//------------------------------//
// Chapter 2: Los Pegasus 
// Story: Crimson Gambit 
// by Brosparkles 
//------------------------------//

	Mac didn’t sleep well. He woke up rough and still half asleep. He walked slowly out of his room, and headed to the bathroom, fixed his hair, and headed downstairs.

“You’re up! Breakfast will be done soon, thats usually what wakes everypony up.” Dumpling said.

“Alright.” Mac said, and sat down.

“I never got to meet you yesterday. I’m Red Gala” Red said.

“McIntosh.” Mac said.

“We’ll see if you’re as strong as you look soon enough.” Red said.

Another large spread of food was being laid out, as everypony began to pour down the stairs. They ate, and then headed to the trees.

“So, you just kick the apples down, and I’ll grab them in this bucket.” Red said.

Mac nodded.

“Then let’s get to work.” Red said.

Mac’s incredible strength allowed him to buck apples with ease, and along with Red’s speed, they worked hard and effectively. The weather was hot, and the work was hard. The next few days went like this, a cycle of work and sleep. A couple of times he got involved in games with the others after dinner, but generally kept to himself. The weekend came fast, and Mac contemplated whether or not to go to Los Pegasus. He decided he needed to have a little fun, and leaving a girl waiting would be rude. But first came his pay. Waking up that Friday morning, Braeburn gave him his pay.

“Mornin’ cousin.” Braeburn said.

“You’ve got my pay?” Mac asked.

“Yep! You’ve done good work around here, Mac.” Braeburn said.

Braeburn gave him his pay in bits.

“This is...a lot.” Mac said.

“Thats 5000 for the month, so that you don’t have to send money as often. And, I figured you could use a little extra for tonight.” Braeburn said, winking.

“I guess I’ll head out after breakfast.” Mac said.

“To send the money?” Braeburn said.

“Nope.” Mac said, heading downstairs.

“Then where?” Braeburn asked.

“Train.” Mac said, sitting down.

“Ooh, to Los Pegasus?” Brae asked.

Mac didn’t answer. He quietly ate his breakfast, and was out the door, taking his pack with him. He was glad about Braeburn giving him the small raise for tonight, and honestly liked him, but didn’t to talk. His train was early and empty, which was just fine with him. Looking out the window he began to see desert, with the city on the horizon. Later in the day the train pulled into station, and he got off. Looking around he saw huge buildings, with blinking lights. Busy ponies hurried around him, no doubt in a rush to lose their money. Mac didn’t want to spend much money on the streets,he headed to The Gambit. He had no idea where to look, but didn’t want to stop anypony. Luckily, with all the glowing signs, it wasn’t very hard to find. The gambit was huge, and not too far away. All around him was sin, whether it was in the form of gambling, drinking, or sex. Prostitution was technically illegal, but was never enforced. Scantily clad ponies were on every corner, smelling of cheap perfume and hard liquor. Mac had no idea what she saw in this place, but he knew he saw something in her, or else he wouldn’t have done something as stupid as come out here. He quickly headed into the gambit, which was at least classier than the streets. Mac was going to head for the room number, when he saw her red hat sticking out. He approached her, as she was sitting at a bar.

“Well, damn, you actually showed up!”  Marigold said.

She was wearing a crimson dress to match her hat.

“Figured it musta been important.” Mac said.

“Hell yes it is! I can’t bear to see someone as cute as you not with me! Come on, have a drink!” Marigold said.

“I really shouldn’t.” Mac said.

“I thought you came here to have some fun, farm boy! I dont wanna see you work your life away without little fun with Marigold!” Marigold said.

:I guess one won’t hurt nothin’.” Mac said.

“That’s the spirit, cowboy!” Marigold said.

He ordered a whiskey, which was as expected, overpriced. Marigold had already drank quite a lot, but ordered another. The two of them downed their booze quickly. 

“Now you’re getting it!” Marigold said.

The two of them shared a few more drinks, but Marigold was acting oddly sober.

“She must just be able to handle her booze well.” Mac thought.

Marigold stood up, and gestured Mac to follow onto the casino floor. The city seemed a hell of a lot better with her by his side.

“Up for a game or two?” Marigold asked.

“Sure.” Mac said.

Maybe Braeburn was right. He did need to take time off. The two of them gambled fora bit, Mac being careful not to spend any more than Braeburn had given him. He ended up losing a couple bits, but had pretty much expected it.

“So, farmboy, what about you and I head up to my room?” Marigold whispered to him.

Normally, Mac would have said no, but there was something about her he couldn’t resist. She had managed to break down his reserved attitude. The booze didn’t hurt, either. She ran up the stairs, and opened up her room, Mac following behind her, a bit slower. He couldn’t believe this, but he wasn’t stopping. Following the smell of her perfume and the red of her dress, he ended up in her room. Almost immediately she embraced him, running her hooves through his hair, and kissing him. He resisted at first, but quickly gave in, and she removed his hat and pack. He helped her with her dress, and the two of them fell on to her bed. Mac had never been quite so sure about her until now. Now he could cross another of Los Pegasus’s sins off of his list. Afterwards, the two of them slept, McIntosh glad for once about being out here. 

Mac woke up, his head pounding from the night before. He was alone. He rolled out of bed, and groggily looked around. She was nowhere to be found. He noticed a bottle of whiskey, with a note attached.

Mac.
Sorry. You’ve probably figured out my game by now.  This should help. I hate to do this to such a cute stallion, especially as good a lover as yourself, but I’ve gotta go. I needed this more than you could possibly understand.  Hope you at least had fun, about 4800 bits worth. I know I did. I know you probably don’t want to see me ever again, and that’s for the best, but I honestly do like you, Mac. I guess I’ll see you around, cowboy.

“What does she mean, 4800 bits?” Mac muttered.

Mac didn’t drink the whiskey, having had enough of alcohol for quite a while. Mac grabbed his pack, when he noticed it was nearly empty! 210 bits were left, barely even enough to get home! Oh Celestia! How could he have been so stupid! He quickly ran out of the room, trying in vain to find her. But she had left long ago, the booze she left was already warm again.He slammed his hoof into the wall,furious with Marigold, Braeburn, and himself. He was going to find her. He had two days to search for her before leaving Los Pegasus, and she couldn’t have gotten far. He went as quickly as he could in his current state, he could tell that she had done something to him. He hadn’t drink that much, but he didn't remember much besides the sex. She was good, but not 4800 bits good. He rethought the drink, he needed it now. She wouldn’t have anything to gain from drugging him again anyway. He took a small swig, and then headed down to the casino floor. 

“You see a mare in a crimson hat leave here?” Mac asked one of the employees.

“Even if I had I wouldn’t tell you. Try asking someone who’s job doesn’t depend on it.” he said.

Mac approached a stallion leaving the hotel, facing away from him. 

“Have you seen a mare in a crimson hat leave here?” he asked.

“Can you be more descriptive?” he asked, turning to him.

“Orange fur, dark brown mane, red dress?” he asked.

:I might have seen her. How much is she worth to you?” he asked.

“Not in the mood,” Mac said.

The stallion had looked away from Mac’s face finally, and seeing his huge leg muscles, decided to give in.

“Point taken. I saw somepony fitting her description walk out of here not too long ago, heading down topaz street. Only thing down there would be-” he said before being interrupted by Mac.

“Train station.” Mac said, charging out of the casino, nearly knocking the stallion over on
the way. He charged top speed into the station, his mane whipping wildly in the wind he created. The train was boarding. He ran to the train, where he was grabbed by a security guard.

“Slow down. You need a ticket to board.” the guard said.

Mac easily broke the guard’s grip, but didn't run off again.

“I just need on for a second.” Mac explained, anger in his voice.

“I don’t care. Pay up or get out. It’s 5 bits,” the guard said.

Mac quickly paid,not wanting to waste time, and boarded. He searched the cars quickly and methodically, shaking as he went. In the end of the third car, he saw her. Clad in crimson, and holding her hat in her hooves. She was looking out the window, at the endless expanse of desert beyond the city borders. He slowly approached her, hoping she wouldn’t notice him until he got close.

‘It’s so empty. Makes me wonder, why is this city even here?” Marigold said, fullyawa

“Having fun with my money?” Mac said, standing over her.

“Mac, I told you, I’m sorry. But I need this, really.” Marigold said.

“I’m getting that money.” Mac said.

‘I doubt that.” Marigold said.

Springing up from her seat, she flung herself onto Mac, not quite toppling him, but giving her some time. He made a grab at her, but she slinked away, and ran off down the cars. Mac chased after her, fueled by rage, and was gaining. Marigold had reached the end of the cars, the desert behind her.

“You know, it didn’t have to be this way,” Mac said.

‘But you just had to pursue me,” Marigold said.

Marigold jumped from the back of the train, running off into the city. Mac followed her, tire of the chase. She had backed into an alleyway, as Mac slowly approached.

“Give me the money. My family needs this.” Mac said.

“Then you should know how I feel.” Marigold said.

Mac reached to grab her, when she sprung into the air, jumping past his reach. Marigold reached for her waist, revealing a hidden pocket in her dress. A small, elegant revolver was concealed inside, with a crimson handle. 

“I don’t want to hurt you, hun, but you need to learn when to give up. I’m sorry for your family, really, but you’d best give up on it. Unless you want them to have to pay for a funeral, too.”

She slowly backed away, Mac staying still.

“You know, I can help.” Mac said.

“Huh?’ she said.

‘You mentioned something about your family, I can help.” Mac said.

“I wouldn’t want to get you involved. Besides, you’ve done more than enough.” Marigold 
said. 

Marigold dashed off to her train, Mac not following her any longer. He needed to follow her. He still had his ticket. He headed to the train, climbing on from the back. He flashed his ticket to the guard, and hoped she wouldn't find him. Luckily, she sat at the front this time. He managed to keep his anger in check for now, as the train for Dodge Junction began to cut through the desert.