A splitting pain erupted from Arin’s back, as his hand snapped for Nocturne. Without a moment to spare, he slammed the blade hard enough into the spear to shake it from Leotoln’s hands, and impale the weapon in the side of Celestia’s throne. And just like that, he was on his feet again. Pain shooting through his core, as the blood pooling from his grievous wound – stopped.

He sliced for Leotoln’s stomach, cutting through it in a heavy, freezing gash. Bloody ice spilled onto the floor as he took a page from Vapor Cloud’s book – and kicked him hard in the chest, knocking the massive Seraph away with a surge of dominating strength.

He was as light as a feather, and felt the beat of wind behind him. Wings. He had wings now. He… Ascended. And his hands… they glowed. Magic. He never felt magic so potent flowing through his body, like ever nerve ending burned and reforged within him in surging light. His muscles stiffened and tensed, blood boiling in his veins as he felt his brain sear with power.

His power surged within him, and a memory came to his mind. Of the very first thing he learned of magic, on his arrival. Healing magic. To grasp at it, pluck it and mend one’s body - he felt as if he could do that now. He didn’t know much about healing magic, or magic in general – save what Luna had taught him – but he felt like he had the power to rival the fiercest of foes, or move mountains. But he didn’t want that. He wanted his Luna, he wanted her alive. And the spiraling energy rippling within him in waves urged his hand.

His palm drifted into the air, a delicate silver light flowing over her broken form. Like the bells of a Church, the magic rang through her body - bones snapping with ferocious intensity into place, the thin gushes of blood from her blue fur coming to a coarse halt. It was a rough, brute force process - perhaps from his lack of medical knowledge - but her body rose to its hooves. Her eyes snapped open, stumbling from the pain.

"A-Arin?!" She nearly cried, woozy - but alive once more. She looked over her rent armor, the blackened steel cracking as her skeleton shifted back into place. Snapping the leather binds that kept the now caved metal in place.

“A Knight must protect his charge.” He winked. “Sorry if I was a bit slow learning that.”

The Seraphs behind Leotoln began to falter, at the realization of what just happened. An Inert just came back from the dead, and not only that - like a myth - ascended before their very eyes. And in one attack, nearly killed their demented King. Clutching the frostbitten gash in his stomach, the enraged Leotoln laughed. A spiteful, howling echo that rumbled down the halls.

“Oh woe is me, to have such persistent foes! Fine then – if death is not enough, then torture will suffice. Men, kill the spares – I’ll handle the boy personally.”

But not a soul moved at his order. An uncomfortable silence fell, as all eyes fell on the newly Ascended. This gave Arin his chance to speak.

“You claim to be my father. The king. Then you forget one important thing, your Highness. That would make me your son, and Prince. And as Prince, I challenge your right to the throne.” Arin proclaimed, swinging Nocturne as if by second nature. And it really was second nature, as the searing neurons in his brain fused at the surging magic's bidding. He felt like he experienced the world in slow motion, even the very air around him sensitive to his touch.

“Oh! What is this – a back bone? I pity you, Son. Men, dispose of this treasonous race traitor. And where are my mages? Your King is injured, and demands aid!"

Again, nothing. The armor clad warriors began to step back, lowering their blades without a word between them. Even his Generals didn’t come to his side, as they parted to the edges of the throne room. Giving the two a wide berth. If there was one thing about Seraph culture that held true, it was that the strongest were best suited to lead. And the newly Ascended had every right to challenge his Father to the throne.

“Fine then! Cowards, all of ye. Aye, we’ll fight. Then, I’ll use your pretty princess as a rug in my new study, once I’m done beating the blood out of her.”

Luna spoke quietly, to her remaining soldiers, the shock of the last few minutes wearing off. Only two words came of it – “Make room.” And the stallions, beaten, broken, and bloody – did.

And space was made. The Seraphs lined the walls of the Throne Room, as Leotoln fetched the spear from Celestia’s throne. Arin calmly hovered in place with the steady beat of his wings, readjusting the straps to Sonata around his new pinions.

“Son. I’ll only give you this piece of advice. What I’m about to do to ye I’ve never done to any man, child, or women. I’m going to dismember ye by the piece and use your limbs as arms and legs for my new throne. That’s not even a threat anymore – it’s a promise.” Leotoln spat, his sliced belly unable to heal away the dead, frozen skin. He hardly cared - as far as he was concerned, he was staring at a dead man.

“You’ve got a lot of broken promises, I bet. What’s one more going to do, Dad?” Arin replied, touching down onto the ground. His now silvery eyes locked onto Leotoln’s, muscles tensing as a faint gleam encompassed Nocturne. It pulsed with a font of magic, the dim sapphire now a blazing blue.

They were no more than a dozen hooves apart, before the bloodied king charged forward with blinding speed and a beat of his damaged wings. The tip of the spear centered on Arin’s head. Arin ducked to the side, spinning a retaliatory strike at Leotoln’s exposed legs. But before Nocturne could cut all the way through, Leotoln’s wings beat again – carrying him over the newly Ascended. The fresh gash settling deep, freezing away the skin with Nocturne’s powerful enchantments.

A ray of Harmonious Light punctured forth from the tip of Leotoln’s spear, the Crystal Heart whirring with power. This was Arin's first mistake - he didn't dodge. He took the overwhelming blast of energy across his whole body, sizzling his armor and melting his flesh as his hands went to protect his eyes. The pain began to ease, his already churning magic boiling over as Harmony spilled directly into his body. His very chest felt fit to burst into flames, magical ember carrying the brunt of the harmonious energy within.

He gasped, stumbling back as wafts of energy poured from his body. Instantly, the wounds caused by the radiant attack healed, not even a scar left of the once burned flesh. He looked to his burning chest, seeing the white light pouring from his core. He... absorbed it. The light of Harmony shone brightly within his chest, his wings glowing with magical power.

Arin didn’t need to charge forward now. He felt the world around him itching at his skin – the magic boiling within him seeking freedom. He took a step, and it felt like the mountain he settled on bowed at his newfound strength.

Leotoln’s attacks lost their rhythm, as they became more aggressive – the berserk Seraph swinging the heavy spear to cleave Arin in two. But to Arin, it was such a slow and clumsy attack - the world moving at his whim, a snail's pace compared to his racing heart. His hand carelessly knocked the spear to the side with a flash of blinding light, before his other arm darted the now magic engulfed Nocturne into Leotoln’s exposed stomach.

The power that erupted within sent the King flying – crashing hard enough into a pillar to shatter it to pieces, clutching the gaping wound where his bowels once lay.

The enchantment of the sword left his entire stomach frozen over, impossible to heal – but also prevented his blood from spilling for this dire moment. Leotoln used the haft of his spear to make it to his feet, wings bent and feathers falling from the devastating, Harmony infused blow.

“This isn’t over. I wont die here, not to you. NOT TO YOU! YOU ARE NOT WORTHY TO BE MY SON!”

Leotoln grabbed the haft in both hands, channeling his magic further into the Crystal Heart. Intensifying the overwhelming magic within, he aimed the tip directly at Arin.

Arin, on the other hand, sheathed Nocturne. Watching the light boil within the Crystal Heart with curiosity, an orb forming at the tip of the spear's blade – before exploding into a funnel of magical power aimed directly at him. He couldn't absorb this - even now, he felt his chest fit to burst with overwhelming intensity.

He stooped down low, gently withdrawing Sonata into his hands. Crouching, the Seraph beat his wings high into the Throne Room with a mighty leap – whirling until all feathers engulfed the air, taking aim with the magic-gleaming bow. He had no arrows - but what he lacked for in feathered shafts, he made up for in massive amounts of harmonious magic. The throne and back wall vanished in a wave of pearly Harmony, flecked with orange sparks of Leotoln’s power. The mad King missed.

When he drew at the string of Sonata, that same Harmony magic he stole from the Crystal Heart formed into the shape of a radiant arrow, his eyes locking to a single point in space. His eyes narrowed at the massive, crooked heart hammering in Leotoln’s chest.

Breath in. And release.

The thread of light formed between him and his target, piercing through Leotoln's chest in a silvery bullet. Bullseye.

A perfect, six inch hole formed all the way through Leotoln’s torso – where his heart once was. The spear fell from his hands, Crystal Heart bouncing free of the steel of the haft and fitting. Leotoln pressed his hand to his missing heart, and feeling it go right through, he looked to his army. His men. His soldiers.

“Healer… mage… help…” He gasped, lungs unable to steal another breath of air. Not a single one of his powerful medics came to his aid, as his body began to crack under the magical pressure. In seconds, he was undone – his body exploding into stone across the Throne Room floor.

Arin’s wings let him gently glide to the ground, Sonata falling from his hands as he clutched at his chest. The magic within him continued to boil and concentrate, now pure magma in his core. The light penetrated through his dragon scale vest, and with no outlet – he felt he was sure to die. He needed an outlet. He needed to release the Harmony inside of him back into the world.

Immediately, Luna came to his aid – and knew just what to do. Taking hold of the now freed Crystal Heart, she placed it in his hands. The excess magic burning within pumped into the massive jewel, as a wave of his aura singed the world in a glorious light.

Healing magic. Potent, powerful, healing magic – burning away the remnants of Leotoln’s stony body with harmony as he held it above his head. Like a trophy that soothed the world, restoring the order through Harmony.

Wounds began to close and knit around them, as flames dwindled and died. Vapor Cloud gasped for breath, making it to his hooves; he cracked his jaw back into place, coughing away the blood in his lungs. The freshest bodies around them began to stir and gasp, cries of pain soon to be silenced a comforting notion. Only those beyond saving remained downed; blood dried and spirit long gone, it would be a memorial to the battle held here. The magic even went as far as to restore a certain guard's missing leg - much to Honey Rose's shock.

And there, in the center of the entryway – a black shadow began to take shape, the form of Umbra settling in its place. The shadows rolled away, as her horn returned to a normal spike, no longer corrupted by darkness. The Umbrum presence driven back, leaving her a living, breathing pony. Her eyes snapped open, and she felt… different. Free. The magic of harmony bringing order to her soul, and cleansing her of the Umbrum's taint - it even gave her a new body.

But no amount of healing magic could bring back his first friend, who watched hopelessly from her new prison. Unable to see the battle, to watch this conflict end… Celestia began to cry. Alone. Tears freezing in the bitter, chilly winds of the Lunar Realm.

Over the course of an hour, Arin’s magic levels began to stabilize, as his eyes shifted back to a softer, more tame golden color. A positive change from the soft brown, for sure. His senses returned to normal, and his brain fizzling into place as he held the Crystal Heart to his chest. He felt a bit sick; as if every fiber of his being just went through their own version of puberty.

“I don’t know what came over me… I felt like I was possessed.” He talked quietly to Luna, resting on the ground in a circle. Before him sat the remaining Generals of the Seraphs, who hailed him as King. The one of the left, an elderly one by the name of General Unther, explained everything about the process of Ascending in detail. They hadn’t moved far – to a clear spot of the Throne Room – but the shift of the mood was brilliant. Seraphs and ponies, working together to help clean up the mess…

“When a Seraph first ascends, their magic spikes to roughly three times their expected strength. This occurs as the magic is taking hold, and burns powerful connections to your body and mind – allowing the instinct for wings and flight to develop, along with some natural magical abilities, if the ascended is lucky enough to have wings and magic both. It... well, it has only occurred in Cherubs, so seeing an Inert Ascend... it's a new feat in its own right.”

“So the healing magic…” Arin questioned, holding Luna’s hoof tightly. His thumb ran over her pristine fur, and her wing wrapped around his back – his own pinions doing much the same for her.

“It’s essentially what your magic excels at. It’s a rarity among Seraphs to develop Restoration powers as their primary school, as we believe it to be a reflection of one's being. White Mages are among the most rare and sought after, as the more powerful ones can even undo death itself. Only the kindest of Seraphs can become a White Mage, and thus - it's a rarity.” He explained thoughtfully, resting his hand over his knee, white wings tucked beneath his red cloak.

“I see. What about my other skills?”

“Any skills you had were essentially amplified by the magical surge; this is permanent. A talented youngster at fencing may become a Grandmaster a few years after they ascend, as the magic essentially amplifies your entire being. So if you were a blacksmith Enchanter, you’d have the instinct for it now, and you’d find it comes as naturally as breathing. At least, that’s the theory in motion. Our doctors have done as much as possible to study the brain – from memories to nightmares, and this is the only conclusion we can draw. This... well, it's usually not beneficial for Cherubs, as they are often so young. But for an Inert, even a former low class one like yourself... any skill you've practiced would have doubled in efficiency, at the very least. I'm positive you wont be a natural Master of any skill, but you'll definitely pick up on anything you've learned the basics of much, much faster.”

Arin thought quietly to himself, Luna’s reassuring squeezes all he needed to keep his mind in place.

“Alright, and one last question…” The newly Ascended asked, “Why is my magic so powerful?”

At that, the General was lost. “It's powerful now, but you're still untrained - thus lacking magical endurance. Freshly Ascended Seraphs are typically at their peak for a while, which is why you could so easily best Leotoln - he was your father, after all. By all means, it makes little sense. Even as your magic dims, you would still likely be more powerful than Leotoln. And you’re young – Seraph magic grows with age. We have little in the way of science to determine what causes Seraph magic to be powerful or not. But there's a theory that training, especially at a young age with other students - can improve a Seraph's magical prowess.”

“We know why.” Luna said, after the General gave his statement. “But, it is not for me to tell you, Arin. My Sister would be best for this.”

Arin nodded his head, as a Seraph approached.

“My Liege, the mages have constructed the portal gate back to Alma Sol. With your power, all troops – excluding the dead, and our airships – would be able to return home, if we make haste. Will you be joining us?”

Arin hesitated, as Luna’s hoof squeezed his palm. He felt a heavy weight in his heart, as he knew it was his time to go. He had discussed it already with Luna. His people needed a leader, one with friendship in their heart. If not – what would become of them? Who would show them what friendship is? Who would stop wars?

The Seraph general saw Arin’s hesitation. And though he was newly found King, Unther was still an advisor to the Crown.

“King Arin?” He said, as the group made it to their feet and hooves. Unther offered Arin his hand, who softly shook it.

“Yes, General?” He said to the older Seraph.

“I think you’re needed here now, more than ever. There are many noble houses in Alma Sol and beyond that would be fit to lead our people. But, there’s one group in particular that’s deserving of the Throne. If you would only make the decree. You see, there are still late descendants of the royal blood of Fallen Ravens in our world. With the news of Leotoln’s demise, if his heir took the throne – it would not quell hostilities with the Twin Spears of the South. I have contacts that could find the Ravens lost – and bring the true blood home, to Alma Sol. Of course, you would be needed to pass the crown to them, but… it could prevent further bloodshed.”

Arin hesitated. The Ravens were a kind people, of dark wings but wise words. Passing the crown back to their blood would immediately ease tensions between the Far Reaches and the Twin Spears. But they would be descendants of the old blood – their children’s children. Would those lessons of old still hold true to heart? Would they still be the kinder Kings and Queens?

Unther continued, lifting his marred helmet to let his thin, wiry gray hair breath. “I can assure you, my Liege. I was once friends with Prince Storik, before Leotoln’s reign. Many of the Seraphs here, and home – they followed Leotoln’s orders not out of loyalty, but fear. It is seen as tradition that only the strongest may lead, and at least for now - you've proven that. You could bring peace back to the Far Reaches, and after a season or three, our mages could return you here – on good terms, and with the proper blood in power. That is, if there are none to contest your rule.”

Luna gently took his hand in her hoof, giving him a reassuring smile. “If you can trust these Ravens, Arin… I am still in need of a Knight. It will give Us time to undo the banishment on Our sister.”

His hand ran across her cheek, warmth fluttering in his heart. “Very well. I’m not a leader, not yet – or by any means. But I’ll bring peace to the Far Reaches and return here, to be with my Princess. If Celestia is still banished when I return, I'll stay by your side until we can free her."

“And I will join you.” An all too familiar voice appeared by the side – not from the shadows this time, no. Simply no one noticed her quietly reappear, her gray hooves oh so quiet on the carpet. Now free of her armor, she looked to be an entirely normal pony. Albeit missing one key detail. She… didn’t have a cutiemark.

“Umbra, are you sure?” Arin began, “You’re finally free. A mare no longer bound by a curse. You could do anything in the world, if you wanted to.”

“And I have chosen what I’d like to do. Say, Arin… do you not have a Knight to guard you?” She gave a fangless smile, much more befitting of the now kind dark mare.

He looked to his new generals, who shrugged. “Your word is law, your Majesty. If you need a Knight to guard you, then you may claim her if you wish."

“Well, if you’d like to take the job… though I could only pay you in Gold Talons.” He laughed. “Talons! I haven’t touched those in months. But… knowing how expensive War is, I don’t think we’d have many of those left, huh, General Unther?”

“You’d be quite mistaken, my Liege. You see, Leotoln was always of the war mindset… thus the treasury is nearly overflowing with gold and platinum, even after our war investments.” The red caped Seraph said. “Enough to feed the people ten times over and then some, if you should so choose.”

“Ten times over?… Well, I do believe this war – no, this invasion was unnecessary. These ponies are kind, and have taught me much while I’ve been here. I believe it only fair that we return the favor with a few reparations for the damages and loss of life. That would only be the most honorable solution, wouldn’t you agree, Princess Luna?”

Luna blinked, stuttering at his reply. She forgot that she was the one in charge at the moment – she was so used to her Sister taking the lead in things. “I-I… We… yes! But of course. We shall look into the total damages, and – if a method of communication can be established – shall send Thee the bill?”

He looked to his gathered generals, who nodded and agreed.

“I’ll have my remaining scouts move our Telecommunicator to Canterlot, my liege – and give proper ownership of the remaining Seraph Warships to the Equestrians. Of course, when word spreads of your rights to the throne, there may be opposition to that claim. There are still Leotoln loyals among the men, especially some of the more distant scouts – a small platoon may be needed here to seize control of those camps once more.”

“Very well. Let’s leave loyal Wings here to work with the Equestrians to establish communication. Maybe one day in the distant future, we’ll be able to even set up a trade network – the food in Equestria is amazing, if I do say so myself. General Terrin and General Soari – I’m trusting you to help bring this plan to action. Once communications are established, all Soldiers may return home. Standard Portal Gates can only be used once every other fortnight, after all.” Arin said smartly. He felt so much more confident in his words, the magic having done wonders for his diplomacy skills. Once he adjusted, he may lose this ability - it was all up to chance. So best to abuse it while he still could.

He turned back to Luna, seizing her by the hooves and pulling her in for a soft kiss. She gave an adorable, surprised squeak – instantly returning that embrace with affection. General Unther was quite amused, stroking over his beard.

“Ah, young love. Well, on one end, I guess.” He chuckled. Going to gather the remaining soldiers together, General Unther left them at peace.

“I’ll be back before you know it, Luna.” He smiled, his heart warming to her touch. “And we’ll be able to save your Sister, I promise. If you don't beat me to it, that is.”

Luna sniffled, nodding. “Tis a terrible fate, trapped within that endless prison… Perhaps the Far Reach’s Mages have the key to free her. After all, your Generals confirmed that Leotoln helped aid Nightmare Moon in her release, through manipulation of Stellar Magics beyond Our knowledge.”

He smiled, confidence surging. “I’ll have them send the first letter with their methods, directly to you and Twilight. But now, I must go. Spread the news of what happened here, Luna. Of the peace and gifts we bring. I will bring those who broke the laws of war to trial among my men, and some shelter may be found for the victims here. It will hopefully clear our name from the matter, at least in the long term. And if anything… blame Leotoln for every misdeed. I think that worked with the Storm King, right?”

She nodded, wiping away her tears. Luna stole another brief kiss, Umbra rolling her eyes before her magic began to gently tug at Arin’s collar. When that didn’t work, she gave a firm yank – pulling him away. The moonlight Princess catching the Crystal Heart in her magic, before it could clatter to the floor.

“Come along, Arin. Or I will bring Luna with us, to save time. Your magic is stifling as we speak.” Umbra smiled, Luna following along by Arin’s side as the gray unicorn led them through the entry hall. They made their way down the now (mostly) clean Castle, the broken barricades chucked into the front lawn to be carted away by cleanup crews. The majority of losses were on the Seraph’s side, as their reckless strategy put them the most at risk – with a low death count for the ponies gathered. Most of their deaths came at the final push, and was undone by Arin’s magic.

Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie gave half hearted cheers as the Seraphs gathered in a massive chalk ring in the front gardens, Twilight sitting sadly between her friends. Crestfallen at the loss of her teacher, however temporary. Her knight, Ice Lance, gently held her in his hooves, calm words undoubtedly being spoken. Umbra gave them a quiet nod as she passed, standing in the circle next to – rightly confused – Seraphs.

Arin approached the sobbing Princess, who perked up at his appearance.

“Thank you, Twilight. In the end, regardless of the outcome – without you and your friends, all of Equestria would have been lost. The Mages - er... I mean, my mages will work tirelessly to free Celestia from the moon, and one day soon, I’ll return. Not as a King, but as a Knight to stand by Luna’s side once more.” He smiled, offering her a hand to shake.

She gingerly reached up, taking it. With that, he yanked her out of Ice Lance’s tired hooves, giving her a firm hug. Sniffling, she began to bawl her eyes out.

“C’mon Twilight! He’s a King now! We’ll get Celestia out in no time, and we saved like, all of Ponyville!” Rainbow Dash clapped a hoof against her back. “You should be kneeling or something. Aren’t Kings kinda above Princesses?”

“Of course not, Dashie! Hasbro didn’t want humans to think Celestia was evil, so they made Lauren Faust remake her as a Princess!” Pinkie Pie chirped, before covering her mouth with her own hoof.

Rainbow Dash just shrugged. “Next you’re gonna tell me we’re part of a kids show again, huh Pinkie?”

“No, this time we’re in a fanfic. It’s okay at best, but definitely has like, a million issues with it. But hey! You get to self insert yourself in Arin’s place, I guess, which is always fun.” She waved her hoof dismissively, the group around her rolling their eyes at her silly antics. Hey! They’re not THAT silly. Yes they are. They’re not! If you want silly, go back to Chapter 14 when I first saw Arin in person! Stop doing that!

Please ignore that last paragraph.

Arin stepped towards the chalk circle, two robed Mages on either side of him, now stripped of their magic smothering heavy plate armor. They were much more confident now, that they were free of their war attire.

“Now, I’ve never done this before…” Arin said, and the mage to his left nodded.

“The majority of the work is done. All you must do now, is raise your hands and channel power into the runes. We will do it together. On your call, my Liege.” A reassuring female voice spoke to him from beneath her hood. He instantly recognized that voice, the same mage from Alma Sol who touched his mind oh so long ago. He felt unnerved, but quickly put it away when he realized that she was on his side now.

He looked to Luna, giving her a sad farewell nod, and four important words.

“I love you, Luna.”

“And I you, Arin.”

See! Total self insert material, right there! Just edit Arin’s name to whatever you want, and-

Pinkie Pie suddenly decided to go to sleep! Shocking.

Summoning the magic within him, Arin raised his hands to his soldiers – the mages doing the same as a wave of power shook the world. With a crack and a burst of wind, the survivors of the war vanished without a trace. The mages jumped into the swirling portal after them, as Arin turned to give one last look to Canterlot, and his love. A flash of light blinded the gathered ponies, wind whipping around them in howling blasts.

And when the dust settled, the Seraphs - and their king - were gone.

Author's Note

If you're reading this far, thank you for joining me on this "test run" of story writing. It's my first full fledged story, published as a project and created mostly over the span of... 12-15 days (half a month just about, excluding hiatus.)

The sequel, Verve, is nearly complete! I'm working on Chapter 63 right now (yes, Chapter 63, you read that correctly) and I have at least 10 main chapters left to write, 1-15 "ending" chapters, and a few alternative endings. I'm also currently proofreading the first 62 chapters to bring them up to date and whittle away the worst of the errors. I may also update Inertia with a bit of epilogue, stretching into the intro of Verve.

Keep track of my progress by following me and reading my blog posts~

Stay tuned! This little note was posted September 10th, 2021.
- Pumpkin Spice