FANG For a FANG

Chapter 6: A Glimpse Into Darkness

“So where are we going?” Fluttershy asked as she sat in the passenger seat of a red hot rod car. The driver flashed a goofy grin as he increased speed. “With your mother now gone, we’ll have to be on our toes. The fangs are going to be out looking for me, at the very least. But—” He raised his head as he rolled the car into a gas station in a rougher part of town, by the looks of it. The houses were old, and many of the buildings, grocery stores, and skyscrapers were dilapidated, some with signs that read "condemned" on boarded-up places. “I know where we could at least start getting some information,” he told her before hopping out and heading inside. Fluttershy got out and followed, remembering how he told her to stay close to him.

Yet her mind was elsewhere. She couldn’t stop thinking about the dance from the night before. Just her luck that not only did her mother go missing, but it would lead her right back into the arms of the man she had dreamed of ever since their dance. However, the sting of him walking away from her, his back turned to her as if she were nothing, still hung in her mind as she stared at his back.

“Why am I so hung up on this?” she asked herself, crossing her arms. “I just met him; it’s not like I’ve known him for years, yet—”

The memory of the way he held her in his grip as he spun her into him surfaced. “It felt so nice to be held,” she thought as she lowered her gaze to the floor. “Come on, Fluttershy, it’s not like he’d ever love you; it was on a whim he danced with you, nothing more. Your mother is what’s important now. Forget about this shoot nonsense and—” Her mind was abruptly halted when she saw him slip his hand into a passing bystander’s back pocket and snatch his wallet.

She immediately ran up to him and snatched it out of his clutches before he could put it in his jacket. He spun around furiously as he watched Fluttershy momentarily return it to its owner.

“Sir, sir, you dropped this,” she smiled.

The man checked his pockets at the sight of his wallet in her hands. “Thanks, lady,” he said, taking it back from her and wondering how it fell out in the first place.

Fluttershy watched him as he walked away, glad she did the right thing, before turning around and seeing Discord quickly storming down the street. In hopes of catching up with him, she picked up the pace.

“Hey, hey, slow down! Why—”

“You!” He snarled, turning his heel on her. The look in his eye startled her, making her stumble back and tumble into a trash can. “Let’s get one thing straight!” He raised a finger at her. “I do what I want; you listen to me, and if you’re lucky, I might get your mom back, and we can go our separate ways!”

“But, but, I—”

“If you think that pickpocketing a little cash is the worst thing you’re gonna see, then you got another thing coming!”

Fluttershy opened her mouth to reply but was ultimately too scared to say anything back. It was only a moment ago that he invited her into his world. It was almost romantic in a way, his hand held out to her from the shadows, yet here that was all gone in the blink of an eye. Did she imagine it? Was it all in her head? Was she actually that gullible to believe there was something more when she looked into his striking red gaze? The dance before the dream, she had — was it nearly just her own drunken mind mixing her up? Was this who he really was? Was this Discord, Grogar?

“I’m talking bloody fistfights and bullets flying around your damn head,” he said, fangs bared. Though his larger one did hang out of his mouth, when he bared his teeth, he showed three other smaller ones, perfectly canine-like. “Never get in my way, or you’ll be the first one this dog bites!” He jumped forward at her, making her lunge back onto her backside again. She quickly nodded, scared of what he’d do if she refused him or, worse, made him angrier.

“Good,” he smiled, letting his demeanor fade back into a happy mood as if the frightening fury never existed at all. “Get in the car; I’ve got an old friend to meet up with,” he told her nonchalantly as he got inside.

Fluttershy dusted herself off, still shaken by the sudden shift in his tone. Her lip quivered for a moment as she walked over to the other side of the vehicle. But before she opened the door, she caught herself reaching her hand out on top of the car for a moment, collecting her nerve before ultimately getting inside and joining him. She didn’t dare say one word to him after that for fear of pissing him off again. Instead, she sat back, watching the landscape turn from bleak to worse. The sight of those on the streets grew increasingly rougher the further they drove.

“Welcome to the south side of town. Stay close, alright? This place is crawling with fangs. If the fang club is the heart of the gang, then we’ve just entered its lungs. This territory is pretty exclusive to them.”

“If that’s the case, then why are we getting so close?” Fluttershy lowered her head onto her shoulders, hoping that he wouldn’t snap at her again.

“Simple. Ever heard the expression 'an eye for an eye'? Well, this is pretty much a 'fang for a fang.' That is essentially the motto of the fangs. It means two things,” Discord said as the two of them passed down a street leading to more of the suburbs, if you could call this part of the town that. “What goes around comes around; scratch my back, and we'll scratch yours. Bite my hand, and we'll bite yours.” Discord narrowed his eyes at a house on the corner he was approaching.

“The fangs are loyal—up to a point. That is number one of its two meanings.”

“And the other?” She inhaled the scent of ash and debris as the car rolled to a stop.

“Never give up till the last man standing,” he half groaned, half whispered. “It means that as soon as we walk in there, if they choose not to play ball, this could result in a bloody mess. Luckily for you,” he puffed up instantly, “you have me. Let’s go.” He tapped her on the head like a pet before getting out of the car.

Fluttershy momentarily sat disjointed at his sudden switch in demeanor. But ultimately, she got out of the car and joined him. “You know, not that it’s not a nice car and all, but…” She eyed the vehicle as she joined him on the curb. “It stands out—a lot.”

“Never said I was hiding. Why hide when you hold all the cards and have nothing to lose?” Discord replied before clicking the lock on his key. In response, the car honked as the lights flashed before he walked over to a building that looked worse for wear, despite the obvious signs of someone living there: laundry hung outside to dry and cats swirling around the place gave it a lively feel despite its rough exterior.

Discord didn’t hesitate to pound on the door. When it opened, a rather skinny tall man, much like Discord himself but far weaker, popped his head out. “What do you—wahhh!” he yelled as he tried to close the door, only for Discord to kick it open, overpowering the man and flinging him back against the doorframe.

“Ahh, you remember me,” Discord cooed as he shoved his hands into his pockets and walked right past him into the place.

“Wah, what are you—why are you—” the man spat as he got to his feet.

“I distinctly remember a time when a kid down on his luck stumbled across my path,” Discord said as he began observing the house. It was more or less one long hallway, with a bedroom on one side and a kitchen on the other. The place was filled with cats and the smell of tuna.

Discord took one sniff and scrunched his nose, covering it for a moment before continuing. “By the time I went into prison, that kid was well on his way to becoming a full-fledged fang member, and now look,” Discord spun on his heel, giving the man an over-the-top bow. “You worked your way to the top as one of the head fangs. Congratulations, Capper.” Fluttershy walked in, unsure of what to do as the man known as Capper brushed himself off and began fixing his door.

“You're not here to congratulate me; I know you too well, Discord,” he groaned as he tested the door, but it only fell off its hinges, making it worse. He rolled his eyes, tossing it aside before returning to his unwanted houseguest. “Does the boss know of your escape?” he grinned.

“I’m the boss!” Discord momentarily snarled before righting himself. “And I didn’t escape; I was set free—bail paid by Luna Star,” he smirked warningly.

“Is that so? Well, it’s only a matter of time before Tirek finds out,” Capper leaned his back against the wall, ignoring the black cat that walked his path.

“Which is why I’m here. I’m looking for… I tell you, I’m hoping the sly cat boy I remember back then can help me.”

“Is that so? And why me, when I learned everything from—”

“Me,” but—” Discord flung one finger in the air. “I’ve been in the slammer for the last decade. You may know a way or two…” Discord dropped the nice guy act momentarily and put on a look of intimidation as he slowly approached Capper, towering over even him. And Capper wasn’t exactly short either, but he was nothing compared to Discord's height and stature. “One that might get me closer to Tirek without going through the entire gang. I don’t want to slaughter every member on my way to the top.” He finished, setting his arms across his chest.

At the dark implications, Capper let out a half scoff, half pitying laugh. “You need a friend out there then, huh? Well,” he slid across the hall and gave a bow as equally over-the-top as Discord's. “A fang for a fang,” he smiled, showing his own sharpened teeth. “I’ll see what I can dig up from the old radio reports and let you know in say…” He tapped his chin in thought. “Three weeks, maybe four,” he shrugged. “These things take time, ya know.” He waved his arms out, indicating the clock. “And I have so many other obligations as a fang among fangs—”

“Enough games!” Discord yelled, picking Capper up off the ground and holding him by nothing but his coat. “Luna Star was kidnapped, and I have no doubt who’s responsible for it,” he growled, furiously frightening Fluttershy, who could only stand frozen in her spot by the door.

“Kidna—b-but,” Capper choked as Discord's grip never wavered. “But the code—”

“You know as well as I do that the code is merely guidelines. However, if I can get proof that Tirek is behind it, I can submit it to the high fang court. I can band the division together and uprise against him. Now—” Discord tossed him onto his butt. “Now spill it! What can you give me?!”

“Tha—that won’t be easy. Besides, Luna left the fangs, so most fangs are not gonna care if she goes missing,” Capper said as he rubbed his backside, where he hit the ground. “She turned her back on us and—”

“A fang is a fang!” barked Discord. “And no fang ever leaves the fangs.” His eyes narrowed. “A fang for a fang; she has the right to bear hers just like we all do against Tirek.”

“Even so, even if she was a proud fang member that everyone loved—which she’s not,” Capper raised a finger before flattening it. “The fang leaders are all made up of loyalists to Tirek, including—” Before he could finish his sentence, Discord let out a grumpy snort. In response, Capper decided it was best to avert his eyes and not finish his sentence. Instead, he changed the subject immediately. “If you’re going after him, it will cause a civil war among the fangs. And even as a gang leader, I don’t think many of my own members will agree to join a losing side. So how are you going to convince them to follow you? 'Cause I don’t think any of them will just for Luna’s sake.”

Discord turned his back to him as he tightened his grip. “The same way I always have.”

“Oh, I see; that’s a good motivator, I guess. So,” Capper lowered his head, “I pledge my loyalty to you, sir. My loyalties born of fear.”

“Good. Then I have a simple task for you. Gather a dozen fang members you can trust and bring them to me. Oh, and you also need to keep our little meeting a secret from all the other fang leaders, while subsequently—” A conniving and disturbing grin slid onto Discord's lips. “Spy on them and gather what info you can that can help me build a case against him.”

Capper rose as he nodded. “Yes, sir. And who is she?” he asked, tilting his head at Fluttershy.

“Oh, I’m—”

“Not important. Her role in this is classified. Tell no one you saw me with anyone else, got tha—? Hey!!!” He yelled as a liquid dropped from the ceiling above. It was a cat letting some out.

“Watch the suit,” he said, brushing himself off. “It’s all I have,” he growled.

“Mr. Whiskers,” groaned Capper. “Sorry, sir; I can have it washed if—”

“No, it’s fine. Come on, let’s go.” He said, retreating to the door.

Fluttershy could only follow obediently, hoping she wouldn’t set him off again.

…

It didn’t take long after they left Capper for her stomach to begin to grumble. By the light of the sun, it was dusk, and she was not only nowhere closer to finding her mother, but she hadn’t had a bite to eat since the night before. Even then, with the wedding going on and everything she was momentarily going through, she had barely had a full meal in about three whole days. The strain was now catching up to her body, and she began to feel sick as her head ached for nutrients.

“I’m hungry,” she muttered to the driver.

“Sure, we’ll stop by McDonald’s,” he said, never taking his eyes off the road.

She chanced a glance, hoping to find him in a good mood. But neither a smile nor any rage was seen on his face. Instead, his eyes looked heavy, and his lips were set in a monotone, bored expression. Was he tired? Was he unhappy? She couldn’t tell, but ultimately, she dared not chance another outburst like she had gotten earlier.

…

Discord rolled up to the front, parking in a siding. He didn’t even bother with the drive-through, and Fluttershy was just happy to finally get out of the car. She wasted no time the second the vehicle came to a stop, quickly opening the door and hoping that once she was out, she’d be able to breathe. The silent tension she felt in the car had nearly choked her.

With an inhale, she smelled the scent of French fries, and a smile spread across her face as she remembered Sunset from the other day coming into her little house with the same smell. It caused a giggle to escape her throat. The sound of her own laughter gave her a little spark. She hadn’t laughed since the moment she met Discord just hours ago, and yet so much had changed in such little time; she wondered if she would ever laugh again. Even so, she pulled out her wallet from her purse and began heading inside, only to stop at the curb when she noticed he wasn’t following her. She turned around just as she saw him lean back in the car, making no attempts to get out.

At first, Fluttershy turned towards the McDonald’s, utterly confused, before turning back to see him sitting in the car. For a moment, she looked back at the McDonald’s as if it were her salvation away from him. But her puzzled expression about why he wasn’t following her began eating away at her, and despite her growling stomach, she couldn’t help but wonder why. Finally, she turned back and headed to the car once more, thinking, “I must be insane.”

As she approached the car, she tapped on the window, catching Discord's attention. He lowered the window but remained where he was, asking “What?” in an empty tone.

“Coming?” Fluttershy asked, barely audible.

“Nope,” he replied dryly.

“Well, what do you want? I’ll get it for you,” she offered in her typical quiet voice.

“Nothing,” he rolled his eyes.

“But you’re hungry?”

“I am no—” Suddenly, his stomach gave him away. He groaned in frustration at his body’s betrayal.

Fluttershy giggled with a high-pitched tone at him. “Come on, we’ll—”

“I can’t,” he said with a sharpened eyebrow.

His dull response made her blink in confusion. “Why not?”

“Doesn’t matter, just—” he growled, growing furious once again. In fear that he would lash out at her again, she took a step back. But he only sighed, the fury melting away as his stomach grew louder. “I don’t have any—” he mumbled the last word.

“I’m sorry,” Fluttershy replied with a tilt of her head. She was usually the one mumbling and being asked to speak louder. For once, she was on the opposite side of the question, surprisingly.

“I don’t have any money.”

“I can’t hear—”

“I said I don’t have any money!” he barked, scaring her again before banging the side of his car and slumping in his seat. “I spent the last of it on gas, alright? Now go and eat before I take you home.”

Fluttershy blinked and turned to the restaurant. She then looked back at him, moping. “I can get you a—”

“I didn’t ask you for your charity,” he spat at her. “Now either get in the car or go and get your food,” he warned.

“Come on, I can get you a hamburger. What do you want on—”

“I said no!” he grumbled, sliding his hand through his hair and then onto his face with a moan. The last thing he heard was the sound of the woman's footsteps fading away. He opened one of his eyes and watched her figure in the rearview mirror, focusing on her hips swaying from side to side until she disappeared into the restaurant.

With a low laugh, Discord shook his head. “Gotta admit, she looks good at least,” he grumbled to himself as he popped his lips and set his hat over his eyes.

…

Fluttershy ate in silence, enjoying the taste of a simple hamburger with ketchup, mustard, and sweet pickles. The tangy taste from the onions filled her mouth with fleeting joy. Despite her long day, at least she could eat, taking her mind off of things if only for a fleeting moment. She devoured the whole burger in just a few bites and scarfed down the fries, feeling like a pig. Despite her physique not appearing overweight at all, she needed to keep her strength up if she was ever going to find her mother. She got up and threw her wrapper away but lifted her bag that held a second burger she had no intention of eating. It didn’t take long for her to wrap it up in a bag and return to Discord, hiding the bag of extra food in her purse.

…

Returning to Discord, her plan was to hide it until the last minute when she could leave it in his car for him. She needed him to keep his strength up, despite his pride. The moment she got back to the car, they rolled away. The only words exchanged between them were directions to her apartment.

Once they pulled up, Fluttershy stepped out, tossing the brown paper bag containing his hamburger aside.

“What’s this?” he growled.

“You have to keep your strength up, whether you like it or not,” she said, standing outside the door with her back to him. “You may not like it, but until my mother is returned to me, this will be my payment.”

“I didn’t ask for—”

“No, but this is my money, and I’ll buy what I want, thank you very much. It isn’t charity,” she replied before closing it and heading inside.

…

She walked inside her house, her pet rabbit jumping in the corner for his food. All her animals were hungry except for her snake, which she had fed that morning and would be good for a week. She quickly fed her fish, the bunny, and the bird, a look of fatigue spreading across her face.

Afterward, she climbed the steps to her bedroom, tossing her purse aside. Her eyes were heavy as she did so. She didn’t even bother to change into her pajamas. She finally covered herself with the blankets and laid down. For a moment, she lay there in silence, worn out from the day’s events— from dining out with her mother being kidnapped, to meeting Discord and ending up in a rough part of town. The day’s events finally caught up to her, and her vision quickly grew murky from tears. Finally, she opened her mouth and let out a powerful wail.

“Mommy,” she cried as she began to feel her anxiety take hold. Her body started to itch all over as she swirled in place until she could no longer breathe. She shot up, realizing it was happening again. Her heart pounded as if it were about to burst through her chest. She leaped from the bed and got on the floor, pulling out a small box labeled “Emergency” from underneath it, and quickly opened it, revealing a little bag full of leaves with a marijuana sticker on it.