Finally they had made it—the infamous city of New Las Pegasus. Six looked up and saw the large gate that separated the city from the rest of the ruins. The gate was connected to a large pony-made barrier crafted from random pieces of steel, wood, and aluminum. From what she could see, the barrier wrapped around the entire city.
Six looked up from the back of their small group and to Snow at the front. That night when they drank at Rustbowl, Six had told Snow about their plans to go to Las Pegasus. He offered to take them but that was all. Ever since they left 3 days ago she felt uneasy around him. Trust was obviously the major issue, but the fact that Snow refused to answer any questions about her family was a point of concern for her as well—he would just change topics or walk away.
Six sighed and wiped the sweat from her forehead. At the prison, Snow had told her he was only after Gus and wasn't with the gang. But one thing she knew for sure is that Snow had been hired by somepony.
Standing in front of the imposing gate to (New) Las Pegasus were two massive guard ponies, and two more, a male and female, were patrolling atop the barrier. One guard looked directly to Snow and simply nodded.
"You know the rules, bud..." the intimidating guard told Snow as he moved his gaze to Six and Reins. Snow turned to face them.
"This is as far as I can take you," Snow stated coldly. Six began to glare at him. "Everypony has to either submit to a bit check to show they have enough bits to gamble, or take on a job."
"Never thought to mention that before, did you Snow?" Six said in an annoyed manner. The gates opened and Snow faced forward again before walking inside. Six gritted her teeth in anger.
"Are you kidding me?!" she screamed. "So that's it? I save you from Delta and you just leave us? No answers, nothing!?"
Snow stopped when he heard Delta's name. It looked for a moment like he was going to turn and face her but he picked up the pace before the gates quickly closed behind him.
"Snow you motherfuc-"
Before Six could insult him more, Reins put a hoof on her shoulder. She turned, about to punch him, but stopped. Her anger quickly died and left nothing but a defeated frown. Reins smiled to her, then smiled to the guards.
"So what's that bit check big guy?"
"2000 bits."
Reins gave a snort followed by a quiet laugh before turning back to Six.
"You wouldn’t happen to have brought a chest ‘a gold, wouldja, Six?"
"Funny..." the guard chuckled, although he was not amused.
"The job," Six cherped up. The guard turned his attention towards the young mare.
"How old are you kid? 16?"
"18."
The guard burst into laughter. "Kid... go home."
Six began to see red. Her home had been taken from her by the stallion they just let in. Her horn began to spark uncontrollably. Reins grabbed her shoulder again, forcing her behind him.
"My partner and I are pretty good shots," Reins smiled up to the stallion. The stallion guard cocked an eyebrow. " 'Ah can shoot the pecker off a porcupine from 100 yards, and Six here... well, they don't call 'er Six Shooter for nothin!"
The guard looked them both over, his eyes wandering to the rifle Reins had strapped to his side, then to Six.
"Where's the filly's gun?"
Six blushed, releasing she had lost her only gun when she was taken to the prison. The guard shot her a rather annoyed look.
"We got into a bit of tussle... got a spare?" Reins laughed nervously.
"As a matter of fact we do!" The guard grinned turning to the ponies on the barrier above them. "Daisy, we need a revolver down here!"
In seconds, a small filly appeared on the barrier. She spread her wings and flew down to meet them, revolver in hoof. Daisy was a child, no older than Buck, Six thought. The filly smiled up to her, hoofing her an old worn-out revolver.
"A-Aren't you a little-" Six began but the guard stallion cut her off.
"Daisy's our weapons handler. The kid's smart, and a real valued member around here." Six looked to the filly and picked up the revolver with her magic. From out of nowhere, the guard produced a slip of paper to Reins. "It's a bounty. Raider by the name of Nasty Neigh. Sick bastard that one."
Daisy flew back to the barrier before the guard could continue.
"He's fast, bat shit crazy, and a cannibal," he started. "That's where we got the name for him, his breath probably smells like shit."
"Handsome, huh?" Reins smiled to Six, showing her the wanted poster. The earth stallion on the wanted poster had a bald head and a crazy smile. His front row of teeth were filed and sharpened... no doubt to make ripping meat from bone easier. He was also missing most of his left ear.
"We want his head as proof you killed the sick fuck," the guard snarled in an angry tone.
"Not alive?" Six asked.
"The reason he made that list... is because he murdered... and ate... one of the gate guards here." The guard sounded almost... sad. "Dead as dead can get... then bring his head to me." Six nodded her head and began to turn before the guard spoke up. "Hey, we need a deposit for that gun!"
Six turned, not even thinking about the revolver anymore.
"D-Deposit? But I do-"
"I got it," Reins interrupted. "How much?"
"40 bits."
Reins reached into his saddlebag and produced four of the faded currency.
"I'd normally give you your bits and take back the gun if you return... but bring me Nasty's head... and you can keep the bits and gun."
"It's a date then!" Reins smiled and turned to head back out into the ruins of Equestria, Six close behind him.
As the duo faded into the desert, Daisy flew back down to meet the guard.
"Do you think they'll come back?"
"I hope so Daisy... I want to see Nasty's head in a sack... I want him to pay."
Six trotted side by side with Reins, the young stallion whistling happily like they weren't about to face down a cannibal.
"Hey," Six asked. Reins looked to her, still whistling. "I just want to say... thanks for sticking with me through all this."
"I ain't got nothing better to do," Reins chuckled. Six let a shy giggle slip.
"I just... I definitely couldn't make it out here without you..." Six said, looking down at the dirt as the two walked, ashamed. "I have no money... hell, I didn't even have a gun til you bought me one."
Reins stopped, and Six turned around confused. "Six," he began. "I know I don't take things seriously too often but... I am serious about protecting you. We've been friends for what? 3 years now? We have to stick together." Six looked shocked. In the three years they had known each other, she'd had only seen his serious side within the last three days. Reins trotted up and put a hoof on her shoulder. He smiled up at her warmly and she felt... safe. "I will always protect you Six." Suddenly, the tannish colt moved closer to her. Six blushed as it finally dawned on her what he was doing. She threw her hooves around Reins and kissed him, the passionate embrace lasting for what felt like forever to the young ponies. Six's mind was racing. Her first kiss. Did this mean they were a couple? Were they in love? Her thoughts stopped when Reins broke the kiss finally.
"You're an awful kisser Six," he teased. Six's blush intensified and she pushed him away.
"And what? Are you some sort of expert?" she stammered. Reins started giggling but it quickly grew to laughter. Six couldn't help but smile and laugh herself. They could be dead tomorrow, but she could at least be happy for now.