The Rim

“Button!” a voice wailed, reverberating through the well from high above.

Laruam and Button both looked up the shaft, awestruck as a blazing lavender comet rocketed came rocketing down towards them. With unbelievable speed it shot down the cistern, coming to an abrupt halt just above the two.

“You dare threaten my friends,” Twilight Sparkle demanded, unfurling her wings as she hovered just beyond reach. The alicorn was furious, an incandescent amethyst aura practically blazed around the alicorn as she scowled down at the eldritch creature. “You hurt my friends, destroyed an invaluable artifact, and shamelessly kidnapped a colt to use as some sort of plaything?!” she boomed, unleashing a shock wave of raw power and sending the two ponies at the well’s bottom crashing against the walls. “I’ll send you to Tartarus where you’ll never be able to hurt anypony ever again…” she continued, her horn illuminating as it prepared to cast a spell.

Button looked over to Laruam. Where Twilight saw some monstrocity who was worthy of condemnation all he saw was a mare, a frightened pony, unwilling and undeserving of the harsh punishment about to be sentenced against her. He shouldn’t, no, he couldn’t allow that to happen, not after learning of her tragic past and the cruelty she’d suffered. Steeling his resolve he bolted forward, interposing himself between the incensed princess and Laruam.

“No stop!” he cried, screwing his eyes shut and preparing himself to receive the full brunt of the alicorns spell.

“Wha...Button?” Twilight asked, confusion sweeping across her face as she hesitated and looked down at the colt.

“You don’t understand! She never meant any harm!” he pleaded, continuing to shield Laruam with his body.

Twilight cast a suspicious glance from Button to Laruam, wholly unexpectant of the current turn of events. “Explain,” she said flatly, the fury draining from her voice, albeit only slightly. She beat her wings, the smouldering energy surrounding her dimming marginally as she awaited Button to justify his claim.

“Um, ok…” Button gulped, inexplicably finding himself between a demigod and supernatural pony. “Alright, Twilight this is Laruam,” he shakily said, motioning to the mare behind him. “Laruam,” Button continued, looking over his shoulder to the spectral mare, “this is Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship.”

“H...hi,” Laruam squeaked, casting her eyeless gaze up to the princess.

“Hi,” Twilight responded coldly, turning her attention back to Button. “So, now that we all know each other, care to explain exactly what is going on here?”

Button turned, placing a hoof on Laruam’s shoulder and giving her a smile. “It’ll be alright,” he said, trying his best to comfort the mare, “we just have to make her understand why you deserve a fair chance, so we can both get out of here.”

“W...we?” Laruam timidly replied.

“Yea, we. Shucks what kind of guy would I be for leaving you here all alone,” the colt murmured as he turned back to face Twilight.

In that moment, that infinitesimally small passage of time, Laruam was stricken with the profound realization that, even if Button wasn’t the same pony she’d loved from all those years ago, she cared for him with all her heart. He’d risked himself to save her, even after what she’d put him and his friends through, and now he was beseeching a demigod for her freedom. On shaky legs, she strode forward beside him.

Together they recounted the events of the past days, from Button first encountering Laruam to her past life and it’s tragic end, all the while Twilight listened thoughtfully; her unimaginable power slowly ebbing as she began putting the pieces together.

“So,” the alicorn began, descending to the waterlogged floor, “it seems like this was, in fact, some horrendous misunderstanding.” She rubbed her chin as she digested the wealth of new information. In truth Twilight hadn’t expected that Laruam wasn’t some malign creature although, given Button’s testimony and the fact that she hadn’t harmed him, it seemed to be within the realm of possibility. “Tell me this then,” Twilight said, pinning Laruam with a wary look, “What would you have me do?”

“I...I just want a chance,” Laruam stammered. “I’m not sure what I could do, or how I could benefit the folks of ponyville, but I’ll do what I can.”

“You do realize what you’re asking don’t you?” Twilight responded, resignation in her voice. “We...I still don’t fully understand what you’re capable of. Not to mention your actions until this point were wholly unwarranted.”

“I’ll help her,” Button asserted, taking a step closer to Twilight. “For Celestia’s sake look at everything you’ve done! You’ve befriended weirder things than her,” he continued, thrusting a hoof in Laruam’s direction, “If Discord was given a chance for redemption then why the heck can’t she be given the same?”

“You trust her that much, even after what she’s put you through?” the alicorn said, moved by the emboldened colt’s words.

“I do. I’ll even keep an eye on her and make sure she writes letters to you every day if you want, just like you did with Celestia when you first came to town,” the colt added.

“B...but I can’t read,” Laruam quietly interjected.

“Bu...Wha...How...YOU CAN’T READ?!?” Twilight blurted, aghast.

“I was only able to see after I passed away,” Laruam whimpered, “so I never got the chance to learn.”

“Oh, no, no, no, this won’t do at all,” Twilight mumbled, fretfully trotting in small circles. The notion that a pony, even of the otherworldly variety, wasn’t able to read was simply unacceptable. “Button,” she declared, affixing her attention on the colt, “I’ll allow her to stay in ponyville under two conditions.”

“Yea?” Button replied, a pensive look on his face.

“First, you are to be her guide. I’ll expect regular reports on her integration back into society from you. Secondly she needs to be taught how to read and write,” Twilight said.

“I can do that sure,” Button said, cautiously optimistic that he’d be up to the task.

“And you,” the alicorn shifted her attention to Laruam, “are still on thin ice Missy. No more nightmarish shenanigans, understood?”

“Yes ma’am,” Laruam whispered sheepishly.

Twilight nodded, “Good.” Closing her eyes the princess began to concentrate, mystical symbols and geometric designs of energy flared to life beneath the trio. With a burst of blinding light the three disappeared, leaving only the stagnant and forsaken well behind.

Button and Laruam came crashing to the ground, the colt blinking rapidly as he tried to clear his vision from the unexpected teleportation spell. “Button!!!” an all too familiar voice cried, causing him to blindly turn in its direction, before being virtually tackled.

“Oh Button I was so worried,” Mrs. Mash sobbed, hugging her son tightly as tears streamed down her face.

Button’s vision gradually returned. He looked around, realizing that they were near the town’s center and surrounded by ponies; all of whom bore looks of concern. Although a few were looking at him the vast majority were fixated on the mysterious white mare close by. Laruam wheeled around fearfully as many of the ponies leered at her.

“Ugh, mom!” Button protested, squirming free from his mother’s grasp and rushing to Laruam’s side. “Everypony,” he shouted, “this is Laruam. She’s gonna be staying with us so please do your best to make her feel at home.”

The white mare shrunk behind the colt, modestly waving to the crowd. “H...hello,” she weakly called out.

“What do you mean she’s staying with us?” Mrs. Mash asked, looking to Twilight for an answer.

“Button has volunteered to act as Laruam’s steward while she acclimates to things in Ponyville, while he’s not in class of course,” Twilight responded.

“You want me to allow this thing into our house? Why, we don’t even have an extra room to spare!” Mrs. Mash groaned, unamused with the prospect of the mysterious mare gallivanting around her house.

“Oh, I wouldn’t worry too much. Laruam will be on her best behavior,” Twilight cheerfully replied before looking to the pale mare with a steely glint in her eye, “won’t she?”

“Mmmhmm,” Laruam nodded anxiously.

“Of course,” Twilight mused aloud, “I’ll ensure the Mash family home has an additional bedroom constructed, as well as a modest donation each month to offset living costs if you were willing to help with all of this.”

Mrs. Mash bit her lip, some extra bits would be useful and an additional room on the house was certainly enticing in and of itself. “Well, as long as Button doesn’t mind,” she hesitantly responded, looking over to her son. She figured that Twilight wouldn’t let anything truly dangerous stay with them, let alone allow her son to act as Laruam’s guide. “I guess she can stay on the couch in the meantime,” Button’s mom sighed.

“Perfect! I’ll contact some contractors tomorrow to begin making arrangements,” Twilight concluded, turning towards her castle as the crowd began to disperse. Over the years the citizens had grown somewhat desensitized to all manner of odd goings on involving the princess. Many just assume the strange little mare would just wind up being another colorful character in town.

Sweetie Belle made her way over to Button and Laruam, an uneasy smile on her face. “You know,” she began, “you’re gonna have to tell me all about this over a milkshake right.” The little white filly turned her attention to the pallid alabaster mare, extending a hoof, “Laruam was it?” Laruam shied away, fully aware of the fact that their previous encounter had been less than ideal. “Oh come here,” Sweetie blurted, stepping forward and giving the mare a hug.

Laruam froze, unsure of what to do as the filly released her from the friendly embrace. “I...I’m sorry about the castle,” she sputtered awkwardly.

“Shoot I’ve been knocked around harder than that by Applebloom and Scootaloo before,” Sweetie chuckled. “I was more worried about Button when you sat on his face and dragged him off, I’ve never seen a wrestling move like that before!” the filly continued, her naivete preventing her from realizing the salaciousness what she’d witnessed.

“Y...yea,” Laruam mumbled, blushing a bit as she rubbed her neck.

Button’s face flushed slightly as the memory of Laruam’s rump grinding against his face was brought to the fore by the conversation. Sure, at the time he’d been terrified and honestly thought he was going to die but, given his newfound understanding, it was kinda hot. He wasn’t sure exactly how long they’d been gone but the colt suddenly realized it was already well past noon; the sun beginning to dip over the horizon. “Maybe the three of us can get a shake tomorrow at Sugarcube Corner?” Button asked, looking from Laruam and Sweetie with an expectant smile.

“Sure, I’ve gotta help Rarity this afternoon and tomorrow anyways. She’s trying to get a few pieces packed for a show in Manehattan next week.” Sweetie grumbled as she started to head back in the direction of the boutique. “Just come by tomorrow morning. I’ll see you guys then!”

“Come on Laruam, lets get home and get the couch made up for you then maybe I can give you a tour of ponyville,” Button said, taking his new friend by the hoof as he started to trot back home, his mother following closely behind.

“I’d like that very much,” Laruam said with a grin.

Button, his mother, and Laruam returned to the Mash home. The remainder of the afternoon was spent tidying up, Mrs. Mash insisting that Button clean his room while company was staying. Laruam, while somewhat bewildered by many of the new contraptions of the modern age, did her best to lend a helping hoof.

“Hey Laruam,” Button shouted, trotting down the stairs from his room, “you wanna go for that walk before it gets too late?”

The mare turned, just having finished arranging a fresh blanket on the couch in the living room, before giving him a curt nod. In truth she’d been looking forward to the walk since he’d mentioned it. “May we go out for a bit Mrs. Mash?” she asked the older mare who was currently in the kitchen preparing some dinner.

“Sure. Just don’t be too long, dinner will be ready in an hour,” Mrs. Mash called back.

Hoof in hoof Button and Laruam trotted out, the town basking in the dim evening light as the first lamps were being lit for the night. The colt pointed out various buildings and homes, explaining who lived where and what was what. It was a lot to take in and, truthfully, Laruam knew she wasn’t going to remember most of what he was saying, but that wasn’t important. She was just happy to be out with him, her savior.

As the two approached the edge of town Laruam paused, gently tugging on Button’s hoof and causing him to stop.

“Is everything alright?” he asked with concern.

“Button,” Laruam whispered, “I just wanted to say thank you. Without you I don’t know what would have happened to me.” She looked up at him, her eyeless features conveying a warmth and appreciation the colt hadn’t thought possible from anypony, much less from a supernatural mare who had initially haunted him. Darting forward, Laruam gave him a little kiss on the cheek.

“W...well I, uh, it’s nothin really,” he stammered, his cheeks reddening as he fidgeted slightly at the impromptu show of affection. “We should probably get headed back, Mom’s probably almost done with dinner by now.”

The two returned home in relative silence, the colt still flustered as he led the mare through the winding streets. Mrs. Mash had prepared quite a meal, braised carrots and a delicious salad; she even made apple smoothies for desert. Button and Laruam helped clean up afterward, washing and drying the dishes respectively.

“I think I’m gonna get some sleep,” Button sighed. The exhaustion from the past two days of excitement and terror weighing heavily upon colt, seemingly catching up with him out of nowhere after he’d finished his dinner. “Have a good night mom, you too Laruam,” he said, yawning as he plodded off towards his room.

“Good night dear,” Mrs. Mash responded, watching as the colt made his leave. As she finished wrapping and storing the leftovers she turned her attention to Laruam. “I’m probably going to go up and lay down myself shortly to do a little reading. Just come and knock on my door if you need anything,” Mrs. Mash commented.

“Yes ma’am,” the ghostly mare replied, brushing the mane from her face. “A...and thank you for letting me stay, I’ll help out wherever I can.”

Button’s mom smiled back sheepishly at the mare. She really wanted to like the little pony but it might take a little while for her to become accustomed to her somewhat unusual features, namely the lack of eyes. “It’s no trouble, and thanks for the offer,” she kindly said. “Have a good night.”

With that Button’s mom trotted off to the stairs and up to her room; ready to relax with a good book after the whirlwind of events earlier in the afternoon. Laruam slunk off to her couch; easing herself down and enjoying the comfy cushions which lay in stark contrast to the confines of the painting in which she had dwelt. The mare lounged contentedly, comfortable and warm in the home of the colt who’d stolen her heart.

~
Later that night
~

Button rolled over, feeling something caress his leg beneath the sheets. The sensation of soft fur crept up his body, settling on, and pressing against, his stomach. He fidgeted a bit but the weight against him aroused him from his slumber. Looking down he noticed a substantial bulge under the cover, almost like another pony had crawled into bed with him. His mind, still half asleep, remembered all too well the nightmarish scenario which had unfolded the night prior. Easing the blanket up he looked beneath it; only to be greeted by Laruam grinning back up at him. It wasn’t some horrifying rictus smile, but one of warmth and serenity.

“How’d you get in here?” the colt whispered, peeking back over the covers to his still closed bedroom door. “Mom’ll kill me if she finds you in here!”

“I guess I’d just have to disappear then wouldn’t I?” the mare snickered before her smile slowly faded. “I...I just wanted to see you again, I promise I wasn’t gonna do anything bad.”

The colt reached down, affectionately rubbing her mane. “You’ll get to see me plenty, it’s not like I’m going anywhere,” he sighed mirthfully.

“C...can I just lay here with you for a bit,” Laruam asked, snuggling up against him.

“Sure, but if we get busted I’m pinning this on you,” Button replied, squirming in place and wrapping his foreleg around her.

Laruam just laid there, in Button’s embrace. She couldn’t say for certain but she was sure that the two of them would have plenty of exciting and heartwarming adventures together, but that’s a story for another time.