//------------------------------//
// Big Red! 
// Story: Apples Wild 
// by niftykoala 
//------------------------------//

	The old teal pony looked from the dust covered red earth pony to the Ace flanked earth pony. “Wu-wu-w-Wild Card?!” his look was one of absolute terror now as he looked at the dangerous weapon pointed his way .  “I-I was just giving your partner the money.”

Wild Card looked momentarily perplexed and raised an eyebrow at the old pony. “My Partner?”

“Look Wild Card.” The Pegasus cowering behind the counter of the other window started, “Everyone’s been around long enough to know not to mess with you…but who would be loco enough to mess with both Wild Card AND Big Red?  I think..“

A shout came from the outside. Wild Card glanced quickly over his shoulder through the window, still keeping his gun trained on the group. Through the dust storm a sturdy but short earth pony sheriff stood with the young green unicorn speaking to him.  “Big Red! If that’s you in there! Throw down your weapons and give yourself up! No one has to die today.” The green unicorn ran out of sight.

“Sorry Iron Star.” Wild Card shouted back. ”Not going to happen!”

“Wild Card! You low down thief! “Came a very distinct feminine voice just beyond the Sheriff.  A rough and tumble looking red mare with white spots stepped into view.  ”Must be my lucky day. You’re worth more alive than dead, but I hear your pal Big Red there has a bigger price tag attached if his hooves are cold.”

“There are mares and foals in here Desert Willow.” Wild Card gloated. ”Start firing and you might hit them.” The mare and her son pressed closer to the brick wall. “I can see you just fine tho. It would be a shame to end your day 6 feet under.”

“There’s no escape for you two.” The Desert Willow retorted. ”And only one way out, and I’m not the only one here, quite a few Bounty Hunters  wanting  to cash in on Big Red there. You open fire on me, and the sheriff won’t be able to stop the others from firing back.  It’s going to be Prison for you and a Pine Box for your partner. Your choice if you want to join him. I’m giving to 10 seconds to decide.” Desert Willow grinned. “10…9…..8…”

Wild Card cursed and trotted over to the counter and pulled the bag of bits into his satchel.

“7..”

He turned towards the big red earth pony. “Get your weapons out Big Red. Looks like we’re going to have to shoot our way out of here.”

“6…”

“YOU! Get in the Corner!”  Wild Card yelled at the mare and her son. He quickly spun back towards the door. The trembling mare and the saucer eyed foal at her side, scrunched into the corner of the building.  “This wasn’t the plan Big Red, but maybe one of us can get out of here.”

Wild Card turned back and leveled his weapon at Desert Willow’s legs.

“5…”

Then everything went black.