radical to combat the demons; an alliance. It seemed too farfetched to me...but they convinced me that it was the only course open to us if we intended to survive. (Wow...the second Lord must've had his back to the wall if he accepted that kind of deal!)
The attacks have grown weaker! Ever since the union of our forces the demons have been pushed back farther and farther, I sense we are close to ending this onslaught!

We have done it!!! The doors to Tartarus have been sealed! Cerberus has been charged with guarding the doors for all eternity and the war has officially ended! Both sides have agreed that the best course of action is too leave the running of the world to ponies. They have more versatility in the matter then dragons do...but they have agreed to share the land with us as equals. (AHA!!! I knew it!!!) I hope this peace lasts forever, there has been enough death and destruction of our beloved world to last an age...may this tragedy never happen again, lest our children reap it's sorrows.

Ryu was shaking as he read the words...everything he was suspicious about...was just confirmed, and the drakes mind began to race with the information that had been hidden for centuries. Ryu eyes went wide as he put together a great detail regarding Darbus...the pieces falling into place and making sense to him at last, Ryu jumping to his feet with scroll in hand and whispering; “Celestia!” Using his power of shadow to open the Void and travel at the speed of darkness towards Canterlot to inform her of the impending doom that was only two days away! The Princess was on her throne dealing with her royal duties when a black ring appeared on the floor in front of her, the guards standing ready and Celestia staring in awe as the circle erupted into a column of black fire, sending the guards slinking back a moment as the Princess looked straight into the blaze, watching it dissipate to reveal Ryu-Sosin, kneeling before her; “General!? What in the world...” Celestia stammered as Ryu looked at her with panic in his eyes; “Princess! I bring grave news...it's Darbus!!!” He shouted as the guard surrounded him; “Silence you cur! You have no business being here!” One of them shouted as the drake looked at his love with pleading eyes.

“Wait...let him speak.” She commanded as she saw the desperation in his eyes. She knew he wouldn't come like this without a good reason as Ryu took a deep breath; “Princess...Darbus has lost his mind...he's planning an invasion of Canterlot on the Summer Sun Celebration!” The guards and Celestia were shocked to hear this and one guard spoke; “You lie! Darbus wouldn't DARE attack Canterlot! Princess, you cannot listen to this lunatic dragons ravings!” Celestia looking at Ryu...she couldn't believe what he was saying; “Princess...I know the truth...about everything...the War For Equestria. Tartarus slaughtering our peoples...how the second Lord gave up the right to rule...Darbus has been feeding us lies, brainwashing us to one day invade and take control...” Ryu ducked his head in shame; “And he used me to bring it about...” Celestia opened her eyes wide at this; “What do you mean?” Ryu couldn't bare to look at her, but shouted in dismay; “I was sent here to spy on the city! To learn it weaknesses and draw you into a false sense of security! But Celestia please...I had no idea it would lead to this! Please believe me when I say this!” He shouted look at her with tears behind raging eyes at being used...wanting to do anything to ensure her survival and the survival of her people.

Celestia thought hard about this...everything that had happened...now that the word was out there...it did reek of war. She looked at Ryu and saw the sorrow in his eyes...and she believed him; “Prepare the city for the dragons, send squads to all the surrounding cities! I want every citizen of Equestria protected!” She ordered sending the guards into a frenzy as they obeyed her; “Ryu...stand before me.” She spoke coldly as the drake rose and climbed the small steps to her throne...he couldn't look her in the eye for a moment; “Celestia...if you never want to see me again...I wouldn't hold it against you...” He was then pulled into a tight embrace making him blush and gasp softly as she whispered; “Never see you...no my love, I owe you much for this information. You have taken a great risk doing this, and I do not plan on letting it go unrewarded.” Ryu just stood there in her embrace, welcoming her kindness and love once more; “Princess...what will you do?” He asked as he looked at her and ran a claw through her mane; “I will erect a barrier to protect Canterlot, no dragon will be able to get through...except you.”

“Celestia...do you think...” He was silenced with a kiss from her, pressing her muzzle to his softly and briefly; “You will need to see me won't you? This is the only way I can allow that until Darbus gives up on his scheme.” She spoke with a soft smile as Ryu welcomed it and nosed her; “Very well, I must get back. Darbus will be looking for me I'm sure.” Celestia hugging her love tight; “Be safe my love.” Ryu holding her and whispering; “You as well...my Princess.” Ryu spoke before vanishing in a cloud of black smoke, returning to his dwelling. (Zaukarian...I should make sure he's alright) Ryu thought as he quickly left his dwelling and headed for his friend, reaching his home and walking in to find an unwanted guest. Ryu seeing him and snarling; “You...what are you doing in Zarkarian's home?” The voice not answering but flashing a sadistic smile making Ryu growl and step towards the intruder...until; “GAH!!!” Ryu groaned as he was hit from behind just above the spine, knocking him out cold. The drake landing on his knees first before falling face first on the floor as the intruder stepped into the light.

“Oh how I WISH that I had gotten to do that...you upstart.” The voice spoke as the figure who knocked out Ryu stepped into the light; “Not to worry my boy...you'll have plenty of time with our friend here...after all...we're far from finished with him.” The first figure laughing manically; “Oh how I look forward to it! One day to soften him up...and then...” The other figure finished his sentence; “Celestia...and every other living thing on this world...will bow at my feet!”

---

Alright! Chapter done! Whew...man I swear each time I think about this project I get more and more ideas to try and work in! But I think this is a good way to set up...the end!!!

That's right, one more chapter to go folks!!!

MLPFIM belongs to Hasbro
All dragons and story are mine. enjoy!