Spirals and Spices

Chapters

Going for a joy ride
The deal
Onwards
Lamia Magic
Catching up with the past
Lamia City
Trust and training
Unwanted company
Battle for freedom
Freedom
Welcome to Canterlot
Test of trust
Family reunion
Public pairing
Drunken love
Ponyville
Second Tier
PPRSABTWP
Back the way we came
A debt to pay
Preparations
I ask for you hoof, my dear scaly angel
The capital of lamias
Wedding day
Epilogue 1
Epilogue 2
Feral desirers

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 Note

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 Note

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

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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 Note

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 Note

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 :flutterrage: .

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 Note

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. :twilightblush: 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 Note

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 Note

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 Note

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 Note

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 Note

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

Test of trust

Author's Note

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 :(

Test of trust

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 Note

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 Note

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. :)

Drunken love

Author's Note

...We all knew this was coming (dirty pun not intended) and the title is clue enough... But I better do this for the sake of that ONE person! This chapter contains sex, WILLING sex this time with hypnosis ironically and other perverted- you know what just read the dang tags and if this wasn't your thing at chapter 12 it won't have changed okay? Good, he left? Brilliant!

Alright, rest of you; enjoy Ruby and Bolt drunkenly going at it together! XD

Drunken love

Ruby pushed open the wagon door and led me along with her tail, pulling me towards the bedroom, both of us giggling and laughing like school foals. Ruby pushed me onto the bed covers and climbed on as well, her tail resting against my stomach. She grinned down at me glancing up and down my body.

“So, ready for a bit more practise before the Queen snatches you up in a month?” Ruby said.

“Oh this isn’t practise, I’m just doing this because I find you sexy and want to.” I said and Ruby returned my grin.

“Oh is that so?” She cooed lying down, her cheek against my stomach, her fangs brushing against my fur as she stared up at me with slightly suggestive, lidded eyes “I’m going to make you love this so much, you will literally have no other dreams but this, until I do it again.” Ruby began to slowly crawl forwards closer to me, her tongue rolled out and she gently licked my upper chest, her right hoof brushing my right wing, which twitched in response.

Ruby reached my face and raised her head up and I followed her, opening my mouth and kissing her. Ruby’s tongue made an odd ring around the gums of my teeth, before pushing past to grab my tongue in her own and squeeze it. Ruby’s tail flexed, as if it was sliding forwards and backwards, across my body. One coil was going between my rear hooves so she was rubbing my penis, in effect, at the same time. Ruby continued to moan as her tongue tended to my own, my wings stretched out, and my penis began pressing against Ruby’s tail. Ruby pulled back, trailing saliva from her mouth as she grinned.

“My, we are excited.” She whispered and her head slowly dipped to my left, Ruby gave me an opened mouthed smile and I saw a golden liquid running from her four fangs “Let’s make this interesting.” Ruby whispered.

Ruby’s head disappeared and I could feel her sweet, slightly rapid, breath on my neck. Then she bit me, not to painfully, like a needle going in. It hurt a little then subsided and what replaced it was amazing. An odd warmth began to spread from under my skin around the bite spreading up to my head then down my body along my chest. Ruby pulled back gently and I was about to find out why. As the warmth reached the top of my crotch the feeling of just being pleasured in an indescribably good way shot back to my mind and I couldn’t help but thrash and cry out.

“Did that feel good?” Ruby asked as I fell against the pillows the warmth retreating to my neck but lingering, like a snake waiting to strike again “It’s a type of venom for sexual activity, in case a male or female wasn’t ready to breed a lamia would inject the venom and reproduction could continue… It’s useful for those in town and even if you get spent I can use it to trick your mind into going again.” I smiled up at Ruby eyes lidded contently then I frowned slightly as the mush of my brain thought of something.

“Why do you need to inject me with that then, I’m clearly already active.” I said chuckling.

“It’ll just make it better for us, more pleasurable for you… and more entertaining for me.”

“Now the icing on the cake,” Ruby moved into my sightline again her hooves moved to either side of my head “Since you agreed to do this all willingly, hypnosis shouldn’t make much difference to you.” Ruby whispered.

Ruby blinked and, from the deepest part of her eyes, odd colourful pulsing rings spread across each eye. They were off a little, likely all the drinks we’d had, they were kind of squished and misshapen, not perfect circles, but they still did their job amazingly. I was instantly locked to the bright changing colours, my drunken mind was no challenge for Ruby’s magic and I rapidly slipped away, approaching surrender. Ruby might have been trying to bob her head in circles as we started out of habit, forcing me to follow, but she quickly stopped, a fact of which I was happy because moving my head made me dizzy and slightly queasy. My eyes remained locked with Ruby’s as she made them move faster and with more colours, they also appeared to be glowing. Suddenly, as if I needed more to push me to submission, the pleasure venom repeated its warmth spreading to my head down to my body, I groaned and when the sound faded my head was completely empty of thought, it was just a deep pool of colours with no end.

Ruby smiled as her eyes returned slowly to normal, and she reached down under her tail to stroke my penis a single time. A long sigh escaped me as she played with my sensitive parts and Ruby giggled her tail flexing in response. Ruby rolled the part of her tail closest to her pony half around so the belly scales lay on one side of my penis, then her whole body buried the stiff member within a single coil. Ruby’s eyes began to pulse and I immediately stopped looking at Ruby’s tail and locked eyes, sighing contently.

“Let’s start simple, cum for me Bolt, right into my tail.”

As the order began the warmth in my neck, for the third time, spread but now it entirely consumed my head, making it almost boil as a pleasure tide washed over me. I flopped onto the covers, my mouth hanging open and drooling as I felt my penis shooting around in its scaly tomb.

The hypnosis induced pleasure subsided and Ruby pulled her tail away wiping the semen off her tail, she rolled back on top angling her tail as I began to pant. I reached up without any orders, as if part of my mind knew what it still wanted to do, and pushed on the scales around the top of Ruby’s tail. I grinned, my mind still vacant of any thought but bliss and my need for more of it and my want to share it with Ruby. Ruby raised a suspicious eyebrow then gasped as my hoof connected to her vagina.

“Oh… You’re so much better being forward and willing.” Ruby panted her own hoof joining mine to rub her off.

Ruby began to rock her body against the two hooves before staring down at me, her mouth closing into her snaky grin.

“Let’s start.” She said slapping my hoof away and dropping onto my penis, which was immediately swallowed by Ruby’s vagina.

If I had to compare this to the first time Ruby and I had sex, I’d say that, the first time, Ruby had simply been an amateur awkwardly and gently testing the waters. Now it was like she had gone to, grand master who lives on another planet in an alternate universe to protect all of creation because they’re too powerful level! I tilted my head back almost howling as Ruby expertly rocked up and down my penis, she’d immediately started the clenching, like last time, but now it moved up my penis like a spring, so some bits got less whilst others more, and for some reason this was even better. I was rapidly reaching climax faster than ever before, I imagine I might have blamed the hypnosis and Ruby’s sexual venom but I didn’t care. As I peaked I cried out clutching Ruby’s sides and cumming, less than in Ruby’s tail, and Ruby continued to pump me even as I came.

“Mistress.” I groaned as my eyes rolled up into my head.

“Cum! I order you to cum.” I shouted out colourful words as I was forced to orgasm within seconds of the last finishing.

Drool ran down the sides of my mouth and Ruby tilted her head up groaning, continuing to bounce up and down on my penis, then she looked down, her eyes pools of hypnotic colours.

“You can feel me taking hold of you sexually. I’m leaking into every part of your mind, possessing it, I own you. I slip into every little cranny within your brain, you can’t think of anything else but me and the pleasure, and the longer it goes on the more your desire it, the more you like it and the better it feels. Submit to me, Bolt, pledge yourself as my toy!” I nodded furious as my head rolled around on the pillow, my whole body wrapped in forced pleasure, my rear legs kicking wildly.

“Yes-yes I submit mistress, now please…” Ruby smiled as she continued to rock on me then her whole body clenched down on me momentarily, then it relaxed and Ruby sighed. Her vagina stopped pumping as she sat still, I felt a different liquid to my semen join the puddle of love juices.

Ruby sighed, taking the time to let her breathing steady. She lightly tapped my forehead.

“Wake up Bolt.” I closed my eyes as drunken thoughts returned to me and Ruby slipped off my penis .

“We’re done?” I asked with a hint of disappointment.

“Absolutely not,” Ruby said as she lay down, pushing me up into a sitting position beside her “Just thought you could lead for a bit now, pleasure me more instead. I am your toy now.” Ruby lay her hooves out spread eagle style on the bed and smiled up at me and the effect was so sexy is should be illegal.

I didn’t hesitate. I wiped away the majority of the mess around Ruby’s vagina and leaned down grinning up at her. Normally I’d have been a little put off by the fact I’d just orgasmed in her vagina, but I was drunk and high on pleasure, so I didn’t care. I placed my hooves either side of Ruby’s vagina, gently pushing on the soft flesh, and was rewarded by an odd grunt from Ruby and some obvious clenching of her tail. I pulled both my hooves away and stretched Ruby’s vagina out and she let out a long sigh, then I ran my tongue along the pink flesh and she made a sort of hiss cry. I continued to stretch out the walls of Ruby’s vagina as I slowly licked occasionally, stretching circles, much to her enjoyment judging from the louder moans. For a second I wondered how I could make her feel better then grinned, time to use an unconventional tool.

I stood up from the bed and Ruby panted glancing over.

“Bolt, where are you going?” She whispered clearly afraid she’d somehow scared me off.

“Don’t go anywhere and close your eyes, you’ll love this.” I said with an evil grin and Ruby blushed but relaxed into a smile.

I walked into the kitchen and briefly glanced around before finding what I was after. I immediately returned to Ruby and checked she had her eyes closed. Climbing onto the bed I grabbed a couple of Ruby’s coils and draped them around my body, a thick coil moved on its own (or by Ruby I should say) to my thigh as if teasing me. I chuckled then poked Ruby’s vagina with what I’d grabbed. The steel wasn’t very thick but it could be useful in that way, Ruby gasped in surprise at the cold metal and looked down squeaking, an ironic noise.

“Bolt what are you- SWEET GODS ABOVE!” Ruby flopped back as I forced the steel down to the handle and stretched Ruby’s vagina in a way no penis could. Ruby’s mouth hung open, not unhinged thankfully, as she drooled happily as I teased her with a tool for sharpening knives.

I climbed further up Ruby, her tail dragging across the bed as it clung to me for warmth. I turned my hoof so I could keep pumping the steel for Ruby’s enjoyment. I stared down at Ruby, grinning, as she managed to crack one eye open.

“Y-you’re one dirty-ah-one dirty stallion. I love you.” She groaned reaching up pleadingly with one hoof and I allowed her to pull me down for a sweet kiss. Ruby grunted then pulled back.

“F-faster! Faster, please!” I could tell by her voice what she wanted so I put all the force and speed into moving the steel as I could and wasn’t disappointed as Ruby let out a long, low moan, her juices spraying up the metal.

“That was nice.” Ruby whispered.

“Glad you enjoyed it.” I said pulling the rod up. Ruby smirked at me and leaned up, wrapping her tongue around the steel, her forked tongue rubbing the top slightly suggestively.

“Get your face in my crotch!” Ruby ordered and I smirked slightly at her dirty talk, tossing the steel aside, I obeyed.

By now the venom had faded but I didn’t notice, it’d just make it better next time as well. I positioned myself so I lay across Ruby’s pony stomach with my rear legs above her and along the pillows, whilst I had my face propped up near Ruby’s vagina, I could imagine her grin because she was gently blowing air on my member.

“Ready to lick?” Ruby whispered, a challenge.

“This is so unfair.” I mumbled and Ruby levitated over the steel.

“There, still not fair but bit better.” And she was right.

We started simultaneously. Ruby pulled down and opened her mouth so my penis was forced inside, her tongue immediately wrapped me up, starting with the tip and working up to the base. Ruby ran her mouth up and down my penis, coaxing it to cum for her. I, on the other hoof, forced my face down into Ruby’s vagina attempting to force my nose it and burying the steel instantly to assist me. My mouth, deep within the fleshing folds of Ruby’s vagina, caused my moans to came out muffled and possibly helped pleasure Ruby, if her own moans had that effect on me it was likely vice versa. For a minute there was only the soft suckling sound as we pleasured each other regular punctured by moans, groans and the occasional cry as a spike hit us. Then I felt myself getting close to the edge and my breathing became more sporadic, Ruby, sensing victory, began to speed up once more. I gave in to the flood of pleasure and allowed myself to orgasm, I had the oddly pleasurable sensation of Ruby sucking on my penis like a straw as I gently ran the steel up and down, though my orgasm seemed to have pushed Ruby over because I received a mouthful of her juice as well.

Ruby was the one who peeled us away from each other. Sweaty, clammy, tired, drunk and thoroughly spent we were finished. Ruby didn’t even lift me up off the bed, she simply dragged me around to become her pillow for the night, her hoof trailing over my neck lazily, too tired for last minute hypnosis.

“That was the best night ever Bolt… Thank you for doing that, I hope it becomes your only dream.” Ruby said managing a sleepy smile.

“It already feels like a dream.” I managed, panting heavily.

“Hay… Do you want to try one last thing?” Ruby whispered I raised an eyebrow, too tired for words “I wanted to see if I could do a trigger word, might use it for pleasure next time that okay?” I nodded slightly wondering if I could even stay awake long enough to be hypnotised.

Ruby’s eyes lit up lazily, slow moving, but in my weakened state it was enough even for a heavy trance.

“When I say ‘relaxation awaits’ you will fall into a hypnosis induced sleep where you will dream of nothing but me toying with you in my tail, understand?” Ruby whispered slowly, I managed a single stiff nod and Ruby’s eyes returned, the colours retreating. I blinked myself back into control.

“Sweet dreams Bolt.” Ruby said with a grin.

“I imagine they will be.” I whispered.

“Yes, relaxation awaits.” And with that my eyes closed and I flopped against a pillow of Ruby’s coils, and I felt it flex one last time before sleep took me.

Ponyville

The sudden chill of cold water broke through my slightly trance like state. I appeared to have started my mourning routine without much thought but the shower water not heating up had woken me up. I cried out in angry surprise then sighed as the water heated up, allowing the warmth to seep into my tired bones. The previous night had certainly been… Exciting, to say the least. Ruby had woken up first and had already sat down, holding her head against the hangover, the bad side to drinking. But she said she’d still drink for the pros over the single con, the statement had made me chuckle. As my mane stuck to my head I closed my eyes, willing my pounding head to relax. My mind began to wander and I found myself, not for the first time, debating on plans for me and Ruby to do. Though a dark little devil had begun to manifest and he regularly reminded me Ruby would have to be accepted for my ideas to work out.

“The ponies will hunt her down.” The demon whispered.

“Oakbark accepted her.” I whispered.

“Oakbark is used to foreign visitors; griffons, zebras even the occasional sophisticated dragon has stayed, and even the Princess said you need the potion. To hide the true form that would never truly be accepted.”

“She IS accepted!” I muttered a little louder to myself.

“By everypony? I doubt it. Look at your father for a start.”

“She’s accepted by those who need to accept her. Myself!” I hissed, attempting to keep my low voice down, aware I probably sounded quite mad if anypony were to enter now.

“Then what of Ruby’s hometown? Slavery isn’t easily relinquished.” I paused as I thought about that argument.

“Sunny will see that any lamias against it will accept. The majority will vote for it, they are like ponies, a lot more than normal ponies may see, they were just lonely.”

“Indeed, and if they become afraid it may return? That they will be abandoned again?”

“…Then I’ll make sure to keep them company when they need it.”

“Ruby will like that.”

“Yeah…” The devil seemed to retreat as I heard a soft knocking on the door.

Draping a towel over my head like a hood, I walked to the door, expecting Ruby finding my mum waiting.

“Mum!?” I cried pulling the towel down.

“Oh for Celestia’s sake Bolt I’m your mum, plus you’re normally naked all the time. And I know you were expecting Ruby and you didn’t seem to care if she saw you like this.” My mum gave me a sideways smirk and I flushed.

“You’re making this awkward.” I muttered.

“That’s a parent’s job Bolt.” She said giggling. I nodded, fair point “I decided to drop by and see you off since you were planning to leave early right? Your dad wanted me to tell you goodbye since he had to leave for work already and you were asleep when he was around.” And Ruby was present, but he wouldn’t say that.

My mum stepped closer and, despite me being dripping wet, wrapped me in a hug.

“I hope the trip goes well for both of you, and make sure you come back soon, okay?” I looked at my mum, strong was an understatement for her. Then again mother’s always put up with a lot for their kids. I nodded.

“Sure, soon as I can.” I said with a slight smile which my mum returned.

Then she broke the hug, shook herself slightly to remove most of the water that had spread from me to her, and slowly left the wagon. Ruby stood up from the table and slid over to me wrapping the towel around my neck to hug me without fear of getting wet.

Once I was dry Ruby and I prepared to set out of Oakbark. This mostly just involved eating breakfast and splashing Ruby with icy water to wake her from her hangover, but hay, you came to learn how a lamia interacts with pony society so there you go. We throw water at them. Anyway, once we were ready I once again strapped myself into the wagon harness. Leaving Oakbark again so soon felt… Strange. It had hurt last time yes but now… It didn’t. I glanced at Ruby as the town began to hide behind the hill we were climbing, and she smiled reassuringly at me and I nodded slightly in thanks, for her comforting presence. I think that was when I finally realised for real. I was completely at peace with her company… And now slightly craved it. Oh no…

I’ll skip ahead a little for your sake, the travelling had little of note, we passed several small clumps of houses but the ponies there mostly just freaked out or gawked at Ruby, a few approached us, apparently they’d heard about the article from Oakbark and it was nice to have a bit of company on the road, but Ruby and I spent most nights just cuddling… Though my brain continued to linger on the developing fear of how other major towns and cities would accept Ruby. I had a few nights where I had to wake Ruby to help me sleep with hypnosis, I dunno if that was bad or selfish but I needed to think about Ponyville not other places, and that Celestia be damned Devil wasn’t helping, muttering doubts I was already thinking more twisted than before.

After about a week of traveling Ruby and I led the wagon over a high hill, and we got our first glimpse of Ponyville. It was like one of those little towns on postcards, so cute and innocent, untouched by modern tech. It was quaint. Like Oakbark. It was clearly a developing town but, unlike Oakbark, was close to expanding… Judging from the fact that it had a FREAKING CASTLE! This is how I saw it: Cute apple orchards, small school, little cottages and houses, town hall, cloud factory and then giant crystal castle… Right then. That was certainly different to a developing town.

“That doesn’t look like it fits in very well.” Ruby mumbled looking at the exact same thing as me, open mouthed in awe.

“So, where do you reckon Princess Twilight is?” I asked sarcastically.

“Hmm, yes it does seem like an issue not knowing where she lives.” Ruby said returning my smile before shaking her head “Let’s just hope she’s hospitable.”

“I’m sure Luna gave her a heads up.” I mumbled.

After the initial fear from Oakbark I expected a similar, if not worse, response. Instead most of the citizens barely raised an eyebrow at Ruby’s presence.

“What we’re forgetting,” Ruby whispered as we began to cross a small market, which was like a small maze of various food stalls and little souvenir shops “Is that this town already has a lamia inhabitant, they should be used to him…” I could tell that referring to a lamia in the male term was strange for Ruby. I glanced around the stalls then slowed down.

“He looks like he’d blend in with the trees.” I noted. Ruby gasped and followed my gaze.

The lamia was a light, small sapling, brown with a green mane, it looked oddly cut, before, I imagine, it had looked worse since his transition to society (Don’t take that as me degrading lamias, I’m not, they just live a little rough!) he had a dark brown piece of cut bark as his cutie mark and his tail was brown with green scales. As he noticed us he had the matching eyes of Ruby, purple and slitted. The lamia blinked in surprise and turned to the stall worker he’d been talking to, a tan brown mare with a straw coloured mane in a ponytail, she looked like a farmer, which was emphasised by her straw stall. The lamia slowly slid through the crowd, which I noticed had adapted to stepping over his long tail, despite most not visibly glancing down. He reached our wagon and we grinded to a stop. The lamia stared from Ruby to myself for a minute.

“Em hello?” I tried, and he finally smiled.

It was a simple friendly smile, one of encouragement, to tell you the pony was listening.

“Hello, you’re an interesting pair to be travelling through here.” The lamia said.

“Speak for yourself.” Ruby said and the lamia chuckled softly as his tail slowly coiled around him like a many layered doughnut which he sat upon, still looking between us.

“How many times?” He suddenly asked.

“Pardon?” I asked though my face flushed, I knew what he was talking about.

“How many times have you two…?” He nodded oddly to the side with a grin.

“Twice.” Ruby said with a grin.

“Known each other a month?”

“How are you…?” I began but got cut off.

“I can smell her on you, it’s not that strong so a short time.” The lamia said.

“I smell?” Ruby asked and the lamia laughed.

“You know what I mean, considering we’re both lamias.”

Ruby fell silent then asked the same question we were both wondering.

“Where have the male lamias been hiding, lamias like you?” He shrugged.

“I don’t remember my parents, lived in the Everfree, till my… Uh good friend Lemon,” He winked at Ruby and a smile tugged at her lips “Gave me a place to stay.” He finished.

“Anyway, in all our rambling I forgot to ask your names, I’m Pine Woods.” He nodded his head to us.

“Boltblood Thundercloud and Ruby Scales.” I said.

“I take it you’re here to visit Twilight?” Pine asked.

“How are you guessing all this?” Ruby asked and Pine smirked.

“You get used to it with these ponies.” He said “I did the same thing with Lemon once, got a potion to look like a pony, rarely use it, only for trips… She traded me it for an experiment.” Pine’s smile was really snake like then.

“Right well, this is awkward.” I mumbled and Ruby chuckled along with Pine.

“Been a long time since a conversation had more lamias than ponies…Where are you from?” Ruby gave a brief idea of her home town to Pine and he frowned looking off at the way we’d come “Others like us, huh…” I could understand his pain. He’d likely spent his life a loner without any of his kind to talk to… Must have hurt. I stepped forward and lightly patted his shoulder and he blinked back to reality.

“…You really are brave… Even after I’ve been here a while most ponies are a little nervous around the main pony part… The part that bites.” He said showing off his fangs.

“Don’t even think about it.” Ruby hissed.

“Please, I have my own mares that I fancy, don’t get your tail in a knot… Been a while since I said that.” Pine nodded once more politely to us “Well I’ll likely see you around, I won’t hinder you on your visit to Twilight, don’t bother knocking she rarely hears the sound from her lab.” Pine said turning and sliding towards another stall, where I watched him sneak several spirals at a blond mare with a light blue mane and the two disappeared down an alley.

I turned to Ruby and we silently continued towards the large crystal castle. It looked like a tree in shape, with three separate towers and a balcony supported by large crystallised branches and a large gem depicting what looked like a cutie mark as the top, like the top of a pine tree. As we reached the golden doors Ruby tapped her hoof heavily against the door several times. Not so much as a sound. After a minute we decided to take Pine’s advice and let ourselves inside. It was oddly bare the main entrance, with little more than several banners leading down the halls, the place didn’t seem neglected but it looked like an unfurnished house… Or castle.

“Little creepy.” Ruby mumbled.

“Hello?” My voice echoed and returned to say the same word to me twice “Princess Twilight, Princess Luna said you were expecting us?” It was like setting of a fire cracker that was purple.

There was a bright flash and when my eyes cleared there was a light purple almost pink alicorn mare, with a dark blue mane, with a pink and purple highlight, standing before us. Her cutie mark was a pink star with several white ones around it and she had purple eyes, similar to Ruby’s but without the slits. Immediately upon sight of us she gasped, and then began to rant at a speed I imagine would make most ponies pass out.

“Oh my gosh! Princess Luna sent me a letter just over a week ago, you’re Boltblood Thundercloud, and you’re Ruby Scales right? I’m Twilight Sparkle. I was expecting you any day, but you’re late. Then again she did mention you might be heading to your home town, for a short visit, I imagine it must have taken a while to get here then, oh but this is amazing! Another lamia and a female I wonder if there are any differences or are you the same as Pine?” Twilight finally paused long enough to blush and look away from us “I’ve already run some tests with him but I’d be fascinated to-” I pressed a hoof to Twilight’s mouth.

“Hold it Princess or you’ll pop a gasket! Slow down, we can barely understand you,” I added in a lower voice “And you’re kinda freaking Ruby out.” Sure enough Ruby had backed up with one hoof up defensively at the ranting mare.

“Oh, I’m sorry I’m just excited, another lamia. Princess Luna told me about the town in the letter, do you know where it is?” Twilight asked with a wide smile.

“I live at the town in question, if I’m on the same page, which I hope I am, but I think Equestria might notice if one of its Princesses leaves.” Ruby said softly.

“Yes I suppose so, shame… Ah well, hopefully more will visit and there’s always Pine he won’t be leaving Lemon anytime soon thankfully. Anyway, Luna said you’d need my help what can I do?”

“We need some way for Ruby to appear like a pony please.” Twilight looked slightly upset.

“Why, she’s perfect the way she is, there’s nothing wrong with her. I can understand the snake part, I used to be a little scared of snakes until Pine helped me (Another blush) but that doesn’t mean she should hide herself as a pony.” I smiled slightly.

“And I agree whole heartedly. I prefer her this way as well, however not all of Equestria may share our mind set and I don’t want her to be harmed… I’d like her to see Canterlot without fear of being hunted by an angry mob.” I said.

“That’s a bit much don’t you think?” Twilight asked and I raised an eyebrow “Eh, you make a fair point. Ponies DO generally need a little time to adjust and a new race… Very well I will need a little sample of her own scales and then I will work on a potion. Follow me and I’ll cut a few off.”.

“C-cut a few off?” Ruby asked.

“It’ll be fine, Pine’s still here isn’t he?” Twilight said.

“I’m here for you.” I whispered so Twilight couldn’t hear and Ruby smiled thankfully at me.

We followed slowly behind Twilight, through corridors, up a set of stairs, various turns.

“How can you find your way around here?” I asked Ruby nodded in agreement.

“How does a blind pony learn to walk safely in their own home, they learn where everything is. I haven’t been here long but I think I’ve… Oh um…” Twilight stopped talking closing the door quickly.

“Wrong room?” Ruby asked with a grin.

“…Yes.” Ruby’s and my laughs echoed around the vast corridors and Twilight smiled sheepishly.

“Here we are.” Twilight said (Door seven).

You know, walking into the castle, I had expected some high noble pony who looked down on us and had a collection of fancy useless heirlooms… I didn’t expect a science lab. The room had clearly been retiled recently, a large number of various potions and chemicals puffed, dripping slowly and several potions lined shelves on the walls. A large desk, with a second one pushed next to it to form a kind of L shape, was covered in various papers, notes and odd chemical compound words (Look, stuff I don’t understand mostly and thinking about it hurts my mind, okay, I’m a chef not a scientist) I glanced at the various images and noticed a diagram of a lamia sketch, with various internal organs labelled with arrows. A second thing that caught my eye was a picture stabled to some notes, it was a picture of Pine, grinning as his eyes pulsed. The picture had been taken sideways slightly, presumably as Twilight’s mind had succumb to the stimulus.

Twilight walked over to one of the smaller sets of lab equipment and clicked off a large bellied vial. Next she levitated up a small scalpel and turned to Ruby, who paled at the tiny little knife.

“Really?” I whispered “You were stabbed by a spear.” Ruby looked at me and I folded my ears against my head in guilt, her face wasn’t reassured.

I sat down and pulled her down with me into a hug, gently stroking the top of her tail reassuring. Twilight looked at us both and I heard her mumble.

“Interesting, he’s completely fearless, despite her tail… And she’s clearly comfortable in his embrace, seeking it out like shelter when afraid…”

“Excuse me, Princess, sometime today please.” I said.

“Oh, right, sorry… It’s just,” Twilight lay down and a small patch of magic moved over Ruby’s tail, before a small wipe was levitated over, brushing gently against several scales “I’ve only ever had Pine as a lamia test subject. And I’ve only ever met him alone (She blushed at this) I’ve never really seen how a normal pony and a lamia interact naturally, so your relationship is really rather interesting.” Twilight said all this whilst her work continued on its own. She hardly even looked at it, only glancing down occasionally to make sure it was continuing as planned.

“Our relationship?” Ruby whispered, her voice muffled from my fur as she buried her face in my chest.

“Yes, that’s a question I need to ask. What exactly IS your relationship? Good friends at the least I’d say, or more? A couple- oh are you married?” All of Twilight’s tools, which twinkled a little menacingly in the light, hovered in their work as she looked at us “What’s a lamia wedding like, is it similar to pony wedding or…?” I held up a hoof.

“Matter at hoof please? And no, we aren’t married, though we are a couple.” I said Twilight, a little begrudgingly, returned to her work.

“Have you two… Done… Erm… That?” He face was deeply flushed “I’m going to cut a few scales off now, Ruby, ready?” Ruby nodded into my chest, which confused Twilight so I nodded for her.

I felt Ruby tense as the scales were severed from her tail, Twilight angling the scalpel against the way they moved down her body to make the cut, but Ruby relaxed quickly and Twilight pressed a small square of tissue to the cut and taped it down (It was the white top scales in case you were wondering) Twilight then turned and dropped the scales into the vial and returned it to the chemistry set, heating up certain vials with Bunsen burners and cooling others with magic. Ruby finally released her grip on me and turned to Twilight.

“Is that it, no more cutting?” She asked.

“That is all I need, thank you Ruby, Pine was lot more aggressive about it… Anyway my question from before.” Ruby smiled widely at my blushing face.

“Twice, is the answer.”

“Is it any different between a female lamia and a stallion?”

“Besides the obvious?” I opened and closed my mouth as the two mares continued to talk about this really personal stuff.

“Can you describe what it was like?” Twilight asked. Okay that was the limit.

I placed my hoof on Ruby’s mouth to silence her then turned to Twilight.

“I have a question Miss Twilight, if I were to ask you to describe your time with Pine, would you?” Twilight’s face flushed deeply, then she shook her head “So don’t expect us to say anything… I intent to go to the grave with that.” I turned to Ruby about to tell her to keep her mouth shut but she was staring at me, blushing. She slowly reached up and lowered my hoof.

“Do you mean that? Take it to your grave?” She asked my face began to feel oddly warm, but I nodded and received a hug in return.

“Aw, that’s so sweet… Huh, she’s using her tail to hug your more, just like Pine.” Twilight mumbled. Sure enough Ruby’s tail was curling around my body, gently squeezing me.

When Ruby finally broke the hug, smiling widely, I turned to Twilight.

“So how long until this potion will be ready?” Twilight tapped her chin.

“I can’t say really, I’ve only ever made some for Pine, and they’ve varied between one day and seven, I’ll only be able to assume it’ll be similar. I’ll let you know when it’s done either way.” She said finally.

“Alright then, Ruby and I are going to have a look around Ponyville then, that okay?” I don’t know why I was asking permission, maybe if she needed something else for the potion.

“That’s fine… If I might suggest, try taking her to Carousel Boutique, it’s a shop owned by my friend Rarity and she’s been dying to make some clothes for a lamia, but Pine has flat out refused, would you mind taking Ruby instead?” I glanced at Ruby and I could see in her eyes that the idea of her own dress was amazing to her.

“You wanna go?” She nodded enthusiastically “Well, let’s go. Thanks Twilight.” I said waving a hoof.

“Do you need me to lead you to the door?”

“No, maybe just teleport us out, save us all the trouble.” Twilight chuckled softly nodding in agreement and her horn glowed, wrapping both Ruby and I in her pinkish coloured aura. A flash of light and we were outside the castle.

“That, is very convenient for travel… I wanna learn to do that!” Ruby said as she glanced back at the castle.

“We’ll ask her for a book of spells after she’s finished the potion, that sound good?” Ruby nodded and we set off to look for Carousel Boutique, leaving my wagon parked outside the castle, hopefully Twilight wouldn’t mind.

Carousel Boutique was, strangely, the second building that didn’t fit in with this small town’s quaintness. We checked the shop district and it was pretty easy to guess that the small tower like building with the pony mannequins outside it was the right shop. I glanced at Ruby, about to ask if she really wanted to do this, only to find she’d already approached one of the mannequins, wearing a bright green dress, with various butterflies on it.

“Nature-y.” I mumbled walking past Ruby.

She glanced up and followed me to the door, well it was a shop so I simply pushed it open. A soft chime above the door told me it had a bell set in to alert the owner.

“Wow… Very… Pink.” Ruby said.

No kidding. The room appeared to be divided by several curtains, all various shades of pink, ever the walls were a deep shade of purple. I could see a set of stairs leading upstairs and out of sight, likely to where the owner stayed. One side of the shop had three mirrors pointing at a platform. The opposite side was made up for dress making, with various dresses, and a few suits for stallions, premade.

“One moment darling, I’ll be down in a minute.” The voice was oddly posh and polite, very high class, but I could detect a hint of strain.

I heard another voice, a much younger one, as both appeared to be heading down the stairs, I could tell they were arguing about something, from the tone of their voices.

“…No I’m sorry Sweetie Belle, but with Twilight’s new map and all the crazy adventures starting up again I’m afraid I don’t have time to keep an eye on you, or Applebloom and Scootaloo. I have a business to run, dresses to make for important clients and it must be done. Why don’t you ask Applejack if you can stay with her?” The older voice said, I’d hazard a guess that was Rarity.

“But sis, she said the same thing!” Sweetie Belle moaned.

“Then you should understand I’m in the same boat, she has a farm to run and I my shop. I’m sorry but this is final, now I must go greet our guests, I’ve left them waiting long enough.”

I heard soft steps on the stairs then a more rapid rush, presumably as Sweetie followed to take advantage of Rarity’s soon to be high stress levels of working. Kids, they should be made into strategic leaders, they certainly know how to get things done to their preference.

Ruby, hearing the soft of hooves on the stairs, much closer, looked up from behind the line of dresses she was looking at.

“Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where everything is sheek, unique and manifique. I am Rarity a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Rarity said with a polite bow of her head.

“Wow, fancy. I’m Ruby Scales and this is Boltblood Thundercloud.” Ruby said with a smile, Rarity chuckled softly.

“Thank you darling, now what can I do for you?”

“A dress, mind my cheek but, I assume that’s what you make here.” I said, another chuckle.

“Indeed, I take pride in saying I make the best dresses in Ponyville, even if they rarely wear them, sadly. So what can I get you, something premade that catches your eye?”

“Em, well see, I doubt any pony clothes will do for Ruby…” I said slowly.

“Whatever do you mean?” Two things happened at once.

Ruby decided that was her cue to come out from behind the shelter of her dresses and Sweetie Belle, sensing that a complicated dress would make her older sister more stressed, rushed forward to pounce. Rarity heard her sister and turned around to defend, not seeing Ruby… Sweetie did.

“Now Sweetie,” Rarity’s voice was sweet, but with a hint of impatient “What did we just talk about?”

“S-s-snakepony.” Sweetie Belle croaked. Rarity blinked.

“Pardon? Snakepony? We didn’t talk about any snakepony, are you talking about Pine?” Sweetie Belle shook her head and pointed at Ruby.

Rarity turned back to us with a sceptical look, which changed to wide eye surprise (Try saying that five times fast) Ruby folded her hooves over her tail and looked down embarrassingly.

“I’m sorry, Twilight suggested we visit because you wanted to make some clothes for lamias and I was hoping… I’m sorry if I scared you.” Rarity didn’t speak. She slowly walked up to Ruby and poked her belly scales.

“It’s real! You’re an actual lamia, wanting a dress from MY store!” There was a twinkle in Rarity’s eyes. It was actually scary “Oh you wouldn’t believe how amazing this is! Scare me? Why, I’m just amazed, I thought Pine was the only lamia around and he’s never going to dress up, he’s too wild for that… or as Applejack would say ‘He don’t see the point in looking fancy if it doesn’t help him survive.” Rarity did an odd, funny, cowpony voice and Ruby chuckled softly.

Rarity suddenly looked like she couldn’t think of much else. Jumping behind Ruby fearlessly, Rarity began pushing Ruby towards the stage with the mirrors.

“This is going to be an amazing learning experience! I’ve been wondering since I met Pine what could work with tail scales and-oh I can’t wait.” Ruby was pushed onto the stand and suddenly there was a wave of measuring tools flying like missiles across the room to the two mares.

Sweetie Belle slowly walked around to the stage, gawking at Ruby.

“You’re a lamia? I’ve never met Pine but almost everypony in town talks about him, is it true you could crush Applejack’s barn with your tail?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Well, I could try, I doubt I’d crush it, more likely I’d make it collapse, though why would I do that if it belongs to somepony?” Rarity held Ruby’s hooves out and continued to take measurements neither Ruby nor I understood the reason for.

“Applebloom says you can eat ponies whole… Can you eat my sister until she lets my friends stay?” I burst out laughing and Ruby chuckled softly.

“I think you’d miss your sister and she’d be unlikely to change her mind, more likely it’d set it in concrete not to let your friends stay.” Ruby said.

“So you can eat ponies?”

“Well… Yes I can, but I don’t digest them, I kind of just hold them in my stomach if I do, I’ve done that with Bolt it’s kind of a… Er relationship thing.” Ruby blushed.

“You two are a couple?” Rarity asked, finally speaking as she moved away to collect some material “Now what colour do you want?”

“Yes we’re a couple and… Um what would you recommend? I’ve never really had a proper choice before.”

“That’s so cute, now let me see…”

Rarity dug through several colours and returned with a deep orange red, like a sunset.

“I think this will suit your mane, and I’ll have it flow over some of your tail and maybe fit a ruby in the neck piece, like your name. How does that sound?” Ruby smiled.

“That’d be great Rarity, thanks.” Ruby said.

“And of course I can make a lovely tuxedo for Bolt, maybe in a nice shade of dark red… But still close to black keeping with the fancy spy style.”

“Wait, we only came-AH!” The screaming was due to Rarity picking me up with magic and setting me on the stage “Rarity, really it’s fine, I don’t- Ruby let go.” “Ruby simply smiled as her tail pinned my hooves down and pushed on my back to keep me in place. I let my eyes become lidded, like a pony who was bored, and simply let the mare work.

“Thank you Ruby.” Rarity said with a smirk.

“No problem, it’s funny to see him so uncomfortable.”

“You’re going to pay for this.” I grumbled.

When Rarity FINALLY decided she was done measuring she told us to return that night to collect them.

“A day, don’t you need longer?” I asked she waved a hoof.

“No the sooner I have it done the better, this is very important, I want to make sure I get a good line of lamia clothing, some ponies will simply buy it because it’s so exotic, even if it doesn’t fit them properly.” Rarity said excitedly “Now shoo, I have to work.” I chuckled softly at Ruby and followed her out, Sweetie Belle being tossed out alongside us.

“Oh come on!” She cried but Rarity didn’t reply. Sweetie Belle groaned then turned to Ruby.

“Hay do you want to meet my friends, Applebloom and Scootaloo? They’ll be so amazed I met a lamia.” Why are kids so adorable when they want to be, so you can’t resist their demands? It sucks so much.

So now Ruby and I found ourselves walk-er, traveling along a dirt road up towards a small farm, large apple trees leaned in from either side. Standing tall and baring signs of developing fruit above us.

“What’s that?” Ruby asked.

“Oh that’s my friend Applebloom’s home, Sweet Apple Acres, she lives there with her sister Applejack, her brother Macintosh, or big Mac as they like to call him, and her Granny Smith.” Sweetie Belle said.

“No I mean, what’s that?” I followed Ruby’s gaze and burst out laughing.

“What’s so funny?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“She’s asking what a chicken coop is.” I said between laughs and Sweetie Belly giggled along with me.

“Quit laughing I’m not from here, you know that, Bolt.” I held up a hoof.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” I wiped away the tears in my eyes “It’s like a little house for chickens to stay in and lay eggs which we collect.” I explained.

“Why didn’t you say so?”

“Because, for most ponies, it’s common knowledge.” Sweetie Belle said.

“Do I look like most ponies?” Ruby asked.

“Heh, fair point.” Sweetie said as she turned off the road onto a small little trail.

“Aren’t we going to the farm itself?” I asked.

“No we have our clubhouse back here, it’s where the three of us normally hang out so we’ll likely find them there.” Somehow the concept of three fillies ogling around Ruby didn’t seem like something I wanted to do or subject Ruby to.

Ruby however seemed quite happy, perhaps being accepted was good for her confidence… She hadn’t really made many friends in her old home as far as I could tell. So we followed Sweetie Belle along the small dirt path until we reached a large oak with a little house suspended in the middle of the trunk. It was a bright peachy colour with a light red roof. It was kinda cute with the small windows and little hearts over the door and windows.

“Welcome to the cutie mark crusaders clubhouse.” Sweetie Belle said in a proud, and slightly dramatic, voice.

“That’s so adorable!” Ruby said.

“Adorable? It’s a base of operations it’s...”

“Adorable.” Ruby and I said together and Sweetie Belle groaned.

“Why does everypony say it’s cute or adorable, even different species?” She asked and Ruby held a hoof to her mouth silently giggling.

As we reached the base of the plank up to the tree I began to hear soft voices.

“I reckon we should try the third option Sweetie suggested.” A slightly young ranch like voice said.

“We already did bowling, remember, Sweetie got nothing but gutter balls, still better than me I guess at least she kept hers on her aisle.” Another voice groaned.

“Aw shoot, so what are we supposed to do now, we out of ideas?”

“I have an idea girls!” Sweetie Belle called up to her friends. I heard the sound of a stampede, or two fillies running, you can never tell, and suddenly I could see the two friends of Sweetie Belle.

“Hay girls,” Sweetie Belle waved at her friends then turned to me “Bolt this is Applebloom and Scootaloo.” Applebloom was a bright blond Earth pony filly with a bright rose red mane and a massive pink bow on her head and orange-y red eyes. Her friend, Scootaloo, was looking at me with a raised eyebrow, her purple eyes sceptical. She was deep orange with a purple mane and oddly small wings even for a young pegasus. Noticeably they, Sweetie Belle included now I had a look, were all blank flanks.

“Sweetie, who’s this?” Scootaloo asked.

“Bolt and Ruby, my sister’s doing them some clothes and…”

“Wait… That stallion has two names?”

“No she is referring to the lamia currently climbing the roof of your clubhouse, she is Ruby.” I said and both girls turned around and, sure enough, Ruby was stretched out with her tail covering the clubhouse roof.

“Hello.” She whispered grinning.

There reactions were brilliant. They both screamed, their manes sticking up like wires and both bolted down the plank to the ground floor where Sweetie Belle and I struggled to breath from laughing. Ruby was also on her back giggling madly. Both fillies took cover behind me and looked at Sweetie Belle.

“Who is that?” Scootaloo asked, the paler of the two.

“L-like I said that’s Ruby, she’s a lamia like Pine, Rarity said they should visit Sweet Apple Acres, meet your sister Applebloom.” Applebloom glanced at Sweetie Belle then me.

“Is she dangerous?” She asked and I chuckled.

“Nah, your tamed as a dog ain’t ya, Ruby?” Ruby chuckled and barked like a dog, before climbing down onto the planks around the outside of the clubhouse and she lowered herself onto the grass, pulling her tail along with her.

Ruby approached the fillies and Scootaloo backed up.

“Come on Scoots don’t be a chicken.” Scootaloo’s fur bristled at the insult.

“I’m no chicken!” She said then gulped

“Good,” Ruby whispered “Because I eat chicken!” Ruby lashed forward slightly biting the air and Scootaloo was suddenly whizzing up another tree. This time, though, Applebloom laughed with us “Get down Scootaloo before you fall and I get in trouble.” Ruby said approaching the tree.

“N-no it’s okay I’ll get down in a minute, I’m just looking out for Rainbow Dash.” She said feebly then made a yipping sound as Ruby’s tail grabbed her around the waist and pulled her back down, holding her upside down.

“I caught me a wabbit.” Ruby said.

“Ha-ha put me down.”

“Alright.” Ruby’s tail loosened and Scootaloo fell flat on the floor with a soft thud and an ‘ow’ and much giggling from her friends.

“So,” Applebloom bravely approached Ruby who lowered herself down to her eye level, almost lying down “You’re a lamia then? Like Pine?” Ruby nodded.

“What gave it away, the eyes?” Ruby asked Applebloom smiled.

“Nice sarcasm Miss.” She said.

“Please call me Ruby, don’t make me feel old.” Ruby said.

“What is with mares and not wanting to be called miss?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“You’ll know when you’re older.” I said.

“That’s what ponies say about a lot of things to us.” Scootaloo groaned, a slight distance from Ruby.

“Experience is often the best teacher.” I said.

“Look at you being the wise old sensei.” Ruby teased.

“Oh shut up.”

“So you wanted to visit my sister?” Applebloom asked.

“That was the plan but your friend dragged us off course here.” I said.

“Why’d you do that Sweetie?” Scootaloo asked.

“Well, what if we could get our cutie marks from a foreign job, I bet lamias have a load of unique jobs ponies have never tried before.” Suddenly the fillies, even the nervous Scootaloo, looked exited.

“What exactly is your skill Ruby, you look like you’ve got a gem made of snake scales?” Applebloom said.

“I, um, I can bend metals into jewellery… Let’s see…” Ruby’s horn began to glow and something like a small red tinted flashlight beam bared down on the ground..

She turned her head slowly until she found something. A large chunk of rock sailed out the ground like a bullet and nearly whacked me on the head. Ruby smiled apologetically then focused on the chunk of rock.

I stood beside the curious fillies, I was interested myself. I’d never seen Ruby work before. It was quite impressive to watch. Her magic seemed to leak into the normal stone and it kind of chipped away like microscopic beavers at wood. I began to see something bright yellow, gold? The rock began to drip away like it was liquid until Ruby was left with an odd bubble of floating melted gold. There was quite a lot to be fair. The four of us watched as Ruby split the liquid in half and began to work them into a circular shape before moving the centre to the edges, making a pair of large bracelets. When they were circles I saw steam rise from them but still Ruby span the jewels in her magic before she was finished.

“Okay, done.” Ruby said sweat running down her head. It had clearly been an effort.

I plucked the jewels out of Ruby’s magic and it faded immediately, I hoofed them to the fillies and helped Ruby sit down.

“You okay?” I asked.

“Yeah I just… Don’t remember it being so difficult.” She said.

“You haven’t done it for a while, so you’re probably a little out of practise but I’m sure it looks great.” Ruby smiled faintly as I approached the fillies “Well?” I asked. Sweetie Belle was showing the one in her magic to Applebloom.

“This is amazing, look Bolt she made the shape of a snake curling around it and you can see it even though it’s all one colour.” Sweetie Belle said hovering it over to me. I took the jewel, finding that this one could fit on my hoof while the other looked a little smaller… She didn’t… I looked down at the jewel. Sure enough a tiny snake was visible along the bracelet, visible by shadowing and the slightly darker gold, its head was just behind its tail and if you turned it, it was like the snake was moving.

“That’s really amazing.” I whispered. I took the other off Scootaloo and walked back over to Ruby “What’s with the odd sizing?” I asked.

“One for me… One for you… If you want it.” Ruby whispered. I looked down at the small jewel and smiled, before slipping it snugly onto my right hoof and helping Ruby put her own on.

“Well that was fun you three, but I really think we should head for the farm now, Ruby looks like she’s going to pass out.” I said. The fillies groaned but became chipper when Applebloom said.

“We’ll escort you there, since you don’t know the way.” I was about to argue when Ruby whispered.

“Let them, I don’t mind.” I sighed and nodded and the three fillies cheered before trotting briskly back down the path. I had got a nice bit of matching jewellery out of this… And I think it would hold Ruby and I together more as a result.

Sweet Apple Acres was basically several large rolling fields of apple trees upon apple trees, before breaking away to a neighbouring carrot farm on one side, Ponyville on the other, a large overgrown forest on another and finally the road cut off the farms progress from the final side. The farm house itself was several small chicken coops in one corner of the fenced off building, a large barn that was locked, as far as I could tell, and a three story, bright red house. From this distance the only thing I could tell for sure was that somepony was sitting on a rocking chair on the porch, a bright green elderly Earth pony mare with a white mane in a bun and a pie of some sort as her cutie mark.

“That’s my granny Smith” Applebloom said running up towards the door. I glanced at Ruby, she looked a little nervous.

I suppose the concept of being accepted was everything to her, we’d met Rarity and Twilight and that had gone okay, but Twilight was expecting us on recommendation from Princess Luna and Rarity… Pretty sure she was more focused on her dresses to be afraid of anything about lamia’s differences. But farm ponies tended to be very traditional, this went double for Earth ponies… This could go badly.

“Granny, granny, up and at em, we got guests!” Applebloom said shacking her hooves.

“Huh wha? Is it zap apple season already?” She asked sleepily opening orange eyes, a lighter shade than her granddaughter’s. Then she glanced at Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, myself… and Ruby.

“AAAHHHH! RATTLER RUN FOR THE HILLS!” She cried jumping from her chair and trying to escape… In, apparently, Michael Hay style slow motion. It might have been funny if it didn’t scare Ruby.

“I’m not a rattle snake, I’m a constrictor… Mostly.” Ruby mumbled the last word to herself. Miss Smith looked back at her a second time, then up her snake body joining to her pony half.

“Sweet Celestia what in Equestria is that thing?”

“That thing has feelings and can hear you!” I said approaching.

“I don’t like your tone sonny.” She growled.

“I don’t like you insulting my fillyfriend.” I might have blushed, along with the three fillies and Ruby, but I didn’t break eye contact.

“…You trust her?” Miss Smith finally asked after eyeing me for several minutes.

“With my life.” I said with no hesitation.

“Well… You’re either a fool or a really good pony,” She shook her head and smiled faintly “And I know love so it’s probably a fool, but a kind hearted fool at that.” Was I being insulted or complimented? I couldn’t tell.

Miss Smith walked up to Ruby and eyed her wearily.

“Well… I don’t really have any like for snakes… Cold and tricky things, but your coltfriend (She definitely grinned!) seems to trust you so I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt.” Suddenly she was the most terrifying mare I’d ever seen, with a scowl to rival a demon “If you know what’s good for you, you won’t prove me wrong.” Ruby nodded nervously and suddenly miss Smith was cheery again.

“Well I imagine you’re here to visit my daughter Applejack, if I had to guess her friend Twilight sent you, weird stuff has a tendency to walk out of her home.” Miss Smith walked over to the door and pushed it open “Applejack get down here, we have a pair of guests visiting.”

I heard soft steps on wooden flooring then a voice.

“What is it Granny, I was about to head out and help Rainbow Dash with one of her stunts, what’s the problem?” Applebloom whizzed into the door “Oh hay there Applebloom, who’s the guest?”

“It’s a lamia, like Pine in town, but it’s a mare this time and she can bend metal! It’s so cool and,” I heard Applebloom giggle “She’s got her coltfriend with her.” She chimed.

I glanced at Miss Smith and she was smirking as she returned to her chair. Applejack appeared in the doorway. She was a deep orange mare, an Earth pony like the rest of her family that I’d seen thus far, she had a blond mane and tail both tied up with a red band near the end, her green eyes were shielded from the sun by a large brown hat and her cutie mark was three bright red apples.

She took one glance at us, Ruby and I, then blinked.

“Hi.” Ruby said in an effort to be polite, waving a hoof. Applejack stepped slowly up to Ruby and eyed her up and down, a small frown on her face.

“Well, this is a surprise, are you a friend of Pine’s?” She asked.

“We just met him today.” Ruby said.

“Em, maybe we should try again.” I said softly and Applejack backed off a little so she could see us both, she looked… Uncertain on how to act around us “I’m Boltblood Thundercloud and this is Ruby Scales.” I said Ruby waved again.

“…You’re a cute couple.” It was like somepony shattered a pane of glass, the three fillies laughed and Applejack’s cold face broke into a warm smile, I sighed then blushed as the comment processed.

“Why does everypony say that?” I asked.

“Well at least it proves everyone in agreement we’re a good couple.” Ruby said happily. Applejack shook her head at our lovey dovey moment.

“So why you here, if I may ask?”

“Your friend Rarity is making Ruby and me some clothes, your little sister’s friend dragged us.” I said.

“You high and noble like the Canterlot ponies?” She asked I snorted, which seemed to please her.

“No I was mostly dragged onto the stage by those two.” I said nodding to Ruby.

“I’d… Just like a dress… To call my own.” Ruby whispered. Ouch, that hurt.

Applejack’s smile faded.

“Something wrong sugar cube? What did you mean, a dress to call your own, surely you had one? Even I have one and trust me that’s a small miracle in itself.” She said.

“I originate from the badlands, and, if the name wasn’t obvious enough, it’s not exactly paradise for anypony to grow up in, small comforts are non-existent so… I think I’d like a few from here.” Ruby whispered sadly.

“I’m sorry I upset you, I was just rambling, trying to be friendly, guess I’m nearly as bad as Twilight at this.”

“It’s okay, you had no way of knowing. Let’s change the subject though.” Applejack nodded in agreement.

“How’s about you come see Rainbow Dash make a fool of herself with her latest stunt, I find that has a tendency to cheer me up.” Applejack said smirking, Ruby smiled faintly.

“Yeah that’s sounds fun.”

“Hay, Rainbow Dash never makes a fool of herself, she’s too awesome for that! She simply experiments with new tricks in the most extreme way!” Scootaloo said defensively.

“Are those ‘extreme ways’ hitting the ground really hard?” I asked.

“She’ll show you just how cool she is! Let’s go!” Scootaloo cried leading the way.

“So who is Rainbow Dash?” Ruby asked.

“She’s an International racing star attempting to get into the Wonderbolts.” I explained.

“How did you know that?” Applejack asked.

“Racing is kind of our thing for pegasi, like hoofball is for Earth ponies.” I said.

“You race then?”

“A little, for fun I’ve never got higher than ninth, I generally attend to watch and make art on my cakes of the victor.” I said.

“Ah, so you’re a chef, respectable, at least you won’t be a hotshot like Rainbow Dash.” Applejack said.

“Would you be friends with her if she weren’t?” Ruby asked.

“You make a fine point Ruby.” She said.

Rainbow Dash was easy to find… Mainly due to her sticking out in green thanks to her blue fur and rainbow coloured tail and her cutie mark, which was next to her name on every race, which was a cloud with a rainbow lightning bolt. I assumed her mane was also rainbow coloured and she had her trademark challenging purple eyes… But I couldn’t see… Since her upper body was stuck in several branches.

“Rainbow what in Equestria are you doing?” Applejack called up, Scootaloo looked embarrassed.

“I’m sure some winds just caught her that weren’t forecast for today.” She said.

Rainbow Dash managed to wriggle her head out of the branches so she could see us.

“Oh hay AJ, um, a little help some winds caught me off guard and I took a little tumble.” Rainbow Dash explained, we all chuckled glancing at Scootaloo.

“Uh huh, sure Rainbow, you know what, you can hang there till you give me the honest truth.” Applejack said.

“AJ please!” Rainbow said putting her hooves together and giving her best puppy eyes. Applejack just stared at her with half lidded unimpressed eyes, so Rainbow turned to look at the others, noticing Scootaloo.

“Ugh, sorry you have to see an imperfect trick kid.”.

“It’s alright you just had unforeseen problems thrown in.” Scootaloo said Applejack rolled her eyes, along with Sweetie Belle and Applebloom. Then Rainbow saw me, and somehow not Ruby a couple feet beside me.

“Hay help a fellow pegasus out would you mate?”

“No, somehow seeing a famous racer like this is really entertaining.” I said grinning.

Finally Rainbow reached Ruby, she opened her mouth then he brain processed what she was seeing.

“There’s another Pine?” Rainbow asked lamely.

“I am certainly not another Pine! My name is Ruby Scales, don’t you forget it!” Ruby said in an amazing imitation of a hot-headed racer, Rainbow Dash frowned as the others chuckled at Ruby’s teasing.

“Would you just get me down?” She asked.

“Certainly.”

Ruby slid closer so she was under Rainbow and reached up with her tail and dragged her unceremoniously out, small branches and leaves catching in her fur and mane. Ruby tossed Rainbow up in the air so she spun once and caught her front hooves, lowering her to the ground.

“Thanks.” Rainbow grumbled once she was on the floor.

“Your welcome.” Ruby said.

“So Rainbow what were you screwing up-er I mean what new trick have you come up with?”

“You were right the first time.” I said chuckling along with Applejack, Rainbow growled and flicked her tail.

“As a matter of fact I was practising for the spearhead spring race in a month, that tree just got in the way, the race will be clear and through spearhead canyon far from any trees.”

“What about falling rocks? Maybe you ought to learn to dodge them.” Ruby said.

“I can dodge just fine thank you!”

“Yes the pony shape hole in that tree emphasis’s that fact.” Ruby countered.

“Alright, think I can’t dodge? I know Pine likes to wave around how fast a lamia is with their tails let’s see how you talk to me when I’ve dodge your tail two hundred times.” Oh this was going to be good.

Ruby grinned and Applejack shook her head whilst the three fillies sat down to watch. Applejack and I found a nice sloped patch of grass and lay back to watch the Pegasus, lamia and fillies.

“How long will it take Rainbow to accuse Ruby of magic?” I asked.

“About five minutes if I had to guess.” Applejack said I chuckled softly.

“This’ll be entertaining.” Applejack nodded, smirking, in agreement.

Author's Note

So, we make it to Ponyville and we're seeing ALL of the mane 6 and the CMC! I didn't realise till I reached RD that it was... Em... Pretty... Lengthy. So I've split in half, fans of Flutters and Pinks will have to wait till next time, sorry :3

Also; some might question why Granny Smith suddenly became friendly so fast, when you get that old your good at getting a feel for people... Or ponies in this case. Enjoy! :)

Oh and something is invading Bolt's mind, something called paranoia, this should be interesting.

Second Tier

It was after two and a half minutes, total time in the air, maybe about twenty minutes given the time it took Rainbow to get to the start after every failure. Rainbow simply had to fly over the tree she’d got stuck in while Ruby tried to catch her. After twelve failed dodges, one which involved Rainbow spinning around like a bottle top and one where she got stuck with only her head visible in a tunnel of coils, Rainbow hovered above the tree.

“Wait… give her a minute…” Applejack said grinning as we both sat up, Applejack holding up a hoof for silence.

“That was unfair!” Rainbow cried waving her hooves over her head in annoyance, her blue face slightly red in anger and repeated embarrassment, Scootaloo was receiving equal amounts of teasing from her friends. Ruby simply smirked, her head appearing at the top of the tree.

“How was it unfair? You told me to catch you anyway I could, and I did… Several times.” Ruby said grinning.

“You used magic, I couldn’t see your horn and there is no way you can catch a mobile pegasus otherwise!” Ruby promptly lashed her tail out and brought Rainbow right up to her own face, Rainbow hadn’t even finished gasping before it was over.

“No magic there.” Ruby whispered.

Ruby climbed down from the tree and slid over to Applejack and me, laying down next to me, laying Rainbow, still coiled, above our heads.

“Let go of me!” She cried.

“When you apologise and admit I caught you and that you’re slower than a lamia’s tail.”

“You cheated!”

“That didn’t sound like an apology to me.” Applejack was rolling on the grass laughing and I had my hooves over my face, my eyes blurred with tears.

Rainbow persisted in her denial and struggling until, finally, her stubborn brain processed she really wouldn’t be getting out of the tunnel of coils until Ruby let her go.

“…Fine! You caught me.” Rainbow grumbled softly.

“And?” Ruby chimed grinning.

“I hate you,” Rainbow sighed “I am slower than a lamia’s tail.” Ruby’s tail loosened and Rainbow shot off like a rock out of a sling. She didn’t turn around.

“She’s gone to sulk, sore loser.” Applejack muttered as Ruby slithered around to coil me up with the newly available coils.

Applejack stared at us as Ruby curled her tail around my chest, up to the base of my neck and up along it curling around my forehead and around one ear before hanging limply onto the grass.

“You really okay with her doing that?” Applejack asked and I nodded, the mare scoffed softly “I’ll never understand some ponies.” She mumbled.

“Perhaps it’s for the best.” Applejack nodded in agreement.

I gently pushed myself up into a sitting position after that, turning to Applejack I nodded in thanks.

“Well it was a pleasure to meet you Applejack, but we’re gonna head back to the castle now, my wagon’s parked outside and I doubt Twilight will like it staying there.” I said. Applejack nodded.

“Sure thing, pay a visit if you want to lend a hoof… Or if Ruby wants to play with Rainbow, that’s entertainment to me.” She said.

“Touché.” I muttered grinning as I helped Ruby up.

Ruby and I chose a small trail, a dense forest to one side of us, to return to Ponyville on. However part of the way back, Ruby began to slow down.

“I hear singing.” Ruby said and proceeded to turn and slide off the trail onto a dirt path.

“Ruby, hang on, we have no idea where we’re going! Ruby!” I had to trot to catch up with the lamia, who had stopped at a row of bushes, I could hear the singing too now.

It was soft and dragged out slightly, and occasionally stopped to be joined in by birdsong, it was actually rather nice. I followed Ruby’s gaze, I could see a small crystal reflective stream, crossed by a little bridge, a small trail, the one we had been following, until Ruby cut off to hide behind the bushes, led to a small house that looked like a small hollowed out hill, green grass and MANY birdhouses littered the roof and trees around the house. However the singing seemed to be coming from a bright yellow Pegasus mare, with a long pink mare, light blues eyes and three butterflies as a cutie mark, who was tending to several of the bird houses.

“There you go little wood pecker, now don’t beat at your house’s wood as much or I’ll have to fix it again.” The Pegasus said, a small bird tweeted then there was the sound of a beak knocking against wood, so much for listening to the mare’s advice.

“Hello?” Ruby called out and the yellow mare jumped, squeaking like a mouse and showing extraordinary speed in hiding under the river bridge. Ruby flinched “Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to scare you.” Ruby said backing up a little, her tail curling around out of the bush as a result. The mare’s head popped up like a foal’s whack-a-mole game.

“Oh miss look out, there’s a snake beside you, and I don’t want him to bite you if you stand on him.” Ruby blinked in confusion as the mare softly hovered over to Ruby’s tail “Come here little fella.” She coaxed taking hold of the tail and draping it fearlessly around her neck.

Ruby recovered and playfully tugged on the mare’s neck.

“Oh you’re a hugging type are you?” She asked.

“Yes, as I matter of fact I am.” Ruby said grinning, the Pegasus looked at Ruby confused.

“I’m sorry I was talking to the snake.” She said.

“No you were talking to the tail of what you thought was a snake, but it’s actually my tail.” Ruby raised herself up “See?” The mare hid behind her mane, before realising she had Ruby’s tail around her neck.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t realise, I mean, I know Pine is a lamia but he doesn’t visit me here, I wasn’t expecting… I’m sorry for being grabby.” She said “I’m Fluttershy by the way.” Ruby smiled.

“I’m Ruby, this is Bolt,” I waved and nodded hello “And we’ve been exploring town while Princess Twilight makes me a pony potion.” Ruby explained.

“Oh, but why would you want to get rid of such a lovely tail?” Fluttershy asked.

Ruby tilted her head sadly.

“Well I don’t want to really, and we’ll try to avoid it, Bolt doesn’t like the idea either, he likes my hugs but not all ponies think the same way.” Ruby said.

“Oh that’s a shame.” Fluttershy said sadly then got closer to Ruby “Um, if I may… I mean you don’t have to let me but… I’m curious, could I try massaging your tail? I’ve wanted to see if the same tricks that work for a snake work for you, or lamias. I’m very good with animals and can understand them as well, but you’re part animal so I’d like to try, if you don’t mind.” Fluttershy’s voice trailed away towards the end and I understood the name.

Ruby, however, wasn’t put off at all.

“Sure, I’d love that, I’ve never had a massage before.” Ruby said.

“Great, follow me I have a little clearing that’s flat, that should work best.” Ruby followed behind Fluttershy and I walked beside Ruby.

Fluttershy led us to a flower strewn meadow, the dots of colour between the green was beautiful, most of the flower buds hadn’t opened yet, but it was still amazing.

“Okay just lay down and lay your tail out behind you please, Ruby. If you don’t mind.” Fluttershy said and Ruby smiled and complied.

Ruby lay her head and hooves on a segment of her tail, Fluttershy walked around to the large pile of coils and, seemingly searching for one specific area, began to run her hooves along Ruby’s body. I watched her, interested.

“What are you looking for?” I asked softly, Fluttershy didn’t glance up from her work.

“Snakes have a centre of balance to them, used when they fall from something to get up or when crossing from branch to branch, it often gets strained and tense and can cause pain if I’m right, yes…” Fluttershy stopped her hoof on a particular portion of Ruby’s tail, even I could notice what was wrong. Normally Ruby’s tail moulded around my hooves, but this area seemed to be pushing outward against Fluttershy’s hooves.

“You see it?” Fluttershy asked and I nodded “Perhaps it’d be better to teach you to do this yourself.” Fluttershy smiled encouragingly, and I could imagine her doing it to a young foal curious, yet scared, about snakes.

I glanced at Fluttershy’s hooves as she pulled them away.

“Is there a specific way to put your hooves on their tail or… I mean, I don’t want to hurt Ruby is all.” Fluttershy smiled encouragingly.

“Well, it’ll be up to Ruby to tell us, it varies and I’ve never done this for a lamia before, we’ll just have to hope it’s the same. So hooves on for a start.” Fluttershy said cheerfully. I complied, finding the tough part of Ruby’s tail and placing my hooves close together.

“Now press down gently until you think her tail has squished down to the same amount it normally does, I get the feeling you’ll know this better than anypony.” I could almost imagine her smile but didn’t look away from Ruby’s tail to check.

At first the tough muscle refused to even budge, then if shifted suddenly downward and around my hooves like a rapidly deflating tire, I heard Ruby groan then sigh.

“Now move your hooves in circles, your right hoof clockwise and left anticlockwise, and keep pushing down until it’s as flexible as the rest of her.” Fluttershy ordered.

It felt odd, the tail was like a slightly layered cake, with soft icing and then a rock like interior, but the rock interior began to break down, my hooves gradually sinking further. Every little bit of Ruby’s tail I helped become loose and flexible drew a soft sigh from my lamia friend.

The quaint learning experience was broken by the sudden sound of something hitting the ground, and rolling over it frantically. Ruby groaned softly and I glanced back at the lower half of her tail. It was flailing around, coiling and uncoiling and stretching out slightly, as if she had a cramp and couldn’t figure out where she had to rest to stop t.

Fluttershy what’s she doing? Should I stop?” I asked Fluttershy looked back and came to a conclusion within seconds.

“No, don’t stop, it’s just her tail isn’t used to working without that stress point, which is rather unhealthy… Normally if I have a snake acting like this I give them a large water animal to hug since, reptiles being cold blooded, heat helps but… I might need something bigger…” Fluttershy tapped her chin as she thought.

“Well, Ruby normally coils me up, we could switch, you finish her massage and I let Ruby coil me up.”

Fluttershy looked at me as I continued my massaging of Ruby’s tail.

“No… I think it’s best if you learn to do this, in future, if you ever visit again or if you would like to do it yourself, we’ll just use a bunch of water bottles, but for now… I’ll act as one.” Fluttershy said. Ruby glanced back, wincing a little.

“Em, Fluttershy I can’t r-really control what my tail is doing, I might hit you.” She said, but Fluttershy persisted, stepping expertly within the thrashing coils.

“It’s alright, natural instinct will take over the thrashing.” Fluttershy said and then poked a struggling coil.

Instantly the coil Fluttershy touched latched onto the warmth, then two coils reached up over her body and dragged her down. Fluttershy was rolled over once, coils desperately wrapping around her, the coils clinging to any hair of fur they could latch onto. For a few seconds only Ruby’s tail moved before it was like a giant spider’s web around a very large fly, made of scales, with red bits poking out and the odd strand of pink mane. Ruby’s tail twitched a little then relaxed.

“Hooves.” Ruby mumbled, hiding her blushing face.

It seemed the enjoyment had stepped up a notch for her but she didn’t want to admit it, since it’d seem mean to enjoy Fluttershy’s predicament. I began to move my hooves again and heard Ruby’s tail contract, a soft moan from within the cocoon told me Fluttershy was at least unharmed.

I felt the last toughened layers of Ruby’s tail give way and Ruby let out of a soft, slow breath out her nose. I didn’t hear a thing until Fluttershy spoke.

“Ruby’s tail should be okay now, judging from how she can manipulate it again to coil me up like this.” She said and I looked back, finally sitting up and stopping my massaging of Ruby’s tail.

Fluttershy appeared to be sat in an ice cream cone of coils with her back hooves sticking out the front, a rather thick coil around her neck moulding over her chin.

“This is… Nice… It’s very relaxing and her ability to control her tail like this is unheard of.” Fluttershy mumbled.

“I can do more than just coil you up.” Ruby said as she sat up and slid beside me.

Fluttershy looked genuinely interested.

“Like what? I know a lot about snakes but the differences between them and lamias are already wonderful.” Fluttershy said smiling eagerly.

“Well… Do you know how some snakes can paralyse prey by looking at it?” Fluttershy nodded “What if I said I could not only make you stop moving, but do whatever I said?” Ruby asked grinning.

“You… You can hypnotise ponies?” Fluttershy asked.

“Yes, would you like to try it?”

“W-well if… If you wouldn’t mind.” Fluttershy whispered.

“Not at all.” I bet she wouldn’t.

Ruby slid up to Fluttershy who squirmed in her cocoon to see better.

“Don’t move Fluttershy,” Ruby tilted her head up with the end of her tail so they locked eyes “Just watch my eyes.” I could see Fluttershy’s eyes contract, her pupils shrinking, then her jaw fell open in wonder, spirals quickly spreading over her eyes, she was already half gone and they’d just started.

“Wow you’re really submissive. Now just keep watching and take deep breaths, feel my tail shift along with your body causing a sensational rippling effect. My eyes are boring into your mind, why don’t you just relax, stop thinking and let me take over for you?” Ruby cooed softly. Fluttershy managed a stiff nod then cracked into a wide grin. Even Ruby was surprised at her sudden submission, not even half a minute.

Ruby turned to me and I flinched slightly in surprise, I had half expected spirals but Ruby’s eyes were her normal purple. Ruby giggled softly as she slid behind Fluttershy, the mindless mare was resting her head on her new scaly pillow.

“Doesn’t she look just adorable?” Ruby whispered hugging Fluttershy around the neck with her hooves, her tongue curled out just above Fluttershy’s mane “She smells so nature-y.” She mumbled.

“Alright, you’ve let her experience it now wake her up please.” I said, Ruby looked at me.

“Aw but I haven’t had any fun yet.” Ruby pouted.

“You really want to take advantage of somepony this sweet and kind?” I asked.

“Point taken.” Ruby tugged on her tail and Fluttershy spun like a child practising a ball room dance on her hind legs, front legs out trying to balance herself “Welcome back Fluttershy.” Ruby said.

Fluttershy blinked as she swayed on her hind legs, before dropping to all fours.

“Huh… Oh, are you done?” Fluttershy rubbed her eyes and glanced around before the memories returned, a small smiled stretched across her mouth as Ruby returned to stand beside me.

“Wow… Ruby that was… Amazing, I’ve never been so relaxed, except maybe at the spa but even then… This was a different kind of relaxed.” Fluttershy said.

“Happy I made you smile.” Ruby said grinning “And also, thanks for helping, I never realised how much discomfort I was in until it was gone.” Fluttershy smiled widely.

“You’re welcome, glad I could help. I take it you’re going since we’re saying thanks.” I nodded.

“Yes, we should be heading back to Ponyville, like I said.” Fluttershy smiled.

“Well if you ever want a snake massage or… If you want, another pony to warm up with you’re always welcome.” Fluttershy said.

“Thanks Fluttershy.”

“You’re welcome.”

With that we set back on the path to Ponyville.

“That was nice, and it was pleasant to have a new pony in my coils, not that’d I’d trade anypony for you Bolt.” Ruby said sliding backwards in front of me.

“Speaking of which,” She purred as we began to reach a small park with a fountain in the centre, a bridge leading to the town just ahead “Maybe we could find a secluded bush and ‘catch up’ on your… Ah, therapy.” Ruby said grinning.

I was about to say something when there was a sudden bang, a literal cannon blast, and confetti knocked me onto my hunches, Ruby falling on top of me, likely on purpose judging from the grin.

There was a sudden rustling and a pink Earth pony with a curly pink mane jumped out, her blue eyes were sparkling and her mouth was stretched into a massive grin, I noticed her cutie mark was three balloons.

“Oh my gosh who are you two? I’ve never seen you before and I remember everypony I’ve met, so that must mean you’re new here, I’m Pinkie Pie by the way and,” The mare took a dramatic gasp “Oh wow you’re a lamia like Pine, are you gonna be grumpy like he was when I first met him? He…” Pinkie blinked confused suddenly “Come to think of it he just told me to walk away and not bother him, I’ve tried to talk to him but I strangely find myself on the other end of the road with no idea how I got there.” Pinkie’s smile returned “But that doesn’t matter, you aren’t going to do that are yo-mmmfffff mmfff…. Hmmm!?” Ruby sighed, her tail firmly holding the mares mouth shut, though she still clearly fought to talk.

“Pinkie may I ask a favour?” Ruby asked Pinkie nodded so fast it was like there were two stationary heads with a pink blur between them “Okay, please don’t talk like your words are bullets, I was getting a headache.” Ruby lowered the coil and Pinkie sat down.

“I’m sorry, I should know better, but new ponies! It just gets me so excited because new ponies means I have to host a party for them!” Pinkie said almost jumping back up if Ruby hadn’t curled a coil around the mare’s neck, keeping her sat down.

“Oh your tail is so soft and smooth, I bet it’d make a nice cushion.” She said randomly.

“You are really weird.” I mumbled.

“Sorry about that, hay you never told me your names!” Pinkie accused frowning, boy her mood sure was jumpy, like her I guess.

“Erm, Bolt and Ruby.” Ruby said pointing to us individually.

“Oh okay, may I ask, are you a couple then I can do a party for both of you together at once?” Pinkie asked.

“Yeah we’re a couple.” I mumbled unsure of what I could say otherwise.

“Brilliant, I’ll get you when the party is ready, I’ll ask around town for some guests and my friends will all want to meet you of course, oh and Pine and Lemon, and Straw as well if she’s willing, they get on with Pine…” While she was rambling about the food she’d need, Ruby and I crept away.

Once over the bridge and out of sight we both burst into laughter.

“That was… Really random.” Ruby muttered I nodded in agreement, trying to calm down.

“Anyway, about my ‘request’.” Ruby said grinning.

“Oh, it isn’t a request is it, really?” I asked smirking.

“No, no you’re right it isn’t.” Ruby smiled “That a problem?” I shook my head “Good, let’s head for the wagon then, I don’t want to have to stop hypnotising you because somepony walked across us.” Ruby then grabbed my hoof and began to drag me along, clearly in a mood not to stop for any more delays in her fun.

Through town we even passed Pine, he waved at Ruby.

“Hay, Pinkie Pie managed to break the spell I put on her to talk to me, hopefully she won’t make a habit of it, she said something about a party for you two.” He said (How did she get past us?).

“Yeah, we met her a couple minutes ago, can’t slow down though,” Ruby said as Pine kept pace with us.

“Why not?” Pine asked.

“I wanna hypnotise Bolt, and these ponies keep jumping out like confetti out of a cannon. Which, I might add, Bolt got hit with a few minutes ago.” Pine chuckled.

“Pinkie’s party cannon, funny. Well I’ll leave you too it, have fun Bolt.”

“Not sure I have a choice.”

“Is that a downside?”

“Not at all.” I said and Pine gave me a fleeting grin and he turned and left us.

Ruby pushed open the door to the wagon and shoved me through before, pretty much, throwing her tail in after me. I was knocked over and pinned down under the sheer bulk of her tail.

“Friendly fire!” I called out in a muffled voice.

Ruby’s tail pinch down on me and pulled me up, it was different to have her coils pressing in on the sides and my back but not my stomach as well… Incomplete. Ruby turned to the door and clicked the lock shut.

“Right,” Ruby rubbed her hooves together “To business.” She said turning back to face me.

Ruby’s tail retreated from my body, raising up beside me.

“I think we’ll use the area you helped service to make you feel… As relaxed as I was. Maybe even more so.” Ruby said as her tail curled into a ring, then running in circles above it. When Ruby was satisfied the cocoon was big enough for me, she lifted it over my head and gently lowered it down.

“Hooves at your side.” Ruby said as her tail began to support my back. I did as she asked, remaining sat down.

Ruby’s tail reached my lap but I still couldn’t see, she then dragged me back a bit and kept running her tail down to my hooves. It was like I was sitting in a scaly armchair with a very big blanket wrapped around me, Ruby smiled as her tail then contracted around my body, using the middle of her tail meant that the coil around my neck was large enough that it stuck out under my chin, so I could roll my head in circles and still be resting against Ruby’s tail.

Ruby pulled a single coil away from my hooves so they were sticking out and grinned at me.

“You look so comfy.” She muttered.

“It is very nice like this.” I whispered then groaned softly in pleasure as Ruby’s tail began to corkscrew my neck a little.

“Ready for part two?” I nodded slightly and the end of Ruby’s tail curled around and wrapped around my forehead “Right, let’s shatter that mind of yours, I think we’ll take your subconscious to, for a change of pace.” Ruby said.

“W-wait my subconscious, what will that do?” I asked. Ruby smiled encouragingly.

“Your normal conscious mind, what is working right now to let you talk and such, is what I normally control when I use hypnosis. Your subconscious keeps your body working, telling it to breath and all the important stuff.”

“You’re not going to shut that down are you?” I asked Ruby smiled and shook her head.

“No, taking your subconscious just means I can… Basically, after lots of hypnosis your conscious mind has started to poke your subconscious with the idea that hypnosis and my tail is nice? Right?” I nodded again “Well your subconscious still has survival instincts, I can… Alter them, so even if I was strangling you, your subconscious would process it as pleasurable… You know, until you started to really suffocate then it would take dominance again.”

“So, basically… You can alter how I think about certain things?” Ruby smiled, happy I caught on.

“Exactly… I’m… Going to try and take away traces of fear you may have with hypnosis, you can still resist if you want, and I love it when you do just… You’ve never really tried before and it can often cause serious pain because of your subconscious but if I removed it… Constant pleasure.” Ruby purred grinning

“Y-you’re not going to… Plant triggers or anything?” I asked.

“I can’t.” I raised an eyebrow, sceptical “…Oh all right, yes I can with your subconscious because it normally batters it off your conscious mind, after a short while… But, I promise I won’t put a trigger on you.” Ruby smirked “Besides, making you do stuff willingly is much more fun for me. So shall I start?” I nodded “Excellent.” Ruby clapped her hooves and moved closer to my ‘chair’.

Ruby blinked and her eyes shrank before soft pulsing rings spread across her eyes, Ruby’s smile return as the rings began to speed up.

“Try not to resist Bolt, I’m going deeper than usual, so it can hurt if you do… Try to think about memories of past hypnosis, how relaxed you felt… How happy. Things like that, it’ll help me.” I nodded stiffly as my eyes widened.

There was a slight stinging in my eyes, as if I was about to cry and I wondered if that had always been there, and Ruby telling me hypnosis hurt had made me realise. Ruby didn’t sway or speak, it seemed this wasn’t something to bombard me with, delicate. I breathed slowly through my nose and felt Ruby’s tail corkscrewing my body again, rippling and shifting as if it were moving up my body when in fact it didn’t move. It was very well done.

I slumped in my cocoon, a drowsy smile on my face.

“Okay Bolt, I’m going to go for your subconscious now, ready.”

“Yes Mistress.” I said softly, Ruby chuckled softly.

“Thank you Bolt, I know you’re still there.” I tried to return with a proper smile but my face wasn’t working, nothing was.

I ‘felt’ Ruby begin to work on my subconscious. There was the sensation of something pushing within my very head, then my body began to twitch. It started at my neck and worked my way down my chest and all over my body, but only in one place. I wanted to ask what was happening but I was afraid attempting might mean I was resisting and could cause pain. I tried to shift my thoughts to the light trance Ruby and I shared back in her home in the gazebo garden, how peaceful it was, relaxing and how gentle and understanding Ruby was of my fears… Fears I didn’t need any more and Ruby was willing to take away.

Ruby ran a hoof along my cheek.

“You’re doing great Bolt, just a little more. Now tell me, there’s probably an odd sensation, like lightning or something within your body moving around, causing discomfort, could you try to focus on it and guide it?” Ruby asked.

“I’ll… Try.” I whispered.

“Just focus on moving it and those past hypnosis sessions, nothing else matters right now, clear your mind of all else.” I nodded, feeling thoughts drain away at Ruby’s command, she was in more control than I realised.

I found the little bumper car down in my right back hoof.

“Where… Do you want it?” I asked.

“Imagine it returning to your mind, we’ll start with that.” I managed a nod and let my head rest on a coil so I was looking up at Ruby’s dominating eyes, her tail was still pressing into my body, so heavenly.

I began to imagine a road in my body, my nerves, and the bumper car was forced to travel along them, up my body, towards my neck and around my temples, pounding against my forehead like a headache.

“Okay… In my head… Hurts…” I mumbled Ruby smiled encouragingly, she’d started to sway left and right like a pendant.

“Okay now, see the colours in your mind, like mist curling around your brain?” It wasn’t hard to imagine.

“Yes.” I whispered.

“I want you to imagine a bit of that mist curling off, guide it. Lead it to that spark that’s so cruelly disturbing your peaceful trance.” Ruby’s words made me hate the pounding more, and made it easier to imagine a rainbow pulsing Ruby following my lead towards it. The pounding had retreated into my temple, backed into a corner.

“I’ll take it from here.” Ruby whispered.

I felt the rainbow ring Ruby approach the static and smothered it within herself. For a few seconds, in my mind’s eye, static jumped out of rainbow Ruby, then the sparks fizzled and died out. The mist returned to the source, dragging the image of myself with it, as the last wisp of myself joined the curling hypnosis fog, I let out a soft long sigh. I’d never felt like this before, this fullness of hypnosis, as if Ruby was curling her magic into my very being down to the very tip of my hooves, like a warm bath.

“That’s it Bolt… I own you in soul, body… And mind.” Ruby purred.

“Soul, body and mind.” I cooed in agreement.

“Now then, let’s have a dig through your mind shall we?”

It was a weird sensation, seeing thoughts jump up like movies, rapidly speeding past before being dragged back down, as if Ruby was studying them all.

“Don’t worry Bolt, I’ll make sure to filter stuff out, so I’m not going to look at anything to embarrassing.” Ruby whispered grinning but I didn’t respond to her teasing “Hmm… Conscious hypnosis is more fun, there’s still enough of you to blush, and I love it when I make you do that.” Ruby mumbled “But this’ll make it more enjoyable for you.” I felt a weird blurry image appear, changing into things I couldn’t see, maybe something I hadn’t ever seen but knew from common sense.

“Ah here we go, natural survival instinct… If I just ‘alter’ it a little…” Some of the colourful mist poured into the blurry image, changing colour from black to pulsing colours, before changing back to apparently normal “Right let’s see what that did, now to reverse this…”

Ruby, her eyes still pulsing through this whole ordeal, began to drain most of the hypnosis from my mind. It was like it had dug in, rather than simply floated around my brain subduing it. Once the last wisp had escaped Ruby simply smiled and tapped my forehead. I blinked, my eyes crossing strangely as my mind cleared, my mind felt like it was buzzing like a hive of bees (And I hate bees!) but it soon settled, I guess, as the subconscious accepted the reprogramming. Ruby clapped her hooves.

“Excellent that should take away the discomfort from hypnosis, making it last longer and be more enjoyable… At least if I do it.” Ruby said.

“What did you do?” I asked.

“Ponies natural instincts prevent them from doing stuff that’ll get them killed, I just told your mind that anything I do with my eyes, and only my eyes, is for your own health and will accept it openly.” Ruby said grinning.

“So, no more stinging eyes? Twitchy painful drowsiness?” I asked.

“The stinging eyes will be gone, the drowsiness will still be there and your eyes will still twitch if you fight to watch my hypnosis, but it won’t be painful in anyway… Unless I hit you or something.” Ruby said chuckling.

Ruby lay me down on the floor and curled her pony half up and around the top of my head, she lay her head on her hooves and stared at me. From my perspective she appeared to be upside down.

“Not that your reprogramming is complete… Fancy some normal hypnosis, just for fun now?” I chuckled.

“And here I was worried you might skip it.” I said.

Ruby giggled softly and lit up her eyes, the pulsing rings drilled into my already weakened mind, I felt my jaw drop and I leaned over to get closer as a coil curled around to support my head.

“Does it feel better?” Ruby whispered, I blinked.

“Yes.” I whispered, Ruby blinked as well.

“You just blinked.” Ruby mumbled and I did again.

“…Well I suppose keeping your eyes open would cause irritation… That was kinda dumb.” Ruby muttered giggling softly and I continued to blink freely, having no effect on the progress of the hypnosis. Ruby’s tail began to press in.

“What a cute, warm little pony.” Ruby cooed as her tail forced the air out of my lungs, Ruby kept squeezing, tighter and tighter. She appeared to be enjoying herself because she sat up to see better.

“I can feel your heart fluttering against my scales, it feels so good.” She whispered as she looked back at me.

Ruby began to sway softly, tilting her head up before rolling it around so it was tilted down, my head moved in circles to follow.

“Are you dizzy Bolt? You look so sleepy, how your eyes are droopy tells me so. Why don’t you just relax and let me take care of your exhausted body for you, wouldn’t you like that?” Ruby asked as her tail tighten as I breathed out and loosened as I breathed in, a soft ripple against my body. The hypnosis suggestions reached my muddled brain and my eyes drooped to almost closing.

“Bu… Mmmh… Y-yes… I would like… To… Relax.” I whispered as a smile stretched across my tired mouth.

“Well, let me seal your dreams with a kiss, so you will only think of me.” Ruby purred, the sentence sounding like I had a choice what I could think, Ruby leaned close, her breathing a little rapid in excitement of her dominance, and planted her lips on mine.

Ruby ran her tongue along the front of my teeth up around the gums and sneaked around where they stopped to my waiting tongue. Ruby drew circles on the top of the quivering flesh before diving down my throat, the taste of Ruby invaded everywhere then. Ruby finally pulled back after a minute of tormenting me and I gasped in amazement.

“I do love making you quiver in my coils.” Ruby whispered and reached up and caressed me, from forehead down to my nose, my eyes closing with her hoof’s movement, sleep beckoning.

Author's Note

So we finish up with AJ and Rainbow, meet Fluttershy, Bolt learns how to help Ruby when she over taxes her tail :3 And Flutters get hypnotised (Come on, I had to! XD) and then we meet Pinkie... HOUSE PARTY! Also Ruby makes it easier for herself to hypnotise Bolt, cheater. :)

PPRSABTWP

I was roused from my sleep by frantic knocking… Okay not frantic knocking but I knew somepony was hitting the door, but it sounded like several trucks were smacking into my wagon in sync rather than knocking. I sat up trying to blink away the various spots of pulsing rings in my eyes from the previous night.

“BOLT! RUBY!” I groaned softly rubbing the bridge of my nose with a hoof before glancing outside, the orange burning glow of sunrise could just be seen through the window.

“What the hay’s going on?” Ruby mumbled in a tired sluggish voice. I placed my hoof on her forehead and pushed her back down.

“Pinkie Pie.” I muttered getting up, walking out the bedroom.

I wrenched open the door, scowling at the bright pink beaming pony.

“Wow nice costume, but you know it’s not Nightmare Night anytime soon it’s spring right now!” Pinkie said as if I was the clueless pony.

“Pinkie it’s still night time, why the hell are you trying to break open the doors of Tartarus through my wagon door?” I asked rubbing my half open eyes.

“I just wanted to give you these…” Pinkie said her smile fading, holding out two pink slips of paper. I squinted in the growing light of the morning.

“Boltblood Thundercloud,

You are hereby invited to the PPRSABTWP being hosted by the local party planner, Pinkie Pie, at 5pm today at Sugarcube Corner, there will also be a couple’s dance at sunset at Ponyville’s town centre. Formal wear is not required.” Along the bottom were various hoof draw pictures in crayon, one of Ruby and me sat behind a rather large cake with too many candles to count and one of us again dancing together in what looked like an open air room with the night sky behind us. There was also cute balloons and bits of confetti.

“Wow Pinkie… Thank you, but what’s PPRSABTWP stand for?” I asked looking back at the top.

“Pinkie Pie’s Ruby Scales and Boltblood Thundercloud Welcoming Party, duh!” Pinkie said.

“Oh yes, Bolt it’s so obvious, we should have guessed that.” Ruby said, making me jump at her stealthy appearance.

“There’s one for you too Ruby!” Pinkie said cheerfully, grabbing the second slip and hoofing it to Ruby.

“...Rarity is doing us dresses are we okay to wear them?” Ruby asked.

“Of course, it’s not required but you can wear what you like.” Ruby stared down at the card.

“A welcoming party…” She climbed down from the wagon and wrapped her hooves around Pinkie, who made a sound like a rubber duck being squeezed before returning the hug “Thank you Pinkie.” Ruby said.

“You’re welcome Ruby, now get some sleep, it’s gonna be a long night!” Pinkie said before bouncing down the lightening road.

Ruby turned back to me, her eyes specked with tears.

“A welcoming party…” She muttered.

“You are always welcome Ruby.” I told her and I got my own hug, though with a few more coils than Pinkie’s contained.

“Shall we go back to bed now?” I asked.

“What? No! We have to go see Rarity about your tuxedo and my dress! I’m sure Pinkie will have already woken her up when we get there.” Ruby said grabbing my hoof and dragging me along, slamming the wagon door close with a flick of her tail.

“A curse upon your Pinkie Pie, you stole my sleep.” I grumbled.

Ruby led the way from where we had parked my wagon down into town, for the most part the town was deserted. Ponyville seemed like a place that appreciated a good lie in, which I could relate too. Though there were a few ponies about and they did seem wide awake, and excited. As Ruby and I passed by a pair of mares, one a earth pony with beige coloured fur with a dark blue and bright pink curly mane, though not as curly as Pinkie’s just curly around the edges, and the other a minty green unicorn with a cyan mane and white highlight, the pair glanced at us and waved, I could clearly see the pink cards Pinkie had been giving out. Ruby waved happily and I managed a nod and a smile, the pair then stuck their heads close together and began to whisper whilst glancing at us. Ruby poked my side with a hoof and smirked at me whilst I rolled my eyes.

Carousel Boutique came into view and Ruby sped up to reach the door, pushing it open with its quaint chime of the bell. Ruby glanced back at me as I pushed the closing door back open to enter myself.

“Well, I had a feeling you two would be arriving here soon, after Pinkie Pie brought something for me.” Rarity said waving a similar slip of paper “I assume you are here for your formal wear?” Ruby nodded eagerly.

“Yes!” She almost shouted in excitement, I chuckled softly and shook my head at Ruby.

“Yes Rarity, we’re here for Ruby’s dress and my Tux please.” I said and Rarity nodded.

“Well come in, come in, don’t just stand by the door, try them on, I want to know they fit.” Rarity said trotting away, she levitated out two separate screens, forcing Ruby and me to back up. The screens hid both Ruby and me from view of both each other and the rest of the shop, in various corners.

“Okay Ruby here’s your dress,” I heard Ruby gasp “And Bolt I decided to do yours in the traditional black after all, the red didn’t suit it I felt.” Rarity said as a jet black tuxedo hovered before me.

I pulled the suit from the air and began to fit in on, briefly noticing the golden buttons, which reminded me of Ruby’s bracelet. I touched the jewellery once before continuing. Once I was satisfied I had the suit on I began to push the screen back, only to have it slammed into my muzzle, backing up on reflex.

“Oh Sorry Bolt, I just don’t want you two to see each other until the party, at least, in your fancy clothing. Saving it until then.” Rarity poked her head around to look at me “Oh, you look smashing darling, fantastic, remember to fold it and I’ll get you a bag, don’t show Ruby now…” Rarity said smiling, before turning.

I did as the fashionista asked, removing the tuxedo and folding it neatly as I heard Rarity squeal in delight.

“Oh you look amazing Ruby, fantastic… But it’s missing something… One moment.” There was a sound of fast trotting across to one side before Rarity returned “Try this on,” A seconds pause “Oh yes, that’s much better, it matches your name perfectly… Maybe, before the party stop by I think I know a little touch that can complete this perfectly.”

“Wow, thank you Rarity, this is so nice.” Ruby said.

“It’s no problem, I’ve already got a few deals on a dress likes yours, a whole lamia line is just waiting to be sown for the masses, oh I can’t wait!” Rarity said with a girlish giggle and Ruby chuckled softly “Now out of that dress, come on don’t want Bolt to see.” On cue Rarity looked around and saw me staring “Are you out of your tuxedo Bolt?” I nodded “Good, good, give it to me and I will get you something to carry it in.” Rarity said trotting over to me, wrenching the screen away and pulling me along, this felt so awkward.

I sat down beside a row of Rarity’s dresses as Ruby got out of her own dress, Rarity returned with a velvet red bag containing my tuxedo and smiled at me as she passed it over, returning to Ruby. I stood up as my lamia friend slid over with a wide smile and a similar bag.

“This is going to be a great night.” She whispered happily.

“You two will look stunning together, remember, Ruby, to pop by my shop before you leave for the dance, I’ll give you one last little touch. And Bolt you get changed at your home, we don’t want you two to see each other until you’re perfect!” Rarity said excitedly.

“Maybe I should just leave this here then, save me the trouble later.” Ruby giggled and Rarity blushed.

“Ah yes that… Would be a good idea I can see, very well I shall take good care of it for you to wear tonight Ruby, we’ll look stunning together!” I shared a glance with Ruby who burst out giggling.

“Well that was fun.” Ruby said when we’d left, wandering aimlessly down Ponyville’s random streets “Did you like your tuxedo?”

I smirked glancing at Ruby before answering, in a Canterlot posh voice “Yes, Malady it was absolutely splendid.” I said head held up and Ruby scoffed.

“Glad you liked it.” She managed with a semi straight face and I chuckled as well.

Ruby and I weren’t really following any particular path, but we soon found ourselves in Ponyville market, ponies stood behind various candy coloured stalls, large smiles on their faces and all of them chatting happily with various customers, I also got a whiff of baked lemon cakes, and I could see Ruby was drooling at the smell too, which was likely a lot more intense for her.

“Shall we?” I offered and Ruby nodded eagerly.

The source was easy to find. The building which Ruby and I stood before looked like the ideal place to make sweets… I mean it LOOKED like a gingerbread house… Was it edible? Probably not, otherwise it would be ruined from rain… But still there was a serious temptation to try and bite the building. Ruby led the way inside and I followed quickly before Ruby’s tail got too thick for anypony else to fit through the door without crawling. Ruby piled her tail into a pile and stood on top of it seeing above the lines of ponies.

“It’s Pinkie.” Ruby said softly and held out a hoof so I could climb up beside her. We must have looked a real sight, a lamia with her head skimming the ceiling and a Pegasus balancing on her tail beside her.

But sure enough I could see our pink friend juggling ingredients to the cheers and whoops of ponies of various ages, one ingredient included flour… Out of the bag… No I don’t know how she did that but I’d like to find out and do it myself. I pushed myself onto my hind legs, balancing myself on Ruby with a hoof, so I could see a bit better. Now Pinkie had stopped tossing things into the air she was sliding orders to ponies whilst also working on a rather large cake, it was a large square like a base and rather thick, and the top of the base had coloured icing split in two from one corner to the opposite, one side was deep white the other a dark red.

“She’s very creative.” Ruby commented and I nodded at the mini cake versions of Ruby and me.

The cake Ruby had her serpentine tail curled around my body, at a height matching the top of my outstretched wings, in a spiral before the rest was piled around her on the base, she was stood on the side of the cake that mimicked my fur. As for the cake version of me, like I said I was within Ruby’s spiralling tail, one hoof behind my back and the other held towards Ruby as if asking her for a dance. And held up above our heads was a half decorated golden heart.

As Pinkie added more coatings of icing onto the heart she noticed us, kinda hard to miss I suppose “Bolt, Ruby you’re here!” She cried happily.

Instantly the crowd broke to see us and I jumped down, Ruby sliding off her tower, which fell a bit lower to the ground so it no longer stood out as much. A lot of ponies rushed up to Ruby and I and starting greeting us, telling us their names, there were so many shouting at once I just couldn’t figure out who was talking, so I just kept shaking hooves and returning the greetings until we reached the counter.

Pinkie had one hoof on the counter and was leaning on it, with a sideways smirk “What’s so funny?” I asked.

“Nothing, except, do you really feel scared about Ruby not being accepted now?” Pinkie asked.

“How did you know?” I asked softly.

“Just a hunch.” Pinkie said whilst Ruby giggled “That, and even I can tell it’s a fear you have, Bolt I’m good with dealing with fears as well as making parties.”

I nodded “Yeah… You are taking care of this fear.” Partly, but I didn’t say that, though Pinkie’s face seemed to imply she knew what had gone unsaid.

“Anyway, what can I get you two?” Pinkie asked waving a hoof over the display.

Ruby moved forward and placed both hooves on the glass as she looked between them all, her tongue darting out as if that might help make her decision… I suppose it would be like somepony sniffing to her, I also noticed her tail wagging like a puppy and a little filly was busy jumping at it.

Finally Ruby looked up and tapped above a slice of triple chocolate cake “Good choice, Ruby.” Pinkie commented grabbing a piece with a cake spatula and moving a large slice to a plain white bag “And you Bolt?” Pinkie asked sliding it onto the top of the counter which Ruby quickly grabbed as if it might sprout legs and run.

“I’ll… Just have a chocolate flapjack.” I muttered blushing slightly while Pinkie smiled and followed through with the order.

“Don’t chefs try other chef’s foods to learn?” Pinkie asked as I paid for the treats.

“I would normally do that yes but… Things are different lately.” Pinkie chuckled then leaned forward.

“The chocolate cakes can have their insides removed to be made hollow you know… Just something to keep in mind with your ‘different things’.” I raised an eyebrow at the odd comment then thanked Pinkie and Ruby and I left.

Ruby wasted no time in unwrapping her cake slice and only when I grabbed her hoof and she looked over, almost radiating pure fury at my action, did she stop “Remember the cheesecake?” I asked. Ruby’s eyes widened then she blushed and nibbled on the cake slowly, before taking small bites, it was slow at least… Slower.

There wasn’t much to do while we waited for five to roll around, so we made our way to Ponyville Park. We soon found a nice little hill that overlooked the main park and a meadow, the colourful ponies of the town now wondering out and about below us. I was still eating my flapjack when Ruby finished her cake and as I ate after every gulp Ruby would lean over and lick the sides of my lips for crumbs. The first time I felt my face turn pink, the second time I looked up at the sky waiting until Ruby giggled and licked me, the third time I purposely wiped chocolate on my face and Ruby spent a little bit licking it off, her hooves pushing onto my chest.

Finally I finished the flapjack and Ruby looked a little disappointed “We can just kiss for the sake of it.” I offered and Ruby gave me a fanged grin before she pushed me down onto my back and planted her lips on mine.

Ruby pushed back up off me, propping herself up with her hooves either side of my body, under the joints in my front legs. I stared up at Ruby and she gave me a small smile, alongside lidded, bedroom like, eyes and a soft tender hiss purr.

“Very sexy.” I commented chuckling.

“I can do more.” Ruby whispered as I heard her tail swish over the grass close by.

“Maybe another time, this is fine.” I mumbled and Ruby laughed once.

“Alright I’ll settle for another kiss.” Ruby cooed and I sighed as Ruby leaned down and kept me locked in a longer kiss.

My vision was taken up by Ruby’s closed eyes and a few locks of her mane, which the sunlight was casting a soft glow upon, I raised a hoof and pushed her mane back out the way, such a beautiful mare.

Ruby broke the tender fragile moment back pulling back and I was dragged back to reality. I sighed, a little longingly, but allowed Ruby to pull me up briefly to make a sort of back and head rest for me, before she turned around and lay her head under my chin, my hooves closed around her in a hug and we stared up at the soft little wisps of clouds in the sky.

“It’s going to be so hard letting Sunny borrow you.” Ruby muttered.

“Borrow me? I didn’t realise you owned me.” I said.

“Oh yes, I’ve owned you for a little while now, my little Bolty, and once Sunny has had her payment I’m never letting you out of my sight, you’ll be mine forever.” Ruby then leaned up and cupped the bottom of my chin shaking it playfully as she giggled, I smiled but my mind, and my heart, was also racing slightly… Hers forever.

“I’d like to go back.” I finally muttered after a minute of silence. Ruby blinked then sat up and looked back at me.

“Why?” Ruby asked.

“I need some advice and for the first time… I can’t ask it from you.” I said softly.

Ruby frowned a little “Bolt if it’s lamia advice I’m sure I know all about it.” She said.

“Of that I have no doubt, you are brilliant Ruby,” I paused to nuzzle Ruby and she closed her eyes allowing me “But… That’s just it… I…” I sighed softly “I am asking your mum, alright? Not some other lamia because I would have nopony else in my life but you, but this is some advice I need from somepony a little more… Seasoned.” I said.

“You calling my mum old?” Ruby asked.

“Hmmm… Yes.” Seemed like the right thing to say to Ruby, and it seemed to work because she chuckled “Though don’t tell her, only you can eat me.” I commented.

“Don’t worry… It’s safe with me… So we leave tomorrow?” Ruby asked

“How did you know?” I asked, surprised.

“Bolt, you wouldn’t spring this up if you didn’t plan to do it soon, if you planned to do it later you’d have waited… It’s ok… Maybe it’s best we get the Sunny thing over with.” I sighed softly.

“Thank you Ruby.” I whispered.

“But you owe me… After Sunny is done I’ll get a turn.” I blushed smiling at Ruby’s statement.

“Maybe after I’ve had time to recover… Six hours is a long time.” I said.

Ruby smiled and leaned up whispering into my ear “I’ll make it look like a warm up.” She promised softly before lowering herself back down onto my chest. I was left with that to think about… And anticipate.

I’m likely the only pony who can say he’s able to doze of whilst coiled up by a pony snake hybrid, but that’s just what I did. I’m not sure when but, when the weather ponies began zipping around above, my eyes began to droop and I soon sank into Ruby’s coils to catch up on what Pinkie stole. Judging from the fact that when I woke up later, Ruby had no quarrels with me napping against her tail, as it had curled around me like a sleeping bag, and only my face was barely visible, my mouth was covered to muffle my soft breathing. I was lying on my back and I could hear faint murmuring. Two voices, both I recognised, one was Ruby, no doubt, the other was Twilight.

“…It won’t be easy.” Twilight said, I turned my gaze towards the pair, Ruby was sat with her back towards me, the right side of her face just visible “Or painless.” Twilight added.

“Oh no, because having my tail being contracted into two tiny hooves will be just a picnic.” I heard Ruby mutter sarcastically and Twilight giggled.

“Yes rather obvious to say, but, I thought I should warn you nonetheless. Anyway, when do you plan to use it?” Twilight asked.

“Bolt wants to visit a big city… Maybe Canterlot, be nice to walk around there without anypony freaking out, and we could see Luna again.” Ruby said excitedly.

“Yes Canterlot is a beautiful city, I do enjoy the times I visit, but… You plan to return to your home?” I could hear the eagerness in Twilight voice. Just how long had they been talking?

Ruby nodded “Yes, Bolt has… Business to take care of back at my home with our Queen and then he wants to talk to my mum.” She explained, she then glanced back and her eyes widened “Oh, you’re awake, good. Twilight came through with the pony potion.” Ruby explained pulling me up into a position that was similar to sitting up with a pile of pillows behind you in bed, at the same time she waved a small vial of oddly reddish white liquid.

I glanced at Twilight and smiled “Thank you Princess, this means a lot to us both.” I said, but I wasn’t sure Twilight was listening to what I was saying.

Twilight was staring not at me, but rather, what I was wrapped within “That… Looks comfy…” Twilight said softly and within a second a coil had curled over my mouth silencing me and the coils clamped down, not painfully but so movement was now a distant memory.

I rolled my eyes as Ruby turned to face Twilight “They are wonderfully comfortable, have you never been coiled up before?” Ruby asked.

Twilight nodded slightly “Yes, by Pine but he’s tail was rather tough and he squeezed a little too hard for my liking… You look like you’re just cradling Bolt.” She said with a slightly jealous look.

“Would you like to experience it too? I can coil you both up at the same time.” Ruby boasted grinning as a coil as thick as Twilight’s head curled around, raising up and over her head and then fell down behind her onto her shoulders.

Twilight’s whole body sagged down slightly from the comforting weight of the coil “That… Is tempting…” Twilight admitted and the coil curled around the front and down Twilight’s back like a long white scarf, tugging Twilight slowly downward.

As Twilight lay down fully on the grass more of Ruby’s coils snaked slowly around towards Twilight out of her sightline, had she been in a state to look around. As Ruby did so her tail began to raise up off Twilight’s body in small areas and then pushed down, so it looked like a rippling wave of white and red scales, Twilight cooed softly and closed her eyes.

“Twilight, eyes up.” Ruby ordered softly.

“Hypnosis?” Twilight asked obeying Ruby’s order.

“Yes, this will pass the time a little until the party.” Ruby cooed and Twilight’s eyes drifted up to Ruby’s.

Ruby smirked and blinked, when her eyes reopened they had dilated into perfect circles before the purple flooded away to be replace with another set of colours in each eyes, more colours chased the last ones away, more rings joined in the fun, gaining in speed, Ruby was being a little faster than normal it seemed.

Twilight’s eyes opened wide on natural instinct and she leaned a little closer “How fascinating… Your hypnosis… It feels different to Pine’s… As if… It has… It’s… Own per… Personality…” Twilight’s eyes began to slowly reflect Ruby’s own as she spoke, her talking distracting her and making her mentally vulnerable.

“Yes watch carefully Twilight, take it all in, slow breaths, you’ll need the best experience for your research.” Ruby said touching at Twilight’s science-y side.

Twilight nodded groggily, which was rather difficult with her eyes locked on Ruby’s. Ruby giggled softly and leaned ever closer to Twilight, towering over her as her overpowering eyes bore right into her mind washing away all thoughts and will. A small content smile stretched slowly onto Twilight’s lips and then she slumped comfortably into Ruby’s coils which had begun to curl around as the last of her will crumbled.

Ruby blinked the hypnotic rings away as she tugged Twilight’s neck slightly, the little mare gulping as her mind collapsed to her spell. Ruby giggled letting her whole tail contracted, getting a feel for the new mare in her grasp.

“She looks cute like this, I think it’ll do her good to relax and not think about her tests for a bit, what you think, Bolt?” Ruby asked as she glanced over at me.

I wanted to grumble that I couldn’t speak due to her gag but all that escaped my mouth with a soft moan, I knew what it meant as did Ruby.

“Oh, you liking the show too Bolt?” She asked approaching me slowly and I groggily shook my head “Really? Because your eyes tell me otherwise. But I think they could move faster, the rings.” Ruby cooed, the gag falling, she wanted to hear me beg she likes it when I do.

“N-no it… It was an accident I… I didn’t mean… Mean to.” I grunted trying to sit up, her tail was making it worse!

“Oh don’t worry Bolt I don’t mind… And you were enjoying it, no?” Ruby whispered grinning.

“A… A little.” I whispered, blushing as the truth was forced out.

“And we are dating Bolt, would it be so bad of you to indulge in a little bit of relaxation?” Ruby cooed as she slid slowly behind my back to whisper into my ear, her voice and forked tongue making me shiver.

“I… I suppose…. A little hypnosis… I mean… We’ve done it before and…” I felt part of Ruby’s tail push in against the side of me and I look over to face Ruby “And… It’d… Be n… Nice…” My voice trailed away as I was met with a pair of endlessly pulsing pools of colours.

I felt my jaw relax and fall open and Ruby’s tail curled up to hold it shut as I grunted softly, the scenery was blurring and moulding the brightest colours and it felt as if they were spinning into my mind, cutting a path for Ruby’s hypnosis to walk.

“I-It’s… To intense… Hurts…” I whimpered, my eyes twitching, part of my brain fighting to relieve the pain by breaking the connection.

Ruby smiled softly and slid a little closer so her head and wonderful eyes were all I could see “Better?” She asked in a soft whisper.

“Y-yes… Thank you Ruby.” I said.

“That’s Mistress Ruby.” Ruby tried.

“…Nice try…” I managed as my mind began to whistle further into the depths of the hypnosis, falling deeper and deeper.

Ruby raised herself up a little and I looked up, her body blocking the sun and casting shadows over her, Ruby then reached over and pulled me to her chest, my eyes locked on hers as she stared down lovingly.

“You look so cute, are you ready to give me your mind?” Ruby asked

“Yes Ruby.” I said clearly.

“Good boy, just let the last of that pesky will lay its head down and sleep, there it goes, doesn’t that feel so good?” Ruby cooed and I nodded a broad smile on my face “Good boy, now let’s have a tighter hug, that sound like fun?” Another hypnotic nod.

Ruby lifted my up and pressed her nose to mine, her eyes were still spiralling, and I didn’t know if she did that consciously to keep the spell going or to make me feel better while this was all happening, and I didn’t care then or now, it was amazing. Anyway, with my nose pressed against Ruby’s, the lamia began to make her tail contract around me, I felt my breathing get a little shallower but never felt even a twinge of pain.

Finally Ruby let her tail stop pressing in and released it instantly, but she also covered my nose so I gasped softly, letting my lungs fill back up fully and Ruby lunged forward at the opportunity. I was hit so hard that I felt backwards in Ruby’s tail, her tongue lashing deeply into my mouth, as I hit the ground Ruby’s head fell onto me and her tongue went partially down my throat, I remember making a soft delighted moan and Ruby pulled her tail back slowly curling it around my own to hold it snugly.

We lay like that for maybe a minute though it felt like it should’ve been longer before Ruby killed the hypnosis in her eyes and tapped the side of my temple.

As my mind slowly returned I felt my mind think in a disappointed voice “All that and she only kissed me?” But it was still amazing.

With my mind my own Ruby loosened her hold so I could move, I wriggle up so my hooves could be pulled free and held onto Ruby as she attempted to pull back. I heard her gasp softly then purr and she rolled over as we split apart.

“Hay I wasn’t done!” I groaned, disappointed before Ruby pulled my cocoon around so I was lying on top of her, my hooves unable to find ground in time so I fell on Ruby’s body.

“So then carry on.” Ruby taunted but her smirked faded instantly.

I pressed my lips to hers and prodded her tongue with mine running it around in circles and sliding it along the top, she tasted so sweet it was intoxicating my brain, it was like hypnosis, amazing and I couldn’t think straight, my wishes were becoming muddled, I was a suggestible puppet… Ruby was amazing, every inch of her needed loving.

“Having fun?” A voice asked softly. I broke back with a soft gasp and glanced over to the second cocoon.

“How did you wake up so fast?” Ruby asked Twilight, who was staring with clear, hypnosis free eyes.

“It’s actually been quite a while now, judging from the sun… And you were both to busy wrestling that you didn’t notice anything happening.” She stated “If you are ready to finish we have Pinkie’s party to get to.” Twilight said.

That got Ruby’s interest. She almost literally threw me away to get up, but upon realising I was needed for the party to start she snatched me up while I was still realising I was falling, curled around me and began to push Twilight along.

“Party. NOW!” She said and I rolled my eyes laughing softly.

As we moved Ruby dropped me to the ground and began to drag me along, I managed to push myself onto my hooves before I got any cuts and had to move at a fair pace to keep up with the speeding lamia.

“And I thought I was excited when I had my first sleep over.” Twilight said as she tried not to be pushed head over by Ruby.

Finally we reached Sugarcube corner and I was only slightly surprised to find Pinkie standing by the open door waiting for us.

“It’s about time, we were worried we’d have to come find you!” She said before pushing us in, even though Twilight and I were panting heavily, Ruby followed ahead excitedly.

As we entered I gasped softly, it was… Definitely impressive. Pinkie had made a banner and everything, with a rather cute picture of Ruby and I holding onto each other’s hooves and we leaned off Ruby’s tail which was acting as a platform. All around the room were various tables lined with all sorts of treats, cakes biscuits small snacks everything I could think of was piled in an odd mess around the room. And the centre was definitely the best.

Truth be told, there had been a small pin of fear in my chest that nopony would turn up, I was mercifully mistaken, it looked like most of the town was crammed into the room. I could see Applejack, tipping her hat, Rarity clapping her hooves, Fluttershy attempting to hide behind her, Rainbow scowling at Ruby (Still grumpy then) as well as Sweetie belle, Applebloom and Scootaloo, there was also the pair I later found out owned the shop, who Pinkie told me were called Mr and Mrs Cake, there were a pair of twins, one blue with a pink mane and the other pink with a blue mane, they smiled like a mirror image as I looked at them. There was also a brown stallion with a darker brown spikey mane, talking to a grey Pegasus mare who was smiling sheepishly at me in a ‘Sorry about him’ way.

I look back at the last pair and blinked… I’d seen them before I was sure. I simply shrugged and looked over and smirked. Pine returned with a similar smirk, he had two mares on either side of him one was a deep blond with a blue mane and matching eye shadow and she was happily holding Pine’s hoof, whilst her friend was a tannish brown with a straw yellow mane and appeared extremely embarrassed… As well as partially hypnotised. There were many more but we’d never get to the party if I tried to list them all… Or even remember them all. So once Ruby had seen all the ponies here to greet her, Pinkie walked up before them and spoke.

“Thank you everypony for coming on such short notice to welcome Ruby and Bolt to Ponyville. Let’s show them the Ponyville hospitality.” There was much cheering and even Pine kept his pride down to whistle.

Before I knew what was happening, Pinkie was behind us and we were pushed through the crowd to a centre table, which had been hidden by the crowd before but now I could see it. Pinkie had finished the heart on Ruby’s and my cake.

“As the guests of honour… You should get the first pieces,” Pinkie leaned close to Ruby “Piece not the whole cake.” She whispered to her and I smirked as Ruby passed us a cake knife.

I held my hoof out to the side and Ruby took it with her own and we cut a single massive piece off to eat together, Pinkie pulled the decoration of us off and put it on the plate… It was sweet of her.

As we took the plate the crowd cheered then broke to get their own piece, Ruby and I retreated back and enjoyed eating the cake, when it was done Ruby glanced at the ponies struggling to get more.

“Go on, I’m good, I’ll wait here for you.” I said, Ruby smiled and slid off, I glanced around, figuring I’d talk to Pine he seemed a nice guy to talk to.

“Hold it fly boy.” I glanced back and raised my eyebrows at Rainbow who had spoken.

“Yeah what’s up?” I asked turning to face her.

“I um…” Rainbow glanced over at Pinkie who was watching us… Was that fear I saw? Who could be scared of Pinkie? She was so nice “I um… Wanted to welcome Ruby to town but… Since our meeting thought it’d be awkward could you… Pass the message on?” I raised an eyebrow at her hesitant speech.

“What’s the real reason you’re telling me this?” I asked.

“Pinkie Pie is blackmailing me to be nice.” Rainbow said with half lidded irritated eyes.

“Ah that explains it.” I said with a slight grin.

“Look…” Rainbow rubbed the side of her leg, clearly she was swallowing her pride, NOW she was being sincere “…Tell Ruby… I’m sorry… For being a jerk to her, she’s a nice mare I just…” Rainbow didn’t seem able to finish.

“Hate losing?” I supplied for her and she nodded in thanks “Yeah I’ll pass on the apology.” I told her.

“Thanks BB.” And with that Rainbow flew off. BB… Really?

With Rainbow settled I turned back to the crowd which had moved away, I had to skirt around the tables to reach it and then it was the issue of getting to Ruby in the middle. Though the solution came to me. Pine slid over beside me, now alone.

“Having trouble reaching your marefriend?” He asked.

“Sod off.” I grunted and Pine chuckled.

“That IS what she is too you, right?” Pine asked.

“No… She’s so much more.” My mind suddenly whispered something and I glanced at Pine “Hay Pine… What do you know of lamia traditions?” I asked.

Pine shrugged “Not much, I was raised in isolation never knew my family or my history. Why?” I sighed sadly at his response.

“Just… Having a tough time… Figuring some stuff out.” The crowd split and I could see Ruby talking, she had a pony in her coils and was lifting her up to the laughter of the crowd. I sighed and smiled dreamily and Pine snorted “What’s so funny?” I asked.

“You have fallen for her real good that face you made was priceless.” Pine looked at Ruby and his smirk changed to a small smile “But I can understand, I feel the same for my own mare…” Pine glanced up at the ceiling as if thinking about what to say “You know… Canterlot has a jewellery store… Maybe you could… Get her something nice?” Pine suggested.

I glanced at the lamia then back at Ruby as she put the pony down and turned to speak to another pony, she had such a wide smile, it made me indescribably happy and relieved to see her like that “Yeah… I think I know what I want to get her.” I said, Pine slapped my back, like a good friend does, but I almost buckled from his strength.

“Sorry.” He said and I chuckled and he smiled a little embarrassed as Ruby suddenly slid over.

“Hay… You want to get something to drink?” Ruby asked me and I nodded waving Pine goodbye as the blond mare from before trotted back over to him.

“What were you talking to Pine about?” Ruby asked the second we were out of earshot.

“Just asking how he deals with mares that he can’t shake off.” I said smirking and received a light tap on my shoulder “No… Just… Getting a suggestion for an idea off him.” Ruby and I reached a table and I grabbed a cup of orange juice, I didn’t drink it, just stared into the rippling liquid.

“Something wrong?” Ruby asked concerned.

“Ruby… How do you feel about visiting Canterlot when we get back from your home?” I asked.

“Huh… Canterlot well… I was kinda hoping to come back to Ponyville.” Ruby said a little disappointed.

“I know, we will straight after I get you something. A present.” I said.

Ruby looked at me, blushing faintly “Why do you want to get me a present suddenly?” Ruby inquired, leaning towards me to see my eyes better.

“That’s what couples do right, get each other gifts and… I want to get you the best one.” I said.

Ruby smiled and glanced over as her name was called by somepony I didn’t recognise, Ruby turned to leave “YOU are the best gift I ever got Bolt.” She said and I watched her go, her tail rippling the lights off the room as she slid away.

“I know,” I said placing the cup back on the table “That’s what I want to get you.”

For the most part I just lightly talked to a few ponies, Ruby was the main focus even if I was the other guest of honour. After all, lamias are a much rarer sight. I didn’t mind, in fact I was happy for the long moments I had to think… To plan. And I was also happy when I saw Ruby’s wide smile as she spoke to ponies so comfortably and got photos taken, with silly faces and odd shapes with her tail, such as a top hat behind a stallions head, followed by much laughing. The little demon that had festered in my mind was sulking in a corner for the time being and that was the way I liked it.

Finally though, the moment Ruby had been most looking forward too arrived, Rarity trotted over to Pinkie and whispered to her and the pink mare front flipped onto a clear table. Rarity grabbed Ruby and pulled her away, walking over to me.

“Time to get ready.” She said and I nodded, giving Ruby a smile as we parted.

I left the party with Pinkie hyping up the dance, I just barely heard that the DJ was to be a ‘DJ Pon3’ from a Canterlot nightclub before it got too distant for me to hear. The night had rolled in and I stared up at Luna’s moon as I walked back to my wagon, the cool night air was refreshing after the closed party space and I only walked quickly for the sake of Ruby.

I reached the wagon and slipped inside retrieving my suit and changing in my bedroom, opening the wardrobe to see the mirror. I’d forgotten the last time I’d worn a suit, jet black as an empty night sky with gold rims and buttons. I look like an agent minus the glasses. I kept adjusting the collar trying to get comfortable, this was so awkward! Finally I sighed, I was at least presentable. I just hoped it would pass Rarity or Ruby and I would never dance… Or possibly make it back to her home this year.

I made my way to Ponyville town hall and as the building came into view I could see beams of light shooting into the sky. I could see a brightly lit entrance with lines of ponies walking in and as I got closer, to the edge of the light I could see a long trail of white leading to a pair of mares, one who appeared to be grabbing the other.

I approached Rarity and Ruby from behind “Alright, that’s perfect. You look smashing dear.” Rarity said with a smile then turned to see me “Oh you’ll look wonderful together.”

Ruby turned to look the same direction Rarity was and squeaked before blushing. Ruby looked wonderful, she was in a sunset coloured orange dress that slowly turned a brighter blond further up. It flowed down her tail a bit and at the top around her neck it curved down slightly, I also noticed what she was wearing. Rarity had found a necklace for Ruby to wear, it had her name sake within, a ruby, in a perfect circle with a golden rim around it and a golden chain. I also noticed she had eye shadow, a deep shadowy leafy green. It all looked beautiful together.

“Wow Ruby you look… Fantastic.” I managed softly and Ruby smiled.

“Thank you Bolt… Rarity’s letting me borrow the necklace and eye shadow.” She said and I mouthed a thank you as Ruby glanced down at her dress.

“You two best get in before it starts, Pinkie will toast to you then the couples song will start… Then she’ll likely start her taste of songs going.” From her tone I imagined Pinkie’s taste wasn’t classical.

I walked up to Ruby, smiled and offered her my hoof. Ruby giggled and accepted it, and we made our way towards the entrance, everypony standing aside and whispering as we passed by.

“Beauty exists in everything.” I heard somepony say and I glanced at Ruby.

“It certainly does.” I thought.

The town hall looked amazing, banners of bright white on one side and dark red on the other, it took me a few seconds to realise it was Ruby’s and my coat colours. The banners weren’t the main thing though, within the centre of the room a stage had been pulled across too, with a large disco ball above and various lights pointed at it, the stage took up almost all of the floor space with only the entrance and opposite side clear. Above the opposite side, with the snack tables below, was a balcony, and on that I could see a massive DJ deck with four speakers suspended on either side. I could see a bright white unicorn with an electric blue mane moving around the decks, she waved down randomly as ponies walked in, but seemed to make sure she saw us, judging from the fact she pointed at us. She also had a friend, likely to keep her in line for the first song as she looked like a more classical musician than the DJ, she was a deep brown Earth pony mare with a well-kept black mane, but I couldn’t see much else from where I was.

Ruby and I made our way with other couple onto the stage, I was thankful it was so large as it gave Ruby room for her tail, though she curled it into a small spiral which she over lapped to save space for others, we still took up more room than anypony else but at least they wouldn’t trip over us. Ruby and I stood side to side and stared up at the DJ, well I did Ruby copied me after seeing everypony present doing the same. And on cue Pinkie appeared next to the DJ who was now rubbing her hooves together in anticipation.

“Well is everypony ready to dance?” Pinkie called into her microphone, her voice was much softer fitting what was coming up but she still has excitement in her voice “As I said our special guest Octavia and her band will be helping us with our couples dance before our main DJ Vinyl shows us how to stomp our hooves, couples it’s your time. Get on up here!” A few ponies sulked off the stage whilst a few more hoped on happily and I turned to Ruby, who seemed surprised that I moved.

“Shall I lead?” I offered, seeing her nervous face.

Ruby nodded “Yeah that’d be best.” She said and I pushed myself onto my back hooves and took her own in my front ones, a dance was normally two ponies using each other to stand in beautiful movements, but since Ruby had a tail I could lean on her a little more than normal, hopefully.

Ruby glanced at the other couples, a few did the same as us, standing on hind legs and holdings waists and such, whilst some remained firmly on their hooves.

“Okay Octavia all yours.” I hear a soft thank you and Ruby smiled at me, here we go.

Octavia disappeared from the main balcony and, after a short wait, appeared on the smaller right side balcony with a few of her band mates, the same on the opposite balcony. Octavia walked up to the front and set down a massive cello, on the opposite side the lead instrument was a piano, there were several other instruments like violins but I turned my head back down to Ruby before I got a good look and she did likewise. I smiled and leaned my head against hers.

“Sorry I’m no fancy dancer but this is about us enjoying it.” I said softly and Ruby nodded and I noticed her eyes sparkling happily.

The pianist began to start up the tune, repeating it several times before Octavia’s cello joined. Ruby glanced over at the other ponies, some, more experienced, already in full swing of their dance whilst others looked a little nervous, a few just swayed and circled slowly, in their own world. I turned back to Ruby and nuzzled her as the song began to pick up and held her hooves as we swayed and occasionally turned, Ruby giggled softly before simply smiling and leant against me enjoying the soft romantic like melody and the closeness of our bodies.

The song continued and we kept the movements going, Ruby occasionally led and I began to notice her tail brushing against my hind legs, I felt a coil clench nipping my hoof a little so I instinctively stepped forward and Ruby and I spun around quickly and Ruby smirked before holding my hoof over her head so she could twirl, I noticed some of her tail shift as she spun, rippling all the way down her body to the tip so it was the right way again, at the same time the song slowed again.

I leaned my head against Ruby’s and simply held her as the band played behind us “You mean more to me than I can explain.” I whispered softly as the song suddenly picked up behind us.

Ruby glanced up and smiled “You look handsome.” Ruby complimented a little awkwardly.

“Wouldn’t look half as good without you.” I told her pushing her nose with mine, Ruby smiled faintly and I began to notice the song slow “When Pinkie starts things going want to get on the roof? I still owe you that kiss.” I whispered Ruby’s eyes widened and she blushed before nodding and we waited patiently for Octavia to finish.

When the band stood for a round of applause they were not disappointed in the level of noise but it was soon broken by Pinkie’s shouting.

“Alright, you had your romance, now DJ, drop the bass!” That moment after I don’t think I could have ever been prepared for the level of noise and I saw Ruby actually flinched back her tail rising before she calmed down.

“Well… I’m sure Canterlot heard that.” I cried, Ruby nodded and I took her hoof nodding to the side and I noticed quite a few ponies following, including Rarity.

“PINKIE PIE!” She screeched and Ruby held her mouth trying not to laugh at her unladylike screaming.

Ruby and I managed to find the stairs up to the second floor then a ladder up to a trapdoor to get on the ceiling, I went up first and helped Ruby up then gladly closed the door behind me. The disco lights that the DJ had kicked up were going through the walls and open doorway so the path below was a rainbow of colours and we could still hear the music but thankfully it wasn’t as intense. I led Ruby around to the side then sat down and she curled her tail around the roof and hung it in drapes over the edge.

For a moment I stared up at the night sky and took a soft breath of the air, then glanced at Ruby who was smiling a little expectantly, I also noticed the way her tail was positioned to her right as if to catch her if she fell. I chuckled then crawled over and pushed her down and she giggled merrily and I laughed too. Ruby’s mane flew out around her like the flame atop a candle, and she stared up at me with lidded eyes hooves folded over her chest, I felt my heart stop then race as if it didn’t know what to do. Neither did my body. Ruby smiled as if she knew and reached up with a hoof and pulled on the tie of my tuxedo and I was dragged down to kiss her… Rarity had let her put Juniper lipstick on…

A sudden clap from an explosion followed by popping made Ruby and I split suddenly apart and we looked over as many colours exploded in the sky. The pair of us watched as fireworks raced into the air, below I could see Pinkie cartwheeling around lighting them in an odd suit that seemed to be made of flames, ponies cheering at the dance of fire.

Ruby sat up and smiled “I like Ponyville.” She said softly.

“But could you live with Pinkie all the time?” I asked and Ruby chuckled.

“Not a chance.” She said and I felt her hoof touch mine, I moved it from my chest and down for her to hold “We’ve come a long way together huh.” Ruby said in a soft voice.

“Yes… Yes we have.” And there’s just a little further I’d like to go before we continue exploring my world… Though I didn’t say that out loud.

I’m not sure how long we stayed there, occasionally, below us, I heard the music change between loud rave like music to classical, and at one point an odd blend that seemed to work. But soon ponies began to trickle away and the music died before a small crowd of the remaining guests left. I heard the trapdoor click open and Twilight and Rarity climbed out whilst Pinkie shot up as if out a canon.

“Told you they’d be up here.” Pinkie said.

“Read the script huh?” I joked.

“Huh how’d you know?” I glanced at Ruby who had a similar puzzled face as mine at the pink mare’s statement.

“Never mind that, Bolt, Ruby… I wanted to ask… How was the party? Did you enjoy it?” Twilight asked sitting down beside Ruby, Rarity joining her whilst Pinkie bounced over to my side.

“It was…” Ruby glance at Pinkie and me and smiled “A night I’ll never forget.” She said softly and Pinkie clapped her hooves happily.

“Party, officially, a success!” She cried hitting the air.

“May I ask you two, I can understand escaping Vinyl’s taste in music,” The way Rarity said taste gave her impression on it very well “But why didn’t you come back for more couple songs? Being the guests the party is centred around but not turning up for most of it is… Odd.” I smiled sheepishly.

“Sorry, that was me, I stole her because I promised I’d kiss her on a Canterlot roof but… Well never got around to it and this seemed just as nice to me.” I said softly, Rarity cupped her mouth and made an odd whimpering squeak.

“Oh I am so sorry that we interrupted, we didn’t know!” She said.

“It’s okay Rarity we were about to leave anyway, we’re going back to my home, setting off tomorrow, we’ll be picking up Bolt’s brother in Oakbark then heading straight back the way we came.” Ruby said, I’d almost forgotten Digi wanted to come with us.

“Oh, but you will be coming back of course?” Rarity asked hopefully.

“Yes, we’ll be stopping in at Canterlot now Ruby has the pony potion. I have… Something I want to get.” I said and Ruby glanced at me. I pushed my hooves together awkwardly and finally whispered “Ruby… Um… Would you mind setting off for the wagon and I’ll catch up, I need to ask Twilight and Rarity something.” I noticed Ruby’s face fall for a second then she smiled and nodded.

“Sure see you in a bit.” Ruby dropped me out of her coils, noticeably a little rougher than usual and I grabbed her hoof before she left and lightly kissed her cheek.

“It’ll be worth it, I promise.” I whispered and let her go. I watched Ruby climb off the building and slide down the street… She glanced back just once.

“I assume you have a good reason as to why you were so blunt in sending her away?” Rarity asked hotly.

“Yes… I need to ask you a favour. Let me explain what I have in mind before you go shooting daggers.” I said, then I began to explain.

It took a while to finish talking but when I was done Rarity was smiling with her hoof on her mouth and tears in her eyes and Twilight looked excited, Pinkie was positively vibrating on the spot.

“So… Will you help me? It’s difficult being secretive with Ruby, not only to hide the idea from her but also… It hurts.” I said a little shamefully.

“No, this is a wonderful secret and surprise, I suppose here will be best to…” Rarity nodded her head smiling, silently finishing her sentence.

“Yeah, that’s part of the reason why I’m going to Canterlot, for the second half of the start. Pinkie I also need two things from you, you said you could hollow out that piece of cake Ruby had? Well I need you to do that for me and I also need a way to write a bold message… You have any ideas?” I asked.

Pinkie tapped her chin in thought, but Twilight spoke up first “Ruby seems to quite like pony created things and magic, having never been able to experience it herself, I could project a message through a spell perhaps in the valley below where your wagon is parked now. It would be a nice place to have a picnic.” Twilight suggested.

I smiled and nodded “Yes… That would be perfect thank you.” I said.

Rarity flicked her mane back “And of course I will have the clothing ready for the ‘occasion’ when it begins.” She said and I smiled.

“Thank you Rarity… All of you, this… Means a lot to me and I hope Ruby likes it too.” I said.

“She’ll flip her scales!” Pinkie said and I chuckled at the thought.

“Well it’s settled, we’ll have things ready when you return.” Rarity promises.

The four of us went our separate ways home after that. I briefly walked with Twilight in silence since my wagon was near her home, but left with a silent wave as I made my way up the hill to the wagon. I pushed the door open silently and walked inside, and cracked the door open to my bedroom, peaking inside. Ruby was sat with the bedside lamp on staring at her tail, I fully opened the door and walked softly over to the bed climbing on behind her. I saw her ear twitch as the bed shifted and I wrapped my hooves around her.

“I promise… It will be worth the secrecy, just humour me Ruby, please.” I whispered softly. Ruby reached up and touched my hoof.

“I’m trying Bolt but… I feel as if you’re breaking apart from me.” She said in a fearful voice.

“I would never Ruby… Believe me when you learn what I have been doing, we’ll be closer than before all this. Trust me, have faith in me.” I pleaded.

Ruby leaned back “Ok Bolt… But don’t leave me hanging too long or I might let go.” Ruby said softly in a faint playful voice.

“Don’t worry Ruby, once we get back from Canterlot… We’ll sit down and talk about it over cake.” I promised hiding my smile.

“I’d like that.” Ruby whispered and she fell peacefully to sleep.

I lay Ruby on her side then rolled her over, pulled the covers over us both and snuggled up to her, it took several seconds before her tail instinctively went for my body’s heat source.

“I promise… It’ll be worth it.” I told the sleeping mare.

Author's Note

And so it begins... The end... So Ruby and Bolt finally get to the party Pinkie has planned and now Bolt has got his own plan forming he's keeping hidden from Ruby, you can all probably guess what it it so hiding it is a dumb idea. XD But I want to anyway, cause I'm like that. :3 Anyway when I proof read this chapter it made me realise, I'm nearing the end of this. My longest story and it's almost over... I'll probably do little spin offs with Ruby and Bolt, don't worry but... What big story will follow it... I've been thinking of doing a fallout story but would that seem to band-wagony? I dunno, we'll see what I decide, for now enjoy.

Sunny is getting her turn soon. :3

Back the way we came

I awoke, a little groggily as usual, to the sensation of the wagon rumbling along slowly. I sat up and rubbed my eyes and glanced around, Ruby was nowhere in sight. I stood up, feeling the wagon passing over the road under it, was Ruby driving? I made my way out the wagon and poked my head out. Sure enough Ruby had fastened herself into the harness and was pulling us along, her tail weaving under the wagon and then behind it, she was clearly being careful to avoid getting it tangled in the wheels.

“Good morning.” I said hopping out of the moving wagon and pushing the door shut, trotting up to join Ruby.

Ruby glanced back at me and smiled “Hay Bolt, sleep well?” She asked.

“I was then realised my bed had slid off.” I teased and Ruby smiled faintly.

“That would work but I’ve been up for a while, it’s almost midday… Twilight and Rarity said goodbye as I left town but you were still asleep so I left you be.” Ruby explained and I smiled in thanks.

“Thank you Ruby… Shall I take over now?” I asked Ruby glanced at me and nodded, stopping and allowing me to get her out of the harness, before taking her place.

As we walked I kept glancing up at the sky, or the trees in the distance or along the road, or down at the gravel beneath my hooves… But never at Ruby. I just couldn’t seem to bring myself to do so.

“Bolt are you alright?” Ruby asked and I looked back at her for a few seconds then back down at the floor.

“Kind of…” I muttered.

“What do you mean kind of? It’s a yes or no question there is no kind of or maybe about it.” Ruby said.

“I mean I’m kind of okay, for the most part everything is fine.” I said.

“Keeping that secret?” Ruby asked with a slight smirk.

“Yes…” I looked over at Ruby and sighed “Ruby I promise… It’ll be so much more enjoyable for you if I don’t tell you, please just… Tell me you don’t mind. Truthfully.” Ruby smiled and looped herself around the harness so she hovered behind my head out of my sight.

“Just tell me and I will.” She giggled as I quivered “You’re so easy to tease Bolt. I’m fine with it, everypony has a secret or two and you plan to tell me this one and since it’s doing this to you and all these ponies being told, and the planning… It’s going to be a good one, I can bet.” Ruby said.

“Thank you Ruby that’s… A fair bit of weight off my chest.” I said.

“You’re welcome, you can distract me from my curiosity of this secret later with a lil fun.” Ruby cooed and giggled as I quivered again.

After a full day of traveling, with a faint lunch break in between, Ruby and I stopped for the night. It was just a quick meal as was customary for when we travelled now, With Ruby finishing curled up on my lap with her tail hanging around like the inner web of a messy spider.

We went to bed worn out, but Ruby woke me early, clearly she wished to get back soon to learn of the secret I was keeping. To pass the time travelling to Oakbark, Ruby took to sliding backwards in front of me, her eyes pulsing with colourful rings. She argued that on the way to the Queen a lamia might try to stop me and have their way with me, so she called it training. I would walk with serious tunnel vision, a constant blissful drowsy sensation in my mind and all over my body, and a collar of coils on. I quite enjoyed it.

Eventually Oakbark came into view as we made our way slowly up the hill we first passed over so long ago. I was being tugged along like a dog on a leash, smiling as I rested my head on the collar of coils, eyes only partially open, pulsing rapidly I imagine, when Ruby tapped my cheek to wake me.

“We’re here.” Ruby cooed happily and I managed to wrench my head up a little, Ruby’s tail falling down a little to hang around my neck like a heavy scarf.

Ruby released her hold on my neck and we descended into Oakbark. I was still seeing spirals if I turned my head to fast, and it made walking a little awkward, the scarf was also embarrassing because, now everypony knew Ruby, they found it cute how I wore her tail around my neck like I did.

My mum and brother, Digi, came out of the house as we made our way up and Ruby let go of me for their sake. My mum trotted up to us and hugged me before I could even get out the harness, then she turned and hugged Ruby, who was at least able to return the hug.

“It’s good to see you two back, you’re not stopping though are you?” My mum asked and we both shook our heads in union, my mum sighed sadly “Not even for lunch?” She asked hopefully.

I’d managed to get out the harness by now and I walked up and hugged my mum “Sorry mum, don’t worry we’ll visit when I get back from Ruby’s home alright, it won’t take long.” My mum hugged me tightly “Make sure you do, and you take care as well.” My mum said hugging my brother who rolled his eyes.

“Is dad gonna say bye?” I asked.

“He’s… Out with his friends.” My mum said, avoiding my gaze.

“Alright, thanks mum, sorry we couldn’t stay but… We have to get moving.” I said.

“Of course, stop by and say hello soon though.” I nodded and strapped back into my harness and heard Digi jump into the wagon.

“Onwards!” He called pointing down the street we had to take, I raised an eyebrow at Ruby who was giggling madly.

“You heard the stallion, move it.” She ordered and I chuckled, complying.

When the sun set I unstrapped from the wagon, Ruby had gone in early and Digi had only come out to check we were okay around midday. I pushed open the door and wasn’t even faintly surprised to find Digi leaning over the table towards Ruby’s pulsing eyes whilst her tail curled under the table and up around his body. Digi was slack jaw in awe and his head was bobbing about as Ruby moved.

“And that’s to distract you as a lamia hypnotises you, it also works in time with a bit of constriction…” I saw Ruby’s tail contract and Digi groaned softly as he was pulled back against her tail more.

I walked over to the counter and began making tea for the three of us, we’d restocked in Oakbark before departing “And then, the lamia will lean close, cupping your head up and… You mind will go… Blank.” I walked over as Ruby finished, she sat back down and I glanced at the smiling, and faintly drooling, Digi.

Digi looked up at me as I passed by, then at the food I put before him “He looks like he’s high.” I said in a monotone voice then laughed alongside Ruby and Digi looked between us, happily oblivious, but he smiled a little wider from Ruby’s laughter. I sat down beside Ruby to eat, whilst Digi just stared at his.

Ruby ate her food in record time then began to feed Digi, folding her hooves under her chin staring at me with a faint grin “I’m next huh?” I stated.

“Only if you want to be.” She said.

“Now Ruby, I know you and you don’t care if I want to be hypnotised or not, you just do it when you feel like being playful.” I said and Ruby shrugged.

“Guilty as charged, oh well, you know what to do.” Ruby said.

“Look into your eyes?” I asked as she curled around my waist with her upper tail and pony body, sitting on my lap, her head overshadowing mine.

“That sounds about right Bolt.” She cooed and I looked up, eyes tightly close “Now that’s just cheating!” Ruby accused.

“I didn’t say I would go willingly like my brother.” I whispered.

“Oh! Hard to get huh? Well that can soon be sorted out.” Ruby pushed me back against the chair and I felt her magic grip my head, this was new.

Ruby turned my head around with her magic then held it up towards her, I then felt my eyelids being pushed in against by her magic as if trying to break in “H-hay Ruby that feels weird stop it!” I said.

“Eyes. Open.” She ordered and pushed a little harder before I complied.

I didn’t resist or hide from Ruby’s eyes from fear, more because she just liked it, putting up the effort to resist took more out of me than actually being hypnotised now, I’d gone under so much… I was so suggestible to Ruby’s words. Did hypnosis have side effects biased to the hypnotist? Well, either way, now it didn’t matter, because my eyes, locked on Ruby’s pulsing eyes, were a gateway to mindless bliss, and there was no room for worry within their colourful embrace.

“Under a minute, a new record.” Ruby said clapping her hooves.

“Congratulations Ruby. Thank you for this blissful experience.” I cooed smiling contently up at her.

“You’re welcome.” Ruby said as if she had just done me a small favour.

After that Ruby lay Digi down on the sofa to sleep and tossed a couple spare blankets for him to use, then, lifting me up over her head, Ruby carried me away to our room and I was soon smothered and buried under her coils under the covers with her.

And so this process became the norm as we travelled; I’d get up first, make breakfast and Ruby and Digi would get up groggily to eat, sometimes returning straight to bed afterwards or just dozing at the table whilst I pulled the wagon. Later Ruby would come out and continue my ‘training’ as she put it, using her tail like a leash to keep me moving when my brain began to shut down and my walking slowed.

Digi had started a new picture laptop and artist pad, which he’d brought, and, upon passing the screen, I noticed it was a long open field that appeared to be swirling sideways with colours mixing together, one of those pictures that moves if you look long enough, it was actually pretty good… And if Digi ran out of ‘inspiration’ he would come out of the wagon and stand beside me… And watch Ruby’s eyes. He denied it and I was never in a state to check, but I knew he was lying because Ruby always smirked, and when he did watch he was brought along the same way I was, with a coil leash. Ruby was like a Shepard and Digi and I had become her sheep.

Finally though we made it, the border where we had to cross from the badlands to Equestria had changed, it looked as if they were building a wall within the pass between two mountains, a massive wall of granite, but for the moment it was just large piles of stone and wood with a bunch of tents and a few temporary watch towers with a little checkpoint in the middle.

As we approached Ruby had to tap me a little harder than normal to wake me “You sure it’s safe hypnotising me so regularly and for so long?” I asked rubbing my dizzy head, Ruby smiled faintly at my question.

“Course there’s no harm, you’ll be dizzy but I’ll only stop once you tell me that secret. This is my way of remembering.” She said and I chuckled, then kicked the wagon.

“Digi, we’re here get the letter would you?” I called and heard a muffled reply, which I hoped meant yes.

I looked back towards the camp and as we approached I noticed, between the various ponies in the Canterlot guard uniforms, there was an occasional lamia within them. About ten in total, six of them appeared to be helping the guards, both by keeping watch and by carrying the stones around with ease, their tails lifting them overhead whilst a small squad of ponies was needed to move a single one by hoof. They were certainly showing their worth. I also saw Pickaxe and Shovel, the two twins Ruby and I had met when we’d first arrived, they were hanging out with a lamia I didn’t recognise, who appeared to have caught Pickaxe and Shovel was playfully trying to free her as she was coiled up as well. Those three wouldn’t be helping out for a while. The other four I wasn’t quite sure what they were doing, then I realised they were waiting for clearance to leave and go into Equestria. One of them was checking the small bags they’d brought along, one was reading a letter then spinning it a little nervously, another was being comforted by a guard. It seemed she was worried she wouldn’t be accepted into Equestrian society. The guard hugged her and it seemed to help because she hugged him back and her sobs subsided a little. Guess even lamias can get nervous. The last lamia was talking to a guard’s pony who had his helmet off.

I recognised the last two, the lamia AND the pony. West was fidgeting in his armour constantly, adjusting then readjusting it and Midnight was smiling at his silly display, finally she adjusted it for him and pulled his helmet on over his head and kissed him lightly on the forehead, I think I heard her called West a ‘goofball’ and he blushed. Then Midnight saw us and the smile faded… But she didn’t scowl, she just looked ashamed.

West looked over and waved then glanced at Midnight and grabbed her hoof holding it up and she covered her face in embarrassment, red on black, was actually a little cute seeing West laughing at her expense. He’d pay for it I could tell.

Ruby and I made our way over to the checkpoint, the pony on point was also in the royal guard armour, but with an officer’s badge on, and was sat behind a table with various notes. He looked exhausted. As Ruby’s shadow passed over him he didn’t glance up.

“I’ve told you Midnight wait with West until I get clearance from Canterlot, let me deal with Amber first.” He groaned rubbing his temples.

“Erm, I’m not Midnight.” Ruby said and the guard look up, then he looked back down groaning “Hi Sergeant.” Ruby said cheerfully.

“Not. A. Word.” He groaned.

“How’s the Lieutenant?” Ruby asked with a wide grin.

“What do you want?” He asked looking back up, with just a ghost of a smile.

“We’re heading to Ruby’s home town.” I said and Digi passed me the blue seal off Luna.

The Sergeant briefly scanned through it “Yeah… Leaving is so much easier than bringing in for these lot. Your Queen has started off with five as a test run, I’ve only got one out so far. Getting the paperwork is a pain.” He said.

“And they make a habit of hypnotising you when you’re working?” Digi asked.

“Bang on the head kid… Say who’s he? I don’t remember this one.” The Sergeant said sitting up.

“He’s my brother Digital Canvas, he’s going over to the lamia city to get some work done.” I explained.

“Like that reporter fellow?” Sergeant inquired.

“Paper’s gone already? Huh, well, yeah like him.” Ruby said.

“He left the second we started letting ponies leave for the town, a fair few more have gone with him as well, he passed these lot by as they came over, those five the Queen sent to help us out best they could, they mostly just help with construction, good at it too, the black edgy one came back with an old vet we thought we’d lost… One isn’t far without the other now.” The Sergeant said, hoofing me a slip “Give us that back when you return you can leave faster than these lot… Probably still be one or two here when you get back as well.”

“Slow going?” I asked.

The Sergeant gave a humourless laugh “Yeah, they have to get a picture taken, which is difficult because they have a tendency to go for the photography every time. Then we need them to fill out some forms and a few of them can’t read or write because they were never taught how to. Then it has to be sent to Canterlot, a second sheet comes for them to fill with their bio, history, parents, former job and what they plan to do to benefit Equestrian society… Only Amber has an idea what she wants to do… She’s also the only one who can read so she’ll be leaving once her passport returns, the others are stumped, most were hunters or guards, so they had to be given an idea of the various jobs they could take. The one who left wanted to be a courier though and Pegasus express snatched them up second we told them, she’s doing alright apparently despite being grounded, Pegasus express… You know, normally only employing Pegasi, but she keeps up.” The Sergeant said.

“Have there been any problems?” I asked.

“Gonna give the Queen a run down? Might be a good idea. Yes, but nothing major,” He nodded to Pickaxe, Shovel and the other lamia “A couple of them have a tendency to ‘play’ with the guards and staff, they disappear for hours on end and return too tired to work, but because nothing is happening most of the time, the distractions seem to be keeping the moral up for them all… So I let it slide mostly. We have had one solider get eaten for a dare and a joke… One guess.” His expression gave it away.

“Who was it?” Ruby asked giggling.

The Sergeant leaned back and pointed to a cement grey coloured lamia helping with the building “She’s called Granite Walls, she’s a little tougher around the edges and doesn’t back down from a challenge, I spar with her when there’s nothing to really do… I haven’t won yet.” He didn’t seem upset.

“Thanks for the catch up glad it’s going, for the most part, okay.” I said.

“Ah don’t worry about it kid, it’ll get easier down the line, it’s just the first initial set ups are always awkward.” As he spoke we all noticed a soft glow and then a flash of light, sitting squarely on a sheet of paper with the name ‘Amber Fragrance’ on top was a small rectangle passport with the Canterlot banner on, an Equestrian citizenship.

The Sergeant picked it up and opened it, checking it briefly like our pass from Luna “Finally.” He muttered then stood up and called “Amber Fragrance, Corporal Point, you’re clear, come get the papers!” He sat back down and started sorting the papers on the table for them.

The lamia who had been reading the letter slid over, I finally had a good look at her. She was deep orange and had a dark brown mane all the way down her back and to the top of her tail, noticeably, behind her neck, was a pair of what looked like chopsticks in an X shape keeping her mane in place, then I realised they were scented sticks, like the ones you light in your home, before I saw no candle, but could smell their aroma faintly. Her tail, of course, matched her fur and mane like any other and she had the same purple eyes too. I could only guess it was Amber. She was also an Earth lamia, as she had no horn.

The pony who joined her, Corporal Point as he’d been called, was a deep sea blue unicorn with a deep black empty mane cut short and spiked at the top, his tail was also short and spikey, he looked like an oddly coloured hedgehog, though his sea blue eyes looked a lot more serious than he appeared.

“Yes sir?” He asked and Amber stood at a small distance from him, nervous. I noticed Point raise an eyebrow at her then looked back to his superior, who hoofed him the set of papers.

“Amber, Corporal Point here with escort you to Ponyville, he’ll later show you where your new employment will be and return to the home you’re staying at and help you get settled, he’ll be leaving after a month which should be long enough for you to have settled in, are you okay with that?” The Sergeant asked, Amber nodded a little and Point saluted and nodded “Very well you may leave when you are ready,” The Sergeant allowed a small smile for Amber “Good luck.” He said softly and Amber smiled in thanks.

Amber then turned and began to walk away with Point, she stopped and glanced at us “Thank you Ruby… I look forward to seeing Equestria and you and your coltfriend made it possible.” She said in a soft, gentle voice, then slid over to the waiting Corporal Point, curled her tail around the two of them in a circle and they disappeared in a flash of light.

“We best head off, or we’ll be a bother to the Sergeant soon.” Digi said, but I knew he just wanted to get going.

I nudged Ruby and returned to the wagon “Later Sarge… Say hi to Fluffernant for us.” I called and the three of us sprinted of, Digi following when the Sergeant started shouting as we ran howling with laughter.

Ruby didn’t use her hypnosis in the badlands, instead her tongue darted out regularly and she appeared to be trying to look everywhere “Easy Ruby we’re not in any danger, we can still see the checkpoint.” I said trying to reassure her.

“And besides, the guards would set up patrols between here and your home, same with your kind right?” Digi said and Ruby nodded.

“Yeah that makes sense but… It doesn’t hurt to be cautious.” Ruby argued, still looking around.

But Digi and I were proved right, just a little before the checkpoint became too far to see, we noticed a pair of wooden poles with little bits of purple fabric like flags tied around them, blowing in the soft breeze, they were several feet apart and a couple meters tall, easy to see at a distance, which proved correct as further ahead we could see another pair.

“Must be the path.” I said softly.

“Follow them?” Digi asked and I nodded.

“If they’re wrong Ruby will know.” I said and Ruby nodded, so we followed the marked wooden poles.

Ruby seemed to be eyeing the markers suspiciously as if they had done something wrong to her, but, as the sun began to set sending the sky a deep orange and we had changed to forest instead of desert I nudged her, nodding to the next ‘marker’. Ruby looked up and her mouth turned up into a wide smile.

The lamia town had hardly changed, though I noticed a few differences, there was a new large wing of buildings and the wooden spike wall had been cleaned to the point it looked as if they’d just put it up, it had also been extended outwards for wagons to park inside, the lamia guards had gotten new clean armour instead of the old oddly coloured lot they had before and I saw a few normal pony guards between their ranks, the doors were also wide open and not closed. It felt much more… Welcoming.

We trotted up and several lamias climbed down to greet us like old friends, Ruby was the most surprised, but seemed determined to battle through them, Digi and I could only follow, I turned and parked the wagon hastily next to another then kicked the harness off and galloped to catch up with my brother and fillyfriend.

I didn’t catch up as Ruby weaved over the bridges and past houses, but, as we passed under the overhang of a double story building, I knew where we were going. Diamond was stood at her door, having heard the commotion of Digi and I running and she held her hooves out, crying, when she saw Ruby who jumped into her hug, I slowed to a trot and joined my brother beside him, glancing at him then back to Ruby. She looked so happy.

The pair remained in their own world for a minute before Diamond pulled back, wiping her tears away, then she saw me “Oh Bolt, it’s good to see you again, come give me a hug… Come on I don’t bite.” Diamond said baring her fangs. Digi looked a little pale but I stepped up and hugged her and chuckled.

“You’ll scare my brother doing that.” I whispered as Diamond pulled back.

“Oh is this is your brother, Bolt? Hello, it’s nice to meet you, I’m Diamond Cross.” She said.

“Digital Canvas.” He said holding out a hoof, which Diamond grabbed and pulled into a hug, Digi cried out in surprise but was unable to escape the strong hug.

“So why you three here?” Diamond asked inviting us in and leading us to the living room.

Once again, I sat on Ruby’s coils like so long ago and Digi dodged around Diamond despite her making a clear offer “Well Bolt and I are back for the monthly thing Sunny wanted, But Bolt also wanted to ask you something before he went to see Sunny. Oh and Digi’s here to get some ‘inspired artwork’. By that he means, get hypnotised a lot and draw what it looks like as the world fades into colours.” Ruby explained, and Digi made no effort to deny this.

Diamond chuckled “Well seems you’re all rather busy, so I shall not keep you all for too long, since it’s getting rather late. How’s about you two head upstairs, Ruby your room, Bolt will join you soon and Digi head into the room next door.” Diamond offered.

“Actually I’ll head to Sunny’s and be back later Ruby, okay?” She nodded and smiled whispering ‘good luck’ in a thick seductive way “And Digi can sleep in my wagon.” I said to Diamond.

“Why can’t I sleep here?” Digi asked.

“She’s offering to share her room with you.” I said flatly and Ruby giggled.

“Is this true?” Digi asked looking at Diamond.

“Well, is it a problem? We can share a bed can’t we, it’s not a crime… And I can help you start on that art piece.” Diamond asked her eyes flashing.

I saw Digi’s eyes relax and in the moment of weakness his mouth and neck was coiled up and he was forced to nod “Excellent, I’ll head up after Bolt and I have this chat. How’s about you head up first.” Diamond said, Digi blushed but nodded, disappearing out the room, I heard him climbing the stairs slowly.

“I’ll let you two be alone.” Ruby said uncoiling me and kissing me goodnight “Sunny is rough.” Ruby warned and I nodded in understanding.

Diamond watched Ruby leave the room then turned to me “So what did you want to ask me alone? Did my daughter not live up to your needs? Don’t deny you two did it… I can smell it on you, both of you. Ruby knows it.” Diamond said grinning, I blushed but shook my head.

“I’m not here to talk… About that with you, but it is about Ruby…” I tapped my hooves then stood up and walked over to the window, staring out at the leafy canopy of the massive trees outside.

I glanced back at Diamond who was sat patiently watching me, I glanced at the door, checking it was shut “Has Ruby gone upstairs?” I asked.

Diamond let her tongue dart out then nodded “Yes her scent is upstairs, what are you keeping from her?” Diamond asked excitedly.

“Diamond… You remember you once said love is blind and I would take back what I said about not loving Ruby.” Diamond smirked folding her hooves under her head as I spoke.

“Yes.” She said simply.

“Well… You said something else… About Ruby and I…” I said and I looked back outside, in the window’s reflection I could see her smile turn to open mouth shock. I rested my head against the window and spoke before I could stop myself “I’d like your blessing.” I said softly.

I opened my eyes and looked back at Diamond who had her mouth covered, eyes twinkling, she then whispered “Will… Will I call you ‘Son’?” She asked and I nodded.

“If you would allow it. But don’t tell Ruby… I… Have a surprise ready for when I propose.” I said.

“You’re really are serious… So what did you need to ask me?” Diamond asked.

“Lamias… Do their marriages… Have any differences to pony marriages?” I asked.

“Well… I know what a pony marriage is like and a lamia one, I had both it’s what me and my husband decided on, doing both, I assume you would like to do the same with Ruby?” I nodded “Very well, lamia and pony weddings are almost identical, with somepony uniting us with all the boring book stuff, there is also the proposing, however, the ring, for a lamia, goes on the tail tip about here,” Diamond touched a little down her tail indicating the spot, it was a little thinner than her hoof in terms of girth “I will get you some measurements off her, I can do it without suspicion. And also, afterwards, the pony and lamia would go out into the wild for one night and the lamia would coil up their new partner to keep the warmth of their partner in to protect them both from the cold, you would also need to be hypnotised that night down to your subconscious and marked by the lamia. Whenever another hypnotises you they would feel a bit of Ruby within you, so they know you belong to somepony else. That’s it.” Diamond said smiling.

I smiled in return “Thank you Diamond.” I said softly.

“May I ask, when do you plan to pop the question, as it were?” Diamond asked excitedly.

“When we get back to Equestria I plan to go to our Capital, buy the ring then head for Ponyville, I’ll ask her there. About a week, tops.” I said.

“Good best not to keep her waiting… Now I believe you have somewhere else to be?” Diamond said nodding to the dark sky.

“Yeah, later Diamond… Thank you.” I said at the door.

“You’re welcome… Son.” And with those words I left.

Though the concept of me marrying Ruby kept my spirits high… I was still scared when I reached the massive doors to Sunny’s temple. The guards were gone… Only thing to do was knock… The sound echoed, it didn’t help.

Author's Note

And in this episode the 'big secret' That everyone totally guessed is revealed. Bolt's planning a Spring cleaning! :D Wait... Wait no... No I miss read that, hang on *Ahem* Bolt is planning a wedding! God that was embarrassing On the way we see some old friends and I set up a few characters for some little short stories.

Amber, the lamia we saw go off in this chapter, is gonna get her own story, possibly a short arc! :D A lamia settling into a life with ponies has a lot of possibilities for me, it'll be fun!

For now enjoy this chapter and get hype for Sunny's debt collection! >:)

A debt to pay

Author's Note

Wow, a 9000+ word long chapter dedicated to sex... I... Um... Appear to have turned into Satan for this chapter it's... Well... Pretty hardcore! XD So back out now ye of weak heart.

Now for those still here I'm gonna list off what happens, some things I just don't know the name off, so I'll hide it behind spoilers here:

*Ahem* okay glasses on and; many mares on a single stallion, hypnotic smoke, many orgasms, blowjob, male pegging (putting a snake tail up Bolt's butt basically! XD), being pinned and used as a pole to orgasm on, teasing, multi blow jobs, full tongue blowjob, orgasm denial (having a tail tip block penis exit >///<) face sitting whilst having sex and having a mare cum over your head at same time, then bathtub sex.

That... Is a lot of stuff... So enjoy! :P XD And I have to try and top this with Ruby's next sex chapter? Oh God!

A debt to pay

I waited a few seconds until the sound faded then reached up to open the door, but, just before I could, the handle clicked down on its own and swing inward just a little bit. I pushed the door open fully and felt my face blush instantly. Sunny, along with her two guards, were sat close together on a mountain of pillows with their tails curled around them messily. Around the lamias were twelve mares, four for each lamia. Seven Earth ponies, four Pegasi and one unicorn. The one on the left was a deep bronze colour with a slightly darker bronze mane, her cutie mark was an arrow head pointing towards her tail. The other lamia was a bright snowy white with a green short spikey mane, her cutie mark was a small pile of various gem stones, encased in crystal. Sunny was also the only unicorn lamia there, the two guards being Earth. Both lamias, of course, had matching tails to their fur and manes and their purple slitted eyes. And there was Sunny in the middle without her dress for once.

All three lamias were leaning back and, as one, grinned devilishly as they noticed me. The twelve mares remained oblivious to my presence just outside the room, there was no embarrassment from what they were doing. There were three mares sat upon each of the three lamias coils, front hooves in front on the coils helping them to glide along them, I could see their liquids dribbling down the scales as they moaned and one orgasmed as I watched, letting off a blissful heavenly moan, spraying along the bronze lamia. Sunny had laid down a coil out for another pair of the mares, who were trying to hug each other around it, sliding up and down the thick coil, the one on the bottom was having all the liquid from the top one drip onto her coat and into her mane and she seemed to be loving it as they made out as visibly as possible.

Sunny’s fourth and final mare was lying down next to her, rubbing her hoof up and down her vagina and stretching her lips for Sunny’s inspection, occasionally the lamia Queen flicked her tail tip against the mare’s vagina if she did well and she quivered and moaned as her love was thrown onto her chest. The bronze lamia had one of her mares coiled up around her waist, pinning her hooves down, as another was licking her vagina with a curled up coil pushing in under her tail as she licked. The bronze coloured lamia’s last mare was sat on her lap and was having her ear nibbled as the lamia stroked her vagina with her hoof, she was also the only unicorn pony.

Then I turned to look at the snow coloured lamia, alongside the mare riding her tail, she had her share of the group of mares, three more like the others, but she had wrapped them all into one big cocoon and was pressing their bodies together, a thick coil like a pole going up the middle, the three mares appeared to be trying to get off by rubbing it and I could see the mess dribbling down beneath them.

The noises all the mares were making made me feel very hot, it was very well done, but I could see why the mares were acting so lusty, and why the lamias seemed content. I’d since learnt that lamias were immune to most hypnotic effects thanks to their own hypnotic powers. The three lamias had somehow gotten a hold of several hundred massive candles which lined the entire room in a massive border, I could see them puffing out smoke like scented sticks, but each colour was that of the candle, so the room looked as if it were filled with hypnosis coloured smoke, swirling around each other. The smoke was heavy, hanging close to the ground, so the floor was almost invisible and the smoke floated around the height of my neck. The three lamias had drugged the room, and the twelve mares within. They weren’t hiding it, in actual fact they were making it obvious what they were doing for me to know. They wanted to know I’d turn into a sex driven pony just like the mares they’d caught.

I stared down at the smoke, it was slowly making its way outside but it was almost like a slightly solid liquid, moving incredibly slowly.

“Well Bolt, I knew you’d be visiting for our debt tonight… So I brought my two guards along as a reward for them protecting me, Bronze Point and Crystal Gems here… And a few of the mares who are visiting my town, just to help them ‘settle in’ to our way of fun.” Sunny said grinning across at me “Why don’t you come in and join us? I can tell you’re eager even if you don’t mean to be.” I blushed crossing my hooves to hide my twitching member, the show, because I knew that’s what it was, had certainly gotten a reaction.

Sunny waited patiently “The clock doesn’t start until you reach me and I begin my fun.” She cooed just loud enough for me to hear, the other two lamias were watching excitedly, the twelve mares receiving a little extra burst of pleasure to make them ‘sing’ for me to join them, the unicorn mare letting of a firework display as Bronze pushed her hoof inside her.

I took a final gulp of clean air then walked inside and Sunny closed the door behind me, the smoke then hit me. I had debated breathing through my mouth in case it made any difference, but then noticed all the mares panting and doubted it’d help, so I just let myself do what was comfortable. The colourful smoke seemed to almost shoot towards me, as if it sensed a new clean victim, as if it were alive. I felt my wings flutter then unfold outward, twitching from my excitement, the smoke was curling up into my brain and I began to quickly feel light headed, excited… Good. I breathed in deeply, walking towards Sunny who was grinning widely at me. The smoke made me appreciate the sweet scent it had, and the wonderful sounds of the mares having fun with the other lamias. And knowing I’d soon join then made me quiver with excitement and need.

By the time I reached Sunny I was thoroughly drugged, and she seemed quite pleased as I sat down before her on her tail, my penis twitching and bulging happily “It worked a charm.” Bronze said standing up to see me better, holding onto her own unicorn mare who was looking up at her with need, because she’d stopped. All the lamias had stopped to look at me and the mares were soon doing likewise.

“No… He’s resisting… Aren’t you, Bolt?” Sunny whispered, she didn’t sound or even look disappointed “Ruby’s left her mark on your mind quite deeply, hasn’t she? With all her hypnosis sessions with you.” Sunny stated rubbing my cheek and I leaned into it.

“Can… Can I starting paying the debt… Sunny?” I asked softly and Crystal chuckled softly.

“Ah I see, the others all call us Mistress he prefers our names, he still has the will to call us by our names.” She said.

“I think it’s kinda cute, I like him fighting, will be fun to see his reactions.” Bronze said.

“My thoughts exactly.” Sunny said and Crystal scoffed.

“Well, he won’t get it with me, it’s Mistress or Mistress Crystal… Or ‘more!’” Crystal moaned softly mimicking her mares, who all gave cries of agreement and received hugs and Crystal pushed on their vaginas as rewards.

“Well your turn is later Crystal, for now, it’s my turn with my ‘prize’. You two,” Sunny pointed to the two mares who were locked in a hug, they broke at Sunny’s command and scrambled to her, kneeling in worship.

“Yes Mistress?” They chimed and their back legs quivered as a wave of pleasure hit them for calling her by that title, Sunny had likely programmed that into their mind.

“Would you mind helping our new arrival Bolt here get ready? We can’t have the weak and old cum in him go inside me can we? Get it out of him whilst I watch, be good and I might let you cum with him.” Sunny ordered and the two mares nodded eagerly then galloped over to me, pushing me up and sitting under me, wrapping me in twin hugs.

“Mistress wants us to service you, we get a reward if we’re good.” The left one chimed.

“So be good and cum quick so that we can cum too.” The second purred, the one covered in her friend’s and her own cum which made her feel sticky and warm.

Crystal rolled her eyes and pulled her four mares close and went back to toying them, burying them under her coils in a line and pleasuring them one at a time, the three watching one being drawn to orgasm, the pain of waiting clear. Bronze, however, sat down to watch Sunny play with me and her four mares sat down around her and she toyed with them as she watched me be played with, adding their moans to Sunny’s group.

The two mares curled their front hooves around and each one grasped my penis with a hoof on each side, rocking them back and forth slowly and tightly in sync. I moaned and began to thrust gently into their hooves, the mare on my right brought her other hoof forward and pressed it to my penis head, tapping it slowly, which made me moan more. The other two mares stood up and moved in front of me and began to play with themselves for me to see, one on each side.

The left one turn her back on me and held her rump up in the air folding her tail over her back and curled her front leg between her back legs and began to stroke her vagina, looking back at me. I noticed the lazily pulsing colours in her eyes at last, the rest were the same now I noticed but my attention shifted quickly to the other mare. She sat down to my right at roughly the same distance, just out of reach, facing me. She stretched her back legs out in front of me and used her right hoof to stroke and stretch her lips for me to see, her left hoof made motions of gripping my penis and pumping it as if I was stood before her and she stared with lidded eyes.

The two mares continued their pumping and moans chimed through the room like an odd song of love, I watched their hooves move over my penis, up and down, the hoof hitting my head squishing it down making it tingle. Then I’d glance up and look at the two masturbating mares before me and they’d grin as I look at them, doubling their efforts before slowing down as my gaze turned away. Then I heard a sharp gasp and cry from my left, towards Bronze and her group, and I looked over, biting my lips.

Bronze smirked at me then winked “Enjoying MY show?” She cooed resting against her coils.

Her four mares, as well as Bronze herself, were all visible for me to see. Two of them were wrapped around one of Bronze’s coils together on their sides, vaginas facing me, like a pole, but on the ground. Their tails swished back and forth invitingly and they slowly raised and lowered themselves and I could see the lips of their vagina’s stretch and fold outward. Another one was lying down and she was the one crying, holding her hoof over her vagina, which I noticed she’d forced inside. She was pumping it back and forth head facing the ceiling as she snag her song to the ceiling, back arched upward and she came spraying the floor just shy of us before she continued her pumping. The final mare, Bronze’s unicorn, was having the most fun, Bronze had moved her down off her lap and had pushed the scales around her own vagina down. The unicorn had made a physical tube out of her magic and was pumping it into her Mistress, who, in return, was using her tail to pump her plot. The mare was sat right next to Bronze watching her vagina as she pumped it with magic, with the tip of the lamia’s tail wriggling visibly inside her plot, the mare was stroking her dripping vagina as she worked and her magic sparked occasionally when Bronze changed from wriggling to thrusting.

I moaned and looked back down at the two mares pumping hooves “F-faster.” I begged softly.

I felt Sunny cup my chin and turn my head up to look at her “I’m sorry Bolt I missed that.” She cooed grinning.

“F-faster Sunny, please!” I begged audibly.

Sunny appeared to hesitate then smiled and shrugged “You two may cum when he does now, so pump quickly, it’ll be a good long orgasm.” Sunny hissed watching closely.

The two mares cried in delight, and the sound of their masturbation and moans grew. The two mares wrapped around me began to pump for all their worth as if trying to sand the skin off my penis with their hooves but it felt wonderful! I tilted my head up and shouted then my head flopped down and I groaned.

“Bolt?” Sunny cooed innocently with a snake like grin.

“I… I’m CUMMING!” I cried as if the smoke was chocking the words out of me, and on cue the two mare’s sprayed the side of my body and their pumping peaked.

I shot load after load of thick cum onto the right mare’s hoof and I felt myself shiver which each orgasm, it was heavenly. When I finally stopped squirting little droplets out, Sunny nodded to the messy mare and she crawled around and began to lick me, I remained erect and ready for more, as if I’d never orgasmed and I moaned as the mare cleaned me up, getting it all over her face. Once done she sat up and Sunny waved the two aside and they returned to each other and wrapped around each other, grinding their wet vagina’s together as they watched the next part.

“Keep the show going, he likes it girls.” Sunny cooed letting me lay down with a sight line to the mares masturbating, Sunny then sat down on my chest with her back pushing against my member “Now we’re going to play a game Bolt,” Sunny said “I’m going to push the scales covering my dripping, excited and needy vagina down,” Sunny paused to look at my panting excited face, I gulped wanting desperately to see it, to touch it… Feel it “But I’m not going to let you enter me just yet.” Sunny said and grinned at my disappointment “No you need to EARN that… And for that, you have to resist orgasm. You penis, right now, is bulging, twitching and flexing against my soft scales aiming up at my back, correct?” I nodded liking the words Sunny spoke, they made me tingle “You can’t orgasm there or I will be VERY upset.” I gulped and moaned and Sunny giggled “I’m going to let you see my vagina… And you’re going to lick it, and you will feel the same pleasure I do as you pleasure me… But if YOU cum in under two minutes… I will shove my tail tip up your plot.” Sunny said and I blushed deeply “But if you last two minutes, I will lower myself back and let your penis slip into my vagina and you can cum and feel the sweet relief of filling me up. All the built up tension just shooting out in pleasurable, blissful waves.” I felt my penis flex at Sunny’s words and I nodded desperately in agreement.

Sunny smiled, stroked my cheek and shifted so my front hooves could move freely. I immediately went for the scales hiding her vagina and pushed them down, sure enough the second the scales revealed her wonderful pink vagina, a couple of drops of love dribbled and dropped down onto my neck as Sunny slid forward, her tail curling around to sit my head up a little if I wanted to lick her.

I looked up at Sunny and she smiled “Ready?” I nodded eagerly “Two minutes, go.” She cooed.

Immediately I wrapped my hooves around Sunny and pulled her down and began to dig in like a hungry wolf, as my tongue lapped up the droplets of Sunny’s love, pushing in on the soft folds of flesh, I noticed my penis tingling and flexing as pleasure, seemingly from nowhere, attacked me. I glanced around as I licked. I could see all the mares from my position under Sunny, except Crystal but she didn’t seem interested in our fun at the time. I was being hooked up to Sunny’s pleasure.

I knew I shouldn’t have, but I wanted more, having seen all the mares ‘playing’ again I began to have a desperate want and it had been a minute already I knew, so I could last the rest surly. So I brought my hooves back around and stretched Sunny’s lips outward, she moaned as I did so and I pushed my nose inside, I felt the stretching and my nose inside Sunny in my own form of pleasure and my penis jumped trying to find something to lean on as its load built. But, about a minute and a half in, Sunny, breathing heavily, looked over at Bronze.

“H-hay Bronze I have a problem.” She said panting.

“What is it?” She asked and I could tell by her voice, through her own lust and moans from her unicorn mare pleasuring her, she knew what Sunny was doing.

“I lost count after fifty… Bolt is too good, have you been counting by chance?” Sunny asked as I continued to dig in, I couldn’t stop, it felt too good, there was a slight pressure around my penis head and it was flexing more regularly now.

“No sorry, it was your plan I have my own mares to take care of.” Bronze said.

“Darn… Sorry Bolt we’ll have to go from fifty, you don’t mind do you, you’re enjoying feeling each tingling wave of electric pleasure, jumping all over you sensitive flexing penis, each time you tongue laps up a bit of my cum, your nose flicking against my clit it sends waves of-Oooh!” Sunny suddenly cried out, her words had done it, I couldn’t stand the pleasure, it peaked then began to shoot out, I could only imagine the mess along Sunny’s back.

Bronze chuckled softly and Sunny tutted as if I’d been a naught colt and I felt ashamed to have disappointed her. Sunny’s gaze softened “It’s alright Bolt, you know I set it up. Beside you LOVED it didn’t you?” I nodded.

“Y-you’re not mad Sunny?” I asked softly.

Sunny smiled and shook her head but grinned “You still get punished.” She cooed and I blushed, hiding part of my face.

“Okay.” I mumbled, ears folding down.

“Also… You have to lick me clean.” My eyes widened but the hypnotic smoke prevented me from refusing.

Sunny slid off me and I stood up “When I get my tail inside you, you will use your own tongue to lick off every drop of cum, and you may not start before, got it?” Sunny asked.

“Yes Sunny.” I said softly.

“Good, but because I know I was a little mean, the fastest mare to reach you can suck your penis as a constellation and when I’m clean you can cum in her mouth, sound fair?” Sunny asked, at once the mare with her rump in the air stopped and galloped over, crawling under me and sitting beneath me, looking up smiling happily “Seems our ‘volunteer’ is ready. Are you Bolt? Honey you can start pleasing Bolt when he begins on me, understand?” She nodded eagerly “Alright when you are ready Bolt.” Sunny said.

Sunny turned her back on me and I could clearly see where my penis had sat, my semen had shot up from my penis into the air and landed just a little above where it had been before, so it was mostly pooled in one area but spread out a little as well, it had also started to run down Sunny’s back. I waited, then felt my tail being pushed up by Sunny’s coils, then her tail tip stroked the back of my balls, I moaned softly but kept waiting, not until it was inside could I start. Sunny’s tail tip wriggling up my rump and to my plot, poking the bottom before stretching it, it felt bizarrely nice. Sunny pulled her tip back before stretching my plot more, such an odd feeling. Then she slammed her tip inside me and I cried out rocking forward, eyes rolling up for a second, Sunny let her tail wriggle around and I moaned.

“You can start now Bolt.” Sunny said and I grunted nodding.

I leaned forward and stuck my tongue out, running it up and taking the first bit of my semen into my mouth, it was salty like a cracker but not terrible… Okay I suppose. As I did so I instantly felt the mare below begin to lick off the semen that had fallen on my penis and balls, her rough tongue greedily licking up every drop before she went for my head, running it over the tip where semen came out, as if hoping for more. Sunny also let more of her tail slip into my plot, stretching inside me.

I turned back to Sunny’s back and ran my tongue up trying to get as much as I could, as I swallowed I felt a bit dripple over the sides of my lips and the mare under me took my penis tip into her mouth, running her tongue tip over it and poking the exit hole. I moaned and lapped up more, chocking a little as I moaned more.

“That’s it Bolt, you’re doing great.” Sunny said as her tip reach the end of my insides… It backed up then slammed into it so hard my rear hooves lifted off the ground and I cried out, my penis flexing and the mare licking happily.

I looked at the mess on Sunny’s back, more than half was gone, maybe a quarter left. I took a deep breath and ran my tongue along sideways swallowing more, another thrust and then the mare began to rock her head back and forward on my penis, her tongue underneath it adding pleasure, my tip hitting the back of her throat. I moaned and took another lick, Sunny’s thrusting began to pick up and I moaned again, I ran my tongue along Sunny’s back one more time and then pulled back, swallowing, to find more, but I couldn’t.

“I’m… I’m done! Sunny I’m do-AAAAAHHHHHHH!” I cried out as Sunny sank her tail inside and began to force as much as she could, at the same time the mare held onto my tip in her mouth and I felt myself orgasm, my load shooting into her eager mouth. I felt it overflowing and forcing its way out and heard it hit the floor. Which I was no longer touching with my hind legs.

“Are… Are we done?” I asked.

“Done? Why Bolt we’ve not even gone for an hour yet, and my two friends have their turns next, you’re here… Until we are satisfied or the time runs out.” Sunny hissed as her tail slipped out of me and I flopped down onto the floor just managing to stay stood up.

The mare under me was greedily sucking on my penis getting the last drop “Off him now, it’s my turn.” Sunny said curling her tail into a bed.

The mare got out from under me and backed up, about to go back to her position of masturbating “No… You four, hold Bolt down on the ‘bed’, wrap your legs around his hooves and grind against him, his hooves give you pleasure now, cum all over him!” Sunny ordered and I was rushed.

The four mares quickly overpowered my non-existent resistance and slammed me onto Sunny’s coils, each took a hoof, wrapping their hind legs around the base of them where they joined my torso, gripping my hooves with their own front ones, and then they began to ride up and down my leg and I felt their cum greasing my legs. I looked up at Sunny who was watching.

“You look ready, all the weak semen is gone, only the tasty strong is left… We can now have sex for real Bolt.” Sunny cooed.

Sunny sat her upper tail body on my chest, her weight making me sigh as the air was gradually forced out, my breathing a little forced now but I watched as Sunny angled her vagina over my penis. Sunny lowered herself down so that my penis touched her entrance, and she slid up and down slowly, making my penis flick and drip with my saliva and her cum. Then, Sunny slammed herself down on me and I screamed, head arching back as the mare placed both hooves on my chest and began to bounce, her vagina contracting, gripping my penis as if trying to suck it inside forever. I bucked with her, moaning as my four ‘restraints’ sang as they watched, I felt one of them cum spraying up my leg.

Sunny pressed down with her hooves on my chest, biting her lips and tilting her head up, eyes closed as she bounced, a soft squishing sound coming from the connection between us every time Sunny landed down on me. I stared at my penis, disappearing and reappearing, drenched in various liquids from all the different mares around me, and some of my own, grunting as I felt my penis churn an orgasm ready.

“S-Sunny…” I moaned softly after a few minutes torture.

“I… I know Bolt… I… Can’t… It’s so good… We need to make more bets in the future.” And with Sunny’s statement she opened her eyes and sang in relief, her four toys spraying like a fountain in union and I bucked into Sunny, her vagina was contracting as she came, I felt like I was being milk and I just let Sunny milk me, my penis filling her up and overflowing, making a mess of my crotch.

Sunny slipped off me and semen dripped onto my lower body “Bronze… He’s all yours. You four clean up while you watch.” Sunny said leaning back as the four mares left me and curled around their Mistress, licking off my semen and her cum.

Bronze clapped her hooves and her four mares trotted over to me and I was carried over and put down with my head on Bronze’s lap. She looked down at me and gently stroked my mane, which was stuck to my forehead with sweat. I was covered in cum and sweat all over really.

“He needs a bath all over girls, get to work.” Bronze said.

The four mares chime a “Yes Mistress.” And lay down hugging me, I could feel both my front legs being licked and my chest, one mare was cooing softly as she licked off my own cum and Sunny’s and I felt my penis jump as she licked the semen off around and on my penis, especially the head. I looked down at her licking and Bronze giggled at me.

“You can keep doing that but don’t get any on Bolt.” The mare nodded and took my penis into her mouth, sucking like a straw, another passing by my penis and, as she went for my hind legs, her plot pushed up against the base of my penis.

The mare’s soft squishy butt began to rock up and down and Bronze held my head with her hooves so I could see “Like that?” She whispered and I nodded, I had lost all dignity at this point I just wanted more sex, I was a little horny rabbit in the burrow, stuck in the clutches of a dominating trio of snakes.

The other mare lay down and pressed her butt up between the other mare’s and they started to bounce up and down, locking my penis in soft, slightly fluffy, buns, the third mare stuck suckling happily. The last mare was tending to my neck, the last bit of mess. She stood up and smiled at Bronze when the job was done, I could feel an orgasm approaching, the sensation of it building…

“Okay back off girls.” Bronze said.

“What? No! No wait please Bronze!” But she just smiled at my little pleads, ignoring them, and the mares backed up as my penis bucked in the empty air, wanting more and I moaned longingly.

Bronze grabbed me under my front hooves and stood me up, coiling me around the middle of my body pinning my hooves down, I couldn’t relieve myself now either.

“Well Bolt, you have four mares right in front of you, and they are willing to put on any show you’d like, go ahead, give them a request.” Bronze purred “But they may NOT touch your penis.” I moaned but nodded at Bronze’s direct command.

“…D-dance whilst masturbating.” I muttered, the four mares looked up at Bronze

“You heard the stallion, dance.” Bronze said.

The four mares smiled and nodded, two moved further forward almost in reach of me and the other two stood visibly to their sides, but not to close they’d hit each other. They pushed themselves onto their hind legs and stepped back a single pace onto Bronze’s coils like a stage, Bronze closing her tail together so they wouldn’t fall. All four mares raised their left hooves up into the air and the right one down to their crotch, pushing against their vagina, they began to sway their hips, turning their left hoof as their right played up and down. They span in a hip swaying circling and bowed to me, reaching their left hoof towards me and giving me a soft united moan. My body was loving it and I began to pant with the desire to join them.

The four mares turned their left hooves down to the ground and lowered themselves downward, spreading their legs as they kept up their stroking. Each mare then grabbed a thick coil and slung it over their shoulders, standing back up before pushing the coil out which stretched standing up like a pole. The four mares jumped up and wrapped themselves around the ‘poles’ curling their legs in a circle before spinning around and hanging upside down facing me, their vagina’s stretching on Bronze’s scale and dripping onto their chests. The mares loosened their tight grip, slipping down their poles and their juices spread all the way down. Bronze’s coils fell down and the mares spun around, each touching their hoof to their vagina. Bronze’s coils which had been the mares poles slid in front and they bowed down to lick up their own cum, their hooves speeding up.

When the four mares finished their snack they leaned back and the coils slipped down into the ‘stage’. The four mares pushed their hooves in and chimed in a heavenly moan as they orgasmed, spraying the mess towards me and all over their hooves. I also heard a few broken ones from Sunny’s mares, who were watching as they licked their Mistress, bodies wrapped around each other. The four mares pulled their hooves back after their orgasms, which were dripping, stood up and trotted up to me, holding their hooves close to my face. I leaned forward and lapped up the mess before Bronze pushed them back.

“Wipe the rest onto his penis as lube and wait for his second request.” Bronze ordered.

The four mares complied, kneeling down and stroking my penis, the mars rubbing their cum all over my erect penis, I got close again before they finished, this was torture.

The four mares backed off again and Bronze looked down at me “Another request Bolt.” Bronze ordered.

“One… One of you gets to sit between the other three as they bring you to an orgasm.” I moaned longingly at the word orgasm, I wanted one so badly.

The four mares didn’t need to ask Bronze for permission this time, instead the unicorn, Bronze’s favourite it seemed, sat squarely down on her Mistress’ coils and the other three wrapped themselves around her. One sat behind the unicorn for her to lean on, one lay down with their tail flicked over their back so I could see their dripping vagina, and the last one lay down to the unicorn’s side stretching her hind legs for the lucky mare to play with (For the sake of it, I’ll call them one, two and three and unicorn so you can keep track better, since I never learnt any of their names; one being the one behind the unicorn, two being the one laying with her face in the unicorn’s crotch and three being the one the unicorn gets to play with).

The unicorn began to gently pat three’s vagina with her hoof, the little mare moaned happily and arched her back rubbing her vagina on the unicorn’s hoof excitedly. Two began to audibly lick the unicorn with loud slurps and the unicorn moaned softly as one curled her hoof around to rub and pull on the top of the unicorn’s vagina. Watching the little orgy show made me quiver and lean forward to see what they were doing better. Bronze pressed her lips to my ears as the unicorn began to use her magic to form an odd ball that she forced into three, who moaned loudly flopping onto her back.

“You like watching them go at it…?” Bronze asked and I nodded desperately “You want to join them?” Bronze asked and I nodded to the point my head almost fell off “Well… Tell you what, you can tell them to give you a blow job next, or…” I was panting softly, a relieving blowjob sounded good “You can give them one last request… Resist the temptation to order them to make you cum…” Bronze pushed her lips inside my ear and her tongue tickle my canal “And I’ll use my tail to pump off five orgasms, in all their mouths and then mine. Deal?” I gasped and my penis jumped with anticipation, one orgasm or FIVE!?

“F-five.” I managed to get out.

“Good, looks like their show is over our little unicorn has cum all over that mare’s face… Now choose.” I nodded as the mares split away.

Two had her face dripping wet as the four of them approached me again, wiping all the cum they’d collected onto my penis, I felt my penis leak a drop of pre cum but kept my mouth shut, I wanted… Needed those five orgasms.

“Okay girls last request, Bolt can now ask you to blow him off… But if he lasts through the final show, you all get to eat an orgasm each, understand?” The mares nodded and seemed as eager as me to have their bellies full of cum “Bolt.” Bronze said simply.

I wanted to choose something that wouldn’t tempt me too much but I found my mind wandering back to when I came into the room… Those three mares grinding on the lamias tails “Ride Bronze’s tail.” I droned without thinking and my eyes widened in embarrassment and fear as I felt my mouth move.

The mares rushed off before I could stop them, Bronze raised a pair of coils on top of each other. The mares jumped over and sat down facing each other in pairs, and then, smiling at me encouragingly, they began to rock back and forth. Within seconds mare cum was dripping down Bronze’s tail and onto the floor below and the mares wrapped each other in hugs and began to kiss, their tongues curling out to fight in a battle of love. Though they wished to eat my semen, they didn’t seem inclined to suffer as I did, with the need of release.

Bronze chuckled at the anguish on my face “Isn’t it wonderful watching them glide and grind on my tail and oh, the sensation of their love as it shoots out of their body and all over my scales is wondrous.” I moaned longingly watching a pair of them do just as Bronze said, cumming, spraying her scales and each other’s lower bodies “It must almost be painful to watch… I bet you would just LOVE a nice orgasm, call them, and let them suckle on you as you fill them up.” I moaned and wanted SO badly to do just that.

“But… The five orgasms…” I begged.

“Is it worth this torture…?” Bronze asked.

“Y-yes… Yes it is…” I managed and I gasped in surprise as I felt my penis being touched.

“You get a sixth.” Bronze cooed and I looked down.

Bronze’s tail was curling a coil around my penis, covering all but the head, as it closed I moaned softly then gasped. Bronze was curling a second coil around and then pushed it in, burying my tip. But I could feel her soft belly scales sliding gracefully over, pushing and flicking my penis head along. I’d been teased so much I was on a hair pin trigger, I moaned and quivered.

“I’m going to cum Bronze.” I moaned.

“Already? My, we are good huh girls. It’s okay, cum ALL over my soft coil, feel the soft smooth scales press in on your head sending jolts of pleasure-Oh… You like my dirty talk?” Bronze asked, the question being raised as my orgasm rose at her smooth silver tongued words.

My penis twitched then gave in to the tide of pleasure and I felt the cum hit the scales then splash around on Bronze’s coil and my penis, dripping down onto the floor. The four mares sighed, grinded to their next orgasms and then, once satisfied, trotted over and sat down before Bronze.

Bronze lowered the coil over my head away and the first mare walked forward, latching onto my penis like a pup a mother’s nipple. She began to draw circles over my penis, cleaning the mess off it and then Bronze’s tail before going back to licking the tip and exit of my penis, waiting for the next load.

It felt like the build-up was massive and I was already near another orgasm. Bronze began to bounce her coil up and down and squeezed in on my penis, like a vibrator all over my penis. I grunted and the mare’s licking and suckling added to the pleasure and I soon unloaded into her mouth. The mare squeaked but swallowed all of it then backed up trailing saliva and cum. Bronze let me rest for exactly half a second before starting up the vibrations again, the next mare crawling forward to suck on me. This happened with all four of them. I would be vibrated and sucked on, drawn to orgasm then switched without a pause in between.

Finally the last mare backed up, panting with a mouthful of semen. Bronze finally stopped vibrating my penis. She slid in front of me and kneeled down, her tail slipping off. Bronze held my penis in both hooves stroking slowly to work an orgasm in slowly. She glanced up at me, winked, and then dived forward. The other mares were just out of Bronze’s league. Bronze took my tip into her mouth and kept sucking on it constantly, not needing to stop for air so the pleasure didn’t pause, it felt as if the orgasm was being sucked up through me. At the same time Bronze’s tongue curled down my penis, wrapping the entire thing up in a sloppy full kiss, and she began to pump with the rough slimy tube. It was too good, too much.

“AH! BRONZE!” Bronze grunted as I cried out, cumming a sixth time. How had I not run out already? Was the drug speeding up how fast I made semen? It had to be for me to pump so much into Bronze.

The lamia pulled back and chuckled “Good boy, you did well. Crystal, he’s all yours.” I looked over at the white coloured mare.

Crystal had gaged and blindfolded her mares with her tail and was currently making them squeal by stroking their vaginas with coils that were thicker than their heads, each mare was also coiled up and were being tightly squeezed, I could hear their laboured, excited breathing “Come here little pony.” She cooed.

I complied and walked slowly over from Bronze to Crystal, sitting down before the great serpent. Crystal’s tail curled around me and she pushed me back with another coil until I was leaning back, sinking into the thick muscular scales. Crystal lowered her four mares down and uncoiled them. They were panting heavily and appeared to have serious jelly legs, but they managed to sit up staring at me.

Crystal slid up to me and placed her hooves either side of my head “What is my name?” She asked softly.

“C-Crystal?” I asked confused.

Crystal was silent for a moment then her tail curled into a cocoon and she lay it down on the floor “Crawl inside.” Crystal ordered.

I did as she asked, pushing my head into the coils and wriggling through, hooves by my side like a worm, as I passed halfway I noticed a large gap for my penis and quivered in anticipation. When my head popped out Crystal tightened her coils softly and turned me over. She smiled down at me gently. Then her face turned a little scary. She grinned, eyes narrowing, fangs bared as her tail pressed in tightly, I gasped, unable to hold the air in as it was choked out of me, Crystal squeezed tighter and tighter, and my breathing became fainter and fainter. My vision began to turn black and I felt my bones bend a little, then Crystal relaxed and I began to cough as I recovered.

Crystal didn’t let up. I was being punished and I didn’t know why. Crystal’s tail tip curled around to my penis, poked it a few times, and then began to tap over my head. Crystal’s tail tip poked my penis entrance… And then wriggled inside. I cried out my body starting to spasm as my penis was stretched oddly and blocked off at the top by the tail tip. Crystal began to tighten her hold on me again and laughed softly.

“Start pleasuring him.” Crystal ordered and a pair of mares climbed on top of me.

They wrapped their hind legs around my penis and began to grind up and down it. At first it was a heavenly sensation, like normal pleasure and I felt pressure building, Crystal’s tip somehow helping, it was gonna feel great. Crystal clapped the first two away and snatched them up in her tail, holding them by thick coils around their necks and slipping coils between their legs, holding them over my head so their cum dripped on to my face. The other two approached and began to pamper my penis with kisses suckling on the sides of it, lubing me up, and then they began pumping me with their hooves for all their worth.

I found out what Crystal’s ‘plug’ was doing.

I felt the pleasure peak and I began to buck, moaning but nothing happened, the tide of pleasure seemed to get stuck and push against a point in my penis, bulging and pumping to empty me, but it couldn’t. Crystal had trapped my orgasm inside and it was building more and more.

“What is my name?” Crystal asked again, hissing softly.

“Crystal, why do you keep asking!?” I cried “Please, this is torture, let me cum!” I begged.

Crystal pushed the two mares aside and pushed her vagina scales down “Get my name right!” She ordered and slammed down on my penis, tip still inside so it pushed down against the base of my penis.

Crystal moaned loudly and deliberately in pleasure, taunting me with her satisfied grin and she rode me along to a greater plateau of pleasure.

My penis was building more semen behind the ball of scales trapping it all inside and I was struggling to escape the painful pleasure “C-Crystal!” I begged.

Crystal shook her head, riding me even faster and reaching her own real orgasm, she moaned softly and her vagina contracted trying to milk me “Oh that felt wonderful, such relief as the pleasure flows out of my body.” She cooed her words spurring me on.

She kept asking me what her name was, it was Crystal right? I tried to think around the burning, bulging tide of building semen and pleasure in my penis, but it was so hard. I remembered when I’d asked to start paying the debt…

“M-more?” I cried out desperately.

Crystal seemed to understand, she climbed off me and curled a few coils in a spiral up my penis, pumping desperately, too fast to be normal “Close slave, close.” She cooed.

Slave, she put emphasis on it, it had to be a clue… Please brain I need relief… Slave… What do they do…? Slave’s serve…

“MISTRESS CRYSTAL PLEASE!” I screeched as my mind clicked and Crystal pulled her tip out as the words left my mouth.

I sang to the heavens as a constant stream of white goop flew up and covered my coat for a full minute, I’d never had a more relieving orgasm… I had preferred Sunny’s treatment if I was honest this was painful pleasure, not for me. But still I enjoyed it, finally slumping down and panting.

“You can’t let him leave with that, he was suffering, we have to give him one last orgasm he enjoyed before he can leave, Sunny.” Bronze said, I turned my head to the Queen who was nodding.

“You’re right, a final tag team between us, Bronze?” Bronze rubbed her hooves at Sunny’s offer.

“Sure.” She said, Crystal rolled her eyes and tossed me over to Sunny, who caught me.

“Girls he needs a quick bath.” Sunny ordered and Bronze’s mares also rushed over, my vision was blocked by mares faces for a second then, vaginas and tails and cum, I could hear moans, feel their tongues on my skin and the slurping of their greedy mouths was divine.

I was dragged out, too tired to move, and pulled onto the mix of Sunny’s and Bronze’s tails “I tax his penis.” Sunny said instantly when the mares broke away.

Bronze moaned sadly but slid up onto my upper chest, weighing me down, I felt her tail curl around my front hooves, or maybe Sunny’s tail curled around me, I couldn’t see. My hooves were pinned either way, followed by my back hooves too. The eight mares sat around us in a circle masturbating, waiting for us to start.

Bronze smiled down at me then sat her vagina right on my face, trapping my mouth and nose inside and covering almost all of my vision with her soaking pussy and her soft belly scales, I could just see her staring down. Instinctively I began to lick, sticking my tongue inside Bronze, and then I felt Sunny lower herself slowly onto my penis. I moaned and tried to shake my head and Bronze moaned too pushing down on me.

“Come here, honey.” Bronze said calling her unicorn back.

The unicorn stood over my head and Bronze wrapped her in a coily hug, making a display of forcing her tongue into her mouth and wrapping it up, saliva dripped down onto me, and then the mare began to drip as she got turned on, the mess landing on my forehead, Bronze started stroking her as I licked her, a triangle of pleasure. Sunny began to bounce faster, I felt her vagina tighten somehow so there was no spare room within, gripping the muscle of my penis within.

Bronze was moaning regularly now and the unicorn had orgasmed already, spraying Bronze and I with cum. Sunny was bouncing up and down like some sort of machine, her vagina now squeezing occasionally. Finally Sunny reach the end of her fuse.

“Cum Bolt. Cum… Cum… Cum, cum, cum!” Sunny began to chant and soon Bronze pulled back to do likewise, her unicorn copied her Mistress. Soon the room was full of the chanting of the word ‘cum’ and I complied.

My moan, muffled as Bronze sprayed into my mouth with her sweet love, rang out as I began to shoot into Sunny one more time, she cried out in delight and bounced faster as she came too.

Finally, the room turned silent, even Crystal had stopped. Bronze climbed slowly off me and Sunny dragged me up into a sitting position, we were still connected.

“Your debt,” Sunny pulled out of me with a squelch and semen dripped onto me “Is paid. You may leave.” Sunny cooed.

I nodded and was given a soft push, I wandered slowly towards the door, I was dizzy, exhausted, tingling with pleasure and thoroughly spent “You can always bring Ruby next time.” Sunny called as I opened the door.

“I’ll remember that.” I managed in a croaky voice.

As I stepped outside I felt my head clear, the door swung close and I soon heard the sweet sounds of sex resuming. As my mind cleared I soon realised I was out in the middle of the night, covered in my own semen, other mares cum and sweat all over my body and with a slight boner under my legs like a fifth leg. I blushed and tried to run, but I was so wobbly from being used so roughly, I swayed and had to settle for a fast walk. I passed a few lamias and had to avoid looking at them as they made catcalls and offers to ‘relieve me of my tension’.

Eventually I made it back to Ruby’s house and pushed the door open. Ruby had been snoozing in the doorway and awoke as I entered. Ruby stood up and smiled widely opening her mouth to greet me, and then she turned bright red as she saw me properly, her eyes drifting to my penis.

“Can you give me a bath? My body is killing me.” I begged her and Ruby nodded a little stiffly and took my hoof leading the way to the bathroom.

It had been a long time since I’d been in the giant bathtub with Ruby, when she’d been injured to be exact. Ruby curled her tail under my front hooves, like a scaly life buoy, and held me up, she made a bed of coils in the water and lowered me down on top. I sighed as the warm water helped me relax, washing the mess off my body. Ruby held just my head above the water with a pillow made of her tail… But she could see, and I could feel, my penis sticking out the water.

“It… Hasn’t gone down.” Ruby said softly, glancing at me “We… Haven’t really had proper sex you know… I went feral the first time, and we got drunk the second…” Ruby tapped her hooves together raising an eyebrow at me, silently asking the question.

“Would you like to ride me?” I asked with a small grin and Ruby squeaked at me being so blunt.

Ruby then turned seductive “Of course Bolt.” She hissed softly and slid over to my face, using my nose to push the scales of her vagina down.

Before Ruby could back up and I licked the nub of her clit and she quivered “Naughty Bolt.” She cooed.

“I must be punished for my bad behaviour.” I said softly.

Ruby pushed herself up, angling her vagina over me “Yes you should.” She said, before Ruby dropped I managed to thrust upward into Ruby. She gasped in surprise then fell on me as I pulled out, we moaned in union and Ruby fell on me, wrapping me in a hug and kissing my neck.

Locked together it was just a simple bit of sex but… Oddly enough it was so much sweeter than anything Sunny, Bronze or Crystal had done to me all night.

“I love you… Mistress Ruby.” I cooed.

“You certainly became a lot more perv-oooh… Perverted.” Ruby whispered grinning “…I love you too.” Ruby cooed after a minute.

I sighed softly, occasionally moaning alongside Ruby. After the loud chorus with Sunny and her friend, our two voices felt peacefully quiet in comparison. Ruby’s soft damp vagina kneading away the last of my tension within her, the inside of her gripping tightly as her soft walls curl around as I thrust into her. Finally, I forced my penis into Ruby as deep as I could and emptied my last load within. At long last my penis retreated into its sheath and I slumped, truly spent for the night… Or month…

“So… How was your night?” I asked softly as our cum mixed in the water.

“Pretty boring, had a pretty cool ‘climax’ at the end of the day at least.” Ruby and I giggled at her dirty joke.

“You okay to take me to bed after… I’m… Just gonna have a nap.” I whispered.

“Just sleep Bolt, you earned it.” Ruby whispered and I nodded in thanks.

“I… Owe you a proper… Session” I managed and Ruby grinned as my vision faded.

Ruby’s voice echoed as if far away and it somehow relaxed me further, her tail curling up to fit snuggly around me “I look forward to it, slave. Sweet dreams, dream of your Mistress riding you till you faint.” Ruby purred “We can use the ideas.” She added with a laugh.

Preparations

Author's Note

I am so, so sorry for the long wait on this! There is no excuse but I will try to give a reason:

College is nearly over, picked up and then I got a job. Recently I have had one day off every 7 to 10 days so... Yeah... Writing time has plummeted but college is nearly over so I'll have some time! Yay!

Also... It's nearly over... I realised that when making this chapter and starting 23. I'm going to hurry things along so I don't drag out the wedding prep but yeah, couple more chapters then that's it. Ruby and Bolt's adventure here will end.

Doesn't mean I'll stop writing about them though of course, anyway enjoy! :)

Preparations

The following morning was NOT one of my most graceful awakenings. I woke up and sat up then gave a bark of pain. It felt like glass had been shoved through all of my bones, there was a rancid taste in my mouth and I had a headache. Ruby rolled over beside me and giggled.

“If it had been me, you’d still be tingling.” She cooed and I shoved her then winced and whimpered from the pain.

Ruby laughed softly and I managed to roll over, my wings refused to work, twitching and stretching weirdly, instantly cramping along with several other parts of my body causing me to just flop onto the floor. Ruby took pity on me and I felt her tail curl over my spine, curling two coils over both my wings which rubbed them slowly, tickling my feather as her scales flexed over my body. I sighed and lay still, it was a LOT nicer than pain.

Finally Ruby curled a life buoy with her tail and helped me stand “I’m going to go clean my mouth out…” I grunted and Ruby’s tail slipped off my body, the pain returning in the form of a constant throbbing.

I stumbled through the house to the bathroom and had a surprise. My brother, Digi, had his head buried in the sink full of water. He pulled his head back, coughing and wiped his face “I think I can guess what happened to you… Is she like her mother?” Digi asked holding his forehead.

“What happened to you?” I asked walking up beside him.

Digi’s mane was dripping and stuck to his head, and I think he may have looked worse before the dip, and his eyes were drooping from poor sleep “Diamond ‘played’ with me all last night, same for you?” He asked.

“No… I went to meet the town’s Queen Sunny… And her two guards… and twelve other mares… At the same time.” I took my turn dunking my head then.

“Ruby get a turn?” Digi asked with a small grin and I nodded.

“Least she’s gentle, I think I broke all my bones then broke the fragments of my bones with Sunny’s group.” I grumbled and Digi gave a soft bark of laughter “How’d she treat you?” I asked.

“Well, I got to experience hypnosis and during our ‘game’ it was quite pleasant… Waking up, not so pleasant.” I nodded in understanding, the moment was more fun than the aftermath “…Diamond told me you were gonna get married.” Digi suddenly sprung after a moment of silence, I could tell he had more to say but was working up to it.

Digi rubbed his mane in thought before dipping his hoof in the sink and wiping his eyes “Bolt… I’m your brother and I want to make sure you’re alright, I know, and I’m sure you can’t disagree, we haven’t always got on like best pals but… We tolerated each other.” Digi began.

“Which is pretty much same thing for siblings.” I said softly and he nodded smirking.

“Yeah… But… Are you one hundred percent sure…? I mean you know her better than anypony else, but after all that’s happened are you sure marriage so soon is a good idea?” Digi asked.

“After all that’s happened I’m certain of my choice.” I said softly.

Digi stared at me then smiled as he looked in the mirror “You sure have grown up.” He muttered.

“In physical terms, or mental? Cause I can agree with one.” I said and he chuckled then it was my turn to be serious “Do you think dad will…?” I stopped unsure how to finish.

“He doesn’t really like Ruby does he, but, for you, if he knew it’d make you happy I’m sure he’d let you go.” Digi said confidently, I nodded thankfully.

At that moment the door opened with a click and Ruby entered “Hay, what am I missing here? Are you evaluating your experiences and comparing?” Ruby asked and Digi and I chuckled.

“Knock next time.” Digi said throwing a towel at her face.

“But it’s our house, isn’t it rude to avoid your hosts?” Diamond asked ducking into the room, I noticed she was holding a small piece of paper.

Diamond slid between Digi and me and made a nipping bite towards his face and he recoiled, sorry for the pun “Would you cut that out.” He muttered turning red in the face.

“You loved it.” Digi waved a hoof at Diamond’s comment and Ruby giggled.

“Need somepony younger? There are plenty in town, just walk up to them and take a seat on their coils, just be ready to get shared.” Ruby cooed into Digi’s ear.

“You marefriend is a pervert Bolt.” Digi said pushing her away, I felt the folded note slip under my wing from Diamond and she smiled at me and I nodded in thanks.

“You’re delaying finding out about that surprise.” I said softly and Ruby froze and then laughed.

“Oh yes, you’re right, I haven’t finished interrogating you have I, Bolt?” I gulped at Ruby’s tone.

“Wait you’re leaving already, man we just got here!” Digi said and I smiled.

“We had to come back once a month for the check-up thing with the Queen and to pay a debt… That’s both done, and this month I have a lot to do and I want to get started.” I said and Ruby glanced at me with raised eyebrows.

“You’re making that secret more interesting.” She mumbled with a fang filled grin.

“So… You are leaving now?” Diamond asked, a little teary but with a smile.

“Mum we’ll be fine we made it back before, didn’t we?” Ruby said and as she hugged her Diamond looked at me and I knew she wasn’t crying because we were going.

“Be good and come home soon, I’ll look after your brother until then Bolt.” Diamond promised.

“Nope! I’m outta here!” Digi said trotting from the room.

“Excuse me I’m going hunting suddenly, right now.” Diamond said chasing him.

“Your brother is going to get so gang up on.” Ruby mumbled as I took her hoof and walked through the house.

“I don’t doubt it.” I muttered with a grin.

Ruby and I made our way through town and back down to the open gates, I retrieved my wagon and fixed myself in “Canterlot first?” Ruby asked setting off so I had to follow.

I reached under my wing and pulled out a small slip of paper, it gave measurements for a circular, rather long, ring or bracelet “Yeah… Canterlot.” I said folding it back under.

And so we were once again on the road, we followed the markings the royal guards and lamias had left, and at one point even wandered into a patrol having a rest, it consisted of a lamia working as a guide with three royal guards, all three were lounging on chair like coils whilst the lamia slid between them giving them top up bursts of hypnosis to keep them under. Ruby cupped my chin and turned me away as the lamia looked towards me.

“He’s mine.” Ruby muttered and I smiled.

We continued with little of note happening until we reached the guard checkpoint back in Equestria. We soon found the Sergeant, the area had changed very little other than a few more building materials had arrived and some temporary towers were now up with sentries within, the waiting lamias were down another number and as we reached the Sergeant I noticed he was snoozing.

Ruby and I glanced at each other and we could hear him snoring softly, I tapped his head and he stirred looking up slowly “What?” He mumbled then snapped up wide eye “Silence!” He shouted at us and Ruby giggled.

“We’re here to be cleared through.” I said and the Sergeant nodded hurriedly.

“Yes… Yes of course.” The Sergeant snatched the letter, stared at one point for a minute then hoofed it back “Still good.” He muttered and he glanced up seeing Ruby open her mouth to speak “Out, out now go!” He shouted waving his hoof dismissively and Ruby pulled the wagon along with me as we galloped away laughing.

“What do you think they made him do?” Ruby asked.

“Something proper good I bet.” I said laughing madly “C-come on, we’ll pitch up over here.”

Ruby sat outside the wagon as I set the brakes in so it wouldn’t roll away, when I finished I glanced over at her. The sun had set behind the mountains, I could still see the long orange glow on the sand below up from the hill we’d perched on, but the valley, with the guards and lamias within, was beginning to flare up with candle like fires. Ruby was sat watching the little camp with a soft smile.

I walked up beside Ruby and sat down “It’s a nice view… Green and the mountains grey with its topped white… So pretty, it makes my old home seem so dull.” Ruby said softly.

“Are you happy?” I asked and Ruby turned to face me.

“I can’t remember a time I have ever been this happy.” Ruby lay back staring at the sky “I have a coltfriend,” Ruby curled a coil around my chest and pulled me down beside her, my head resting on her chest as she stroked my mane slowly, affectionately “Who I love dearly and loves me back despite our differences,” I felt a coil touch my hind leg “I can move freely within a whole new world! And I’m safe… I don’t have to glance over my shoulder for hunters after my scales… I can just lay back… And close my eyes… And I’ll be fine.” Ruby cooed doing just that, resting her head as her eyes closed.

Ruby remained completely still for a minute, taking in the sweet fresh air “Thank you, Bolt… For giving me a chance at this kind of a life…” She said in a soft voice opening her eyes to look at me.

“You’re welcome.” I said softly “Thanks for not eating me.” I added and Ruby giggled.

We stayed there, me resting on Ruby’s chest as she pampered my head with her hooves, and her tail kneaded my body. It was so peaceful “Shall we stay here for the night?” I asked in a low whisper, not wishing to break the serenity.

“Yes… Everything is just fine here.” Ruby whispered her voice so sweet in its calm state.

It’s easy to understand that, in that state, we both drifted off to sleep, Ruby holding me in a cradle of comfy coils, it was quite easy to become drowsy and just peacefully close my eyes. When I opened them the valley was beginning to lighten and as I glanced towards the guard camp I could see the fires being put out. It was like I’d never slept, Ruby’s hoof was still trailing lazily through my mane, making it gradually more and more ruffled and messy.

“Good morning.” I said turning my head up to look at Ruby.

My whole neck tingled, not with the odd cramps you get from sleepy, but as if the muscles inside me had been kneaded to a point they ceased to function, I was wide awake yet had no motivation to get up… Falling to sleep felt like an easy thing to accomplish.

“Good morning.” Ruby said softly, shifting to slip out from under me, her tail holding me up, Ruby uncoiled my hooves so I could hold myself up and as I took the weight of my body back it felt like lead “Something wrong?” Ruby asked and I shook my head, making it spin.

“No it’s fine let’s head off.” I said walking over to the wagon and ducking under and into the harness, clicking into it took longer than normal and Ruby noticed.

“You seem… Slow, sluggish, are you alright, Bolt?” Ruby asked.

“Yeah just… It’s nothing Ruby I just haven’t finished waking up.” I said but she smiled knowing.

Ruby, without a word, slid her tail over towards me and curled a coil to push against the front of my neck, I leaned into it, unaware how much I was leaning until Ruby pulled back and I fell flat on my face to her laughter.

“Not funny.” I grumbled in a sleepy stupor.

Ruby wrapped her hooves in a hug around me and pulled me up, I sighed and Ruby giggled more “How’s about you finish sleeping and I pull for the morning, okay?” I gave a small nod and Ruby lifted me off the ground like a little kitten carrying me to bed.

I slipped to sleep with a final brush of Ruby’s hair. When I awoke again I was unsure how much time had passed, but at least I was wide awake. I made my way through the wagon and opened the door. The ground was rumbling past at a steady pace and I let my wings beat so I wouldn’t trip from jumping down.

“Good afternoon.” Ruby said cheerily at my arrival “Did you manage to sleep without my coils?” Ruby asked and I smiled.

“Yes I slept fine, not as cosy but ok.” I admitted and Ruby smiled.

“Nothing beats a lamia coils.” Ruby said proudly.

“Nothing beats your coils.” I corrected.

“Are you buttering me up for something?” Ruby asked.

“No… I would like a new wagon!” I said like a foal, holding my hooves under my eyes, puppy dog style and Ruby chuckled.

“Take a look…” Ruby said softly and I turned my gaze forward.

Canterlot was rolling around into view, the mountain base the city stood above just ahead with the path leading up along the high walls curling upwards with unlit torches, a small stream of ponies making their way up. I stared up at the city, the white and golden spires standing tall in the mountain face, its sparkling clear blue water crashing down, the water fed most of the surrounding land of Equestria, with help from the mountains around the badlands in some places. Canterlot really was Equestrian’s heart.

“Do you want to head inside whilst I pull?” I asked.

“No.” Ruby said then looked at me “I won’t hide from these ponies I live here now and they’ll have to except that… But you can pull the wagon.” Ruby said suddenly stopped and climbing out the harness.

“Course… Now there’s a hill.” I said.

“Now there’s a hill.” Ruby confirmed with a grin as I strapped in.

As we made our way close the base of the hill I began to notice Ruby was shifting nervously “You can head inside Ruby… Twilight is making that potion for you.” I reminded her.

Ruby looked and me and smiled “I know but… I don’t want to use it to hide… I won’t change myself for these ponies… I am a lamia and they will accept that. Besides, Luna is here we’ll be alright.” Ruby said then looked over as she heard a soft gasp.

Various amounts of the Canterlot ponies were strewn about, waiting for carriages to pick them up, as their polished hooves might get a scrape climbing the hill, when one noticed Ruby she gasped loudly and pointed with her friend and it spread like fire as all the ponies present were searching for something of interest.

“My word… A lamia, just like in the paper!”

“Wow, her scales are exquisite!” A mare said, adjusting a solid gold monocle (How do they hold their heads up wearing them?) before glancing at the stallion beside her “Will dresses be made of it… Do they shed?” I glance at Ruby and she seemed a little bashful.

Before long, the braver, or more pestered, stallions had approached Ruby, one moved in beside me with a grunted “Stand aside labourer.” I felt my eye twitch from his tone. Oh the temptation to kick him under the wagon!

Ruby seemed mostly happy at first, accepting the ‘polite’ stallions welcoming gestures, and even got her hoof kissed. My fur bristled there “What brings you to Canterlot may I ask?” One stallion asked, adjusting his hat as we soon reached the base of the climb. Surprising how these ponies suddenly obtain the strength to climb it now there’s something of interest.

“We’re just here to get something.” Ruby said simply. This sparked a few more questions, mainly what she was after and where she intended to go “Erm I’m not… Sure…” Ruby said nervously.

“Crystal Clear’s jewellery.” I said simply looking at Ruby with a small smile, which she returned with a thankful relieved one.

“And who is this?” The tone the mare used was a little insulting.

“Boltblood Thundercloud, I’m acting as Ruby’s guide and guardian.” I said, letting a sliver of poshness slip into my voice in a mocking way.

I got several scowls but also a soft chuckle from Ruby and a few less uptight stallions and mares. So I might respect them a bit more now “Watch your tone featherweight!”

I gave a dark grin to the stallion speaking “Mind looking at the harness it’s special.” I said. The dark coloured stallion raised an eyebrow and glanced down. Then his eyes fixed onto the coat of arms.

“Princess Luna… But… Why a Pegasus? What use does she have for a cloud pusher?” I gave a single sharp laugh, but then noticed, as I kept going, Ruby had stopped.

“Par-don?” Ruby asked facing the stallion, dragging the word out innocently. The whole crowd paused and the stallion took a step back “Mind saying that again please?” Ruby asked grinning, her fangs on show with a deadly white gleam. The stallion looked like he’d wet his pants as he sprinted back down, followed by his wife. Ruby giggled as they fled “Bolt is a good friend of mine… And I don’t appreciate him being insulted.” Ruby stated then turned catching up to me.

The crowd remained stationary as we kept going “Did I go too far?” Ruby asked.

“Perhaps a little… They’ll recover but I doubt the next welcome will be so… Hospitable.” I said. Ruby looked a little sad for a moment before I added “Thanks for standing up for me, means a lot.”

“So… Crystal Clear’s jewellery… What we getting?” Ruby asked leaning towards me.

“Patience. Though I dunno if you can afford that.” Ruby rolled her eyes at my comment

“Ha-ha Bolt, hilarious.” Ruby said sarcastically and I chuckled softly.

Several faster moving wagons passed us going up and down with passengers, many leaned over to view Ruby like she was a very interesting dress or art piece… But not a living creature. Ruby didn’t seem to mind, waving politely and smiling, though keeping her mouth closed. As the top of the road came into view, the gates to Canterlot could be seen ahead, it wasn’t the main entrance which was further along but that suited me, no need for too big a…

“Oh, Celestia help us…” I mumbled as the sea of coloured ponies ahead could be spotted, it was like an artist had spilt buckets all over his studio.

“Why are there so many out here…?” Ruby asked “Those are guards… L-Lots of guards.” Ruby noted, she was right, the day guard seemed to be out in larger force than normal at the particular gate, keeping a space clear within the centre of the ponies.

“What’s going on, is there a festival…?” I asked trying to find a reason, surely news hadn’t been that fast… Then again we had taken a while to get up the mountain.

“Bolt… I’m scared, what if they kick me out?” Ruby asked.

“They listen to Luna as well, don’t panic they’re on our side.” I didn’t add the ‘I think’.

Once the crowd could see us, the photographers moved forward from what they’d been fighting the guards to get at. Several flashes sprouted stars in my eyes and Ruby yipped in fear from pent up nerves. The guard move in before the ponies and ushered them back the best they could, the flashes now dimmed or more spaced out as they snuck around the lines at times. Luna gave us an apologetic smile as she stepped forward.

“That explains the crowd.” I say stopping before her.

“Apologies, Ruby, Bolt. I simply wished to greet you back to Canterlot formally. I am glad to see Ruby has been accepted, as I had faith she would, I hope this had given you some ease of mind, Bolt?” I nodded, the Princess of dreams likely aware of my haunting fears “I have kept up to date on your activates the best I could but perhaps you would care to join me and my sister later and we could catch up properly, rather than us only being aware of what has happened through exaggerated gossip.” Luna said with a soft chuckle. That was likely something she experienced often.

“We’d love that, thank you Luna.” Ruby said happily.

“Thank you, I hope you don’t mind me leaving two old friends to escort you, I have business right now as I am sure you do as well. I will see you both soon.” Luna said nodding goodbye before turning and striding away, her guards followed, save for two who trotted up to us.

Pickaxe and Shovel grinned at us and Ruby slid up to them and hugged them in welcome “Hay girls long time no see.” Ruby said.

The pair laughed at Ruby’s hissing and mimicked her in their speech, though exaggerated “Yessss, it issss nicccce to ssssee you out and about oncccce more.” Pickaxe said.

“It hassss been a while ssssince the ssssergeant got humiliated by your sssstare.” Shovel hissed.

Ruby shoved them back as I took the lead “Talk normal or I’ll hang you by your hooves whilst I walk.” Ruby threatened.

“Ssssorry Misssstressssssss.” The pair hissed in union and Ruby held true to her threat and the three were soon laughing.

“Do you think he fancies her!? Oooh I bet he’ll be drooling all night!” Pickaxe said as Ruby told them about our meeting with the Sergeant.

Mercifully I was saved being dragged into the conversation by the jewellery shop coming into view “Right you three wait here I won’t be too long.” I said and Ruby nodded, continuing her conversation with the pair.

Crystal Clear, a blue tinted coloured mare, looked up from inspecting a rough cut diamond the size of a hoof and smiled as I walked in, “Hello, what can I get for you?” She asked cheerfully, her light blue eyes twinkling.

“Hello, I um… Need something unorthodox please.” I say.

“Hmm, what do you mean?” I pointed to Ruby outside “Oh… Something for her tail?” Crystal seemed interested now.

I nodded “Yes… I need… Well sort of a ring but for her tail. I have some measurements for you to work off.” I say producing the paper Diamond had got me.

Crystal pushed her white mane back to see properly “Wow… Very interesting. Yes I can do this fairly easily, what do you wish for it to be made out of? Silver? Gold?”

“Gold please, and I need one for my wing too.” Crystal’s eyes widened and she grinned.

“Oooooohhhhh!!! You are asking her, oh such a sweet thing!” Crystal said excitedly “Yes, yes follow me I’ll see what you need.” Crystal grabbed me by the hoof, dragging me to the back between shelves of necklaces and silver headbands in various shapes and patterns.

Crystal had me stand still then galloped over to collect her things. She pulled my ring wing outward and found the longest feather that stuck out the furthest, the primary feather essentially, it helped us steer in mid-air and if you wore a ring around it, it indicated you were taken.

“Oh you’ll be such an adorable couple! I think I’ll put some nice patterns on, like snakes so it’s nice and matchy for you!” Crystal said excitedly.

“How much will this cost?” I ask trying to not tug my wing back as Crystal tickled it.

“Several… Thousand bits.” I felt my neck contract “That okay?” I nodded but remained silent.

“Do you mind putting me on a tab though?” I asked.

“Of course, I’ll take your name and I’ll inform you of the price when they are done, where shall I deliver?” Crystal asked jotting down notes and already sketching a plan.

“Ponyville, sugar cube corner, ask for a mare named Pinkie Pie and let her know Ruby’s surprise has arrived.” I say.

“An element of Harmony!? My you are connected, I’ll have it done by tonight don’t you worry.” Crystal said.

“Thank you, well goodbye.” I called making my way out as fast as I can, folding my wings back down into place.

“That was fast.” Ruby noted “All sorted?”

“Yep, we’ll head to meet Luna and… Princess Celestia then I’ll ask if they can send us up to Ponyville the fast way, I don’t fancy walking.” I said shifting my hooves, which were starting to ache.

Ruby giggled “Alright girls, lead the way.” Ruby said placing the pair back on the floor.

As we made our way Ruby glanced at me “You okay?” She asked “You seem nervous.”

I managed a smile despite my racing heart “Oh you know, it’s just a normal day to day thing meeting an immortal ruler of your home after coming from a small country town and cooking within a mobile wagon for a living.” I said and Ruby giggled at me “I’m terrified Ruby! Like you with Sunny but… Celestia is a pretty big deal. Most ponies go their whole lives with only seeing her from a crowd and even then you can feel her love for you and you’re always afraid you didn’t do right or…”

“Good grief Bolt, Celestia isn’t your mother is she?” Ruby asked in a mocking town and Ruby glanced at the various stares she got.

“It’s like you meeting Sunny.” I said simply.

“Oh right… Yeah I can understand sorry.” Pickaxe perked up at the apology Ruby gave and spoke up.

“So, Bolt… What’s Ruby’s kin like? We’ve only met her before.” She asked.

“Erm… Grabby is one word. Clingy another. They’re mostly nice ponies, bit protective and no sense of personal space but they’re about as hostile as we can be. They’ll defend themselves but rarely seek a fight.” Except Midnight but she’ll be improving hopefully… Hopefully “If it were up to me I’d let them all in, they don’t deserve to be out there, in the badlands.”

“So they’re friendly? What can they do, that’s a main factor with the uptights in the council… They’ll poke any hole they can to pour them out of.” Shovel said.

“Well Ruby is a jeweller. Her mother a doctor. They have guards and spa workers, same as us. And from what I saw at the checkpoint being built, they can do construction. It seems like they can be taught to our jobs fairly easily, with the modification of their tail being put to use.” The castle appeared around the corner of the next sparkling, towering grand home and I gulped.

“Cool… I wonder what it’d be like, living with a lamia… And what profession they would follow, would that effect what they do? Oh god imagine a spa worker lamia, be amazing!” Pickaxe cooed shacking her body imagining it.

Ruby giggled slipping a coil around the pair’s necks as she leaned between them “That could be tricky but I can be a substitute for them if you wish.” She cooed and the three laughed softly.

The twins took us to the Castle guard and a small gazebo, nestled within the trees and flowers beds, it couldn’t be seen easily without being close to it. A table sat with a neat white table cloth on it and three chairs “This is where we leave, see you Ruby.” Pickaxe said and the pair waved goodbye to us.

Ruby and I made our way over to the table alone and sat down, Ruby curling her tail into a seat in the space provided for her, we had managed to get comfortable when a voice spoke “Ah, you’re here, good.” We looked over to greet Luna but my voice clogged and Ruby just stared in wonder.

Ponies always tell me that Luna and Celestia are related… But I can’t understand how, Luna is deep black blue with the night within her mane but Celestia… A bright white alicorn gleaming in the daylight she provides, her multi-coloured, pink, blue and green, mane and tail flowing with magic rippling from it. Her pink eyes shifting from Ruby to me as she smiled in welcome.

“Good afternoon Miss Scales and Mister Thundercloud.” She said in a smooth tone.

“H-hi…” Ruby just managed to retain her dignity whilst I just blinked.

Celestia just smiled and took her seat alongside Luna “So, I have been informed by my sister you went to Ruby’s home. May I have the full story?” I nodded and found my jaw unclogged at Celestia’s request as I began to speak.

Ruby and I replayed everything… Save for some personal things, to Celestia. How we met, our shaky relationship, Ruby retelling how I began to openly trust her with my mind. Soon we reached Luna and visiting Equestria and I took a backseat whilst Ruby took over more. All the while Luna smiled encouragingly and Celestia had her hooves folded under her chin listening intently, otherwise she was silent and betrayed no emotion.

Finally we reached several hours ago and Ruby stopped “That’s… That’s it I think…” Celestia nodded and glanced over as a trio of waiters arrived, baring plates of food and drinks.

“Your food.” One said placing the bite sized food (literally bite size, looked like it had been made under a telescope) down then bowing away to our thanks.

“So… Bolt, Ruby seems to be following you mostly and I have a few questions, if you will pardon me possibly intruding on your affairs.” Celestia said.

“No… No it’s fine.” I said.

“Thank you, I simply want to know, what do you plan to do?” Celestia smiled at my confused look “Whilst I also can see the appeal of travelling, wouldn’t you want to settle down or have somewhere to stay should you grow tired of moving all the time? Or if a new situation arouse?” I nodded my head at Celestia’s idea.

“Well yes but…” I twirled my hooves in front of me “Nowhere has ever really appealed as a place to stay.” I said softly.

Celestia said nothing sitting back in her chair, I tried to hold her gaze but it kept falling to my full plate. Finally her horn glowed and I blinked as a flash of white light made me reel slightly. Ruby reacted first and took the floating golden scroll. It looked like solid gold, not just colouring.

“What is this?” Ruby asked.

“It’s a deed.” Celestia stood up, levitating a creamy white cheesecake over to the snickering of Luna “A deed to a very, very old town.” Celestia paused to take a bite of her cake “I had it dug up by a scholar when I heard of Ruby and her kin. It is a town formally known as Shady Grove. Does it sound familiar Miss Scales?” Celestia asked and Ruby gave a small nod.

“It was the most densely populated lamia town before we departed to the badlands.” Ruby said “I only know old tales of it, from when we lived here. The streets themselves felt like warm rocks day and night, lamias curled over in parks with ponies simply sat all over their tail, no more casual than sunbathing.”

Celestia nodded “Indeed, sadly it has fallen into disrepair as your species became legend and thus myths. Little remains but ruins but I know the climate remains ideal for lamias. I would be willing to provide some funding from our treasuring to see the town restored so that your people can relocate from the harsh environment you live in.” Celestia offered.

“What’s the catch?” Ruby asked with a slight rude tinge “Sorry just… Rarely do we get something so generously without having to give something in return.” Ruby explained.

“There is one thing, your word. Your word that no lamia will harm any of my subjects, if you can guarantee that, then lamias may live alongside Equestria as they wish, peacefully.” Celestia offered.

Ruby just blinked then nodded “Sure, we won’t attack but we reserve the right to defend ourselves.” Ruby said.

Celestia smiled “A fair deal.” She said and the seal on the scroll broke.

“The following statement, crafted and bound through magic and law, does state that the land of Shady Grove and all that surrounds its border now belongs to its new owners, Ruby Scales and Boltblood Thundercloud, they may do as they wish with the land, so long as it upholds the laws of Equestria as part of its land.” Below the text Luna and Celestia had both signed with their coat of arms burning with a soft glow, showing its importance. It also had the location set as if you were looking at a standard Equestrian map.

“We can do anything with the land?” I asked re-reading the line.

Luna nodded “Though it will officially be seen as a town, and I am sure that is what you intend to use it for, correct?” I nod.

“Course.” I said staring at my name in the curling writing.

“Thank you so much!” Ruby said, Celestia smiled and nodded politely.

“Of course, I wish you luck in your new home. Is there anything else, I’m afraid I must return to court now.” Celestia grumbled in a dejected voice, clearly court was not entertaining.

“Yes, can you send us to Ponyville?” I asked “We had the guards teleport Ruby and I here with my wagon before, is it too much trouble to have them come back and do it again?” At my question Luna gave a bark of laughter.

“We raise and lower the sun and moon, Boltblood, it is of little trouble to send you both back to our fellow Princess Twilight’s castle. I will send your wagon along shortly after as well.” Luna promised.

“Thank you Luna.” Luna simply nodded.

“Good luck you two, you may send letters if you wish, I rarely get any and would be interested to know how it all goes.” Luna said as her horn glowed.

Ruby twisted like a snake in water as we floated up “Course, thank you again.” Ruby said before we burst into a flash of dark blue hues of magic.

I ask for you hoof, my dear scaly angel

As the teleportation spell spewed me and Ruby out, the first sensation I felt was freefall, as if I’d just fallen from a great height. The new thing I noticed was a flash of bright white, red and green, then I landed on something that winded me and rolled down and it smothered me under it as the pile groaned.

Between Ruby and myself I think I got the better half of the deal, landing on Ruby… God I just imagined if she landed on me! Anyway, I managed to push the coils covering my head off and a pair of hooves took hold of my free leg. A grinning Pinkie Pie greeted me as I moaned from the slightly throbbing pain. Ruby turned her belly scales back down.

“Better move, your wagon is coming.” My eyes widened in realisation and I scrambled free pulling on Ruby with Pinkie and Twilight.

“Come on Ruby, the house is coming.” Ruby groaned but dragged herself over as the air flashed with magic.

I winced then sighed, the wagon got a nice landing, dropping much closer to the ground and just rolling on its wheels before stopping. Though we’d still have been squished.

Whilst Ruby recovered I pulled Pinkie aside and Twilight followed, having checked Ruby’s state. Pinkie grinned at me holding out a box “It came.” She said and I lifted up the lid.

Inside sat a nice golden shiny bracelet like ring, all around a snake twirled as if swimming along it, at the top where the snake stopped, was a single bright red ruby, a much smaller wing ring with the same pattern and gem made an odd set “It’s perfect.” I said closing the lid.

Twilight tugged on my leg “Bolt… I checked the bill you don’t have that many bits!” She said. I just smiled.

“I’ll figure it out.” I promised. Twilight looked at me “It’s alright I promise.” Twilight looked away guiltily.

“I know you’re proud but I can pay for it.” Twilight offered.

I shook my head “I’m not proud and I can pay for it myself, this is for Ruby I want to pay for it myself.” I said.

“She’s already paid for it!” Pinkie cheered hopping around me.

“Wh… What?” I asked lowering my voice as Ruby looked over.

“I saw the bill and didn’t want that shadow hanging over you on such a special day so…”

I cut Twilight off “I’ll just pay you back then, doesn’t matter.”

“I won’t accept your bits, no!” Twilight rammed her hoof into my mouth “Just accept help from your friend’s, Thundercloud. Everything is set, now get up that hill before Rainbow grows impatient.” Twilight said and Pinkie shoved me unceremoniously towards Ruby.

“Hay um… Ruby… Do you… Ugh just follow me.” I said softly and beckoned her on as my tongue began to twist like a pretzel in my mouth.

Ruby followed beside me with a gentle smile, at the top of the hill Pinkie, or one of her friends, had set out a basket and a simple blue blanket to keep the ants off the basket. I opened it, inside sat a various selection of food and cakes and as I glanced up, passing the basket over to sit between Ruby and myself, I could see Rainbow nestled in a set of clouds.

No time like the present.

Dash began to move the clouds slowly towards us, with the sun in position near sunset Ruby would notice the shadow in a minute “So Ruby…” I cleared my throat and she looked at me, attention fixed on me now “A while ago I said I had a surprise… A secret I was keeping from you. In about, forty seconds you’re going to find out what it is.” I said.

“What do you mean in forty seconds?” Ruby asked as her tail shifted, tensing in her eagerness.

I gulped and decided to ignore her, much easier “I had to ask your mum a couple questions… About lamia traditions.” I said giving her a clue “I had to buy something,” I held up the box showing her that it had arrived ahead of us and held it in my lap. Dash’s clouds were almost in place “All this, just to ask you one very big, yet simple question.” I finished.

Ruby waited for me to finish but I remained silent, Dash’s cloud finally covered the low sun and Ruby noticed the shadow. She glanced over in irritation then, as I looked at her, she turned her head back, since the blocked sunlight was such an odd shape.

Ruby stared up as her mind processed the words floating in the sky “Will you marry me?” Hung in the sky above and as Ruby let out a tiny gasp I held out the box.

Ruby looked at me and I shook the box before she accepted it. Ruby opened the box upward and took out the small golden bracelet ring. She looked between it, me and the message and I finally sat up and looked at her head on.

“Well… Will you?” I asked, my throat feeling like a desert.

Ruby nodded, then gave a laugh cough “O-Of course Bolt! I love you.” She managed in a shaky voice.

“I’m glad.” I said as I leaned in for a kiss and Ruby wrapped her hooves around my neck and dragged me down on top of her.

I can still remember the scent of grass and cakes mixing with Ruby’s mane as I fondled it with a hoof, her tail tip curling around my other as she ruffled my fur. The kiss was gentle, nothing lewd like it often was with us, no this time it was just love, simple and plain. It was certainly a highlight that I would remember.

I pulled back, considering I had too since I was squishing Ruby, and a cheer flew up and confetti fell on us in heaps. Ruby laughed, tears streaming in her eyes as she tried to cope, sitting up with my help.

“Thank you.” She managed.

I looked over and almost jumped back as Pinkie rocked on her hooves, face split in a grin “Alright Pinkie, fire away.” I said.

Pinkie cheered and screamed as the sky exploded with… Well I think the list is too long, so I’ll just say everything and I think that would be accurate (I saw a sink, a wardrobe and a trumpet… That was playing itself… I still never figured that out) Pinkie began dancing and cartwheeling around screaming “MARRIAGE PARTY! RUBY SCALES AND BOLTBLOOD THUNDERCLOUD WEDDING PARTY!” I just barely managed to decide that Pinkie was third highest on the list of most excited.

Ruby and I took first hooves and tail down.

When Pinkie calmed down, slightly, I managed to approach Twilight who was hopping on her hooves “Ooo, a lamia wedding, I can’t wait to see what happens.” Twilight noticed Ruby and I approach “Oh, don’t you two worry, I’ll have everything organised for you. First we’ll need to get you suited for the wedding, and we’ll need somepony to unite you officially, oh so much and then of course the honeymoon to plan.”

“Actually, Twilight, just plan the wedding, thank you… Ruby and I have something to do afterwards.” I said “An old tradition, a ‘marking’ if you will.” I said and Ruby smiled knowingly.

“Oh, okay of course, don’t worry it’ll be perfect.” Twilight said trotting away with a shout “SPIKE! GET ME SOME LETTERS AND QUILLS!” The small green and purple dragon almost rolling down after her with a groan.

“Were you going to argue?” Ruby asked.

“It crossed my mind, then something told me that I’d much rather try to stop Pinkie making a cake in a bakery than stop Twilight making a plan.” I said with a chuckle.

Ruby rested her head on my shoulder “Bolt…”

“Yeah?” I asked hugging my ‘fiancé’ close, my face split with a grin of excitement. Fiancé… I like that.

“For weddings you get gifts right, would it be rude to ask for one off you?” I shook my head smiling at Ruby “You promise?” Ruby asked.

“Ruby what is it?” I asked suspicious now.

Ruby swung her hoof forward and backwards staring at it “Why don’t I tell you afterwards, summer is on the way I have time to think about it.” Ruby said with a smile “Trust me and… Um… Can we see about getting Shady Grove built up…? I would like somewhere… Fixed to stay.” I nodded at Ruby’s request.

“Course, how about we get married there?” I asked. Ruby nodded with a wide smile.

“I’d like that.” She said.

Pinkie eventually convinced us, as the moon began to rise, to visit Sugarcube corner. Half the town stopped to speak to us and congratulate us, all ponies of different races and colours and genders blurred passed. Many simply walked up to Ruby and hugged her.

“The joining of tail and wing. Has a nice ring to it as an article, no?” Note asked as he walked up to us.

“Note!” Ruby slid up and hugged him.

“Hay wedding girl, how you doing? Don’t worry, the grey hair starts AFTER the wedding!” Note said with a grin and I shoved him with my wing as he chuckled.

“So did you see Ruby’s home?” I asked.

Note nodded “Oh boy, yes… I saw and experienced ‘everything’ it had to offer.” He proclaimed, then smirked “Everything.” He emphasised scratching a shallow scar along his neck, four slightly dragged lines. Love bites had a new term.

Ruby whistled and I facehoofed “Anyway, I was curious, I’ve heard a few words about some town lamias lived in once in this party. What do you two know about it?” I smiled sheepishly, we, Ruby and I, had spoken about it a lot when ponies asked where we planned to settle and Ruby had gone into detail about it, describing the sandy ground and warm rocks and mountains it was settled into as if she’d lived there herself, it was a story passed down though I was sceptical about its reliability in its truth “Do you plan to move all the lamias there?” Note asked and I noticed his hoof twitch.

“Are you interviewing us?” I asked.

Note trotted backwards “You saw nothing!” He said then popped up behind the table he’d snuck behind “But I’ll find it, and I’m moving there!” He proclaimed and Ruby and I burst into laughter as he stood up and walked off to join the party.

“Some adventure.” I said softly, glancing around the room… Equestria, and its newest allies; lamias. And I’d helped to build that bridge.

Several hours of stuffing our faces with food and drink passed, with a few games for Pinkie’s sake, before Ruby managed to sneak me away “So this is it… Our last adventure.” She said softly.

“I dunno, maybe it was just a first? I mean we still have a long time to put up with each other.” Ruby giggled softly “Thank you… By the way, for saying yes.” I added quietly.

“Why would I ever say no?” Ruby said hugging me “So… What next?” She asked.

“Bed… Then… I think we’ll head to Shady Grove after telling Twilight, I’ll ask her to invite my family. Digi can be my best man.” I said resting my head against hers.

“So he can remind you the whole time what I plan to do afterwards.” Ruby said nuzzling my side with her body.

I blushed “I also want to see if Shady Grove has a chapel… And you know… Choose where the house will be.” I said softly “Hopefully we’ll get the funds to build something up, I’d quite like to see it sorted soon, as a sort of, happy wedding gift.” Ruby cooed at my words.

“Yes, a house where I can fit my tail inside sounds nice. Let’s go there then.” Ruby said.

“Go where?” Pinkie asked “You guys just got here and the wedding will be hosted soon, Twilight already has half the list done, still writing it in there.” I chuckled, hardly knew her yet that seemed like Twilight.

“Pinkie can you do us a favour?” She nodded with a toothy grin “Tell Twilight to look up Shady Grove, the town. Maybe ask Celestia or Luna about it, we’d like the wedding to be there. Our new home, hopefully.” I said.

Pinkie nodded “Okie dokie! And you two have fun heading there, I’ll have a scrummy cake all set for you in no time!”

“And I’ll use the measurements to start on your wedding clothes, save you two time to spend together, though I will still need to catch you for a bit.” Rarity said ducking outside, followed by Fluttershy and Rainbow.

“I can um… Bring my birds… And do a song… If you like…” Fluttershy offered hiding her face in her mane like a veil.

“And I’ll get to do a Rainboom, making this dope fest cool!” Rainbow proclaimed.

“This isn’t about your fancy trick Rainbow!” Rarity groaned “It’s a unification of a mare and stal- Don’t you make faces at me!” I shook my head and chuckled.

“Hay, what’s this I hear about a wedding.” Ruby and I glanced back at the tan orange mare Applejack. She looked dead serious as she shoved her nuzzle up against Ruby’s “Now you be kind to Bolt or I’ll look you up myself!” She threatened.

“Isn’t this a bit backwards… Don’t you threaten me?” I asked.

“Nah, I threaten whoever’s dominant and in control of the relationship.”

…Was I just insulted?

Ruby traded hugs with the five mares, Pinkie promising Ruby to give an extra tight hug like she got to Twilight (She must have annoyed Ruby with her shouting) and with that we bid goodnight.

Ruby glanced at me as we walked “Hold on one moment.” She said and I stopped.

Ruby slid in front of me and I expected her to start her eyes up, instead the upper and thickest part of her tail whipped around my neck, curling over my shoulders and neck then around the front and curling to my back and around my body before tailing on the floor. Ruby pushed up and I grunted as she weighed me down, hanging in front of me. Ruby grinned, folding her hooves behind her back as she began to sway left and right in front of me, her tail making my head jerk about as I followed her movements.

“R-Ruby?” I noticed the stutter in my voice as she grinned, watching the pale moonlight dance off her ivory scales and fire coloured belly scales, her flowing mane and glittering purple eyes. My front legs quivered from the weight and Ruby smirked.

“Start walking Bolt…” She cooed and I nodded, feeling very much like a taxi Pegasus carrying one too many passengers.

Ruby’s tail was heavy and kept squeezing, making me short of break and working the tension so my legs wobbled under me, but still I walked. I couldn’t see anything, Ruby’s tail squished my face into only being able to see her, and my eyes remained fixed on her swaying figure, I was helpless in the sense of navigating this odd ride. I was just glad it was late… This would’ve been a real sight.

Finally, Ruby stopped swaying and turned back, fumbling with the wagon door and opening it, the light bulb inside lit up and in the warm spring air it felt very much like a holiday. With a small wooden house. I managed to convince my body to heave Ruby’s tail up the step into the wagon and was rewarded when Ruby grabbed my neck with her hooves and dragged me down. She laughed and I joined her as best I could as her tail followed me in, pressing against the wall and burying me. The door closed and only my right eye could see, my left hoof hanging out and holding Ruby’s as she made it rock left and right.

It felt nice, laying there in her coils, a sweet perfect moment. Ruby reached under her coils, shifting to allow the movement of her hoof, and I felt her caress my cheek, running her hoof down under my neck like a puppy. She pulled back and her whole tail squeezed and I sighed.

“I love when you make that face…” Ruby whispered, squeezing me again, so I did it again.

“I love… When you cuddle me…” I mumbled softly, my voice muffled in my coil pile.

Ruby glanced up as a coil slowly slipped downward. I felt a weight on my free eye, forcing it to close as Ruby’s tail fell on it “I love you Bolt… I promise always to love you because I know you will… And thank you. I’ve never had anything like this.” Ruby said, squeezing her tail around me so my whole body lifted up slightly before falling back down, every muscle melting.

“Welcome…” I sighed as Ruby’s coil forced my eye shut.

“And I promise… To be gentle.” Ruby cooed.

“What…?” I managed as my mind began to swim.

“Nothing Bolt… Just sleep… Be a good boy and ssssleep.” Ruby hissed quietly and my ear managed a slight twitch before I complied.

The sound of the bed creaking from a heavy weight shifting barely reached me, I knew why but refused to acknowledge it. I couldn’t move, didn’t care. I was ready to wake up yet wanted to sleep…

“Want to be my little puppet.” Want to be Ruby’s pup- Hang on…

“Ruby!” I tried to sound angry but the sound just came out like a tired groan.

The sneaky lamia burst into giggles as she lifted my limp form up “Come on Bolt it’s midmorning now, get up!” She pleaded.

“If I say no will you let me go back to sleep?” I asked “Guess not.” I mumbled as I was rolled off my own bed.

Twilight and Pinkie greeted us as Ruby and I climbed out the wagon, the pair taking turns to hug Ruby goodbye “Tell us what it’s like, I know it’s very old and has likely seen little care but I’m sure the girls and I can whip it up into shape!” Twilight promised.

“Yeah! I mean, Twilight can rework entire festivals for others cities that haven’t existed for thousands of years before, she’s a pro!” Ruby and I shared a look at Pinkie’s statement and Twilight smiled sheepishly.

“I’ll take care of everything, you two head over there, Princess Luna will want to know you’ve arrived soon!” Twilight then paused “Oh right, map… Erm…” Twilight lit her horn and a rather crumpled piece of paper flashed before her “Okay… Right… Ah, here, just follow the markers on the map, easy to find from here!” Twilight stated switching the map over to me.

“Thanks.” I looked down at the map as I took it from her, it marked the start, Ponyville and followed alongside the main train tracks down to Appaloosa, but before it crossed over Ghastly Gorge it turned downward, Southwest skirting around the gorge ending nestled just under the largest mountain in San Palomino Desert, Southwest of Las Pegasus… Least we didn’t have too travel to far for good fun!

I looked up and smiled at Twilight and Pinkie “Thank you… So much, both of you, this means more than you realise.” I said.

“Oh we have an idea, now go, get some distance, we’ll be getting ready to set off after you soon as well!” Twilight promised.

It was kind of sad, leaving Ponyville, it had offered so much and changed quite a big thing in my life… I was going to get married, and the sudden wandering of my mind as we passed the streets into open country again let me think of the future…

Would I become a father someday?

Author's Note

There are only two more chapters left, I have actually reached the end just have to proof read them... That realization confuses me and excites me. :) Anyway, as always, enjoy!

The capital of lamias

We passed by the forests dotted around Ponyville, the plains, hills and occasional small mountains. As we followed the winding road along Ghastly Gorge, Ruby paused to slide up to the edge and peer down at the small trickle of water winding along down below. She looked back at me and smiled, she seemed really chipper and bubbly, and the mood was a little infectious. I couldn’t help but smile as well. We were going to the home of lamias, to find a chapel to get married in and a town to live… A set point, even if we travelled we’d always have there to go back to!

We kept going for several more days, far from any major cities, with Las Pegasus ahead, we occasionally passed small clumps of houses and got some supplies. Ruby waved cheerfully at the staring ponies, likely they didn’t know what she was but her friendly and care free demeanour gave them little to fear and the young kids seemed rather welcoming, enjoying climbing over her coils merrily like some sort of climbing frame. Finally, the grass beside the road began to wither and die, sand creeping up as the ground changed. On the first night in the desert we got a wonderful view of Luna’s star filled sky, endlessly rolling out all around us above.

“This is beautiful…” Ruby said softly as a fire crackled to our sides, the flames dancing over our bodies.

“Yeah.” I sighed softly closing my eyes, wings laying on the soft sand.

I heard Ruby gulp and looked over at her “So Bolt… What’s your… Erm…”

“Opinion of being a father?” I asked Ruby’s face flushed and she smirked as I, for once, hit the nail dead on.

“Nice time to suddenly become aware of my thoughts! Couldn’t have figured that out sooner?” She asked and I chuckled then she looked up at the sky “So…” She asked after a pause.

“When we’ve gotten married we can try for a kid.” I promised and I felt Ruby’s hoof on mine.

“It’ll be a girl obviously, lamia genes are dominant first time, for predatory reasons.” Ruby said “And she’ll be like me, a lamia… So… Start thinking up names!” Ruby ordered and I chuckled rolling over to stare at her.

“And while I do that you can focus on thinking of how you can make the act as sweet as possible.” I whispered.

“Yes… I can.” Ruby cooed.

I closed my eyes and turned over to sleep, feeling Ruby’s cool coils slide over my body like a blanket “I bet… She’ll be as sweet as her mum…” I mumbled holding onto them as I felt Ruby prop my head on a coil pillow.

Ruby was nestled up against my front, head underneath mine and her tongue was darting out as she breathed, tickling my neck. Her coils held my whole body, from hoof to head, with her pressed inside her own cocoon. My face was half wrapped with loose coils, the pillow having curled around in the night to grip my head. I felt them shift, playing with my wings, ruffling them slowly.

“Mmmm… S…Squeeze them a little…” I whispered and I heard Ruby coo as she put pressure on my wings, making my moan with bliss, I imagine my eyes would have been glazed had I bothered to open them.

“We should get up…” Ruby whispered and I nodded.

I felt her tail slide as if coiling me more, squeezing us closer.

When we finally got up I felt oddly tingly, the air brushing against my fur made me quiver as goose bumps rose up, the lingering sensation of Ruby’s coils over my body still clinging to my mind, yet it was hallow making me crave the authentic sensation.

We had recently found a road, well a trail more accurately. It may have once been made of cobblestone but the stone had aged and cracked, sand slowly creeping up between it, it was nearly invisible now, but it at least told us we were heading in the right direction. Ahead was a mountain, standing tall, the top disappearing within the few sparse clouds above us. Occasionally we could see the peak, the snow top mountain likely brought down water to the desert we trekked through. It was probably a common place for Las Pegasus to dump half empty clouds too.

“BOLT!” Ruby’s excited gasp made my head zip right down to ground level.

Ruby held her hooves over her mouth as she crossed between laughing and crying, Shady Grove. I gave Ruby a light push and she began to slide forward, hooves still firmly held to her mouth. It was broken down, most of the houses were either oak wood, stone or a mix. The stone houses or extensions had survived much longer, some still stood though I only saw two houses with roofs that would actually function to keep the rain out now. The wood had not fared as well. We could only tell a house had been there by the occasional corroded wooden beam, some had completely collapsed inward or outward and the debris was half buried in sand. If cleared, I could imagine it working as an actual town.

Ahead was the mountain and along the edges was a long ridge, several stone houses appeared to have been built out from caves, judging from the odd positions they all had, the ramps up to them had collapsed so only the lower ones were now accessible. Ruby and I made our way up to what must have been a town centre, I could see a few tarps from long abandoned stalls flapping in the soft breeze like torn flags, it was so quiet and sad. As if the town itself missed its inhabitants. I took a step forward and heard a clung, glancing down I saw a faded metal sign that had fallen over ‘Private Property, no entry.’ I picked the sign up and tossed it into a pile of rubble for clearing, wouldn’t need it now!

Ruby wandered off at a seemingly random path and stopped at a statue, as I drove the wagon up beside her I took in the statue. It was a lamia, naturally, and most likely a stallion, judging from the features and boxy snout. The lamia curled around the stone as if sat upon his own coils it seemed like he had once held two things, a sword, which was stuck cracked in the step leading up to the base of the stature when his left hoof had fallen off and whatever he held in his right had completely crumbled upon his upturned hoof, but it appeared to be some form of plant. Sat before him was a mare whom he held in his coils protectively, the mare resting against his chest as she held onto a small sun and moon globe, symbolising Equestria most likely, noticeably she was in slightly better condition, however part of her legs which stuck out between her comfy detailed seat had crumbled making her look like a cripple which I doubt had been originally intended.

I leaned closer but the writing had long since faded to the odd eligible letter “What is this?” I asked Ruby.

“The last lamia king, the one who led us to the Badlands to protect Equestria, never had a male lamia lead us since. Though I don’t know who the mare is…” Ruby smiled “Anyway that means this building is the chapel!” Ruby said pointing to a stone building ahead of the statue’s path.

The west wall had collapsed, the first noticeable thing I saw when taking in the building. Glancing in through the empty doorway I could see some rotten wooden seats for ponies on one side and more flattened wider seats for lamias. Standard church with the lamia extension added. There were only two stained glass windows left at the back. Once again it showed lamias, the left one, the one I looked too first. Showed a white and orange coloured lamia mare sliding towards the viewer, the light around her indicated she was friendly and looking at her as the light shifted you felt clam… Did lamias make hypnotic glass? I managed to tear my eyes to the second window still left.

This one had somepony already viewing it.

Luna looked back at us and smiled as she looked upon a picture of herself, apparently coiled by the lamia king as she held the banner of Equestria to show peace between races, several lamias were dotted in a circle around Luna.

“You know, this picture lies, I wasn’t coiled until AFTER the peace ceremony.” Luna said with a smile as she walked over to us.

“Did it feel nice?” Ruby asked with a grin.

“Wonderful, six lamias pampering you at once, the royal masseuse can never match it sadly.” Luna admitted and I could agree “But that is for… Another time,” Luna said with a small flush “I assume this is where the wedding will take place, correct?” Luna asked.

“How did you know?” I asked.

“Well it took you a while to get here, and believe me Pinkie Pie is very effective at parties, also my sister received a letter from her former student, Twilight Sparkle, about the wedding, and I had meant to meet you here anyway.” Luna beckoned for us to follow.

Leaving the church behind Luna led us down a couple streets, turning a corner brought us to a formerly grand looking building, it had clearly been built with integrity and strength in mind. A bank, two snakes curled around the door and appeared to be watching us approach like sentries. Luna casually pushed the creaky doors open and it was easy to tell that this was the most habitable building around Shady Grove. The entrance was quaint, empty though that was likely due to the lamias leaving long ago. There was a long rusted metal railing, the wooden desk they had been fitted above had broken down in places and would serve no purpose to keep out thieves currently, nor would the missing door for workers to enter on the left.

Luna led us through the back, down a set of stairs into a basement, lighting her horn on the way bathing the room in a soft night blue glow “Here we are.” Luna proclaimed stopped before a huge metal door.

The wheel on the front reminded me of a ships wheel but made of snakes, Luna turned to Ruby “Best if you open it.” She said.

“How?” Ruby asked.

“Well… How would lamias open a door like this?” Luna asked and Ruby looked towards the door.

Ruby moved closer her eyes waving over the massive door, her tail raised up and poked into the centre of the wheel, causing it to turn rapidly followed by four heavy thud like clicks from something metallic moving within. Ruby pulled her tail back and the door swung open slowly. Despite the grand opening the vault within was bare, save for layers of dust that had crept in. Luna looked at us and smiled.

“A rather bare town treasury no?” She asked as her horn glowed.

There was a warm wave of heat then the sound of clinking metal before several hundred golden bits flooded the large space. There was still a huge amount of spare room but… The many bags and spilt bits certainly filled it a fair amount!

“A gift from Canterlot for you to start up, as promised.” Luna said with a smile then leaned towards Ruby “I suggest you get a spa up first… It would help with further funding.” She said with a smile as Ruby giggled.

I stared at the mass of bits, I’d never seen so many gathered in one specific place at once, it would have taken me a few life times to get this much!

“Wow… But um… How do we hire builders…?” Ruby asked softly as I gawped and Luna chuckled pushing the door close with her magic.

“Follow.” She ordered.

Once again we were led through the town, this time we headed outward rather than further in. I noticed the bright tent covers ahead and smiled “We got a few more lamias through.” Luna said casually.

“A few…?” I asked.

Either I had miss judged the size of the lamia town or the village was here “There are still a lot of lamias back at the village do not be deceived by how they bunch up, just an illusion.” Luna said aware of their tricks.

Diamond and Sunny slid out of the group of lamias chattering at our arrival. Sunny smiled softly and winked at me and my wings fluttered, flustered.

“We saw the church.” Diamond said softly looking a little sadly at Ruby.

“We will take care of the repairs Miss Scales, don’t worry, we’ll have it ready for the wedding.” Luna said.

Sunny looked at my confused glance to Luna and she smiled “I hope it’s not a bother, Bolt, but Luna and I have agreed that the wedding ought to be made public… It would be a good show of faith and symbolism to see a pony and lamia wedding so easily brought about in the wake of our return to Equestria.” Sunny said.

“No it’s fine… Just make sure they keep their heads down.” Ruby said, the lamias giggling whilst Luna and I shared a glance only ponies could in such a situation.

“What’s going to happen to the lamia town?” I asked looking at Sunny “What will you do?” She smiled looking up.

“I’m not sure… It has been… So long since I had freedom of choice… I will likely help Luna and Celestia with guiding more lamias when I can, but, if you will have me, I would quite like to live here, in Shady Grove… It… It is perfect. Our kind of paradise.” Sunny said, looking at Ruby and I expectedly.

“You are all welcome here.” I said clearly to the crowd, and the cheering spooked me (Well loud hissing is more accurate but I’m fairly sure it was MEANT to be cheering).

Sunny bowed her head in thanks “We picked a house for you both.” She said.

“Don’t we get to choose?” Ruby asked and to this Diamond shook her head.

“Luna helped us identify the original king’s house, and we thought it fit for the current mayors and their future family to live there.” Diamond explained before she winked… Subtle “But for the time being, most of us will have to live within tents until some residential buildings are repaired or built.”

I looked over at Luna “So how does this work, obviously hiring the lamias would be best but I don’t know… Mayor stuff.” Luna chuckled softly.

“I will help ease you in, but for now I think you should go see your new home, I’ll organise the construction and wages for you in time. Sunny.” Sunny smiled at Luna’s cue and beckoned for Ruby and I to follow. I decided to kick off my wagon and leave it by the camp, to save my back a little.

Sunny led us through town towards the mountain homes, she stopped before a two-story building set into the mountain wall itself, the log walls disappearing into the stone. Along the top I could see a window cut out from the stone itself, as if the attic was in the mountain, the glass was long gone from the attic window and the front windows of the wooden building. A new door had arrived and been installed and the walls appeared to have been reconstructed, and there were a few stacks of building material under tarp nestled against the stone face.

“We started a few days ago, just got done with the outer walls, the inner walls were still solid as well so we cleaned them and gave them new paint, based off what Diamond said we chose something you’d like Ruby.” Sunny explained as she slid up to the door, she turned to us and held out a small keyring with one shiny untouched clean key on it “Take a look around.” Sunny offered.

Ruby took it and unlocked the door pushing it open with her tail. Ruby slid in and I ducked through the wide door after her swishing white tail, glancing around the entrance. The entryway led into a long wide hallway, along the front was wood which slowly curled into stone, the paint on the wood was bright green, making it look like grass above a bed of rocks as you walked deeper into the house. The rocks had been perfectly smoothed out and were a bright light grey, it was actually rather pretty for a single colour. The carpet for the hallway was a deep yellow like bright live dandelions, though half of it wasn’t finished yet. The hallway went along a fair distance before reaching a perfect stone stairway that curled around and up, reminding me slightly of a slide at an old park from Oakbark.

We checked the rooms on the first floor to begin with, there was what I assumed would be the kitchen and living room split together, the tiles were half down and the living room was bare, save for some glass for the windows, the kitchen was bare save for the standards, a couple counters and cupboards for food, crockery and glasses and a fridge freezer. The other room opposite the kitchen and living room seemed completely empty.

“What’s this for?” I asked looking at Ruby and she glanced at Sunny who chuckled at my naivety.

“It’s a room designed for lamias to stretch their coils in and warm up, see the grates?” Ruby pointed down, there were metal grills along the floor and I nodded “Hot air come up, it’s a nice place to relax and just lounge about… Think of it as a… Hypno room.” Ruby said nudging my side as I blushed. Great, a room dedicated to mind melting. Just what Ruby needed.

Next we went to the staircase, if you can call it that as a slope, and headed upward to the second floor, the staircase continued upward the same way from the second to the attic, but we wanted to check the second floor first. The upstairs was divided into five rooms, that I could see, three on the left and two on the right. The first on the right opened into what looked like an indoor hot spring.

“A bathroom suitable for a lamia.” Sunny pitched in, sounding like she was advertising the house to us.

“Is it built into the mountain?” I asked noting the way the long cavern like room seemed to head further back behind the staircase.

“Indeed, it was the only way to get a suitable base for the water, but the lower levels were not suitable. Hence why it is on the second floor and backed up against the far wall, no risk of flooding downstairs.” Sunny said, glancing around at the massive pool length bath “Will you share?” She whispered to Ruby.

“Oh yes, I imagine many fun times will be had here.” Stay down wings, stay down!

The second room on the right of the hallway was a master bedroom, designed for Ruby and myself, at the front of the room was a circular window reminding me of one you might see on a ship, the room was rather bright in contrast to the rooms further back into the mountain. Currently the room only featured a rather large mattress.

“We’re still waiting for the furniture.” Sunny said a little sheepishly.

“No it’s alright we’ll manage.” I said holding a hoof up with a smile.

“The other rooms,” Sunny gestured to the three on the left side as we headed for the attic “Are bare, you may do as you please with them, though I imagine at least one will be another bedroom.” Sunny curled her tail in a figure of eight around Ruby’s neck and my own dragging us together as Ruby smirked. Cosy.

Following the staircase up we reached a door and through that the final room, the attic. The attic was a decent sized space, towards the front, the only source of light was the window we’d seen below. The room itself however was rather large, several meters high.

“Whoa… A lot of space for an attic…” I mumbled.

“An attic?” Sunny asked “I suppose it could be used for that, but this, for lamias, is actually designed to be a sort of room to simulate a fake forest, with many banisters to coil and hang from… A place to return to a more forest setting.” Sunny explained.

Ruby raised a hoof “I think we’ll just use it as an attic.” She said chuckling “There are woods close by now anyway, the desert is much smaller than it once was.”.

Sunny rolled her eyes and shook her head but smiled “Well… This is your new home. I hope you like it.” She said with a hopeful smile.

“We love it Sunny.” Ruby said.

“Thank you.” I added.

“I’m glad you’re happy, I’m going to head back to the camp, so you can familiarise yourselves if you like.” Sunny said as she slid out the room, we heard the front door close a few moments later.

Ruby and I wandered back down to the living room and stared out the empty glass windows at the town below “So this is it…” I mumbled and I felt Ruby’s tail flick against my right hoof and I placed it inside the hoop as if we were holding hooves “You’re all going to break me like a twig here.” I said and Ruby burst out laughing.

“Don’t worry… I’ll keep you ssssafe.” She hissed and I turned to her.

“You better, or what will the kids say?”

“Hmmm… Mum is Dad being fucked by Pollen’s mother again?” Ruby said in an imitation of a child.

“Hilarious.” I said with a chuckle as Ruby broke into a fit of giggles.

We returned to the camp not long after Sunny, but we’re denied the ability to help reconstruct the church or homes, instead we were ushered into selecting those we’d invite for the wedding. And so, Ruby snuggled up beside me at the table in my wagon, making a real effort to make me touch every coil.

I moaned for about the thousandth time as Ruby’s coils slid around my neck, we’d started on the wedding list, the names began with Ruby’s mother and followed with family first; ‘Diamond Scales, Metal Cast, Cotton Patterns, Digital Canvas, Sunny,’ the list had gained few names afterwards. It wasn’t from a lack of ponies; it was the fact I could hardly think straight with this wondrous massage.

“Ruby.” I grumbled, feeling like I was on a loop from how many times I’d scolded her.

“Sorry, maybe Twilight and her friends.” Ruby suggested.

“They’re already coming though…”

“Still makes the list longer.” Ruby said so I scribbled on Twilight and her five friends, before adding her little scaly dragon friend Spike “Oh and some of the Ponyville residents, and Note Pad too!”

“Like who?” I asked looking up and Ruby snatched the pen, writing about thirty names “That all of them?” I asked and Ruby nodded as the door swung open.

Luna’s eyes rose in surprise at the bundle of coils at the table before locating Ruby and me and she chuckled at the sight “The wedding will be public so, that is the priority list, we’ll bolster the rest of the seats with officials.” Luna said taking a seat and pulling the list from me.

Ruby glanced down at me and covered my mouth before I could tell her no. Ruby placed a coil as thick as Luna’s head right beside her and the Princess of the night turned over to face it. She turned back to look at the list as her horn glowed, the coil floating up, wobbling as she struggled to grip it, before resting it around her neck, Ruby curling it so it crossed like a scarf. I’m pretty sure Luna purred.

“As wonderful now as it was then.” Luna said softly turning her attention back to the list “Note Pad, that’s the stallion you met in Oakbark correct?” We nodded “Well I suppose he drew a good straw, provided we can retrieve him from the lamia village.”

“He’s gone back there?” I asked.

“Most days he isn’t in a state of mind to realise there is anywhere else but his Mistress’ coils. And I think he may have some lingering suggestions to go back to them, yes.” Luna said looking up, yeah ‘lingering’ wasn’t how I’d describe it.

“Who did he hitch up with?” Ruby asked.

“Sunny.” Luna answered “Most days.” She added.

Ruby whistled “Note became a luxury.” She said giggling “Where is he now?”

“Well if he’s not in Sunny’s tent he will likely be back at the lamia village, either getting coiled by Sunny’s personal guards or trying to catch up on his story the best he can.” Luna said with a grin, that seemed like a task that would take a long time “I will ensure he is here and in a… Conscious state. Boring as it is.” Luna said grinning at me alongside Ruby.

“What is wrong with you lot?” I asked.

“Luna,” Ruby said suddenly and she looked over as Ruby’s tail flexed nervously “I was wondering if you would be willing to do the Priest work… You know, formerly join us?” Ruby asked.

I had personally been thinking of using a regular priest but, being married by a Princess? That would be impressive!

“I would love too, it takes away the concern of being turned down by other officials,” Oh yeah “And it gives me a reason to be here.” And get coiled… Wow… The Princess of the night has a thing for coiling…

Guess I do to, but still…! ……You know what I can’t think of a legitimate excuse or reason that makes it more viable for me… Crap…

“Is that the whole list?” We both nodded and Luna picked up the scroll “Pinkie will be waiting eagerly for this most likely so I shall send it to Twilight’s dragon friend for her.” I imagined Pinkie sat at a letter box opening it every couple of seconds as if the mail magicked inside.

With a whoosh of blue flames, the list burnt into ash and flew out the door on its way to Ponyville “Now there are a few other matters, we have the rings ready for you both, we will need to decide on bride’s maids and the best stallion.” Luna said.

“My brother will be doing that role.” I said and Luna nodded in understanding looking at Ruby who looked a little sheepish.

Luna took pity on her “I know three young fillies who have experience and I am sure they would love to attend.” Ruby squeezed her tail in thanks.

Luna, with a look bordering on misery, stood up “I will see to the rest of the construction and leave the smaller details for you to handle.” Luna said nodding goodbye.

And so, we spent the next four days finishing the last details, the lamias meanwhile spent their time split between the reconstruction of the church, our new home and the main street homes, which had been renamed Daybreak lane, from the idea it was the beginning of something new. On the fourth day at Shady Grove, naturally before the sun had even risen, we had what sounded like a siege weapon attack our front door.

Pinkie promptly let herself in jumping up and down on our bed proclaiming “We’re here, we’re here for your wedding, we’re here!”

“Yes… I can see that…” I muttered as I tried to shove Pinkie off, all this accomplished was, instead of creaking springs, there was now a regular thump, thump as Pinkie jumped up and down on the wooden floor.

“Ugh, PLEASE can I brainwash her!” Ruby moaned sitting up.

“I put my vote down for the brainwashing.” A baggy eyed Rainbow Dash grumbled.

“Oh come on sleepy heads, you can sleep later we have a wedding to plan!” She cheered.

I groaned “Pinkie why don’t you get on with the guest list…?” I suggested sleepily.

“I did that, I got their replies, they’ll be here within the next coming days!” Pinkie said cheerfully.

“Um… The church…?” I asked.

“Oh the lamias refuse to let me on sight until they finish, they’re just fitting the glass back into the windows.” Ruby and I slowly sat up.

“When are you hosting the wedding?” I asked, having waited for the planner to set the day.

“Five days today!” Pinkie said cheerfully “Which is LOADS of time, normally I get an afternoon of warning to prepare for new ponies so this is a synch!” Pinkie said bouncing again.

Ruby and I glanced at each other as Rarity walked in “Don’t worry I am fully capable of fulfilling rush orders as well.” She said, her mane already set into a perfect bun, she hardly looked tired at all “And with most of the work done it is simply a matter of colours and material now”.

Ruby climbed out of bed, following Pinkie as they chattered happily “So how is it going to start…?” I groaned pushing out of bed and standing up as Rarity squeaked.

“Bolt have you no shame!? Put some clothes on!” She ordered “Your wife left for barely a minute!”

“When do we normally wear clothes?” I asked and Rainbow shared my chuckle.

“Well on your wedding you will need to wear a suit! So I will find someplace to set up here,” Rarity looked sideways “Hopefully it will be clean.” She muttered “And then I will come and find you or Ruby and start work on your wedding clothing! You must look PERFECT!” Rarity shouted as she trotted briskly away.

“Wow… She’s um… Intense with dress making.” I noted as Rainbow Dash promptly fell on my bed

“You said it.” She mumbled “I’m take a rest, thanks. If you want Twilight she’s dorking it up at the library ruins or that statue in the centre.” Rainbow said before falling asleep. Lovely.

I quickly brushed the nest that was my mane down a little and headed outside, since my bed was now occupied! The sun had only just begun it’s assent into the sky, but despite this there were still a fair number of lamias out and about. I followed them, soon catching up with the pink ball of sugar and Ruby.

“Hay, Bolt, they’re about to open the church.” Ruby said and I noticed she was holding a massive pair of scissors “We’re technically the ones in charge here… Would you cut the rope with me?” Ruby asked.

I looked towards the church doors, a ribbon was tied along the front of the metal railing above a low stone wall “Sure.” I said with a nod and Ruby and I stepped up.

The lamias gathered around excitedly and I noticed Ruby looking at me expectedly. Oh right “Fillies and gentlecolts, with these scissors, my fiancé and I will open the first official reconstructed building in Shady Grove.” A cheer ran up in the crowd and I smiled, turning to Ruby who held out the scissors between us, we pulled them up and snipped the ribbon, followed by another cheer from the crowd.

“Heh never imagined a church of all places would get this much hype.” I mumbled.

“Well think of it from our point of view, it’s the first official statement we now live here, and we can choose what is going to happen here and be built here… It’s a vast improvement.” I nodded in agreement with Ruby statement, it was an improvement for them all.

We helped untie the cut ribbon from the railing then stepped inside with the vast public, though most had seen it during reconstruction, which was easy since one wall hadn’t been there, it was now once again whole. Noticeably only the two stained glass windows remained whilst the others were simple plain see through or white, stories of the lamias had yet to be told. Ruby however skipped passed he nice décor, sliding up along the red carpeted floor to the podium at the front. She stood to one side and I walked up beside her.

“What do you see?” I asked her quietly.

“A home… A new start…” She looked at me “And a husband I love to hug.” Ruby said with a giggle “And you?”

“Family.” I said simply.

Yeah speaking of family, mine was due to turn up. Digi was the first to arrive, looking a little worse for wear. He needed a shave, though that was normal for him. He gave a tired smile as he tried to shake six different lamias that were trailing him like rainbow coloured shadows.

“You’re popular.” I noted.

“He’s single, a rare commodity with lamias. And his mind is relatively untouched… Currently.” Ruby noted.

“Yeah, currently, your people are like vultures! Bolt, can’t your control them?” Digi asked I held my hooves up.

“Hay you try, more than welcome.” I said as I glanced around.

Whilst the numbers were small, a few of the wedding guests had already arrived, the majority were from Ponyville, as expected since the Canterlot ponies Luna would bring would likely arrive on the day aboard carriages. They wandered around gawking at every little thing as if they hadn’t seen ruined homes, to be fair the statue WAS something of notable interest, how often did you see a lamia depicted in stone?

Several of the ponies stopped gawking, and taking pictures, to congratulate us on the wedding. We smiled and greeted them all, it was very formal. Very awkward for me. As the crowd died and dispersed Twilight pushed out, her mane frazzled at the fringe.

“I hate camera flashes… Oh, Ruby, Bolt.” She said looking between us and smiling “Hi I was just… Taking notes of your cultural history.” Ruby and I looked at each other and Twilight smiled sheepishly.

“It’s okay, nerd away Twilight.” Ruby said with a giggle and Twilight actually jumped before zipping off.

“When will she find time to organise the wedding with Pinkie?” I asked.

“Oh don’t worry we had most of it planned on the way here! In fact, Twilight insisted because she wanted as much time as POSSIBLE to see all there was about this place! Though I could’ve sworn it wasn’t that hard to find dust and rubble around Ponyville after a crisis, but Twilight, again, insisted that she wanted to investigate the town!” Pinkie said cheerfully as she popped up between us before falling flat on her face as Ruby tipped her tail up, dumping the pink fluff ball on the ground.

“Sorry, I’ll get back to the party!” And she was up bouncing like a tennis ball down the street.

“I remember when my life was normal.” I said.

“Sounds boring.” Ruby said “I mean, no hypnosis, no coiling, no endless bliss, no me… I mean come on I’m the best thing that happened right?” Ruby said with a smirk.

“You suddenly got an ego. Also, all those things you listed are just a lamia’s natural abilities.” Ruby tilted her head smiling “…Fair enough.” I said with a wave of my hoof.

Four days before the wedding Rarity broke down the door to our wagon in the morning… No I mean literally she… She broke it off the hinges, I was pretty mad. After Rarity reattached the door she started dragging a sleepy Ruby by the hoof.

“I have a most wonderful tent set up by Luna, oh she brought all the best supplies with her, all sorts of fabrics I just dreamed of using as a filly! All for you two! Come on, come on! COME ON RUBY!” Ruby suddenly picked up the pace as Rarity’s intensity picked up. Note to self; follow Rarity immediately when dress making is involved… She scary!

I spent my free time washing up and making pancakes for when Ruby returned. She slid in through the door with Rarity chattering about fabrics she could use.

“Rarity it looked perfect as it was.” Ruby insisted “But whatever you see fit to change you can do, you’re the dress designer here, not me.” Rarity almost looked like a white and purple Pinkie when Ruby declared that, jittering as she squealed on the spot rambling to fast and incoherently for me to understand, Ruby looked over at me for some relief “Something smells good!” She complimented.

“Pancakes, there’s syrup and sugar so we can dig in!” I said eagerly as I plated a pair for us both. I got half way through a syrup drenched pancake when magic gripped my body.

I flew up into the air my pancake slipping out my hoof, still on the fork and I watched the stack draw away as Rarity dragged me out “Come on Bolt your turn.” I felt tears well up.

Who drags a pony away from pancakes!?

Rarity’s tent, if you consider it a tent, was set up within the ruined foundation of a house, it seemed to be the flattest area Rarity could have located, and she’d cleared the rubble to make a perfect floor under her tent. Inside it was difficult to consider it a tent… Or… On the outside… It looked like a castle and the inside looked like a traveling clothes salespony’s shop! Though I doubt most come with a pedestal to try on the clothes.

Rarity had me stand on the pedestal, thankfully she already had my measurements and was levitating up a selection of clothing in various colours.

“I thought it was traditional for the groom to wear black…” I said softly, scared my opinion would be met with daggers.

“Normally yes, but I thought we could try and get away with it here! At Shining Armour’s wedding he wore his uniform, bright red with gold rims and white buttons! The colours were so much more complimentary!” Rarity cried out, oh god what had I done “And Ruby! Would you imagine her in plain white?” The way she said ‘plain’ made it sound like a criminal act “Would you even be able to see it? No of course not, she should have a sea of colours complimenting her, and so should you!” Rarity said grabbing me with a strand of fabric around my neck “I am the fashionista here after all!” She said in a low voice.

“Well… You better not waste time arguing with me…” I managed, can I turn blue?

“You’re right… Too work!” Oh boy.

The following hour, as my stomach growled and grumbled irritably under me, was followed by Rarity taking up selection after selection of fabrics, with different weaves, different colours and different patterns. What looked bad to me often got a ‘hmmm’ and what looked nice got an ‘ugh’ or some other form of disgust. Finally, Rarity settled on a deep blue. Clearing her table Rarity tossed and checked each fabric until she found a pattern that suited her. It looked like it was made up of overlapping feathers and as Rarity held it out it felt just as soft too.

“I think we’ll add a bright white trim to the collar, to symbolise your wife, Ruby and maybe some red, maybe the buttons. But I think it’s perfect, Ruby has her scale armour and you will have your feathers!” Rarity said with a smile as she grabbed a long roll of the fabric “Now shoo! Not until the wedding day! Out, out, OUT!” Every ‘out’ was followed by a swift smack from the roll of fabric until I jumped out.

“Thank you.” I called in and ducked under the swinging fabric.

“OUT! I have wonders to create!” Bloody hell, what is with this pony?

The first clue I was hinted at that Ruby was in trouble was the fact she was reading a book ‘Harry Trotter’. The second clue… Was the beard of syrup she was trying to lick away behind the paper, glancing at me often.

I walked up to my side of the table staring at the single half eaten pancake I’d dropped… The stack under it mysteriously gone. And it was stone cold. I sighed “Why did you get all the pancakes?” I grumbled munching slowly before pushing the artic pancake away. Not so tasty cold.

“What’s up?” Ruby asked and I looked at her “I know this isn’t just about the pancakes, you’d be shouting if it was.” Ruby smiled and I tapped my fork against my plate.

“What are my parents going to think?” I asked.

“About you marrying a snake pony monster? Hmmmm… Something along the lines of.” Ruby cleared her throat then took on a strong masculine voice “What were you thinking you twit, Bolt! Marrying her! How dare you make your own decisions without consulting me!?” I cracked a smile at that “It’s not like you’re capable of thinking! That’s what I am for!” I gave a small laugh that grew as Ruby puffed out her chest nose in the air “Damn those Canterlot ponies, thinking they’re all that!” The irony of her stance made me hold my head as I laughed and Ruby sat down, dropping the impression.

“Better?” She asked.

“Yeah… Yeah I am, thanks.”

“Good.” Ruby said.

“I’m still mad about the pancakes though.” Ruby blushed shrugging.

Two days before the wedding and the town had gone from rubble, to camp, to something that could actually work! More guests had arrived, tents and wagons were being used to sleep in and I also noticed the presence of the Royal Guard a bit more patrolling the area. I was with Pinkie in the church and Ruby was off… Doing whatever she does with her lamia kin… Probably plotting, that would be my guess. Pinkie and I were preparing the decorations to Rarity’s instructions, banners of white with deep red rims hanging between the columns up to the podium where Ruby and I would stand. A red carpet wound through the benches, there were a lot more in the large church with wider spacing and they were slightly longer than the normal standard, designed for the citizens who would live here.

“Bolt!” My name echoed through the church and the dozen or so ponies alongside us glanced over as Ruby slid into the church. Behind her looking in at awe stood Cotton and a stoic looking Metal. Mum and Dad…

I flew over to the trio, leaving Pinkie to finish on her own. I’d hardly landed before I was hugging them. My mum looked like she was fit to cry and my dad had a mixture of expressions; happiness, confusion and… Disgust. I guess I couldn’t blame him really.

“Thanks for coming.” I said though it was easy to tell who it was more labelled towards.

“If I have to give… Ruby my blessing for you then I will.” Metal said with a slight grunt.

“His blessing?” Ruby asked.

“Basically his permission for you to marry me… It’s some old tradition thing.” I said Ruby nodded in understanding.

“Though I doubt that would hold the wedding up.” Ruby commented.

My dad grunted “No… It wouldn’t have, sadly.” He then sighed and spoke in monotone as if he’d practised losing all emotion “I, Metal Cast, grant you, Ruby Scales, permission to marry my son.” Ruby smiled and my mum clapped her hooves laughing eagerly.

“I’m… Going to go check my suit…” Metal muttered.

I took a step forward then turned to Ruby who pushed me with her tail “Go on, talk to him.” She said with a smile.

I galloped after my dad and quickly found him at the main wagon site, it was an odd spiral of wagons with a clear circle where benches and fires had been used at night, it had gotten quite loud the previous night and Luna herself had come out shouting for everypony to ‘put a cork in it’. Apparently the Princess of the night needs to sleep at night too. I see irony dripping down the walls.

I opened the door, my dad snapping his head around with a scowl, his eyes widened, likely expecting mum, Cotton “Oh… Bolt…” Still using my name, good sign.

Metal gave a long sigh “I don’t like her.” He muttered.

“Really? Wow I hardly noticed, good thing you told me or I might have sent the two of you on a picnic together.” I said and he managed a scoff.

“You’re my son… I love you, you know that, and I am willing to let you go if it makes you happy… But… Are you…” Metal rolled his hoof asking for help.

“Really happy with marrying a half hybrid pony snake thing? Yeah… I’m pretty happy with it.” I said blandly “Trust me dad… I want this.”

Metal held his temples “You better look good in your suit.” I nodded, taking that as my cue to leave “And Bolt…” I looked back halfway out the door “You can still visit, but Ruby never can.” Cold… Really cold, but I gave a small nod either way.

Author's Note

And this is the second to last chapter, the final chapter will be the last of the wedding planning and then the wedding itself, enjoy. :)

Wedding day

From an outside perspective, and for many other ponies in Equestria, this day was to be similar to any other. Wake up, breakfast, work or relax, then go home… For me… Well… It was that crossroad in life that would forever tie the roads ahead together in a specific way. Ruby and I were separated that morning by Rarity, Twilight and Pinkie and I barely managed to realise what had happened in time to shout goodbye to her as the half sleeping lamia was carried by a very strained Twilight by her magic. I was dragged off to a side building beside the church and was greeted by Luna smiling at me as a pair of stoic looking unicorn mares set me down in a chair.

Luna gave a sheepish smile “I apologise for their… Professionalism, they are Canterlot professionals so they are…” Luna waved a hoof digging for a word.

“Robotic?” Luna gave a tiny nod at my answer, neither mare bothered by us talking about them several feet away.

“But that is beside the point,” Luna began as their magical auras gripped my body, cleaning and pruning me, though Luna shook a hoof at the scissors, thank her “The various ponies of power from across Equestria have arrived, those that have the bravery to remain or haven’t sent somepony in their place because they’re too lazy anyway.” Luna mumbled irritably “But I need to tell you that from here you must remain dignified… Because, in a sense Bolt, you are one of them, and good relations are needed if you intend to have good trade and prosper.” Luna advised.

“And I can’t just send several lamias to ‘convince’ them can I…?” Luna looked sideways.

“We’ll try this approach first.” She said softly.

“Princess!?” I asked slightly shocked and she smiled “Not funny.”

“I had hoped it would be, I am sorry.” She said a little sheepishly “Anyway I shall leave you to be dressed and attend to Pinkie’s meeting for the wedding and party. Good luck Bolt.”

“Thank you, Luna.” I said.

For what I assume was an hour the duo Canterlot ponies set to work fitting the suit to my body, and treating me like a canvas adding some makeup that I couldn’t even see but felt… It was really weird to have what felt like a second line of skin on my face, I didn’t like it. Unnatural! The pair had me stand before a mirror, my mane looked straight and flat… How did they even do that? My face was a fair bit brighter and worked well with the colour of my tuxedo, which, as Rarity had decided, was a bright blue with a white collar as if I was wearing a white undershirt and red buttons that would blend in with my natural fur colour… If I could see it! At least I hadn’t gotten anything too crazy and looked like a clown. I held a hoof up, they’d cleaned them too and touched my chest, I felt so strange…

“I believe you are ready.” One of the mares said in a thick accent I couldn’t place “The wedding will begin soon, follow us.”

The church decorations were finished, along the sides of the left and right wall were rows and rows of multi-coloured flowers and somepony, I can only assume a lamia, had made something similar to paper chains that looked like snake scale chains. As I walked up to the front of the podium I glanced at the front rows, on one seat was Diamond with Sunny beside her, their tails looping in a grand twisting display of colourful scales as the room was bathed in sunlight and with Celestia in all her regal glory beside them finished it all off with a magical glow. The lines behind them had Copper and the other lamias from my… ‘Night’ with Sunny, and then various ponies in attire that made my tuxedo look bleak. Probably nobles, and the way they looked around dusting their clothes with magic was also a claxon.

On the opposite side my mum and dad sat alone, my mum waving happily with a wide smile as I passed and I smiled, at least I hope it was a smile. My dad managed a small smile as he saw me and I don’t think it was forced… He actually looked legitimately proud. Behind them was Pinkie, Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow (Who had her hooves folded on the seat beside my dad until Rarity knocked her back into place) and Fluttershy who gave a tiny wave. Also, there was a light pink coloured unicorn mare with a purple mane whom I didn’t recognise but she was in a hushed conversation with Twilight as she stared at Diamond and Sunny. The other guests behind them filled the back rows, some of them I recognised from Ponyville so I was thankful for that. Turning my gaze back to the front I walked up the slope to the podium, slopes for snake tails after all. Luna gave me a satisfied nod and a smile and I stood to her left, Digi gave me a sideways smile from the side of the podium, the rings nestled on a marble stand.

“Nearly there.” He seemed to silently say to me.

You know, thinking back, it was probably just two minutes… But to me I felt like every eye was staring up my back and into my brain as I fought every urge to keep my twitchy wings still. Then, finally, the soft tune of the piano started up and I heard a scuffle as everypony stood and I look back and joined in with their gasp.

Ruby was flanked by the three fillies from Ponyville we’d met, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom but I hardly noticed. I only had my eyes set on one lamia right then.

Ruby had a very sheepish yet adorable smile and she bowed her head a little in embarrassment. Her dress was a sweetly flowing bright red like her mane yet as she slid through the sun lit room the dress sparkled as many colours cascaded down the dress, and I had a brief image of pulsating rings and flashing fangs as the light danced in a river of colour along her body as if the sky was painting her body. The dress curled all around Ruby’s body and down to her tail where the trail of fabric that normally followed was removed so Ruby wouldn’t get her tail caught in it. On Ruby’s head, she wore a veil but with a revealed face, a cobra’s hood sat guarding her face yet it was not frightening or intimidating. It simply declared she was of a different world to ours and felt no shame in declaring it, the hood curling down to her eyes which had deep purple eyeliner on that made her look only a tiny bit seductive and snake-like. Ruby smiled and gave a small laugh as flowers were tossed over her head as she slid up to join me, Ruby taking her hood off as she smiled at me, clutching the lavender bouquet in her hooves.

Ruby and I shuffled on the spot before Luna began “Fillies and gentlecolts… We are gathered here today in this place…”

Luna’s speech and talking blurred away from me as I didn’t turn my head but shared a hidden gaze with Ruby “You look great.” I whispered hardly moving my mouth.

“You too, my handsome prey.” She said flickering her tongue out a little with a quiet laugh.

“Boltblood Thundercloud,” I almost said yes before Luna continued, how long was I staring at Ruby for? “Please state the vows.” Luna requested as Digi carried over the bracelet ring and my wing ring in his magic.

I paused then nodded, gulping the dry taste in my mouth as I turned to face Ruby
“I, Boltblood Thundercloud, take you, Ruby Scales, to be my wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward; for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to Celestia’s holy law.” I glanced at Celestia as she bowed her head slightly in acknowledgement, Digi guiding my ring on for me “In the presence of the two regal sisters I make this vow.” I looked ack at Ruby and smiled.

“Ruby, you now recite the vows.” Luna said softly.

Ruby changed only a couple words, her name for mine and vice versa, otherwise… Identical. I watched her lips move with a subtle cherry red lipstick on as she spoke the words connecting our lives forever. When she had finished, Ruby presented the end of her tail and I slipped the ‘ring’ on as her mouth broke into a wide smile, Digi putting my ring on before I forgot I needed it.

“With the power I wield I now pronounce you stallion and lamia… You may kiss the groom.” That last line made me blink but before I could turn away Ruby had slid up and gripped my head leaning down as the crowd cheered and applauded. I just followed through as I took hold of the side of Ruby’s body with my right hoof. Eyes closed… Heart almost still… Her sweet tasty fruity lips on mine as her small nose tickled mine. The noise around us was so distant

I’d made it… She’s mine and I’m hers… Paradise…

Ruby and I skipped down the aisle waving and smiling as the room cheered, the lamias curling their tails in hearts hanging over their heads like giant decorations. I blinked as several photos were taken but didn’t flinch or lose my smile. My cheeks hurt a little but I felt so full and happy, tears stung my eyes. As we walked out the church, a carriage was waiting for us, nicely decorated to look like trees with a simple ‘just married’ on the back. Six stallions nodded at us in Royal Guard fatigues and Ruby and I climbed in the back, Ruby turned back and tossed her flowers, a group of mares fighting to catch it before Sunny caught it with her tail over Rarity’s head, teasing her with it like a puppy with a toy before bursting into laughter. Ruby waved from within the carriage at the applauding crowd as we were wheeled off for a ride around the borders of the town.

We just stared forward in silence until the noise of the wedding faded before Ruby placed her hoof on top of mine with a looping coil and fell on my shoulder “Thank you Bolt.” She said very softly.

“No,” I said as she looked at me “Thank you, I got to go back to my family, got a great friend, lover and then a wife… And new friends… And a place to call home… Gonna be weird to run it but if you can help me do it, and calm me when I’m stressed I will manage.” I said.

“What about when you aren’t stressed?” Ruby whispered leaning up as her breath tingled on my lips.

“Well… You can calm me anyway…” I said letting her take over.

“Sounds… Good…”

Author's Note

And that's it... The end of this long, long... LONG 449 page long story... Seriously this thing is fucking huge. Thank you so much everyone who read it, gave me feedback, support, advice and tips... And putting up with my dumb humour... It's been... Amazing and I hope I can still entrance you with future stories with Ruby and Bolt, for now I'm going to be doing two relatively short epilogues for you all to enjoy then I imagine a break... Until I get bored and make more short story smexy fun time for you all. XD But for now... Enjoy that little green complete button, it has been a long time coming. :)

Epilogue 1

It had been little over three months since the wedding, the last thing Ruby and I had spoken of before going to bed back then after the stroll around town and the afterparty was the lamia ‘marking’. Ruby had told me simply and plain.

“It’s up to me when it happens, and I have a few ideas, I just need to gather a few things.” And I could see the faintest of flushes on her cheeks… I had a rough idea of what was planned.

I expected Ruby to just drop down on me suddenly every time I came home (that still feels odd to say) but she never did… So, we almost began a set routine. I would wake up most days and head into town, for the first couple days wedding guests lingered to explore, but soon had to return home. Twilight and Luna stayed behind for a while naturally, Twilight digging through the building that had been identified as the library, trying to find a full book other than occasional scraps of old books, pages, odd notes and battered scrolls, but she soon had to leave, taking what she had recovered to study. Though she did ask those clearing the site to send her anything tangible, even if it was just a sentence or two, it could lead to some great discoveries of the lamias’ past.

Finally, Luna remained for a month, helping me settle in as joint mayor of Shady Grove, it was… Stressful. I kept worrying I’d fail and screw up on the first day but I appreciated the help Luna provided and once most of the construction was certified there was little to do for a while. Until the town actually had a community and homes for traders to live in there was no need to contact and keep up to date with other towns. With me now informed on what to do, Luna soon took her leave. So, for the last two months I would go in once or twice a week to check things were settled, occasionally writing short letters to Luna to tell her everything was running smoothly or for help if I wasn’t certain on a decision.

Upon realising that she didn’t need to go into an office to help me run the town now I’d got the hang of it, Ruby quickly set up her own business in our house. A small personal business; a hypno-therapy masseuse. It was just a sneaky way for Ruby to earn bits and get to coil ponies, but she did seem to take it relatively seriously. Ensuring she had good products to use, which were only obtainable from Las Pegasus currently, she also bought two folding gel pad beds, bright blue things for ponies to lay on who might not be all too comfortable with a giant snake wrapping them up.

Ruby got a little side piece with Note’s as advertisement, who now lives here and acts as the reporter for the town to the papers across Equestria and got the nickname ‘Lamia Charmer’ though he admits he knows who the charmers are to us.

Similar to me as Mayor, Ruby found little success at first, most ponies didn’t mind meeting us, but trying out a lamia massage with only Ruby and the customer around didn’t put many at ease nor make them eager for it. So, for the first week and a half Ruby just read a selection of massage treatment books Twilight had sent her, a little dejected, in the spare room on the second floor across from our bedroom. She called it her ‘Forest of bliss’. I admit, I did try it a couple times and paid her to make her feel better, trying her ‘Scale sea’ treatment, where she used one coil to treat my back and hooves in a swaying motion like the waves of a tide and her favourite she’d made up; ‘Protective encasement’ which is a full sealed cocoon that can target any part of the body, though I imagine it being a little more extreme for first timers. On her little pamphlet that she had made it read ‘Block out the hardships and stress of the world in a world of blissful, muscular coils and scales’. It was really nice and I had to be left for a little while before my body woke enough to move.

Ruby got her lucky break when a Canterlot pony visited, also her first customer beside myself or Note, upon hearing the rumour of a lamia offering massages, no competition yet and it sound exotic to her most likely so why not try it with her empty week. Ruby was all charm, her voice was smooth, soft yet commanding as I listened from the bedroom I felt oddly calm and at peace and I kept reading the same line like I was stuck on auto pilot. The Canterlot pony was all high and might, and a little rude, acting like her time was precious and Ruby ought to be paying her for the visit, but she stayed calm and offered the treatment selection. Ruby managed to convince her to try some coil pads and work up when she was comfortable, the unsuspecting mare also chose hypnosis, scoffing at the idea her mind could be dominated.

About two hours later, when the session she’d paid for ended, the way the mare spoke and acted almost made me think Ruby had another client. She stood with jiggly legs and relaxed eyes and a vague smile, a glazed gaze and she quivered as Ruby curled a coil around her neck ‘suggesting’ she should put in a good word for her. The mare just nodded, droning to herself how good it had all felt, yet confused as if she couldn’t remember it correctly. I just smirked at Ruby’s innocent smile as the mare left.

After that it wasn’t uncommon for me to find a pony or two at home in the Forest, which Ruby soon decorated to fit the name, with a tree printed wall paper, a canopy ceiling and a forest floor carpet, even getting some nice plants and flowers to make the place smell sweeter. Ruby seemed rather happy, even if almost every treatment was Scale sea’s or coil pads, she did occasionally manage to cocoon a pony when they provided her with a letter saying they had a bad back. Ruby was able to set their bones painlessly in place again with a dab of hypnosis to draw their minds away from the discomfort and pain. She got really popular but only worked the last three days of the week, so she was in demand as the best masseuse. I still never caught her implanting that idea into pony’s minds, but I knew… We both knew yet nopony was upset nor was it really a lie at this point, so it wasn’t doing any harm, why stop something ponies were enjoying?

And that was what life became, Ruby and I would generally work Friday to Sunday on our own jobs, and spend the start of the week doing as we pleased. Every so often we’d walk around town watching it grow out like a nurtured plant. A big deal was made of almost everything, the first house, first block of houses, first set of apartments, a bed and breakfast pub, the bank, which everywhere else is just a source of evil bankers, actually got a big deal out of it too! Finally, a few shops opened up and with someplace to stay a few tourists began to trickle in for the late spring to early summer relaxation. Construction at the town hall had been finished in the second month, up until then I just used the living room table, and with tourists the work began to pick up. Organising relationships with towns, businesses and taxes (That was ‘fun’ thankfully we don’t need too much to maintain the town yet so it’s low enough that I don’t feel my soul burning yet) took most of my time, and Ruby began to notice whenever she got near that I was tense. However, recently she just smiled and didn’t hypnotise me to bed or even coil me up, I actually had to use the chairs in the living room!

“Have I upset you?” I asked after a couple nights of this.

“No… I just want you craving for next Monday.” That was all she said and all I wouldn’t get more out of her until that day.

Author's Note

Epilogue 2 is ready, just need to proof read, probably be out later today or tomorrow :)

Epilogue 2

Author's Note

So, this is the chapter where Ruby and Bolt go for a kid... So, naturally, it being the finale for Spirals and Spices I went ham on the fetishes, so here goes: Latex, masturbating to turn another pony on, enhancing drugs, vibrators... Lots of em, regular sex but with a snake pony's pony pussy, fleshlights, cock milkers, watching another pony cum loads, a lamia pussy that is on their snake tail that means you have to be held up in a standing position to fuck it... Oh and hypnosis...

That's it, I'll leave you to enjoy the mystery! :3 Bye guys, thanks for the long ride. Expect more in the future~

Epilogue 2

“Out!” I stumbled on my hooves as I was shoved forward, my wings just managing to kick in as I fell out the window of my own bedroom!

“What the hell Ruby?” I asked turning around to face the grinning lamia, wait she wasn’t angry? Why did she do that “Why did you kick me out of my own room? And the house for that matter?” I asked hovering at her eye level.

“I have to get some stuff ready whilst you’re out, so go to the town hall or something I’ll see you later.” Ruby half closed the window then leaned out “And if you try to walk back into the house before night time you will regret it!” She said with a fang lined grin.

I gulped “Back only after the moon has risen, I got it!” I said flying down the road to town, landing as it connected to the main cobble road.

I gave a very soft sigh rubbing my forehead, what was that about, I felt like I should remember but a lot had been happening lately. Unfortunately, mating season for the lamias had begun, so now lamias were skulking around in the hot summer sun looking for solitary ponies. I’d been left alone since I was with Ruby but I’d see more than one lamia eyeing me up as if gambling whether Ruby would be mad or not. Ruby had a similar look in her eyes, just… Primal desire. Thus far the lamias’ needs hadn’t swallowed any of them up into some sort of sex driven animals, they still had enough sense to keep a public image about themselves, but more than one pony often ended up stumbling home with glowing eyes at night drenched in sweat and more than a little sore at night and not all of them were best pleased about the treatment, so where do they go to complain? They go to me, since they don’t fancy talking to another lamia if it could lead to a possible a repeat… There are several ponies living here now, most having moved from poor homes in search of easy jobs in a developing town but they were generally cautious around their neighbours currently, it had taken a lot of convincing and help from Luna to stop this blowing out of proportion.

As I made my way into the town hall I waved at my sectary’s desk, Lilly she was called but she seemed to be out-Great I was waving at wood now. I rolled my eyes, more than likely she was hunting for Notes. He had no problem with this predicament because he wasn’t married or in a relationship he was ‘free game’ to the lamias and he made it clear. Unlocked doors and windows, close contact to those trying to restrain themselves and… Good grief it was awkward to see him in the bar these days. Though it was rather ironic to see lamias, gods of seduction, getting seduced if I may say.

“If this keeps up word will get out and that’ll be a very awkward reputation for lamias.” I mumbled to myself, thankfully Notes had kept his mouth shut and the ponies had yet to figure it out, but they would sooner or later, just hopefully later after this first season… It was only till the end of this week now and it’d pass, I had to hope I could keep it covered until then.

“Oh Bolt,” I looked up at Sunny who smiled at me at my door, in her hooves was a number of papers and I knew what they were, but I could hardly focus on them as she gave me that look… The look she gave me back in her village when she was Queen and not just Sunny “All pent up in your office, your back must be aching.” Only Sunny acted like this to me, mainly because she knew it bugs me and got a reaction, that and she was one of the few ponies Ruby couldn’t back talk to stop.

“What’s happened today?” I asked looking back down at the trade report, the mountain had established a mine which contained a lot of high quality gems and the rocks were also high in minerals, it stretched all around us for miles, oddly untapped but it was the main trade we had currently. The papers Sunny gave me were the norm, a casino in Las Pegasus, F and F asking for a dumb price on an outlandish number of gems, at least they’d quit trying to buy shares of the mine now.

“Oh actually nothing’s been reported on the ‘hunt’.” Ugh, the ‘hunt’ they loved calling it that, loved stalking quietly and slowly along alleyways made them feel more dominant “It’s a number of requests for you from Las Pegasus, they want to open a hotel using the land down south of the town, you know, it use to have a block of four houses connected together from what we could identified from the ruins… Shimmering Lane.” I gave a soft ‘ah’.

Shimmering Lane got the name from the sunsets lighting up the road between the rubble of the homes on that particular street, it looked like diamonds under disco lights so naturally investors and real estates liked it, we had yet to decide if the town wanted it for residential yet though.

“What’s the offer, did they read the rules?” None of the lamias wanted a great bustling city yet, so it was just a place to stay not a casino which could make a load of noise.

“Yep,” Sunny slid into the room and curled her tail around and over my desk trailing a couple coils onto my side, Sunny leaned onto them, close to me, as she spoke “They’ve agree to keep the noise level to a minimal after construction, and they’ve agreed to the extra business tax if the place can use advertisement throughout town for three months for free.” I looked at the paper Sunny held out to me and pushed a coil that was trying to explore too close to my lap.

“Alright, I think we can agree to that, they know to keep it off housing?” Sunny nodded “Alright I’ll organise a reply, anything else?” Sunny shook her head and turned waving goodbye.

“Have fun tonight.” She said.

“What?” Click. Well, that was abrupt.

The sound of the wind whistling peacefully down the streets was my only company as I made my way home, I could see lights on in the rebuilt houses, the gentle murmur of a small-town life around me, it felt so much warmer than when I had first arrived. Up ahead I could see my house approaching, no lights were on… Odd, Ruby wouldn’t be in bed yet and she wouldn’t be out this late either… Where could she be? As I reached the door a note had been taped to the front.

“Bedroom.” With a love heart under it. I blinked as I took the note down, definitely Ruby’s messy hoofwriting, better see what was up then.

The door was unlocked, so I shut it behind me and made my way through the dark house, the light peeking through the windows at the front of the house just able to guide me up the spiral slope to the second floor, there I made my way right into my bedroom. Strangely, at first, I thought it was empty. I stepped inside and something crumbled under my hoof, I looked down at another piece of paper, but this one looked blank. I reached down and picked it up and heard a thread snap.

At once several low lamps clicked on due to the thread breaking, casting the bedroom into a low subtle lighting, which made me realise the room was occupied.

Ruby lay with her hooves either side of her along a line of red plush pillows, the covers were done up with a similar coloured sheet over the bed and Ruby’s coils curled around the top and spilled out over every side like a sea of white ivory bliss. When the coils were motionless it was easy to see how they could blend in with the darkness.

“Bolt.” Ruby hissed in a low thick tone and my body quivered before I heard the door shut, the stray coil returning to Ruby. I looked over her body as my face flushed, focusing on the ‘things’ in her coils.

“Is this what you’ve been saving up for?” Ruby gave a nod.

I finally forced myself to acknowledge what I was seeing, Ruby was dressed up, but not for a normal date. Ruby was wearing deep purple eyeshadow and she had similar lipstick making her face seductive, however it was just the tip in comparison to the rest. On her body, Ruby was wearing an equally purple suit of gleaming rubber latex that clung to her body and showed off her pony form, her hooves ended with latex socks, her tail was bare but that was because she knew they beat latex… But within their grip were many… ‘Toys’… For an adult’s night of fun. I glanced between the various toys my face growing in colour as I took them in. Fleshlights of different sizes, textures, some just plain whilst others had cases and ‘extras’, there were vibrators on strings and rings, the bedside table was loaded with various lubes and an unlabelled pill bottle of some kind, and then my eyes landed on an ominous black box, it looked normal save for the giant jar braced on the floor it was connected too…

“Know what time it is?” Ruby asked.

“N-night time?” I asked with a smile and Ruby giggled before a coil whipped around and tugged on my neck like a leash.

“Funny Bolt, no that is not what I meant, what sssseason issss it?” Ruby said breaking into seductive hissing, the s’ making me twitch and shiver.

“M…” I gulped “Mating season.” I croaked.

“Very good and you know what you promised me?” I nodded as Ruby pulled harder on the leash, causing me to start walking forward towards my wife “Glad you remember, but I want to have a great daughter… So, that means weeding out the weaker potentials to get the stronger ones.” Ruby cooed happily, grabbing the pill bottle in her red magical aura, opening it turned out to be a powder which she mixed into a big glass of water.

Ruby gave another tug “Ow.” I groaned “Not so hard.” I pleaded climbing onto the bed.

“Sorry.” Ruby said quietly breaking for a second before fitting back into her Mistress act “Drink.” She said offering the water, which was now a swirling cloudy mist.

“What is it? Some sort of hypnotic drink?” I asked.

“Oh no, my eyes will be enough for that near the end, this… This is to keep you going for next few… Hours…” Ruby grinned at my shocked expression and pushed the cup upward “It enhances your sperm production by over fifty times the normal rate for a few hours, you’ll be near enough cumming from overload alone soon, and you’ll be begging me to help you soon after. And then… When I’ve had some fun, you’ll rut me like a toy!” As I gulped the odd chalky drink down I blushed, her dirty talk was a lot better now. When I had finished my drink Ruby smirked, waiting.

It didn’t take long at all, maybe a few seconds before I felt a tug within my balls as they began to churn and work, I gasped and closed my back legs together but this just pressed them inward as they almost expanded from the building load.

“R-Ruby?” I managed and she grinned n response.

“We’ll let it build into a big load,” Ruby cooed placing a hoof on my chest dragging me around and slamming me down into her coils, Ruby sitting up on my back legs to admire my growing cock as her coils wound up around my front to pin me still and helpless “Then I’ll make you shoot out the first load so I don’t get anything weak,” Ruby licked her latex gloved hoof “And then I’ll play with you for a little bit, make you squirm and beg… And the best part,” Ruby grinned at me, fangs bared to see, as the low light of the room cast shadows over her beautiful serpentine face “There won’t be a single ring until the finale. You will get to feel EVERY tiny detail.” Ruby cooed and I gulped.

Ruby looked down from where she sat and smiled, I felt the thick coils connecting to her pony body loop around my back legs as she slid down beside me “I know what will turn you on.” Ruby cooed softly as she selected a toy “Thought we should get one that was actually designed for the job!” Ruby giggled holding up a bright pink vibrator, making me think back to the wagon and the steel.

Ruby pushed the scales around the top of her tail down, her pussy winking at me once before she ran the smooth end of the vibrator up and down it, coating it in her love, pushing it inside with a louder than necessary moan. Ruby grinned at me and clicked the top and I heard the motor within softly whir as it jittered within Ruby who gasped.

“W-wow… I haven’t tried this but… Hah- This is really good!” Ruby said gripping the slipping end of the vibrator with her magic, plunging it in and out of herself quickly.

I stared in awe as Ruby went to town on her own vagina right next to me, her latex clad body gleaming in the light as she smiled, closing her eyes as she dug the vibrator as deep as she dared, moaning shakily as if her voice was affected by the movement. At the same time my little colt was responding to the show by shooting upward, blood pumping causing it to shiver and twitch, my balls rolling with a thick load.

“R-Ruby!” I groaned weakly from my restrained position.

Ruby glanced over at me and smirked pulling out the vibrator, holding it over my nose with it still on, causing her juices to flick all over my face, the smell coating me before she pressed it to my chest making me blush as she ran the damp plaything downward, above my crotch on my waist before touching it to my twitching shaft, gently pressing it up against my cock, rolling it in circles around the tip. My body jittered and I humped upward into the air as Ruby tickled the underside of my dick then clicked it off.

“W-what… No!” I pleaded meekly.

“You seem into this.” Ruby noted setting the vibrator down.

“This… I mean…” I stuttered unsure what to say as my cock throbbed needily, drawing my focus away.

“Lilly smells good huh?” Ruby asked grinning “Or maybe Sunny?” I shifted where I lay “Or were you thinking of me at night… In your dreams, I felt you against my coils.” Ruby cooed and I flushed, it was true that during the season I’d had a few odd dreams with various lamias, often in groups involving Ruby, but…

“They were just dreams…” I managed.

“And this is reality… So much better, right?” I nodded slightly “I’m glad you’re enjoying it… So here, the next toy.” Ruby grabbed a large vibrating wand and smiled as she slid around.

Ruby lay down on my legs bracing her vagina up against my penis with a tiny bit of room between us where she forced the vibrator down between with a coil, her magic had been faltering so her focus was likely broken as she let lust creep into control for real now. Ruby began to pant before clicking the vibrator onto the lowest setting, arching her back Ruby moaned, rolling her lower lips up and down the round wand as it also buzzed against the lower underside of my shaft.

“Gah! T-Turn it up already!” I said after about six seconds. Ruby complied clicking through the speeds to the end quickly, Ruby loosened her coils around my legs and I shifted a little allowing myself to thrust even as Ruby’s thick coils curled and wiggled over my body weighing me down, it just felt so good.

I began to pant and gritted my teeth, then it stopped and I heard Ruby laugh and I looked at her pleadingly, the vibrator still going against her slit “T-that’s not fair!” I moaned.

Ruby just smiled as she rolled over and curled a latex clad hoof, pressing the rubber over my dick “I’m going to make you cum.” Ruby cooed, laying on her side as her tail worked the vibrator, her two hooves working my dick.

Ruby let her right hoof rub up and down, the rubber squeaking with each shift, the left hoof however rolled over the top of my head, making it quiver and twitch. A playful bit of Ruby’s magical aura snuck under her left hoof and gave the tip a quick stretch as it pulsed and I cracked, cumming with such force Ruby’s hoof was beaten back as I came, shouting in delight and sighing.

When I was finished, my crotch was covered in cum, Ruby chuckled grabbing some tissues, cleaning her hoof and my crotch, which I quickly noticed had not stopped in its intensive need.

“H-how?” I mumbled, already knowing the answer.

“The drug is potent, already it’s working up a second load, now let’s see… Ah these look like fun.” Ruby said chuckling as she grabbed a string of vibrators and looped them in a clockwise fashion up my shaft, turning them on, once again her latex hoof rolling over my tip as my head flopped back, mouth open as I drooled in bliss.

“Is it good, slave?” Ruby asked.

“Yes Mistress!” I cried, no shame left in my sexual addled mind “It feels amazing!” Ruby grinned turning over and grabbing one of the first lube bottles, she pulled the top of, cracking it a little, and poured it over her own love hole, using her free hoof to push it inside and around, then using the spare lube to coat my penis and the vibrators sent the droplets everywhere. Ruby then sat up and hovered over me.

“Already?” I asked eagerly and Ruby smirked before slamming down, gasping as the vibrators were pushed inward from her tight vagina walls, which rolled over between the vibrators to pleasure me too “Oooohhh Celestia… I’m gonna break!” I managed with drooping eyes before the end of Ruby’s tail pressed into my face “W-what?”

“Th-this isn’t the start!” Ruby panted planting her hooves on my chest, the rubber pressing in as she used me as a brace to ride me up and down quickly, eyes shut tight, she was clearly loving it as she was leaking more than just lube now “L-look at my tail, that’s the real beginning!” Ruby grabbed the coil she’d pressed into my face, it was as thick as my body but that’s not what I focused on. Ruby hugged it, almost connecting her hooves in a lock, her hooves felt around the fat and muscle then gripped something within the scales and tugged it apart. From the coils a second set of pussy lips opened and my nose began to bleed-which Ruby held a tissue to for me. I was looking into a soaking wet snake pussy connected to my wife’s lower half.

“T-this is where you will breed me! Make me pregnant!” Ruby panted “L-look at it Bolt! Look at it and fill my fake pony pussy! Show me how eager you are!” Ruby ordered as her thick forked tongue hung out as she panted, eyes lidded for me.

“I-I’m eager!” I cried as I came again, feeling my sack churn and shift upward as I filled the space and forced the lube out as they mixed together. Ruby kept riding me and when I stopped the pleasure only heightened “Ruby… Let me fuck your lamia slit!” I begged as Ruby rubbed it with a hoof.

Ruby, however, grinned at me “I’m the Mistress here!” She cooed as she licked my cheek, slurping up my salty sweat from the start of our fun!

“I still have my piece de resistance!” Ruby proclaimed holding up the box, which I started at. Ruby glanced around the room before selecting a coil loaded up with fake regular pony pussies, but modified for enhancement.

Ruby lay down beside me as my balls kept swelling up, my cock twitching as she passed through each one. They all had an odd slot like hole at the top, and a pair of what looked like power connectors, they were also all see through so I could watch myself get fucked senseless. Within each fleshlight the modifications and differences were noticeable, some-which Ruby tossed aside-were simple in the sense that they only had modified interiors, odd bumps or shapes of the passage to please a stallion. Finally, Ruby chose an oddly large fleshlight that she had to hold with both hooves and her tail, it was wider and larger than all the others, not by a crazy amount, but definitely noticeable. Within the entire inside of the clear silicone material was lined with little long nubs that, closed tight like it was, were held together in tight packs of an uncountable amount. Along the outside were some metal pipes that looked like they could move, as well as wires and many little nooks that could be opened. Ruby turned the fleshlight upside down, bracing it in her coils, and began to fill it with lube, at the same time she grabbed many bullet vibrators and hooked them within the fleshlight device. Yet they did not turn on…

Slowly I looked back at the black box, taking it in. It was simple, larger than my body but just jet black and a perfectly sized square… The only thing out of the ordinary were the controls on the top and the large jar on the side. However, I could see at the front there was some sort of clear nozzle, with two odd metal rods as if it powered something. I blinked, eyes widening as my sex fogged mind worked it out. I looked back at the fleshlight as Ruby closed the last vibrator inside, the interior coated with so much lube it was drowning in the stuff, those rods could power that fleshlight…

“I-It’s… Oh Celestia…” I mumbled.

“A cock milker, to wring the weak sperm hiding within you so you are ready for my grand prize.” Ruby cooed holding up her snake pussy, letting the musky smell wash over me.

I tried to stand but Ruby beat me, her coils looped down and around me, hoisting me effortlessly into the air as more coils braced over the bed, hovering between the rafters above us, making a coily harness that Ruby set me within, facing down towards the box below. My crotch, naturally, was left free, whilst thick heavy coils closed in, my legs were pulled apart spread eagle so I couldn’t do anything to resist even if the thought could be considered. The coils looped around my body in great muscular ropes, binding me and pinning me in such an embarrassing position… Yet I hardly cared, all I cared about was watching Ruby hook the nozzle of that machine to the fleshlight and wrap some sort of harness like belt around it before standing on the bed just under me.

“You are going to hang there and I am going to admire you as you fill that jar, and when it’s full I’ll let you down for the finale.” Ruby said as a coil looped down my cheek and over my mouth “So scream, scream good Bolt! Scream loud and long as I milk you like a dairy cow for your cum!” Holy fuck she was hot right now.

Ruby raised the fleshlight up to my crotch and I slipped into the tight artificial pussy effortlessly, the machine was already switched on so was I was balls deep it hissed softly and closed around me, gripping me so tight it was hard to imagine I’d the need the harness that Ruby was setting over my back to hold it in place. Once the fleshlight was secure Ruby lay down beside the milker and smirked up at me as I hung there, coil gag over mouth, body stretched out in her coils which pampered my body continuously, relaxing the muscles even though they wanted to tense up!

Ruby pulled the panel down like a controller “Now I don’t know what does what so let’s experiment shall we? What does this,” Beep “Do?”

I gave a sharp gasp as the inside of the fleshlight began to move, the walls were like an escalator, rolling around the interior constantly, looping around so it never stopped, the nubs within flicked against my length everywhere they touched, my head teased to flare constantly. I moaned as shook in my restraints, shutting my eyes, it was so slow yet I was burning with pleasure.

“Oh, okay noted… And this one…” Ruby pressed another button and I felt the air pockets within close, making it even tighter, the only space left for air was around my tip, which was being drawn with a tickling breeze into the machine, oh god so that would send my cum down into the jar? Let me fill it already!

“Mmmm suction, it’s wonderful, right Bolt?” I nodded eagerly as I tried to thrust but I was held fast by Ruby’s coils “Okay this slider…” The vibrators inside the holders began to move and the nubs rolled up, down, left and right as if they were tiny living creatures. I have a sharp howl and a dribble of precum shot down the nozzle into the jar, rolling and staining the clean glass.

“Oh, did you like that? Okay last one, Bolt.” Ruby said grinning as her snake pussy winked at me from below “Just hold on, last one.” Ruby moved another slider and the fleshlight wall that was rolling around slowly began to rock forwards and backwards within the casing, pumping ever so slowly, adding more movement to the nubs and the tight walls.

I pressed my head down into the coil holding it up, groaning as more precum flew down “Hehehe, you look so pent up, which first… Hmmm… Eenie minie…” Ruby paused on the vibrators slider and grinned “Let’s not beat around the bush.” She said flicking it all the way to the side. I howled and tipped, my penis twitching and stretching the best it could within the confines of its sexy prison as the suction tried to handle the fat load.

“Oh dear, going to get blocked, better turn that up!” Ruby said setting the suction to max, drawing out the cum as the walls close in so tight if it were solid and my cock was a bone it’d be powder.

I howled and wriggled madly in the restraints but Ruby never loosened her grip even slightly, the moving fleshy walls rolling around faster and faster, beating the nubs against my length all around at mad speeds. The suction turned up so the fleshlight was actually rocking within the harness I was wearing. All the while I kept building up rapidly to an orgasm before cumming, hardly able to get as large a load as the first since Ruby never stopped. I managed to open was teary eye and looked at the jar. I grunted, trying to signal to Ruby, I could see cum leaking between the seal, that was full!

Ruby looked down and smirked clicking the machine off and I sighed as my last loaded emptied “Better clean that out later, it was fun… But now…” The main attraction!

Ruby didn’t hesitate, she pulled the massive fleshlight off, with pooled thick liquid cum and lube onto her coils below, before Ruby dropped me onto the bed. Her coils raced down from the rafters and before I could regain my composure I was coiled up once more. Ruby pulled me up from my laying position until I was standing on the bed, Ruby’s coils curled up my back legs in a great vortex, two inner gaps for each leg so I couldn’t fall over. Next, ruby wrapped the upper half of her lamia pussy around my neck and let it fall down my shoulder to my crotch like an adventures chest strap. I wrapped my front hooves around the top and rested my head against the soft muscular tube comfortably, trying to rest a little, staring down as Ruby angled her second vagina near my dick before pushing inward, the lips consuming my shaft effortless from all the cum that had built up from Ruby’s spectating. I gave a sharp gasp as my penis was engulfed, it was nothing like a normal mare’s, or even Ruby’s pony pussy, or the fleshlight from before… It was covered in great nubs and there was a deep suction, and as soon as I was inside it clamped down so movement was nearly impossible but every nerve was tickled with raw bliss. Yet not like the fleshlight, this allowed movement, but it rolled easily over me and it was pulsing like a real vagina should, the realism making it so much better to me!

Ruby moaned as her vagina clenched around my cock, a dribble of her love rolling down my thigh, using my hooves I pushed her coils forward, thrusting in, and pulled back, exiting her causing an easy thrusting tempo. As I moved Ruby’s inner walls went berserk, clamping down and moving but not in a natural or predictable way. I felt the coils under me shift and the walls inside Ruby moved in time as if they were controlling it, Ruby tightened her hold, the walls shifted up, loosened they moved down, her coils waved, slithered and jerked and it felt like I was being milked as I thrusted in and out, the walls clamping down in waves, further forward was tight yet further back was loose as the tightness rolled back and forth. Ruby was laying spread eagle on the bed moaning and crying with every thrust, her eyeliner ruined.

Ruby gave a sharp grunt and forced herself up pressing her pony body against the coil I was moving, forcing it still as she leaned towards me, eyes drooping as tears ran down her eyes, mouth open and her chin covered with drool, yet she was still sexy as ever, if not more so from the fact I was doing this.

“Bolt, look at me, l-look at my eyes…” Ruby eyes, her eyes quivered then exploded into mismatch pulsing eyes, one set faster than the other before Ruby settled, my mind felt like it was being jerked on by many leashed of coils “Now… Focus on the pleasure,” Ruby shifted a coil and moaned and the sound sent shivers along my spine as the coil pressed to my chest moulded to my body, I gripped it for dear life as my body jiggled as my mind melted I lost the strength to stand properly without aid then as my eyes held Ruby’s gaze, my mind a screaming hurricane of pleasure and bliss as coils of hypnosis squeezed within my brain “Feel… Feel your will building up, churning and rolling, imagine it rolling down your body and into your balls… Liquefying itself into cum, ready to shoot out into me… All control, all thought… Let it become cum, ready to fill me…” Ruby said panting.

Ruby gave a moan then a grunt as she rolled her tail back, the inside tighter than before “N-now submit… SUBMIT AND CUM, SLAVE!” Ruby said hitting me so hard with her tail that I fell backwards, onto her coils which snapped up and around my body and her tail holding me inside her like a hunter’s trap as I unloaded my seed. I felt her inner walls churn as she came herself her primal moan setting me off as she milked me.

I snapped easily, I was so worn down from our fun, the sensations and churning build-up in my balls I eagerly submitted and just let it out, creaming Ruby from within. She moaned as her tail tightened… Then a little more, tighter and tighter like her pussy.

Mouth hanging open Ruby’s eyes rolled up “YES! FILL ME BOLT! DON’T STOP UNTIL YOU PASS OUT AND I’M PREGNANT WITH YOUR FOAL!” And in my position, I took that as an order, just before I finished cumming my body worked up another shot and fired, it kept filling Ruby, filling her up until she was full and overflowing and still I kept cumming, my legs shaking fit to break in her tight vice like grip, my breathing rasp, face turning blue, vision blacking yet every nerve sang with bliss.

I died, died and went to heaven, it’s all the thought I was permitted to have in my state, my eyes swirling and glowing as I stared up vacantly, not focusing on anything but how good Ruby felt, how good it felt to empty myself… How close her coils were… How good it all was to let go…

I heard heavy thudding of water as a bath was filled from a nearby tap, warm water lapping against my stiff body, I could feel my dick coated in a mixture of liquids being rubbed down and tired raspy breath from myself and another source.

“Ruby… Wow…” It was all the strength I had as I opened one eye to look up at her “So… Marking…?” I asked.

Ruby chuckled “I think I already did that, I broke you in twenty different ways, I hope nothing vital comes now, you’ll be unable to attend to it.” Ruby said.

“Huh……… why?” I asked, my mind having a hard time grasping at lucidity.

“Because, there are four more days of the mating season…” Ruby said grinning.

“No time to waste then…” I said as my eyes fell shut for a well earned rest.

Feral desirers

Author's Note

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

Feral desirers

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!