A Pierced Heart

Chapter 19: She Saved a Wretch Like Me

“Okay, been a while since I’ve done any magic,” Pokey announced, both to the group around him and the small mirror he had been given. “Are you sure this won’t make things worse? Meeting the Princess in disguise?” the changeling asked, turning his head to look at each of the Elements of Harmony in turn.

“If you’re not comfortable with it, we could always ask Celestia to come here,” Twilight offered with a smile.

“No, no, I think it would be best to do this in Canterlot. Okay.” Pokey looked at the mirror again and focused his magic, concentrating on the form he was so familiar with. A green flame lapped around his legs and slowly cascaded upwards. As it proceeded, bits of fire stuck to his carapace and turned into bits of blue fur. When the flame reached over his face and stopped at his horn he gave a small gasp before cutting off the magic.

His horn was slightly short than it usually was, but was still quite sharp. Pokey smiled at the whites of his eyes. “Perfect,” he announced.

“Just one more thing,” Rarity added.

“What’s that?” the blue unicorn asked.

Rarity lifted up a small white bowtie with her magic and floated it over to Pokey’s neck. Twisting the laces together, the white mare tied off the accessory.

“Ah, that,” Pokey chuckled.

“Alright,” Rainbow Dash announced, “he’s got his face on, and it only took him five seconds; that’s a record by your standards Rarity!”

The fashionista huffed and stood up, wobbling on her hooves before walking to the door. She breathed heavily and braced herself against the wall. A fore hoof reached over her stomach as she continued to breath. Fluttershy walked over and supported her with an extended wing before Rarity took a deep breath.

“I do hope that there is a food trolley on the train to canterlot,” the white mare chuckled.

*****

Pokey looked around nervously over the grand hall. On his right was Rarity, both of them were leaning into each other for support. On his left was Sweetie Belle. Leading the group were Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash. The purple unicorn occasionally looked back and smiled at the two lovers. The cyan pegasus looked back a few times, always making eye contact with Pokey. Rainbow Dash’s eyes would narrow before her lips curved slightly upward and her head inclined in a sign of mutual understanding.

Behind Pokey were the rest of the Elements of Harmony. On the outside of the group, a dozen feet away at any point, were several Royal Guards, each with a neutral expression.

When the group stepped into the throne room Pokey set his eyes on Celestia. She was sitting regally upon her throne casually sipping at a cup of what he imagines would be tea. Off to the side were Princess Cadence and Shining Armor. The Pink Alicorns stomach was distended from being in her ninth month of pregnancy, another eight weeks at most and she would give birth.

Shining Armor gave a once over of Pokey and Rarity before glancing at Twilight. He gave a nod similar to the one Dash had repeatedly given to Pokey.

On the opposite side of the throne room Prince Blueblood was wrapped up in a jacket and standing stiffly. He kept a neutral expression on his face even as Ditzy Doo was nuzzling under his chin. Out from behind the couple Dinky stepped out and scanned the area. When the grey unicorn filly saw Twilight she ran out onto the carpet.

“Twilight!” Dinky called as the purple mare lowered herself to the ground.

“Hi Dinky! How are you?” the Element of Magic rubbed her nose on the filly’s.

“Good,” the blonde-maned filly replied, rocking on her hooves slightly. “The library here is really big, and the librarian lets me help with sorting through the books sometimes!”

“That’s good to hear Dinky.” Twilight looked up at the filly’s mother who was giving an approving smile. “Now, go sit with Ditzy, I have to talk with the Princess.”

With a quick nod the foal ran back to Ditzy and Blueblood. The Prince whispered into Ditzy’s ear and the three walked out of the room by way of a side hall.

When the group reached the base of Celestia’s throne each pony, and the single changeling, bowed. Celestia stood up and walked down to Pokey.

“Am I correct in assuming that you are Pokey Pierce?” Celestia inquired.

“Yes your Highness,” Pokey responded.

“And I am to understand that you are in fact a changeling?”

“Yes.”

“And that you have lived in Ponyville for most of your life?”

“Yes.”

“And all this time you did all you could to keep your true identity a secret?”

“Yes.” Pokey audibly gulped.

“And deceived all my subjects therein, including my personal student, and her close friend Rarity?” Celestia questioned

“Yes,” Pokey whimpered.

“And despite all this, you and Rarity still love each other?” Princess Celestia turned her head to Rarity who looked up at the princess.

“Yes,” Pokey and Rarity answered simultaneously.

“Then I ask just one thing of both of you: take care of eachother, and cherish one another dearly.” The monarch smiled and stepped back up to her throne. “Oh, and there’s no need to bow, we’re all friends here,” Celestia chuckled.

The group stood and Pinkie looked between Twilight and Princess Celestia, a pleading glisten in her eyes. Twilight looked at the solar princess who simply nodded. Twilight turned to the pink party pony and nodded.

“YAY!” Pinkie shouted, throwing two balls up into the air. They exploded into two clouds of confetti. one cloud was all white and purple, the other blue and grey. As they floated downwards on the couple the colors mixed and intertwined.