The cool air of the cell numbed the pain of the shackles at his wrists. In the night, they came for him. At first, he thought he was going to be the ragdoll of an Ascended’s frustration, a punching bag – or maybe the fat to be trimmed from the herd of invalids like him. Instead, a rough beating brought him to the floor, and his consciousness faded into the comforting oblivion and where he now dangled.

With a start, he lifted his ragged head up, the dungeon’s doors parting to reveal six silvered ascended, in half plate. The jailer clinked the heavy iron lock to his cell, approaching the manacles in steely quiet.

The key rattled the locks free, and his arms fell limply to his sides. He collapsed to his knees, and a gauntlet slapped him to the floor.

“Wake the fuck up, Inert. The King wants to see you.” A harsh voice brought the ringing in his ears to a stifling end, as two sets of arms grabbed his wrists and ripped him from the cool cobble – half dragging him across the rough stone. They wrenched him up from the floor, and when he had difficulty finding his legs – one of the knights kicked hard at his right leg, a pained yelp following the cracking sound. He felt the silvery steel of the sabatons gash into his skin, simple pants soon stained with blood as he was dragged through the halls of the castle.

“Please, I beg of you, stop!” He cried, tears running down his dirt covered face. He felt as if he’d been dragged from Milla Serine, all the way up to the dungeon. “Spare me, O Regal ones. I am but a poor Inert, I work for Crown and King!”

“We’re not going to kill you, peasant. Walk.” A club thwacked hard into his back, forcing him to walk on his broken leg.

In what felt like grueling hours, he soon found himself tossed before the throne of the court. Leotoln sat before him, reading lazily from a scroll. Ignoring the Inert curled up in the fetal position beneath him. Another hard slam of a jailer’s club righted that – putting him on his knees, a more respectable position.

“Oh, enough already. I don’t need him a broken mess, aye? Leave ‘em like that. I need a bit more time to read.” He whistled to the guards, to step back and give the broken form some space. Arin shook in his ruined clothes, awaiting whatever the king had in mind for him.

The heavy oak throne creaked as the massive sculpture of a Seraph made it to his feet, gallant white wings giving a stretching flap behind him.

“Ye learned to read, right? Read this.” Leotoln said, reaching to pick Arin up by the left arm. Arin looked to the scroll, trembling as his voice cracked.

“T-To the King of Alma Sol, Murderer of the Kind Ravens before him-”

Leotoln’s grip tightened hard enough that Arin almost screamed, a hand reaching pitifully to pull at the one gripping his arm.

“I didn’t say aloud, son.” He threw Arin to the floor, and more like an afterthought – gave a rough stomp to the Inert’s arm. It broke under the force, a pitiful yell filling the chamber as Arin once again curled up into the fetal position.

Pain. Everything hurt. He tried his best to suppress it, but under this much stress, even his pain tolerance was shot. What did he do? Why is he here?

“The Twin Spears are holding Elma Soli hostage by now. You know what that means? Food is going to start running short in a few months. Most of our agriculture comes from those filthy Inert toiling in the fields. But none of that matters to you.”

He flopped back down to his throne. “At least that librarian could put a bit of a brain in you.”

“Me? Why me? Why are you doing this?” Arin pleaded. Leotoln’s hand shot up – glowing a faint orange as Arin’s face was pressed to the floor.

“I didn’t intend to throw ya into anything like this, not until about… three years ago. Consider what I’m about to do to ya a blessin’, son.” He snapped his fingers with his left hand, dropping the scroll to the floor lazily as another seraph approached from the side. She bore robes, and looked to be a Court Mage. Her words were thankfully gentle compared to the men around him.

“Sit up, please. It’ll all be over soon, just relax.” She said, soft fingers helping pull his head back. His gaze locked to the ceiling as he rested on his injured leg. He offered no resistance, the tip of her finger glowing an insidious purple. Gently, it pressed to his forehead – and a bolt of lightning coursed through his skull. And just like that, he felt his world fading – until he found himself surrounded by darkness.

Luna now stood before him, a mere stone’s throw away. Her cerulean eyes took him in, stepping silently through the shadows.

“Arin… we see it now.” She nodded. “We couldn’t see it before. Your dreams… We couldn’t break them. It wasn’t a spell, but a curse. There was no cataclysm. You poor, poor thing…”

Softly, her wings engulfed him, pulling him back into that comfortable Oblivion.

---

And when he blinked, the familiar hum-thrum of the engines brought him back to the moment. Luna’s hooves were wrapped tight around his chest, her chin resting on his shoulder. She opened her eyes, pulling away with tears.

“We have seen it. All of it. Arin has been a victim from the beginning.” She stated bluntly. As the vessel hovered slowly into port, Luna explained in great detail what she saw. A quiet Arin staring blankly at the floor.

All of the cataclysm seemed like such a distant piece of his imagination now. Only a photograph, a memory that never happened. He felt… revolted, that someone could prod into his brain like this. To put things there he never agreed to, things that never happened. It seemed like such an easy thing to do.

“They needed him to be completely unaware of the plot. And that’s exactly what they got.” Celestia came to the conclusion aloud, as Star Chart pulled away from the wheel.

“Alright you four, this is your stop. Without a drop of gas to spare, it seems.” He nodded to the Alicorn, who gave a thankful nod back.

“Let’s move. A military detail will be waiting for us – we still need to learn when they’ll strike next, so in the meanwhile, we can prepare and make the enemy known. Otherwise, relax. Keep your moral high. We wont win this fight without rest.” The Sun Princess led the way down the stairs – out to the deck, and into port with her group in tow. Arin remained distant the entire time, holding his left arm where Leotoln’s boot had stomped it just moments ago.

And just as Celestia said, a group of six steel armored guards flankedby a more formal Generalappeared, and intercepted them. The Guards seemed nervous and fidgety – Vapor Cloud looking them over with his trained eye. Celestia gave her greeting, a short bow and a smile.

“Ah, Thorn. The pony we need now, more than ever. Let us be quick – we’ve much to discuss.” Celestia nodded to the mare. Arin took her in – several badges across her chest, three scars across her lime muzzle, and a stern look to her. Her short yellow mane was tucked under a heavy beige cap, a star on the brow guarded by wings and emblazoned with a horn. She saluted with her wing, and made eye contact with the four of them.

“Lead the way, Princess. You’ll be pleased to find we have two battalions waiting for your arrival. One thousand two hundred of Equestria’s finest and brightest, with another large battalion of eight hundred soon on the march.”

“Just two thousand?” Arin said, his first real words since the incident. Luna stuck close to his side, growing a little unsure with his tone of voice.

“We have several other regiments across Equestria – exactly how big of a force are we expecting, Sir… Arin, if I’m correct?” She gave him the utmost respect, a salute of her wing to the Knight.

“It’s not so much the numbers more so the strength. Seraphs are a blight on the battlefield, especially when in a coordinated attack. Most ground soldiers can hardly retaliate, and they’re deathly agile and mobile in the air – near impossible to hit.” He gulped. “I’ve seen several fights before. Some compare it to fireworks, with the clashing of metal, or the flashes of spells. You either have to be lucky, or they have to be cocky to hold the advantage.”

She gave a bark of a laugh, as the group began to move. “You seem more confident in them than you do us, Sir Arin. But I’ll keep that in mind. I already had a few ideas sketched up on how to handle the Castle’s defense. It’ll take more than some magic tricks in the air to spook me.”

Arin wanted to say more, to follow with a more clear warning – but held back when Luna’s wing pressed to his chest. Her eyes locked to his, giving a soft nod. And just like that, he understood.

“Alright.”

They traveled in stony silence from the Sky Port’s docks, west through the connecting tunnel. Fresh air greeted them on the other side, the royal fortress gleaming in the afternoon light. The Castle seemed so much more inviting after his recent trip to the Crystal Empire – the elegant walls, the soft purples and golds. As they approached, the group spotted a dozen camps set up in the front courtyards leading in to the castle proper, soldiers moving freely among the ranks. Pegasi, Unicorns, Earth Ponies – all worked to ready their encampment, patrols already stalking in and out of the city in the distance.

“We’ve evacuated the majority of Canterlot to Manehatten, at your request, Princess. And we’ve emboldened the walls of the Castle with more stallions to help stand any siege.” She pointed a hoof to the distant battlements, dozens of fresh spears breaking the even stone. They made their way to the draw bridge, into the guest halls of the castle.

“I’ll go over all the changes I’ve implemented to maximize security when we reach the war table; and I already passed on the formal declaration of war to the press. We’ve detained a dozen reporters in the Throne Room looking to catch your eyes and ears, Princess. They want the full details, it seems. And they’re questioning Arin’s involvement in the matter. It seems that with this war in particular, everypony rightly thinks he’s a spy. Or at the very least, involved.”

Celestia nodded. “I’ll address them there, then. They’ll be useful for a change; for once I need them to spread actual news.”

Arin held on tight to Luna’s shoulder, noticing more than several dozen eyes on him among the crowds of soldiers roving the halls. Some seemed to scorn him, others looked to blame him. It wasn’t disheartening – it was confusing. He felt weary among allies, and it’s not something he was keen on feeling. Not now. Not after what just happened.

“Arin? What’s wrong?” Luna said, her hoof gently prying his hand away.

“…Nothing.” He said, easing his shoulders. His eyes snapped back to the front as they ascended the stairway. And yet, something itched at the back of his mind. A small alarm bell, ringing faintly. Vapor must have seen it too, as when Arin looked him over – he looked on edge. The Princesses sensed nothing wrong, Celestia included.

The doors to the Throne Room swung open, once familiar and emboldening, now dizzying and daunting. He was no longer a witness to the passing judgment, but here to be judged by every eye in the now clamoring crowd of blinding lights.

“Celestia! Who are these Seraphs! Does it have anything to do with Sir Arin?”

“Luna! Is your Knight really trustworthy?”

“Vapor Cloud, I love you!” A random fangirl screamed. The pegasi blushed, scratching the back of his head.

“Princess! Did Arin cast a spell on you to trust him! Are you really Celestia?”

The Princess in question pushed down the aisle, ignoring the crowd until she reached her throne. Luna joined her on the right – and Arin sat close by. Vapor Cloud took the left seat, trying his best to put his on edge feathers back in place for his new admirer.

“Silence!” Luna called, in a booming voice that shook the halls. Every single soul within a mile radius went quiet at the call, all eyes staring with fear at the lunar Princess. Being intimidating had its perks at times.

“Thank you my subjects, for gathering here today to bare the burden of the news I am here to share.” Celestia began, bowing her head gratefully to those who gathered. “I am not here to answer every question, but to provide an explanation. Please, sit and write my words. Record this speech. Commit it to memory, but do not forget it.”

The crowd of journalist murmured quietly among themselves, slowly obeying the Princess’s request. It took several long moments for the budding noise to hush, Luna’s eye catching disobedient press with a commanding glare. With quills in hooves and ears up, Celestia could begin in proper.

“Six weeks ago, I received a letter from an alien land. Miss Blueberry gave an interview for the ordeal, as some of you may personally recall. I had made contact with a foreign king, who had but one request. To give this Seraph – Arin – a chance to lead a normal life. You see, in Arin’s world, he was considered an Inert being. One without magic, or the ability to produce it. And because of this, like many of his kind, he was considered of lower social standing.

“He was given us in the guise of this foreign King being a kind ruler, looking to save a lost soul. This turned out to not be the case. Arin had been brainwashed into believing that his world had faced Armageddon – in truth, none such event had occurred. He was manipulated, and used as a tool without him ever realizing it.

“King Leotoln, of the Far Reaches – had thrust Arin into my hooves, knowing full well that he would be treated kindly. Much too kindly, even, and possibly well known among the populace. Which is somewhat true – Arin has been an essential part of Canterlot since he arrived. By accident, he saved my life, and gave Seraphs a mysterious, but heroic disposition to the public. This was, of course, accidental. He would have been popular as a guest of the castle regardless, or if time went on, for other matters beyond the scope of this war. On that day, I was truly meant to die, or at least I believe this to be the case.

“Last week, a trainwreck destroyed the tracks north of Galloping Gorge. This was meant to kill Princess Cadence and Shining armor, but this too, failed. An unexpected ally came, and slaughtered the Seraph there. Alerting us to their presence. And it would be none other than one I’d consider an enemy, until now. Queen Umbra had revealed a nasty plot to destroy the Crystal Empire – unintentionally. And in doing so, gave my Sister and I the ability to determine the Seraph’s plan.

“They were going to kill Cadence and Shining Armor, leaving the Crystal Empire undefended. Then, using a string of magical foci, they would channel power into the Crystal Heart, obliterating it and all around them, releasing the Umbrum, and starting a war we could never win. It would be easy to slay my Sister and I on the battlefield, cover their tracks – and with the support of my subjects – take the throne without so much as a fight, as Equestria’s strength waned. They would have been welcomed in these great halls as heroes.”

“We were able to intercept their plot at the last moment – but failed to prevent their countermeasures. They have now stolen the magic imbued Crystal Heart, leaving the Empire without protection. For now, we have no idea where it could be, or their intentions with a power this strong.

“Furthermore, we have evidence of their intrusion into our lands. During battle with a Seraph, Arin and Vapor Cloud both recount an admittance of time; at least three months. But their interference within Equestria stretch back much, much farther. Years, potentially. Three years, is as far as we can assume.

“It’s likely they played many parts in undermining the integrity of our society. The reason being was to gain support. If the government appeared incompetent, the leadership weak – they could easily find Equestrian soldiers to turn on their kin, or civilians willing to aid their cause. This seems to be the case, but I have no evidence to back this claim. Only suspicions of certain noble houses, which will remain unnamed.

“Finally, we believe that war may be imminent. A magical foci like the Crystal Heart can store vast amounts of energy – but its design allows that same energy to radiate free, even without the Crystal Podium. Because of this, and the Seraphs having only so much use of this – I am likely to believe that an outright conflict will begin in no less than seven days, on the very grounds you stand upon, here at Canterlot Castle.” She closed her eyes, ending her statement with a bow. It took several seconds for the Press to come to their senses, before a wave of shouts and questions broke the quiet.

“Princess! What could they do with the Crystal Heart?”

“Miss Celestia, is Umbra an ally now?”

“Luna! What’s your opinion on the war?

“Arin! Are you truly on our side? What makes you loyal to Luna, to Canterlot?”

When the ponies realized Arin was a target, the questions became a lot more focused towards him. Requests for interviews, for his history, for anything he could give on the Seraphs was soon the only bustle of the Throne Room. Some were getting bold, and asking more revealing questions.

“Arin! Would you have dated a Princess if it weren’t for the assassination attempt?”

A couple reporters took notes on that one – Arin couldn’t prevent himself from flinching at how direct they were. Celestia’s hoof came up, and Luna, spotting this – took it upon herself to make it clear.

“Silence!” She shouted again, stomping a hoof to the floor with a harsh bang. The Seraph’s eyes quickly fell back to the floor, letting the moment pass.

“This press conference is adjourned. I command you, as Citizens of Equestria, to evacuate Canterlot as soon as possible. It is dangerous to remain here, on the soon-to-be battlefield.” Celestia bowed her head again, standing from her seat. Luna, Arin, and Vapor Cloud took it as their queue to follow, and stuck close to her side.

The questions began to settle, as the group made their way back to the central hall. Down the stairs, and to the east – passed the dining hall, and to the housing quarters proper. They rejoined with General Thorn Bush, flanked again by soldiers several feet to their rear. Once more, Arin felt uneasy, and his grip tightened on Luna again. Celestia began her pleasantries with the General, speaking at length of the defensive preparations.

“Arin, thy grip is like steel – is there an issue?” Luna whispered, using her magic to pull the Seraph’s hand free.

“This doesn’t feel right.” Arin whispered back, just out of ear shot of the troops around them. “Look at Vapor Cloud. He’s tense, too.”

Cerulean eyes darted to the orange pegasus, his feathers fluffed. He seemed on edge, but didn’t appear to make any movements to correct it.

“We see…” Luna whispered. “Or perhaps, We do not. What do you see, Arin?” Luna kept quiet, as Arin put his thoughts together.

“It’s not what I see. It’s what I feel. It’s not just anxiety, I feel like we’re being watched. It’s like a rising feeling of dread… It reminds me of my training, it’s just something you know is about to happen.” Arin’s hand slowly rested on Nocturne, the soft clink of steel following as the blade skimmed the sheath’s inner protective grasp.

Celestia’s ears swiveled, mid conversation. She was speaking of protecting the southern side facing Ponyville, and didn’t falter – but she heard that sound.

“Ah yes, I do believe Twilight took a note on this, let me just-” She turned her head to the side, using her muzzle to pull the book from her saddlebag. She made eye contact with Arin, and seeing the distress plastered on his face, her eyes traveled to Vapor Cloud.

The book clattered to the floor, the pages scattering with a flutter of paper. She gave a soft laugh, “Woops! Clumsy me. Soldiers, would you mind?” Celestia said to the group of trained arms behind Luna and Arin. Her left ear flicked twice.

Arin joined her side, facing the group properly. Luna stood next to him, Vapor saw the hint as well while Thorn Bush stood between them, and her men.

The soldiers before them stared at them, varying levels of trepidation plastered across their faces.

Thorn Bush began to scold her men, when none of them made to follow the Princess’s command. “Well, what are you waiting for – me to tell you? Pick up those papers! The discipline nowadays – hrk!”

Celestia’s magic tugged the General towards their side of the room, and immediately, Arin and Vapor Cloud drew their blades.

“What is the meaning of this?! Princess! They’re your own Soldiers-” The six silvered stallions rushed forward, drawing their arms and brandishing their spells. Two Earth Ponies, four Unicorns – as several bolts of magic met the Princess’s etheral shields in a blink of an eye. A unicorn slid across the papers, crashing into the floor nose-first. The other five narrowly avoided falling, as they rushed past the litter.

Two blades crashed against the magic barrier – and two much more royal blades met the assailants, slamming forward in deadly thrusts. Easily bypassing the shield, and clashing into the armor of the two stallions. Whinnies of pain met clattering clinks of armor against the floor, and the Earth ponies now lay wheezing. Their heavier armor dented hard into the chest plate, knocking the wind from their lungs. One Soldier partially burned, the other covered in a thin layer of ice.

The four Unicorns were much to late to stop what followed. Luna’s horn flashed, and the group – standing or not – collapsed unconscious. Soft sounds of four snoring warriors followed, along with two wheezing – but still sleeping – groans.

General Thorn Bush, dazed, gawked at the sight. Her men on the floor, the Princess’s standing over them, panting – betrayed by their own subjects.

And just like that, before the group could recover from what happened – sixteen gold clad guards rushed down the hall, weapons in mouth or magical grasp. They darted around the four, looking for the commotion.

They didn’t even need an order, and six pairs of shackles slapped onto hooves. Armored helms were wenched from their unconscious heads, Luna speaking first.

“Bring them to the dungeon for questioning. Either they’re turncoats, or they’re infiltrators.” She stated bluntly, feathers all afluff.

“Princess Celestia, I…” Thorn Bush began, as if to apologize – but gold clad hoof from the Alicorn in question silenced her.

“It’s all right, Thorn. It’s not the first time, and it wont certainly be the last. This just proves how dire the situation really is. From now on, my Sister and I will only receive escorts from Royal Guards and our Knights. An attempt like this was either disorganized – which is unlikely – or a warning of what’s to come.” Celestia nodded, as the guards began to haul the unconscious traitors down the hall, leaving her in the company of two Royal Guards – awaiting orders.

“You two – your duty is to spread the word of potential turncoats among the Soldiers.” Celestia used her magic to quickly collect the notes on the floor, circling the pictures in her magic until she found the Crest of Alma Sol as graffiti.

“This is the mark of our enemy. Separate the soldiers as individuals, and interrogate them. Search their belongings. A leader is intelligent, but the group following tend to falter on their plans. It’s likely that at least one or two may break, or have left evidence behind. Have the guards also check the siege equipment for tampering. We’re now on damage control. Anypony you might expect to have less than good intentions, bring to the dungeon for questioning.” The picture was pressed into the frog of the pegasi Guard – Arin could swear this was Fizzle Wing – as he gave a curt nod.

“Yes your Majesty.” He bowed, as the duo darted down the hall. Celestia’s eyes soon turned to Thorn Bush.

“As for you, General, any preparations you’ve made are at risk. You should set your Commanders to start scouring for these same signs as well; focus on Soldiers who are typically reserves. Those who spend more time in public have more openings for interception of a nasty sort. Even if you fortified every wall, it’s likely that their integrity is at stake. Meet me in the War Room at six o’clock sharp. We’ll move on to strategy once we weed out the traitors.” Another nod from the Sunlight Princess, and Thorn Bush – still blindsided – bowed, before flying off on a flurry of wings

“Princess, be honest. How dire is it?” Vapor Cloud asked, stepping up by her side. “The uh… traitor situation, I mean.”

“Now that we know? Not horrible.” Her conversation came to a pause, as they began up the central stairway of the living quarters. To where, Arin wasn’t sure – until he saw the oh-so-familiar Garden closing in. “I’m assuming you felt it, my Knight. The sense that you’re being watched? When would-be assassins are that close, you just… notice this sense of dread.”

Vapor nodded.

“I actually wasn’t sure of it until I saw your ear flick twice. I just felt uneasy, but I didn’t want to interrupt your meeting with the General.” Vapor gave a half hearted chuckle.

“You’re trained to feel that way. On edge. Arin spotted it, too – when he touched Nocturne, I knew I had to check. You two work splendidly together – no orders needed, no cowardice. I’ve had Knights before who look wonderful on paper, but are little more than a mascot. It’s like you two are brothers already.” She smiled, giving a small laugh.

Turning into Luna’s Garden, Celestia’s head began to sag, breathing out a sigh of relief. Luna soon joined her, letting the tension deescalate for the moment. Vapor found Celestia’s blanket from the small toolshed nearby, lazily unrolling it against the grass. And with that, the two Princesses collapsed.

“Today has been much too exciting for Us.” Luna said, using a wing to invite Arin over. He quietly joined her, but didn’t say much beyond that. “And for our Knight as well. Though perhaps more… traumatizing than one could expect. Let us relax and keep spirits high.”

He nodded. “I feel… hollow. Backstabbed. And… just. Everything. I just… it’s like the rug has been ripped out from under me. You know? And… I killed a man today. I took my first life, beyond just… hunting or sustaining myself. It was a real, sentient person, with hopes or wants and aspirations. Sure, I was protecting you, and I was protecting myself. But…”

“But you did what the had to do, brave knight.” Luna nodded. “And perhaps the truth was too much to handle for the moment. But We asssume it had to be done. If not now, when?”

Celestia looked to Arin with sorrow, reaching a hoof out to hold his hand. “I am sorry, Arin. But I should have known better from the start. I was so dead set at looking for magic, that I didn’t see something so simple as a memory charm. It’s my fault. I could have prevented so much of this if I had just… been more thorough. Will you forgive me?”

The calm look on her face, the legitimate pain she gave off… he nodded. “You’re still my friend, through and through to the end. I’ll always forgive you, Celestia.”

A genuine smile slowly formed on his lips, overcoming the emotions within him. The past is the past, and it’s time to move on.

Speaking of the past…

“I leave for a week or two, and you’re over here being sappy with Celestia without me?” A familiar, teasing chortle from the bushes caused the group to nearly jump out of their skin, as none other than Honey Rose appeared from the fauna. The second best mare in the world to keep morale high, right behind Pinkie Pie, of course.

“Honey – what! How?! Who?” Arin yelped, clutching his heart in his chest.

“Yes, me! What – maybe! How! The front door! Who! Me again! C’mon Arin, I have a permit to be here and everything, Celestia signed off on it. Remember?” She proudly withdrew a note from her satchel, presenting it to the group. Luna took it in her magic, confused.

“This just reads ‘I can do what I want’, signed by… you.” She said, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

“And it works every time! The guards at the gate know me, anyway, so they just let me in without bothering to check anything. Well, until now – now they actually look in my bags for illegal sponges. Anyways! Arin, bestest buddy, ol’ friend ol’ pal – I need a favor from you. Er… well, more like Celestia.” Honey smiled, tapping her from hooves together. “But it’s easier to ask you, then you ask the Princess. ‘Kay?”

“I’m right here, Honey, but please, ask Arin. I’ll need at least two voices to consider it.” Celestia giggled softly, waving a hoof at the young mare’s antics.

“Neat! Okay, Arin. I uh, don’t have family in any other town. Kinda the last of the Roses, y’know? Think I can crash here, eat your food, steal your blankets? I also want to be here for the big fight! Who else is gonna drag you around when your legs give out again?”

Arin chuckled at just how rough she could be, but a pang of guilt soon followed. Last of her line, huh? He knows how that felt.

“I’d love for you to stay, if Celestia can agree?” Arin asked, grabbing Honey by the chest and pulling her in for a hug. She squeed like rubber ducky, squeezing him tight.

“Well…” Celestia began, bringing a hoof to her chin in thought.

“Pleeeaase?” Honey asked, giving her the giant saucer eyes only the most innocent of ponies could produce. Arin laughed, trying his best to imitate her.

“Oh please Princess? Can we keep her?” He chuckled, his mood recovering with her help.

“Hey! I’m not the puppy here, you’re like a puppy to me, cutie! Don’t start this! I will win!” She bumped his nose with a hoof, forcing a laugh from the ‘cute’ Seraph.

“Well, I guess she could stay in a guest bedroom. If she can behave herself.”