Rocky Road

[Pacifist]

Another beautiful, touching story. I always enjoy reading them.

Thankies! I enjoy writing them.

[Pacifist]

Little bits of snow fell outside the window onto the whiteness that blanketed the backdoor patio. Thankfully, we were safe from the bitter cold outside because of the gently crackling fire inside. However, even its warmth paled in comparison to the two ponies that I was snuggling. Their breath on my cheeks made me a little flustered.

I ran my hands through their manes, and gave them both a peck on the lips. Such lovely horses, Tempest and Maud. I loved them so much, and going by their serene expressions, they loved me. We simply were, and that made us quite happy.

But I did have a surprise. "...Look, I know we aren't supposed to get each other gifts-"

Tempest sighed. "But you did anyways."

"Look, just this once. This is the first Christmas for the three of us as a little family, y'know. I just wanted to get you two a little something." I explained, stroking Maud's muzzle, then Tempest's.

Tempest shook her head, but smiled. "Fine. What did you get?"

I smiled and walked over to the tree we had set up, a small plastic one sitting on a box covered in a small white sheet. I lifted the sheet and opened the box, revealing two smaller boxes inside it. I picked them up, and returned to my loves. First, I handed one two Maud.

She opened the box, and saw what was inside: A necklace, with the key decoration being a geode, plain gray rock on the outside and sparkling purple gemstones inside. Maud's eyes widened a little, and she looked up at me. I could see a little smile, and she gave me a peck on the lips. "Thank you." She said. I stroked her mane, and gave her a little kissie right back.

"Okay, Tempy, your turn." I said.

Tempest rolled her eyes, and opened her box, revealing... Another box, this one made of metal, polished to a shine, with 'Tempest Shadow' engraved in stencil upon the top. Tempest blinked, and opened the box.

Her breath caught in her throat, her eyes wavered as she brought a hoof to her lips. Inside the box was a metal cone with a further open extension of a clear plastic.

It was an artificial horn.

"May have cost a pretty penny, and I might have gotten the measurements when you were sleeping. They said it would take a long time to master, anywhere from a few months to a year, but once you do you should be able to use telekinesis again, and after that I could get you a spell book to practice with." I said.

Tempest stared at me, mouth agape. Her eyes watered, and in an instant she was on me, kissing me passionately as the tears streamed down her cheeks. I returned her kisses as I stroked my hands down her back. She sobbed as she held me tight. "I... I cannot even begin to... Th-thank you, thank you so much..."

I held both of my lovers close. This certainly would be a Christmas we'd remember for a long time to come.

[Gentian]

Didn't you mention wanting to get her a geode before? And now you have, I bet she loves it! Tempest got a lovely gift too. With what she's already capable of, just imagine when she'll be able to do when she masters her new horn. Sounds like the kind of Christmas your girls will be talking about for a long time to come.

[Pacifist]

That I was up that early was a sign of something. Here I was, up at 5.

Tempest was already up, making coffee, getting ready for work. She looked at me surprised. "I thought you would still be sleeping."

"It's nothing, I think the gas problem is back. I'm just going to take some antacid and wait it out." I said.

"The think from a few days ago?" Tempest asked.

"Yeah. I'll be fine. It just hurts." I replied.

She raised an eyebrow. "Alright, your funeral."

And so I went to the bathroom. And continued between there and the couch for a half hour.

Tempest checked up on me. "Are you sure you don't want to go to-"

"I'm fine." I replied. "It'll just pass, like last time."

"Alright..." Tempest said, unsure. She finished the last sip of coffee from the mug she was levitating. "I'm heading off to work. Don't die on me, 'kay?" She gave me a kiss on the cheek, and headed off.

Fifteen minutes after that I vomited in the bathroom sink. I got my health information card, called up a nurse, and after a quick conversation I knew what I had to do.

I got my shoes on and my jacket as Maud walked down the stairs. "Where are you going?"

"Hospital." I replied, holding my side in pain. "I'm getting a Lyft. Please come with me."

She nodded, and helped me out the front door as I texted Tempest about the situation.

---

As I held the bag up to my mouth to capture any further upchucks (thankfully, that had died down for the time being), I entered the hospital. I was quickly redirected to the urgent care section. Rather than try to talk (as it would lead to dry-heaving) I just gave my information card and sat on a wheelchair. Maud nuzzled me as I pet her, and it wasn't long until a nurse showed up and brought me to one of the rooms. I lied down on the bed, after removing my jacket, shirt and shoes, and put on the medical gown thing. A few quick tests, and the lady had to take a blood test and put in an IV. While I was not a fan of needles in the slightest, I let it happen. I held Maud's hoof as she put it in. Didn't hurt as much as whatever was going on with my abdomen. A blood test and some medication later, I was left with Maud. No talking, just nuzzling. My phone buzzed, and Maud got it for me. It was Tempest, and she was worried. I sent a text or two to let her know that it probably wasn't life-threatening, so I should be okay. A few more tests and a lot more waiting, I found out the problem: Kidney Stone. Fortunately, it was fairly small, so I just needed to take some medication and take it easy. Soon enough, we were on my way. Maud and I went, picked up the medication, and set foot/hoof outside the hospital when I saw Tempest galloping up towards me. She immediately planted a kiss on my lips and a hug around my waist. "Oh, um, good to see you too. I'm okay, really."

"I'm taking you home." Tempest said. "Are you feeling sick? Tired? You should drink a lot of water and sleep. Did they have to do any surgeries?"

"I'm fine, Tempy." I replied. "It's really minor... Though my blood sugar is a little high."

"I'm putting you on a diet. We're cutting all those carbs from your diet, you need to-"

I cut her off with another kiss. "I'm *fine*. We can deal with that once the kidney stone isn't an issue anymore, and I have medication to deal with that. Everything's okay."

Tempest blushed as she looked to the side. "...I just... I'm worried..."

"He's going to be okay." Maud said. She gave Tempest a hug. "We're here for him."

I joined in on the hug. "I'll make sure this doesn't happen again, okay?" I said. "Thank you, though. I'm glad you're concerned enough about me to gallop all the way here."

Tempest blushed and stammered a little, and I kissed her on the cheek. "Let's go home."

[Gentian]

That I was up that early was a sign of something. Here I was, up at 5.

Tempest was already up, making coffee, getting ready for work. She looked at me surprised. "I thought you would still be sleeping."

"It's nothing, I think the gas problem is back. I'm just going to take some antacid and wait it out." I said.

"The think from a few days ago?" Tempest asked.

"Yeah. I'll be fine. It just hurts." I replied.

She raised an eyebrow. "Alright, your funeral."

And so I went to the bathroom. And continued between there and the couch for a half hour.

Tempest checked up on me. "Are you sure you don't want to go to-"

"I'm fine." I replied. "It'll just pass, like last time."

"Alright..." Tempest said, unsure. She finished the last sip of coffee from the mug she was levitating. "I'm heading off to work. Don't die on me, 'kay?" She gave me a kiss on the cheek, and headed off.

Fifteen minutes after that I vomited in the bathroom sink. I got my health information card, called up a nurse, and after a quick conversation I knew what I had to do.

I got my shoes on and my jacket as Maud walked down the stairs. "Where are you going?"

"Hospital." I replied, holding my side in pain. "I'm getting a Lyft. Please come with me."

She nodded, and helped me out the front door as I texted Tempest about the situation.

---

As I held the bag up to my mouth to capture any further upchucks (thankfully, that had died down for the time being), I entered the hospital. I was quickly redirected to the urgent care section. Rather than try to talk (as it would lead to dry-heaving) I just gave my information card and sat on a wheelchair. Maud nuzzled me as I pet her, and it wasn't long until a nurse showed up and brought me to one of the rooms. I lied down on the bed, after removing my jacket, shirt and shoes, and put on the medical gown thing. A few quick tests, and the lady had to take a blood test and put in an IV. While I was not a fan of needles in the slightest, I let it happen. I held Maud's hoof as she put it in. Didn't hurt as much as whatever was going on with my abdomen. A blood test and some medication later, I was left with Maud. No talking, just nuzzling. My phone buzzed, and Maud got it for me. It was Tempest, and she was worried. I sent a text or two to let her know that it probably wasn't life-threatening, so I should be okay. A few more tests and a lot more waiting, I found out the problem: Kidney Stone. Fortunately, it was fairly small, so I just needed to take some medication and take it easy. Soon enough, we were on my way. Maud and I went, picked up the medication, and set foot/hoof outside the hospital when I saw Tempest galloping up towards me. She immediately planted a kiss on my lips and a hug around my waist. "Oh, um, good to see you too. I'm okay, really."

"I'm taking you home." Tempest said. "Are you feeling sick? Tired? You should drink a lot of water and sleep. Did they have to do any surgeries?"

"I'm fine, Tempy." I replied. "It's really minor... Though my blood sugar is a little high."

"I'm putting you on a diet. We're cutting all those carbs from your diet, you need to-"

I cut her off with another kiss. "I'm *fine*. We can deal with that once the kidney stone isn't an issue anymore, and I have medication to deal with that. Everything's okay."

Tempest blushed as she looked to the side. "...I just... I'm worried..."

"He's going to be okay." Maud said. She gave Tempest a hug. "We're here for him."

I joined in on the hug. "I'll make sure this doesn't happen again, okay?" I said. "Thank you, though. I'm glad you're concerned enough about me to gallop all the way here."

Tempest blushed and stammered a little, and I kissed her on the cheek. "Let's go home."

Holy shit, man, a kidney stone? You have my utmost sympathies! Celestia willing it will indeed pass soon, and the medication will have you right as rain quick as can be.

[Pacifist]

The land of Equestria has something of a natural beauty one as myself could never truly appreciate. I was a bug that was more fond of urban and suburban areas, not huge on wide open spaces. Perhaps this is due to the enclosed nature of the hive where I grew up. I wasn't terribly fond of... Well, much of anything. The other changelings were kind of rude, the Queen was a bit of a bitch, I was hungry pretty much all the time. So, I left for the land of ponies.

The first major thing I noticed was how colorful it was. Never truly cared for it, to be honest. Far too garish at times. But, as long as I was disguised, they were fairly friendly. My first disguise, Finite Hour, was unassuming and easygoing. I'd get odd jobs, be friendly-ish to the locals, and the scraps of love they threw my way was enough to get by. I quickly found that my odd sense of humor seemed to work wonders in this regard.

When I heard one day of a 'Crystal Empire' with some sort of powerful love-powered artifact, of course I had to check it out. The place was... Even more garish than ponyland, with everything so shiny. And I loved it. The ponies were made of shiny! I quickly adapted the shininess to my new disguise, Obsidian Hour.

Unfortunately, that Crystal Heart was a bit to strong for my tastes. I didn't want to lose myself, so I ended up moving back to Equestria, deciding to stay around in some small town called Ponyville. A small town with a bigflank crystal castle for some reason? Honestly it stuck out, but I was able to get a job at a pizza shop and get by fairly well once again, even getting to stay in a room above the shop this time.

And then, I met Her.

Dull gray fur, dull violet mane and tail, and those eyes... *Those eyes*...
She was so fascinating, so very different than every pony I had previously met. And her name was Maud Pie. She seemed to like my sense of humor, I think, it was hard to tell. We got along well.

And things went from there. Despite all that the Queen tried to drill into our heads, I could not help but fall in love with her, and going by the strong emotions I was feeling from her, it might very well be mutual.
We started to hang out more, then we went on a date, and we've been together ever since. She took me to the cave where she lived (much nicer pad than you'd think), and we cuddled. So much cuddling. So much love. I never felt so full of love! Eventually, I decided it was time to reveal my true self to her.
I was so happy when she accepted me for who I was, bug and all.

And so she kept my secret, even from her sister. Turns out her sister is one of those Elements of Harmony, go figure. Just my luck.

Then I heard about the Queen trying to invade again, being thwarted by ponies I have never heard of, and that the Changelings all changed form and had a new leader. Curious, I decided to go check them out, and sure enough, they looked... Well, garish, but happy. So, I let them transform me into the form you see now. Well, I wasn't shiny like this, but a bit of transformation added the effect. I just like being shiny, you see?

So I went back to Ponyville, shedding my disguise altogether so I can make myself known as Obisdian Chitin, resident Changeling. Ponies are really accepting, you know? Well, most of them, enough of them. I get the feeling you know that yourself, because that's how I met you, Tempest. You told me the story yourself; After all that "Storm King" business, you didn't know what to do with yourself. You wanted to prove to the world that you were a new mare, but you weren't sure how you wanted to do that. Part of you wanted to travel Equestria, finding yourself as you spread the news of the defeat of the Storm King as well as the values of Friendship. But part of you wanted to protect Equestria against another such attack, and become part of the Guard. You even flipped a coin.

And, well, we both know how that went, Ms. Captain of the Friendship Guard? Even playing security for that new school Twilight opened. And then you met me, and...

I'm so lucky, Tempest. I'm so lucky to have you and Maud in my life. I love you both so much.

[Kaltes-Herzeleid]

Always love reading what you post here. Thanks for sharing.

[Pacifist]

-PONK-

Nowadays I have decent relations to the perplexing pink pony Pinkie Pie. Sister of the rock horse I love so much, couldn't be more different. Super hyper, super excited, super emotional. There is no half-way with her. Now, the first time we met, things went... Alright? You see, I was just being with Maud (it was just Maud and I back then, no Tempy yet) on her birthday. I figured something simple. Hang out, go on a dinner date, relax under the stars, get her a little rocky something, cuddle and snuggle that night. Not really that much different than how we usually go about things, though the rock present is new, but we have an understanding. Nothing big or extravagant, keep things simple.

Now, Maud had told me about her three other sisters (Marble sounds adorable) but I have yet to meet them as we were just starting out back then.

The thing to keep in mind for later is that while Maud did know of my "True Nature", the rest of Ponyville knew me as the crystal pony Obsidian Hour. So, the day's going well, we're heading back to her home/cave/thing, and what's waiting for us but a surprise birthday party.

I do not like surprises any more than Maud does, but I do not have the same ability to take things in stride. So, suddenly there's a bright light as a group of ponies yell 'surprise'.
I let out a little yelp and jump, then realize what was going on. I gave Maud a quick "Okay have fun" and vacate the premises. I guess the pink one was watching me or something, as right when I step back above ground I get surprised again by that pink pony.
"Hello there! What's wrong? Why are you leaving?"
I just stared at her, a little bit (excuse the language) peeved.
"If you must know, I'm not big on being startled. You... You're that baker pony, right? The one that runs that sweets shop?"
That damn smile. So happy, so innocent. I was starting to get the immediate feeling of what kind of pony this was.
"Aww, I'm sorry! I didn't know you don't like surprises! I thought everypony likes surprises! C'mon, let's go back to the party! I made caaaake~"
I sighed. "Yes, everypony loves surprises, including ones with heart conditions that could croak if you pulled something like that. Not that I'm one of them, I'm just making a point. Listen, um...?"
"Um? Oh! Right! My name's Pinkie Pie! I'm so happy to finally meet you! I've seen you around, but I haven't yet thrown you a proper welcome party! So, consider this a combination 'Happy Birthday Maud and Welcome to Ponyville Obsidian' party!"
I blinked. "How did you know my name?"
"I'm Maud's sister! She's told me about you! I was hoping to get to know you before, but I don't see you around that much."
"I don't particularly like sweets or parties, and I get the feeling you hang around the kinds of places that do both."
I could have sworn I saw her eye twitch just a little.
"But everypony likes parties!"
I raised an eyebrow. "Uh, no. For instance, me. I don't like parties. Too many ponies. I don't mind hanging out with somepony, but I don't want to be forced to go around making friendly with a bunch of other ponies I probably won't care for. Besides, there's other things I could be doing with my time that would be more fun. For instance, anything else.
There's that eye twitch again.
"I'm sure you just haven't had the right party-"
"We're done here. I'm just going to head off into the town for a bit. Tell Maud to come get me when the party's over, she'll know where to find me."
I begin to walk away when I feel her grab me from behind.
"Don't be a grumpy pants! Just come to the party, I Pinkie Promise you'll have a great ti-"
I didn't mean to buck her like I did, but I did. "Don't touch me!" I said. She didn't seem too hurt physically, but she did seem confused and kind of sad. "...I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hit you. I just... I really, really don't like being touched. No physical contact. Okay? Okay. I'm going now."
I walked off into the night. I really needed to cool off before I could properly talk to that pony. The arcade sounded good right about now.

---

"Obsidian."
I had just finished a session of Dig Dug when I heard her.
"Rock horsie." I replied.
"You hit Pinkie."
"...I'm really sorry about that. She grabbed me, and I kind of panicked."
We were silent for a moment. She was giving me The Look. Wasn't really much different than any other look she gives me, but I know the difference.
"Tell you what. Tell her that, if she wants, I can hang out with her tomorrow. No parties or anything, but I'm willing to give her the benefit of a doubt and a second chance. Baseline rules: No touching, no surprises. Is that alright?"
She paused, mulling it over. "I'll tell her.
"Thanks." I gave her a little kissie and a nuzzle. "I love you."
"I love you, too."
Ah, her love for me warms my heart. In many ways.
"So, the party's wrapping up?"
"Yes."
"Alright. Let's go back, I want us to have a little bit of time alone~"
I gave her ear a slight nibble, and I could tell she was smiling.

---

The next morning I recall very, very vividly. I had sort of 'cocooned' Maud and myself in the blanket, hugging and snuggling together as we slept. I was in my natural form, as when we're 'together' Maud prefers it that way, to see the true me. I awoke as I heard some sort of high-pitched noise drawing closer, and I had no idea what it was. I think it woke us both, as I could dimly see Maud's beautiful eyes staring into mine. "...The buck is that noise...?" I grumbled as I loosened the blanket cocoon.

I think Maud realized what that was, as I heard her say "Obsidian!", but it was a bit too late. I freed myself from the soft embrace of the blanket, rubbed my eyes, sat up, and realized there was a rather surprised Pinkie Pie standing at the end of the bed. Staring at me.

Well, shit.

>>To Be Continued...>>

[whobawhats]

I'm enjoying the story Pacifist. Really nice read. keep it up!

Spoiler

IS THAT A MOTHERFUCKING JOJO REFERENCE!?!?!?!?!??

[Pacifist]

There was a moment of awkward silence. I stared at Pinkie, she stared at me. Her smile seemed to be frozen. I slowly got out of bed. "...Uh, this isn't what it looks like?" I offered, giving a sheepish smile that might have unintentionally accentuated my fangs.

The next thing I sww was a pink blur, and thr sensation of being slammed into the ground. My head rang. I think Maud and Pinkie might have been talking about something, I wasn't sure. When I did regain my senses, both mares were gone, though I suspect not for long. I've been found out. Well, my life was over. I started hyperventilating, slumped against the cave wall. What should I do? What could I do?

I heard a set of hoofsteps. A group of ponies; The Elements of Harmony, no doubt. I had no time; I doubt they would be foolish enough to leave an exit for escape, so that left one option. I crouched behind the bed, and in a flash of green I became a rock. I heard the six ponies bicker, their voices spreading out as they began their search. It was not long before the white one- Rarity, if I recall- took notice of the rock behind the bed. She hummed, and gave me a shove.

I must not have had the weight or texture right, because she let out a shriek and flung me with her magic. My disguise collapsed, and I didn't have time to regain my bearings before one of them blasted me in the shoulder with combat magic. I cried out in pain as I flipped over again. I grabbed my shoulder. Was it bleeding? I felt very lightheaded, and in so much pain. This was it. They were going to banish me, or kill me or, I don't know, something.

I cried. I cried, I sobbed, I begged. I pleaded for them not to hurt me. My shoulder hurt so much. My life was over. I'd never see Maud again.

Somepony was hugging me.
"Obsidian."
M-Maud?
"Obsidian, look at me."
I opened my eyes. There she was, holding me, keeping me safe.
"What are you doing?!" The purple one shouted. I whimpered, holding onto Maud a little tighter.
"I'm keeping my boyfriend safe." Maud replied. She gave me a small peck on the cheek. She didn't abandon me.

I tried to blubber out an apology, but she put a hoof to my lips.
"You have nothing to apologize for." She said. I nuzzled my muzzle in her chest fur, closing my eyes and letting her love wash over me. I started to tune out the outside world as she began talking to the Elements.

Everything will be okay.
Everything will be okay.


I hope.

>>To Be Concluded>>