Marcellus and Ares returned to reality outside the gates, with Felix in tow. The Stryga were still after them. They bolted down the path as fast as they could, with Ares firing bolts of magic at them whenever he could. They soon rejoined the surviving militia as they galloped down the grassy plains, to their relief. As their distance grew from the newly formed dark city, the sky and surroundings returned to normal, and the foreboding atmosphere lifted. The sun returned, hanging low in the sky, but the stormy clouds remained to darken the city behind them. Ahead, the marvelous colors of sunset washed the sky; vibrant hues of orange and purple rising into the deep blue above.
The Stryga were still in their pursuit, swooping down to lash at the soldiers as they retreated. The unicorns among their ranks did their best to fight back, but they could only manage to take down a small number. The dark clouds stretched out above the creatures, as if to protect them. Their intent was clear - to wipe out every last soul who inhabited the former city of Valencia. One by one, Marcellus’ warriors were felled. He fired his magic at the accursed winged monsters as well, but he could only do so much.
“Keep pressing forward! We can make it!” Marcellus exclaimed.
“There will be none left standing when we do!” One soldier shouted.
But there, up in the sky, like divine intervention, a brilliant light shone upon them from ahead. It captured their vision, like a second sun giving life to the valley and hills. The cacophony of horrible shrieks behind them gave way to pained howls as the light gathered and focused on them. They were driven away, their flesh searing from the heavenly rays that smothered them, and they retreated back to their new home. With the enemy gone, The light lessened to a warm glimmer, revealing the form of a great alicorn above. Their magnificent white wings spanned either side against the warm colors of the setting sun, and their fur sparkled like the arctic snow. Their mane and tail flowed and floated freely in the air, covered in flecks of blue light. They carried a gentle expression, their eyes completely black save for their glowing blue irises. Their entire being carried a deep violet and blue glow. Their body was bright, giving off its own light.
“It’s a ‘white spirit’!” A soldier shouted happily.
“We’re saved!” Cried another.
The entire company slowed to a halt as the Aurum descended. Spirits of love, light, and happiness, existing since the dawn of creation. Marcellus had no breath left in his body, as he stared in awe at the spirit that stood before him. Every move they made was full of grace and poise, their sound soft, their hoofsteps light. They smiled warmly as they approached Marcellus.
“You have done well, Marcellus,” The spirit spoke, their soft male voice reverberating into the surroundings.
“I…” Marcellus struggled to find the right words. “I feel as though I’ve failed, greatly. Our city is lost. My father is gone. Thousands dead by my hooves… How can I have done well at all?”
“Oh, Marcellus…” The Aurum sat down in front of him. “Not every tragedy rises from your own deeds. You did all that you could to save your home and your keep, and you bear no fault for the evil that destroyed it.”
The Aurum closed their eyes and their horn came to life, glowing a deep violet. Felix’s body tingled and sparkled with light, and in moments, his injuries were all but gone. He prized himself from Marcellus’ back, happily returning to his own hooves as the blood and filth lifted from him.
“Praise Magnus, look!” Felix exclaimed. “I’m well again!”
The Aurum smiled at Felix, and then continued their work, healing and cleaning both Marcellus and the remaining soldiers, inciting a stir among them as they examined themselves. Marcellus looked up at the Aurum, and did the only thing he could think of. He threw himself upon the timeless spirit and hugged them tightly, wrapping his arms around them and burying his face in their soft fur. He deserved this moment of weakness. The Aurum was briefly surprised, but simply chuckled and returned the gesture, placing an arm around Marcellus and wrapping their soft, downy wings around him.
“I am truly sorry for your loss, Marcellus,” they said. “Marcus is at peace now. May his spirit reunite with Equus, as is the destiny of every wondrous creature that walks this earth.”
They gave Marcellus one final squeeze. He was amazed at just how soft the Aurum was. He felt serene, warm, happy, just being in their embrace. He felt as though every pain in his soul was cleansed from him. The spirit lifted his chin with their hoof, then planted a kiss on his forehead.
“You are an amazing pony, Marcellus, son of Marcus,” the Aurum spoke with a smile, “With a brave soul and a caring heart. I shall be with you, just as I have always been.”
“You mean…?” Marcellus had a feeling. “That was you, helping me before…? Why didn’t you appear then as you do now?”
The Aurum’s expression faltered. “I regret that the great evil present in Moenia Tenebra repels my being. I can imbue my magic within you from a distance, but I cannot bring myself there. As such, I also cannot bring Valencia back. I am sorry, once again.”
“There is nothing to apologize for,” Marcellus said, looking up at the loving spirit. “You gave every bit of help that you could, and for that, I am forever grateful.”
The Aurum lifted their wings and stood, turning to Felix, who felt unsure of how to respond. He was not accustomed to the company of such a great spirit, and appeared more nervous, something that the Aurum picked up on.
“There is no reason to fear, Felix, son of Flavius,” they said. “For you are also worthy of recognition. Marcellus would have gone nowhere far without you.”
“That is indeed true,” Felix said. “And I owe you my gratitude as well for healing my wounds. Could I possibly, um, receive your embrace as well?”
“Of course.” The Aurum wrapped themselves around Felix, who graciously hugged them back. “You mortal creatures are such precious things. I adore every one of you.”
The Aurum ended the embrace and stood, stepping back to face them both as the sun fell behind them.
“I’m afraid I must take my leave,” they said. “For I am needed elsewhere. I will not ask you to remain positive in such a negative situation, but I will ask you not to lose hope. This darkness will pass, and the light will shine through once more. I will do all I can to aid you, along with the rest of my kin. We will banish the Umbrum from this world, and you will live in peace. Farewell, my dear ponies.” With that said, the Aurum spread their wings and took off from the ground, flying up into the air and phasing out of existence. It felt strange to Marcellus, how he already missed them. But he could still feel their presence within his heart. He was never alone. He looked back to the new city of evil, Moenia Tenebra; a dark haven of burned glass and red lightning in the distance behind them, protected from the sun by thick clouds. He ordered his troops to move forward, and they made their way to Astica.
At their new station, Marcellus approached the battlements of Astica’s wall to overlook their surroundings. There it was, Ryken’s new lair, off on the horizon. A single spot of blackness in an otherwise bright and idyllic landscape. He carried a somber expression as Felix approached his side, and he began to speak.
“Often now
Do I find myself dreaming,
For the moonlight shining,
The starlight gleaming;
For brighter days
In that city of white gold,
Broken by shadow,
The devilry of old.
A terror looms ahead
On the horizon it dwells,
A haven of untold evil
Of dark storms unquelled;
Though not all is lost
For even in dark days,
A light will spring forth,
And cast the malice away.”
“We will drive back the Umbrum and free this land from their treachery,” Felix said. “The sun will shine through.”
Marcellus looked to his oldest friend with a confident smile. “Together?”
“Together.”