He stands in front of her. Surrounded by her sisters, her counterparts, they all look identical. They are all Arnval-type Shinkis, afterall.
But only one of them is Ann.
Rihito doesn't hesitate or think twice. His hand reaches out, and grasps Ann, and he lifts her to his shoulder.
He doesn't know which one is her. Using his head, he can't tell the difference. He can't explain just how or why he choose that specific Arnval. But his heart knows: this is his Shinki.
The bond between Shinki and Master is not one way.
Note: It's funny, sometimes, how inspiration strikes. A little scene from Episode 6 of a simple little series.
I think the universe is telling me to set aside war for a moment. :3