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)