Inner Chaos

Chapter 32

By

Grevin5

*Several days later*

“You’re a fool.” He glared at her as he gently bandaged her hand and wrist taking care to not wrap the gauze too tightly.

Tabitha let out a quiet whimper but didn’t look away from him, her brown eyes watering slightly. “I’m...I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cause any trouble, I just wanted to take a closer look at the castle, I wanted to help you figure out your next step.”

He gently tucked the gauze giving a small inspection of his work before giving a small nod of approval. “Given the history of that place, no po- no one should go there alone. It’s dangerous.”

She nodded as she gently cradled her wounded hand. “I understand that but I’m not some sort of delicate flower Grevin. I can take care of myself. Besides, now we know something else that wasn’t known before. Besides you’re showing me that you care by patching me up so I’ll consider it a victory.”

Grevin glared at her as he rose to his feet and brushed off his pants. “Do not mistake me bandaging your wound as some sort of caring. You’re injured and we have a mission to accomplish.”

Tabitha smirked a bit before batting her eyes at him. “But Grevin...you were so gentle with your touch, I think you care more than you let on -oof!” Her teasing voice was cut off as a hiking pack slammed into her stomach.

“Enough of your attempts at flirting. We have to leave soon and need to gather a few supplies. Let's get to the general store and pick up our supplies, after then you will go to the train station and wait for me while I say my goodbyes.”

She frowned as she gripped the backpack but nodded in understanding, deciding to do as she was told.

Grevin pinched the bridge of his nose as he slung his pack over his shoulder and made his way down the steps of the barn making his way outside to the warm apple scented air. Despite knowing this woman and how she thought about things, he still couldn’t believe what she did.

*Several Hours Prior*

It was turning into a very nice morning. He had been able to spend time with the girls, enjoying a nice long sleep followed by a good breakfast. Now he was making his way to the Apple family farm, the orange farm mare trotting next to him, a small bounce in her step. “It’s a beautiful day isn’t it Grevin?”

He nodded, taking a slow breath of fresh air. “You’re right, the weather team has outdone themselves today. It makes me wish I could stay longer than I have too.”

“Ah don’t like it sugar cube, being stuck alone with that...that…woman.”

“I know Applejack but don’t worry. I’m not going to let her do anything.”

She frowned, glaring at the ground a bit. “Ah know but I can’t help but want to be going with you.”

He shook his head and lightly tapped her hat causing her to stumble a bit as she readjusted it. “I understand but you need to be here. If anything were to happen you and the others are the best line of defense against it. The Elements of Harmony are critical.”

“Ah now, Ah know but I don’t have tah like it.”

Grevin let out a small sigh before turning his head to reply but before he could utter a word, a cry from the nearby orchard caught his and Applejacks attention.

“Grevin! Big Sis! Come quick!”

Both glanced at each other knowing that Applebloom wouldn’t yell for them like that for no reason and quickly turned breaking into a run.

“Applebloom? What is it sugarcube?! Ah’m coming!” Applejack ducked her head down to build more speed while Grevin ran alongside doing his best to look ahead and see where she was yelling from.

“Where are you Applebloom? What’s the matter?!”

“I’m at the clubhouse over here! Come quick!” Her voice sounded worried.

Within a minute the two had the still burned remains of the Crusader Clubhouse in view and Applebloom was standing near the small picnic table beside it. She waved at the two as they approached. “Quick, over here!”

Grevin glanced about trying to see if the other Crusaders were present but the yellow earth pony appeared to be alone. “What’s wrong ? What happened?”

Applejack cleared the distance to her sister in record time quickly placing a hoof on her shoulder and doing her best to look over her form checking for any injury. “What’s wrong Applebloom, are you hurt? Are you ok?”

Applebloom reached up and pushed Applejacks hoof off of her shoulder and nodded. “Yes, I’m alright but…” She motioned over to the side where just around the edge of the tree a figure could be seen laying with their back against it, their raven hair blowing slightly in the wind. “I think she’s hurt…”

Stepping around the two ponies, Grevin quickly moved to the far side of the tree, the first thing pulled to his attention was the trail of blood spattered along the grass clearly coming from further into the orchard. He let his gaze follow the train to its source where he found Tabitha sitting with her back against the tree, her eyes closed with a small smile on her lips while she clutched her bleeding arm to her chest with her free hand. Her skin was paler than normal, and her breathing was slow and shallow but she was alive.

Grevin wasted no time as his training immediately came back to him. He moved to his knees next to her and gently pulled her hand back to get a better view of the wound. Her flesh was lacerated deeply and bleeding openly. Without hesitation he ripped the sleeve from his shirt and began to tie it around the wound applying enough pressure to stop the flow of crimson. “Tabitha...what did you do? What happened? Were you attacked?”

The raven haired beauty slowly opened her eyes, taking a few moments to focus on her surroundings before locking onto Grevins face. Her smile seemed to grow slightly as she used her free hand to grip his arm, a weak laugh coming from her lips. “H-Heh - Ha...no...no one attacked me. I figured it out...Grevin my darling I figured it out.”

Grevin could only frown at her words as he gently held his free hand above her cut arm, the familiar soft glow coming from his fingertips. “You’re not thinking properly, wait a moment and let me patch you up.”

She took a slow breath and let out a small growl while shaking her head, willing herself to come out of her stupor as she felt his magic begin to warm and move through her. “N...No, you don’t understand. The castle...I figured out the key to the next step in unlocking what is hidden in the castle.”

The glow from his fingertips ceased as he turned his gaze from her bloody bandage to her eyes, his own going wide at her words. He looked over at Applejack who stood there with Applebloom both showing great concern on their faces.

Applejack took a small step forward, her voice softer than typical. “Y...Are you alright Grevin? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

He nodded quietly for a moment before snapping back to the situation at hand. “Yes...yes I’m ok,” He reached down and gently scooped up Tabitha who all but grinned as she felt herself being carried lightly in his arms. “She however, needs to be taken care of. I’ve done what I cand for the moment so she can be moved but I’ll need to do some more work back at the barn.”

“Do you need any help with her?”

He gently shook his head as he began to walk back towards the barn. “No, I doubt she’ll cause trouble. Please feel free to check on me a bit later after this is settled though.”

“....Well...if you say so,” Applejack kept her gaze narrowed at Tabitha who was clearly enjoying the way she was being carried. She could even see the small smile on her lips as she nestled into Grevins chest. She let out a small snort “Come on Applebloom, let's take you to visit your friends in town.”

Applebloom had heard that tone in her sister's voice before, she wasn’t going to argue and fell in step beside her. “Um...Sis?”

“Hmm?”

“Are you alright?”

“I’ll be ok, don’t you worry, I just don’t like how that...woman, clings to Grevin like that.”

“So, you’re worried she’ll take him away from you and the others?”

“What? No, I know he wouldn’t hurt us like that.”

“But…”

Applejack glanced over at her sister, surprised at how mature her insight could be sometimes. “But I do worry about her trying things...I trust him, not her.”

Applebloom smiled and shook her head, her red bow shifting slightly, “Don’t worry...he loves you and the others, he won’t let her get away with anything.”

“Hmm, you’re right. Ah know you’re right, but I still worry a bit.”

*At the Barn*

Grevin gently set Tabitha down on a row of hay taking care to not let his touch linger, stepping away only a few moments to fetch his pack where he could find more useful bandages. He quickly returned kneeling down once more while also gently taking hold of her injured arm so he could carefully remove the now bloodied sleeve allowing him to take a closer look at the now healing wound. “Tabitha...what did you do?”

She reached out with her free hand and lightly touched his cheek only for him to turn his head and bat her hand away making her smile a bit further. “Oh Grevin...thank you...your touch is so gentle, I knew you still cared for me, I would love it if you would touch me more.”

“Don’t get any ideas Tabitha, you’re weak and you were bleeding out, I need you for this mission so you’re not allowed to die at this point.”

She said nothing for a moment as she watched his hands work, marveling at his soft touch as he did his best to clean the wound before using his magic to heal it further. She noticed that he was more focused than she had seen before and that her wound was closing more slowly than others she had seen him tend to in the past. “You’ve improved your control my love...it feels so warm...like you’re enveloping me.”

He narrowed his eyes but continued his work. “This doesn’t mean anything, Tabitha. You know we have work to do and you need to be in decent shape for the task at hand. So why the hell did you go and get yourself ripped to shreds?”

She eased her hand back from him letting out a small sigh. “Isn’t it obvious Grevin? Anything I do I am doing for you, I love you and want to help you whether you ask for it or not.”

He shook his head with a small scoff. “I certainly don’t recall asking you to do this to your arm.”

“Grevin...my love, don’t you know that I would gladly lose an arm for you to express desire for me once again?” She reached out once more to move her fingers over his cheek but this time he pulled back and gave her arm a small squeeze making her hiss in pain as she pulled back. “Perhaps after you bandage my arm you can take a more detailed look at me to make sure I’m not injured elsewhere?”

“I told you...I do not have feelings for you. Do not press the issue.”

She frowned letting out a small sigh but did pull her hand away. “Grevin I know that deep in your heart there are feelings that remain for me. I’ll do everything in my power to bring them forth once more...I’d experience all manner of pain for you...perhaps some even inflicted by you under certain...circumstances.”

He rolled his eyes ignoring her innuendo. “Enough, Stop distracting me. What the hell were you doing that caused this Tabitha?”

She let the smile return to her lips as she turned her head to look at him. “I told you already. I’ve figured out the secret to the castle in the forest.”

“What do you mean?”

“I heard about what happened when you used your magic there before I arrived and I heard that a new kind of seal appeared when you did. I went to inspect it...I found out what it needs to be unlocked.”

“Let me guess, you tried to activate it and a guardian came out of the wall and caught you off guard?”

“You’re such a joker. No, it was a blood seal, like the ones in Bastion that used deep magic to unlock. I wanted to be sure so I put my arm in it, gripped a handle and it proceeded to cut me up and collect my fluids.”

He pulled his hand away and reached next to him for a roll of gauze. “Can you not say it like that...sounds so wrong.”

She smirked and gave him a small wink, “I’m just being honest. Clearly it didn’t care for my taste since nothing changed in the castle but it wouldn’t let me go so I had to pull myself free. I bet you taste better, It’ll probably work for you just fine.”

He began to wrap up her arm with the bandage keeping his focus on his task. “Or it will try to kill me too. I don’t think I’ll be concerning myself with that. Every time I’ve gone to that castle, something has occurred that either puts me or someone I care about in danger. It’s best to leave the ghosts that reside there alone. You’re lucky you’re not dead.”

She frowned and felt a small pang of hurt in her heart as she stared at him. “But...I did it for you. I know you want to know more about that place, to know more about your purpose...I want you to have that knowledge.”

“I don’t want anyone, human or pony, to put themselves at risk for me. It’s bad enough with Discord and Davick running around, I’ll not have more blood on my hands.”

“Grevin...”

“I didn’t ask you to do it.”

“I wouldn’t expect you to ask me to do it. You’re too caring for others to ask them to risk themselves. I’m trained just as you are, and I’m determined to show you my feelings are genuine. I think that if you go and see it for yourself you’ll be pleasantly surprised. I just know you will.”

“If you think that then…”

*Currently*

Grevin ignored Tabitha as she shuffled out of the barn behind him, his pack slung over her shoulder. He was feeling a mix of emotions but was trying his best to keep them from showing. He felt anger, confusion, worry and despite everything he stated, a slight hint of care.

His anger was understandable as was his worry. The last thing he wanted was anyone to do something ‘for’ him especially if it resulted in their injury or death, even Tabitha. He didn’t want their harm placed on his shoulders. He has brought enough burden to this world himself without others taking steps to make it worse.

His confusion was even more straightforward. After nearly choking her to death, threatening her bodily harm and telling her repeatedly that he had no hint of caring for her...why? Why would she continue to pursue him? Why would she still attempt to flirt? Why did he take the dangerous steps that she took? Did she not understand his intentions? Did she not understand his tone or words? Perhaps she did and she didn’t care...or she was more stubborn than he realized.

This led to the last item...as much as it pained him, as much as he hated it, as much as it scared him, there was a small twinge of feeling there. A small ember of hope that perhaps he may have been mistaken...that what he experienced in the past was a mistake and that this Tabitha was truly someone meant for him. This scared him. It scared him more than anything he had faced in the past. It scared him so much that he put up a kind of wall against her to keep her from hurting him again...but she persisted on trying to chip her way through that wall.

Glancing to his left he saw Tabitha fall into stride next to him, a simple smile on her lips as she glanced back at him from time to time, attempting to make some form of eye contact. If it wasn’t for the bandage on her arm one would believe she were completely fine. He increased his pace slightly in an attempt to pull ahead only for her to match him.

“You don’t need to follow me.”

She smirked “How am I to find the general store for the supplies then? Are you going to pick up all we need for the both of us?”

“...fair point.”

A hint of mirth entered her tone as she spoke. “Besides, what if I want to pick up a few things for a romantic night? Yes we will be on a reconnaissance mission but who says we can’t have some fun on our way there? Perhaps we can do a little spying of each other hm?”

He felt his cheeks slightly redden at her tone but shook it away as he moved away from her a bit. “This is no time to be making jokes, Tabitha. We have a job to focus on.”

“Dear Grevin, who says I am joking. I know what our job is, but who says I cannot do two jobs at once?”

“That is enough, no more.”

Tabitha simply smiled and bowed her head slightly “Very well, for now.”

*Ponyville*

The two had now reached the edge of Ponyville and began to make their way down the main street in open view. By now the pony-folk had become used to the two imposing people and some were even calling out simple greetings to them as they walked past.

“G’morning to you Grevin!”

“How do you do Ms. Tabitha?”

“Beautiful morning for a walk isn’t it you two?”

Grevin at this point had become accustomed to this and would simply give a small wave or nod of his head while Tabitha would openly respond.

“Good morning Berry! Hello Rose, I’m doing well, your flowers look amazing! It is a wonderful morning for a walk isn’t it Daisy?”

He didn’t like it...to him it felt like she was forcing herself to be more open and cheerful. However...the ponies didn’t seem to notice or care. Perhaps he was being too harsh with his feelings again?

He continued to ponder this as they both made their way into the marketplace where several vendors were selling all manner of goods, including Big Mac at the farm stand who gave a curt nod before returning to business. Eventually they came to their first destination, Filthy Riches General Store.

The door opened causing a bell to ring above their heads and a voice was heard calling out from the front of the store. “Just a moment, I’ll be right there!”

Within seconds a brown earth pony wearing a business suit comes forward with a bright winning smile on his lips as he quickly eyes his newest customers. “Why hello there. Welcome to my store, how can I help our resident hero and his friend today?”

“Good morning Filthy, We’re preparing for a long trip and need to get some supplies for the journey.”

The earth pony raised his hoof to his chin in a moment of thought, “Supplies hmm? Well that changes depending on where you’re heading.”

“We’ll be going to a remote village near the badlands, at the edge of Equestria.”

“I see. Well, I don’t know that area very well but I think we can still provide you with the basics. Some canned food, some sleeping bags-”

Tabitha stepped forward “A tent? With lots of room in them.”

Before Filthy could respond Grevin interjected “Two...two regular tents please.”

Filthy paused only for a second, his eyes glancing between the two before giving a small nod. “Very well, two ‘regular’ tents. How many days do you expect to be on your trip?”

“It’s uncertain at this time, we have a lot of sights to see.”

“Ah I see, so you and your...friend here are going on a kind of personal vacation together?”

“No.”

“Yes.”

Grevin and Tabitha both looked at each other, the former narrowing his eyes while she simply gave a small smirk and a wink. He cleared his throat slightly while shaking his head. “...No.”

“Also can you include some nice alcoholic cider or wine?”

“Tabitha, No.”

“You can be as stubborn as you like but if I want to have a drink or two I’ll do so...I might be willing to share too…”

“Do you ever stop?”

“For you...never.”

Filthy did his best to avoid rolling his eyes as he continued to take down their order and then pass it along to one of his employees who would gather the materials while he handled the payment. Within twenty minutes there was a small stack of supplies gathered at the front counter which Tabitha began to pack into their respective packs while Grevin counted out the required bits for payment as well as a few extra for a tip.

Filthy Rich quickly gathered the coins and flashed another winning smile. “Another satisfied customer. Thank you for your business and we hope to see you back very soon.”

Grevin nodded as he picked up his pack and slipped it on his shoulders. “Thank you Mr. Rich. I will.”

“We will,” Tabitha just smirked as Grevin rolled his eyes once more.

With nothing further said, the two made their way out of the store and back down the main street of Ponyville. The two said nothing as they did, only giving polite nods or hand waves to the ponies that greeted them as they went...that was until a soft voice caught their attention.

“Uh, Excuse me, Grevin?”

His footfalls paused for a moment as he turned his head to see Chrysalis in her Emerald form waving at him with a sheepish smile from a nearby ally. “E...Emerald? How can I help you?”

She motioned him over, stepping back slightly as he approached making sure they were far enough from Tabitha to have a quiet conversation. “Well, I just wanted to wish you good luck on your mission...and give a warning. I know those lands well and you should be mindful of your surroundings. There are poisonous creatures that can hide well on rocks and earth, insects and some snakes.”

“I appreciate you giving me that information.”

“There is more.”

He tilted his head giving her a look as if telling her to continue. “Alright, what?”

She glanced away slightly ‘Um...well...the weather, yes, the weather can be drastic out there so be mindful of the elements.”

Grevin frowned slightly and knelt down, taking a knee before reaching out and placing a gentle hand on the pony’s shoulder. “Alright, I can do that, now tell me what is really bothering you.”

Chrysalis frowned a small sigh escaping her. “You’d make a good changeling Hades...I’ll be blunt. I’m concerned that you may find more than you intend in the Badlands. You’re my first friend...I don’t want you to be hurt.”

He nodded quietly for a moment before surprising the changeling by easily pulling her into a hug. She let out a small squeak as her cheeks began to turn red and she froze as she felt him whisper in her ear. “If you wish to open up to another, speak to Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie or Twilight. That is where I would recommend you begin.”

He let ‘Emerald’ go and rose up to his full height taking a small step back all while giving a small smile that was almost indiscernible. “It may be a little rough while we’re gone but I’m sure somepony will be able to help you if you need it.”

Chrysalis sheepishly nodded, keeping her head lowered slightly, pawing at the ground with a hoof. “A-alright. Safe travels, to both of you.”

Tabitha smiled with a hint of venom shining in her eyes. “Thank you...I’ll make sure he is well taken care of.”

Chrysalis did her best not to gag at the tone of voice given off by Tabitha. It was clear she was jealous of any mare that Grevin gave any sort of attention too. She did hope he would return safely and in the meantime she would need to find a good moment to speak to one of her other new friends.

*With Tabitha and Grevin*

Grevin glanced over at Tabitha who walked beside him with a bit of a smug smirk on her lips, deciding to say nothing at the moment hoping that she would finally take his hints and focus her attention to the task at hand. They would take the Ponyville train to the last stop and from there they would proceed by foot into the Badlands and attempt to locate Discord, Davick and any other threat that may be present there. They would need to be as covert as possible and light on their feet to avoid possible detection. His thoughts were cut short when he heard the familiar sound of a certain party pony all but screaming at them from the front of the train station.

“GREVIN! TABITHA! OVER HEEEERRRREEEE!”

There, standing in the front of the station were his friends and herdmates. Twilight, Fluttershy, and Applejack all smiling warmly at him while Rarity and the Cutie Mark Crusaders waved from just behind them but Pinkie Pie stood on her hind legs in front of them all waving small flags from her front hooves while all the time flashing her brightest smile.

Tabitha stepped forward smiling warmly as she looked at the group before her. “Well, this was unexpected? Are you here to give us a send off?”

Twilight smiled and gave a small nod while Pinkie Pie jumped back behind her to a cart that was previously unnoticed. “Yes, we all wanted to send you off with well wishes and to let you know that we hope you have a speedy return home. It won’t be the same without you...without either of you.”

Fluttershy glanced down while lightly pawing at the dirt. “Um...please be careful and...um…”

Applejack chuckled and put her foreleg around her timid friend in a supportive hug. “What Fluttershy is trying to say is that you best come back in one piece and that you’ll be in our thoughts while you’re gone.”

“R-right”

Tabitha smiled warmly and knelt down to face the two. “I promise I’ll do all I can to make sure we come home safely.”

Before the others could respond Rarity stepped forward along with the three Cutie Mark Crusaders who were carrying a box on their backs.

“Well darlings, I know you’re the kind to not want help or handouts but when I heard you were going to the Badlands, I couldn’t help but be inspired to create something that I hope will be useful to you.”

The three crusaders put the box down at Grevin’s feet. He leaned down, opening it and inside he found two long tan scarves along with white goggles. He picked up the smaller set handing them to Tabitha who let out a small gasp and giggled while feeling the material in her hands. “Oh Rarity, this is lovely!”

Grevin took a moment to glance over the goggles and scarf before looking back at the mare. “They are quite nice but I suspect they do more than just look good.”

Rarity giggled and did a little hop, her smile beaming. “You’re right, they serve a purpose. Rumor has it that sometimes sand storms can kick up in the badlands. The scarfs can help you black out the sand so you can breathe and the goggles will shield your eyes so you’re not blinded.”

Grevin gently folded the cloth and tucked it into his pack while putting the goggles around his neck. “Form and function, I like it. Thank you for the gift Rarity, it will be very useful.”

“Oh think nothing of it you two just remember that if someone asks who made it for you, you let them know all about me and the boutique.”

Tabitha chuckled as she also put her scarf in her bag. “I believe that is a fair trade.”

A blast from a confetti cannon cut the remaining conversation short, dousing everyone in the particles of paper and forcing them to all look at the ecstatic party pony who grinned at them from her nearby table. On it was a simple cake that was brightly decorated with caricatures of Grevin and Tabitha both with absurdly cartoonish smiles on their faces.

“C'mon everypony! We need to cut the cake before the train gets here!”

Within moments the cake was cut, served and enjoyed and as good times with friends often do, time passed quickly and in what felt like only a few minutes an hour had passed and the familiar whistle of an approaching train sounded in the distance. Before anyone could move Pinkie darted forward and somehow managed to gather up all the paper plates while at the same time putting Grevin and Tabithas packs on their shoulders and then zipped behind Fluttershy waving with a huge smile.

“Don’t forget to bring me a souvenir!”

Grevin didn’t respond and instead knelt down and gently pulled his herd-mates into a gentle embrace earning a small frown from the woman behind him. “Take care of each other and keep the Elements of Harmony safe. I’ll be back before you know it.”

The three mares squeezed him back hard, a small sniffle coming from Fluttershy who, after releasing him, snuggled into Applejack who gave a small smile in an attempt to comfort her.

“Y...you’ll be extra careful, won’t you?”

Applejack nuzzled her dear friend, “Now don’t you worry none sugarcube, Grevin is going to come back to us with nary a scratch on him.”

Twilight nuzzled into the yellow mares other side giving a supporting hug, “Applejack is right Fluttershy, while he has been reckless in the past,” She gave him a small glare, “I’m sure he won’t be this time…right?!”

Grevin blinked a moment before lightly rubbing the back of his neck and giving a sheepish look, “Um...right, yes, of course. I’ll be very careful.”

Tabitha smacked Grevin’s pack as she walked past making her way up the steps of the train, “Come along Hades, we need to start this so we can finish it.”

Grevin coughed slightly into his fist before quickly reaching out and hugging the three once more before rising back to his feet and taking a half step back. “I’ll be back soon. Don’t get into too much trouble while I’m gone. I don’t want to have to give anypony a stern talking too when I get back.

Applejack gave a small chuckle while Twilight found a small blush on her cheeks. Fluttershy ruffled her feathers slightly while staring up at him with her gentle smile. “We’ll be safe Grevin, just stay focused on your mission and come back to us.”

Tabitha who had now moved onto the train turned and gave a small glare at the four before putting her hand to her mouth and calling out to the object of her affection once more. “Hades, move your ass, we’ve got a job to do.”

Applejack frowned glancing over her shoulder at the woman then to Grevin. “Uh, Grevin, is she going to talk to you like that the whole time? I can give her good buck to the behind if-in you’d like...teach her some manners.”

Grevin shook his head gently while raising a hand in a placating manner. “That isn’t necessary AJ. Back on Bastion, our unit would speak like that quite often, actually we would speak worse than that. It’s a kind of way of getting into the soldier mindset. Makes us focus on the mission and not what we are coming back home too.”

He sighed and closed his eyes for a few seconds before opening them and staring back into her green orbs. “If I’m being honest, a part of me is responding to that. I can already feel my adrenaline flowing a bit and my mind becoming more focused...I suppose it’s hard to just ‘forget’ your training.”

Applejack gave him a small smirk “Well, when you get back, maybe I’ll try some new words with you and see how focused you can get.”

“HADES!”

The train let out a loud whistle announcing it was leaving the station and Grevin quickly waved and turned moving to the train as it began to pull away all while doing his best to ignore the burning on his cheeks. He quickly jumped onto the back of the train next to Tabitha who simply rolled her eyes and moved inside the train car. He however turned and couldn’t help but smile as he watched his friends all gather at the edge of the platform waving, some more frantically than others, as they grew further and further away from the station.

In a matter of minutes the peaceful village of Ponyville was a small speck on the horizon and they were on their way. Making his way into the train car, Grevin noticed right away that they were not in a typical passenger car. This was a deluxe car, very spacious with a small bar, plush seating and even full size beds. Here he saw Tabitha sitting at the bar with two glasses in her hands, each filled with what he could only assume to be whiskey.

Tabitha smiled warmly at him and rose from her place at the bar while he gently set his pack down and to the side next to hers. “Well, they certainly gave us a warm send off. It was very nice. I thought that since we have a long trip ahead of us before we get to the end of the line, we could do a little tradition ourselves.”

She held out one of the glasses to him, her smile coming off warm and friendly. “So, how about it? Just like old times when we would drink to those who we lost in battles prior and to those to be lost in the future.”

Grevin reached out and gently took the glass, doing his best to ignore the way her fingers glided across his as he did. He pulled the glass to his nose taking a small whiff of it’s scent, the sharp odor confirming his initial assessment, Whiskey.

He looked back at Tabitha who held out her own glass, a small smile forming on her lips. “To those we’ve lost, to those we’ve taken and to those who may perish in the future. May we all bring honor to our cause.”

Grevin brought his own glass forth clinging it lightly against hers, the traditional words coming to his lips in a well practiced tone. “May the lost give us guidance, may the fallen find peace and may we be victorious.”

The two then stepped forward and interlocked their arms, hooking around each other and bringing their glasses to their lips, taking the entirety of the glass into their mouths and swallowing only to pause to allow the burn of the alcohol to fade enough to let them speak once more.

Tabitha took a small gasp and cleared her throat, mumbling slightly “Damn, these ponies can make kickass liquor.”

Grevin took a slow breath before finishing the ‘ritual’ “As our arms are linked, we too are linked and bonded to our comrades, past present and future, glory to all.”

“Glory to all.”

For a few moments there was silence as the two stared at one another, saying nothing as they gently swayed with the gentle rhythm of the train car. Tabitha was the first to move, her smile only growing as she unhooked her arm from his and stepped back to the bar once more. “That...that felt good. I haven’t done the tradition in a long, long time. Thank you for indulging me.”

Grevin nodded as he also moved to the bar to set his glass down. “There isn't any need for thanks. I haven’t done that in years and...if I’m being honest it felt nice to embrace the tradition once more.

“Oh really?”

He reached over the bar and pulled out another bottle, this time one with a clearer, more amber like liquid in it, Rum most likely. “Indeed, it brought back a few...good memories.” He opened the bottle and began to pour himself another glassful.

Tabitha refiled her glass with more Whiskey then turned to rest her elbow on the bar while idly tapping her finger against the rim of the glass. “Well, if you enjoyed that tradition, perhaps we should do a few others.”

The made him pause just before he could put his glass against his lips. He turned his head to look more directly at her. “Other traditions? What other traditions?”

She glanced down and gave a small shrug as she shifted her hips a bit. “You don’t know?”

“No.”

She glanced up at him only briefly giving a sultry smirk that was quickly hidden as she moved back and turned away from him. “I’m surprised you don’t know about it. After all, I’m sure many in our guild would have wanted to partake in it with you. We could do it now if you like?”

Grevin shifted on his feet a bit, his eyes narrowing slightly. “And...just what tradition would this be?”

Tabitha turned her head to give him a smoldering look over her shoulder while at the same time running her free hand down her side to her hip. “The one where a commander would pick any member from their troops, take them to their bed and make love through the night. It’s supposed to bring great luck to the two while on the battlefield. So how about it? Care to learn another tradition with me? Technically you are my commander Grevin.”

Grevin took a large drink from his glass and set it down on the bar with a loud bang. He said nothing for a few moments only looking at the woman offering herself to him before gently clearing his throat.

“Tabitha?”

“Yes Grevin?”

“Don’t try it, I will stab you. Don’t make me stab you.”

She let out a small giggle, “If you like a little blood with your pleasure I’m willing to try anything once.”

“Shut up.”

Author's Note

Hi guys,

I know it's been a long time and honestly I don't have much for an excuse. Life has kept me busy as has a lack of drive to write. However, as I go through my daily life, I get little jolts of inspiration, specifically when I listen to certain music.

Every time I hear some songs, my brain continually will come back to Inner Chaos and I will see exactly how I want to write out the end of this story and start it's sequel. The problem I find myself facing is that I have to force myself to get through the part of the story I don't want to write.

Basically it's like when you're a kid and as you watch a movie you want to skip the exposition and get straight to the action and adventure. Obviously that would be terrible storytelling. So I find myself coming to a singular conclusion. I have to finish what I started.

It may take longer than I like but I want, need to finish it. I need to be able to put it to rest. If I can put this to rest then I can put other ideas, other stories I've made to rest...and perhaps take some of them further that I could imagine...wouldn't that be wild.

The biggest hurdle to my goal is time and my own drive. Family time is precious, free time to do anything I want to do in silence or with inspiration playing in my ears is little to nil so this isn't going to be a quick thing for me to do.

However as I've always said, I refuse to let this story die...even if I just have to keep it on life support.

As always your support is greatly appreciated. I know I've probably let many of you down and for that I'm sorry but I'll still try to post updates when I can. Until then keep calm and pony on.

-Grev /)*(\