Spirals and Spices

by THEJamiboi

First published 27th of November, 2014

When Boltblood set down his carriage with the intent of dishing out wondrous foods for ponies to enjoy watching the local Pegasi racers he forgot to take one thing into consideration, that his wagon might be too heavy on the edge of this mountain.

When Boltblood set down his carriage with the intent of dishing out wondrous foods for ponies to enjoy watching the local Pegasi racers he forgot to take one thing into consideration, that his carriage might be too heavy on the edge of this mountain.

Now he's crashed at the bottom of the mountain the race beginning over his very head, nopony aware that he's missing and he's going to have to drag his carriage back the long way round... through the edges of the badlands.

Tags: Lamia, Naga, Snakepony, Hypnosis

Going for a joy ride

In hindsight setting my wagon down on the edge of the mountains, overlooking the badlands, was asking for trouble. But my thought at the time had been “Oh it’s a lovely view, with the red sands below reflecting back the sun making a mystical glow, plus the dots of green are quite cute and it’s a more interesting view than the sides of the mountains.” So yeah, I asked for it.

I should probably introduce myself before I get any further ahead: I’m Boltblood Thundercloud, funnily cool name for my profession but I’ll get into that later. My parents gave me Bolt after, when I was first born, I apparently started letting off little arches of electricity like a fire cracker, blood because of my fur colour obviously (Don’t need to guess to know that I was bullied for that fact) for a while however I was simply known as Boltblood or Bolt as my parents had no ideas for a second name… Then I started showing an interest in thunderclouds at a young age, making them turn into funny shape or produce more electricity, which I once used to power an over to make a cake, hence my cutie mark. Anyway, got off topic, I’m a Pegasi, I have dark red fur, like I said for my name sake, with a peachy muzzle and hooves, probably used to be red as well but got burnt away from electricity. I have a short dark brown mane with bright red streaks and my eyes are dark blue. I also managed to lose part of my left ear when a knife flew at me one time (Don’t ask, let’s just say stuff can literally bounce back to bite you!) and my cutie mark is a lightning bolt and chef’s knife forming an X. Right, now that the introductions are out of the way let me share my story.

So the reason I was even up on a mountain overlooking the badlands was, actually, quite simple. I was attending a race and the mountain was acting as a starting line. Now with that explanation you’ve more than likely jumped to the conclusion I’m a racer, eh can’t say you’re completely wrong but it’s not a main carrier more a hobby to me, racing, pretty much like every Pegasi we simply enjoy flying and getting paid to do what we love is always a lovely bonus, so that’s why I do it. But my main job is a travelling chef hoping to bring my dishes to all different parts of Equestria and beyond. I was attending the race as a spectator and food provider, you know cakes, sandwiches things like that, however I didn’t want to pitch down my wagon (Which also functions as my mobile home) with everyone else because I didn’t want to be facing a mountain wall, nor have my line tightly packed near the mountain wall, so I moved over to someplace that seemed clear aside from one or two other wagons. Didn’t seem to be any restrictions to staying there and, again, had a nice view. So I set down.

The following morning was fine; I had done the daily set up with the intention of going to watch the start of the race. But this is where everything went downhill... Literally. See I’m okay at getting up quickly if I have something to wake me up, but my alarm was broken, so I overslept, what woke me up; The start of the race. I sat bolt upright (Oh great a pun with my own name) with an announcers voice booming across the mountain top.

“Welcome Fillies and Gentlecolts to the snow tipping marathon,(What was with that name? Just because the finish line ended up at the mountain peak and it sometimes knocked down snow didn’t symbolise the entire race!)we have racers from far and wide, here to show you what they’ve got! So are you ready to see these ponies do some mad racing!?” and cue the problem!

Ever heard the saying Shook the building with applause? well it turns out that can also apply to mountains, because that’s what the stomping of the crowds hooves did to answer the announcers question. There was a crack like a cannon firing and suddenly I was flung forward from my bed as I was attempting to get up, this is my thought pattern leading up to the applause.

“What’s going on? Dude, turn down the damn megaphone, ponies are still sleeping.” my mind replied with.

“Actually onlyyou are still sleeping, that would be the pre-start announcement to get ponies excited.”

“And that’s important because...?”

“The race is about to start!”

“...Oh shit!” I sat up and was about to throw my covers off when I felt myself become weightless as if I was flying, but my wings were folded.

“OH SHIT!!!” I cried out loud.

I smacked into the wall of my small bedroom and fell down, only to bounce back up into the air mumbling from the hit directly to my face.

“Order ready to go.” I muttered managing to open the bedroom door.

“DEAR CELESTIA!” I cried. One of my chef’s knives flew by and wedged itself in the door on the other side and as I looked into the kitchen another knife whizzed past, was this what it felt like to be in a blender? The wagon was bouncing around, like some sort of massage chair of death and now my kitchen was spewing all the utensils around like confetti. This is similar to how I lost part of my left ear, though without the ‘falling down the mountain’ part.

I attempted to crawl along the kitchen floor to the door at the end of the room (Thank god I had the hind sight to nail down the fridge and ovens otherwise they might be joining in this crazy rave of; let’s kill Bolt!) halfway across the room, the wagon must have hit either a pot hole or rock because we suddenly pitched to one side and began to roll... which is about as safe for an unfastened passenger as you could get. I slammed into the wall just above the sink, then rolled onto the ceiling, then the opposite wall by the door to the bathroom, back onto the regular floor with little knives, forks and other tool for preparing meals for customers. Nearly got knocked out by my steel (That’s a metal pole used to sharpen knives if you didn’t know.) the wagon spun in a circle pushing me around like a spinning top (Which was about the kindest thing fate had done for me at this point.) then the wagon slammed to a stop and I slammed into the fridge, I then slumped down against it, if you ever have the choice to do that, don’t not for all the bits in Equestria, felt like I’d been run over. Something warm began running down the side of my right temple and then everything just went dark.

I don’t know how long I was out for, probably a little while, at the very least I wasn’t dead so that was a plus. I sat up slowly holding the spot that hurt the most and when I brought my hoof down there was defiantly the colour of blood on it (A brighter shade of red than my coat, ironic given my name)

“Hay look I’m bleeding my name.” I grumbled putting my hoof back in place and began searching around the littered ground until I found some napkins. With a large pile of them balled up and pressed against my head (Then tied around my forehead with a bit of medical tape so I wouldn’t have to use up one of my hooves.) I walked over to the sink and twisted the tap (Single tap, only have whatever temperature the water is heated at from outside, so in summer I have to add ice cubes and winter have to boil it, since I can’t afford any enchantments to do it for me.) I scrubbed off the blood coating my front hooves. Now came the painful part. I slowly peeled off the makeshift gauze I’d made, which obviously had to stick so I’d have to tug it off which hurt like all Luna, and yes I screamed obviously, then I ran a cloth under the water and rubbed the blood of with a muffled cry of pain every time I moved the damn cloth over the cut. Pain my only weakness!

I set the cloth down after finally rubbing away the blood and put my hoof to the area that had been bleeding. Pain, lots of pain, but no blood present, so I stuck a large square plaster on and called it dealt with (I’m not a medic alright). With my injury dealt with, I made my way towards the door, avoiding the fallen utensils which lay all over the ground, like metallic confetti. I pushed the door open and gasped.

I’d heard that the badlands were basically nothing but the seasons gone chaotic and weird, the closest point to where Equestrian guards enter, in the North, to check nothing is trying to cross into our borders, is actually a desert. Me, I was in a frozen tundra but for some reason it was still incredible warm yet the snow was solid and didn’t look like it’d melt anytime soon. Like I said; weird. I stepped down onto the snow and it was a weird feeling having cold hooves but a warm body, I looked back at my wagon and sighed in relief. Aside from a few new scratches the wagon was okay to go, it had hit a tree against the right side of the harness which…

“Oh, okay so not ready to go.” I mumbled, the harness had snapped off slightly from the side it had collided into the tree with, it was still in one piece, by some miracle, but it was bent at a weird angle and if pulled at even slightly the left side would likely rip away.

I grumbled as I walked around the wagon inspecting it for any more damage, but, other than the harness, the whole thing had held together quite well, nice job old girl. I walked back towards the side of the wagon with the door on it with the intention of cleaning the interior before beginning to fix the wagon when something brightly coloured in the corner of my eye flash by, I turned towards where the source had been my heart racing. I was too far from the royal guards entry point, there was no chance anypony else had been unfortunate enough to join me down here from the race, so my mind raced to the first panic driven conclusion that something from the badlands had flashed past. I thought up every vague, mad rumour and thought.

“It’s all true!!!” I even made a few up there on the spot that didn’t make much sense, trust me if you’d been brought up with all those horrors at a young age, even Celestia would probably shake in her shoes.

I stood there staring towards nothingness, for about five minutes, until my heart slowed down enough for me to slowly trudge back to the wagon. I paused by the door to look at the harness which was bent downwards now for some reason, but I paid little attention to that fact as I was a bit busy looking for badland monsters, I then stepped into the wagon and locked the door. I breathed a sigh of relief, glad of the familiar homely space, and set to work cleaning up the interior of the wagon.

I could hear the race starting above me but the noise was so far away it was like listening to something at the bottom of a well, the clearing took a little while because I wanted everything back in its old place, my mind was hardwired that way and it also delayed dealing with the harness, going outside to get wood for repairs, facing the terrors outside. When I finally got round to closing the last draw I whimpered, then my brain went.

“What about the other rooms they need cleaning, especially the bathroom…” the last thought almost made me want to go outside, almost.

I started with the bathroom, which wasn’t as bad as I’d thought. My toothbrush was mercifully stuck in the sink, if it had ended up in the toilet… I tried not to think about it, but I doubt I’d ever do my teeth with it again, I’d have had to use my hoof with toothpaste on the end, still a better alternative! The washing liquids and soaps were all over the floor and in the bath but, other than toilet water, nothing had spilt. I opened one of the bathroom cabinets and took out another cloth and began wiping up the water (As fun as it sounds) then replaced all of the fallen items around the bathroom.

The next room, on my delaying tactic- er I mean cleaning list, totally what I meant, was my bedroom. For the most part, it was just tidying up my racing gear, you know goggles lightning proof suit, it was fancy but I liked to have it around in case of some fun flights, and then sorting the bed back into position. With the bedroom done that left a little closet I had next to the bathroom but that only took a few seconds to sort out the equipment in there, which included the tools and supplies to fix the harness which I reluctantly grabbed. The wagon was pretty much back in order, except for the harness. I walked to the door and stared out the window, which was above the oven, I liked to see the world go by as I cook deal with it, and looked out at the seemingly endless forest. I shuffled around nervously attempting to gather my courage. Eventually I made it to the door and unlocked it gently pushing it open and stared out, the view was the same just a little wider and with more trees.

With a hatchet tucked under my wing I stepped down onto the snow. Upon stepping forward my front right hoof sunk deeper, I glanced down then pulled my hoof up gasping in surprise and fear. A clean trench, a few inches deep, had been made by something moving around my wagon. The trench looked like it had been made by a snail or worm going in a straight line, except every so often there were thin lines in the trail, like something had gripped the ground slightly, like a snake. My mind instantly brought up a giant snake (Since a giant worm or snail didn’t seem as threatening in comparison) that wanted to break my ribs and eat me. Then I slowed my breathing and sighed, trying to calm myself. Snakes were cold blooded they wouldn’t like this area, plus no snake would grow this big except maybe a reticulated python and they were too normal for the badlands.

I followed the trail with my eyes watching it lead back into the forest, then followed it the other way. It led around the back of the wagon to the opposite side then disappeared. I blinked and glanced around, either the trail had randomly started or this is where it ended and whatever caused it had climbed onto something, but the only thing around was,

“...Oh crap.” I stood there for about thirty seconds expecting something to attack me, when I finally looked over nothing was perched on the roof of my wagon. I blinked then chuckled nervously.

“I’m losing it.” I mumbled to myself and carried on towards the forest to collect wood, glancing back over my shoulder a lot.

Nothing interesting happened while I looked around for some trees small enough for me to cut down into some planks. When I returned to the wagon, several logs acquired, I might have noticed the fresh brushed off snow on the entrance of the wagon, but I was too tired from chopping and I still had to saw up the logs, plus I had been watching my back rather than my front more so that was probably a mistake too. I locked the door behind me and piled the logs on the table across from the door. I walked over towards the tool closet and noticed a few patches of snow outside the bedroom, I shrugged it off assuming I’d done that earlier... In hindsight very dumb. I returned the hatchet and retrieved a small saw and exited the wagon again (Because I wasn’t going to saw my table in half in the process of sawing up planks, thank you).

Several sawed up planks later, and many picked out splinters, and a few nails hammered on and the harness was back in position. To be honest it looked absolutely horrible, but it was functional and would hold until somepony who actually knew what to do could fix it. I returned to the wagon stretching my cramped wings one last time before closing the door and I sighed. The sun was setting and the race was over, likely being packed up now. There was a slim chance somepony might check for my wagon but I wasn’t going to bet on it, still it was safer to stay here for the night since it was, technically, closer to the Equestrian border so hopefully nothing would venture too close.

I showered (Because I was sweaty and covered in bits of barks and wood shavings, which wouldn’t be comfortable when sleeping) and fell on my bed pulling the covers over me and lay facing away from the wardrobe, maybe if I’d faced it I might have seen what was inside, but, being me, I’m oblivious as all high Tartarus. And that got me in some deep trouble right then.

Author's Notes:

So this is my first pony story, but not first ever story, so be gentle in that regard. Also I have to warn you all that I'm not the best at setting up a plot (ba dum tish)

I'm so sorry! XD

The deal

I was half asleep when, by chance, I rolled over to get more comfortable. I thought I was looking at my wardrobe but something was blocking it, a dark silhouette of what looked like a pony standing on their hind legs, for some reason. My mind switched back on, somepony or something had broken into my wagon and I was in the middle of the badlands so it was more likely a something! I jumped out the bed crying out in fear and fell on the floor, the silhouette fell on the bed where I had previously been. I scrambled to my hooves and bolted out the bedroom (Again a pun with my name) I threw the wagon door open and flew up and hovered behind a tree watching the door between the branches.

The stranger pushed opened the wagon door and glanced around probably searching for me, the sun had set and it was pitch black so the change from my wagon to outside hadn’t improved the lighting much, but it was defiantly a pony silhouette. The stranger seemed to tilt their head up slightly and I noticed they had a horn, so a unicorn, then they looked towards me and continued to stare for about a minute.

“They’ve seen me, I know it, I know it!” I continued to think this until it overwhelmed me and I flew away. If the stranger had had doubts, I’d probably just confirmed their suspicions.

I stopped after flying full out for several minutes and tried to control my breathing, this place was terrifying. I sat down and continued to breath heavily, I was exhausted, both in terms of sleep and from flying around like a maniac. I lay down on my back spreading my hooves to the side, snow angle style and watched the night sky, the place where I’d stopped offered a glance at the night sky, at least there was something familiar here. My ears perked up at the sound of a few twigs snapping and I sat up turning around, the unicorn had followed me. How? I’d got plenty of distance from my wagon, why couldn’t I lose this pony?

I spread my wings with the intent of putting more distance before thinking of a plan when the stranger tugged down on my tail with magic, as I set off into the air, bringing me down to the ground again. I pulled my head out of the snow and spat out a ball of melted slush and glanced up, then whimpered. With the stars and moon in full view, bathing the area in Luna’s light, I could finally see the pony for real.

It was a unicorn alright, a mare as well. Her coat was a slightly dark white, close to grey but still bright enough to be called white, she had a deep red mane that fell down behind her head and down to the bottom of her neck before stopping in a slightly choppy fashion, as if she’d cut it with very shaky hooves or safety scissors. Her eyes were a bright purple and were regarding me with curiosity and slight amusement, but they had a dark black slit in the middle instead of a regular pupil. This is where the normalness (Is that even a word?) ended. Waist down the pony... well to say she looked different would be an understatement. Where her back hooves and tail should’ve been was a long serpentine tail, the belly was a deep red matching her mane whilst the top side matched her coat perfectly and, if not for the little lines between her scales, you couldn’t tell the difference between the change of scale to fur or vice versa. Around the area where her flank would be, if she were a normal pony, was a red ruby made entirely of snake scales, her cutie mark. Looking at it in the dark it seemed to be reflecting blacks, greys and other dark colours, it made me slightly dizzy looking at it directly for some reason.

I looked back up at the snake-pony hybrid’s face gulping, then rolled over and tried to gallop away. She probably didn’t even blink as her tail wrapped up my back right leg, she dragged me slowly back toward her, while I tried to claw away crying out in fear. I felt tears prickling against my eyes.

“Let me go!” I cried she didn’t respond to my request, or maybe she did by not letting go. I felt my body leave the ground and the mare appeared back in my vision, with the ground as the sky. My mind managed to come up with the cheerful thought of,

“Snake’s constrict and swallow their prey whole, sometimes alive.”

“Please don’t eat me,” I whispered the mare raised an eyebrow, okay good sign she can understand me. She promptly lifted me up over her head and grinned, I shivered in fear “Please...” I begged the snake-pony stared up at me then, slowly, she lowered me back to the ground. I started to cry tears of relief and managed a croaky “Thank you” and smiled as she placed me on the ground. I rolled over and stood back up, I glanced sideways wondering if I should run for it but unsure if it was the best idea.

“Are you going to run or not?” her voice was strangely normal and sweet (If voices could be sweet) like she could almost sing the words in a gentle lullaby.

“Would you let me go, just like that?” I asked shifting my hooves nervously, the mare smirked.

“No.” I gulped okay still in the danger zone.

The mare began to circle slowly around me, when she’d formed a circle with her tail she brought the end towards my face, I backed up slightly and stared at her then tilted my head down in defeat. If I moved too far back I’d fall over her tail, if I took to the air and got away from her tail fast enough her magic would get me and running, if I managed to jump her tail, she’d just tackle me. Anyway I’d choose I’d lose, she might be more merciful if I didn’t resist... might be.

The snake-pony looped her tail around the back of my neck in a C shape towards herself, she then pulled me back towards her. When I was close she tilted my head up with the end of her tail so I could look at her.

“Are you scared?” she asked I nodded the snake-pony smirked “Tell you what I’ll make you a deal and I won’t eat you,” she said.

“What sort of deal?” I asked then I remembered the neck gripping coil that could probably kill me in a single movement, probably shouldn’t talk back, but, thankfully, she didn’t seem to mind.

“Simple, I want to travel with you.” she said, not the words I were expecting.

I shifted my hooves trying to ignore the weight of her coil on my neck, which wasn’t helping me concentrate. It wasn’t uncomfortable, actually it was quite nice but it was still terrifying.

“I don’t want to be rude but-” I began before she broke in.

“Why should you let me go with you when I broke into your wagon in the dead of night?” I nodded “Simple... I’m not the only thing out here,” she whispered “But if you want to travel on your own I won’t...”

“Wait-Wait...!” The snake- pony smirked again “...Okay you-you win... you can come with me.”

“And I get to sleep in the wagon with you since it’s warmer inside.” she said.

“Okay.” I mumbled.

“Chin up, it’s not as bad as you think.” she said tilting my head up again before turning and tugging on my neck slightly to get me moving before uncoiling me, I felt like a dog.

I followed behind the snake-pony for a few minutes, seemed I’d gone further than I’d originally thought.

“So… what’s your name?” The snake-pony asked

“Huh? Oh, it’s Boltblood Thundercloud, but Bolt is fine,” I said softly.

“Well I’m Ruby Scales, nice to meet you, Bolt.” Ruby said as the wagon appeared in view, it was a slight comfort to know she was at least telling me her name, might mean she had no intentions of harming me, and again might being a loose term.

I pushed open the door and waited for Ruby to get her tail inside, since closing it on her tail would likely have dire consequences. She stared around the room, her tail taking up a great portion, how she ever hid in my room without me noticing was a mystery to me. I waited for her to move, then realised, she wasn’t going too.

“Em, Ruby, excuse me I need to get to the bedroom please.” I said.

“Hmm can’t you reach it?” she asked.

“No your tail is... sort of in the way.” I said my voice trailing away towards the end, Ruby grinned.

“Then I guess you’ll have to climb over.” Okay definite trick here, but I saw no other option.

I placed my right front hoof on Ruby’s tail and watched her, to see if she did anything. She just gestured for me to continue, I climbed on top of her tail. It felt strangely nice to stand on a living scaly carpet. I made slow progress, not wanting to fall and I watched Ruby as I passed her by, but she didn’t do anything, simply smiled like she was enjoying it. I pushed open the bedroom door and stepped off Ruby’s tail, she followed me inside as I walked over to the wardrobe.

“What are you doing, the bed’s already made?” Ruby asked.

“Yeah, you take that, I’m going to sleep on the couch in the kitchen.” I said taking out a pillow and blanket.

“Oh no you don’t,” Ruby said coiling around my waist binding my wings against my sides.

“Hay, stop that, what are you doing?” I cried dropping the pillow and covers and thrashing about.

“Stay still,” Ruby grumbled “Part of the deal, remember? I get to sleep with you because you’re warm. I’m cold blooded, meaning I like to have somepony or something to keep me warm. You’re more readily available.” Ruby said as more of her tail climbed around my body, she couldn’t be serious about this could she?

“Wait you meant sleep in the wagon with me as in actually with me!?” I cried.

“Don’t shout,” Ruby mumbled “And yes I did.” she said grinning and covering my mouth with her tail.

Ruby climbed under my bed covers then pulled me in with her, she began pulling coils of her tail towards me, binding my front hooves to my sides and my back below. Her tail coiled further around the rest of my body up to my neck. Finally when I could hardly shift in my prison Ruby stopped and lay me down resting a hoof atop the pile of coils she’d made.

“I-I can’t sleep like this.” I whispered Ruby’s gag gone. Ruby grinned and squeezed me, gently, it wasn’t painful but it was a strange sensation having the air gently push out, almost relaxing. She copied the motion repeatedly and I began to feel my eyelids grow heavy.

“I’d say you could,” Ruby whispered “Night Bolt, sweet dreams.” With that I closed my eyes and I drifted away to sleep.

Author's Notes:

Well ladies and gentlemen... er fillies and gentlecolts, WHICHEVER! Chapter two introduces Ruby, oh she's also a Lamia (Half human half snake or in this case half pony) so there's that... Enjoy! :)

Onwards

Upon waking up, with my eyes closed and the feeling of my bed against my coat, I could almost believe that the previous day hadn’t happened. But the weight and feeling of Ruby’s scales kind of shattered that illusion. I suppose it wasn’t so bad, Ruby hadn’t eaten me in my sleep at least. Her tail was coiled around me loosely and slightly madly, as if she’d rolled over and dragged her tail, and by extension me, with her. It was strange sleeping on a bed of scales, I guess it’s similar to a bean bag if it were alive and much larger... and coiled around you. Ruby herself was... Okay. She was resting her head under my neck with her hooves around my neck in a hug; that wasn’t awkward or scary at all.

I opened my eyes, nothing. Ruby had decided that her tail was going to cover my eyes, for whatever reason.

“R-Ruby, can you move you tail away from my face, please?” I asked Ruby grumbled something that I think was.

“Five more minutes.” then tightened her hold around my body forcing the air out of my lungs, but thankfully gently, but it was no less scary.

“Ruby I have to get up please, being stuck in bed isn’t going to get me home.” I gasped, Ruby sighed then moved her head back, to look at me. She uncoiled her tail from around my eyes then wrapped the same coil around my neck like a leash.

“I swear if you don’t shut up I’ll make you go to sleep.” she muttered I gulped and kept my mouth shut not wanting to die.

The reaction change in Ruby was... strange. One minute she was tired and grumpy then, I swear for a second, almost sad. Then she went back to grumpy.

“Fine get up then” she promptly threw me off the bed like a sack of flour.

“I’m treating anything in a sack with more respect in future... ow.” I thought standing up. Ruby watched me from the bed, a slight grin on her face, then she lay back down.

“What happened to looking after me?” I asked softly not wanting to push my luck.

“If I smell anything dangerous I’ll inform you, alright.” she said.

“Alright,” I said then paused “Smell anything?” I asked.

“Part snake remember? They hunt by tasting the air with their tongues, which would class as smelling the air, so if I smell anything I will let you know.” well that explained her ability to hunt me, I guessed I have a strong sent.

“Do I smell that bad?” I asked Ruby giggled and rolled over to face me again.

“No... You smell delicious.” She purred smiling her eyes half closed, I left the room after that.

I didn’t skip breakfast, but I doubt you want to hear about me pouring milk and what not into a bowl, so let’s skip ahead a little. I glanced nervously around from the doorway of the wagon, still weary of what could be out there, especially after Ruby. One scary hybrid was enough thanks. I strapped myself into the harness, so far so good. I just had to hope it didn’t pop out when I started to drag it along. With the sound of snow being shoved away, as I dragged the wagon above where it had settled into the snow, the wagon’s wheels began to roll once I got it out of its ditch, aiding me in moving it forward. The added weight of Ruby, considering she was half giant snake she had to weigh a bit, made the job much more difficult.

“This is going to be a long walk.” I muttered under my breath.

I stuck as close to the mountain side as I dared, originally I set off almost grinding against it but a small rock slide showed the devastation it could do, using a tree as an example. Like paper mache against a hurricane, so I kept my distance but stayed close so I’d at least know I was heading the right way. Around what I judged to be midday I pitched the wagon down (And it didn’t involve hitting a tree this time, yay!) and went back inside for dinner.

“Is it lunch time already?” Ruby asked walk-er... sliding out of the bedroom rubbing her eyes.

“Yes but I don’t think you’ll like it,” I said Ruby blinked.

“Why not?” she asked.

“I’m making a salad.” Ruby hissed, literally, which made me flinch.

“I’m only half snake I can eat what other ponies eat too thank you,” I gulped.

“I didn’t mean to offend you... I’ll make you some as well,” I whispered bowing my head slightly in fear, Ruby turned away and muttered.

“Good.” Then slid over to the sofa/table and sat down coiling her tail around the seat.

I placed the bowl of vegetables on the table between us and sat down opposite Ruby, who stared at me for a few seconds before levitating a piece of a carrot to her mouth. We ate in awkward silence, I wanted to break it, if only so I could hear some form of sound, but didn’t know what to say. We finished and I took the empty bowl to the sink and sat it down by the side for later.

“That was really nice.” Ruby whispered from the table, I blinked surprised by her words.

“Did you just... compliment me?” I asked Ruby frowned.

“Just accept the damn compliment will you.” she muttered and I smiled slightly.

“Thanking somepony isn’t something to get annoyed about.” I said.

“What about scared?” Ruby asked, I frowned.

“You blackmailed me.” I grumbled.

“How? If I remember correctly I gave you the option to go alone, you didn’t have to let me come along.” I didn’t reply for a minute then muttered.

“I’m going back outside.” And I did what I said.

I strapped myself and just set off as Ruby climbed out of the wagon.

“Aren’t you going to stay inside from the cold while I carry you around, your majesty?” I asked bitterly Ruby bristled slightly.

“Ha-ha you should be a comedian, I thought you might appreciate the company.” She said.

“Any company but yours.” Ruby smacked her tail onto my back knocking me out of the harness, she then dragged me away from the wagon and slammed me down again.

I whimpered looking up at her and she raised her tail, her eyes were pinpricks and she had a thunderous look (...Oh my Celestia, my second name too now!?). I covered my head with my hooves and waited for the blow. I heard something thump against the ground then... sobbing.

I looked up perplexed and Ruby was crying, all the anger had drained from her face and she was in tears. If not for the throbbing pain in my back I might have felt really sorry, instead I was just confused. I didn’t speak afraid of provoking her again, she stared at me chocking.

“D-don’t look at me like that,” she cried sobbing, I flinched stepping back “I-I’m not a monster... I’m not...I’m not.” she kept repeating “I’m not” and I stepped slowly forward, fighting every urge and instinct to gallop like the wind. Ruby had her head bowed down tears flowing freely.

“Ruby why are you... acting like this?” I asked gently.

“You’re the f-first pony I’ve seen, and it’s been ages since I saw m-my home,” she sobbed “You have to prove yourself in the arena in my old home, a rite of passage, or it’s banishment from the tribe... I l-left before I could take my turn b-because I was scared and I h-haven’t spoken to anypony or anyone since. T-then, like I s-said you came crashing down like a fallen star in your wagon and I thought I might finally have some company b-but you’re scared of m-me because I’m a monster t-to you. I can’t fit in anywhere!” Oh, that explained it.

“Company,” I whispered.

“W-what?” Ruby managed looking up her eyes bloodshot, giving her a very strange look mixing with the purple.

I sat down to Ruby’s right, looked at her then up at the sky.

“I won’t say I know what it’s like, you’re completely different to me and will likely handle it differently. But I will say I have had a similar experience. I was bullied as well when I was young for being... strange, ponies thought they were clever taking the mick out of me... But you know how I dealt with it?” I asked Ruby shook her head sniffing “I went to my friends... Not my parents, not teachers. My friends, real friends and they stood up for me when even I wouldn’t, because that’s what friends do. They stand up for each other and comfort their friends if they’re upset... I’d like to comfort you, if you’d let me.” I said and managed a smile that, I hoped, was sincere.

“I’d like you to too.” Ruby whispered and buried her head in my shoulder and cried.

I wrapped my hoofs around her back and patted her gently, for somepony so strong physically, she sure was very fragile mentally. Ruby eventually managed to stop crying and moved back, placing her hooves on her tail and stared down at the ground.

“So you’ve seen the powerful snake hybrid fall apart, congratulations.” she whispered.

“What did I just say, or did my message just go out the other ear?” I asked playfully turning her head and pretending to check her ear. Ruby giggled, a cute sound brushing me off “I hate to ask but does your... Em species have a proper name?” I asked.

“We’re called lamias IF we pass our rite of passage otherwise we’re known as hybrids.”

“Well I’m going to call you a lamia... Because that hit hurt like one.” I said Ruby smiled.

“Thanks Bolt... You’re real sweet... Now come on, get back to pulling that damn wagon of yours.” Ruby said giggling again. I strapped myself back in glancing at Ruby.

“No smacking me down again?” I asked.

“Don’t say anything stupid then.” she whispered smirking and followed my progress besides me.

We still travelled in silence but the sheet of ice between us had broken, so it wasn’t as awkward as at the table.

“We’ll be heading into the desert by tomorrow, but I think we should stop.” Ruby said as the sun began its descent.

“No, we should keep going or I’m never going to get home.” I said.

“Bolt you have a limit... and I think you surpassed it half an hour ago.” I hated to admit it but she was right. My back was aching (Which having Ruby hit it hadn’t helped) it hurt standing on my hooves, which felt like they were burning and I could barely move the wagon anymore.

“Alright, we’ll stop here.” I said letting the wagon slow to a stop, then, as if fate wanted to prove how much I’d over done it, I fell flat on my face. Ruby burst into laughter.

I turned my head to look at Ruby, who was struggling to suppress her giggling.

“Do you want some help there Bolt?” she managed.

“No, I’m okay.” I grumbled dragging myself back up and trotting to the door. I pushed it open with my head.

“Come on I’ll make some fried rice for us.” I said.

“Fried rice?” Ruby asked quizzically.

“You’ve never had rice?” I asked, shocked.

“No, my old meals used to consist mostly of animals and the occasional piece of fruit, even before my banishment.” I made a disgusted face.

“…That sounds very boring, I’d be surprised if any of your taste buds are still alive.” Ruby smiled softly.

“You going to revive them then?” she asked, and I smirked, a challenge giving me new energy.

“Yes but I think I’ll need something better than plain rice.” I said galloping to the kitchen.

I bounced (Not literally, figuratively, though I’ve heard a pink pony in a town called Ponyville can when she cooks) around the kitchen grabbing ingredients and food.

“What are you making?” Ruby asked leaning over my shoulder.

“Just go sit at the table and wait please.” I said Ruby did as I asked, if a little frustrated, but also curious “Cooking chocolate, cream, digestives...” I listed off the ingredients slowly under my breath and then pulled out a tray. Mashing the biscuits and melting some butter with it, spreading it across the tray. Base in the fridge, now filling.

“...It smells nice.” Ruby whispered as I melted the chocolate and folded it all together.

“Desert.” I said spreading it on top of the base and sticking it in the tiny freezer above the fridge then moved on to main.

“What would you like?” I asked.

“...Hay.” Ruby said, and the request drew a pause.

“What?” I asked.

“Just... Hay, I’ve never had any I want to know what the big deal is.”

“Just plain hay?” Ruby nodded “...I’ll make some salad for myself then.” I said Ruby smiled.

With one plate of hay and a salad later, I sat down across from Ruby. Ruby chewed on her hay for half a minute while I chewed some apple slices.

“Well?” I asked trying not to laugh at her face.

“It’s bland and dry.” she whispered I held my hoof to my mouth.

“Enjoy.” I managed Ruby slumped in her seat and took another bite.

Eventually I took pity on Ruby and pushed my salad bowl towards her and Ruby looked up at me. She blinked and looked down, and I swear she was smiling as she levitated some of the salad towards herself.

I stood up from the table and spread the still almost full plate of hay and completely empty salad bowl on either wing (And they say you need to be a unicorn to do anything!) binning the spare hay and setting the plates within the sink. I walked over to the freezer and popped it open, lowering the cake down to eye level. I prodded the cheesecake with the edge of my hoof, it wasn’t a liquid paste anymore so it should been done.

“Ready for desert?” I asked looking back at Ruby who was staring at the cake.

“Very.” she said softly.

I popped the cake out and set it on a separate plate before cutting it up, I set two large pieces of the cake into separate bowls and grabbed a small box of ice cream, then paused.

“Em Ruby...” I said.

“Yes?” she asked tearing her eyes off the cake (Wow predatory stare much?) .

“Are you okay to eat ice cream?” I asked.

“Well if you can eat it, I’m sure I can.” she said.

“…You’re cold blooded right?”

“Yes.”

“It has ice in its name!” Ruby shrugged “Don’t blame me then.” I mumbled facehoofing.

Ruby stabbed into her cake topped off with ice cream, her reaction was… different. She swallowed, paused then...

“Are you crying?” I asked she shook her head “Well if it’s that bad…” I said grabbing the bowl planning to pull the bowl away. Ruby grabbed my hoof leaning towards me.

“Mine!” she hissed under her breath. I bit my lip, then burst out laughing.

“W-wow just-just wow Ruby that reaction was amazing.” I said crying tears of laughter. Ruby blushed before digging in, attempting to hide the happy face she made after every mouthful.

When Ruby was finished I was still halfway through mine, meaning she was eyeing it as a possibility.

“This is mine.” I mumbled still grinning, instead of retorting she looked towards the fridge where the rest of the cheesecake was.

“Oh no, not a chance.” I said standing up, Ruby beat me to the fridge and I reached her as she found where I’d put the cake.

“Put it back.” I said Ruby raised herself up and sat down on top of the fridge, her tail trailing down the front and in coils along the floor. Ruby then broke off a piece of the cake with her hoof, why not her horn I didn’t know, and began to eat it.

I hate it when ponies steal my food without permission.

“Put it back!” I cried Ruby grinned at me and licked the cake slowly grinning.

“Make me.” She purred, I growled flapping my wings with irritation. I snorted and walked back towards the table.

“You’ll make yourself sick.” I grumbled continuing to eat mine, Ruby shrugged like she didn’t care, which she probably didn’t since she kept eating.

“Ugh… why does my stomach feel so weird?” Ruby grumbled curled up on the sofa.

“Ever heard of too much of a good thing is bad for you?” I asked.

“That’s for things like money isn’t it?” Ruby grumbled.

“Well too many sweets counts too.” Ruby groaned pulling her tail up to her chest and burying her face in it. I walked towards Ruby, she looked up at me and groaned.

“Going to gloat?” She said muffled by her face now back in her tail.

“Lie on your back and spread you tail straight so your stomach settles and don’t move too much.” I suggested. Ruby looked at me.

“I don’t need help.” She whispered but did as I suggested lying on her back and spreading her tail down in front of herself, she sighed softly as if it was helping slightly already.

“Hay Bolt,” Ruby suddenly whispered while I was washing up. The sudden sound caused me to jump and drop the mixing bowl, with several muffled clangs, as it collided with the contents in the washing bowl. Ruby scoffed in amusement at my act of clumsiness.

“Yeah what is it Ruby?” I asked trying to distract Ruby from the previous few seconds. Ruby chuckled.

“Would you mind if I showed you something?” She asked.

“Huh? Show me what?” I asked looking over. Ruby rolled over.

“Um, do you have an interest in special magic?” Ruby asked.

“That’s a weird question,” I dried my hooves off with a towel and turned around to face Ruby “But I travel to learn new things, even give meaning to the food I make, I won’t pass up possible inspiration. So what kind of magic did you want to show me?” Ruby grinned with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

“Oh just something Lamia’s are very good at, it’s magic that even none unicorn lamias can do.” she said mysteriously climbing down, from the sofa, to, in a sense, stand up.

Author's Notes:

Chapter 3, our pair of misfits set out, the road is going to be bumpy with many pots holes so strap into the wagon and enjoy the ride!
(And help push the wagon sometimes please! XD)

Lamia Magic

Ruby slid towards me smiling and I backed up slightly.

“Um, is this necessary, being this close… How will I see the magic happen?” I asked Ruby chuckled.

“This isn’t the type of magic you need a horn for if you had listened but… You might want to stand somewhere a bit more open, or comfortable, in case you fall.” Ruby said.

“What exactly does this spell do?” Ruby grinned.

“Oh, it’s just something that helps relax you.” She said clearly cutting something out.

I shifted about wondering if I could possible call it off when Ruby slid towards my bedroom.

“There’s plenty of space in here, you can sit down if you’d like.” Ruby said I hesitated and Ruby looked back at me “Come on Bolt, don’t make me drag you.” she playfully dragged the end of her tail towards me, I started moving forward.

“Okay, no dragging please.” I whispered Ruby grinned.

Ruby closed the door behind us, her tail massed around like a living barricade. I gulped slightly regretting agreeing to whatever she had planned. Ruby smirked tilting her head then slid into the centre of the room and made a ‘seat’ out of several coils. She stared at me waiting for me to decide, Ruby’s tail no longer blocked the door so I could have just left. But curiosity kept eating away at me, she’d said it was specific lamia magic that they could all do. What type of magic? Before I’d even noticed I’d trotted over and sat opposite Ruby. I blinked realising what I’d done and tapped my hooves against the floor nervously.

For a minute the pair of us just sat there, regarding each other with different levels of curiosity. Me wondering what magic Ruby could show me and Ruby wondering if I would suddenly flee. Finally I lost my patience.

“Are you going to show me this magic or what?” I asked Ruby blinked then grinned.

“Oh, right okay.” She said and shifted her tail getting comfortable.

For a few more seconds it seemed like we’d carry on staring at each other, then I noticed a slight change in Ruby’s eyes. They seemed to be glowing slightly, nor were they purple anymore, they’d turned deep sky blue. No they hadn’t, her left eye had, but her right was shadowy leaf green, then they had another colour added to them, then a third. They began to move over Ruby’s eyes in large circles changing into different colours, the spirals followed no form of pattern or logic but they were still very beautiful. I didn’t even notice I was leaning forwards, eyes wide and my mouth hung open in awe.

“R-Ruby what’s… Happening?” The words came out slightly stuttered and slurred as if I was drunk.

My mind clouded over and slowed, I decided that looking at these beautiful colours wasn’t such a good idea, but I couldn’t look away. I just kept looking and Ruby grinned.

Ruby began moving her head in circles and I followed groggily, moving my head was severely tiring for some reason but I had to keep looking at those colours. The thought of looking away had just gone, like smoke in the wind. My eyes were becoming heavy as if I was tired and I felt a gentle touch, Ruby’s tail was sliding over my back hooves. As her tail formed a single loop I place my front of hooves on top, Ruby’s tail climbed higher up my legs then around my flank.

Ruby ‘stood’ up and I looked as high as I could from my sitting position.

“Stand on your hind legs,” Ruby whispered and I pushed up with my front hooves and balanced on my hind legs.

My front hooves fell to my side, they just felt so heavy that I didn’t want to hold them up. Ruby’s tail kept me balanced despite the awkward stance I was in… And I could keep looking into her eyes. Ruby’s tail coiled over my wings pinning them in place, my eyes drooped and I forced them open. The colours pulsing in Ruby’s eyes made it hard to think, but I didn’t want to I just wanted to keep looking… But something was telling me to close them too.

“Bolt,” Ruby’s voice was clear as crystal as if the colours were focusing on her voice for me “How do you feel?” Ruby asked.

I felt amazing, nothing could compete to this amazing spectacle. Ruby’s tail holding me in a firm yet soft hold, the ability to easily look but not feel uncomfortable standing on my hind legs and her eyes… I think I’d started to smile slightly.

“Happy.” I mumbled Ruby smiled as her tail tightened around my neck.

For a second my eyes snapped open again, thoughts raced through my head, red lights. Then I looked back into Ruby’s eyes and it all calmed down. My mouth turned up into a wide grin and my head completely emptied. My eyes stopped trying to close and those faint pesky thoughts of escaping just evaporated like water. Ruby tapped my nose with her hoof then lifted me off the ground slightly. Ruby looked at me like I was some sort of prize and I felt amazed that she treated me as such.

“So Bolt… Did you enjoy my magic?” Ruby asked I tried nodding but couldn’t even twitch by head in her coils, though that didn’t bother me.

“Yes.” I said. My voice wasn’t slurred anymore but it was soft and relaxed.

Ruby squeezed me gently forcing air out of my lungs and I sighed. Ruby’s eyes slowly returned to normal and she kept staring at me, a mischievous grin on her face.

“Right, let’s have some fun.” she whispered.

Ruby piled her tail into something that resembled a bean bag shape with a dip in the centre. Ruby relaxed her tail and I slid down like it was a tunnel slide, I landed in the ditch in Ruby’s tail. It felt amazingly comfortable, Ruby lowered the coils she’d held me in over me like a blanket. My front hooves resting atop the piles of coils and Ruby lay down in front of me staring at me, grinning.

“Stroke my tail.” she purred.

I ran my hooves slowly over her tail, it was impressive, you never notice how much muscle a snake has until you actually feel one. A layer of scales like armour then pure muscle.

I gently stroked Ruby’s tail like you might a small dog, Ruby herself closed her eyes and grinned, clearly enjoying the massage. This continued, me stroking her tail which moved along slowly, and Ruby dozing off slightly. When Ruby raised her tail off my lap she had to shake her head to battle the sleep away, she looked at me pondering what she could do. Ruby suddenly grinned pulling all of her tail away from me, my smile faltered a bit at having Ruby’s comfy tail taken away, but I watched as she formed a sort of carpet. Like the one they rolled out for celebrities, Ruby gestured to the line of coils.

“Walk over my tail.” Ruby ordered.

I stepped up onto Ruby’s tail, her coils shifted, with my left hoof on one side and my right on another. I walked across Ruby’s tail, Ruby herself was facing me her hooves folded over her tail and was resting her head on them, eyes closed and grinning. Halfway across Ruby shifted her tail and things went sour. The sudden shift in Ruby’s tail caused me to lose my balance and I fell down, my face hitting Ruby’s tail with a thud. I blinked suddenly thinking straight again and in control, Ruby had sat up then slid over to me in concern.

“Bolt, I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to knock you over are you okay?” she asked I kept my face down the memories returning slowly, I felt anger boil and I looked up at Ruby.

“What did you do to me?” I whispered my voice a low growl.

“What? Bolt are you o...” I didn’t give her time to weave her lies, my anger snapping.

“WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME WITH THOSE EYES OF YOURS!?” I shouted spreading my wings in anger.

Ruby froze, lifting one hoof then lowered her head.

“I was just showing you my lamia magic... I didn’t think you’d...” I cut her off again.

“You were controlling me, making me do things I wouldn’t normally do! What would you have done next if I hadn’t woken up?” Ruby coward in her tail, raising it like a shield over my cruel words but I didn’t back down now “I am not some puppet for you to toy with, all that you said about a rite of passage was it all a load of twisted lies, or did you get kicked out because you’re just so pathetic?” I thundered Ruby began to shake covering her head with her hooves but she managed to whisper.

“I wasn’t going to do anything, I promise. It was just hypnosis, I just wanted to make you feel relaxed around me, I didn’t mean for this to happen this way.” Ruby choked trying her best not to tear up.

“No you didn’t,” I whispered Ruby looked at me from behind her shield “You didn’t mean to wake me up.” I grumbled Ruby gasped and shook her head.

“No Bolt I wouldn’t...” I raised my hoof trying not to shout and Ruby fell silent.

“You said bringing you along was my choice?” I asked Ruby nodded “Then I’ve made another one... I want you to leave.” I said Ruby lowered her tail and hooves.

“What?” she asked.

“Leave... get out,” I said kicking open the bedroom door “And don’t let me ever see you again.” Ruby shook her head and tears flowed freely down her face, she sobbed and galloped (In a sliding term of the word) out of the room. I heard the wagon door open and slam behind it.

“I need a drink.” I mumbled.

I grabbed several bottles of apple cider, from sweet apple acres, a from that ran apple based produce across Equestria, from the fridge and sat down holding my head in one hoof and taking a long drink. I refused to acknowledge my want to cry at this betrayal or that it could’ve not been one, I simply sulked and drank until I passed out on the table. I had a nightmare of beating Ruby until she didn’t move... I woke up screaming her name and I didn’t know why.

Author's Notes:

Chapter 4, we see the first of likely many hypnosis moments, sad it got cut short... Don't worry sure they work it out and be grinning in no time- I mean friends again in no time!

Catching up with the past

This was, without a doubt, one of the worst days I’d ever had, lost in the badlands, just had a fight with a strange hybrid creature, who I was just beginning to get along with, and now a splitting headache to top it all off. I skipped breakfast, I wasn’t hungry, and simply set up pulling the cart. While I strapped myself in I noticed the faint tracks of Ruby’s tail leading in the direction I was headed, either she was hoping that after I travelled a bit I’d have calmed down and would let her tag along again (Which I wouldn’t!) or she had just set of in any random direction.

“Better be the latter for your sake Ruby.” I thought and began to walk.

The ground quickly changed from snow, to thin green grass that quickly turned yellow then dry brown and then sand, I looked back the way I’d come. It looked almost like a giant wall of green trees that quickly split away into desert, it didn’t make any sense. The slow progress of my wagon gave me time to think over the previous night .

“She betrayed me! I was used like some toy for her amusement. And I poured my heart out to her! It’s true what they say about the badlands... everything within is just evil.” I thought bitterly.

I hadn’t even noticed I was still following Ruby’s trail when I heard voices.

“Aw is the reject crying? What’s wrong fail to fit in being a runaway as well?” the tone of voice was that of a mother who might care for a foal but the words didn’t match the tone. I glanced around, there was nopony around and it was an empty space except for...

“How did I get so close to them without noticing?” I thought staring at several large boulders that were likely forming an overhang on the other side.

I could have... No should have just left, but I wanted to find out who this cruel pony was talking too and I had a small list of guesses.

I climbed on top of the boulders, leaving the wagon on the hidden side of the rocks, when I reached the top I was only mildly surprised at who I saw. Ruby and four other lamias of various colours who were giving Ruby her just deserts. Ruby herself was huddled against the rocks whilst the lamias insulted her about various things, mostly about her leaving her home treating her like a reject. I bit my lip, refusing to admit we had something in common, we didn’t, I got bullied true but Ruby deserved it... didn’t she?

I decided to look at the other lamias too distract myself. One had a long blond mane and dark bark brown coloured fur, with a matching bark and yellow coloured tail.

“So their tail is the same colour as their mane and fur, interesting.” I thoughts, she also had purple eyes like Ruby... in fact they all did, every single one had purple eyes with a slitted pupil, some sort of genetic thing about being a lamia I guess. Blonde also had a large blackened log with thorns wrapped around it as her cutie mark, nice.

The second and third looked like twins. Bright leaf green fur with dark brown manes done in pony tails, the only difference between them was their cutie marks. One had a rose with petals that seemed to be changing colours; I briefly flashed back to Ruby’s eyes the previous day and tore my gaze away. The other had what looked like a bouquet of multi coloured flowers, strange. The final one, presumably the leader since she was the one making the cruellest jokes, with the others laughing at them guaranteed or joining in laughing after she started, was a dark grey unicorn mare with a short black mane, her cutie mark was a bright red shield with a spear behind it, likely a guard then.

The leader seemed to have grown bored of just petty insults, whilst I was about to leave in fear of being spotted.

“Pin her down.” I froze and watched as Ruby attempted to escape but was piled on by the twins, their tails gripping Ruby’s down.

Blonde grabbed Ruby around the waist pinning her hooves down and holding her up facing the leader. I flashed back to my childhood a similar experience, several colts blocking the view of me whilst a few more held me down and the largest continued to beat me, until my wings were bent at unnatural angles and I couldn’t see and could hardly keep my head up. I blinked it was just like how it happened to me, other colts and fillies could easily see but nopony bothered to help, they just watched and... Enjoyed the show... Until my friends saved me... But who would save Ruby?

I bowed my head in shame; I looked up as the leader approached Ruby, who was struggling like a caged animal. I don’t know what happened, one minute I was feeling nothing but guilt at the sight then something snapped within me and then I was barrelling straight into the lamia. She looked up in time to see a red coloured missile hit her, we flew back and I landed on top of the Lamia pinning her down. I repeatedly brought my front hooves down on her face screaming.

“YOU ARE A COW-ARD NEED-ING THREE FRIENDS TOO BEAT UP ONE PONY!” I hit her for every syllable and she had a bright purple, black and grey face soon.

I was surprised the lamia’s friends were just watching, as Ruby slowly escaped from their pin hold, then again a random pony falling out of the sky attacking one of them must have shocked them all except for Ruby.

“Bolt! Look out!” She cried.

I looked behind me at the raised dark grey and black tail, but it wasn’t the tail that hit me. The downed lamia smacked me in the face with a solid head butt then smacked me off her with her tail. I rolled over and I tried to get back up but felt a tail wrap around my waist pinning my wings to my sides.

Unlike Ruby’s scales which were soft and smooth, this seemed hard and rough, as if they’d been hit by many things and toughened up more than usual as a result. I began hitting my front hooves against the coil to no avail. A second loop was put over my head like a hula-hoop and forced my hooves to my side. The grey lamia began coiling me up from the bottom of my back hooves up to my neck. Ruby remained frozen in fear, staring at me as the grey lamia wrapped her tail around me.

“Nopony ever touches Midnight Blade!” Midnight hissed “Least of all a regular pony.” She whispered dangerously.

Remember when I described Ruby forcing the air out of my lungs. Let me go into detail so you know a bit better on how the next part felt. Ruby was gently pushing against my body making it uncomfortable to breathe in, but made it feel better to breathe out, whenever I did breathe in her tail loosened so it didn’t become uncomfortable causing a rippling effect against my body. When Midnight tightened her tail she did it to force the air out and make it impossible to get all the air back in, imagine being bucked in the windpipe then having that hit nonstop and gradually get worse, it was like that.

Midnight started out only lightly squeezing, but she tightened further and further. I tilted my head up, mouth open gasping for what little air I could get. It felt like my bones were bending like twigs, about to snap. My vision swam and what little movement I had been managing was beginning to become weaker and weaker. I let my head flop down onto Midnight’s coils and managed to look at Ruby.

“You owe her an apology,” my muddled brain said.

“Ruby... I’m... sorry.” I croaked with the last of my air.

I heard something crunch like frost being stepped on and pain shot through my whole body from my front left hoof. I groaned not having enough air to scream, sounding like a zombie. I let my head rest on Midnight’s tail and gave into the pain. My vision blurred over and my eyes fell shut as Midnight tightened her tail a little more, I couldn’t get a wisp of air down my throat anymore.

Then I suddenly fell to the floor, slamming on top of my bad leg causing me to wince before I began gulping down air and coughing uncontrollably. I looked up and froze, Ruby had tackled Midnight and the two were rolling around hissing and biting each other with fangs I hadn’t realised either even had. They had pointed canines, top and bottom, like a snake’s. It was terrifying to watch, two unnatural predators fighting each other. As much as I wanted Ruby to win it wasn’t going to happen, I could tell. Ruby was much smaller than Midnight in both bulk and length, not to mention her tails armour was weaker and Midnight seemed to have more combat experience, knowing just how to avoid Ruby’s attacks and cause more pain to her. The two fell down on the floor, Midnight on top, she bared her teeth and Ruby held her face away with her hooves while Midnight tried to knock them off with her own. Their tails were locked together attempting to crush each other and smacking the ground.

Midnight hit Ruby’s right hoof in the knee causing it to bend on reflex and Midnight pounced. She grabbed Ruby’s head forcing it down and tilted it upwards exposing Ruby’s neck. Midnight’s tail pinned Ruby’s hooves above her head and Midnight grinned victorious.

“You should have just fled like last time, you knew you couldn’t beat anypony, least of all me!” Midnight growled baring her fangs to bite Ruby.

“Unhoof that mare this instant Midnight Blade!” a voice boomed with royal power, like one of the princesses

I managed to look over towards the voice, three lamias, all mares, two of which were in what looked like armour made entirely of lamia scales around their pony bodies with matching helmets, they had been dyed the colour of tree leaves but I could see some of the original colours on some giving them a funny polka dot look if you looked carefully enough. I didn’t focus much on the guards more on the lamia between them. She was impressive in a royal way. Her tail was double the size of Ruby’s and dwarfed all the other lamias around her, she wore a completely white dress that fell down her tail quite a bit and her hair was skimming the top of her tail. She had sea blue fur, giving her a blue tail, with a bright golden mane, so a yellow belly. She also had a crown on that, at the front, had a rearing cobra that looked like it was caught mid-hiss made entirely of solid silver with little sapphires dotted below spikes that you might see on a cemetery fence.

The lamia had her gaze fixed on Midnight, who was cowering under it.

“Er, hello, ma’am.” Midnight bowed (It looked like that, though she could of been lying down with one hoof facing backwards).

“Don’t you act as if this was just a simple accident by a foal, you’ve outright attacked a lamia and almost murdered her as a result.” The lamia said her voice low and dangerous, like thin ice about to break.

“But she isn’t a lamia, she’s a hybrid.” Midnight whispered. the lamia bristled as if offended.

“Yet it takes four of you too attack her at once?” Midnight covered her head.

“Please my Queen I just...” The Queen held up her hoof.

“Silence... I will not have my sister’s daughter be harmed, I promised to find her and bring her back in once piece Unharmed it is lucky I arrived when I did, otherwise you’d have been serving punishment for attempting to rebel against the Queens orders... For now you are merely going to be charged with attempted assault on a high noble.” Midnight looked up, horrified, shaking.

“Please!” Her voice was so tiny the Queen simply scoffed.

“Consider yourself lucky you aren’t the stallion who helped lead us to you.” Oh shit.

The Queen advanced towards me and stared down, she pushed me onto my back with her tail and looked at my leg.

“You broke him?” The Queen asked looking at Midnight she nodded slightly still lying down

“Well that’s a shame might have been nice to have a new slave... and we don’t have a Pegasi at home.” The Queen stared at me for a few seconds “Tell me little cloud mover,” The Queen began to circle around me forming a wall while I lay spread eagle on my back, my leg in agony “Why did you help a lamia?” the Queen asked I looked at her.

“Because she needed help.” I whispered the Queen stopped and looked at me.

“And you, a normal pony, seeing a half pony half snake for the first time, decided to just help her on a whim?” the Queen shook her head then looked at Ruby “Where did you meet him?” she asked.

“A couple minutes ago, falling out the sky.” Ruby said.

Midnight must have sensed a way to get back at Ruby.

“But how do you know his name, Bolt she called him.” The Queen grimly nodded to Midnight who smiled.

“So… I’ll ask again...” the Queen lifted me off the ground with her tail and I remained limp like a dead fish (Griffins, that’s all I’ll say for now) “Why did you help a lamia?” I remained silent for a few seconds before whispering.

“They were pinning her down like a dying animal, I know what that’s like and if I hadn’t you really would be talking about a bloody and bruised Ruby.” The Queen stared at me for a minute, probably thinking over what I’d said.

“So how do you know her?” she asked.

“I don’t.” I said.

“You spoke her name and none present have yet to speak it, or has somepony spoken?” The Queen asked looking at Midnight, who shook her head.

I gulped glancing towards Ruby. How did I get into this situation?

“Look ma’am I just really want to go home, if you let me go I won’t be a bother and I won’t tell another soul, even if I did they wouldn’t believe me.” A poor attempt that I had little faith would work and sure enough the Queen flipped me around and wrapped her hooves around my neck and her tail around my body pushing against my broken leg, causing me to scream in agony.

“Tell me how you know her!” The Queen hissed into my ear.

“I-I don’t.” I said she squeezed my hoof again and I screamed tears blurring my vision.

What did I do to deserve this? Was this karma for butchering animals for griffins? if so well I’m sorry for trying something the natives did but I still enjoyed it (Yeah, I eat meat get over it).

The Queen groaned bored and flexed her tail about to crush my neck when Ruby cried out.

“Stop, please ma’am... I’ll talk just please don’t hurt him anymore,” The Queen loosened her hold around me and I sighed looking at Ruby.

“Well... Go on, all of it and I’ll know if you hold anything back. From your first meeting to how you got separated because I can tell, otherwise you’d have both been pinned to begin with.” The Queen said.

So Ruby told them, how she’d noticed me (as if I was miss-able rolling down a mountain in my wagon bringing a snow slide with me) and had snuck into my home while I was out. She told of how she tried to tackle me while I slept and I fled and the deal we made. She even put in the part where we ate together, she reached the fall out and I noticed one thing she’d missed .

“She didn’t say anything about the conversation we had on why she left.” I thought.

Ruby finished and stared at the Queen, I couldn’t see her expression but finally she asked.

“And what does he mean to you, now that he drove you away?” The Queen asked.

“He’s a good friend and I like travelling with him.” Ruby said simply.

“But he betrayed you, forced you away from him, doesn’t that make you mad or upset. Wouldn’t you like to teach him a lesson?” Ruby frowned looking at me and I gulped.

“He did betray me... and I was upset,” Then she smiled softly and looked at the Queen “But he came back and saved me so I think we’re even.” Ruby said the Queen chuckled softly.

“Well... I expect you’ll want your companion back then.” The Queen said pushing me towards Ruby, I fell down sharp pain from my hoof causing me to be unable to stand yet.

“A shame seems he can’t walk.” The Queen said I felt another tail wrap around me, but more gently and, if tails can be, more friendly towards me. Ruby helped me stand and the Queen raised an eyebrow at us then turned to Midnight.

“Bring the Pegasus’s cart.” She said to Midnight and left without looking back.

When Midnight returned, pulling my cart along, the Queen turned and led the way flanked once again by her guards. I limped alongside Ruby who helped me stay balanced

“I wouldn’t try to flee again by the way Ruby,” The Queen said glancing back “I know his scent.” She looked forward and Ruby looked at me sadly, I managed a pained smile.

“We’ll be fine... Still breathing aren’t we?” I asked managing to check Ruby’s mouth for her breath, she smiled a little bit and we continued on behind the other lamias.

Author's Notes:

So some people are going probably be like: Bolt has broken his leg he shouldn't be able to travel, or, Why doesn't he fly to keep of his damaged hoof .

Answer 1: Bolt is a pony meaning he can walk on three hooves, it's just more awkward
Answer 2: He doesn't want the Lamia's to think he is fleeing and be punished.

Okay I think that takes care of everything! Enjoy! :)

Lamia City

We travelled away from my intended direction, which annoyed me, more distance to travel.

“If I’m let go.” I thought grimly.

We headed Southeast, East of the frozen forest I’d just escaped. I expected to re-enter the same forest with the frozen ground and living trees but I was wrong. When we entered the forest it appeared slightly normal, the air was warm, no snow on the ground and the trees were normal. How was this place in the badlands it seemed so normal? Oh wait now I know, it’d because the trees were damn enormous! They could probably cast a shadow over Canterlot should they have grown next to it, but despite that it was strangely beautiful, this area of the forest. No flowers just grass and trees but it reminded me of forests I’d passed through on my travels. I started feeling homesick for normal Equestria (Well its roads are my home, not the badlands).

Ruby continued to support me even when I was beginning to feel lightheaded.

“Hay Bolt, take a look,” Ruby whispered I managed to force my head up and blinked refocusing my sight.

“Whoa.” I whispered.

Lamias certainly didn’t have the recourses to make another Canterlot, plus it’d probably stick out, but what they had made was still amazing. Like Canterlot it was built using the land itself around it, so the city was literally in the trees. Various tree houses that seemed to act as homes with rope bridge connections. The only connection to the ground was a ramp, it was about two wagons wide, which is generally quite small but here I guess it was large... or maybe it wasn’t built for transportation in mind, my wagon was probably the first to ever go up to this lamia city (Wow what a honour, can you tell I’m being sarcastic?). It climbed so high I imagined a non-Pegasus pony falling and becoming a smear on the ground below.

The ramp up was actually walled off, giant logs carved into spikes (Some with blood dripping down, inviting) formed a large square, lamias patrolled along the top of the walls, with various native weapons. Spears, bows, crossbows and shields, most looked homemade but I saw one lamia with a golden shield with a familiar golden coat of arms.

“Is that a Royal guard shield?” I mumbled looking at the Canterlot banner on the kite shield the lamia swordsmare held in front of her.

Ruby nodded grimly but said nothing, no need for words, I understood. The corners of the log walls rose up into watch towers with three guards on each tower

“Impressive.” I mumbled.

“Glad you think so, let us hope you keep yourself from facing the wrong end of our weaponry.” The Queen said.

I looked amount the ranks of lamias and finally noticed another detail.

“They’re all mares,” I didn’t see a single stallion amongst their ranks, I turned to Ruby.

“Where are all the stallions?” I asked softly Ruby suddenly looked slightly embarrassed.

“Well Bolt you see...” She began nervously, but the Queen cut her off.

“She hasn’t told you?” The Queen asked grinning “Lamias are an entirely female race now, not a single stallion can be born with a tail, since when we have a child it is always the same gender as the lamia, and all the male lamias have long since disappeared and died out, as far as we know, or at least, here where we live... This means we have to capture regular pony stallions to... repopulate.” I felt my face burn, uh oh this can’t be good.

“Don’t panic there are other stallions like the Queen said earlier,” Ruby whispered “You won’t be used... for that.” Ruby tried to smile but I could tell she was uncertain, as was my fate in this city.

We stopped outside the log walls, two doors had been fitted on the front and they started to slowly open, when I could see inside I noticed two lamias on either side turning something that looked like a ship wheel anti-clockwise to open the door. We walked through (Well I did) and when the wagon, which was at the very back of the group, passed through the lamias began spinning the ship wheels clockwise. The gates closed with an ominous bang.

“How do you intend to keep me here, if I can just fly away?” I asked Ruby shook her head but the Queen chuckled glancing at Ruby.

“Oh we won’t remove his wings, no we have something else keeping him grounded,” Ruby looked worried then confused as the Queen held her chin up with one hoof “You’ll keep him here... You’ll see.” She said before continuing on.

We reached a level point that was built like a crossroad and Midnight was told to give the wagon to another guard who the Queen spoke to quietly. Me, Ruby, Midnight, the Queen and her guards continued on forward whilst Midnight’s friends were sent away.

“We’re heading right for the Queen’s palace.” Ruby said nodding to the largest and grandest home built, it spanned between three trees and was several stories high with towers, like a little fortress, and a large python head above the doors watched me as I ascended.

“I don’t like this.” I mumbled, getting the creepy feeling the python had just winked at me.

“Me neither.” Ruby whispered gripping my right hoof tighter.

“Don’t break my other hoof Ruby, please.” I whispered managing a smile which she half-heartedly returned.

The palace doors opened inwardly by two guards, in similar armour as the pair flanking the Queen, I gasped looking at the palace interior. It was huge! A solid oak table spanned from one end to the other end of the room, with large pillows that could have been used to seat an entire class, with plenty of spare room, a stacked pile of pillows sat at the end of the hall and there were a few small piles on the sides closest to the fluffy thrown. The Queen slid to the large pile at the end of the room and laid her tail over the pillows getting comfortable, her guards stood either side of her, spears planted like flags and they just looked straight ahead as if they were statues. A minute later the table was carried away by several Earth lamias (They had no horn or wings so I assume they were Earth ponies on top). Two pillows were pulled to the base of the ‘throne’ and the Queen gestured for us to sit.

“You with Ruby, little stallion.” The Queen said grinning. Ruby spread her tail out and I climbed on top, Ruby holding my hoof up so it was less painful and not being rested upon.

Midnight sat besides us head cast down.

“So we’ll start with the issue of the stallion, since I doubt leaving his untreated hoof for so long has been good for him. He, unfortunately, as present company can see, is a Pegasi able to fly wherever he pleases. Whilst we have prepared for the situation, approving to have Pegasi wings... removed,” I didn’t like the sound of that “And that will happen if you do anything wrong, it wouldn’t however improve how you are, given your current injury... Plus bloody stumps would look very unappealing and your flight might be helpful, so...” The Queen smirked “I’m offering you the choice, you can stay with a lamia of my choice and keep your wings, so long as you don’t attempt to escape from your new ‘owners’ or you can turn and try to flee and when we catch you we’ll rip your wings off and assign you a home anyway... So I’d pick the first option if I was you.” The Queen said I glanced at Ruby.

“W-who would I be staying with?” I asked softly the Queen smirked.

“Well Ruby, obviously, since it seems you’re willing to protect her I’d imagine you wouldn’t mind living with her rather than a different Lamia. But in actual fact you’d be residing in her mother’s home since Ruby currently has no place of her own, until she fights that is,” The Queen raised an eyebrow “Do you agree to these terms?” She asked.

“I’ll reside with Ruby and her family whilst present in your Kingdom.” I whispered.

“You speak as if you believe you’ll leave someday.” The Queen said.

“...I’m a slave aren’t I.” I whispered the Queen pondered this.

“Tell you what we’ll make a wager,” The Queen grinned and I glanced at Ruby who shrugged “Should Ruby fight and win within the arena I will give both of you permission to travel outside the Kingdom at your own risk, but you must return once a month, should Ruby lose...” The Queen grinned “Six hours,” she whispered.

“What?” I asked the Queen’s grin widened

“Me and you in a room for six hours, you don’t resist anything I do, agree?” I glanced at Ruby who looked worried.

“Are we okay to think it over?” I asked the Queen shook her head.

“Should Ruby enter the arena those are the stakes, she is a citizen but may not have her own home and has the curfew upon her still, if you wish to try though let me know.” The Queen clapped her hooves “You may leave, I have to speak to Midnight now about her... punishment.” We left without a word.

Ruby led me back down from the palace and turned right (left from where we got up from the entrance) I tried to keep track of the ways we were going but it was like a maze... then again every new town was like that and I generally quite enjoyed exploring, but this place didn’t have the same appeal as, say, Canterlot. We eventually reached a house slightly larger and with a second story unlike the majority we’d passed. I’d received quite a few weird and seductive looks from other lamias and Ruby had got a bit of muttering which she’d responded to by saying.

“Just ignore them, don’t look at them either!” Though she said it through gritted teeth.

Ruby glanced at me then looked beside the house on the pathway. The bridges were about the size of my wagon and a half, so enough room to take it through and sure enough there it was, parked up next to Ruby’s house.

“My mum knows I’m coming.” Ruby whispered and silently led the way inside.

Ruby pushed open the door and within a second a unicorn mare with the same white fur and tail, with bright blond hair in a much neater fashion than Ruby’s but same length and a yellow belly, tackled her hugging her and began to sob. The mare pulled back and frowned tears still running down her cheeks turning her purple eyes bloodshot.

“Don’t you ever run away again young missy,” she broke into sobs again “Oh I was so worried when I found out you’d gone, the guard told me Midnight attacked you! Hope she gets a good punishment,” The mare turned to me and smiled warmly before hugging me much to my confusion. She pulled back smiling “You protected my daughter at the risk of your own health... Thank you.” She whispered.

Ruby managed to break in when, I assume, her mum began speaking to me.

“Actually mum (Yep called it) he did risk his health, as you can probably see Midnight broke his leg and...” Ruby’s mum held up a hoof.

“No more,” she turned to me nodding inside “I’ll get my supplies, come on.” She said. I noticed her cutie mark was two blue snakes in the shape of a medical cross, I hoped she knew how to heal more than snakes though.

Ruby’s mother had us go through the main hallway, into a door on the left, past a little kitchen (That looked too normal considering the environment) and into what looked like a small spare room with a wooden medical table and a large locked log wardrobe.

“Lie down on your back,” Ruby’s mum said picking up the lock with her hoof and touching her horn to it causing it to click open. She returned with several supplies.

“Ruby keep him pinned down, Bolt don’t thrash or struggle it’ll just make it take longer.” She said calmly.

“Wait aren’t you going to give me morphine or something so I don’t feel the pain?” Ruby and her mum shared a glance with each other “You don’t have morphine do you.” I said softly Ruby’s mum shook her head as Ruby coiled her tail around me looking at my face.

“Would hypnosis be an alternate, mum?” she asked as Ruby’s mum’s hooves hovered over my bad leg.

“You know it could... I have only ever treated lamias since...” She paused looking at me sadly “Slaves, no other way to call them sadly, generally don’t survive any injuries they get here... You’re the first full pony I’ll have treated,” Very reassuring, she must have noticed my face “We’re still half pony and we have to treat that half sometimes, it’s not that different. Just be thankful it’s your front hoof, I’ve fixed several before. Anyway, Ruby if you would like too.” Ruby nodded tilting my head to look at her.

“Just relax Bolt we’ll wake you when it’s over.” She whispered her eyes lighting up into colourful spirals.

I tried not to resist but I think it’s more a subconscious thing, that or I was self-consciously still afraid to give up control. Ruby flexed her tail which felt strangely relaxing and my want to stop feeling the pain in my leg helped. Soon my mind emptied leaving a blank blissful feeling across my whole body, I smiled faintly. The hypnosis sadly did nothing for the pain but the colours helped me ignore it and they’d make the pain better.

“Bolt, go to sleep, the pain will be gone when you wake up I promise.” Ruby whispered I nodded slightly and laid my head down against her tail, drifting off to sleep.

“You certainly are a cute pair.” Ruby’s mum commented before I fell asleep.

I was kept asleep by the hypnosis but had no idea why it didn’t keep my mind blank, perhaps it was focusing on not letting me feel pain and to keep sleeping, because I ended up having a nightmare. Midnight grinned pressing her nose against mine, she smelt of blood and her tail was looped behind my head with the rough, sandpaper like, feel pressing in.

“I’m going to completely shatter this hoof,” she said tapping my broken hoof, it burned but I remained asleep.

Since when could you sleep and feel pain I thought that was a rule, wake up after pain! Midnight tapped my other front hoof

“Then, I think I’ll break this one from your very body,” Midnight grinned taking hold of my hoof, she began to fade weird mist moving over her body “Then I’ll move onto...” Midnight’s voice faded along with her.

I… Well I suppose I floated, there was no physical ground, walls or ceilings but there was no sense of free falling. Midnight had just disappeared and left darkness, then I felt a tinge of warmth spread across my body, as if somepony had lit a fire. The warmth spread across my body and then colours appeared, bright multi coloured spirals all around me. All the pain, worries and fear just disappeared like Midnight. I smiled and drifted through a blissful empty dream.

My eyes fluttered open as I was shaken awake.

“Bolt, Bolt wake up… Rise and shine.” A voice said.

I blinked clearing my vision and glanced around from the bed I was lying on, it was a plain white master bed. It wasn’t my old bed because it was even larger than mine as if a giant used it.

“Well good morning sleepy head… How’re you feeling?” I looked towards the voice, leaning against the side of the bed was Ruby, smiling faintly at me, her purple eyes showing genuine worry.

I accessed the situation, as best I could in my groggy state. No pain but I couldn’t bend my right hoof, I looked down at it and noticed it sitting atop my chest in a thick cast.

“It’s not hurting… But it feels strange… Like it has fallen asleep.” I said slowly.

“That’d be the black ringed rose then,” Ruby said I looked at her concerned I’d been given a poison “It’s the closest thing to morphine we have, grounded up and added to water we made you drink it. Then directed it to your leg… it might spread to other places so warn me if you feel lightheaded at all today because it means you might collapse.” Ruby smiled nervously.

“What kind of flowers grow here?” I asked rubbing my eyes with one hoof and rolling over and climbing out of bed.

“Unique ones… Anyway follow me we’re going to have tea… I haven’t had that here for a while.” Ruby muttered the last part to herself.

I followed her through the house, which was awkward using three hooves, my broken leg was being kept held up by a sling Ruby had forced on me. The room I had slept in was on the second floor to the very back left, we headed down the hallway then down a slope (I guess lamias just don’t like stairs). We ended up at the end of the hallway on the first floor.

“Wait… that doesn’t make sense the second floor is further back?” I mumbled to myself.

“It’s built into the tree using its branches as support… we had to build the second floor overhanging since the stronger branches were further away for the second floor so the building has an overhang on the outside.” Ruby explained.

“What’s under the overhang?” I asked.

“The road, offers nice shade during summer.” Ruby said smiling slightly.

We didn’t head into the kitchen, instead we turned left and ended up in a brightly coloured room with a large fluffy rug taking up the majority of the room, with a small bookshelf and a pile of pillows in the other corner.

“What’s this room?” I asked.

“Living room, but it’s where we eat mostly, since well,” Ruby shifted her tail and smiled sheepishly “We’re not really very good at sitting around tiny tables… We tend to break them a lot, the Queen has hers for intimidation purposes, I think, or maybe to show off how graceful she is, that she can sit and not break everything around her.” Ruby said curling on the rug and lying down staring up at me, I watched on nervously as her tail looped over itself, you’d think she’d tie herself in knots doing that.

“Here you are.” Ruby’s mum said joining us, levitating a selection of plates loaded with a brown meat.

“Is that deer?” I mumbled softly Ruby’s mum stared at me then blushed slightly.

“I’m sorry I forgot you’re a normal pony, we don’t have much for vegetarians I’m afraid we mostly eat meat. You’ll just have to get used to it.” I shrugged.

“No it’s just… it’s a funny colour.” I noted, it was bright green with hints of the cooked brown underneath.

“Well that’d be the seasoning turning it green… Wait… How do you know it’s a funny colour?” Ruby said as her mum levitated over the plates to us, placing mine in front of me as I sat beside Ruby on a spare patch of the rug (Which felt amazingly soft, like a water bed of fluff) and Ruby took her plate in her own red aura.

“Well… See I, erm… I may have had meat before.” I whispered as if this was a crime, technically it wasn’t because of griffins.

Ponies drank milk and ate and cooked with unfertile chickens eggs but meat… well we sometimes had fish we just never talked about it and the west side of Equestria sold it more openly than anywhere else because some griffins had taken up residence there, and they’re part bird so meat was part of their diet. Some ponies tried it to be polite… some took to it better than other, I was one of them I suppose.

“Well that’s surprising, most of the other ponies here don’t eat anything until they’re starving.” Ruby’s mum said sadly.

“You haven’t given me any cutlery,” I mumbled standing up “Where do you keep it?” I asked.

“Cutlery?” Both mares asked in union.

“Knives and forks.” I said.

“Oh we don’t have them, we generally eat meat whole.” Ruby said.

“Oh right… Half snake, hang on I’ll get some from my wagon.” Ruby stood up placing her plate down.

“It’s okay Bolt I’ll go, stay here you need to rest.” Ruby didn’t even wait for me to argue, so I returned to my spot on the rug.

I tried not to stare but, I couldn’t help but watch open mouth in awe as Ruby’s mum unhinged her jaw. She levitated the meat over her mouth and lowered it down, her mouth wrapping around the meat making it roll itself up. She forced her mouth to work around the meat, a lump slowly forming around her neck as the meat entered. Ruby’s mum closed her mouth around the meat and I watched it move slowly down her throat, she made several gulping sounds, the meat shifting with each one, until it disappeared into her pony half. I wondered where her stomach was, her pony half or her tail… Maybe both?

Ruby’s mum looked over at me and blushed.

“Sorry that must have looked disgusting to you.” She said.

“No it’s okay it was… Actually impressive.” I muttered still staring in wonder at where the meat had disappeared.

“You’re incredibly polite, Bolt… I can see why my daughter has fallen for you.” I blushed.

“Ma’am we aren’t…” but she cut me off.

“Oh, how rude of me, I haven’t told you my name. I’m Diamond Cross, but you can call me Diamond… Well until you have to call me mum.” That last comment hurt slightly and also made me blush.

“Diamond I’m… I’m not your daughter’s coltfriend or anything, we’re hardly even friends anymore after…” Diamond chuckled.

“Blind love, both ways. Adorable… Keep telling yourself you don’t, you’ll stop believing your lies eventually.” She whispered standing up as Ruby returned levitating a knife and fork

“I’m going to head out soon, be good… and don’t run off again” Diamond said half joking, half seriously.

I dug into the meat with the knife and fork, focusing in detail on the meat rather than Ruby eating the same way her mum had earlier. She watched me eat for a minute since she was much faster. It wasn’t bad really, it was actually quite minty from the seasoning but I could imagine a lot of other ponies would still be disgusted at what I was eating. I looked over at Ruby and she smiled faintly. I flapped my wings nervously.

“So… What do you do around here for fun?” I asked Ruby blinked and grinned leaning towards me.

“Well we sometimes cuddle up to regular ponies for warmth and show them the wonders of hypnosis.” She whispered.

“Please don’t Ruby, I don’t really feel comfortable with it.” I said looking down at the floor.

“What about yesterday? You seemed alright to go under then.” Ruby countered.

“T-That was different! I wasn’t thinking straight, I was in pain and…” I took a shaky breath “Please Ruby just… Just let me get settled in before we do hypnosis again.” Ruby nodded.

“Alright sure… Anyway, as for passing time how’s about I show you around town?” Ruby said I nodded and she smiled standing up and offering her hoof.

“It’s alright, I can walk on my own thank you.” I said politely, managing to climb up, Ruby chuckling “What’s so funny?”

“Oh? Just you acting all independent and tough, the wounded warrior. It’s kinda cute.” Ruby said making me blush.

We, Ruby and I, left the tree house, Ruby saying in a sing song voice.

“Going out mum, see you later.” She closed the door before Diamond could respond and she pushed me along “Come on before she drags us back inside!” Ruby said forcing me to speed up, despite the awkwardness of walking on three hooves.

Ruby had us rushing away from her home until it was out of sight, then she sighed.

“Sorry about that Bolt, but my mum wouldn’t want me out of the house again after... Well you know.” Ruby said sadly.

“It’s alright, how’s about you show me around now.” I said Ruby smiled and nodded.

For the most part Ruby simply pointed out houses and who lived there, there were a few interesting places, such as a hypnosis spa. The hypnosis was mostly for normal ponies and for lamias to relax in other various ways. Another was a large suspended pool, it spanned between four trees and it was like a very large bowl with a fence around the side, the lamias way of swimming was quite impressive, their tails spread out behind them in long glittering waves. Ruby eventually brought me to a public sky garden, it was amazing. Much like the pool it spanned several trees, with grass dug up. Several small plants of various colours grew as well as regular small oak trees with zebra coloured vines, polka-dot roses and various other strange planets.

“You should see it at night, loads of them glow and it’s like a light show.” Ruby whispered leading me through the garden.

I glanced over noticing another lamia, bright purple fur with a long blond mane, matching tail obviously, her cutie mark was a basket of exotic fruits, with her child, a bright pink filly with her mother’s blond mane, no cutie mark yet, who was currently stalking a bird very badly since the bird kept flying in circles around the lamia, and a stallion. He was dark brown with a bright red mane like autumn leaves and brown eyes that had a hint of defeat in them, his cutie mark was a bright red maple leaf. He didn’t look that bad really, he was clean, not injured like me, the stallion looked perfectly healthy. But you could see in his face the pure fear, he was watching the adult lamia wide eye and he flinched when she looked over, despite her warm smile.

“Are all the stallions here afraid of lamias?” I asked Ruby looked sad and the stallion glanced over at me and instantly noticed my leg, his eyes widened in surprise.

“I think so... After all they’ve been ripped from their homes and families and trapped here, it makes sense to be scared.” Ruby said.

“What’s he so surprised about?” I asked as the stallion stared at my cast.

“Remember, treatment for regular ponies is virtually non-existent so he must be surprised... Maybe they might get a bit of hope that we’re not evil.”

“Not all of you, at least.” I said.

“Midnight is an exception... She’s an arse!” Ruby giggled and I chuckled softly.

I didn’t realise but both the stallion and his lamia master were now staring at us, as was the little lamia, though she wasn’t staring in shock, she looked curious. She slid over towards me and her mother suddenly realised racing over to catch her.

“Peg!” The little lamia said pointing her hoof at me.

I assumed she meant Pegasus, not peg as in clothes peg. I smiled at the little lamia and she clapped her hooves as her mother reached her, followed by the stallion.

“Can I fly?” she asked I hesitated then smiled at her exited face.

“Sure hop on.” I said crouching down for her to climb on my back.

The stallion’s mouth hung open in surprise and the mother held her hooves over her mouth, with that twinkle mothers do whenever they’re proud of their kids (Maybe she didn’t talk much, or wasn’t brave, I didn’t ask) Ruby however wasn’t so sure.

“Bolt do you think it’s a good idea...”

“For me to fly? I broke my leg Ruby, not my wings.” I said as the little lamia wrapped her hooves around my neck leaning down into my neck, her tail wrapped around my chest, barely managing four small coils.

I pushed the lamia’s coils back and spread my wings, flapping them a few times to brace for the new weight. Pegasi can carry single regular pony passenger’s short distances but we aren’t flying solo taxis (As for the sky wagons, magic my friend, magic... Okay it’s a simple anti-gravity spell, but magic sounds cooler!).

I hovered slightly off the ground and the little lamia gasped, then I spiralled up into the air and soared up. It felt amazing to fly again, it had been a while and my travels left little time to enjoy the freedom of the sky and the feeling of the wind through my mane, like I was breaking some sort of plant that had begun to wrap its vines around me holding me down, it felt amazing. The little lamia giggled looking forward as I broke the top of the tree line. The view... From the top of the mountain it’s like a little painting but some things can’t be captured by anything but the eye, the real thing is always better than a memory or picture for it is clearer than you’d believe.

The leaves of the tree tops had little bits of water droplets on them from the passing clouds and the sun was reflecting off it like miniature little sparkling gems. The sand in the distance seemed to glow red and snow whipped around the tops of the mountains like mist. This was freedom, seeing Equestria from a Pegasus’s view is, in my opinion, the best way to see anything. But seeing this reminded me... Of what I’d also lost. But it was hard to dwell on that as the little foal gasped and looked around, and reached up touching a fluffy white cloud trying to grip the vapour, as Pegasi can.

“Thank you, mister.” She whispered gripping my neck again.

“You’re welcome, ready to head back down?” I asked the filly nodded and I slowly descended.

And it felt like the ground was ready to bind my hooves down again.

I touched down and the filly jumped into her mother’s hooves, giggling, and began telling her details about the open blue sky and the glittering tree tops. She looked so happy.

“Hay you okay?” Ruby whispered I looked at her sadly.

“Yeah, fine.” I managed.

“Finally come to grips with what you’ve lost?” I jumped at the stallion who had walked over to us. He stared at me frowning, as if I’d done something wrong.

“I can’t believe you humoured it.” The way he said ‘it’ as if the little lamia was some sort of twisted demons spawn.

“She’s just a child who’s curious.” I said the stallion shook his head.

“They grow up like their parents, into monsters, and then they’ll teach their kids to be monsters. It’s all they know, all they’ll ever know, nothing will change.” He sounded almost defeated as if he’d fought a long battle and couldn’t be bothered to raise a sword again.

The lamia mother, with her daughter in her front hooves, slid over to me and nodded politely.

“Thank you that was really nice of you.” She said I nodded smiling and the little lamia waved goodbye and I returned it with my good hoof. The stallion turned to follow the pair.

“You do best to remember what caused you to get that injury, and that they can all do that and worse.” He muttered glancing back.

“And it’d do you good to know that it was a lamia who helped me, don’t think they’re all monsters. Do not judge the majority upon the actions of few.” I retorted, he simply grunted, as if I would learn, and walked away.

“Thank you.” Ruby whispered.

“What for, you have no reason to thank me.” I said.

“You defended me, my mother and our race... T-the slaves here get to talk to each other a lot, I imagine he’ll grumble to his friends about it.” The way Ruby tried to avoid saying the word slaves was... Refreshing, to know she didn’t like to.

“Come on, suns going down should we head back?” I asked.

“No,” Ruby smiled faintly “Not yet, I have one last place to show, it’s best at sunset, follow me.” Ruby said crossing the park and heading up another ramp.

Author's Notes:

So I finally got Bolt treated, tis about time! We also have a cute filly Lamia moment and a sky view of the horizon! Hope you all enjoyed, feedback is always appreciated, and sorry for how long this took been slow on writing cause of Christmas. It's a busy time. Sorry will try to get more done soon, bare with me.

Trust and training

Ruby led me up to a flat deck; it seemed like something you’d find in a large back garden or maybe a secluded park. A gazebo type building with a cone roof of white tiles with a deep brown fence. It was quite large by gazebo standards but probably normal for lamias. Ruby slid into the centre and curled up, she lay facing west, my right, and glanced at me.

“Come on, you have to see this, sit down.” Ruby tapped her piled up tail beside her and I gulped “Come on Bolt, I won’t bite.” Ruby made a cute little nipping sound with her teeth, giggling.

It was her laughter, a proper sincere laugh, at her playful joke that convinced me to move forward.

I walked up beside Ruby’s tail and she looked up at me, her tail flexed as if in anticipation for coiling me up and I hesitated. Ruby’s face fell slightly.

“You don’t have to be scared Bolt.” She whispered I bowed my head.

“I feel like... If I agree to this I’m surrendering my freedom... Like I did when I let you hypnotise me. I’m a Pegasus Ruby, we don’t like being confined or trapped... It frightens us.” I said and gasped when Ruby draped a loop over my neck.

“Sometimes... Being held to the ground can be a good thing Bolt, sure the view from the sky might be beautiful... But you can only see the details up close. Just find somepony you trust, to hold you down, someone you know will let go if you ask.” Ruby whispered.

“Would you let go?” Ruby paused and smiled.

“Maybe...” she purred pulling me forward towards her tail.

I sat down, turning to face the same direction as Ruby and she backed up slightly and coughed strangely.

“You okay?” I asked Ruby looked at me funnily.

“Yeah, fine... Anyway, enjoy the view.” She said it disappointedly, what was she disappointed about?

I just shrugged and followed her gaze. Celestia’s sun was beginning its decent behind the distant mountains, the opposite side of the badlands, in the west. The sky slowly turned orange and, as the sun was slowly falling out of sight, it broke through a set of tree leaves in front of us and beams of light radiated around the gazebo roof and I stared up in awe.

Have you ever seen a disco ball reflect different colours at a party? It was like that but more beautiful. Shades of the rainbow dancing in beams spinning down slowly like spotlights, it was amazing, they reflected off Ruby’s scales like tiny little lights at the bottom of concert stages. The colours turned darker and grew larger as the sun descended more behind the mountain, then they flashed white and faded and the stars began to appear along with the moon.

“That was amazing.” I whispered Ruby chuckled.

“Glad you enjoyed it.” She said her tail pushing against my body. Ruby pushed my head to face her with her tail, grinning “You know I could show you some even prettier colours than that if you want.” She purred. I looked forward at where the sun had set.

“Please don’t Ruby.” I whispered, and I glanced back at her and she looked disappointed then smiled faintly.

Ruby’s tail coiled over my back and pushed me down further into Ruby’s coils.

“Hay, what are you doing?” I asked.

Ruby ignored me piling more coils over me, beginning to form something that resembled a blanket out of her tail. I tried to stand, I was nervous enough just sitting down on her tail but this, I’d told her I didn’t like feeling trapped, but when I tried I found I was pinned by the sheer weight of Ruby’s tail

Rub.

“R-Ruby please stop this, it’s not funny.” I whispered.

“Just be patient, I promise you’ll enjoy this.” Ruby whispered tightening her tail around me.

Ruby draped a final coil around my neck, pushing my head down, and then squeezed. I gasped, not from having the air forced out of my lungs, from the amazing feeling of Ruby’s scales pressing into my body, contracting as I shifted. Ruby relaxed her tail and I breathed in and her tail rubbed against my body as my chest expanded, like a constant full body massage.

“You enjoying this?” Ruby asked slowly constricting again.

“Yes.” I mumbled resting my head on Ruby’s tail and submitting to the work of her tail.

Ruby’s muscles pressed into my wings, brushing below them until I unfolded them and let them rest between two coils, which clamped down on them. Ruby’s tail began sliding across my body as if continuing to coil around me, before reversing as if uncoiling. The feeling of Ruby’s scales sliding over my body was heavenly and I felt like putty in her hooves, or would that be tail?

I let my eyes close and a smile spread over my mouth as Ruby pampered me with her tail.

“So, do you want this to get even better?” Ruby asked constricting once again. I opened my eyes and managed to look at Ruby.

“Please Ruby stop asking, I don’t want to be controlled.” I said though still smiling faintly at the massage.

“How’s about I just... Put you under a light trance, you could look away and still think but it’ll still make you feel better.” Ruby offered I closed my eyes and tried to think up an argument as to why I didn’t want to be hypnotised even slightly.

But I couldn’t, maybe it was some post hypnosis thing making me crave it, or Ruby massaging me so I was more suggestible... Or maybe I just trusted her at last...

“Y-You promise to stop if I ask, right?” I asked Ruby blinked, surprised, then smiled faintly and crossed her hoof over her heart.

“Promise.” She whispered.

“Okay...” I managed.

Ruby piled a bit of her tail in front of me and lay down, resting her head on her hooves, so we were eye level and within touching distance, if I could have moved my hooves at all. Ruby closed her eyes, flexing her tail and curling a coil under my chin to rest my head on, she then opened them again. It wasn’t the same bombardment as the previous two times, where Ruby had tried to collapse my mind as fast as she could. Her eyes with pulsing with two slowly changing colours, they were still beautiful and very much captivating but it didn’t feel like they were forcing their way into my mind to take control, more like they were stroking it. I let my eyes half close and just stared, my breathing slowed and Ruby gently pressed her tail in around my shoulders.

“Isn’t this relaxing Bolt, you don’t have to be scared of hypnosis. It’s something you can enjoy, you just have to let me help,” Ruby whispered “Bolt, if you don’t mind me asking, what made you decide to let me do this?” Ruby asked.

My mind had to work hard to try and form thoughts around the clouded mist that had formed from watching Ruby’s eyes. The hypnosis was weak and wouldn’t ever put me under fully but still... It was relaxing and made me simply want to be quiet and enjoy it

“I... I guess I decided you... Really wouldn’t do anything I didn’t like. I’m still scared but... It is very nice just to... Relax.” I whispered letting my body go limp and sink slightly into Ruby’s soft muscly tail.

My mind was pretty much a slightly solid mush at this point, I felt incredibly relaxed and almost wanted to drop to sleep, but didn’t want to tear my eyes away. I felt like I could, I just didn’t want to stop feeling so good.

“Hay Ruby...” I managed.

“Yeah, what’s up Bolt?” she asked.

“Would you mind... Stopping so we can go back to your house... I’m tired but... I don’t want to stop watching your eyes.” I said the words forming slowly. It was also a small test to see if she would keep to her promise.

“Course Bolt, the ground isn’t as comfortable for my tail as you’d think.” She said standing up.

Ruby pulled me up from the mass of her coils before standing me on my shaky hooves, her eyes slowly returning to normal, it was actually kinda upsetting for her to stop, but I didn’t want to think I’d be so easily controlled... I doubt she bought it. Ruby stared at me as I walked up beside her.

“You look exhausted,” Ruby muttered.

“I’ve just been mentally and physically assaulted amazingly for several minutes, it’s quite tiring.” I said Ruby smiled softly.

“You looked cute snuggling up to my tail, you know at one point spirals started moving over your eyes too.” Ruby said.

“My eyes spiral too?” I asked.

“Yeah, it’s an effect of hypnosis, light trances generally don’t reflect the spirals in victims eyes, because they still have a lot of control but you... Let go a little at one point.” Ruby explained.

“So what would happen if I was fully hypnotised?”

“Fully blow reflective spirals covering your eyes pulsing rapidly, it’s how ponies can tell you’re under a spell, that, and you generally smile a lot under full hypnosis from all the blissful relaxant...” Ruby blushed “Sorry that probably sounded kinda weird.”

“No it actually sounded... Tempting.” I whispered then blushed myself.

“Maybe in future when you’re more comfortable... I don’t think we should blow it now,” Ruby whispered.

“Agreed...” Then smirked “You can still relax me with light trances though...” I looked at Ruby lowering myself down and trying to look pleading “Mistress.” I whispered dragging out the s’ in the word, Ruby blushed and I burst out laughing and she giggled slightly.

“Not funny Bolt... I might make you actually call me that.” She threatened.

“No way, I’m calling you Ruby, in or out of trance.” I said.

“Good... Because I don’t want to treat you like a slave, you aren’t one.” Ruby said seriously.

Silence fell after that line for a minute as we... Em... Was going to say walked but Ruby is half snake so... Travelled through town? Yeah I’ll go with that, anyway; the fact that I was a slave in this city, even if I wasn’t treated like one, still made it the truth.

“Bolt... Would you want me to fight Midnight? I mean if I win you could...” I trotted in front of Ruby and put my hoof to her mouth silencing her.

“When we, both of us, fought Midnight I broke my leg and you nearly lost your life... Please, I love Equestria a lot but it’s not worth risking your life over. So promise me you won’t fight Midnight, promise?” Ruby looked at me sadly.

“I’m sorry... But I also want to see Equestria... I can’t promise that... Besides The Queen didn’t specifically say who I’d fight.” she said.

“You know Midnight would volunteer and the Queen would accept, she wants to win that wager. But-but, since your serious, promise you won’t fight Midnight until my leg has healed, okay?” Ruby looked at me debating it “It’d give you time to practise at least, if you truly want to do this.” That seemed to win her over.

“It would be best to be prepared... Yeah okay, I promise I won’t fight Midnight until your leg has healed.” Ruby said then gasped.

Ruby gasped because I hugged her... I don’t know why maybe I thought my leg wouldn’t ever heal but... I didn’t want to see her get hurt... I don’t know why, maybe because she’d already done so much she didn’t need to risk more for my sake. But she wanted freedom too, and I couldn’t deny what she herself wanted, I could only help prepare her any way I could... No matter how little I could help.

I broke the hug, my face flushed.

“Em, sorry about that dunno where it came from...” I cleared my throat “Should we keep heading back home now?” I asked Ruby managed a nod as if in shock and followed beside me. I didn’t find out till later our conversation hadn’t been very private.

Ruby pushed open the door slowly poking her head in.

“We have to be quiet if my mum is awake...” Ruby mumbled.

“You should let her know you’re back or she might be more worried in the morning.” I whispered Ruby looked back to retort then somepony screamed and Ruby was pulled inside, I followed after her.

Ruby was struggling against the crushing hug her mother was giving her, Diamond looked at me and smirked at her daughter, loosening her hug and pulling back. Now she wasn’t hidden by her daughter I could see she looked pretty bad, Diamond had likely waited by the door for Ruby’s return growing more worried, her fur was slightly frizzled and her eyes puffy and purple as if she hadn’t slept at all.

“Your friend is right, you shouldn’t have tried hiding from me and talked to me!” She said hugging Ruby again sobbing “I was so worried Ruby... I’ve lost you once, not again please. Don’t run off or I’ll tie you to a leash.” Diamond threatened.

Diamond took several minutes to calm down before heading up to her room, Ruby groaned.

“She’s so over-protective.” She grumbled.

“Well you did run away from home, I’d guess that would make anypony protective.” I said.

“Guess so... Anyway, we were going to carry on from before, right?” Ruby said leading the way upstairs. Ruby led me to the room I’d woken up in.

“Wait... this is your room?” I asked.

“Yeah, why?” Ruby asked and I blushed.

“I slept in your bed... Didn’t I?” I asked Ruby nodded smirking.

“We only have the two bedrooms, so we have to share, anyway come on,” Ruby grinned “I want to wrap my tail back around you.” She purred.

Ruby climbed onto the massive bed, curling up in the centre and I slowly walked around. Ruby lay her tail down against the left side of the bed like a second mattress and I climbed on top, lying on my back, hooves at my side.

“You say you don’t want to be trapped yet you’re in the perfect restraining position if I coil you up.” Ruby noted smirking.

“I can sleep under the covers if you’d prefer...” I threatened and Ruby shook her head.

“No, I was just saying!” Ruby blinked then blushed “Real funny Bolt.” I smiled faintly.

Ruby coiled her tail slowly around my rear hooves then began coiling up my legs towards my body.

“I’m going to fully coil you up,” Ruby wrapped another coil around me, the previous coils getting thicker and pushing the rest of the tail higher up.

“Then, I’m going to use the cocoon around your body like a pillow and lie on top of you,” Ruby’s tail had reached my body and skipped to my stomach, pinning my front hooves down in the process, Ruby’s words were slightly scary, but I was slightly exited as well.

“Then I’m going to let my eyes spiral with hypnosis,” Ruby wrapped a further coil around me, reaching the middle of my body covering my wings, which I’d stretched out for her to coil around.

“Your mind will slow down, and your body will relax and sink into my tail, you’ll look back on this and have no better experience in your life to contemplate on,” Ruby’s tail reached the base of my neck slowing down as it curled around my windpipe, the rest of her tail already flexing, pressing into my body.

“And your warmth will leak into my body and relax me, you heart will flutter as I tighten my tail, it’ll all be so nice.” Ruby tightened the end of her tail around my neck, making me gulp for air, her whole tail squeezing me at the same time, before loosening. It felt amazing.

“So, ready to start?” Ruby asked climbing on top of her tail, lying on it her face inches from my own.

“Yes.” Was all I managed to say.

Ruby’s eyes were covered with slowly pulsing colours instantly after I spoke, I leaned forward slightly until Ruby pushed my head back down with her tail. Two colours consistently pulsed over Ruby’s eyes, making my head buzz pleasantly, her tail was pressing into my body and loosening to let me breath. The constant rubbing of Ruby’s scales against my fur was divine.

“You’re very good... At this.” I managed my eyes drooping, I couldn’t close my eyes fully unless I forced them too, and I didn’t want to really, this was too nice to stop.

Ruby disappeared from view for a second and I blinked as the faint fog in my head began to clear. I felt Ruby’s tail pull away from my body, then Ruby suddenly appeared beside me, snuggling up to me. She grinned, her tail pressing back in forcing us together and trapping my hooves again.

“Ruby not funny I’m not a... Teddy bear.” Ruby’s eyes lit back up into colourful pulsing spirals as I was speaking and my speech fell away “Can’t think... Ruby you said you wouldn’t... Fully...” I managed.

“Oh it’s no more powerful that before Bolt,” Ruby whispered rolling me over and wrapping her hooves around me in a hug. Her forehead pressed against mine I couldn’t see anything but the deep pools of colours in her eyes “It’s just you’re so close now, it’s harder to resist,” Ruby giggled and I moaned slightly as Ruby’s tail massaged my back “Your eyes are copying mine.” She whispered.

“S-stop... Please.” I begged my mouth falling open in awe.

It was amazingly relaxing but I was now afraid Ruby might put me under fully.

“Shh, Easy Bolt,” Ruby rubbed my muzzle with her own and my face began to feel much warmer “I said its no more powerful than before, means you won’t pass this point... Your just slightly further in because of proximity,” Ruby pulled back slightly so I could see her face “And tell me you’re not enjoying this.” She said and sure enough I couldn’t.

Her tail, pressing into my body, was making me go limp and feel so good cuddling me, her cool coils absorbing the warmth from my body and her eyes... Drawing me into a small place that was truly just bliss.

“It is... Very nice...” I managed “Just don’t hypnotise me... Fully, okay?” I asked.

“Not without your waking permission, don’t want you to think I’m taking advantage of your weakened mind.” Ruby said snuggling up to me.

“Hay Bolt,” Ruby whispered after a few minutes of silent hypnosis.

“Y-yeah?” Ruby shifted slightly and looked up at me embarrassed slightly.

“Can... Can I...” Ruby bowed her head and I tried to shake the hypnosis away the best I could.

“Ruby are you okay? W-what did you want?” I asked Ruby looked back up with me, eyes still spiralling and I didn’t resist the urge to fall under again

sh.

“Can I...” Ruby looked down sadly “Can I sing you too sleep?” she asked, definitely not what she had in mind but I didn’t press her... Mainly because I couldn’t form the words too.

“Sure.” I said Ruby smiled and lay down against her tail as if it was a pillow staring at me her endlessly swirling eyes drawing me in.

“Hush now, quiet now, it’s time to lay your sleepy head,” Ruby sung the song gently dragging out the words slightly, flexing her tail whenever she did, her voice was certainly pleasant and relaxing and the hypnosis compelled me to listen.

“Hush now, quiet now, it’s time to go to bed. Drift off to sleep, leave the exiting day behind you.” Ruby was smiling faintly at me, her own eyes drooping, mine closed entirely until I forced them open to keep watching Ruby’s beautiful pulsing eyes more.

“Drift off to sleep, let the joy of dream land take you,” I’m sure it was ‘dream land find you’ but I was too exhausted at this point to care.

Ruby’s coiling, massaging, hypnosis and lullaby were helping me drift to sleep, Ruby herself leaned close, her breath on my mouth and she blushed faintly.

“Hush now, quiet now, it’s time to lay your sleepy head, hush now quiet now,” Ruby pulled back and I think she looked disappointed but my brain couldn’t figure out why. It couldn’t do much at that point it was pretty much liquid.

“It’s time to go to bed.” Ruby dragged out the final word to her song and smiled snuggling up to me and my eyes closed fully, I didn’t force them open, I let the spirals take me.

I managed to have a peaceful night with no nightmares, but I was still partially in hypnosis limbo but it faded after a while into blackness. I was shaken awake. My eyes fluttered open slightly before I closed them, still sleepy. I rolled over and cuddled up to the soft muscly wall of Ruby’s tail.

“Bolt, wake up.” Ruby whispered shaking me again.

“Hypnosis, making me extra tired.” I grumbled before being squeezed. I coughed for air then sat up.

“Okay I’m getting up.” I said Ruby’s tail fell down around me except around my neck, leaving me with a scaly collar.

“Er, Ruby I’m not a dog.” I muttered touching the collar.

“Think of it more a necklace that can massage you.” Ruby whispered I looked over at her sitting beside me and she gave me a silent pleading look.

“Okay, if it makes you happy, I’ll keep it on.” I whispered .

“When did I start caring what made her happy, even if it made me uncomfortable?” I wondered as Ruby clapped her hooves together then leaned forward, grinning, as her tail pressed into my neck.

I gasped softly as Ruby constricted my windpipe, restricting my breathing slightly.

“You really liked that, didn’t you.” Ruby noted grinning.

“S-Shut up, Ruby!” I said thankful for my red coat so my blushes were less noticeable, but Ruby still giggled tugging on her tail leash to make me start moving.

I think the most humiliating thing was seeing Diamond’s face, in the living room, she covered her mouth trying to not to laugh, blushing slightly.

“So are you two getting along better?” Diamond asked.

“He’s difficult to train.” Ruby said, my ears felt warm too now.

“I-I’m not a dog!” I said Ruby giggled and Diamond shook her head smiling.

“So, still believe your own lie Bolt?” Diamond asked.

“It’s not a lie.” I muttered Diamond sighed sadly.

“Aw well, you’ll both come around. Anyway I’m heading out again got a… Nice request today.” Diamond smiled faintly “A lamia asked for me to help treat one of the prisoners who’s developed a leg infection, probably from fighting another lamia… It’s nice to know word got around I’m willing to help regular ponies… Maybe next we can work on better living, let them have a little more freedom,” Diamond slid over to me and hugged me “I have to thank you again, you’re making this town better in ways you wouldn’t believe, Bolt. And thank you, I don’t remember seeing my daughter laugh much before you.” Diamond leaned close whispering in my ear “You’ll make a fine husband and father, for Ruby.”

“Ruby and me, married… And kids… I-ugh… Brain does not compute!” I swayed slightly on the spot and fell backwards onto something soft, which began to move around my body.

“I’ll leave you two alone to get even further acquainted.” Diamond said grinning at me.

Ruby tilted my head up to I could see her.

“So let’s start on some more hypnosis, shall we?”

I suddenly realised I was very much aware of her fur brushing against my back, her hooves resting on my shoulder and her warm sweet breath on my face. I mumbled something in protest my brain in lockdown.

“Bolt are you okay?” Ruby asked I managed to nod slightly “Do you want me to hypnotise you?” I shook my head then blinked.

“N-no, please don’t.” I whispered finally recovering speech.

“Aw but Bolt,” Ruby pressed her nuzzle against my ear “It’ll feel so good.” She purred and I shivered.

“Stop that!” I cried backing up slightly. Ruby just smiled innocently “L-Let’s just start with your training, shall we.” I said trying to distract Ruby. Ruby nodded.

“Okay… Well I think we can use the park we visited yesterday night, to watch the sunset, to train, let’s go.” I agreed because I wanted to make sure Ruby kept up her practise… Plus I didn’t want to stay in Diamond’s house alone with nothing to do.

Ruby watched the horizon where the sun had set the previous night, it was now about midmorning so the sun was behind us but it was still a beautiful view.

“So how are you going to practise?” I asked Ruby shifted slightly.

“Well Midnight has been trained as a guard, so she’ll be a much higher tier combatant. She’s more accurate and stronger then I am, what strengths do I have?” Ruby asked sounded hopeless, defeated before she even began.

“Speed,” I muttered Ruby looked at me confused “Think about it, how did we both end up beaten up, me more so?” I asked Ruby shrugged “We tried head on confrontation, we fought Midnight on her terms, in her element where she’s strongest. She is much bigger, stronger and more trained… But that is also her weakness,” I said grinning.

“How is being trained to fight her weakness?” Ruby asked.

“She’s never fought ponies before, they always cower from her. Remember her surprise at me attacking, more from me just surprising her. She isn’t used to it. She is trained to fight lamias more sophisticatedly.”

“So we fight dirty?” I nodded.

“Exactly, we make up our own style of fighting, a new one nopony knows yet, and we exploit her overly large size in combat and make use of your agility, she fights head on, it’s unlikely she knows any other way too, so let’s give her something new.” Ruby smiled warming up to the idea and I actually felt hopeful.

We might just pull this off, sure we’d need a damn sight lot of luck, but I was still alive which proved I couldn’t have terrible luck.

Then Ruby sort of deflated.

“But how do I practise hitting anything, or knowing I’m faster than Midnight?” Ruby asked.

“You manage to consistently hit me.” I suggested Ruby gasped.

“Bolt you can’t seriously be suggesting… I use you like a punching bag.” Ruby whispered.

“You make it sound as if I’ll be easy to hit.” I muttered fluttering my wings and zipping around Ruby.

She blinked turning to me and I flapped my wings jumping from side to side, I held back a little bit wanting to work up to the harder tiers first. Ruby easily managed to follow me, her tail shifting and coiling back as if to strike.

“Stop waiting to hit me and hit me!” I said flying right past Ruby and patting her back, it was no more than a gentle touch, maybe one you’d use to get someponies attention, but it proved I could hit her.

This darting around continued for a minute before I charged forward, hoping to boop Ruby on the nose, she caught my hoof in both her own and flipped me onto her tail.

“I take it catching an airborne Pegasus is difficult, no?” Ruby asked grinning down at me.

“Normally, yes. Once we’re fully in the air we’re as hard to catch as a butterfly barehoofed, mainly because of reach.” I said “Anyway let’s get back to it.” Ruby shook her head grinning suddenly.

“Hold on… Bolt I want to make a bet,” She said. Considering the Queen’s wager this sounded a little scary.

“Em what sort of bet?” I asked.

“Don’t worry it’s not that bad, I want to make a wager that if I tap you five times first I win, and vice versa. Anyway possible is fine.”

“What’s the prize?”

“Different for each of us, if I win I get to fully hypnotise you, what do you want if you win?”

“…I’ll choose later.” I said softly after a minute of thought

“So it’s agreed?” I nodded and Ruby grinned “Alright then, either side let’s start.”

I took off, hovering slightly above the ground and slowly circled Ruby. Ruby charged forward and I did a mid-air roll, tapping the centre of her back.

“One, nil.” I said backing away, Ruby growled slightly and did the exact same tactic.

I hovered backwards out of her way and tapped her head, as if petting a dog, grinning. Ruby backed away and it was my turn to charge. Ruby ducked to her left trying to bring her tail down to pin me, but I folded my wings, flying through like a thrown dart under her tail, tapping it as I went. Ruby coiled her tail into a large ring around her, raising various parts like hoops.

“Three, nil by the way.” I taunted, hoping to distract her.

Sure enough Ruby opened her mouth to retort and I shot forward, between two rings which immediately clamped shut between me.

I struggled fruitlessly, kicking my hooves before looking up at Ruby in front of me. She lightly prodded my nose before pushing me away, returning to the hoop tactic. I hovered slowly around Ruby watching her, this seemed like a much more defensive stance. We were mostly playing, I doubted this would even help but it was fun, and it was nice to keep my weight off my uneven legs. I charged forward then barrel rolled between a hoop as the original one I aimed for closed, I tapped Ruby’s tail and put some distance between us. Ruby groaned then sighed, flattening her tail along the ground in a straight line across from either side of her. I gained a little bit of high and dived towards Ruby, she jumped forward her tail rising with her and I tried folding my left wing to turn away from her but Ruby caught me. The pair of us tumbled to the ground and rolled over like a barrel. I felt Ruby’s tail, that connected to her pony half, wrap tightly around me then we lay still. My breathing quickened as I realised the situation I was in.

Ruby was lying on top of me her muzzle pushing mine up slightly, her breath, going almost directly up my nose, was addling my brain. Ruby’s face looked similar to how mine felt, meaning very red. Ruby pulled back slowly.

“Sorry I didn’t mean to…” I slowly raised my hoof and touched Ruby’s nose cutting her off.

“Five, two… I win.” I whispered then burst out laughing, Ruby followed after a few seconds.

It was nice to have something to laugh about despite my situation, but I think we mostly used it to avoid the awkward situation that had formed. I managed to climb up into a sitting position beside Ruby.

“Well we didn’t really get much practise in,” I noted “But… It was fun.” I said Ruby smiled faintly.

“So what now?” I stood up stretching my wings

“We go again?” I asked “But no wager this time since I’ve already won.” I mocked Ruby groaned then smiled.

“I’ll get you this time.” She threatened as I took to the air.

I’m not sure how long we stayed there, at one point we stopped and went back to eat then returned (We pinched some vegetables from my wagon this time since, whilst I like meat, my stomach can’t handle it repeatedly) Ruby lost almost eight times out of ten, which wasn’t the best but she managed to get a decent streak of up to six wins in a row at one point. Ruby finally collapsed and waved her hooves in the air in defeat, sighing. I landed beside her.

“So I’m the overall winner?” I asked grinning Ruby nodded.

“Here have your victor’s crown.” She said placing a ring coil on the top of my head. I blinked raising my hoof up.

“I’d prefer a medal.” I muttered pulling Ruby’s tail down around my neck where it fell down the front of my body, hanging like a medal of glittering red and white.

Ruby stared at me then squeezed my neck and I sighed softly, I felt my mouth twitch up into a vacant smile then blinked.

“That, right there, is why I want to hypnotise you so badly.” Ruby said I flinched slightly in fear and Ruby must have noticed “Bolt, I’m not going to without your permission!” Ruby said.

Ruby smiled faintly and squeezed my neck again. I rested my head against the coil closing my eyes.

“Let’s start heading back now.” Ruby said.

“Okay.” I whispered sighing contently.

Ruby’s tail seemed to find every little cranny to push into to make my neck relax. I didn’t realise we were back until Ruby tapped me gently.

“Bolt, we’re back.” She whispered softly I blinked yawning slightly.

I pushed open the door and walked slowly into the living room, collapsing on the pile of pillows. I felt Ruby coil her tail around my torso, her breath on the back of my neck.

“What are you so tired about suddenly, I was the one doing gymnastics to catch you.” She said as her tail rolled me around, I felt a lot like a fly in a spider’s web but I didn’t mind, it was really comfortable.

“It’s a lot harder and more taxing than you’d think flying around your attacks.” I whispered snuggling up to Ruby’s tail, rubbing my cheek against the cool scales.

Ruby squeaked and I looked at her, she was blushing faintly. I grinned rubbing my cheek against her tail again and she visibly shivered in delight, I wiggled my good hoof out and began gently rubbing it along her tail. I froze realising when I’d done this before.

“You hypnotised me into doing this…” I mumbled looking at Ruby whose eyes shone with deep guilt.

I did something so random and crazy that it stunned even me. I gently pressed my lips to a segment of Ruby’s coils and whispered.

“I’m sorry for shouting at you.” I looked up and Ruby looked adorable.

Her eyes were twinkling with tears and her face and ears were bright red and she was covering her mouth with her hooves. I smiled, blushing myself, and began running my hoof over her tail. Ruby remained silent until I heard something like a snake hissing when mad. I froze thinking I’d done something wrong, I look at Ruby, who was producing the sound. Eyes close with a vacant smile I realised what she was doing.

“Are you purring?” I asked Ruby blinked still red.

“S-sorry I just… I like this, it feels nice and I… Hiss when I’m happy.” She whispered I laughed.

“You hiss-purr? That’s adorable!” I managed to stop laughing and Ruby puffed out her cheeks in annoyance, I stroked her tail a little more and she scrunched her eyes close before letting a hiss out, she whimpered in embarrassment.

Ruby pinned my hoof down and pressed her muzzle against mine.

“I’ll hypnotise you if you keep forcing me to make those sounds.” She threatened. I smirked looking up at her, I wasn’t sure what caused my sudden bravery but I whispered.

“What if I put you under my spell first?” Ruby blinked confused.

“What kind of hypnosis can you do, Bolt?” She asked.

“Uncoil my hooves and I can show you.” I said Ruby blinked, suspecting a trap no doubt.

But Ruby was a curious one so she slowly moved her tail around to accompany my request. Ruby still looked unimpressed but a little curious, she was probably wondering how a regular Pegasus could put her under some sort of spell. It wasn’t the hypnosis kind that’s for sure. I took hold of Ruby’s right hoof with my own, smiling at her as she raised an eyebrow. I gently pressed my lips to the front of her hoof and Ruby gasped, freezing up.

“Consider yourself under my spell.” I whispered.

Ruby’s face was bright red like a flare and she looked like a cross between; pure embarrassment, happiness and confusion from my actions.

Finally Ruby recovered her ability to speak.

“W-What… How did you… Why… My hoof…” Okay so maybe not, I chuckled softly at her embarrassment whilst my mind did a little happy dance .

“She tastes so sweet I wonder what her… Lips would taste like…” I felt my brain slow down as I processed this. Ruby managed a complete sentence.

“You kissed my hoof.” She stated I nodded slightly, managing to smile.

I wriggled out from Ruby’s coils, which were now limp as her body shut down from surprise and shock, and stood up, offering my hoof to Ruby.

“Come on, this isn’t something to lose your head about.” I joked trying to push my previous thought away.

Author's Notes:

Wanna know what I did literally just before Ruby and Bolt's training... Listened to Team America "Gonna need a montage!" talk about ironic.

Anyway, since you all seem to think the title to this story is inspired by spice and wolf, even though it isn't, I decided to give you an actual quote from Spice and Wolf. A cookie for first person to get it! :)

Unwanted company

Ruby gently took my hoof and stood up still staring at me

“S-so, Ruby, what should we do?” I asked.

“Just head up to my bedroom… I’ll follow in a minute.” Ruby whispered.

I did as she asked, stopping at the door to look back. I don’t even remember what I was going to say because what she was doing was so damn shocking it just disappeared permanently from my mind. Ruby had raised the hoof I’d kissed to her face and was slowly licking it, sighing contently, her eyes were staring vacantly into space and she had a soft smile. Then she noticed me watching and started crying from embarrassment.

Ruby turned away sobbing.

“I-I’m sorry Bolt, I didn’t…” she choked up unable to find a way to finish her sentence. I slowly walked up to her and rested my good hoof on her shoulder.

“Hay Ruby, don’t cry…” I whispered.

“I j-just wanted to know what you tasted like but it’s mixed with my own scent.” Ruby blurted out I was partially confused but understood one thing, Ruby had tried to find out what my mouth tasted like. I pulled Ruby around to face me.

“Bolt I’m so…” Ruby stopped talking as I wrapped her in a hug, I could smell her aroma, like pines and roses, so sweet. I pulled back slowly and managed a soft smile.

“Please don’t cry, Ruby, it doesn’t suit you.” I whispered. Ruby remained frozen, her eyes still slightly teary.

“Blind love.” The comment Diamond had made suddenly came to mind.

“It’s not like that, we’re just good friends, and I care about her because I owe her my life.” I thought, but the mental argument felt like a dam with a patchwork of wooden planks keeping it together.

Ruby buried her head in my neck nuzzling it slightly.

“You smell like chocolate and cake.” Ruby mumbled sadly.

“Is that bad?” I asked.

“No… It’s very nice…” she purred wrapping her hooves around me. We simply stayed there for a minute or two as Ruby calmed down, when she finally wiped away her tears I smiled.

“Feel better?” I asked, Ruby nodded slightly.

“I’m still… Sorry you had to see that.” She whispered.

“Ruby it’s fine I don’t…”

“No it’s not I… I was tasting you in a way, as if I was debating whether to eat you or…” Ruby seemed so scared and upset.

“Hay Ruby,” She looked up at me “If you smile I’ll let you fully hypnotise me.” I offered.

Okay so you’re probably all like ‘Why were you suddenly okay with being hypnotised?’ Truth is I wasn’t, I just didn’t want Ruby upset it… It hurt me to see her like that. Ruby looked at me with disbelief, then a little smile tugged at her lips.

“There you go!” I said happily and Ruby chuckled.

“Are you sure you’re okay with this?” Ruby asked.

“W-well… I’m scared but… It didn’t hurt with just the light trance so…” I shifted my weight awkwardly “What I’m trying to say…” I sighed “Yes Ruby, I am okay with this. I trust you.” I think that made her smile for real, that comment. Ruby took my good hoof and began almost dragging me along upstairs.

Ruby grinned at me as she pulled me onto the bed, she dumped her tail all over the bed randomly. Ruby pushed the pillows against the headboard, she then had me sit back against the pillows. I watch as she moved her tail around preparing, the huge mass of scaly muscle moving around me made me slightly nervous but exited, I knew how it felt to have Ruby’s tail pressed against my fur. Ruby finally smiled ready to start.

“So do you want me to start off easy and work up or go fast?” Ruby asked.

“Go slow and work up, please.” I whispered Ruby smiled before darting forward to hug me again.

“Thank you, Bolt.” She whispered.

Ruby closed her eyes and reopened them. There they were, those swirling, captivating colours, never matching, always changing demanding attention, there were four in Ruby’s eyes in total changing much more rapidly than before.

“Look into my eyes, look deeply into my eyes,” Ruby cooed softly, as if I need telling, she moved her head slowly in circles and I began to lean forward, my mouth falling open in awe.

“Feel yourself getting sleepy, be relaxed.” My eyes twitched strangely as my mind realised it was in fact very tired from all of our training.

I could feel my mind self-consciously fighting for control, whilst I might have willing submitted, my mind refused to go down so obediently, but Ruby just smiled wider as if this amused her.

“It feels nice, doesn’t it?” Ruby said and I moaned, unwillingly, nodding my head slightly.

My mind was turning to mush, slowing down, I was no longer leaning against the headboard and my front hooves twitched as my body tried to force them to cover my eyes.

“Just relax, keep listening to my voice. Don’t worry Bolt it’ll get so much better if you just relax.” I grunted, I couldn’t even form the thought of looking away now it was just too good watching Ruby’s endlessly spiralling eyes.

But I didn’t want to cave in… Submit so easily… I wanted Ruby to really try, since she clearly wasn’t yet, judging from how her tail was held back.

“There’s no way you can look away from me now,” part of me wanting to say ‘You don’t say’ but it came out as a quiet sigh.

“You can’t resist me, just keep looking at my eyes.” Ruby’s voice was causing me to shiver in delight now, her voice bouncing around in my rapidly emptying head.

It felt so good to submit… But I couldn’t because… Because… I’d forgotten why I was resisting I just knew I had too, maybe to entertain Ruby, that seemed like a good reason to me, at the time.

“There’s no need to worry… No need to think, you just want to relax don’t you?” Ruby asked.

“No… Need to worry… To think… Want to… Relax.” I droned softly.

I felt like a sponge, absorbing Ruby’s words into me, making them part of me, after all she’d emptied me now she was filling me back up.

“Now relax, into my coils.” Ruby whispered as her tail snaked (no pun intended.) around the very base of my body, above my tail.

“Feel the tightness around you,” The first coil had formed, pressing into my body and the second pinned my hooves downs, the first coil flexed followed by the second, causing a ripple effect against my body.

“You’re getting sleepy… So… Sleepy.” My eyes drooped at the word sleepy and I groaned and my head fell down slightly, before I forced my eyes open and my head up to keep watching.

“It feels good to look into my eyes,” Ruby cooed as a third coil wrapped around my body, I relaxed further, letting Ruby support my weight.

“You feel so relaxed, so sleepy… So good.” Ruby dragged out the word good as her tail continued to climb further up my body, reaching my upper chest.

I felt so tired, like Ruby said, my eyelids felt like anvils all I wanted to do was let go and sleep, but part of my mind wouldn’t let me… Why wouldn’t my mind be quiet and enjoy this beauty?

“Now, when I squeeze you around your neck… You’ll let my spell take you.” Ruby purred as her tail looped slowly around my neck.

“Or do you not want my spell to take you?” Ruby asked, her tail stopping just around my neck the coiling unfinished.

What sort of a question was that? Of course I wanted to submit, to let pure bliss completely take my mind. To obey Ruby and feel so good!

“P-please… make me… Submit…” I managed moaning softly.

Ruby giggled quietly and tightened her tail around my neck. I gasped, my mouth hanging open as it twitched up into a wide opened mouth smile. My mind collapsed and I closed my mouth grinning at the pleasant blissful buzz all over my body.

“Good boy.” Ruby whispered chuckling.

Ruby tilted my head up with her tail, letting her eyes remain spiralling, they had remained consistent throughout the process but I didn’t care at the moment, they were reinforcing the hypnosis so I’d be happier for longer. Though it threw off my speech and what little coordination I had left, though that had little effect due to the cocoon. Ruby lifted me up and span me around, her tail wrapping around my rear hooves which had been missed, I hadn’t notice but they felt incredibly heavy, like lead pipes and Ruby cradling them made me feel so good. Ruby lay me down and it felt almost like I was in a sleeping bag.

“Now… What should we do Bolt?” Ruby purred softly.

“You said… Wanted to know… How I tasted… Lick me?” I begged Ruby blushed.

I’m pretty sure she mentally sent me orders or maybe this was what she was thinking. Either way Ruby leaned down and out of view, I suddenly felt Ruby nibble on my left ear, her teeth didn’t puncture through my skin, on the contrary it felt quite nice. Her mouth was warm and damp and her tongue kept darting out.

“Ahh.” I gasped as Ruby licked me with her forked tongue along the edge of my ear, and over the top where it was jagged from my knife accident.

Ruby moaned, licking my ear slowly.

“Who would ruin such a perfect little ear?” Ruby asked.

“I’m… Sorry.” I gasped.

“Ah, don’t worry about it,” Ruby moved back into view “I’ll just have to lick somewhere else.” She whispered dragging her tongue along my cheek.

Ruby worked her way down my face, moving her tail aside so she could lick under my neck. I tilted my head up sighing as Ruby continued to run her tongue along my neck. Ruby playfully nibbled my neck before moving back up to look at me. Ruby pressed her muzzle against mine, her eyes lighting up into swirling spirals again, she looked happy but sad at the same time.

“Have I done… Something wrong?” I asked Ruby blinked and closed her eyes.

“No Bolt I was just… Thinking…” Ruby’s tail squeezed me and I exhaled slowly.

“Anything I can do… To help?” Ruby opened her eyes and I relaxed upon eye contact with the spirals again.

“Bolt… The normal not hypnotised Bolt, would he mind if…” Ruby’s voice trailed off and I blinked in confusion. Ruby stared at me for a minute.

“Doesn’t matter… Anyway do you want to go to sleep now Bolt, you must be exhausted after all that resisting and training we’ve done?” Ruby grinned as my eyes drooped.

“Want to watch… Spirals more…” I moaned foalishly.

“Maybe in the morning… Goodnight Bolt.”.

“Night, Ruby.” I managed resting my head against a pillow of scales.

It felt like I was sitting on something, but I was floating in a limbo filled with endlessly pulsing colours from Ruby’s eyes, the colours wrapping around me like rope. It felt amazing and I didn’t want to leave, I then realised that somepony was stood staring at me. I looked up at the bright white mare.

“Hello Bolt,” Ruby whispered as she cupped my chin with a hoof smiling “Mind if you put me under your spell by kissing me properly this time?” She asked and I felt my face burn.

The hypnosis behind her cracked like a dam about to burst. The hypnosis zeroed in on it trying to seal it, but it simply delayed how fast the cracks appeared, like a spider’s web being chiselled out. I blinked.

“Ruby what are you…” Ruby hissed softly, but this wasn’t her purring when I stroked her tail, though it sounded identical.

“How dense are you, Bolt? Can’t you see my feelings go further than just friends? You taunt me with hugs, even kissing my hoof like an old fashion knight in a story! Yet…” Ruby broke down her eyes tearing over “Yet you aren’t like a knight in a story are you… In stories the mare gets the stallion and there are no complications… Why isn’t it that simple? Why can’t you just love me; why can’t you just show your feelings? Or do you not have any for me, is it because I’m half snake?” Ruby backed away and I tried to stand, but I was pinned down on my stomach unable to move from the hypnosis.

“Ruby wait please!” Ruby shook her head fully crying and turned disappearing into swirling mist.

The hypnosis dam smashed and sharp pain spread across my body, causing me to scream as I woke up. Even awake I continued to thrash, screaming. Ruby sat bolt (…Fuck me) upright and began to freak out.

“Bolt, Bolt what’s wrong? Stop struggling, please.” Ruby begged, the door slammed open and Diamond appeared whilst I continued to struggle madly in Ruby’s coils.

Diamond slid beside me and took about a minute to look at what was happening.

“You’ve crushed his cast, let him go Ruby you’re hurting him!” Ruby’s ears pressed against her head and she loosened her tail.

I breathed slowly, my leg was still stinging and I felt tears in my eyes, from more than just pain. I tried to speak but it just came out as a moan of pain.

Diamond held up my leg and sighed.

“Luckily you didn’t impale him on it… Good grief Ruby, what happened?” She asked.

“I’m sorry I was having a nightmare and I… Must have squeezed Bolt too hard in his sleep, I’m sorry!” She said.

“It’s fine let me just go get my supplies, hold his leg up and make sure he doesn’t go back to sleep.” Diamond disappeared and Ruby did as she was told.

Ruby grabbed the very end of my leg, just before it joined my torso, where it wasn’t broken, and slowly moved it up onto a pile of coils. Ruby sobbed softly.

“I’m sorry Bolt, I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to do this.” She begged I tried raising my good hoof and managed to get it around her neck.

“Not your fault, it was just an accident,” I paused “Hay Ruby,” I whispered softly she looked at me “Since yesterday you wanted to…” Diamond chose that exact moment to return and I shot a look hoping it said “Later.” Ruby seemed to understand because she nodded faintly.

Diamond had brought with her a small sealed wooden box and two plastic cups, one white, one purple. Diamond set the box down and unlocked it, levitating out a set of powders and putting them into the two separate cups. She set them down, the white one fizzing softly, and began pulling out bandages and other essentials to make another splint. Diamond levitated the purple cup to me first.

“Drink this, it’s a pain killer, all of it in one go or it won’t work.” As she handed me the cup I could smell the contents, it smelt like decayed hay mixed with rotten bread and eggs. Not good.

I took a deep breath and forced it down in one gulp. I coughed but managed to keep the contents of my stomach down. We sat there for a few seconds before Diamond poked my stomach with her horn, blue magic engulfed Diamond’s horn and she began moving slowly across my body towards my damaged leg. Ever had the feeling like you’re about to be sick and you know it and want to run for the toilet, it felt like that as Diamond slowly moved up my body. When she reached my leg it turned numb.

“Black ringed rose?” I whispered, Diamond nodded.

“I see Ruby informed you what I used, now…” Diamond set my leg into a splint and smiled at her hoofiwork.

“There you go, good as new.” She said cheerily.

Diamond then levitated over the white cup.

“This next.” Diamond said I took the cup, it had stopped fizzing and I downed it again. This time Diamond didn’t use her magic to move it and simply began packing up. The drink was pleasant, it tasted of cherries but felt lumpy as if it was nearly yogurt.

“What was that?” I asked.

“We call it bone dough, it sort of speeds up and repairs damaged and broken bones. Couple more cups of that on time and you should be out of that cast by next week.” I dropped the cup which bounced along the floor, I looked at Ruby who looked incredibly guilty.

“A week huh… Did Ruby know you were giving me this?” I asked softly.

“Course, she reminded me,” Diamond said picking up the cup “Why?” I was tempted to inform Diamond of our wager with the Queen but decided against it.

“No, I just wasn’t told I’d recover so quickly,” I said managing a smile “Thank you.” Diamond nodded politely.

“I’m off to bed, don’t break his cast again, Ruby.” She said Ruby blushed and Diamond left. I turned almost wishing I could shout.

Ruby smiled sheepishly at me.

“So… A week huh…” I snapped “You can’t possible get ready in that time! You’ll be killed! What will Diamond think if you end up dead?” Ruby looked upset but I suspected it was less about guilt “What will I do without you?” I whispered Ruby’s ears perked up at that and she looked at me again, bingo. I sighed.

“Ruby I’m… I’m sorry I haven’t paid you more attention I do care about you… A lot, you’re the only friend I have around here,” I paused admitting a sad truth “The only one I’ve had in Equestria to be fair.” I looked back at Ruby “So I don’t want to lose you, if you get hurt or… Or killed in the arena I’ll blame myself because I won’t have anypony else to blame… Please don’t do this.” I understood that I was trying to pull her heart like an instrument but, damnit, I was desperate! I meant every word.

“Bolt, a few things; one, no matter what you say I am not backing down from this fight, it’s high time Midnight got knocked down a peg, you can either help me or shut up!” Ouch “Second, why am I your only friend?” Ruby asked I froze realising I’d blathered too much.

I tried to say it didn’t matter but Ruby refused to take that as an answer, she wrapped her tail around the back of my head and rested her forehead against mine.

“Tell me or I’ll draw it out with hypnosis.” She threatened. I gulped then nodded.

“Okay… The reason I don’t have any friends is- bwiiiztfffiiiizzzz” (Dah fucking shit I dropped the mike, sorry. Where was I? Oh yeah).

“Ruby, I told you before that I got bullied and I talked to my friends right?” Ruby nodded faintly “Well, that was true but… Eventually not even my friends could convince me it was okay so I… I left, as soon as I was old enough I packed up and left, that’s the reason I travel… I’m running away, I have been for ages now.” I whispered sadly “You wanted to say a third thing, or was that it?” I asked. Ruby hesitated as if she wanted to say she was sorry, but knew from experience it wouldn’t change anything.

“Ruby, did you want to say something else?” I asked she shook her head.

“Let’s just get some sleep, okay?” Ruby lay down not waiting for an answer, she didn’t even want to hypnotise me to sleep.

The following morning I was awoken by a faint voice speaking.

“So, he’s a loner… Would explain quite a bit, especially him rejecting you he’s not used to this.”

“I just… I just want to make him happy.” That was definitely Ruby.

“You do that just by being his friend, Ruby, give it time he’ll come around.” I opened my eyes.

“Come around to what?” I mumbled sleepily, Ruby gasped in shock and Diamond chuckled.

“Don’t worry Bolt, you’ll understand in the future.” She said with a wide grin. He smile made the already weak worry walls that Ruby had broken yesterday break again.

“Diamond your daughter and I have a wager with the Queen, Ruby’s going to fight Midnight you’ve got to…” Diamond shook her head sadly.

“Bolt, I am quite aware of your wager with the Queen, you scared Ruby last night with you trying to stop her that she spoke to me. I know my daughter, she is like many lamias, stubborn. We don’t back down easily when we want something. So, while we may try, the best we may be able to do is simply guide her,” Diamond levitated up a white cup “Though the fact that once your leg heals she will fight is not comforting. But she refuses to stop me giving you bone dough, she threatened to do it herself and it’ll probably end up with you being ill if she does.” Yeah I didn’t want that either, bad enough having a broken leg, never mind an illness.

I took the white cup and stared at the clear liquid within, for a second I had the image of it filled with blood, Ruby’s blood. I glanced at her and she smiled encouragingly, the sweet taste didn’t suit the drink. I held out the cup and Diamond took it in her magic again before moving forward, her horn touched the base of my broken leg, encasing it in a blue magical cast.

“Healing just fine.” Diamond said with a worried smile. She left us after that with a,

“Have fun you two.” Hinting at what fun she was talking about by her tone of voice. Ruby and I blushed.

“Practise?” Ruby asked.

“Yeah, sure but… No wagers this time please?” I asked Ruby smiled slightly.

“Sure.” She said and we left.

We changed how we were practising this time, we planned to focus solely upon Ruby dodging me and hitting me as she dodged. I simply had to charge her and land a successful hit, I thought this would be easy for me… I sure was wrong. The first time Ruby dodged me by jumping around me in a spring shape before clamping down on me so that I fluttered my free wings uselessly.

“Aw, you look like a little wrapped up gift.” Ruby said grinning then let me go.

The second time Ruby simply lay down on the floor and made a net out of her tail which caught me like a fly, before folding in on itself, third time Ruby made me fly through a hoop like a dog and we counted that as a point. Fourth time Ruby made a kind of ramp down into her tail so I lay on her tail like a bed.

“Would you like a rest?” Ruby purred her tail flexing causing me to sink and relax.

“We have to… Practise Ruby.” I muttered weakly it was almost painfully tempting just to relax but I forced myself back up into the air.

Ruby smirked and as I charged her she jumped forward, we veered off course spinning in a mid-air hug, before we crashed to the ground.

Ruby laughed and I chuckled, though I was pinned on the ground between Ruby and her tail. But I didn’t care, I was more focused on the way her eyes were twinkling slightly and her fur smelt like a spring breeze. I blushed slightly and Ruby laughed more.

“Y-You know I forgot to mention but it’s adorable when you blush.” Ruby said.

“Wait you can see me blushing?” I asked.

“Yes, everypony can, you blush pink, which really clashes with red.” I blush WHAT!?

I blush pink, really, why couldn’t I have blushed yellow or black, oh blushing black would be so awesome! But no, says the universe, I must blush pink, great.

“If you two are going to have a sentimental moment get on with it, this is boring me.” Ruby and I both froze then looked over at Midnight.

Midnight stood staring at us with a smug grin on her face as we stood up.

“What do you want?” Ruby asked, Midnight winked at me but it was hardly friendly, I won’t deny that I hid behind Ruby in fright.

“Oh I wanted to know if you were legitimately trying to prepare to fight me, seriously Bolt you think you can have her ready before your leg heals in a week… Or did you think it’d take you several weeks to heal?” I didn’t answer but my eyes must have betrayed me because Midnight laughed evilly.

“You held that back from him, knowing what he meant? Wow clear loving trust here!” Midnight sneered and I felt rough scales against my good leg and I was pulled forward.

Ruby reacted quickly by coiling around my chest and the two wrestled to coil me up. In the end I ended up stuck between the two, it felt incredibly strange being coiled up by two lamias, rough and soft coils wrapped around me. I imagine it would look very pretty but I wasn’t focusing on that.

“You know Ruby it’s actually pathetic, I bet you had to hypnotise him when you first met him just so you could talk, is that why you were separated? Your hypnosis was so weak he escaped and scared you away?” She was closer than she must have thought because her eyebrows raised up as Ruby looked guilty, causing Midnight to laugh.

“Pathetic, you have fallen for him and can’t even keep him. Why I bet you two haven’t even kissed… I wonder if you will want to kiss him after me.” I blinked in confusion then felt Midnight press her lips to mine.

I gasped in shocked allowing Midnight to force her tongue into my mouth. Much like her tail her tongue wasn’t gentle, it wrapped around my own with surprising flexibility but the taste of her mouth was rancid. It felt like my lungs were rejecting the air from them. When Ruby pulled me away hissing I began to cough.

“Oh did I steal your first kiss, what a shame.” Midnight taunted at me.

“What a waste of a first kiss! You taste like a compost heap backed up in a sewer dipped in rotten fish guts!” I cried, Ruby burst out laughing and it was Midnight’s turn to hiss.

Then Midnight grinned and her eyes began to pulse with hypnotic colours, Ruby copied her and my right eye watched Midnight, my left Ruby. Having my mind being hypnotised was weirder than the two tails around me, it felt like ropes were being tied around my brain, the left side less so ropes more blankets, they were less dominant or maybe more friendly, whilst Midnight was caring little for my mind. My mind was split three ways, one side wanting to turn and watch Ruby and the other Midnight, a little of me was assisting Ruby but it didn’t seem to make any difference. I tried closing my right eye and Ruby helped me but Midnight did likewise and we just ended with a stalemate until my eyes opened again forcefully. It was a split between pleasurable bliss from the hypnosis bombardment and painful from the mental battle between the battling hypnosis.

“Stop please… Feels like my brain… Will melt…” I managed.

Ruby flinched then covered my eyes with her tail and I slumped in my scaly prison as my mind returned, exhausted from the ordeal.

“Why’d you cut our game off? I take that as a victory!” Midnight said and Ruby lowered her tail from around my eyes down so it was like a scarf around my neck.

“We were causing him physical pain, and neither of us were making any progress, we’d have just senselessly hurt him.” Ruby muttered Midnight shrugged.

“Eh, he’s a pony, plenty more like him.” She said.

“No… No there isn’t.” Ruby whispered then looked up at Midnight “I think you’ve overstayed your welcome.” She muttered.

“She was welcome to begin with?” I grumbled Midnight scoffed and uncoiled her tail from around me, slapping my cheek with the end as she did so.

“Before I go,” Midnight said turning to face us again as she began to leave “Some advice. The Queen has set up this match with the intention of me winning, she wants your coltfriend Ruby and she’ll have him. But don’t worry, if he survives I’ll keep him. As a trophy to remind others what happens when you mess with me… He should survive at least a year.” Midnight laughed coldly.

“You won’t get a chance, nor will the Queen! Bolt is mine and mine alone!” For some reason this made me blush, I was Ruby’s… Midnight barked, or hissed, with laughter.

“We’ll see in a week, good luck… You’ll need it.” With that Midnight slithered away.

Ruby and I returned to our practising and I noticed an instant change in Ruby. She was a lot less playful, determined. I don’t think I stood a chance. After several hours of Ruby positively whooping me I finally called defeat, Ruby blinked then smiled sheepishly.

“Sorry Bolt, I just… Can’t stop seeing Midnight’s smug face.” She muttered I managed to stand and walked over to her.

“Well I doubt she’ll be very smug when you thrash her.” I said.

“You think I can?”

“If you fight like that, I might actually feel sorry for Midnight.” Ruby smiled

“Thanks Bolt.” We returned to Diamond’s house for the night after that.

The training followed for another several days, Ruby seemed so focused whenever we began training, getting close to Ruby was a challenge in training and she was a blur when dodging. But while training I began to notice strange things, the way her mane flew behind her head whenever she jumped sideways, a lock of it covering her eyes and making her nose twitch as if it tickled, how her tail curled to have the top facing me sparkling in the sun. I didn’t know why I noticed these things but I did and it kept reminding me of what I could lose. During the nights Ruby didn’t really hypnotise me to sleep, but she cuddled me up like a hot water bottle, for warmth. We were always too tired to have any hypnosis sessions, and Ruby was too tired to even squeeze me. But at least it told me she was serious.

Finally on the tenth day of my imprisonment, I followed Ruby down to the living room as we did most mornings and had breakfast (Deer again like the first day). After breakfast Diamond would have me take some bone dough but she didn’t offer me any. Instead she cast her magical glove over my broken hoof (It’s a sort of x-ray image in her mind apparently) then looked up at me grimly, she silently removed my splint and bandages and told me to try walking. I did, no pain but my leg was a little numb and I got a cramp at one point, but it was deemed that my leg had healed.

For the most part I was happy, I could finally walk without the inconvenient awkwardness of my leg being held up, but it was tainted by a horrid truth Diamond and I feared. Ruby would be taking up on that wager now, but for the minute she was too busy wrapping her tail around my leg.

“What are you doing that for, Ruby?” I asked.

“I want to see if you react differently, I haven’t been able to squeeze your left leg at all. I can finally stop holding back on my squeezing.” She whispered I smiled softly then gasped as Ruby pulled me into a hug.

“I’m sorry I got your leg broken.” Ruby managed.

“Ruby it’s not your fault and it has healed now, so it doesn’t matter.” I said.

“No it does… We still haven’t go back at who broke it.” Oh no, I didn’t even get to open my mouth Ruby simply muttered “Let’s go.” I nodded grimly.

Since first arriving the only time I’d visited the palace was when I was first brought here, and my shackles were placed around me. I didn’t like the palace, it gave me the creeps but we had no choice but to ascend once more to the doors watched by that cobra head. I glanced at Ruby often, she was incredibly tense, her eyebrows were furrowed and her lips tight in a frown. But she still looked adorable to me.

“Hay you alright?” I asked Ruby looked at me and the tension faded a little from her face, or maybe she began to hide it.

“Yeah I’m…” Ruby sighed “No Bolt, I’m not, I’m scared.” she admitted.

“That just means you’re brave.” I said.

“How?”

“A brave pony isn’t a pony with no fears, a brave pony is somepony who has fears and faces them. Somepony with no fears is a fool.” Ruby smirked.

“Look at you, the quote master.” I chuckled and Ruby giggled, which died as we reached the doors.

Two guards flanked the entrance like stone gargoyles and they didn’t seem to have noticed us until Ruby cleared her throat.

The guard on the right of the door stared at us.

“State your business.” She said.

“That is between the Queen and us, I imagine she has been expecting us.” Ruby said the guard glanced at her companion.

“Wait here, Ruby Scales.” She grumbled entering the palace, I didn’t like how she knew Ruby’s name.

A few minutes and the guard returned to her position and the Queen greeted us inside. We took a seat on a pile of cushions at the base of the fluffy thrown again, but this time there was only one pile and I wasn’t wincing in pain.

Ruby and I sat side by side, Ruby protectively coiling me up, it looked like I was wearing a red and white cape really but I didn’t mind, the weight of Ruby’s tail was comforting.

“So I take it you are here to take the arena challenge?” The Queen asked smirking at our cuddling and Ruby nodded silently.

“You remember our wager?” The Queen asked bringing the end of her tail forward, and cupping my chin with it, tilting my head up. She winked at me and looked back to Ruby.

“If I win, Bolt and myself have the right to leave the city but must return monthly… If I lose…. If I lose Bolt…” Ruby gulped glancing at me.

“Becomes my little toy for six hours.” The Queen confirmed “Right, well unless you wish to back out, we’ll head to the arena.” The Queen stood and Ruby growled softly.

“I’m not backing down.” She muttered.

“Good, Midnight. We’re beginning.” The Queen said.

Midnight opened her eyes in the shadows and it was like some monster with torches as eyes, I noticed her silhouette for the first time. She slid forward into the light and I gasped. The dark grey mare was clad in full combat armour dyed midnight black, a spear and circular shield were strapped to her back and a sword at her hip, she was also wearing a large black helmet so I could only see her eyes, her hair was spiked up through the top much like the royal guards in Canterlot, along her tail was more armour with leather straps holding it down. She was an imposing sight and clearly ready to fight.

“You’ll be fighting in what you came in of course.” The Queen said. I did a double take, here was Midnight looking like she was going to war and Ruby was bare.

“Don’t worry Bolt, it’s fine.” Ruby whispered to me.

I had thought the only time I would pass through the city gates again would be when I escaped or was let go. I didn’t imagine I’d pass through them on my way to a battle between my friend and somepony who had almost killed me, the stakes being my freedom or rape. With that cheery thought we trudged through the grass, we seemed to be heading East (The entrance of the lamia village faced North, towards the desert, I’d come from the West in case anypony is confused). We finally broke through into what I first though was a clearing, then I realised it was a massive building. It was made entirely of slate stone in a giant circle, rising a couple stories high, on either side were two boxes, one larger than the other, likely offering a much more elevated view. From the angle I was at, I could see what looked like the main entrance as well as a smaller door.

“Midnight head around to your side.” The Queen said nodding towards the blind side. Ruby, the Queen and her guards and I headed towards the small entrance.

“You know when to enter?” Ruby nodded.

“Good, we’ll head up to my personal watch box.” The Queen said smirking at me.

“Bolt, if I don’t come back… I’m sorry that I couldn’t get you your freedom.” I felt tears prickle against my eyes and I walked forward towards Ruby.

“Let me wish you luck,” I whispered.

“Go on then, tell me good luck.” I managed a smile.

“Not what I meant.” I said and I leaned forward kissing her.

I’d been slightly afraid that she might taste like Midnight, but I was pleasantly mistaken. Ruby tasted like strawberries dipped in sugar, and she made such a cute surprised sound when I kissed her. It could have been a lot better, I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy it, I did. I just wish that it hadn’t been so public, with the Queen and her guards watching (One made a nice aw sound) and me crying all over Ruby. I pulled back and stared at Ruby.

“You’re going to win this, and if you die I’ll drag you back out of Tartarus to fight again!” I muttered Ruby managed a smile.

“I won’t lose.” But neither of us really believed that the inevitable couldn’t happen.

Ruby turned and disappeared into her entrance and I turned walking towards the main way in.

“Let’s get this over with.” I muttered walking beside the Queen. All I could see was Ruby’s face in my mind, eyes closed as if asleep, but not breathing… I couldn’t shake the image of Ruby’s corpse.

Author's Notes:

So let's see what the chapter contained, Ruby almost destroying Bolt's already broken leg, Bolt FINALLY grasping that he might like Ruby... Though he's still denying it slightly cause idiocy! We have a really long hypnosis session, Midnight steals Bolt's first kiss and she get's a verbal bitch slap! And then Bolt and Ruby kiss! EEEEEEEE! Anyway hope you enjoyed, more on the way.

Battle for freedom

Warning this chapter contains a bit of blood and fighting, I figured one or two chapters of fighting didn't mean the story revolved around gore so that's why the tag hasn't been added, just a heads up.

The entrance split into something like a crossroad, forward was sunlight and I assumed, since it was an arena, the public stands. We went left, up a ramp and we were suddenly on the stands just below the larger of the two viewing boxes. We, the Queen and I, went into the larger of the two boxes and the guards remained outside the door. The interior was empty aside from a well-kept rug for comfort, I suppose only the Queen got shelter if it was raining. The Queen curled her tail up along the floor inside the box and forced me to sit beside her, she didn’t feel sandpaper rough like Midnight but she wasn’t as soft as Ruby, or maybe I just preferred her. Not to mention the Queen’s tail had more girth to it, coiling me quicker. I focused on the arena. Sure enough we had a perfect view and could even see the entrance where Ruby would appear below us, the seats were strange though, like separate empty sand boxes where I assumed the citizens could lay their tail and coil up mates. The opposite box was really funny looking though, it had what looked like two horns (As in the ones you’d blow air into to make a sound, not the ones on a unicorn.) on either side of the windows, one was golden and the other was black with red lines.

Despite present company (Who was currently pressing me against her pony half like the backrest of a chair, her tail wrapped up to my wings) I couldn’t shake my curiosity.

“What are those horns meant to do?” I asked.

“Well, the golden one signals when an arena match is going to begin, one of the guards will head around to signal the town. The other is for when there is a crisis and we need to evacuate the city.” I looked at the Queen.

“You’ve planned for evacuations?”

“You may not have the best image of me but I do care for my people, Bolt. But, sometimes, you have to do things you wouldn’t like, personally I don’t like having my people fight one another but I suppose this is one way they relieve tension. It’s not fun knowing any day something could swoop down and end your life, but it’s how we live.”

“So the monthly visit?”

“To check you are alright… She may not admit it, Ruby, but I do worry about all my subjects.”

“So what’s with decking Midnight out in full war gear?”

“Three reasons, one; Even I have to have a little fun,” the Queen licked my ear and I shivered but not happily “Two; you’ve trained around Ruby’s speed and agility and Midnight’s lack thereof, I’ve just made Midnight have even less. Ruby just has to play using her head now. Oh and three; if I do let her leave she has to be prepared for anything.” I shifted in the Queen’s grip, it seemed like she’d biased this towards helping Ruby more than I’d thought but I still didn’t like it, maybe she was twisting my mind.

“Do you believe Ruby can win?” I asked.

“Oh she has a chance, but so does Midnight.” I gulped and silently prayed for Ruby.

Said prayer was cut in half when I looked down at the actual arena. Around the base the seats were separated by wooden spikes tilted downward so ‘contestants’ in the ring wouldn’t be able to get out. In the ring four wooden poles covered in metal spikes, spread out like a four on a dice, separated the arena into little zones. I could see where Midnight would come out from, it looked like an iron gate used in castles. Beneath the spiked stands were weapons and armour, lots of it but it was mostly just pony armour. I saw battered shields, broken swords, spears with the tips missing, a bow broken and held together by the string, husks of armour, both royal guard and makeshift as well as helmets… I half thought there would be a skull inside one, a grinning pony head but I was mercifully mistaken. There was also more pristine weapons and armour but they were few and far between and I remembered how the guards around the gate had pony armour, I guessed they used what they could scavenge.

“What’s with… All the pony weaponry and armour?” I asked.

“Rebelling, escapees, murder attempts. They all end up in here, alternatively ponies sometimes challenge their masters for freedom, it never ends well for them. The Canterlot royal guard armour is from the guards themselves, they end up finding us and try to fight us. We lead them, or drag them, here.” The Queen said grimly. So the armour and weapons have been used by untrained ponies as well, that made my stomach heave.

The guard reached the signal box and blew the golden horn, it was a slow, long deep note. She then began making her way back towards us.

“Does the town have to attend?” I asked.

“No, but two lamias must attend, as well as any slaves with their masters.”

“Who are the two lamias?” I asked.

“Well one is me, the other you can probably guess due to the combatants.”

“Diamond.” I mumbled the Queen nodded grimly.

The arena filled up gradually, not until now did I realise the expanse of the city’s population; there were nowhere near as many as say a small town in Equestria, there was about over a hundred or so lamias. But I suppose that was a lot here. I could only see a number of lamias with ponies, they were wrapped up and being hugged like water bottles, a few were even kissing and my brain felt dizzy as I glance towards one pair so I guessed they were having some hypnosis based quality time.

“Hay ma’am, may I ask a question?” I asked and the Queen suddenly laughed.

“Oh my, I forgot to introduce myself, I am Sunny Coils.” I blinked.

“Seriously?” I asked, Sunny chuckled.

“You were expecting something more regal?” She asked, I nodded “Well I’m not born of royalty, I earned it,” Sunny glanced around “I started this town you know… Before Ruby was even born, the palace was a single treehouse standing alone, I offered shelter to another lamia who was scared, hungry and alone. When she left a few more returned with her and I helped them build a home. More and more lamias slowly trickled in here searching for shelter… I didn’t ask but they made me Queen, I owe it to them to protect them and keep them happy, even if I am not.” She wasn’t lying, I could tell from the way she spoke and looked so far away as if she were remembering the simplicity of the beginning.

“If it means anything, I think you are a very good Queen and your people should be thankful for having someplace to call home in this unforgiving land.” I said Sunny smiled faintly.

“I can see why Ruby likes you so much, you are very sweet.”

A lamia ascended to the two horn box, and held up what looked like a megaphone.

“Lamias and ponies, welcome to the battle arena! Tonight we are going to bear witness to two lamias duking it out. Midnight Blade, captain of our fair cities guard, undefeated and ruthless, versus; the agile Ruby Scales, wishing to earn her place in our home. Let’s wish them both luck while I have the honours of telling you the rules.”

It was strange, it wasn’t overly loud like the announcer for the snow tipping marathon’s had been. It was like she was speaking in a calm voice beside me as if we were having a normal conversation.

“The rules, or lack of them, are simple; anything goes, biting, poisoning and generally bashing opponents is fine, spectators may assist or hinder if they so wish. The game ends when one combatant is knocked out, incapacitated, taps out or dies! So who’s ready for some entertainment!?” This seemed a little cruel.

“How did this start?” I asked as the crowd cheered.

“Well it used to be just a training ground for the guard, then lamias began to watch. Finally the arena was built due to a royal guard patrol, we managed to trap them and the guard fought them while the citizens watched… They found it ‘entertaining’ so much so they built the arena. I barely managed to convince them to add the knock out slash tap out rule. It was originally going to be a battle to the death. I told them we couldn’t afford the population drop.” Sunny didn’t looked like her name sake, she looked bitter but defeated, as if she’d tried to get rid of this and failed before and just didn’t want to go through the pain again.

I heard the iron gates being raised slowly, lots of winches being turned to lift the heavy metal. Midnight exited first, sliding up to the centre of her side. She looked grimly determined as well as a little smug when she saw me.

“Get comfortable.” She mouthed and looked down as Ruby entered.

I gasped, I had half expected her to go in and back out into the arena with nothing, but somewhere inside, where she had waited, she’d somehow obtained weapons and armour. She had on what looked like thick reinforced wool armour around her pony half, a thin metal helmet with a metal spike covering her horn like a single bull horn, her snake half was a crisscross of light iron armour and reinforced wool. Across her waist where her pony half joined to her snake half was something like a utility belt of pain. Ruby had a funny looking hoofheld crossbow with a pouch of steel bolts, a second pouch full of-were those bombs? She also had a curved hunting knife much like a curved knife I’d seen a griffin use to gut an animal and skin it. Her armour was painted completely deep green like vegetation, she looked like she was ready to do some reconnaissance or assassinate somepony… Or seduce somepony. The last though made me blush.

The announcer shouted begin and Ruby did a fancy quick draw with her crossbow, I realised it was actually revolving with three bolts loaded, awesome. Midnight tried dodging the first, failing, but it pinged off her heavy armour harmlessly. The second bolt Midnight blocked with her shield, having slung it and her spear off her back. The third found a mark, the bolt sailed just beside Midnight’s shield and under her left hoof, wedging itself in above her armoured scales in her pony flesh, which was unarmoured by about a centimetre. Midnight pulled the bolt out and Ruby began moving to her left around the ring, she had time to load one bolt and pull back the string on the second before she sheathed it in favour of her little hunting knife.

Midnight growled charging Ruby, if you’ve ever seen a snake strike or dodge you are always expecting the rest of their tail to stay behind since it is so large and heavy, you’d think some of it wouldn’t escape, but you’re always surprised to see the whole thing move like a little spring that extents to a massive length, like Ruby did. Ruby spun around, standing on her tail. Midnight swung her spear around like a baseball bat and Ruby rolled under her. I heard something like a wrench hitting the side of a car, Ruby’s knife connecting. The whole crowd gasped and made appropriate noises for what was happening; generally being really annoying. The announcer keeping a running commentary but I wasn’t listening more focused on my friend fighting for her life. The ponies watching were a little more energetic, when Ruby first scored a hit with her crossbow they cheered like somepony scoring in hoofball, they groaned at the clanging sound.

“They really hate Midnight.” I noted.

“Indeed, she isn’t very popular due to some of her actions with the slaves, but that’s private if you don’t mind.” I wondered what that meant. First thought was that she must have murdered a slave or something, she seemed cruel enough.

Ruby was backing up, retreating or so I thought, Midnight had begun taunting her.

“Aw, is the little corn snake scared? Don’t worry this’ll only hurt for as long as you keep moving away!”

“Sorry but I’m not moving away because you scared me, your breath is so bad it’s more painful than those weak movements you call attacks!” I don’t think Midnight was used too insults because she charged instantly.

Ruby ducked grinning towards me as Midnight smacked into one of the wooden spiked poles. If not for her helmet and armour she would have been pinned to it like a cartoon character walking around with a giant cactus stuck on their head. As it was, all Midnight got was a slight dent in her helmet that looked rather uncomfortable, a few scratches along her face and a nice stab on the underside of her tail, which she kept above the ground making her even more sluggish.

“She’s doing well, Ruby could win this.” I mumbled, I just had to open my mouth.

Midnight wasn’t hindered even slightly, I suppose she must have been used too pain, because she charged just fine. Ruby, surprised, reacted a little too slowly, her left hoof got caught by the spear and I saw blood spray from it. Ruby backed up and Midnight turned around to face her, Ruby pulled out one of her little bombs and chucked it, but Midnight hit it against her shield back into Ruby. Whatever was in that little bomb has some kick, Ruby flew across the arena, her helmet flying off, Ruby smacked against the back of the arena, narrowly missing a spike and slumped against the side.

“Don’t get up Ruby, don’t get up.” I mumbled, she did.

Ruby was smacked in the side of the face by Midnight’s shield then stabbed in the top part of her tail. Midnight smacked her with her own tail and Ruby fell to the ground, the rolled over swinging her knife but another, softer, clang sounded that it had failed again.

Ruby managed to get up and backed away, Midnight had a hole wound from the starter bolt, a slight stab from the spike pole and some scratches. Ruby on the other hoof was covered in blood, stabs and bruises, she was not looking too good. She was using her left hoof to hold the top of her tail which was bleeding badly.

“Tap out Ruby, you’re not going to win.” But the sound came out so soft, no chance she’d hear. Midnight went dirty, she tossed several shattered bits of armour with her tail at Ruby who raised her tail to block them, allowing her a moment to charge. Ruby drew her crossbow, set to the unloaded bolt. A sound like a whip hitting flesh echoed and Midnight backed off with a scream holding her cheek, which was bleeding. Ruby had used the firing mechanism on her crossbow too, literally, slap Midnight away. But I could see it had cost Ruby one of the bolt loaders she could do that two more times, with no guarantee it’d work a second time now that Midnight knew that trick. Still Ruby fired her pre-loaded bolt, which punctured the dent in Midnight’s helmet.

For a second the whole arena fell silent, then Midnight raised her hooves and pulled off the helmet, a cut, no larger than a toothpick, was slowly weeping blood.

“I’ve grow tired of this.” Midnight mumbled and tossed her helmet at Ruby.

Who used the exact same tactic Midnight has used with her bombs. Midnight flinched back, her nose bleeding from the heavy metal launched off Ruby’s tail. Ruby then threw the whole pouch of bombs, a smoke cloud engulfed Midnight before she appeared at the other side, smashing even further into the side of the arena than Ruby, a crater, like a meteor landing, where she had been before.

“This is certainly the most damaging fight I’ve ever seen.” Sunny mumbled with a small smile. I was also grinning, Ruby was back in this she just needed to…

I think my brain almost switched off, it didn’t want to comprehend what had just happened. Hidden from the cloud of smoke, Midnight had thrown her spear… It hit. Ruby looked down at the long wooden shaft in her chest, easily cutting through her light armour, mildly surprised before her knife and crossbow fell from her grip. Midnight slid up to Ruby and pulled the spear from her chest, Ruby fell down slightly holding her chest and looked up at Midnight, she tried to speak and I swear I knew what she was trying to say .

“I concede.” but Midnight neither heard nor cared.

Several lamias and a lot of ponies began shouting for Ruby to move, to do something but she was in no state to. Sunny stood up and opened and closed her mouth like a fish, unable to speak but her wanted words clear.

“STOP, SHE HAS LOST! DO NOT KILL HER!” But like Ruby and myself, no sound. And soon Ruby wouldn’t ever make a sound again. Briefly I thought back to what little time we’d spent together, I’d met her half asleep fleeing for my life, pushed her away when she became a little ‘playful’ and ended up passing out in drunken misery. Then I saved her, the memories got a little warmer, dearer to my heart. More to lose.

I galloped over the Queen’s tail and she found her voice.

“Bolt don’t!” But I’d already jumped.

I landed within the ring and grabbed the closest thing to me, a circular shield. I’d never been good at throwing but I think my body knew now was not the time to screw up. The shield sliced through Midnight’s raised spear, the end sailing away. Ruby closed her eyes and fell sideway onto her side. I froze staring at her still form, the whole crowd was silent. I reached down and picked up a second circular shield and gripped it in my right hoof, my new good hoof picked up a large square shield and I hovered slightly above the ground, my rear hooves brushing against the floor.

“When I’m done, you’ll be reaching for your own sword to slit your own throat!” I cried and charged.

For the second time in my life, I was charging a creature stronger and more cunning than me. But I didn’t care, I could see Ruby still on the ground and Midnight drew her sword facing me, she looked so smug thinking I’d gone all defensive. The grin disappeared when I ducked under her first swing and smacked her with the square shield across the face, right where Ruby had whipped Midnight’s face. Midnight spun around as I flew up, the crowd cheered stomping their hooves, it was actually kinda nice to be cheered on. Midnight swung her tail around in a large arch and I dived under it. Midnight tried swinging her shield and sword at me at the same time, I spread my wings and skidded to a stop, I didn’t have to hit Midnight she did it herself with her own shield, but I smacked her with my circle shield across the jaw to be sure before darting away.

Midnight spat blood onto the ground, beside Ruby’s head. Which caused her to remember that she was there, totally helpless. Midnight grinned at me and raised her sword. I snapped. I let off an ungodly scream and charged, one second I was at one end of the ring, next I was beside Ruby smacking Midnight’s sword away, the faint tingle of static lightning brushing my fur, I swung the shields around hitting Midnight repeatedly with heavy wood and metal. Blood, satisfyingly, sprayed from her mouth. I kicked my right front hoof into Midnight’s stomach and she keeled over, holding her stomach gasping for air. I brought the two shields down on Midnight’s bare head and she fell to the ground with a loud thump. The ponies in the crowd went berserk screaming and cheering, stomping their hooves in victory… Then they began to chant.

“Kill her, kill her, kill her, KILL HER, KILL HER, KILL HER!” They got faster and louder and were soon almost in tempo with my heart.

Midnight looked up at me, her face bloody and miserable, she spat a wad of blood and spoke.

“You’re just like all those other ponies, out for our blood!” She mumbled. I raised my shield over my head and the chanting went faster, I closed my eyes before glancing at Ruby.

She was still motionless lying on the ground. I wanted that image to fuel me into doing the deed but it didn’t, if anything it made it less desirable. I threw the circle shield beside Midnight’s head, she flinched but blinked looking up at me the whole crowd had gone silent again at my choice.

“I’m not like you,” I mumbled the whole crowd able to hear “I know mercy.” I dropped the second shield and turned walking over to Ruby.

I sat down looking at her still body, it was just like I had pictured but with a bit more blood and now the smell of iron to go with it. I sobbed then wrapped Ruby in a hug crying.

“Come back, Ruby. Please I don’t want to lose my only friend. Please,” I suddenly felt compelled to talk about what I had secretly planned for if we escaped, I wasn’t even aware myself I had been making the plans.

“I was going to show you Canterlot skyline, how it looks with the cute houses cutting the sunrise up, I was going to treat you to a hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows and grated chocolate. You’d get a cute little foam moustache and we’d have laughed about it. I wanted to head up to the roof of Canterlot castle with you, I know a secret way up that the guards don’t seem to pass, I’d sit with you coiling me up and we’d share a kiss under Luna’s moon…” I felt tears flowing like a stream and I could almost picture them in my head.

“You’d feel my little heart in you coils, my warmth leaking into your cold scales… It’d be such a memorable moment… I want you to live that… Please Ruby…” I couldn’t speak anymore. I felt a cold blade against the back of my neck and looked back at Midnight.

“Send Ruby my condolences.” She mumbled I closed eyes bowing my head.

“Get it over with.” I whispered misery all I could feel.

“You lost.” I opened my eyes gasping and looked back at Ruby, her eyes were slightly open and she was smiling at me.

She’d never looked so beautiful to me before, even covered in blood. I tried to speak, failed and began to cry before hugging her.

“What do you mean?” Midnight asked.

“She is right, you lost. You were incapacitated by Bolt.” I looked over at Sunny and managed a smile that hoped said.

“Thank you, thank you so much!”

“B-But Ruby was incapacitated first, she passed out!” Midnight argued.

“Indeed, which means the game had ended… And yet you still tried to kill her. Again.” Sunny’s tone was hardly sunny, Midnight froze and actually whimpered in fright.

“I’ll deal with you later, for now… Somepony help this lamia she is bleeding to death.” Diamond teleported, literally, into view.

“I’m not leaving you again.” I whispered to Ruby.

“I know you won’t.” She managed and closed her eyes.

Midnight grumpily left whilst we; Diamond, Sunny, her guards and myself, took Ruby back to Diamond’s house. Once there I was told to wait outside Ruby’s room, I didn’t argue, though it hurt to leave Ruby, I would just hinder Diamond. So I was stuck with Sunny and her guards, who she sent away instantly to guard the entrance. Sunny sighed.

“What’s up?” I asked, trying to distract myself from the phantom screaming.

“Ever since we formed the guard, they insisted that I should have bodyguards in case anything or anypony attacked me. I appreciate the gesture but sometimes I’d like to be alone.” Sunny shook her head “Not what I wanted to talk about. I wanted to say what you did was… Amazing.” I looked at Sunny confused “You stood up for a defenceless lamia, then comforted her, showing you truly cared… I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before, it was… Beautiful.” She said.

“Well… Maybe you should give the slaves a little freedom, they might come back. After all they have families as well.” I said.

“If they don’t come back though…” Sunny groaned and shook her head “Sometimes a leaders has to do what’s best for all, even if they don’t like it. And my people like the ponies when they have a little fight in them, a little life. Which they only have at the beginning.” She muttered to herself “If this works out for you and Ruby, then I will consider. Now onto another subject, the battle victor.” Somehow I didn’t think it was going to be simple.

“While Midnight was defeated it was not by Ruby, it was by you. So, technically, Ruby did not win,” I gulped “However I am willing to make a deal; I am still allowed those six hours but Ruby is a full citizen and may also leave the city… And I won’t call those six hours in now. Maybe when you next get back, once you’ve had a little practise. Don’t want to steal your first time, that’s Ruby’s property.” I felt my face burn and Sunny giggled

“Ruby chose well, I’m jealous.” Sunny slid up to me and kissed me, it was a slightly sweet and bitter combination but nicer than Midnight.

“Don’t tell Ruby about that.” Sunny whispered “Goodbye Bolt, and I hope you can fulfil what you said to Ruby. It sounded amazing.” Yep everypony heard that, oh god.

Author's Notes:

PONY KOMBAT! Okay admit it, you all thought Ruby was either going to lose big time or win alone. Nope Bolt stepped in, I would like to point out that Midnight was severely beat up before hand... Hoof, whatever, and that Bolt just finished her... Sorry for the pun there. :3

Also wan't the part where Bolt gave up so sad, talking about Equestria to Ruby wanting to show her, thought that was cute! :)

One problem I have is that the fight went to quickly for my taste but I couldn't find any way to make it longer without making it tedious, sorry. Enjoy none the less. :)

Freedom

Diamond opened the bedroom door.

“You can come in now.” She said smiling faintly “And Bolt,” I looked back halfway through the door as Diamond headed downstairs “Thank you, for saving my daughter again. Let’s hope it doesn’t become a habit.” I smiled.

“I hope not too.” I said and entered the bedroom.

Ruby lay, propped up by her pillows, on her bed. Her eyes were closed and her breathing steady, I gently closed the door and she opened her eyes looking at me. Her face, torso, right hoof and various parts of her tail were heavily or lightly bandaged, they were almost hidden by her coat colour but they were too bright. Or maybe I was focusing on them more. I walked up to Ruby’s bedside and she smiled faintly.

“Look at me, being the injured one now, just after you got better, irony.” Ruby giggled and the sweet sound pulled at my heart. I sat down, and stared at Ruby.

“I’m sorry that I let you go into that ring if you hadn’t…” I couldn’t finish my sentence “You almost died Ruby.” I muttered.

“Yeah,” Ruby stared up at the ceiling “And I didn’t even win…” that processed “The Queen’s going too rape you!” she said sitting up, making her wince.

I gently pushed her down. I debated how to tell her, finally choosing the truth.

“Yeah, the Queen… Sunny she…”

“Wait she told you her name?” Ruby asked.

“Well yeah, didn’t you know it?” I asked.

“Yeah I know it, all the lamias here do but… Ponies aren’t ever told Sunny’s name.” Because they aren’t high enough on a need to know basis, but we didn’t say that.

“Doesn’t matter, anyway, Sunny is going to call in those six hours,” Ruby winced and was about to apologise “But, we can still leave the city, returning monthly… You’re also a full citizen. So you can get a house for yourself.” I said.

Ruby smiled faintly.

“Hay Ruby, I have a question.” I said.

“Yeah, what is it?” she asked.

“Is the Queen… Do you think she means well, I mean does the right thing?” I asked Ruby leaned back looking puzzled.

“Well… She can be strict but… We don’t exactly live in paradise, we’re all a little on edge sometimes, her more often. Yeah, if the time came she’d do what was best for everypony, not just her own citizens, she’d look for a compromise.” I smiled, so she hadn’t twisted my judgment.

“Now I have my own question,” I looked back and Ruby looked nervous and flustered.

“When I was down… I could hear a little but it was fuzzy… Was I imagining it or… Did you say you’d kiss me in Canterlot?” I blushed and my brain switched off so my heart spoke.

“I’d kiss you now if you’d let me.” I blinked and my brain didn’t even re-boot. I blinked again as my face lit up like a flare.

“I’d like that.” Ruby whispered and wrapped her tail around my neck like a leash and pulled.

Ruby felt unnaturally cold but sweet, I closed my eyes and leaned into the kiss. Ruby managed to wrap her hooves around me and I heard her gasp, I opened my eyes and could since her wincing and she, clearly regrettably, pulled back.

“I’m sorry.” I whispered and Ruby giggled.

“It’s not your fault, I shouldn’t have used my injured hoof.” She said. Ruby yawned and her eyes drooped.

“Maybe I should go, let you get some sleep.” I mumbled standing up, Ruby grabbed my hoof the sudden movement causing her to hiss softly in pain. I panicked managing to convince her to lie back down.

“You said you wouldn’t leave me.” Ruby accused.

“I did, and I won’t but…”

“But I’m cold, and if I fall asleep cold I might never wake up.” Ruby grinned at my obvious worry that she could be right.

“What if I touch somewhere injured?” I asked.

“Bolt, let me worry about that, if you really care climb in.” I blushed and placed one hoof on the bed then climbed in beside Ruby.

I remained perfectly still as Ruby manoeuvred the uninjured parts of her tail around my body, it wasn’t as comfortable as usual, the coils were slightly miss sized, some larger or smaller, but I didn’t tell Ruby. She looked so happy coiling me up that, despite my fear of hurting Ruby, I enjoyed it. Ruby kinda started pushing it when she began nibbling on my neck. I could feel Ruby pulling softly on my fur, licking it repeatedly. She gasped softly and, despite my best efforts, I began to smile blissfully at the feel of Ruby pampering my neck. Finally Ruby became tired of playing with my neck and pulled back, she smiled at me playfully then closed her eyes and her breathing became lighter, slower. I remained awake for several minutes as I looked over Ruby, I couldn’t shake the idea of Ruby’s injuries being my fault. Finally Ruby, unintentionally, comforted me in her sleep.

“Bolt…” Her hooves contracted as if she was trying to hug some invisible pony only she could see.

I smiled faintly and managed to crawl into the hug without touching Ruby too roughly. Her embrace felt nice, topped off with her coils, I soon drifted off to sleep.

For a change I woke up first, but it wasn’t naturally. Diamond shook me awake gently.

“Hay Bolt, I hate to ask, but I doubt Ruby would let me, would you mind helping Ruby… Bathe?” I blinked half thinking I was dreaming. I bit my own leg and winced. Not dreaming.

“Er what…?” I blushed as the questioned processed; Ruby and me, alone, in a bath… The concept both appealed and embarrassed me.

“Ruby is injured and cleaning herself will likely be difficult, without her harming herself more so… I’d much rather not find her bathing in blood.” I nodded slightly.

“S-Sure I’ll help her.” I mumbled.

“Thank you Bolt, I closed her wounds and removed the bandages but be gentle.” Diamond ordered.

I managed to drag myself out of Ruby’s coils onto the floor again. I gently got a hold around her waist, her horn was pressing into the base of my neck.

“Ow-ow.” I grunted pushing it away from skewering me.

I dragged/carried Ruby towards the bathroom. (Yes I had used it prior to this, but I didn’t think you needed to know about it, this however is sort of important) The bathroom is quite standard, a toilet and sink sat in one corner like you’d expect, the door was lockable. But the thing that made the bathroom known as a lamia’s bathroom and not a pony’s was the small pool. Okay so it’s not really a pool but for a pony it could be, it was a bath by lamia standards. Two water towers, sorry ‘taps’ dominated one side and, pushing on them like it was some sort of castle door winch, I managed to get them going. Steam curled around the room like a sauna and I forced the taps off.

I walked over to Ruby who was lying on her back hooves over her chest. I’d left her lying on a pile of her coils.

“Good morning.” I whispered Ruby groaned opening her eyes.

“You were supposed to carry me knight style in your hooves.” She moaned.

“Is that possible with your tail?” I asked Ruby pouted “Fine, put you good hoof around my neck.” I whispered kneeling beside Ruby.

Ruby did as I asked as I cupped my right hoof under her neck and my left under the top part of her snake tail. Walking on my hind hooves was awkward and difficult alone but I managed to avoid falling on my face. I lowered Ruby into the bath and hopped in after her. The bath was so deep I had to stand on my hind legs just to stay above the water, I began slowly pulling Ruby’s tail in, trying to avoid thinking about the awkwardness of this situation. Ruby dived under the water briefly and surfaced on the opposite side of the tub.

Ruby’s hair stuck to her head in a beautifully shiny curtain, I stared as water droplets sparkled like crystals off Ruby’s mane. Ruby blushed smiling faintly and swam forward, her tail curling around my shoulders pulling me towards her. Ruby formed a seat with her tail under water and forced me to sit. Ruby turned around and leaned against me.

“Well go on.” I felt like my face was internally burning.

I slowly ran my hooves through Ruby’s hair, it was so soft like fine silk. Ruby hiss-purred softly and I became increasingly aware of her tail curling up my body. Ruby’s tail slowly slid up the back of my spine. I froze as her tail curled around my neck.

“R-Ruby what are you doing?” I whispered Ruby chuckled softly.

“Nothing Bolt, carry on.” She said pushing her head against my hooves like a dog wanting to be pet.

Ruby smiled contently and levitated over a bottle of lily shampoo, it wasn’t really Equestrian style shampoo mostly just grounded lilies and a few other plants but it worked for them. Ruby’s mane was completely covered in foam almost like she now had white curly hair. She grinned at me and fell sideways splashing my face with water. Ruby giggled at my face and I splashed her with water, she rubbed her eyes and waved a coil of her tail, the resulting wave knocked me under water. I floated under water, my vision blurry. Then I pushed up from the bottom of the bath and gasped.

“Okay, remind me never to have a water fight at sea with you.” I muttered smirking.

Ruby swam behind me, her tail propelled her so it almost looked like she was gliding on the water. I tried turning around but I wasn’t so graceful or fast. Ruby’s tail closed in wrapping around me. Large muscular coils pinned my front hooves down working around my body. I admit I panicked, the sudden invasion of my freedom scared me, but all I achieved was kicking my back hooves around until Ruby pinned them still. I tried to turn my head but I couldn’t see Ruby.

“Hold your breath.” She suddenly whispered, she wouldn’t- okay she would.

Ruby submerged me, totally helpless, under the water. I closed my eyes not wanting to deal with the faint stinging of water in my eyes, I held my breath silently praying Ruby would see that I wasn’t comfortable or confident with this at all. I think she did see but decided she’d rectify that in her own way, Ruby began sliding her tail along my body as if wrapping and uncoiling me repeatedly. I tried not too but then Ruby squeezed me forcing the air out of my lung in large bubbles of air. Lungs empty I started craving for oxygen. Just when I thought Ruby had turned on me I broke the water coughing and choking for air.

“R-Ruby that wasn’t cool.” I muttered then sighed.

My fur, now damp and slippery, allowed Ruby’s tail to glide heavenly across my fur, I rested my head against a coil and closed my eyes trying not to drool.

“But it’s the only way I could do this.” Ruby whispered grinning at my blissful expression. My eyes half closed at Ruby’s pampering but I still managed to mutter.

“You didn’t need to dunk my head too.” Ruby smiled sheepishly and tightened her hold and I sighed unable to speak.

I felt like moulding clay in Ruby’s hooves and I leaned into the tunnel of coils she had formed. Ruby continued to pamper me and eventually moved around so I could see her face, she smiled and I blissfully smiled at her too closing my eyes.

“Are you relaxed now?” Ruby whispered into my damaged ear, her breath tickling my ear canal.

“Yes.” I whispered softly.

“Do you want me to keep pampering you in my coils?” Ruby dragged out the s in coils and the sound bounced around in my mind.

I felt strange… Light headed, where had I felt like this before? My muddled brain couldn’t, didn’t want too, put the pieces together so I simply nodded leaning against a large coil that had wrapped around me like a neck cushion.

“Then call me mistress.” Ruby cooed.

“Mist…” I opened my eyes as my brain caught up and I was met by a bombardment of beautiful colours.

I gasped then tried to closed my eyes, but caught off guard and the close proximity put me under a light trance before the air had escaped my lips, I tried turning my head and I sluggishly moved, like a rusty wheel, but Ruby simply used the coil I’d been using as a cushion to tilt and fix my head in place looking at her. Ruby had her forehead pressed against mine, pushing my head down so she seemed more dominant. My mouth hung open and my eyes hurt, as if I was taking too much hypnosis, but the rest of me felt so good.

“R-Ru… Ruby S-Stop… P-p-please, I don’t… Don’t w-want…” I lost the ability to speak my voice trailing away.

“I’m sorry Bolt what was that?” Ruby asked grinning.

“Please…” I begged as my mind began to crumble.

“Please what? Please hypnotise you, because I’m hurt and I enjoy feeling you in my coils? Okay.” Ruby said cheerfully.

I didn’t even have enough left of my mind to argue. My head just rolled onto Ruby’s tail and I gave in, my will escaping me along with a long sigh.

Ruby grinned running a hoof along my cheek, I closed my eyes for a second as she touched me. The point she touched with her hoof felt heavenly for some reason, as if physical contact with Ruby sent the parts into contact into pleasure overdrive. Ruby’s hoof rested on the side of my neck and hovered there for a moment. Ruby looked at me then leaned forward, her tail curled over my head and brushed my hair gently. Ruby giggled at my expression then began to wash my hair as well.

It felt amazingly nice for Ruby to pamper me as well, so much so that I managed to wriggle a hoof free and stroke Ruby’s tail in thanks. She hiss-purred and tightened her tail around me. I was then dunked underwater. I blinked, the faint stinging of my eyes underwater had sort of reverted me back a notch in the hypnosis. But I was still almost entirely Ruby’s pet right now. She pulled me back out of the water and my mouth tightened as the hypnosis faded.

“That was a cheap way to hypnotise me.” I grumbled Ruby gasped in surprised then titled my head but I’d closed my eyes.

“Not happening.” I muttered. Ruby giggled and licked my eyes lids, I grunted but, despite having a free hoof, did nothing to stop her.

“I think you want me too though.” Ruby whispered.

“A little.” I admitted.

“Well go on.” Ruby whispered

“I don’t want to,” I opened my eyes and was thankful Ruby didn’t try hypnotising me straight away “If you hurt yourself while I’m hypnotised…” I frowned “You’re really dumb sometimes not thinking things through.” I muttered.

“You’re worried about me?”

“Of course I am, you nearly died!” I felt like something broke as I admitted that and I hugged Ruby as I did when she opened her eyes in the arena.

“God bucking damnit, Ruby… Stop messing with me so much when you’re… So weak. I don’t mean you’re not strong, I mean you’re injured. And I’m afraid you might start bleeding again and…” Ruby kissed me. I blinked and stared at her as we remained together.

“I wish we didn’t have to kiss with one of us hurt, dying or leaving to die.” Ruby whispered.

“Remind me to kiss you when you recovered from your injury.” I whispered leaning my head against Ruby’s.

“Yeah… I think I’ll remember that.” Ruby then pushed me out of her scaly prison.

“We’re having a bath, don’t forget and we still haven’t done my tail.” She said grinning and I was raised up on a bean bag of scales, a heavy coil placed on my lap.

“Better get started.” Ruby purred. I smiled and did as she asked.

I actually quite enjoyed cleaning Ruby’s tail, it was a combination of fascination and curiosity at how her scales formed a living armour across her body to protect her from harm, the scales on her tail ran down to the tip of her tail so blades and projectiles would likely bounce off. As well as the cute fact that whenever I worked on cleaning Ruby’s soft underbelly, which got covered in mud since that was how she got around, she twitched and thrashed around giggling madly. Halfway down her tail my hooves rested on something that felt funny, Ruby was breathing heavily from laughing and I could feel her tail moving. Ruby noticed me staring and smiled, still catching her breath.

“Two sets.” She whispered.

“What? Two sets of what?” I asked.

“Everything, er vitals anyway. I have two sets of lungs, one in my pony half,” she touched her chest “And a larger pair in my tail.” She took my right hoof in hers, which made me blush since she was almost wrapping me in a hug from behind. Ruby moved my hoof up slightly and I felt a steady heart beat.

“That, Ruby, is a little freaky. But also cool.” I whispered “So you have two sets of everything?” I asked Ruby nodded backing up.

“Even two stomachs, but both are in my tail. One is much further up my body, further from my pony half. The second is a little bit down my tail and slightly larger,” Ruby tapped a segment of her tail then grinned at me “The first one doesn’t have any digestive acid so it’s like a storage tank, we can eat something, feel full and not kill the inhabitant. A lot of lamias do that. It’s usually a test of trust.” Ruby said looking sideways at me.

“Don’t even think about it.” I muttered Ruby smiled, faking being oblivious to what I meant.

“I’m serious Ruby.” I muttered as she leaned towards me.

“Are you sure, it won’t hurt I swear.” Ruby made a cross over her heart “I swear on my life that you won’t get so much as a scratch from my fangs if you let me eat you.” I backed up, which was difficult since I was pretty much covered all over by Ruby’s tail from cleaning her.

I spread my wings but they were water logged, so I wouldn’t be flying from my problems this time.

“Planning on going somewhere?” Ruby asked with a mischievous grin.

Ruby leaned forward and gently ran her tongue along my cheek, I shivered slightly then Ruby giggled and kissed my nose. I blinked as my brain attempted to catch up with Ruby’s actions.

“What?” I managed.

“Bolt, I’m not going to eat you without permission. Another reason so many ponies are scared is because of the prospect of being eaten, or having been eaten. I admit I’d be scared if I was in their place,” Ruby smiled warmly at me “And I’ve made too much progress through that thick head of yours to re-start. So carry on with my tail, please.” I sighed and Ruby giggled.

“Though you do taste delicious.” Ruby purred into my ear as she curled around me and wrapped her hooves around my neck. I felt Ruby lay her head on the back on my shoulder, I could almost imagine her smile as she closed her eyes.

I had to shake Ruby gently for her to sit up.

“Hmm? What’s up Bolt?” She mumbled sleepily.

“Time to get out, I cleaned your tail… And the water’s getting cold.” I said.

Ruby nodded slightly and dragged herself and her tail out. She stretched, yawned then grabbed a pair of towels. I say towels but they were the size of large blankets, I could hide underneath one of them, which is actually what I did. I draped the towel over my back and let it hang over my eyes and grinned evilly.

“I have come to collect what is owed to me, my beauty.” I said in a gravelly voice, Ruby held her mouth giggling.

“A-and what’s that, demon?” She asked.

“I do not know,” I took a raspy breath “I forgot my checklist in my office of fire!” Ruby fell backwards laughing and I joined her.

Once I was dry I began to help dry Ruby off with my own towel, since her tail was so large it took the two of us a little bit. Ruby seemed to be in a great mood, she was humming softly to herself.

“What’s got you so chipper?” I asked she glanced back at me and clapped her hooves together.

“Victory party! After arena battles, once the victor is stitched back into one piece, a party is held in honour of the winner. The Queen and my mum will be organising it,” Ruby smiled softly “They haven’t talked to each on good terms for a while…” Ruby looked back at me

“I… I was wondering Bolt, at the party there’s a point when couples dance and…” Ruby smiled blushing.

“I’d love to, malady.” I said crossing my right hoof over my chest. Ruby giggled blushing.

“Look at you being all chivalrous.” She said, I shrugged “Come on, I wanna go get ready.”

“When is the party?”

“Tonight.” Was all she said.

“Ah, so it’s one of those long processes, right.” I whispered rolling my eyes.

It seemed Diamond had provided Ruby with a selection of fancy dresses, they were laid out along the base of Ruby’s bed, all various colours and fabrics. Ruby tried on a white dress but neither of us liked it, it was near invisible on her, next a dark grey black dress that trailed the ground slightly

“I look like Midnight.” Immediately tossed aside.

A few dresses later and I was folding them back up when Ruby glanced over at me.

“Hay, Bolt. What about this one?” Oh Celestia.

Ruby was wearing some sort of kinky black lace dress, it clearly pressed into her fur and neck and she twirled a short collar that hung near the base of her neck around her hoof.

“You like?” she purred. I shot out the room and slammed the door.

“Bolt? If you didn’t like it you could have said.” Ruby’s voice said from the room.

“Ruby, I don’t think you should wear that to the party. It isn’t appropriate.” I said staring at my wings, blushing.

Why did Pegasi have to deal with this problem, Unicorns and Earth ponies didn’t have anything as publicly embarrassing as this! I tried to force my wings to fold but they were stuck.

“Having fun?” Diamond asked from her bedroom. I glanced over and she grinned at me.

“Being a Doctor I know a little more about ponies than others,” Diamond smirked “Ruby just turned you on.”

“You did that on purpose!” I accused pointing a shaky hoof at her.

“Guilty as charged.” She said shrugging, returning to her bedroom “Oh, and keep the noise down if you think about it.”

“F-fuck off, Cross!” I cried and she laughed closing the door.

After I regained control of my wings I gently pushed open the door.

“Sorry about that Ruby, I didn’t mean-ouch!” Ruby had slammed the door in my face, literally, hitting my nose.

“Sorry Bolt, but I don’t want you to see me yet.” Ruby said.

“It’s okay Ruby, I guess I deserved that from before.” I mumbled rubbing my nose.

Several minutes past and then Ruby pushed open the door. I looked back at her and my jaw dropped. She looked stunning, she was in a golden silk dress that seemed to glitter as if it had sequins all over it. Her hair was brushed down her shoulders and had a golden rose pin in it, around her injured hoof Ruby had managed to get on a bracelet made of silver, she positively glowed.

“Wow… You look… Amazing.” I whispered Ruby smiled.

“Thank you Bolt, now you.” She said taking my hoof and dragging me along.

“Wait, what?” I mumbled as Ruby forced me still with her tail. She pulled out a black tuxedo and slid up to me.

“You’re going to put it on.” She ordered, and yes she used hypnosis.

“I’m… Going to put… It on.” I mumbled and did as I was ordered.

The hypnosis faded as soon as I’d done up the buttons, it felt strange to wear something so formal, I rarely had reason to go out for a party. I glanced at Ruby and she had her hooves over her mouth and her eyes were twinkling.

“You look so handsome!” she squeaked, I smiled faintly and a gentle knock on the door broke our conversation. Diamond poked her head inside the room and glanced at us.

“You both look very nice,” she noted, nodding approvingly “Well you’ve both taken a while and the sun is actually starting to set, so the party will start soon, come on.” We followed Diamond outside and I noticed Diamond had a dress of white like her daughter’s coat.

Tonight was going to be a lot of fun.

The setting sun cast long shadows across the town from the houses and trees, it was really beautiful to see but also kinda cold.

“Where are we going exactly?” I asked softly as I walked beside Ruby, the pair of us following in Diamond’s wake.

“The Park.” That was all Diamond told us. Ruby looked sideways at me and smiled slightly.

“You look amazing.” She whispered.

“Will there be other ponies, or just me?” I asked softly.

“Except for the night guards, everypony in town will probably turn up. If only for the snacks.” Ruby said I chuckled.

“Sounds about right; yeah well done there mate, now where’s the buffet?” I said holding a hoof over my eyes, like a ship’s lookout, Ruby giggled softly.

Ever heard the saying; heard it before saw it? It was the same for the party. The same park I’d met the very down stallion had been transformed, a banner was pinned up over the archway inside, tables had been set up covered with food, a deck of some kind had been built for dancing and on one side the announcer from the arena had set up, I kid you not, a full on DJ deck. (Ha, a deck on a deck irony) Her lime green fur was lit up from the console lights and she had her brown mane spiked up along the front, like a skate ramp that tips into a giant spike. A lot of lamias cheered as Ruby entered and I glanced around. At the edge of the party was a group of ponies, the majority in tuxedo’s like mine but I also saw a few mare’s in dresses and… The stallion who had first spoken to me was in a formal soldier’s clothing, bright red with gold rims and the blue sash… I hadn’t expected that. The group of ponies looked nervous and appeared to be trying to blend in, or at least I thought so, until a single pony walked slowly up to a lamia, they talked and the pony smiled and they walked onto the deck.

I glanced at Ruby who had also seen the same thing, neither of us had a response. A few other ponies walked over to various lamias and asked for a dance, but the majority remained hidden in a corner. Then I noticed Midnight, she was stood near the Queen talking softly and watching the deck of dancing lamias and ponies. I glanced over, the dancing was strange, though considering some of the participations had snake tails it was understandable, but it was cute as well. The song playing seemed to be for couples at the moment, but the DJ’s grin gave away what she had lined up. Across from the deck, further back clear of trees was a large bonfire that some lamias were huddling close too for warmth.

Ruby and I headed over to the buffet table first, having missed dinner we were starving. They had everything, bite sized meats, little fruits and vegetables, even a chocolate fountain… Wait, a chocolate fountain. I leaned closer looking at the base of the fountain as Sunny walked over.

“Hay, why aren’t you two on the dance floor, everypony wants to see you two be all lovey again.” She said grinning.

“We’re just getting something to eat…” I stood up “But, er, Sunny,” I said.

“Yes Bolt?”

“What do you see there?” I asked pointing to the base of the fountain. Sunny looked at the fountain, then at me and she had the cheek to look embarrassed.

“Er well, see it’s…”

“It’s my chocolate fountain, it has my name on it.” I mumbled “You raided my wagon.” I accused.

“Come on Bolt, we don’t get anything like chocolate very often out here… Can you blame us?”

“Just… It’s fine, just don’t make a habit of stealing from me.” I said Sunny smiled, dipped in a marshmallow (Also mine) and slid away before I could complain more.

“So how does this work?” Ruby asked.

I skewered a marshmallow on a wooden stick and dunked it under the chocolate and held it out for Ruby to take, I didn’t expect her to bite into it while I still held it. She did it slowly too, ripping the treat in half, she smiled faintly.

“Delicious.” She whispered.

Ruby did the same as me and held it out in her hoof, as I made a move to take it she pulled back grinning. I sighed then leaned forward and bit into the treat, it was great like Ruby said. I then became increasingly aware of ponies and lamias staring. The lamias whispering and giggling, some of the ponies looked confused, even angry, a few glancing at their dancing partners strangely.

Ruby and I retreated from the buffet table (loaded with a few goodies though) and hid within the trees in the shadows thrown up by the bonfire. Ruby curled her tail into a seat and we leaned against each other staring up at the sky as we nibbled on strawberries.

“I’ve seen the sky a lot in my travels, but it seems a lot more beautiful tonight.” I mumbled.

“Special?” Ruby whispered I nodded slightly and closed my eyes.

“You know, I don’t think I’ve ever felt more alone than when I thought you’d died in that infernal arena. I believed I’d be trapped here with the memory of your death floating around me forever, and I was so scared… I didn’t even realise I had something of such value to lose.” Ruby wrapped me in a hug and I simply leaned into her embrace like a child seeking a parent’s comfort.

I heard the music change and it didn’t suit our mood, it was heavy metal and the DJ was pretending to play an air guitar, head banging screaming.

“Everypony stomp your hooves!” I heard Ruby chuckle.

“She’s certainly having fun.” She said I nodded.

“I still owe you that dance I offered.” I whispered.

“Let’s wait for a better song shall we, I don’t think this is the right one.” I nodded in agreement, nibbling on an apple.

A few more songs later and the DJ finally returned to another slow couple’s song. I held out my hoof and Ruby followed beside me onto the deck. The light of the bonfire bounced of Ruby’s dress and made it glitter orange. I stood on my hind legs taking Ruby’s hooves in my own, balancing me. It wasn’t anything fancy just slow movements and a spin here and there, but we still leaned against each other’s foreheads and stared into the others eyes. Ruby’s deep purple eyes glowed from the light of the fire and I smiled. Then Ruby hit me with some news that I didn’t expect.

“We’re leaving tomorrow.” She said simply, I blinked.

“Wait, what? Ruby you’re in no state…” She pressed her hoof to my mouth then returned to dancing as the song began to reach the end, the DJ waving her hoof slowly with the music like a composer.

“Bolt, I don’t care. There is next to nothing between here and Equestria except the desert, which is a good two days walk. We’ve waited long enough to see Equestria, Canterlot, the cute little houses and ponies living there, I’ll be fine. After all Equestria is peaceful, unlike here.” I decided not to argue with that, despite my real thoughts. I nodded slightly.

“Alright, does your mum know?” Ruby smiled.

“Why do you think she held the party, she had hoped to keep me here longer.” I smiled that sounded about right.

The song ended and Ruby and I silently escaped the party, on the way out I finally noticed the banner. It was us, Ruby in her battle gear and me charging with the two shields I taken, I had my head tilted down and the artist had managed to draw, quite literally, a fire in my eyes. Ruby was to my right facing sideways raising her damaged crossbow, we showed no signs of injury as if the battle had happened with us unscathed.

“Nopony ever tells the full truth with anything anymore.” Ruby muttered grinning slightly.

We made our way to the gazebo we’d visited before for our training, Ruby curled up on the wooden decking and I climbed calmly on top, folding my hooves in front of me as Ruby lay beside me. We watched the stars twinkling and I sighed.

“I’m coming home, Equestria.” I mumbled.

I’m not sure how long me and Ruby stayed there, leaning against each other as we watched the sky, before a set of voices trailed towards us. We glanced at each other as we recognised both speakers. We silently agreed and jumped into the bushes, we had a small visible sight of the gazebo but we heard them first.

“... Are not alike, we are soldiers, yes, but I haven’t given up, like you have.” Midnight said.

“Then tell me, if you haven’t given up why aren’t you with the guards. I talked to the Queen, you asked to attend the party, why?” The stallion I had first spoken to at the park said.

“I deserve to be laughed at for losing to a pony.”

“So I assume you think we’re weak and pitiful, generally unable to defend ourselves? Remind me again who lives in the badlands!” The pair reached the gazebo and we could see them.

Both the soldier stallion and Midnight were in formal soldier wear, Midnight’s being bright green with brown rims.

“West, I didn’t mean…” Midnight rubbed her forehead “Why am I apologising, you don’t deserve it, you’ve insulted me.” But Midnight didn’t seem able to work herself up into anger.

West smiled sadly and walked beside Midnight, he didn’t seem scared of her.

“Midnight, I think we can both agree we’ve pushed others away for long enough, I don’t intend to die alone or miserable. And if I can help somepony else…” Midnight raised a hoof.

“Don’t even offer West, I’m not worth saving nor do I need saving.” Midnight continued on and, after a moment’s hesitation, West followed her calling.

“You clearly need somepony in your life to make you happy, you’ll be miserable if you keep going this way.” Midnight turned as West caught up to her. She leaned down and gently kissed him and the stallion froze, blushing.

“You’re a kind stallion, and I hope you can find your way home. But it’d be best to look for another lamia if you really want one as a friend.” Midnight said sadly. Midnight slid away and this time West didn’t follow her.

“I don’t want to look for another lamia.” West grumbled.

Ruby and I made our way up to Diamond’s house and up to Ruby’s bedroom for the final time, we had left the park before West could discover us hiding, it had actually been surprising to see Midnight sad, I suppose I just didn’t see it with her. Anyway, after Ruby and I got out of our party clothes, I simply fell on the bed with the intention of falling right to sleep.

“You know tonight’s the last night we’ll be sleeping here… Maybe we should make the most of it.” Ruby whispered seductively into my ear after we’d climb in.

Ruby wrapped her tail around my waist and licked the base of my neck.

“Stop that Ruby.” I muttered with little force behind my words. Ruby giggled and lay her head under my neck.

“Goodnight Bolt… I’ll convince you somehow.” She threatened quietly.

The mood at breakfast the next morning (we were eating the leftover food from the party) was a little sombre, Diamond looked upset and Ruby didn’t feel cheery due to her mother’s clear misery. Eventually Ruby nodded and we stood up, Diamond began to cry and hugged Ruby then me.

“Don’t let her get hurt, promise me.” She whispered.

“I promise.” I whispered. Diamond wiped her eyes and managed a small smile and she saw us out.

I strapped into my, still damaged, wagon. Ruby and I waved goodbye to Diamond and made our way towards the city gates.

We’d expected it, to be honest, but Sunny was waiting, flanked by her guards, at the main gates. She nodded and they began to open slowly, Ruby was bracing herself against the wagon stopping it from rolling madly along down the ramp. We stopped on the flat ground beside Sunny who smiled at us both in turn.

“I wish you luck out there you two, stay safe and remember to return in a month.” We nodded in understanding and left the city.

Sunny watched us as the doors slowly grinded shut, I looked at Ruby who grinned as we began to head north.

“I told you, I promised, that I would get you back your freedom.” She said.

“You did, thank you. I owe you one.” That was without a doubt the dumbest thing I ever said. But I don’t regret it.

Ruby and I travelled for the whole day then settled down, the lamia city was just a little dot in the distance and the forest bordering Equestrian soil was within view but still a good distance and we didn’t fancy a night time entrance. We set up a campfire and sat around it, I lay on Ruby’s coils facing the sky but I wasn’t admiring the sky. Ruby was busy flexing her tail and I was too busy in relaxed dreamland to notice anything going on.

“Come on let’s go to bed, Bolt.” I groaned and rolled over clutching one of Ruby’s coils like a foal with a teddy.

Ruby giggled softly and carried me inside, I didn’t complain Ruby had made mush out of my mind, I was just glad I didn’t have to leave her comfortable embrace.

The following morning we set of early, Ruby leaning her head against mine sleepily. Soon the sand turned to grass again, but with a lot more normal trees and plants ahead. I smiled taking a deep breath, Equestria. I was home. I don’t know why I forgot, maybe I thought I could simply waltz on through with no problem but the second we’d left the badlands we passed through a couple trees and right into a royal guard ambush. We’d been walking across a clearing, I’d started to hum, when Ruby stood up straight.

“Bolt somepony…” She didn’t get to finish.

Several ponies jumped from trees, became visible after being hidden like chameleons blending in with trees, a pair of twin mares jumped out of hidden fox holes almost directly in front of us. I managed to take a single step back before several spears, swords, arrowheads, barrels and other deadly weaponry were pointed at my face.

“Freeze, for attempted crossing of the border of the badlands onto Equestrian soil, suspected changeling involvement and clear hybrid interaction I’m placing you under arrest.” The leader said. I rubbed my forehead.

“Good grief.” I mumbled.

Author's Notes:

Well I kinda enjoyed writing this chapter, especially the party bit, that was just fun. I also hinted that, after Bolt showed obvious affection for Ruby, a few ponies began thinking it over for themselves. Including the now named West... Though his choice is a little strange. We also have some bio info on lamias, hinting at possible vore! :3 And Ruby puts on a costume Bolt REALLY likes. Anyway Ruby and Bolt are now free... For exactly one day, that went well.

Welcome to Canterlot

“Expected to cross over so easily?” One of the pit mares asked after Ruby and I had been moved aside.

The mares who had, apparently, dug their own hidden fox holes to ambush us were our guards, they were both dark brown like dirt with deep grass green hair, the first had a shovel as a cutie mark the other a pickaxe.

“Somehow I’d actually managed to kid myself into thinking that, yes.” Pickaxe chuckled.

“Are you a changeling?” The pickaxe mare asked.

“Private, we don’t speak to prisoners.” The leader muttered, glancing over from writing a letter.

“Yes Sergeant… He’s writing to the high ranks back in Canterlot.” The shovel mare said.

“Why?” Ruby asked.

“I need permission to bring you in… Or orders to execute.” The Sergeant muttered.

“Our laws don’t allow execution!” I said.

“He’s messing with you, Bolt.” Ruby whispered the Sergeant chuckled softly then wrapped the letter in his magical aura and teleported it away.

“He’s actually sending that to get somepony who knows the changeling check spell, he doesn’t know it.” The shovel mare whispered audibly to me.

“I am fully aware of how to cast the spell and capable, I simply need permission.” The Sergeant grumbled. Ruby, the twins and I chuckled softly.

Several minutes past and I continued to tap my hooves on the ground.

“Hay, you’re what ponies call a lamia right?” One of the bored Pegasi guards asked, Ruby nodded slightly “Is it true you can hypnotise ponies?” Another nod.

“That’s so cool, you can make somepony do anything?” The pickaxe mare asked.

“Well, I suppose so. I’ve never really tested the limits.” The shovel mare leaned forward.

“Can you hypnotise the Sergeant?” She asked softly the few ponies within earshot grinned. Ruby nodded and the ponies muttered encouragingly .

“Ruby I don’t know if this is such a good idea…” I whispered Ruby grinned.

“Well, we’ll likely be here a while it’ll pass the time. And come on, you wanna see what it looks like from another ponies perspective, right?” I sighed but nodded, I was curious to see how hypnosis worked.

“Hay Sergeant.” Pickaxe called.

“What is it Private?” He looked over and Ruby must have started up the hypnosis.

The sergeant blinked in confusion.

“What are you… Doing?” He asked.

His pupils slowly shrank into pin pricks he eyes twitched and his pupils shook as if fighting. Then the sergeant’s jaw dropped and spirals began to dominate his eyes. The Sergeant swayed but remained where he was, her started off with a pair of slowly pulsing colours in his eyes but then a third joined and they sped up. Soon he had rapidly changing rainbow coloured spirals in his eyes, it was amazing to see for myself.

“Is that how I look?” I whispered to Ruby.

“No, you look cute hypnotised.” She answered. The Sergeant snapped and he slowly began to smile as his surrendered his will.

“Whoa cool, so you can tell him to do anything?” Shovel asked walking up to her superior and waving a hoof in front of his face.

“Pretty much, though he can’t tell us anything, he’s limited to anything I can put in his mind, everything else in locked up with his will.” Ruby explained.

“So what should we make him do?” One soldier asked.

“Something REALLY humiliating would be good.” Pickaxe said.

“Oh, make him do some stupid dancing, I wanna see that!” Shovel said.

Ruby gave the order and the Sergeant stood up and began doing some very sluggish silly dance moves. We all burst out laughing at the grinning mindless Sergean, we then made him believe he was a filly at a tea party. Finally our fun ended when a return letter was sent back. One of the Corporals picked it up whilst the Sergeant continued to talk to ‘Lieutenant Fluffernant’.

“Er-I think we need to wake him up… The reply is… Critical.” She said I glanced at the reply and my mouth went dry..

A dark blue circle with a white crescent moon wax seal was on the parchment symbolising the writer.

“Ruby… Wake him up, now.” I whispered darkly.

“Why who’s it from?” She asked.

“Just wake him up.” Ruby blinked but told the Sergeant to wake up none the less.

He wasn’t pleased, he growled at Ruby, who flashed a few spirals causing him to flinch and shut up. He took the letter and saw the seal, he glanced at his soldiers and opened it.

“What’s it say sir?” Pickaxe asked.

“Six words: Bring them to Canterlot castle now.” The Sergeant looked at us both.

“Get in a circle around the wagon and prepare to teleport.” He barked.

The non-unicorns, Pegasi and Earth ponies, scrambled into a loose formation around my wagon, Ruby and I were pushed in the centre of them all. Then the Unicorns formed a square around us with large spaces between them. Their horns lit up and the whole area I was stood in, as well as the ponies and Ruby, began to magically glow. I felt myself lift off the ground, my wagon tipped to one side as it raised up and I heard a few things clattering inside.

“Just great.” I mumbled to myself.

Ruby however was enjoying the weightlessness. She was lying on her back as if on an invisible hammock, she grinned at me then we disappeared in a bright flash of multi-coloured magic.

I had thought we’d appear someplace with a load of royal guards, when in actual fact we arrived in a large room. It was completely empty, circular in shape, with fuzzy glass, you know those ones you look through and everything looks blurry, like the ones in bathrooms so you have light but also privacy. The only thing in the room was a long line of banners hanging from the ceiling, the left side was a bright golden sun on a white flag while the right had dark blue with a white crescent moon on it. I glanced around and gasped. Standing before our square formation was a dark blue pony, her mane was night sky blue with purple rims and it had STARS in it and it was moving like rippling mist! Real constellations and everything. She stood exactly eye level with me, above average height obviously, she wore a jet black necklace with a crescent moon and her cutie mark was the same, perched on her head, just behind her horn, was a jet black crown. The pony ruffled her wings, then smiled at our party. We’d been summoned by Princess Luna.

The party assembled all bowed to the princess, myself included, except Ruby who stared in confusion. I grabbed Ruby’s shoulder and pulled her down into a bow. Luna chuckled softly.

“Rise, my little ponies.” She said softly. We did as she asked.

“Who is she?” Ruby whispered to me.

“I’ll be the one to introduce myself, please, if you’ll give me a minute to speak to my troops.” Lune turned to the Sergeant “Report.” He nodded.

“As we informed the Captain yesterday we had discovered a campfire out in the badlands, since we don’t have jurisdiction to go out that far we decided to wait and see what they did. The pair attempted to cross over to Equestria, as you can clearly see one of them is an inhabitant of the badlands, rightly so.” Pickaxe chuckled softly and leaned towards Luna.

“He’s just grouchy because she made him think he was a filly at a tea party.” She whispered.

“Be quiet Private!” The Sergeant barked a clear shade of red. Luna held her mouth with a hoof, her eyes twinkling as she tried not to laugh.

“Very well, thank you Sergeant for taking the necessary actions. However I don’t think the stallion is a changeling, considering present company it wouldn’t really affect him if he was in disguise. But to be sure…”

Luna’s horn began to glow and something like a scanning beam flashed across my head and down my body to my hooves. When the light faded nothing had happened.

“There, the spell failed he is a normal pony. Sergeant you and your soldiers may return to your station, inform another team to take the border patrol, you’ve all earned a break… But if I may, will you stay, miss?” Luna asked nodding to Pickaxe.

She nodded and the other guards and her sister left, Shovel cast a look at her sister nervously and Pickaxe smiled encouragingly.

When it was just the four of us Luna turned to Pickaxe.

“You said the lamia made the Sergeant think he was,” Luna chuckled “At a tea party. Can you describe what she did?” Pickaxe shifted nervously.

“I have nothing I can think of to compare it to other than hypnosis, that’s what it looked like. I didn’t directly look at her so I dunno but… The Sergeant’s eyes basically started changing with pulsing rings then he started smiling and then we messed with him.” Pickaxe said slowly looking nervously at Ruby.

“Yes that sounds about right… Thank you, you may leave as well now I imagine your sister outside is worried.” Lune said Pickaxe smiled and left, sure enough I could see Shovel hugging her as the door closed.

“Now… You two.” I gulped.

“Follow me.” Luna said walking towards the same door Pickaxe had just gone through, but when we went through she was already gone.

“What about my wagon, how are we going to get it out of the castle, will it fit through the door?” I asked, Luna smiled.

“We got it in, I’m sure we can get it out.” She said simply.

Luna led us through various hallways of Canterlot castle, patrolling guards dropped their spears in surprise and backed away from Ruby, others stared their weapons lowering as they gaped. Ruby didn’t seem very comfortable with all this. At one point however I managed to push her mind from the situation.

“Hold on please, Princess, I’d like to show Ruby this.” The pair stood beside me “Say hello to Canterlot Ruby.” I whispered, Ruby gasped.

The tops of the multi-coloured buildings below the castle shone in the mid-morning sunlight, from here we could see little ant sized ponies going about their daily business, the majority dressed up as if the gala was going to happen today. But we were more focused on the beauty of the place, the bright white, blue and gold as well as the soft green grass.

“It’s amazing.” Ruby whispered softly.

“Wait till you see someplace without all the nobles showing off.” Luna said “Yes, Canterlot is pretty, but I always preferred Ponyville, so much cuter… Maybe because life is simpler there.” Luna muttered to herself absentmindedly “Anyway, we should move on. Come along.” She said continuing on her way, we followed behind after a final glance at Canterlot.

We entered what I assumed was Luna’s bedroom, it was like walking into the night sky, if that was possible. The carpet was the colour of grass at night and deeper shadowing gave the image of hills, the walls were deep dark blue night sky with constellations running up the wall and the ceiling was dominated by a full moon. Luna’s room had a number of small bookshelves and draws. A small desk sat in one corner, beside a window with a circle of starts around the curtains drawn closed, with a small pile of papers and a quill in a bottle of ink. Against the wall opposite the door was a large circular bed with moon white curtains around it, in the middle of the room were a bunch of throw pillows tossed about like seats, everything seemed to represent some form of the night and the world under its gentle light.

“Wow, this place is really pretty.” Ruby said softly glancing around.

“Thank you, I quite like seeing the stars even during the day.” Luna said softly.

Luna walked over to the throw pillows and sat down, Ruby sat down, pulling her tail around herself, but I remained standing, trying to catch Ruby’s eye.

“You may sit, sir.” Luna said politely I did and kept my head bowed slightly.

“Apologies, Princess. My name is Boltblood Thundercloud… But Bolt is shorter. My friend here is Ruby Scales.” I said mentally slapping myself for not introducing ourselves. Luna and Ruby shared a small smile with each other.

“What’s so funny?” I asked looking at Ruby.

“Nothing Bolt, nothing.” Ruby said with a slight grin.

Luna looked between the two of us, when she looked at Ruby she looked sad.

“I am several thousand years old, only slightly younger than my sister,” Luna stated, Ruby and I glanced at each other.

“Well… For a millennia you’re doing pretty good Princess.” Ruby said with a slight smile, Luna chuckled softly and shook her head.

“Sorry, what I meant is, I have been around for a long time. I have seen and learnt much, even some things I wish I had not, and I know a lot about lamias as a race.” Luna smiled sadly at Ruby “I was even around when your race was sent to the badlands… Do you know why you now live in the badlands?” Luna asked Ruby who shook her head.

“No, I always believed we’d been driven out with pitchforks and torches because we were… Abnormal.” Luna shook her head.

“No, I remember, once, your race was quite friendly. You helped ponies who were stressed or afraid, relaxing them with… Unique techniques. You were also great land transporters, able to travel lighter since your body could go longer without having to be weighed down with packs of food.” Luna looked at Ruby’s tail as she said this.

“What happened, to drive them out?” I asked.

“One lamia, a single lamia, decided that his powers were better suited to controlling ponies to his will. He hypnotised many ponies in secret and twisted his own body into a weapon, then charged Canterlot… He failed. His mindless slaves were returned to normal after one hit and they were incredibly sluggish in movement. But it was actually the lamias who fought him back, since nopony could approach without suffering his gaze and switching sides, but they were not affected. Driven out of Equestria he disappeared, to I do not know where… But the lamias were not looked at the same by anypony again… Not even themselves.” I blinked.

“Wait the lamias… Drove themselves out?” I asked Luna nodded.

“Afraid that history would repeat, they packed up. Several ponies, who were married to lamias at the time, left with them. They were not chased out but left as heroes who had protected their allies, friends and families… But, like most things, ponies forgot about them as time went on until they were strange stories or stereotypes of the badlands.” Luna finished.

Luna then looked at me.

“From what I have gathered from the Sergeant, and my own personal guards, reports say you came from a lamia town, which I am surprised has even formed considering how they lived recently judging from reports my sister gathered. Can you tell me if they still seem like the majority of their old selves?” Luna asked me.

I glanced at Ruby and thought back, while the ponies in their care were not very well looked after when I arrived they were willing to improve how they cared for them, even let them return home… They were just afraid to be alone, likely how they’d grown up. And then there was Diamond and Sunny, Diamond willing to help anypony or anything seemed like how Luna had described the old lamias and Sunny… She was a leader willing to become the bad guy to be the good guy. But there was Midnight… But I wouldn’t judge them all upon her. I looked at Luna and nodded, she smiled.

“Now a much more difficult question… How much do you trust Ruby?”

I paused and looked at Ruby, who was suddenly very interested in the star patterns on the wall, but her ears were perked up, straining to listen.

I thought over everything Ruby and I had done together, starting all the way back to our rocky meet up. My first counter that I might not fully trust her was her hypnotising me… But didn’t I trust her now doing that to me. What about getting me enslaved? Well I was sat here talking to my Princess on my home turf with Ruby covered in the injuries for earning my freedom. Finally I made my decision.

“I would trust Ruby with my life.” I said softly Ruby’s ears twitched and she stared at me, I smiled slightly and Luna smirked.

“Well… We’ll see.” She said mysteriously.

“What do you mean?” Ruby asked Luna smirked.

“Hypnotise him.” Ruby blinked “If you trust her with your life, your mind is okay to submit. I need to know you believe she will not bring you any harm before I let her travel around Equestria.” Luna said.

“You’re going to let us go… Just like that?” I asked Luna nodded, Ruby smiled slightly. This seemed easy enough.

Ruby turned to me, shifting her tail getting comfortable.

“You know what to do.” Ruby whispered softly as her eyes began to swirl softly with pulsing colours.

We were almost touching noses and the close proximity aided Ruby’s hypnosis. My mouth hung open after a couple seconds and my body became limp, Ruby smirked and her tail curled around my neck, all thoughts evaporated from my head and I smiled faintly. Ruby leaned forward and gently kissed the bridge of my nose then turned to Luna.

“There, done.” She said Luna chuckled softly.

“We aren’t done yet.” She said “I want you to eat him.” Ruby gasped.

“W-What?” She asked nervously.

“Eat him, then spit him out.” Luna ordered. Ruby looked at me hungrily, she leaned closed to my face.

“I’m sorry,” Luna continued to watch on “But I refuse.” Luna blinked in surprise and Ruby faced her “I’m not going to eat him, not without his say, I refuse.” She said defiantly.

If I’d had any thoughts of my own, I’d of thought Luna would be furious, instead she smiled.

“You truly care about his feelings then… Very well, you have passed my test, you may travel Equestria.” Luna’s horn glowed and a roll of dark blue parchment with a crescent moon seal appeared “Just encase somepony bothers you this should clear it up. Now I’ll help you get Bolt’s wagon into the courtyard.” Luna said standing up.

Ruby seemed to have no plans to release me from the hypnosis any time soon, she wrapped a coil around my neck like a leash and led me sluggishly through the castle. We encountered a few guards and Ruby would drop the collar and take my hoof instead when we did, eventually we made it to the room we’d arrived in.

“Oh, the wagons damaged. I hate to ask Luna but could you help…”.

“Of course, I’ll have a craftspony come around today and fix it.” Luna began to cover the wagon in her dark blue magical aura still talking “I know you may not like it but, would you mind waiting until nightfall, when most ponies are asleep before traveling through Canterlot. I’m sure a lot of other towns and cities will be friendlier but I do not want to panic the ponies here as they are… Less adapt to the unusual.”

“You mean they’re snobs who only like the high class.” Ruby said and Luna chuckled.

“That is an accurate assumption.” She said with a grin as the wagon disappeared.

“I’ll show you where I teleported it, call the craftspony and have somepony bring you some supplies, since you ran out at the party.” Luna said then coughed nervously but she’d spoken.

“How did you know about that?” Ruby asked, Luna smirked.

“Maybe in the future, dear Ruby. But today is not a good day to give out my secrets I’m afraid… I wish the two of you luck and… Inform Sunny that she has the right to let her citizens into Equestria, but only cross the border during the day. Also tell her I’ll contact her how they can do that, when you next visit home.” Something else that confused us was that she knew Sunny, but Luna started walking before Ruby could interrogate her. Ruby looked at me.

“She is almost as an interesting mystery as you… Almost.” Ruby said following behind Luna.

She brought us to the castle doors, which I’d only ever seen from the distance outside, and opened them to the Canterlot guards, a small road twisting slightly down to the castle gates. My wagon was parked in the shadows of some bushes and trees but looked quite cute. Luna left with a nod and smile and Ruby led me over there, holding my hoof under the gaze of the guards.

I imagine it would have felt strange to be back in my wagon if I had the space in my mind to feel strange, but I was too busy enjoying the hypnosis high. Ruby led me into the bedroom and piled her tail along the floor like a bean bag, she pushed me down onto my stomach facing her and her eyes began to light up into deep pulsing colours again. My mouth hung open in a blissful smile and my tail swished slowly backwards and forwards, making Ruby giggle. Ruby held out her hooves and I sluggishly reached for them, sitting up slightly and leaning over the pile of coils, taking her hooves she pulled me into a hug falling backwards so I lay on top of her. Ruby grinned up at me as my hooves kept me up, one either side of her head. Ruby’s eyes stopped pulsing returning to normal.

“Wake up Bolt.” She purred, I blinked a couple times as my mind returned to normal, I stared down at Ruby, who grinned at me as I took in the situation.

“Hi.” I managed Ruby chuckled and I pushed back away from her.

“Is that all you have to say?” She asked.

“No, why didn’t you let me go form the hypnosis?” I asked.

“You upset you didn’t get to say goodbye to your Princess?” The way she said it made me feel foalish.

I grumpily walked out of the bedroom and searched around my kitchen, Ruby following with a mischievous grin. The majority of my stuff had been taken at the party but raw ingredients and more plain stuff had survived the raid.

“Want a cake for dinner… I don’t think I can make much else.” I said Ruby smiled.

“Sure Bolt, that’s fine.” Ruby said.

Ruby watched, having learnt not to bother me whilst doing my thing, from the table but she seemed more focused on me than the cake.

“What’s up?” I finally asked, Ruby blinked.

“Nothing, just trying to think of a way to convince you to do something with me.” She said waving a hoof in a casual way “I’ll tell you after the cake, alright.” Ruby promised, I nodded slightly as I set the cake within the oven.

The simple Victoria sponge was good, but my mind was occupied by others things at this point. Namely the things Luna let slip and directly told us, her knowledge of Ruby’s home and Sunny. While I doubted the Princess of the night, or even day if Celestia was involved, which I assumed she was from the few things Luna let slip, I was still worried that if somepony could keep tabs on Ruby’s home, what was stopping others? I stared out the window beside the table, the view was mostly greenery and a few flowers in the patches of grass. Ruby finished before me and joined me in silent thinking, but our thoughts were likely dead different.

“Hay Bolt,” Ruby suddenly said.

“Hmm, what is it, Ruby?” I asked looking back at her, Ruby was gently massaging her own tail, I wondered if she did that when nervous because she looked like she was.

“Would you mind helping me with something?” She asked.

“What?” Ruby tapped her hooves together.

“I-I’ll tell you a minute it’s sort of awkward.” She said blushing.

“If it’s embarrassing you can do it alone if you prefer.” Ruby shook her head.

“No, I need somepony to help me I can’t do it alone.”

“What? You can’t do what alone?” I asked Ruby looked at me a faint shade of red.

“Shed.” I blinked.

“You shed, like a normal snake?” I asked Ruby nodded but considering how she’d started off talking she seemed a lot more comfortable.

“Yeah it’s normally really itchy and difficult to do alone, but with some help maybe you could help me pull the old skin off.”

The first clue I should have noticed was that she seemed too comfortable, no signs of uncomfortable itching, but I assumed it only itched when starting to shed or if left too long. Eventually I agreed and Ruby stood up leading the way cheerily to the bedroom, I followed behind. Ruby pulled her tail along the floor as I closed the door.

“Alright, what do you need me to do?” I asked.

Immediately I knew something was wrong, Ruby had her eyes closed but she was grinning widely… And not in any particularly playful way like she normally did, she looked… Intimidating.

Ruby opened her eyes as her horn lit up, I half expected spirals but her eyes remained purple, but they had lost her cute twinkle, they seemed rather cold without it. I heard something like crunching frost and whipped around to see the door handle being covered in frost and ice, Ruby’s magical aura around the ice. I gripped the handle and leaned against the door but it didn’t so much as shake a few little flakes of snow off. I looked at Ruby and she grinned baring her fangs.

“Ruby… What are you doing, this isn’t funny if this is a joke,” I said my ears folding against my head in fear “I thought you said you wanted help shedding.” I realised how stupid that sounded immediately.

“You know I lied… But not about needing somepony’s help… I just specifically needed a stallion.” Ruby said slowly. I backed against the door and gulped and silently prayed for help that would never come.

Author's Notes:

So we finally get to see our first canon character! YAY! And I build some story around lamias That will be very important later! :3 And then Ruby goes crazy... You're all hoping I'm going to use that tag I've put on but haven't used yet aren't ya? Well, I might just make Bolt escape and lock Ruby in! >:3

Feral desirers

Author's Notes:

WARNING! CAUTION! DANGER!

The following chapter contains sex/rape, if this isn't your thing I have spent a lot of time and effort and have made this chapter skip-able! It doesn't effect the story and you can continue without having to suffer if you don't wish too.

Okay now that one guy has left rest of you perverts can enjoying a snake pony and stallion doing it! :3

Ruby advanced slowly towards me, clearly she was in no rush now she had me cornered.

“Ruby, please see sense you can’t be serious about this.” I said backing away from the door and around the room nervously as Ruby slid to my right to cut me off from the door.

“Ah, I’m sorry Bolt but I’ve fought off temptation for long enough.” Ruby darted forward and I reared back in fear causing Ruby to grab my front hooves and pin me against the wall, her face inches from mine.

Her breath was sweet but her expression seem cold, wild… Feral.

I breathed heavily in fear and tried to keep her focus off tearing my neck out or… The alternative thing that I assumed she was after.

“Ruby, calm down I’m sure whatever’s wrong I can help you with but please, just five seconds of calm and…” Ruby hissed threateningly and I closed my mouth.

“I’ve waited long enough, I’ve been so close to you so many times for so long,” Ruby leaned closer “Breathing your scent in… Directly and so much,” Ruby darted her tongue out slowly and sighed deeply “It’s been driving me crazy. All I’ve wanted, Bolt, was you to simply appreciate me a little more, love me… I though after the arena, what you said, you might but… If anything it just became worse!”

I fell limply against Ruby’s hold as I realised how much I’d made her suffer.

“I’m sorry, Bolt… But I’ve been patient enough… Now I’m going to get what I want, willing or not.” Ruby grinned “And you’ll start to enjoy it soon enough.” She threatened.

Ruby slid her hooves down quickly, wrapping them around my shoulders and fell sideways. I hit something soft that flexed to cushion my fall, Ruby’s tail gleefully pressed into my body and I failed to hide my sigh as she did so. I stared at Ruby who eyed my body up and down slowly, I looked away blushing.

“Guess what, Bolt,” Ruby whispered and she leaned down against my ear “I figured out what your wings sticking out really meant.” She purred I gulped and Ruby licked my ear slowly, darting her tongue inside.

I grunted and shook my head but Ruby simply giggled and I dared to hope she was back.

“Ruby…” I was cut off when she kissed me.

I gasped in surprised and Ruby darted her tongue into my mouth, I wriggled around but Ruby’s tail piled onto my hooves so only my body could have moved but Ruby herself dealt with that, her weight pinning me. Ruby’s tongue wrapped around mine and began to caress it softly, I groaned softly in delight and my wings twitched. Then Ruby hit the final nail.

Ruby slowly ran her right hoof along my stomach, which tickled slightly. Her hoof went slowly lower and lower down my body and I stared at her moaning, attempting to plea for her to stop, but Ruby’s tongue was preventing me. Ruby’s hoof suddenly reached the very base of my body and lowered itself down a little further, I gasped and my rear legs twitched. Ruby’s hoof had lightly stroked my penis, my wings flew out instantly and I stared at Ruby blushing to my roots. Ruby pulled her tongue away and rested her other hoof against my chest and her head against that, her other hoof continued to tease my penis causing it to grow. Ruby looked back at my penis and grinned at me.

“Seems you’re starting to have fun.” She whispered.

“Ruby stop please.” I begged Ruby chuckled as the end of her tail curled around my waist.

Ruby pulled her hoof away and folded them under her head staring at me, grinning, as her tail coiled up my penis. I watched as the throbbing muscle disappeared in several soft white coils, Ruby grinned and squeezed my penis and I moaned softly. Ruby giggled and began to pump the cocoon around my penis. I sank into the muscly coils of Ruby’s tail and sighed.

“R-Ruby what if… Somepony hears… U-us.” I mumbled softly.

“Then you better stay really quiet when we reach the main attraction.” Ruby said.

I leaned back against the bed of coils and continued to groan. The pitiful sounds Ruby was drawing from me became more frequent as she began to speed up the pumping of her tail cocoon, Ruby braced several coils against my back and head so I leaned up slightly so I could always see what she was doing. Then Ruby surprised me; she stopped. Ruby grinned at me, as I breathed heavily trying to recover from her pleasurable torture, she then sat up and ran her hoof along a section of her tail close to her pony half. I blinked in surprise as the scales that joined to her pony half folded downward in a V shape.

“Oh Celestia.” I mumbled, Ruby gently rubbed her vagina and grinned at me.

Ruby rapidly pumped my penis until I felt as if I was going to orgasm, then she stopped. The sensation of cumming faded and I groaned softly. Ruby lay on the very top of my chest grinning down at me her vagina winking invitingly.

“What do you want?” I asked quietly.

“For you to admit you’re enjoying this and to submit to it… Then we’ll move on and I’ll let you cum.” She purred as she pumped my penis to the same point again.

I moaned once more but clamped my mouth shut. I’m not going to admit I’m enjoying being raped because I am not-Another round of pumping-I will not submit to Ruby-Another round- I squirmed in my restraints, sweat rolling down my body-Oh sweet Celestia stop, please Ruby-I began to pant heavily. As Ruby began her fifth round I gave in.

“Okay, I submit. Please, I can’t stand it anymore…” I whispered “I’m enjoying it.” I said in defeat. Ruby kissed my cheek then began to finish the job.

I gasped in delight and let off a long low moaned as my penis twitched as I orgasmed. I began to drool in delight and watched as semen poured out between Ruby’s coils. When I stopped Ruby brought her tail to her mouth and licked the white goo off her tail and grinned at me. She crawled backwards and lay down, her muzzle against my penis.

“You can’t be serious.” I said softly.

To answer she dragged her tongue along the bottom of my penis, one of the forks in her tongue darting inside the top. I cried out my head rolling backwards.

“Oh sweet Celestia… Do it again.” I mumbled and she did.

Ruby kissed the top of my penis and ran her tongue all around it from top to bottom, occasionally rubbing it with a hoof. Finally she forced my penis inside her mouth, her tongue lapping happily at the stiff treat. I fell backwards against the bed of coils and gripped Ruby’s tail tightly, my mouth hung open in pure ecstasy as my mind physically melted. Ruby wrapped her tongue around my penis and began rocking her head up and down, the tip smacking against the back of her throat tingled slightly. I closed my mouth slightly as Ruby licked the tip again and I gasped. Ruby must have sensed what my panting meant because she began to move with increasing eagerness. Finally I tipped the scale and orgasmed again directly into Ruby’s mouth, she gasped in surprised and a lot of the first shot of semen ran down her mouth, but she closed her mouth and began to suck on my penis like a straw. She then pulled back and licked the remaining semen around her face happily.

I was panting heavily and I felt incredibly tired now and was sticky with sweat, I could only pray nopony had heard us. Ruby licked her mouth once more then lay on her back on several more coils, her hooves over her stomach (If she had one normal pony stomach) and grinned at me. Her tail uncoiled from me and the bed of coils pushed me up into a sitting position, for a single second I thought Ruby was back, but then her tail dropped over my back like some sort of cape and Ruby motioned me to move forward. After a little hesitation I did. I stared down at her, now damp, winking vagina, but my face was already too flushed as it was.

I was stopped by Ruby’s tail forming a sort of collar around my neck and tugging me to stop, I stood staring at Ruby and she smiled.

“You know what I want… I pleasured you now you do likewise.” Ruby whispered grinning almost like her old self.

I stared at her until her tail began to pull down on me. I braced my hooves on the floor either side of Ruby’s tail, my muzzle almost brushing her vagina as I watched her. Ruby was biting on one hoof in anticipation, she looked so cute and I could almost kid myself I’d willing walked into this situation. I clung to that fake thought because it made me feel better, for some reason, and licked Ruby. It was a strange taste, damp, indescribable. Not unpleasant but a little weird, I felt Ruby shudder in delight and I licked again. The more I tasted Ruby the more pleasant it became, after a little bit I forced my tongue inside her and ran it up and down. Ruby placed a hoof on the back of my head groaning in delight, her other hoof twitching slightly.

I raised my right hoof after a minute of licking and began to tease and rub Ruby below where I was licking. The effect was instantaneous, she cried out in surprised delight then hunched her back up so she pressed her vagina into my face and hoof more. I looked up at her as she fell back down her tail thrashing around behind me slightly, I sped up the prodding with my hoof and Ruby groaned her front hooves gripping her tail as she orgasmed in my face.

Ruby panted softly and wrapped a single coil around my waist and dragged me up to her, so we were eye to eye. Ruby was a deep red like me but was still smiling.

“I wonder why I fought these urges off… It wasn’t worth the pain to resist this pleasure.” Ruby mumbled to herself, leaning forward and licking my neck, she leaned against my ear.

“Time for the main event… Go on.” She purred leaning back and watching me.

But I had frozen as the puddle that was now my brain put the pieces together about what Ruby had planned next. Growing impatient Ruby rolled me over so she lay on top, her tail pulled all my hooves down so I was spread eagle on the bed. Ruby licked her lips and grinned at my fearful expression.

“Oh don’t be scared, Bolt,” Ruby leaned down smiling seductively at me “It’ll be like tasting heaven after a minute.” She purred.

Ruby raised herself up and looked down, angling her vagina over my penis. She looked at me again grinning then fell down on top of me, we both moaned in pleasure. Ruby was incredibly damp and slippery, but once my penis was in her vagina it clenched down like a tight tunnel of coils and wouldn’t let me move, without many waves of pleasure bouncing around my body and mind, driving me crazy. Ruby smiled and her tail moved away from my hooves. Free, I should have struggled, pushed her away, instead I wrapped my hooves around her neck, pulled her down and kissed Ruby. My mind had just gone, no reasonable thoughts made their way to my head any longer, plus Ruby was enjoying herself so I allowed myself too as well.

Ruby grinned at my submission and slowly raised her waist up slightly, the slow movement was still sending up great waves of pleasure, and apparently Ruby was almost as sensitive because she moaned deeply. Ruby began to slowly pump me with her vagina and almost every time she pushed back down it was follow by moans from both of us, one of us was guaranteed to moan so the room was echoing softly with the sounds of us having our fun. Ruby, who had her hooves wrapped around my back, suddenly stopped and stared at me, I then felt her vagina inwardly contract around my penis. I gasped in surprise as she repeated the movement, closing her eyes and hissing softly in pleasure as her vagina kind of milked me. I shivered hugging myself against Ruby, she began to pump me again but when she landed down she now squeezed me penis.

“A-are you enjoying yourself?” Ruby panted her mouth hanging open in blissful pleasure.

I managed a nod as Ruby began to pump faster. On reflex I began to thrash around slightly, attempting to thrust back into Ruby, she grinned at me as my body naturally betrayed me more.

Ruby began to speed up further, her tightening and the sliding of all her muscles within her body massaging and working my penis, as well as my own forced thrusting adding to it all, was making me reach the point of orgasming.

“R-Ruby…” I moaned softly.

“Not yet…” she purred and I looked at her, my eyes slightly crossed. I got a face full of colourful pulsing rings and the solitary order.

“You can’t cum until I tell you too.” Ruby whispered.

I blinked, I didn’t feel any less like I was going to stop cumming. The pleasure was still mounting, melting what little brain I had left in my head into a small puddle.

Ruby’s pumping became maddening and she began to cry out in delight, her tongue hanging down her mouth slightly, the end of her tail was hitting the floor like a dog waging its tail. I found out what Ruby’s order meant, the pleasure high of orgasming was bouncing around my body making me thrash, but there was no release. It was as if my penis had looped in the moment before climax and it was pleasure torture. I cried out in delight, begged Ruby to let me cum as I began to cry and drool as she broke down any form of will I had left. In the end Ruby simply continued to torture me, she bowed her head breathing heavily. The pleasure was driving me crazy, in the end I descended into something I didn’t think I’d ever do.

“M-Mist…” I hesitated then Ruby’s vagina squeezed me and I broke “Mistress, please!” I cried tilting my head back moaning in defeat.

Ruby stared at me, surprised, for a single second before the pleasure caused her to moan.

“Y-You called me M-Mistress?” She asked with a grin I nodded madly hoping she’d get to the point. Ruby leaned close “Call me it again.” She whispered.

“M-M-Mistress.” The end of the word dragged away as I sighed in submission.

“…You can cum.” Ruby said bringing her vagina down on my penis one last time.

My head rolled backwards onto Ruby’s tail and I cried out my whole body bucking furiously into Ruby. The high lasted for almost a minute, and when I finally caught my breath a little I looked down. White creamy liquid was pouring out from Ruby who was slowly pulling my penis out, she had a slightly vacant smile and I assumed she’d orgasmed as well. My penis, sensing its job was done or finally exhausted enough, retreated into my fur and Ruby pulled the scales around her vagina up again. Ruby smiled at me.

“Did you have fun Bolt?” I nodded slightly “Good… We’ll have to do it again in future.” She said.

“Okay… But for now…” I mumbled lying back “I’m tired… Wake me up when it’s night.” I mumbled.

I felt Ruby lie down on my chest and I fell asleep as well, my last thoughts were; did I cause her to do this by pushing her away, she said she was driven mad by my scent didn’t she…? And: Oh Celestia I hope nopony heard us!

Test of trust

Author's Notes:

Well, like in the previous chapter, this one has a warning but, thankfully, it doesn't need colossal text...

...

...

But I'ma use it anyway! XD

WARNING! CAUTION! DANGER!
The following chapter contains soft vore, the consumption of a sentient being by another... Basically Ruby eats Bolt in this chapter, if that ain't your thing, there's the door.

Well that dude forgot we're on a plane so we won't have to worry about him every again! XD Rest of you can enjoy! :)

As a little side note however the lateness of this chapter was not me taking a while I actually re-read the WHOLE story (which is currently up to 123, not kidding, pages) and updated the other chapters here and on DA... which took a while... You better appreciate it, you can show your appreciation by giving me a cookie!

Though seriously please, give me a cookie I'm starving... Anyone... Please... They don't feed me :(

I blinked my eyes, which were still heavy with sleep. I glanced around in my sleepy state and became aware of a faint noise… Was somepony crying? I managed to force my cramp body into a sitting position and I looked around my familiar bedroom. I was lying on the bed and I could hear the crying faintly through the open door to the kitchen/living room. I stood up and softly walked to the door and listened.

“I-I…I can’t believe I did that to him…H-He’ll hate me now, I shouldn’t have l-lost control… He just smelt so good.” I heard Ruby sob.

I glanced around from the door and could see her sat at the table, hugging a segment of her tail and stroking it nervously, with her back to me. I silently snuck up to Ruby as she chanted softly.

“Please don’t hate me Bolt, please don’t hate me.” I silently climbed onto the seat beside Ruby and she gasped in surprise.

I lay down beside her and pulled her tail towards me and over my body like a blanket, Ruby stared before quietly bringing more of her tail up so I really was under a blanket of coils.

“You know I couldn’t ever be mad at you.” I said softly stroking a segment of her tail reassuringly.

“I’m so sorry, Bolt, I didn’t mean too… I just lost control!” Ruby blubbered suddenly.

“Sshhh… It’s okay Ruby.” I sat up and hugged her, kissing her forehead gently as she cried softly into my neck, her tail hanging across my back like vines.

“From what I gathered yesterday, it seemed like I was torturing you, I’m proud you lasted so long.” I said.

“I’m sorry,” Ruby repeated “I’m just so close to you all the time it drives me crazy and… I just couldn’t resist any longer.” Ruby looking at me guiltily.

“Ruby, I swear I am not mad at you… Nor will I lie that I didn’t enjoy myself,” I said blushing and Ruby’s face flushed likewise “But, next time, let me know in advance rather than having to back me into a locked room and go predatory on me.” I said with a slight grin.

Ruby tapped her hooves together then jumped forward kissing me.

“Thank you Bolt.” She said smiling and wiping her eyes.

I managed to convince Ruby to leave the seat, she was still sobbing and apologising every so often even while we hugged, but I got through to her eventually. Outside the wagon the sun was casting long low deep orange shadows and colours across the sky, and I could see, walking down from the castle entrance, Princess Luna. She stood before up and smirked slightly.

“You two done with your fun, or would you like a little longer before I say farewell?” She asked. I think my face was melting away there and then.

“How-how did you…?” Ruby mumbled softly.

“I called the craftspony in… He returned after fixing your wagon and he said he swore he heard shouting from within…” Luna said with a grin.

Is there an undo button for real life, please? Luna chuckled softly then closed her eyes, her horn glowed and we watched as a spectacular event happened before us. The sun slowly finished its descent, with a bright blue rim around it, and then the sky darkened and stars appeared followed closely by the moon. Luna sighed and glanced up at her night artwork.

“Wow… That’s amazing.” Ruby said softly staring at the sky. Luna smiled faintly in thanks.

“I will see you down to the grounds of the castle, then I hope to pinch Bolt for a couple minutes if you don’t mind Ruby.” Ruby nodded in agreement and I walked over to my wagon strapping myself in.

If a couple weeks ago somepony told me I’d be walking down from Canterlot castle with Princess Luna and a half snake-pony, I’d of probably called the police. Now it was actually happening. At the base of the castle grounds the guards began to open up the large purple doors.

“Okay, Bolt, follow me for a second.” Luna said walking towards the shadows of the trees alongside the path. Luna stared at me grimly.

“I know exactly what happened with you and Ruby.” I blushed and Luna, realising what’d she said, blushed too “Not like that! I mean what caused Ruby too… Well, become heated.” She said.

“What do you mean ‘heated’?” I asked.

“I’ll keep it short in case she becomes worried, but, basically, Bolt, Ruby is half snake correct? She smells things on the air much sharper than ponies or many other creatures, however this can have a negative effect. Since now… Em, they reproduce with ponies rather than their own race, if lamias were to smell other ponies… Doing it,” God this was a really awkward conversation to have with the Princess of the night “Then they would become turned on likewise… Now can you imagine a major city like this…? I won’t say much against the citizens here but… There’s more than just the high class snobby district, you understand?” I nodded in understanding.

Even Canterlot would have that shadowy part of town where things were… Much less dignified, even in the day.

“So, basically, I have to make sure not to visit any town where ponies are having sex… Yeah that sounds REALLY easy!” I said sarcastically, Luna managed a slight smile.

“No, I believe you sated that need, but I thought you should know because… It can also cause other desires.” I raised an eyebrow but Luna didn’t say any more on the subject. Instead she led me back to the gates and hugged Ruby.

“You be gentle to him next time.” Luna whispered audibly “If I may suggest, it might be worth visiting Ponyville, it’ll be likely the most accepting town you’ll find… Also talk to Princess Twilight, my sister’s favourite student, she may be able to get Ruby a pony disguise and I’m sure she’ll be fascinated too… Er, get to know Ruby.” Luna said.

“Sure, thank you for everything, Princess.” I said as Ruby retreated into the wagon.

The walk through night time Canterlot was a lot more impressive than most would think. Despite Hearths warming eve being over and spring not far off ponies still had their homes decorated just not festively anymore. Great red lamps, fountains of ponies in mid dances, their tails and mouths spewing water, soft glowing light from inside homes and gentle fires. The few ponies I saw outside were mostly guards, a few stopped me but a quick flash of Luna’s seal made them simply leave or even apologise. I saw a few ponies, the majority were still dressed up for parties. They looked at me as if I was something on the bottom of their hooves they’d stepped in, though one young chocolate brown stallion in a tuxedo with an hourglass cutie mark, with a dark grey Pegasus in a cute muffin like dress, nodded politely to me then the pair disappeared down an alley, but when I reached a point where I could see down the alley they’d just vanished, and it was a clear dead end.

Not much else of note happened until we were leaving the outskirts of Canterlot, the regal houses changing slowly to normal houses and cottages, then spacing out and the roads twisting away like snakes. I tapped my back hoof against my wagon to let Ruby know she could come out after that, and grinned at the polished wood of my wagon. The craftspony had gone overboard but I didn’t complain. He’d also painted on a pair of Luna’s coat of arms on either side of the harness, which I quite liked. Ruby climbed out of the wagon, and after she dragged out the last of her tail and shut the door, I set off again with her beside me.

“So we heading straight for Ponyville?” Ruby asked I shook my head.

“No, if we could get a train we’d be there in a day but since we’re on hoof we’ll have to take the scenic route. But that shouldn’t matter I want to show you Equestria anyway, and the longer you stay yourself the better.” I said with a smile.

“I won’t… Always be a pony, right?” Ruby asked.

“I dunno… I hope not, I prefer you the way you are.” I said Ruby blushed and hid her eyes behind her hair smiling.

We travelled in silence for a little while across the green grasslands of Equestria, little clumps of trees in the distance.

“It’s like a painting.” Ruby said softly.

“Beautiful isn’t it.” I said and Ruby nodded.

“I can see why you missed it so much.” I looked back towards the road.

“Hay Ruby, town.” I said softly. Ruby looked forward and sighed sadly.

“Shall I get back in the wagon?” She asked sadly I looked at Ruby and saw that her brief outing would be painful to give up.

“A lot of ponies will be asleep it should be fine, plus it’s not really a town just a clump of houses, they won’t bother us.” I said.

You know whenever you think something will go well, which immediately jinxes it, and it doesn’t? Yeah that happened. Don’t go thinking the town saw me, because they didn’t. Ruby and I made it all the way out of town without encountering anypony before the problem arose. As we were leaving the town the road split into a T junction and Ruby stopped to look up at the building at the end of the road. A large mansion, with several different sections, that was deep marble white like clouds stood overlooking the town, as if saying.

“Look at these little peasants beneath my shadow, look at how pathetic they are.” I say the mansion was like that because it looked like a small castle, with an iron gate and a low wall around it with turrets… As if Canterlot nobles had invaded someplace they shouldn’t be.

“It’s really pretty… But looks mean, somehow.” Ruby noted.

“I don’t like it, we should move on.” I mumbled.

“Admiring my home, are we?” The voice was high and sharp like a blade, and it caused me to feel anger I couldn’t explain straight away.

I looked over and managed to prevent myself making an undignified grunt. There were four ponies, three stallions and a colt. The first, who had spoken, was a snow white stallion, a lighter shade than Ruby, with a blond mane. He had a heavily jewelled crown for a cutie mark. The other two stallions looked very similar, they looked like bodybuilders and stood either side of the white stallion like bodyguards, they were dull grey with black buzz cut hair, the left one had what looked like a war hammer for a cutie mark and the other a wrecking ball. Then there was the colt, he looked identical to the white stallion in colour and everything, if he was a bit taller and got his father’s cutie mark he’d be a perfect double ganger.

I half expected them to suddenly freak out but, glancing back at Ruby, I noticed she’d hidden most of her tail, only her front hooves and head could be seen, clever.

“Yes it is quite an amazing place, I inherited it from my deceased mother, didn’t want some common trash to get it… Like you.” I ruffled my wings slightly in anger and kept my mouth closed “Little cloud pusher, you and the dirt hooves ought to be doing what you do best. Dumb labour!” I snorted but remained silent, I was still wondering why I knew this stallion “But you’re friend… Why would you admit yourself with the common trash, Celestia has given us the power to rule, ought we not to use it?” Ruby shot a dark look.

“You forget that unicorns alone do not run this world. The other races have jobs of keeping balance. As do you, do not tamper with what is not broken.” Ruby growled the white stallion sighed sadly.

“Seems you have descended to the idiocy of these,” He gestured his hoof towards me “How unfortunate.” He mumbled chuckling and shaking his head “Then again you do have the look of someone from the wild, just like all the students at my first school. My father made me attend it because he knew the teacher and wanted the school to earn a little more respect. Was a lost cause even with me attending, so many little dirt hooves and cloud pushers, though there was this particularly annoying Pegasus, a little larger than me and my friends seemed to think he could stand up to me and my friends here… We eventually convinced him to leave, the blood coloured…” And it clicked for both of us.

“Well, well, well… Boltblood… What a… Pleasant surprise.”

“Winter.” I grumbled softly.

“Seems I can’t get away from you no matter where I go… Or are you still following me hoping to beat me up?” Winter asked with a grin.

His son suddenly seemed interested in the conversation, he could probably smell a fight and, if he was anything like his father, he enjoyed the suffering of others greatly.

“No, unlike you I don’t hold petty grudges my whole life.” I whispered darkly.

“What about regrets? Do you hold them? Your mother sure does, I had hoped that with you gone she’d take her own life but with her husband, brother and other son, better than you I might add, she still had something to drag herself forward with. Shame maybe I’ll have to sort out an ‘accident’ for her. She really is a pain you know, the little bitch.” And just like that I’d kicked off the harness.

I charged Winter but his two friends, who I now realised were Break (The hammer cutie mark one) and Crush (The wrecking ball cutie mark) from school, who use to pin me down and beat me if I didn’t beat one of them fast enough, jumped forward grinning stupidly. For unicorns it seemed they settled things with brute force more times than I could ever count. Break landed on me grounding me and Crush promptly smacked his back hoof into my face dazing me. They lifted me of the ground holding me in their hooves and magical restraints. Winter grinned walking forward, glancing at Ruby who was staring in horror.

“You best stay out of this miss if you don’t want to get hurt.” I think the taunt pushed Ruby over.

“You best start begging if you want to live.” Ruby hissed.

“Father! She’s a monster!” Winter’s son cried out in fear.

Winter looked at Ruby and froze, she’d moved out from behind the wagon and was baring her fangs, which were dripping with some sort of green venom. Break and Crush dropped me sensing the larger threat but Break was smacked across the chest by Ruby’s tail and he flew off the road into a tree. He fell down groaning and Crush looked back at him as Ruby wrapped her tail around Crush. Crush was lifted off the ground and Ruby began to squeeze him, not even looking at him and he began to turn blue. Several cracks like gunshots signalled Crush’s bones being… Well crushed. Ruby dropped him and he fell on the floor groaning, Ruby then turned to Winter and his son, who was cowering behind his father.

“What IS that thing!?” Winter cried backing away slowly, but Ruby darted forward so she almost head-butted him.

“My name is Ruby Scales,” Ruby hissed softly “And I don’t appreciate you insulting my friend.”

“Call it off, make it stop! Bolt, help!” I stood up and looked at Winter and pushed past Ruby.

“Bolt…?” Winter sighed then I smacked him with all my might in the stomach.

I grabbed the back of his head and began punching his face in, he called on his magic but a smack to his horn and the spell sparked out. I beat him till he was purple, his nose had broken and he didn’t have a shred of his swagger, then I threw him back, his son backing away in fear.

But even beaten and terrified Winter still wanted to be a pain in the ass.

“Y-you think you can get away with this? You’ve smuggled a monster onto Equestrian soil. I’ll see her tail made into a rug and you,” Winter grinned “You’ll be seeing your mother again, BEHIND BARS!”

“I take it you have influence with the government in Equestria?” I muttered.

“Ponies like me are valued by the powerful.” He said smugly.

“What about Princess Luna, does she like you?” I asked, he hesitated.

“What does that matter the Princesses aren’t going to help you.”

“In actual fact you’re right,” I took out the scroll “Because they already have. This form says we have legal right to travel Equestria… Shove that up your purse arse!” I said with a grin. Winter simply stared at the princess’ seal.

“It’s fake, it has to be no way somepony like you…”

“Will you take that risk? Besides… I could just eat you, no trace of evidence then!” Ruby threatened.

Crush and Break managed to stagger up, Crush wincing badly. Winter seemed to be debating whether to send them on Ruby again when she said.

“I wasn’t even trying to hurt them.” He gulped and pulled his son along calling for his guards to follow him back up to his mansion. I looked at Ruby and she sighed.

“That was a very scary face you pulled with the venom.” I said.

“Not as scary as you were.” Ruby muttered.

“What you mean?”

“Bolt… I’ve never seen you that angry since you woke up the first time I hypnotised you… I thought you were going to kill him.” I looked towards the retreating figures.

“He’d deserve it.” I grumbled and walked back over to my wagon and strapped myself back in.

“Bolt… Slow down.” Ruby said as I set off at a trot.

“Not until that damn building is out of my sight.” I grumbled.

“Bolt… Please you’re starting to worry me.” Ruby said. I sighed and began to slow down to a walk “Bolt, how did you know that stallion?” She asked.

“I don’t want to talk about it…” I mumbled. Ruby slid rapidly in front of me and I stopped “I know what you’re think of doing, have some respect for what I don’t want to talk about.” I grumbled coldly. Ruby’s fur bristled in irritation.

“Now, Bolt, there’s no need to be rude I just want to help.” She said.

“Then drop the subject.” I hissed.

Ruby blinked I hadn’t been this rude to her since she’d first hypnotised me and she must have noticed it too because she became very cautious afterwards.

“Bolt, I care about you, you know that. The reason I earned your freedom was because I cared so much… So please, I can see this is hurting you. Not physically not every wound can be healed with a bandage or medicine, sometimes words and company can help. But you’ve shunned company, because you were afraid this would happened weren’t you?” Ruby said. I grunted and dragged the wagon around her and set off.

But Ruby was persistent.

“Bolt, listen to me. I can see you’ve built many walls between this, I won’t say I completely understand you’ve been gone from your family for years nowhere near as long as I was from my mum but Bolt… It’s killing you, slowly so slowly you might not notice but it is. You have to mend that wound before you bleed to death from it!” Ruby insisted.

“And what do you suggest? I just walk up to my mum and dad and hope three years on the road just vanishes? How I left them…”

“Broke their hearts.” Ruby suggested I nodded and I looked down going down to a snail pace.

“Bolt, you are a good pony, the best pony I have ever met… Granted I haven’t met many but you are still very good. And that proves it.”

“What me breaking my family’s hearts? That doesn’t sound very good to me.” I grumbled.

“No it isn’t,” I bowed my head again “But you care enough that it’s eating at you. If you were heartless or selfish you wouldn’t care what your family feels, but you do… And, Bolt, if you don’t want to do it for yourself, do it for your family… And you left because of Winter right?” I nodded “Well he’s gone, grown up. Granted he still sounds like a total bitch from what I saw but still, you can go home Bolt… Don’t you want that?”

I looked sadly at Ruby then whispered the sad truth.

“I’m scared.” I didn’t dare look at Ruby until she placed a hoof under my chin and tilted my head up. Ruby leaned down and kissed me and I gasped in surprise.

“Bolt… You are braver than you may think… And don’t worry I won’t leave you to face this alone.” Ruby whispered.

“Thanks Ruby.” I whispered and she giggled.

“So what’s the name of your home town?” Ruby asked.

“Oakbark, it’s a town that centre’s around lumbering.” I said.

“Which way?”

“I know the way from anywhere… It’s to the east… I always headed west, towards the sea… trying to put as much distance between me and the place where my life was misery.” I whispered sadly.

We came towards a cross junction and I stared at the arrows, one pointed to a town that would lead to Ponyville and the opposite direction would lead home.

“Bolt? You okay.” I felt so sick in my stomach and my eyes hurt but I couldn’t cry, all the tears of homesickness had long since been spent.

“I don’t know… It’s this way either way.” I said nodding to our right and setting on forward… Setting on home.

We travelled for so long that my hooves began to hurt, but still we pushed onwards. Only when the tinge of deep orange over the skyline signalling dawn did we stop. I pulled the wagon off the road and set down the braces so it wouldn’t roll away, Ruby stared at me worried. The rest of the way I had hardly spoken despite Ruby’s attempts to spark up a conversation. I slumped into the wagon.

“I’ll have a shower then make tea while you have a shower.” I mumbled Ruby remained silent but I didn’t wait for her to say anything, I’d already started walking into my little bathroom.

I pushed the small revolving door open from the shower, and had the faint image of Ruby being trapped inside squished between her tail and the glass. The thought made me chuckled a little. I set the water running then noticed a temperature dial that hadn’t been there before. I blinked then rushed into the kitchen and ran to the sink which now had two instead of one and the cupboards were full again.

“Bolt, what’s wrong?” Ruby asked.

“I…I think the craftspony installed alternate water… While we were…” I gulped and Ruby got the picture and flushed deeply.

“They-they might not have been tuning the wagon while we were…” But he voice trailed away in embarrassment “It’s not all bad, at least we won’t have freezing water.” Ruby said I nodded but couldn’t shake my embarrassment from somepony else hearing the previous day’s activities.

I went back into the bathroom which was now slightly steamy and stepped into the shower, warm jets of water splashed my face and I reached back to close the shower door but felt my hoof touch something fluffy. I looked back and cried out in surprise.

“R-Ruby!?” I cried trying to back up but had no room to do so.

Ruby smiled slightly at me and dragged a bit of her tail into the shower. I stood on my hind legs to make some room but Ruby simply closed the distance, and took the space up with her tail which led out of the shower and lay around the room in large piles.

Ruby and I were pressed up against each other, water cascading down and between our bodies. Ruby grinned at me and I gulped blushing. I was then forced to sit down slightly on a pile of coils as Ruby levitated down the shower head. I felt water spray directly into my mane and I stared at Ruby.

“We had a bath, what’s the problem with a shower?” Ruby asked.

“It’s… a little more compact… Than I’d like” I admitted but remained silent as Ruby ran her hooves through my hair.

Ruby’s tail, looking for more space, decided to start coiling me up. The damp scaly muscles slipped rapidly around my body before I had even noticed, Ruby smiled warmly and squeezed me, water leaking through the gaps in her tail and becoming trapped in between. I felt like a stick of butter or soap about to slip away but unable too at the same time.

Then Ruby began rubbing down my whole body with her tail. I gasped and moaned slowly and Ruby giggled.

“Want me to make it feel better?” Ruby purred softly, her eyes flashed for a brief second but I got her meaning.

I nodded sluggishly and swirling colours had begun to spread over Ruby’s eyes even before my head had returned to its normal position. My mouth hung open as I stared into Ruby’s endlessly changing eyes, her tail caressing my body becoming so much more noticeable and relaxing. I leaned against my prison of coils as Ruby let her hypnosis stop. I wasn’t fully hypnotised but I was as good as with Ruby moulding my body into liquid.

I must have dozed off while Ruby was massaging me (or she ordered me to sleep) because next thing I knew I was blinking my eyes open on the sofa around the dinner table. I shifted slightly and realised I was under a blanket of coils… So soft and comfy… I rubbed my cheek against Ruby’s tail and heard her gasp in surprise. I looked up and noticed she was by the cupboards.

“What are you doing?” I asked softly.

“Trying… Trying to make tea for us, since you fell asleep from the hypnosis.” Ruby admitted blushing.

I chuckled softly and managed to force myself to stand, wrapping Ruby’s tail tightly around me like a Sunday morning when you don’t want to leave the bed so you bring it with you (…Just me that does that?).

I walked beside Ruby, she’d gotten out some simple salad supplies and a small pile by the sink showed her previous attempts.

“How did you burn them? The oven’s not even on.” I said chuckling Ruby blushed and shrugged.

“A little help please?” she asked I nodded and cleared the table.

Several minutes later and I had Ruby, nervously, holding a knife in her magic.

“Can you show me how to do it by hoof, you’ve learnt how to do it so couldn’t I learn too as well?” Ruby asked.

“Er, sure… hang on… Um,” I stood up behind Ruby and gently took hold of her hooves and placed her left on the top of the carrot and had her hold the blade in the other.

Ruby’s scent was going directly up my nose addling my brain as I helped her move her hoof slowly along the vegetable, rolling the blade too easily cut it. When we finished it felt as if Ruby had used some sort of scented hypnosis on me, she seemed to realise it as well and pulled me along with her hoof and tail, levitating the bowl of salad, into the bedroom.

Ruby lay her tail along the bed and had me sit against the back. I blinked as the distance between me and Ruby let my brain clear a little, then Ruby sat down, leaning against my chest, her head underneath mine. She levitated bits of the salad into her mouth then up to mine. I opened my mouth and Ruby popped the food into my mouth.

“That’s so cute.” Ruby whispered looking back at me.

My brain tried to force a response but I just blushed as my brain came up with nothing but slush. Ruby leaned over as she levitated the bowl out of the room, I heard a soft clink as it landed in the sink.

“Nice.” I mumbled as Ruby rolled over.

“Now, tonight’s fun.” Ruby grinned.

“What?” I asked as Ruby bared her fangs slightly, grinning devilishly.

“I’m felling peckish still… I think I could go for a little bit of… Pony.” Ruby whispered.

I froze, rigid as a wooden board, from fear. Ruby was literally threatening to eat me right now. I smiled nervously leaning away from Ruby, but we were already so close I just pressed myself up against the back of the bed.

“N-now Ruby, let’s not do anything rash here.” I said soothingly, hoping to calm her down. Had she gone feral again? She didn’t look crazy, and she seemed to sense what I was thinking.

“Bolt, I’m not going to harm you, we’ve established that and remember, two stomachs.” This didn’t comfort me so Ruby tried a different approach “How’s about… I just eat a leg,” I stared horrified “Not bite it off you idiot.” She said with a slight grin, which was comforting “I mean I’ll swallow your leg, which will make it impossible for me to swallow the rest of you and… Well, you can see what it feels like.” Ruby offered.

I had every right and opportunity to say no, it would have made more sense to say no, but I had, unfortunately, given Ruby something to bargain with.

“You did say you owed me one when we got out of the city.” I shifted uncomfortably, fully aware that I had said that.

Reluctantly, I nodded in agreement. I slowly raised my right hoof up and presented it too Ruby, she smiled slightly and brought her tail around, a coil under my front hooves, curling like a spring around my right hoof, forcing it towards Ruby more. Ruby leaned forward, her breath causing the fur of my leg to ruffle which tickled. Ruby opened her mouth and let her forked tongue glide gently across the base of my hoof, I shivered and muffled a laugh. Ruby smiled faintly and kissed the edge of my hoof, running her tongue around my whole hoof. When I was coated in saliva Ruby made the next move. She pushed back her tail and opened her mouth, I stared down the dark red passage of her mouth and gulped. I wondered faintly how she would eat me but had the image of her eating deer meat to answer the question; she’d unhinge her jaw like a snake would.

Ruby forced my hoof into her mouth and I felt her tongue wrap around it like a bracelet. As her mouth moved along I felt her tongue crawl forward so that I couldn’t pull my hoof away. I’ll admit that I shook with fear, but after the initial panic of seeing part of me being eaten faded, I realised it wasn’t so bad. The insides of Ruby’s mouth were incredibly soft and squishy, and they pressed in on my flesh, forcing my hoof downwards more, but it was like a full massage, much like how Ruby’s tail often was, but it was a different texture to scales. Ruby looked up at me and, around my hoof, smiled faintly as her tongue gripped just below the joint in my leg where it joined my torso. I could see a slight bulge in Ruby’s neck that I realised was my hoof, the realisation both, somehow, exited and made me nervous. Ruby clutched my chest as if trying to force that down, then slowly pushed back sadly. I tried to move my hoof but found Ruby’s muscles inside her mouth seemed to act like a vacuum, pulling me in but not letting go, I could hardly shift my hoof.

Ruby stared at me then, finally, she began to pull back. She clearly looked disappointed and unsatisfied, staring at me hungrily even as her mouth trailed away from my leg, which was soaked with saliva. Ruby, reluctantly, let my hoof go with a final lick I held my hoof under my eyes but saw no scratches on my leg, which was dripping saliva onto my bed. Ruby stared at me, unblinking, but I understood her unspoken question. I tilted my head forward towards Ruby and closed my eyes. Ruby seemed to understand because her tail jumped me, my entire body was pinned. I expected to be pulled forward but was surprised when Ruby flung me down onto the centre of the bed, my rear hooves, which were poking out the end of Ruby’s coils, hanging over the edge.

Ruby appeared above my head, looking upside down. She grinned faintly at me as her tail shifted, getting a grip on my body.

“Let’s pretend for a little bit that we’re in the badlands.” Ruby lay her head down beside my good ear and began to softly purr into it, making it twitch “I’ve just caught you, after you foolishly thought you could escape.” Ruby chuckled softly but it was soft, genuine.

“Let me go?” I fazed it like a question, wondering if she wanted me to play along. Ruby’s tail squeezed me softly and I gasped in surprised.

“Aw, but after all that effort? I think not.” Ruby purred “Besides, after all that fleeing you did from me, I’m feeling peckish.” Ruby ran her tongue along my ear and I shivered for real, squealing quietly in surprise.

“Now normally, feral lamias would crush your bones to dust… But I’m feeling a little merciful so I’ll just exhaust you.” Ruby began to tighten her tail, specifically around my neck.

I struggled playfully, trying to wriggle my hooves out or my back legs, but I barely so much as shifted in the great mass of coils around me. Ruby loosened her tail and I breathed freely, then Ruby tightened again, a little more than last time. It wasn’t too bad, I could still get air just a little shorter. Ruby continued this rhythm of; squeeze, loosen, squeeze tighter, loosen until she was squeezing to the point I had to hold my breath, which isn’t easy when the air is immediately forced out of your lungs.

“Let’s see how tired you are.” Ruby mumbled appearing back in view, her hooves either side of my head.

Her tail unravelled slightly so it was like a sleeping bag with the top propped up away from me. I assumed Ruby wanted me to try and run… or pretend to be too exhausted to. I shifted my body to act as if I was trying to move, and I found that even the acting part was a little tiring. I felt like a dead weight and I just wanted Ruby to pull her tail back around me. So I reached up with a single hoof and tugged on her tail trying to pull it back down, but my hoof kind of just rested against her tail. Either way Ruby tightened her tail again but now I had one hoof outside hanging over the top of Ruby’s scales. She took the hoof and forced it gently back against my side.

“Okay Bolt, I’m going to start eating you now.” Ruby stated, no longer roleplaying “When I start I won’t…” Ruby hesitated staring away from me looking slightly guilty “I won’t be able to stop Bolt.” She admitted “So if you don’t want to, or if you’d like to back out I’d understand.” She said.

I managed to lean my head up enough to kiss her chin, and she bent her head down to properly kiss me.

“How’s about just a tiny bit of hypnosis just in case… In case I get scared.” I suggested.

“You don’t…”

“I might get scared when you’re eating me but you swear that you can spit me out, and that no harm will come to me. Right?” I asked, Ruby nodded “Well, go on then.” I said.

“I want you to fully willingly do this, Bolt…” I thought back to what Ruby said about lamias eating ponies.

“Trust… It’s about trust isn’t it?” I asked Ruby nodded. I sighed “Ruby Scales, I trust that you won’t harm a hair on my body.” I said confidently. Ruby smiled and nodded.

“Enjoy.”

“Who’s getting the meal?” I asked.

“Good point.” Ruby chuckled softly and lay down out of sight.

I closed my eyes expecting to feel the soft damp interior of Ruby’s mouth over the back of my head first, but got a surprise when Ruby licked the back of my neck. I froze twitching and shouted out in surprise.

“W-What was that for?” I asked.

“Huh? Oh, sorry… Was just tasting.”

“Well you’ll have plenty to taste in a minute.” I made an undignified squeaking sound as Ruby, finally, unhinged her jaw and forced the top of my head inside her mouth.

I closed my eyes, I mean in a bit it’d be pointless to keep them open, I wouldn’t see anything but darkness anyway. Ruby’s tail flexed and shifted down entirely, the bottom coil now resting against my rear hooves.

Ruby’s mouth kind of slid down my head, I felt the top half of my head, my nose just poking out, enter her mouth. When Ruby had slid her mouth over my whole head, her mouth closed down slightly around my neck and I gasped. All of the muscles inside Ruby’s mouth had clenched down around my head so I could barely move, I felt my head pressed against damp fleshy walls. It wasn’t an unpleasant sensation either, being eaten, it was actually a little pleasant. All of Ruby’s mouth and now neck muscles, as the top of my chest entered her mouth forcing my head down a little, were contracting around me. I was thoroughly soaked, but it just felt like a really strange massage lotion.

There was a sudden strange sensation in my body and rear legs, I realised that Ruby had lifted me up into the air. I guess she wasn’t going to eat me lying down forever. Gravity now acted as Ruby’s friend so it was really her tail holding me that was restricting my movement. My wings were being forced against my side as they entered Ruby’s mouth, my head probably around the area where Ruby’s pony stomach would be, if she had one. Ruby continued to pull her tail slowly away from my body, which would then drop me further down the dark passage of her throat, the walls pressing in from all sides on my body. Finally, Ruby reached just a little above my rear hooves, which were wrapped in a single coil like a little fishing hook. Had I never met Ruby this would have probably felt like my last line of escape and I’d be begging for my life, for her to pull me out. But I lay, content, in the tunnel halfway to her first stomach, feeling strangely drowsy. Suddenly I felt the last coil of Ruby’s tail release me and I slid a couple inches down Ruby’s throat, my hooves joining the rest of me in the damp tunnel.

I had no idea of knowing where I was in terms of Ruby’s tail, at times I would slide rapidly down a little bit or slug along the slippery pitch black tunnel. I had my hooves crossed over my chest but I could barely move anything else. Finally, when I was wondering if Ruby somehow had a magical throat that could run her neck in circles, I felt my head collide with a very squishy… Thing. (What can I even describe it as…?) It was sort of like a circular door made of flesh, it had indent lines with a small crater in the centre, but I was less focused on it after a few seconds, because I’d suddenly realised I was stuck and still upside down and now I was pressed up against something in a rather uncomfortable position. Just before I called out to Ruby the door thing behind me suddenly opened and I flopped backwards. I rolled over myself so I was facing the way I’d come in. I rolled around until I felt like I was upright and got a baring. I felt like I had entered some sort of full body jelly, I assumed it was Ruby’s stomach. The walls were pressing into me from all sides keeping me immobile, but when I tried to move I found that the walls could be pushed away from me easily. I shifted around until I was lying in a comfortable position, then heard Ruby’s voice through the walls of her stomach.

“So… How was it?” she asked, her voice muffled.

“It was nice.” I admitted.

“Well maybe you’d like to stay in there… For a little longer?” Ruby asked hopefully.

I didn’t really consider it, the drowsy feeling I had started developing since I first entered Ruby’s neck was becoming stronger. I felt slightly lighted headed and buzzy, as if I’d had a little too much to drink, but it was a nice sensation.

“I think… I’ll just have a nap… Tired. Just spit me out and wake me up later, kay?” I mumbled softly.

“You’re tired?” Ruby asked.

“Mhmm.” I mumbled too tired for words.

“…Well don’t let me hold you off from your nap.” Ruby said cheerfully.

Maybe if my brain had been more awake I would have wondered what was with her slight pause, but instead I simply closed my eyes resting my head against a segment of Ruby’s stomach and fell asleep almost instantly.

Family reunion

What awoke me from my sleep was the sudden sensation of freezing cold air across my whole body. I groaned, trying to find some way to hide form the cold but it was pressing in from everywhere. Eventually I couldn’t ignore it and forced my heavy, slightly sticky, eyelids open. I looked down, or up really since I was upside down, and I found I was hanging halfway out of Ruby’s mouth. It was incredibly strange to see half my body disappearing into Ruby’s unhinged jaw and the bulge in her neck, what I could assume, were my legs. Ruby threw her head down and I flopped onto the floor, realising the cold had been a reaction to the cool air in the room since I was covered in saliva and pre-digestion juices from Ruby’s stomach. Ruby sat down on the floor and I glanced lazily around. We appeared to be in my wagons little bathroom, which I was thankful for since tiles were easier to clean than bed covers. Ruby had now curled up onto her tail and was breathing heavily.

“It’s nice… Having such a large meal but… I hate having to regurgitate it back up… Tastes same but the sensation is horrible.” She mumbled.

“Is it worth it?” I asked Ruby nodded and smirked.

“No objections to eating you if you let me.” She said.

I managed to drag my sleepy hooves up so I was standing. I walked slowly over to the shower and set it running, before walking back to Ruby and half carried half dragged her along. I pulled Ruby’s pony half inside, she stared up at me with a tired smile and I sat down beside her, the water from the shower cascading down onto our heads. I managed to pull a good amount of Ruby’s tail inside the shower with us and sat down, leaning against Ruby, pulling her tail over us like a blanket. The water caused Ruby’s tail to sparkle softly in the light.

“You’re really beautiful… You know.” I mumbled. Ruby shifted her head so she was resting it against mine as well.

“Thank you.” She mumbled.

I think I zoned out, most of my brain was asleep as I absent-mindedly washed both myself and Ruby incredibly slowly. The warm water attempting futilely to wake both of us up, it seemed to almost be putting us back to sleep in fact. Next thing I knew I was suddenly back in the harness, dragging the wagon along, Ruby was leaning her head against the side of the harness, eyes closed. As I watched she slumped slightly.

“Careful, you’ll fall under the wheels if you’re not careful.” I said blinking the sleep out of my eyes and rubbing them, forcing my body to wake up.

As the hills, fields and distant little farmhouses passed by I began to recognise small landmarks. An old stone farmhouse with a missing roof, scaffolding surrounding it but long since abandoned.

“That place was like that even when I left.” I mumbled to Ruby.

“It looks like it might have once been nice.” She noted softly.

“It was… Burned down, well as much as a stone house can burn down. Old owners didn’t have the bits to fix it so they simply moved. My town wanted to rebuild it, but funding got cut so… It’s just a shell now. Lot of this town is like that.” I said sadly.

“Did you know the owners?” Ruby asked I nodded.

“An old couple, used to let me and my friends mess around in their fields. We helped em with the land sometimes and got ice cream, cause we thought that was what the future currency would be.”

“So you kept eating your money?” Ruby asked with a soft laughed I nodded with a grin.

“My friend, Skitter, he ate so much one time that he turned blue from the cold.” I said and Ruby laughed.

I looked ahead as the nearest hill began to turn into a decent, I could see the distant houses of Oakbark, curling trails of smoke as the distant murmur of ponies going about their business began to reach us. I stopped at the top of the hill and Ruby kept going for a little bit until she realised I’d stopped.

“Bolt?” She asked softly.

“I always thought I’d gotten so far from here,” I mumbled searching the little houses “But, despite how long I’ve been gone, it seems I was never very far away.” Ruby slid back beside me and took my right hoof.

“R-Ruby,” She held up her free hoof pointing it at me.

“You are not backing down now! You are going to go down there and find your parents!” She grumbled in a commanding voice. I stared at her, fearful of what lay ahead of me.

“C-can we at least wait until night?” I asked hopefully. To answer, Ruby slid around the back of the wagon.

“Get moving or I’ll push this thing down the hill and drag your unconscious body to your house.” She threatened and I felt the wagon give an ominous shove. I began to move gently forward, bracing on the ground to keep the wagon from rolling down the hill rapidly.

“Don’t you want to get in the wagon so nopony sees you?” I asked.

“As much as I want to, I will simply have to bare the gazes I will attract. If I go inside you might just lead us back out.” I looked at Ruby but she had a steely expression, this was not up for debate.

I think this was almost a nightmare for me. Walking into my home town in broad daylight, probably during market hour with something that would draw massive attention. Namely, Ruby. When we first reached the houses I almost managed to cling to the vane hope that nopony would see us, first turn and that was kinda dashed on the walls. Several ponies, some in groups, pairs or alone, were traveling along the road mostly in the same direction as Ruby and I were going. A single pony looked back at the noise of my wagon and froze, their eyes widening as they took in Ruby’s form.

It spread like wildfire, the pony behind the frozen pony looked over as well and the one in front stopped to look at the lack of response to his words. Finally the whole street was staring at us and we, like the ponies ahead of us, had stopped. You could have heard the breathing of everypony present as they took in Ruby. She suddenly looked uncomfortable and shifted slightly, looking between all the ponies. She tried for a small smile and that seemed to wake some of them up. A few simply turned around so they faced us, a pair of stallions ran fit to break the sound barrier and the rest hid behind anything they could find. Ruby looked nervously at me.

“This was your choice,” I mumbled “And we’ve been seen, best start moving.” I mumbled and began to set the wagon moving again, Ruby following beside me.

The ponies in the street slowly moved aside for us to pass, many goggling at Ruby, the few that couldn’t see her pony half staring at me or her tail trailing behind the wagon. Things seemed bent on getting worse, a small crowd of ponies came jogging down the street ahead of us to our left, which was thankfully not the way we had to go. Ruby moved a little faster so she could see the crowd and they broke out in talk, several backing away as we approached. Then I got temporarily blinded. I blinked, something bright had flashed near my face and when I looked over a bright blue Earth pony with a lighter blue mane, leaf green eyes and a camera cutie mark grinned at me, before jogging in front and around my wagon.

Great just what I needed, press. I turned to warn Ruby who was staring directly at the strange pony jogging beside our wagon, another flash from his camera made Ruby jumped slightly in surprise.

“What do you want?” I growled at the photographer, but he didn’t answer somepony else did.

“Just doing a piece for the paper, you understand. Have to make a living.” I glanced over at the second pony.

A unicorn this time, lime green with a black mane, hazel brown eyes that felt as if they were drilling into me and reading me like a book and a pad with a pencil cutie mark. The stallion had sneaked up and begun to walk in line beside me.

He was levitating a voice recorder, in a bright white aura, between us and smiling in a slightly casual way, I didn’t like it.

“So, can you introduce yourself and your interesting friend here?” He asked leaning the recorder towards me, I glanced at Ruby.

Speaking would encourage him, not speaking would make him shift to Ruby which was even less preferable.

“Boltblood Thundercloud, and this is Ruby Scales. She’s a lamia, that’s a half pony half snake hybrid.” I said Ruby leaned over and politely said.

“Hello.” With a slight smile whilst the reporter’s friend took another picture.

“Thundercloud… Thundercloud… You’re the younger brother to Digital Canvas, the artist and game developer, correct?”

“…Yes.” I whispered thinking of my brother sadly.

I had hoped the crowd would have dispersed, but, thanks to the reporter questioning us, they seemed to have gathered the bravery needed to remain close behind us. The reporter teleported, as if to show off that he could since few unicorns can, to the other side of the wagon. Ruby gave a cry of surprise and shifted away from the reporter slightly.

“Don’t do that.” She muttered, but the reporter paid no heed.

“So, recently down in Ponyville, a story was released about a similar creature to yourself, he looked exactly like you though he was a different colour, are you aware of any other lamias in the areas around Equestria?” The reporter held out the recorder but me and Ruby stared at him.

“Another lamia… In Ponyville?” I asked slowly, the reporter nodded.

“You said it was a he?” Ruby asked.

“Yes, why is that a surprise?” Ruby hesitated glancing at me then back to the reporter, several ponies jogged forward a little to listen.

“Where I come from, the badlands that is to say, I live within a village of my kind. However our population has no male lamias, since our children are always born gender dominant to the lamia parents if it’s between a lamia and pony. We… We haven’t seen a male lamia in a long time, I actually believed they’d died out.” Ruby said, the reporter raised an eyebrow and mumbled something into his recorder that I couldn’t hear.

“So, you said you lived in the badlands, how exactly did you two meet?” Ruby and I shared a glance at one another, silently debating whether to tell him.

Finally I nodded grimly and Ruby turned back to the reporter.

“Bolt sorta had an accident at an event on one of the mountains around the badlands, his wagon came crashing down the hill…”

Ruby went into detail how we’d met but she left out certain parts, the hypnosis, our talk, and how she cried when I cowered from her anger, which she seemed bent on keeping to herself down to the grave, and, thankfully, the events at Canterlot castle.

“You’re friends with Princess Luna?” The reporter asked looking between us both, I nodded slightly.

“I suppose we are.” I said.

“Interesting. So what exactly is your purpose for visiting, if I may ask?”

“Just… Just visiting my family.” I said hesitantly.

“Asking for your parents blessing?” The reporter asked with a grin.

My entire body seemed to try and reject the information, my left leg twitched and my right one raised in in defence, my wings stretched out awkwardly and I made a really weird noise that I can’t even duplicate now (And if I ever find that tape recorder I will destroy it!).

“Bolt hasn’t seen his parents in a very long time, so I… Ah, convinced him that he ought to visit.” Ruby said.

“Are they aware that he travels with you?”

“I’m not sure they’ve know where he’s been for the last couple of years.” Ruby whispered glancing at me sadly.

“You’re dancing on thin ice.” I whispered, too both of them.

The reporter shifted slightly attempting to find a different subject, clearly not wanting to ruin such a good story, but he’d have made a mental note no doubt.

“So, what exactly is your relationship? Friends? Are you her guardian on some sort of exchange program?” This didn’t seem to dangerous.

“I’m her friend but I’m also looking after her whilst she visits Equestria, showing her around.” I said. The reporter leaned close.

“How close is ‘friends’ for you two?” He whispered audibly.

Ruby said nothing but gave a knowing grin and the report held his hoof to his mouth trying not to laugh and the photographer fox whistled.

I looked at Ruby who continued to grin at the approaching lamppost, not even glancing at me.

“I hate you so much right now.” I hissed under my breath but Ruby simply chuckled.

“Right well that should be enough for me to get started with, I hope you won’t mind if I visit you some time in the future for a little interview about where you live, if that’s alright Miss Ruby?” Ruby nodded smiling. The reporter leaned close.

“There’s a little pub near the town centre, called the tipsy mares, has a picture of two flushed mares like the name implies, I’ll be there tomorrow around one if you have time.” He said.

“We’d love to be there.” The reporter smiled, nodded at me with a slight grin at my embarrassment like a friend and set off with his photographer.

With the departure of the reporter and his friend, the crowd seemed to lose the moral needed to hang so close to us. They began to slow down until we eventually lost them through a couple of quick turns. I breathed a sigh of relief, last thing I needed was an honour guard following me up to my parents’ house. I then got a fearful thought.

“What if my parents don’t live in the old house, they could have moved, what…” Ruby held her hoof to my mouth and smiled.

“You have your dad’s coat.” She said with a smile.

I looked at Ruby who nodded forward and I turned to look. He was just stood there, out in the front of the house. Looked like his was making cement for something in a flat wooden box with a shovel. My dad was an Earth pony in the very centre of his life, fifty, leaving his prime behind, his fur was dark blood red like me but without the peachy muzzle and his tail was jet black, but both were starting to grey, he had no mane since it had all fallen out, a little after I was born (He always use to joke it was the stress of me that had caused it) his cutie mark was a saw with several nails scattered around the handle and his dark blue eyes were very much like mine just a little more wary. I froze, he hadn’t noticed us yet, he was sideways to me turning over the mush of greyish cement, it was definitely him just a little more grey, and he had weird, giant, plaster, bandage, things along his front legs.

Ruby gently pushed me and I began to walk forward, I gulped staring directly at my dad. I glanced back at Ruby and was very thankful she hadn’t decided to hang back, I didn’t think I’d make it to the front of the house. As the shadow of the wagon passed near where my dad was working he glanced up. He looked at me raising an eyebrow.

“Hello, can I help you?” He asked propping the shovel up. For a second I just stared at my dad then kicked off the harness and tackle him in a hug “What the bloody hell!?” My dad cried pushing me back “What do you think you’re doing?” He asked.

“D-dad… It’s me.” My dad blinked then his eyes widened as he finally saw me.

“Bolt?” He whispered. He didn’t seem able to form a response, he took a single step forward and hugged me “I should be beating the shit out of you, damn little git!”.

“Wouldn’t blame you.” I said as my dad stepped back “W-where’s mum?” I asked softly. My dad smiled slightly at me and turned towards the house.

Our house… Well my parents now, I don’t really live there do I, is a two story building. Looking at the front you’ll see a garage door with the house number on the left and a little further around some steps up to the second floor door. The inside was built like two single story houses built on top of each other. The first floor had a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, the garage that had a workroom where my mum usually was and a small room with all the freezers (It was artic temperature all year and I use to sit in there during summer) the second floor had a living room that connected to the kitchen, three bedrooms, one which led to a balcony, two bathrooms, one of which connected to my parents room, and then the attic which was just storage.

My dad pushed open the garage door and called into the house.

“Cotton I think you need to see this, it’s urgent.” My dad called inside.

“Can’t it wait a minute?” My mum called back from her workroom.

“I imagine it can but I doubt you’ll want to wait for this.” I heard a soft distant scraping sound then soft walking, next second my mum appeared in the doorway.

My mum was a deep summer sky blue unicorn with oddly spiky hair that reached her neck, her mane was bright sunshine yellow but the roots showed their original colour, my dark brown (She dyes her hair and tail regularly, if she didn’t I imagine it would be turning a bit grey as well since she is the same age as my dad) her cutie mark was a sewing machine. Her chocolate coloured eyes glared for a second at my dad then she looked at me.

Unlike my dad, I imagine my mum had never quite wiped the image of my face from her mind. She took one looked at me and started crying. My mum ran forward and smacked the air out of my lungs as she hugged me, I could feel the tears rolling down into my fur.

“M-mum get off!” I coughed.

“Bolt! Where have… Oh my Celestia I thought…” She didn’t seem able to form the words to describe what she thought “Where have you been?” Here we go.

I looked nervously to my dad who was stood beside me then to my mum again, who had finally backed up but was still sobbing slightly.

I shifted on the spot nervous.

“I’ve… Been traveling a bit. Seeing Equestria.” I said.

“W-why did you leave we could’ve sorted it out.” My mum sobbed.

“Yeah,” I said darkly “Like all the times before when we ‘sorted it out’ remember them?” I asked, my mum looked away sadly and my dad frowned.

“It was no excuse to run you should of…”

“Don’t tell me what I should and shouldn’t have done!” I shouted and my mum choked while my dad growled.

This was going about as well as I’d imagined if not a bit worse. I imagine a full on brawl might have escalated but my mum, unable to meet my eyes, had glanced around me to try and find something to inspire her on what to say to calm me down, to not lose me again. Instead her eyes fell upon Ruby, who, unfortunately, was in full view watching with concern our argument. For a second I glanced back, then to my mum, aware the two mares were staring at each other, confused my dad followed my gaze. Complete silence for several seconds then my mum whispered.

“Who is that Bolt?” My mum glanced at my dad who was staring at Ruby wide eyed, clearly praying she was seeing things. She was disappointed.

I looked at Ruby, pleading for her to hide away I think she miss understood my look. Ruby slowly approached, standing beside me. She glanced between my mum and dad, who were staring at her with a mixture of fear and confusion. Finally I managed to break the silence.

“Mum, dad, this is Ruby Scales, a friend who I’m showing around Equestria on a… Exchange.” I said slowly, catching Ruby’s eye and warning her not to argue “Ruby this is my mum; Cotton Patterns and my dad; Metal Cast.” Ruby nodded her head in hello.

“It’s nice to meet you.” She whispered uncertainly. My mum blinked and managed a polite nod while my dad scowled.

“How exactly did you two meet… And why did you decide to bring her here of all places?” My dad asked.

I glanced at Ruby but she had already started talking.

“I convinced Bolt to come and visit you.” She said. That took a second to process.

“You’re the reason Bolt came home?” My mum asked slowly, Ruby nodded slightly and all our jaws dropped in surprise.

My mum took several steps forward towards Ruby and embraced her, bursting into tears again, shaking with uncontrollable sobs. I stared blankly, confused at my mum’s actions, just like my dad and Ruby were.

“Th-thank you f-for bringing him-m h-home!” My mum sobbed.

Ruby looked at me for help and her face made me smile faintly, it was clearly awkward for Ruby, she’d been expecting to be shunned away in fear not… Well this.

Ruby awkwardly brought a hoof up and petted my mum’s back, glancing at me again with a plea for help

“Okay mum,” I said stepping forward attempting to correct my face “I think you’ve scared Ruby enough.”

My mum awkwardly pulled away from Ruby whispering a hasty ‘sorry’ and my dad stepped forward. He looked Ruby grimly up and down a little then held out a hoof, Ruby gently shook it.

“Thank you, for bringing my son home.” He said softly, hopefully genuine in his thanks. For more than just the sake of being polite to Ruby.

For a few seconds my mum attempted to control her breathing then she smiled slightly at us both.

“How’s about you two come in for lunch?” My mum’s tone was casual, with a little break in her speech from her recent crying, but her eyes spoke her pleading truth. She didn’t want me to disappear again.

“Sure we’d love too.” Ruby said. So that was settled, Ruby gently pushed my back making sure I was still walking as I stepped back into my old home.

The house was just the same, the garage being a jumbled storage room for my dad’s woodworking stuff, my uncle’s racing equipment. My uncle used the bottom floor as his home, since his old house had been bought because part of the edge was on some new property or something. He worked on repairing racing vehicles (Well non Pegasi ponies have to have their own form of racing with cars and after all somepony has to keep them in good condition) Finally my mum had set up the fabrics for her clothing line, she mostly specialised in bags but often times did dresses and a few other things, seemed she was doing alright, judging by the mess.

We went through the garage door and into a hallway then up the stairs, at the top I stopped and looked back. I went halfway down again and found Ruby still near the bottom.

“I hate stairs.” She mumbled.

I climbed down and she wrapped her hooves around my neck as I carried her up, my mum watching on with an odd expression. I thought she was actually smirking.

“What’s so funny?” I asked, my mum blinked and glanced at Ruby and they shared a slight smile with each other “What? What’s so funny? Tell me!” I demanded slightly annoyed as they started to laugh.

As I dragged Ruby up the last couple of steps, and she dragged her tail up behind her, I turned to her as my mum walked away.

“I don’t want you to swallow your food whole.” I whispered.

“I know how scared your parents are, and I can guess most ponies would be nervous around a lamia like me. But you don’t have to worry, I do know how to eat politely.” I raised an eyebrow “I do!” Ruby insisted.

“Then please show me at lunch… I just don’t…”

“You don’t want to upset them after so long?” Ruby asked and I nodded my head.

Ruby and I sat down around the large oak table on a pair of thick black woollen chairs in the living room, furthest from the hole leading to the kitchen, Ruby having carefully laid her tail in a circle around her chair as well as my own, her tail mischievously threatening to coil me up should it get the chance. I wasn’t very focused on that however, I was staring right at my parents who were having a quiet heated discussion. It didn’t take a genius to figure out what the topic was about, not to mention whenever they raised their voices at each other in anger my name rang clearly like a bell. Finally the pair glanced at me and fell into silence before approaching the table, my mum levitating the four plates towards the table.

My mum sat in front of me with my dad facing Ruby. I mumbled a soft thank you which Ruby copied with a slight smile at my mum, which she returned. It was so strangely familiar to be eating around the table again, little of my home had changed, though my mum had managed to collect a few more cute little ducks which she was fond off and several cards lined the tables against the walls and over the fireplace.

“Who’s birthday did I miss?” I asked softly.

“It’s alright this is the best present I got.” My mum said with a teary smile. The smile made me look back down at my food, my insides twisted with guilt.

“So, how did you two meet?” My dad asked, waving his fork between us, a piece of salad stuck on the end like an odd mini green metal detector.

I glanced at Ruby but she simply smirked at me and popped more salad into her mouth, twirling the small bit of cutlery in her red aura. I looked back at my parents and sighed.

“After I… Ran away,” No other word for it really, when I considered it “And began to travel I set up as a sort of traveling food vendor, you know because I liked cooking. Sometimes I liked to attend events, drum up some extra business and entertain myself. I choose the snow tipping marathon, which is on one of the mountains around the badlands.” At the word ‘badlands’ my mum and dad put two and two together immediately. My dad turned, with a slightly accusing face, to Ruby.

“You’re from the badlands?” He asked.

“That doesn’t…” I started.

“Yes, I’m from the badlands.” Ruby said softly. My mum gawped at Ruby and my dad looked slightly smug, though he was still frowning.

Finally my mum gulped and turned back to me.

“It doesn’t matter, she didn’t choose where she grew up or lives. And bringing my son back healthy and whole proves she’s not that bad.” My mum said then looked to me “So you were on the mountains over the badlands, what did you do jump over?” My mum asked with a slight bit of a joke playing in her voice, attempting to mask the thick fear.

“I… Er… Set up a little too close to the edge right and… The ledge couldn’t handle the weight and… I went down the hill for a VERY entertaining ride.” I said my voice thick with sarcasm.

After that I explained how Ruby and I met, Ruby jumping into the conversation every so often. Large chunks of what actually happened were cut out, such as the fact I was a slave and Ruby had to battle for my freedom, I worded it so it sounded like Ruby and Midnight had simply fought but I found no way to cut out that Midnight broke my leg when I attempted to save Ruby. I also, for good reason, left out the wager me and the Queen had made, and that Ruby and I had had… Well, a bit of fun in Canterlot.

At the end my voice felt a little raw but I felt a lot happier for some reason, as if something rotten had been forced out with my words. My mum had held her hooves to her mouth when I spoke of breaking my leg and Ruby and Midnight fighting. My dad had looked rather grim but finally sighed as I finished, he looked at Ruby. My dad looked like he was trying to scan her brain for lies but the lamia met his eyes and held them. I thought she showed great restraint not showing them the skill I'd left out she possessed; hypnosis. Finally my mum spoke.

“S-so… You really HAVE to go back with her?” I nodded.

“Yes mum, the lamia Queen set that down as a rule, return once a month. I don’t really have to but… It helps if Ruby travels with a pony.” I said.

“C-Couldn’t another pony return with her?” My mum asked.

“Don’t worry I’ll make sure he comes back here, I know where you are now.” Ruby promised. My mum turned to her and smiled faintly in thanks.

Ruby leaned back in the chair then glanced at me, then outside. The season had changed in my short time in the badlands, going from late winter to early spring, the sun was outside feebly attempting to warm up the land.

“Mind if we go outside, I’ve missed the sun?” Ruby asked.

“We? Why does Bolt have too…?” My dad began but my mum let out a soft chuckle.

“Course, go ahead you two.” She said with a smirk.

Carefully, Ruby uncoiled herself from around the chairs and I waited beside the living room door as she escaped the table’s maze of legs.

Ruby and I retreated out into the back bedroom and out onto the balcony. The sun, beginning its slow descend as the afternoon dragged on, gently warmed the wooden decking of the balcony. Ruby curled up in the bright rays of sun as the weather Pegasi beat the majority of the clouds away, leaving it vaguely cloudy. Ruby glanced up at me and I looked through the glass doors into the room behind me.

“Afraid of your parent’s opinions in your tastes?” Ruby asked I nodded slightly “We are… We are a thing, you and me… We are dating right?” I looked back at Ruby.

“Nah, normal friends generally kiss each other and have sex, didn’t you know that?” I asked in a very calm voice as I took a seat in Ruby’s coils, which flexed so I fell backwards.

Ruby giggled softly as she appeared in my vision, overlooking me like some sort of guardian angel… With a tail.

“Good point.” She muttered as she began to absentmindedly, or more likely on purpose, coil me up.

“What do you reckon they’re arguing about?” I whispered, closing my eyes as Ruby began to stroke my mane, lulling me into a slight daze.

“How do you know they’re arguing?” Ruby asked.

“They’re my parents and I doubt they’ve changed much, they’re likely arguing about us.” I said.

“Yeah… Your mum took to me rather well, your dad not so much. Why was that?” Ruby asked. I mulled it over, my brain a little slow in the comfortable place of Ruby’s coils.

“I think… I think because I’ve been gone so long I left a hole, as well as carved one in myself, and when I returned I filled the hole a little… But there was room for you to help fill it in, my mum was so thankful to have me back that she… Well accepted you either way.” I said.

“I think your mum has guessed we’re a thing.” Ruby said casually.

“So has my dad.” I muttered.

“That why he’s acting like a grumpy mule?”

“Yeah, he’s normally pretty funny and cheery… And he took the mick when I use to have a fillyfriend. I think he just didn’t think I’d… Well date somepony… A little different.” I said as Ruby snorted.

“A little? Come on Bolt I’m half snake, does ‘this’ class as little?” Ruby asked.

Ruby lifted her tail up, causing it to pile on top of me so only one eye was able to see out like a snow avalanche. Ruby giggled as I grunted in annoyance, but I quickly became silent as Ruby began to pamper my body with her tail.

Ruby dragged me out of the scale slide, smirking as I stared up at her as if pleading for more.

“Hay, you know it’s almost a tradition for couples too have sex in one of the couple’s parent’s houses without them knowing. Wanna follow tradition?” Ruby whispered into my ear leaning back to grin at me seductively. I smirked rolling over and pushed her down so my hooves were either side of her head.

“Sure, wanna get it on?” I asked before laughing along with Ruby.

“We do NOT do seductive at all.” Ruby said with tears in her eyes.

“I’m glad you’re joking because you’d have regretted it otherwise!” Ruby and I whipped our heads around to look at my dad standing in the bedroom doorway.

He had his teeth gritted together and looked as if he might roar at us like a feral animal. Ruby and I scrambled away from each other, though even when we separated I still had a considerable amount of Ruby’s tail hanging around my body. My mum had her head poking in the door and was watching the scene with an odd twinkle in her eyes.

I looked back to my dad who was rapidly changing colour in his face, my dad strode past me and right up to Ruby.

“Let me make one thing clear, my son is only looking after you and showing you Equestria he is NOT in any way going to…” My dad leaned close to Ruby and muttered something only the pair could hear.

“Last I checked,” Ruby said in a dangerous voice “He was mature enough to make his own choices… And I doubt you’d be able to stop me.” I glanced at my mum who had a very strange grin.

“Touch my son and I’ll…” Ruby laughed cutting through my dad’s words and slid around him. Ruby promptly climbed onto my back with her pony half and wrapped her hooves around my neck.

“Bite me granddad.” She said grinning.

My dad’s mouth dropped then closed, then opened again like a silent fish as his brain attempted to process what he was seeing. Next second my mum was beside him and gently leading him away, at the door she glanced back at Ruby, clearly suppressing laughs.

“Try not to over anger him, he’ll come around.” Though she winked at Ruby, I was sure she did. I glanced back at Ruby who raised an eyebrow.

“My family.” I said waving a hoof towards the door and we both chuckled.

“So is this your room?” Ruby asked.

“No it’s the spare bedroom or the one my brother uses when he visits on holidays, mine’s at the end of the hall, follow me.” I said leading the way.

I pushed opened the door to my old bedroom. I didn’t know what to expect; maybe boxes lining the walls, a thick layer of dust. I didn’t imagine it’d be… The exact same. I looked slowly around the room, my desk with my computer still sat in the corner by the window, my large bed taking up almost the whole middle of the room, my little bedside table still with the clutter of spare bits I’d left… I felt a tear run down the side of my face.

“I kept it clean for you… In case you came back.” My mum whispered walking in behind me. I looked back at her and slowly walked up to my mum and hugged her.

“Thank you, mum… I’m so sorry.” I whispered and I felt her instantly return the hug, though it was still strange to have to lower my head since I was taller than her.

“It’s okay. You show Ruby around, I’ve got to get back to work, be good.” My mum pulled away and I turned to Ruby who was politely staring into the room as if she couldn’t hear.

I walked up beside Ruby and kissed her cheek.

“Thank you for bringing me home.” I whispered, she smiled.

“Figured I could return the favour… Just glad YOU don’t have to fight for me to leave.” I chuckled slightly.

“Yeah, that would’ve sucked.”

“So… What do you want to do…? Bolt?” I’d frozen again because I’d just looked at my computer desk.

There, the only things that hadn’t been touched, with a thin layer of grey dust settled upon them, were four little boxes wrapped in red wrapping paper and one in what looked like checkered flags.

“Bolt are you okay?”

“They’re my birthday presents.” I whispered walking slowly up to the boxes and running a hoof to clear the dust. My mum and dad, my uncle and...

“Digital…” I muttered softly.

“Bolt… Are you okay?” Ruby asked I nodded stiffly my eyes not leaving the innocent little boxes “Do you want to open them?” I looked at Ruby and her horn began to glow and the little boxes floated towards me, the dust falling off like a grey slow motion waterfall.

Ruby glanced at the names and couldn’t seem to decide which to start with. Finally she choose my uncle Wrench’s present, the one with checkered flags. I pulled off the paper slowly, inside was the most psychotic thing anypony could send. A large, likely blunt now, meat cleaver shone under a thin plastic covering with a little note saying .

“If you ever feel like cooking for griffins in the future, or if you dad gets a little too annoying, you can use this.” I laughed softly and pulled the thing out. Sure enough, once I got it out its packaging, it was as blunt as a hammer.

“Remind me never to piss you off in your kitchen again now you’ve got that.” I gave another odd laugh and set the knife beside me.

Next, Ruby pushed over the matching boxes from my mum and dad. This sent a pang of guilt and sadness up me but I still grabbed the larger of the two. Silver cans with bright red letters winked merrily up at me and I chuckled, guessing the second gift.

“Apple cola? Strange gift; some drinks.” Ruby said.

“I was younger, just starting to drink, like my brother, so I didn’t get as much alcohol as my brother and this will be… Yep.” I said holding up a small bottle filled with a clear liquid with more silver and red writing.

“What is that?” Ruby asked.

“This, my long tailed friend, is alcohol. Vodka from the griffin kingdom… Strong stuff.” I said.

“…Em, what exactly is alcohol?” I looked at Ruby and smirked.

“I am sorry but I’m afraid such an insult means we can no longer be friends.” I said holding my head up like a snobbish noble and Ruby giggled “No, just kidding. Alcohol is an odd drink. It’s not exactly GOOD for you… It’s a comfort thing but too much can make you do stupid things, but it’s fun to get drunk either way… I guess they got me this when I was a much lighter drinker… Then again I have the world’s worst alcohol tolerance so it won’t matter.” I muttered.

“What sort of stupid things?” Ruby asked.

“You know… Hitting on ponies, things you shouldn’t do. Stupid dancing.” I said.

“Sounds like hypnosis.”

“Close, but nopony will control you except your own idiocy.”

“Drink some.” Ruby pushed the bottle to my chest but I shook my head smirking.

“Oh no, I can guess what you’ll make me do.” I said setting the bottle next to the cleaver.

“Come on, I have to get you a present too.”

“Just pass me my brothers please.” I said grinning. My happiness faded quite quickly.

I opened Digital’s present almost like I was young again, a colt at hearts warming eve, but as soon as I took out the box everything hurt. My brother was a game designer and an artist and for my birthday he’d made a cool picture. Before I’d left, my brother had still been a student learning how to make games and it seemed he’d turned a project into a present. The picture featured myself and my brother in a desert based area, we were clad in the royal guard armour, spears propped up next to us. I was sat upon the ground, my brother on a box pushing my helmet down over my eyes, we were both laughing. It was incredibly detailed, the armour and all the extra ponies in the background, I also saw something comical, a soldier in the background appeared to be using an arrow to launch his bow, looked as funny as it sounded.

“That looks amazing,” Ruby whispered leaning over to look at the picture “Your brother made that?” Ruby stared at the image of me “But I think you’d look better with spirals in your eyes and sitting in my coils.” Ruby purred.

I made an odd sound, between a twisted sob and a laugh. Instead of answering though I simply folded the paper back over the picture and pushed it away from me.

“I hate myself.” I muttered.

Ruby stared at me, surprise. She reached down to take my hoof but I pulled away, feeling as if I was some form of feral animal that had escaped being put down and I didn’t deserve the love I was receiving from anypony.

“Bolt, please, they’re just presents. They gave you them because they love you and it was to celebrate the day you joined them.” Ruby whispered.

“It must have been a very dark day.” I grumbled.

“Or a very bright one. Bolt you put too much blame upon yourself when you do not need too. Your family loves you and you do as well, and that love brought you back together.”

“No, you dragging me back did.”

“Stop whining about upsetting your family, at least yours is still alive!” Ruby suddenly barked. I flinched looking up at her and she seemed embarrassed and upset “I’m… I’m sorry I just…”

“What do you mean ‘at least mine is still alive’ Ruby?” I asked.

Ruby stared down at her tail.

“Will you stop beating yourself up over mistakes you cannot change, if I tell you?” Ruby whispered. I looked down at the hidden picture.

“I’ll try.” I said.

“Will… Will you promise not to leave your parents again, like you made me promise?”

“I made you do no such thing.” I said.

“You did, just not verbally. So, will you?”

“…I promise.” I finally said. Ruby sighed then smiled slightly.

“When I was about four, my dad was still alive and willingly living with my mum, who he had taught all he knew about medicine. However when he set off to get something for a lamia who was ill he… Found some place that he described as unnatural. At first he, nor anypony else, paid any attention to it. But slowly he started to act funny, he became angry quicker, he began to have odd twitches and pains that got steadily worst and he couldn’t fix them. Finally one day he just didn’t wake up, he lay propped up against the back of the bed and…” Ruby didn’t seem able to finish.

She was looking at some unseen horror and, whilst I didn’t think she deserved to be touched by me, I wrapped her in a hug which she gratefully leaned into.

“He’d bled out through his eyes, Bolt. Black rotten blood.” Ruby finished “I was the one who found him… I’ll never forget the way he looked like he was screaming as he lay there…” Ruby looked up at me but her eyes were hard “So, don’t you ever go abandoning YOUR parents. Don’t hate yourself because you left them. Don’t think you should leave them because of yourself, they won’t always be there just hope… Hope they don’t die such a gruesome death.” Ruby lowered her head and I let her snuggle up to me.

I hadn’t ever given her father’s death thought… I hadn’t expect something so… Horrific. I let her remain in the hug I was giving her for I don’t know how long, whilst she calmed down, and I won’t lie I quite enjoyed holding her like that.

The odd little bubble that had formed, supporting the pair of us as we thought of our families, was popped abruptly by my mum calling.

“Bolt, Ruby, Come on.”

“W-what?” I called back having lost track of time.

“Bed.” My dad cried.

Oh right, tea. I glanced at the window and noticed the room was getting steadily darker but we had been elsewhere, Ruby and I, in memory land. I dragged myself up onto my hooves, Ruby following suit, and we marched into the kitchen. My dad looked up at me and glanced at Ruby, then back down at the local paper. Ruby paused on her way to her chair, staring at my dad. Once more he glanced up and, almost as quickly, back down.

“You were listening?” Ruby asked. My dad continued to stare at the paper as he said.

“I am sorry… To hear your dad died the way he did… It doesn’t sound like something you’d forget… Family is everything.” My dad said wisely (Not like him at all). Ruby looked down and sat down, curling her tail under her chair.

“It is.” She said silently eating.

Halfway through the silent dinner my dad made an odd choking sound and we all looked at him as he cleared his throat. He suddenly looked furious again as he stared at the paper.

“Mum, when did the paper arrive?” I asked slowly.

“Huh? Maybe a couple hours ago, why?” But my dad answered by silently turning over the paper showing the page he was on to me and Ruby.

There, smiling at the real versions, was an image of Ruby and I. I glanced up at my dad, who made an odd sort of ‘read’ gesture, so I did.

“Today the residents of Oakbark played host to a strange visitor. As shown in the picture above, a lamia, going by the name of Ruby Scales, was escorted into town by a former town resident; Boltblood Thundercloud. Indeed the strange visitor is not that different than the one apparently residing within Ponyville, however whilst they made accusations of that lamia being a monster I went to investigate before making a decision. Ruby appears to simply be a mare with an odd little twist to her body, or several depending on how her tail is stretched out. She spoke politely and made no sign of hostility, contrast to her friend however, whom I would bet my bits she supports a crush, which is likely returned. I managed to get a rough idea of where she lived before she moved here to Equestria, however, before I make a full article I plan to have a more detailed second meeting with the pair so as not to make any mistakes. The pair appear to be visiting Boltblood’s parents, an innocent visit or are they hoping to find a way to sneak out a blessing from the pair. We’ll, hopefully, all know soon enough.” At the bottom I finally discovered the pair’s names. Written by reporter Paper Pad and pictures taken by Photo Shoot.

“So… So ‘she supports a crush, WHICH IS LIKELY RETURNED’!?” My dad shouted.

Though it was oddly comical for some reason now, since he was a head shorter, to see him angry. I glanced at Ruby and smirked.

“Problem?” I asked.

Whatever he had expected me to say, it hadn’t been that. My dad sputtered then managed to find his voice once more.

“Yes I do have a problem! You dating that-that-thing!” And he pointed a hoof at Ruby, completely ignoring the fact that she had ears. My mum tried to say something but my dad shook a hoof “She’s not a pony, bringing Bolt back does not change that, how can you stand her?” My mum paused then looked at Ruby.

“Because, despite her appearance, she is much more like a pony that you’d like to ever admit… And didn’t you just apologise for eaves dropping on her father’s death story?” My dad seemed to deflate at that and he looked at me with a face attempting to show that he believed to be doing the right thing.

“Did you know I wouldn’t be here without Ruby?” I asked slowly closing my eyes “We made it sound a lot better than it was, but I was in fact a slave, I managed to help change the old laws but Ruby had to fight Midnight. Remember her? She broke my leg and almost killed me, then Ruby fought for MY freedom and nearly died for it, you wouldn’t be treating her like you are if you could have seen how mangled she was.” I muttered opening my eyes again. My mum was staring at Ruby, tears prickling her eyes again but my dad still frowned.

“They kept slaves at her home?” He asked.

“They’ve done away with that thanks to Ruby, Princess Luna I think and a little from myself.” I said.

“Don’t be so modest, it was mainly you.” Ruby said. I didn’t have the strength to spare to argue with her, I was too intent on staring down my dad, who looked down at the paper he’d pulled back again.

“So… Do you return this crush…?” His tone of voice made me do it.

I stood up, walked beside Ruby and, in clear view of both my parents, leaned down and kissed her. She made an odd squeaky noise then sighed and I heard my mum ‘aww’ at us. When I pulled back and stared at my dad I got a real kick. My dad had turned purple slightly and his tail was frizzled and appeared to be sparking with lightning, something that I inherited if I ever got really angry. Ruby stared at my dad and began to laugh and I joined in immediately followed by my mum. The sound of us laughing was pierced by a high whistle, having snuck in under the cover of us laughing my brother Digital stared in at me from the kitchen with a slight grin.

Digital was a lot different since his last visit, back then his hair had been a lot shorter, now, clearly, living alone he had become like most stallions in their first house; lazy as hell. His black hair had grown wild all the way down to the base of his neck and it stuck out around the top and curled around the edges, much like his tail. He had begun to grow sideburns but I could still see his white fur beneath the new hair on his face, his horn still appeared to be okay so he was at least filing it (Don’t ask why they need to do that, I’m a Pegasus I think it has something to do with using magic) he had blue eyes similar to mine and his cutie mark was a white canvas with a computer mouse drawn on it.

“Wow I never thought I’d see the day, Bolt you got a mare.” He said “Well not a mare really, but close enough, ay?” My dad appeared to have given up.

The appearance of my brother and him confirming Ruby and my relationship seemed to have done it. He stood up and walked from the room, not even glancing back at the heightened laughs from me and my brother.

“So, the devil returns and I was just getting used to being rid of you.” My brother said stealing the vacant seat my dad had left.

While he appeared to be teasing me, like he almost always did, he was smiling a little more sincerely “Open my gift at last?” I nodded.

“It was… Really impressive, thanks.” I said he nodded then turned to Ruby.

“I’ll have to make one for the pair of you. How’s about a lovely little picture depicting what you two just did, maybe with dad raging in the background for some comedic effect?” He asked and Ruby chuckled.

“Yes I would appreciate that.” She said “I take it you’re Digital?”

“That’s me, Digital Canvas, Boltblood’s big little brother, as he likes to CONSTANTLY remind me.” Digital said.

“Big little brother?” Ruby asked.

“Bolt is taller than Digital and he finds it entertaining.” My mum said.

“So, if I may ask where do you live exactly?” Digital asked.

“Oh, I live in a village composed of lamias in the badlands.” Ruby said.

“And there are more of you?” Ruby nodded “Will you be returning anytime, I’d like to join you if you don’t mind?” Ruby and I looked at one another then back to my brother.

“We have to go back once a month to check in with the lamias Queen, Sunny, but first we plan to visit Ponyville, Princess Luna suggested we should get a potion or something for Ruby to look like a normal pony from Princess Twilight.” I said.

“You know Princess Luna!?” Digital asked Ruby and I nodded “Whoa you lucky git!”

“What are you doing here anyway?” I asked.

“Was visiting a mates house, (And the pub I’d bet) so I was staying here for a bit, I was planning on going home tomorrow.” Digital said.

“You still live in the same place?”

“No moved, do that every year, final year now at Uni, see what happens after I finish but for now, I’ve been asked to do an ‘original piece’ …Figured I could use your home town.” Digital said smiling. I looked at Ruby, wondering the same thing; was it safe to take him? Well if things remained how they were when I left…

“Sure, we’ll come back here in three weeks and then head for Ruby’s home town, sound good?” I asked Digital nodded.

“It’ll be nice to catch up with you as well, Bolt.” For some reason that sounded… Threatening.

Either way, Digital stood up, nodded politely and went off to his bedroom to sleep off the alcohol. I stood up and said goodnight to my mum, intending to head to my old bed, Ruby following behind me when my mum called Ruby back.

“Ruby, could you spare a minute to speak to me for a minute, please?” Ruby looked at me and nodded for me to go on. I left the room then hid beside the living room door, listening. And sure enough they spoke of me.

“Bolt… When he argued with Metal he mentioned you earning his freedom. Can you explain, the whole truth?” My mum asked, for a minute I believed Ruby would say nothing, then the whole story seemed to spill out, though she gradually got more speed and confidence. When she finished I could imagine my mum’s frown.

“There’s… One more thing…” Ruby whispered “When… When I was forcing myself into Bolt’s company… Blackmailing him I… Threatened him and finally saw what I was doing… And I broke down,” I could hear the sadness in her voice, we hadn’t spoken of that moment to anypony… But Ruby had chosen my mum to finally speak of this “He… He comforted me… And told me he was bullied and it felt… Nice to be related to, treated like he treated me, like an equal… A friend. It’s the main reason I love him… He understands my pain and wouldn’t ever intentionally hurt me.” Ruby said. I wondered if Ruby was staring at her tail like she often did whenever nervous.

“I am glad that Bolt met such a nice mare. If you really do tie the knot, you have my blessing at least, and look after him. Whilst you made him sound like a tank he has a very weak chink in his armour and I fear what will happen if lethally stabbed… Look after my son, please.”

“I will.” Ruby promised “You are aware he’s eavesdropping?”

“I suspected he would, he’s worried about you though, I suspect.” I blinked then ran for the bedroom, but I was sure they heard me.

A few minutes passed and I heard the door open then close, but I had my head facing away so I couldn’t see. I felt the bed sag slightly under somepony’s weight as they climbed under the covers, then something cold slipped across my chest. I tried not to even shift as Ruby’s tail wrapped around me but I failed when I felt her breath around the back of my right ear.

“You know it’s rude to eavesdrop on somepony else’s conversation.” Ruby whispered “I know you’re awake Bolt, and I’m going to make you sorry you listened in when you shouldn’t have.” I gasped despite mentally telling myself I wouldn’t no matter what Ruby did.

Ruby ran her tongue slowly along the edge of my right ear then turned my head forcefully and forced her tongue inside, I shuddered then remembered when she had last done something similar. I allowed Ruby to continue her licking not even shifting, simply staring forward, finally Ruby seemed to grow worried.

“Bolt… Are you okay?” I turned my head to look at her.

“I was just thinking… ‘Bout last time this happened… I shouted at you afterwards didn’t I?” I whispered.

Ruby remained silent then forced me to roll over and face her. Ruby was incredibly close, I could feel the part of her tail that connected to her pony body pressing against my right leg, curling over me before losing itself in the many coils under the bed, hanging like vines over the edge and sitting in drapes all over the carpet.

“I’m sorry.” I whispered finally.

“Bolt, that was a long time ago let’s just forget about that and focus on the here and now.” Ruby said and I felt her hoof on my cheek “I don’t hate you even slightly for shouting at me, I betrayed your trust not the other way around,” I felt her breath on my mouth and her voice was now quieter than a whisper “And I love you, more than anypony I’ve ever met and I don’t intend to let you go.” I felt her lips touch mine and I sighed. For a creature that was cold blooded she sure was very warming for my heart.

“Now… Back to your punishment.” Ruby chimed and I sighed remaining still as she proceeded to pin my hooves down and nibble on my ear, drawing embarrassing noises from me “Now are you going to eavesdrop on me again?” Ruby whispered.

“You would if it had been me talking about you.” I accused.

“Fair enough but wrong answer.” Ruby looped a coil around my neck and flexed it threateningly “Same question.”

“Love you Ruby.” I whispered smirking and Ruby’s tone changed.

“Yeah… I love you too Bolt.” And with that she lay down on my stomach and buried her head on the coil around my neck “Though you’re still not out of the woods yet for eavesdropping on me!” I chuckled and gently nuzzled her, unable to move anything else.

“Not surprised there.” I said before we drifted away into silence, and then sleep.

Author's Notes:

So, Bolt had returned to his family, and we see what real journalists look like! XD

Also, yes all my stories do link together, I like doing that hopefully I won't confuse you but I imagine I'll have to make a timeline at some point.

Anyway, sorry about the long wait, it's just the Easter holidays screwed up my sleeping pattern, collage is getting more difficult as it begins to end and then I had to do Sine's story... Sorry. But hay at least it's here! :D

Also a footnote about my families jobs: they are based off their real ones, my mum is a saddle fitter (irony huh?) so in pony form that would probably make her a desiner. My dad has worked various jobs but he's mostly at his best when working with wood, so I've made him a builder, though that isn't said. My brother is in uni so... Digital is in uni... And I myself cook, though I'm at collage not a run away, thankfully! XD Doubt that'd work in real life. Oh and my uncle works as a rally car engineer... And let's face it I LOVE the concept of ponies driving rally cars, don't you! XD

Also, new longest chapter, 10,000 words. Damn. Well hope you all enjoyed and hopefully next chapter won't take as logn to come out... But then again it's me, so don't hold your breath. I'm so nice to myself aren't I.

Public pairing

“Good morning!” Ruby chimed causing me to wake up.

I groaned and attempted to move but found I couldn’t, I was also aware of the fact that I appeared to be lying entirely on Ruby’s tail. I forced my eyes open a little then fully.

“What…?” I glanced around then leaned over to look down. I was suspended in a hammock made of Ruby’s tail “Ruby?”

“Comfy?” Ruby’s head appeared to my left and I turned to face the grinning lamia.

“Why am I in a hammock?” I asked sleepily.

“Because I wanted to see what you would sleep through. I made you roll down a slide made of my tail in a spring like way, I held you by one hoof upside down…” Ruby leaned close “I even whispered sweet words to you, but all that did was make your wings spread out.” Ruby grinned and I blushed.

“You shouldn’t mess with me when I’m asleep.” I said sitting up and pushing around about to jump off.

Ruby’s tail clenched down as I began to slide off, my head and upper chest were completely buried and my rear legs flailed about as I hung in the air. I heard Ruby giggle then something brushed against the base of one of my hooves, which twitched back on reflex.

“Oh, are you ticklish?” Ruby cooed.

I gave a muffled cry of protest but Ruby simply giggled before lowering her tail from around my head “If you don’t want me to tickle torture you, you have to massage your Mistress.” I blushed at the name, since that word was now associated in my mind with… That.

Ruby lowered me to the ground and lay herself down on her back against her tail. I stared down at her and she grinned as I took a step towards her, and then another. I kept taking slow steps until I was stood before her seat. Ruby smiled warmly, rolling over onto her stomach and folded her hooves, resting her head on her legs, staring back at me.

“Go on.” She purred.

I stepped gently onto the pile of coils and Ruby’s trap sprung, a single coil grabbed both my front legs and jerked me forward and Ruby rapidly rolled out of the way as I fell on where she had previously been, then she fell down on my back wrapping her hooves around my neck.

“Gotcha.” She whispered into my ear.

Ruby chuckled and I gasped, my lamia friend had opened her mouth and was tracing her fangs along my neck.

“Now, shall we inject that special venom that makes you sexually active? I think…”

“Bolt, Ruby. Are you awake?” My mum’s voice ran through the room and Ruby groaned contracting her hooves around me, the glass shattering as they say.

“We’ll continue this later.” She whispered and I smiled up at her as her tail retreated from my body again, though more regretfully this time.

We both made our way to the kitchen, not wanting my parents to investigate what we were up to and get the wrong impression. My dad wasn’t present and I guessed he’d gone to work, my brother was likely still asleep, but my mum was sat at the smaller table in the kitchen a pair of deep red reading glasses on and the newspaper propped up in front of her bowl of cereal.

“What were you two doing, I thought you were falling through the floor.” She said as we entered.

“Sorry that was me, I was coiling Bolt up.” She said blushing, my mum smirked.

“Don’t let Metal hear you say that, he’s been a bit bitter recently.” She said.

“Well we’ll be gone tomorrow, going Ponyville.” I said my mum nodded eyes unmoving as she read the paper.

“Do you really have to go so soon?” She asked.

“No, but I want to get it done so I can show Ruby ALL of Equestria.” I said with a slight smile at Ruby.

“My you really do love her…” My mum folded her hooves under her chin and stared between us, smiling though her eyes distant. Likely thinking of how she and my dad met.

Ruby and I ate our breakfast, Ruby insisting until I gave up that I had to sit on her tail like a chair, in silence then got ready to set out to meet Note

Rub.

“I’m gonna beat him upside the head for what he put about that blessing part.” I grumbled. Ruby chuckled softly and I smiled pushing open the door.

The early spring sun gently shone across our faces, it was incredibly refreshing after all the snow and cold wind we’d had. Ruby sighed stretching her hooves over her head and letting her tongue curl slightly out of her mouth, tasting the fresh air. We set off slowly towards the town centre, the odd pony passing us watching Ruby. A few nodded politely or said hello whilst a few looked embarrassed or slowed down or sped up suddenly.

“Ponies are weird.” Ruby whispered.

“Oh thank you, we do try.” I said making my voice raise and lower in pitch, much to Ruby’s amusement “Want to go get some ice cream?” I asked glancing up at the bright blue sky.

“That stuff you put on with your cheesecake?”

“The one you ate so much you were ill? Yes.” I said.

“Sure, I’d love some.” I moved a little further ahead, leading Ruby through the familiar roads of Oakbark.

“You know,” Ruby said slowly smiling “This is almost like a date.” I felt my face become warm, and it had nothing to do with the sun being out.

“H-how so?” I asked.

“Well, you’re taking me around town and you’re planning to buy me a treat… Do you plan to give me the ice cream on a little spoon, all cute like?” Ruby asked grinning as my ears lit up.

Ruby laughed heartily and despite my embarrassment I laughed a little too. I pointed out a small, sky blue ice cream vendor to Ruby, an old mare serving ice cream to a family’s kids.

“That look okay?” I asked. Ruby nodded slightly and slid up beside me to the mare. The old mare blinked once then her face split into a motherly smile.

“How did getting the blessing go you two?” She asked.

“I’d li-Wait what?” I sputtered as Ruby blushed along with me.

The parent’s kids who had been arguing were now silently staring at Ruby’s tail as it shifted along the ground, sparkling in the sun.

Ruby and I shared a looked and Ruby busied herself by looking at the picture selection.

“We’re-we’re not getting married.” I said.

“Are you not?” The mare looked a little upset “That’s a shame… Are you even a couple?”

“Yes!” Ruby said as if afraid my contradiction might split us up.

Her shouting made her blush and she returned to the picture. But the old mare was now smiling again.

“I’d like the strawberry cornetto please.” Ruby said in a small embarrassed voice.

“Two please.” I mumbled.

The mare passed us the ice creams and I slid over the bits, my ears rather glad to be escaping. I gave Ruby hers and ripped open my own, enjoying the refreshing cold treat. We wandered over to a small park and Ruby curled up on the grass and I sat down on her tail, enjoying the soft tweeting of the birds and the sun’s warm rays.

“Equestria is very calm and beautiful.” Ruby whispered as she finished her ice cream, I nodded in agreement lying back on her tail stretching my hooves out either side of me.

I closed my eyes and sighed contently, reopening them when Ruby lay down next to me. I stared up at the sky as a pair of pegasi flew around pushing clouds together and making art.

“What are they making?” Ruby whispered but as the shape began to form I made a guess, sitting up slightly to get a better look.

“It’s us.” I muttered.

Sure enough as the pair finished it was a fluffy white image of Ruby curling her snake body around me and we appeared to be locked in a kiss. I felt my face burn.

“This town is stalking us.” I muttered.

“Well it is pretty small by Equestrian standards isn’t it…? Nothing as interesting as this has likely happened in a while,” Ruby leaned close “Wanna kiss so those likely spying on us will REALLY have an excuse to gossip?”

“Is that really necessary?” I whispered.

“I dunno… Is it?” Ruby leaned down a little, her tail curling around my neck tugging me up so I had to use my front legs to prop myself up.

“I guess it is.” I whispered as our lips met.

Ruby tasted of her ice cream and made such cute sounds as we pressed our lips together, a warmth only she could bring. The coil around my neck tightened, promising to never let go, to always be there if I needed a comforting embrace. I reached up with my left hoof and held it around her back but we both pulled away as we heard several rapid clicks and a bunch of groans. A small crowd of ponies, mostly consisting of mares, were watching from the bushes, a few holding cameras. I felt my face flush but Ruby smiled and waved whilst I sank into her tail in embarrassment, the crowd laughing. Then a voice called out.

“If I’d known you’d do something like that I’d have told Shoot to come along and bring his camera.” Note was walking up towards us from the other side of the park, his recorder already floating out of his saddle bag.

As he reached us I sat up slightly.

“You had to write about the blessing thing huh? Now everypony thinks we’re getting married!” I said angrily. Note simply raised an eyebrow.

“Comfortable in your fillyfriend’s tail?” I blushed “What I thought, you do make a perfect and interesting couple,” Note leaned closer “And you do appear to be heading that way.” He said with a grin, sitting down opposite us. Note clicked on his recorder and sat it between us before facing us.

“Now, yesterday we discussed where you came from and what you planned to do on that day, now I’d like to know, if you don’t mind, what you plan to do now you’re here in Equestria long term.” Note seemed to faze his question more towards Ruby but she glanced at me for help.

“We’re planning to head for Ponyville to meet Princess Twilight since Princess Luna suggested it, she’s planning to provide Ruby with a potion to make her appear like a normal pony so she can go to places a little more… Uptight about her extra feature. Afterwards we’ll probably explore Ponyville for a bit before heading back here to pick up my brother and heading back to Ruby’s home for the first month, we’ll think of something else then.” I said.

“Your brother wants to visit Ruby’s home?” I nodded “Hmm I might want to find out where that is myself… Could you draw me a map?”

Ruby drew a rough sketch with instructions on a piece of scrap paper Note passed her and then returned it to him.

“It’ll be interesting to visit, I might see you there. I’ll probably leave after I publish this story. I hope your plans go well, but for now I hope you won’t mind joining me for a little bit of tea later tonight. I know I said I’d meet you around lunch, but I’d like to get a draft done, that okay with you?”

“Yeah that’s fine.” Ruby said smiling.

“Brilliant… Oh, and I would suggest you two go give the local amusement park a little visit, namely the Ferris wheel. Good luck with the date.” Note said smiling and trotting away levitating his recorder back into his bag as I shouted insults at him.

“Should we give the amusement park a shot?” I asked when I had vented fully.

“I guess, we have nothing better to do really.” Ruby said smiling “Totally a date.” Ruby whispered giggling.

The amusement park had set up a little away from the town, the opposite side we’d entered to be exact, and it became visible as we left the last of the houses behind, a noticeable crowd following us.

“Are they hoping we’ll do it in front of them?” Ruby whispered “Because I wouldn’t mind if that’s what they want.” Ruby winked at me and I blushed, looking towards the rides to distract myself.

Sure enough the largest ride was the Ferris wheel (How do they make them mobile exactly?) there was also a few smaller rides, I could see some vendors and I could imagine there was at least one shooting range for some form of prize… And I could see the pink love tunnel, oh Celestia.

It appeared to be pay for the rides not pay for tickets, because the entrance was wide open and no booth in sight. I glanced around, already several ponies within the park had noticed Ruby and were staring, a few vendor workers leaning out. I noticed a number of ponies muttering and smiling.

“Shall we start with the Ferris wheel?” Ruby asked and I nodded and followed her towards the large golden ride.

The small carts were designed to hold specifically four ponies, and maybe two foals as well, not a pony and a lamia, though we did managed to get a ticket. I gestured for Ruby to get on first and she managed to wrap her tail over the seats, I managed to get inside and sit beside her, the ride worker closing the door beside us winked at Ruby and I bit my lip to hold back my voice.

It was a good thing they made the carts windowless, otherwise it would’ve been very cramped. Ruby hung a few coils of her tail outside the window once we were up a little, the ride stopping for minutes on end as we moved slowly upward. Ruby insisted I lay on her tail, she remained sat on the same bench so I ended up lying on her lap, or what I guessed to be her lap judging by the position of her tail. Ruby was about as interested in the view as I was, she was more content to gently run her hoof through my mane, cooing softly, while I hummed tunelessly. As we began to reach the highest point though I sat up to take a look and Ruby slid up beside me, making sure she was as close as possible, her tail curling around so she had her cheek squished against mine. We looked over the high view of Oakbark, the little houses puffing smoke so much like when we’d arrived. I stared at the view, the feeling of guilt welling up inside me again, before Ruby gently pushed me back onto the bench and my head onto her lap.

I looked up at her and she smiled down at me.

“Want me to dull the pain a little?” She whispered and I nodded selfishly.

I didn’t want to feel like this. When I looked up at Ruby again I found her eyes were lazily pulsing multi-coloured spirals. Captivating, entrancing… Relaxing. I sighed as Ruby returned to stroking my mane and I smiled contently, allowing my brain to be wrapped in the hypnosis blanket Ruby was providing… And the one she was making with her tail. As the Ferris wheel reached halfway back down Ruby’s eyes returned to normal and she gently shook me awake. I sighed sadly allowing my brain to take control again, emotions returning, and I sat up ready to get off. The worker smiled politely to us both as Ruby got off and I led Ruby towards the centre of the park.

I took Ruby over to a cotton candy vendor and bought us a cone to share.

“It looks like a pink cloud.” Ruby said as I hoofed her a piece and she nibbled on it “What is it?”

“Pure sugary goodness.” I said pulling back from taking a bite and Ruby began to laugh.

“Hello professor Pink Beard what are you teaching us today?” She asked. I chuckled.

“Today, the relativity of – You colt, put that down that is not something to toss around it a highly explosive… My face!” I said pretending to be smacked in the face by something, much to Ruby’s amusement, in an odd voice I thought sounded rudely smart.

The rest of the day was quite fun, amazingly we managed to avoid the tunnel of love (On purpose) but went on several smaller rides, often times taking up four seats for Ruby though nopony really minded. There was one of those optical illusion glass mirror rooms and Ruby was very entertained by the one that made me tiny, smaller than a baby foal. As the sun began to make the sky glow fiery red we decided it was time to leave and head to the tipsy mare to meet Note. Most ponies had left but a large crowd continued to follow us, muttering softly.

“I bet they’re saying what a cute couple we make.” Ruby said bumping my shoulder and I smiled.

“Glad to know I make the right choice.” I said.

We soon found the tipsy mare pub, sure enough the picture Note had described was hung over the entrance.

“Does that look a little suggestive to you?” Ruby asked with a grin at the two mares leaning against each other’s heads, grinning foolishly.

“A little, come on.” I said holding the door open for Ruby.

The bartender, deep wooden brown with a short black mane and a pint of beer as his cutie mark, was the first pony within the bar to see us both, and raised an eyebrow at Ruby.

“Whole town’s been talking about you, all know who you’re meeting as well.” He nodded towards one of the window tables “Note’s been waiting for you, would you like any drinks?”

“I don’t know if…”

“I’d like to try some vodka mixed with apple cola please.” Ruby said “And one for him.” She said pointing at me as the bartender chuckled.

“First time to start I guess, I’ll send them over.” He said with a polite and knowing nod.

“What are you doing?” I whispered.

“Having fun.” Ruby said sliding a little faster ahead of me to reach the window seat.

Note had his hooves folded under his chin and was grinning with his teeth showing as I sat down beside Ruby.

“So, had fun?” He whispered taking a sip of his beer.

“Yeah, was great.” Ruby said smiling.

“Glad you’re liking Equestria so much.” Note looked down at the table, pretending to read the menu but I could tell he was thinking “Your home… The other lamias are they… They are as nice as you are… Right?” Note looked between us both.

“Well for the most part yes, but, you know, some ponies can be mean too.” I said.

“What do you mean?”

“There’s one lamia, Midnight, remember the mare I told you broke Bolt’s leg?” Note nodded as Ruby spoke “Well she’s kind of the meanest lamia there, but the rest of them will be very welcoming… Maybe a little too much at first. My kind, myself included, have a tendency to coil ponies up as a greeting. We also know hypnosis, so if a lamia asks you to look at their eyes don’t… Or do if you want to, it’s very relaxing.” Ruby said with a smile.

“Hypnosis… It’s not painful?”

“The first time it can be a little bit but it becomes less so the longer you are hypnotised and the more it happens, and it really is quite nice.” I said softly.

“Might want to try it.” Note whispered softly.

“Well there is a spa pretty much dedicated to hypnosis based relaxation, could try that.” Note smiled and nodded.

“I reckon, I will, thanks.” Note said.

A waitress walked over beside us, a tray balanced on her head with Ruby’s and my drinks, she slid the tray onto the table and hoofed them to us both before pulling out a notepad.

“May I take your orders?” She asked cheerfully.

“I’d like the grilled salmon and hay fries with the maple salad as starter.” Note said.

“I’ll have some spaghetti with hay balls please and some garlic bread.” I said.

“And you miss?” The waitress asked smiling at Ruby.

“Erm, I’ll have the same as Note please, the salmon.” Ruby said nodding to him.

“Alright, one maple salad, one garlic bread, two grilled salmon and one spaghetti?”

“Yes, thank you.” I said the waitress nodded and disappeared with her empty tray.

“You didn’t even look at the menu.” Note whispered.

“I didn’t realise there was options, we always have limited food where I live.” Note raised his eyebrows.

“Well somepony will have to help you lot get a steady supply of food, do you have anything to trade form your town, can you make anything?” Note asked.

“Well, our town often comes up with a lot of precious metals but we don’t really use them other than for really fancy things, we have a large vault of the stuff we don’t use… I can…” Ruby went quiet.

“What can you do?” I asked.

“You know my cutie mark is a gem right?” I nodded “Well… I’m good at manipulating shapes out of precious metals.” Note’s and my jaws dropped.

“You can bend metal into shapes… That takes serious magic, we normally have to melt them down.” Note mumbled “Are you good at it?”

“W-well… I can make patterns on bracelets and crowns and stuff and… I only need one metal I can make visible patterns and shapes even on something that’s a single colour and I’m good at getting bits of rocks out… I made the Queen’s crown.” Ruby said with a hint of pride in her voice.

“That… Could certainly get a bit of money between Equestria and your home… I’ll see what I can do to get things started but you might want to talk to Princess Luna about it, if you see her again.” Note said as our food arrived and we thanked the waitress again, Ruby finally taking her first sip of her drink.

“Any good?” I asked taking my own sip, she nodded slightly and smiled as she levitated her cutlery up to eat.

For the most part the only sound was the three of us eating, we occasionally answered questions Note asked us, such as how we got our cutie marks; I got mine at a cooking competition when I was young and Ruby got hers when she was curious what would happen if she tried to stretch useless metals into shapes. We also asked Note the same question, he’d worked for his own school for a piece in the paper. Most ponies had complicated stories ours were just simple, but at least ponies could follow them.

“Hay I just realised,” Ruby muttered staring at a piece of salmon “This town openly sells fish?”

“It always has, it’s one of the more lenient towns in Equestria, there is, like everywhere, vegetarian options but I always quite liked sea food.” Note said smiling.

When our food was finished the three of us made our way to the bar, Ruby simply didn’t want to bother with the stools so she pushed them aside and sat on her tail, she still, despite how raised up she was on her seat, had plenty of coils left, which she trailed around herself so that other ponies had to step over them. Ruby and I finished our drinks and Note ordered some shots of whiskey.

“You’re paying right?” I asked as a small shot glass was placed before both Ruby and me.

“Course.” Note said grinning as he tipped his own back into the air.

I glanced at Ruby but she was already tipping hers upward like Note and grinned at me, I sighed and downed the drink. I blinked feeling the odd sleepy, yet energised feeling that meant I was getting drunk.

Note and Ruby managed to convince me to have some more shots with them and the bartender continued to grin at us all as we got steadily more tipsy, joining in our discussion of Ruby’s home town and some things about Canterlot. Ruby began to giggle and I had to squint to see only one set of shot glasses, though I couldn’t count which one’s were mine they were all piled together.

“N-no Note, I’m good.” I mumbled as the flushed journalist attempted to push another shot towards me.

“Last one, then we’ll call it a night. To the future?” Note said managing to raise his glass, I nodded.

“To da futwer.” Ruby slurred raising her own unsteady hoof, I raised my own glass.

“To the future.” I said alongside them.

I closed my eyes fighting the sleepy feeling of being heavily smashed. With all the drinking I’d done in my life I’d never once been sick but I didn’t want to start. I was distracted by somepony pushing against the side of me, I then heard an odd, suggestive moan.

“Bolt.” Ruby purred wrapping her hooves around my head and pulling me down into a kiss. In my sluggish state I simply went along with it.

“Alright love birds, that’s enough. Best head back.” The bartender said supressing laughs as he began to clean up. Ruby managed to uncoil herself and stood up and I led the pair out of the building.

Ruby continued to lean against me as we trudged home, at the first cross roads Note bid us farewell and he stumbled, walking in an odd wavy fashion, down the street and out of sight. Ruby began to sing softly grinning foolishly, a song about a mare who was trying to get a stallion. As my house came into view Ruby turned my head with her tail and sang softly to me .

“…And as the moon shines its lovers light upon us, I’ll make you see… That you belong to me.” Despite having drunk so much her voice was still very sweet and I enjoyed her song, though I’d missed most of it.

“Hay Bolt… You know you said you’d like me to tell you in advance before I got predatory… Well, this is in advance.” Ruby grinned as my face flushed in understanding but I smiled faintly.

“We’ve had a bit too much to drink I think.” I whispered.

“Is that your way of rejecting me?” Ruby asked.

“No, I’m just thinking out loud… But if you really want to… It’d be best if we make sure my parents don’t hear us.” I whispered. Ruby grinned taking my hoof and leading me along the last part of the street towards my wagon, which was parked outside the house.

Author's Notes:

So Ruby and Bolt go on a date... No other way to say it, what did you think, I thought they were ADORABLE! :3

And I also told you: This was god damn finished before I injured myself if only I had finished proof reading >.> Ah well it's out now, enjoy. :)