Melpomene’s Tragedy, Thalia’s Comedy / [KILL THE PAST/ END]

September 9, 2022 10:27 am RP

That night, and then the day after, and the day after that day… It had all been a blur. He must have exchanged at most 4 words with Carmine ever since. The dinner and the flower bouquet that had been ... View MoreThat night, and then the day after, and the day after that day… It had all been a blur. He must have exchanged at most 4 words with Carmine ever since. The dinner and the flower bouquet that had been left at the coffee table were still there 2 whole days after. The flies couldn’t be happier about it though. Gray…? Well, he was just glad there had not been a funeral yet. Although, -as far as he had listened in- the chances of Berry ever waking up again were faint, and her state was still critical. He was sprawled across his bed. It didn’t seem to matter that it was 2:34 PM already. One would think that they’d both be glued to Berry’s room at the hospital, but that… well, that was reserved for family. Surely her parents were still there. And Carmine…? Gray had hardly seen that stallion’s shadow ever since they had returned home that night. He did not know what the best route of action with him was… Whether if he should continue to leave him alone, or…? He frowned… At times like these his last conversation with Berry returned to haunt him. Looking back from where he stood now, he finally understood why she was so eager to rush things between the pair. And he had promised her that he’d take care of him. Hah… if she were to wake up now, she’d surely bonk him in the head. He was slacking off… wasn’t he? The actor pushed himself up to sit in the middle of his mattress, the light from the window hit his face and he was forced to shield his eyes with an arm. Carmine’s door was just across the narrow corridor, and it was still shut. Seeing that, Gray simply inhaled a deep breath and got up. He wouldn’t go harass the detective right away, no… He couldn’t help anyone if he didn’t help himself first, and he was in no shape to lift anybody else’s spirits. The first order of the day was to take a shower, and as his second mission he made a trip to the living room and kitchen. The rotting food would be scrapped off the plates and tossed away. Then the plates themselves were rinsed. It was all done in quiet. But it was far from peaceful. The clock’s tic tacking was sinister and void. At any moment the telephone could ring with the news that nobody wanted to hear, but that everyone was expecting… 40 minutes later, the sound of sizzling butter and the scent of somewhat burnt hotcakes filled room. Gray was not a great cook; he actually had a talent for ruining the most basic of meals. He was blowing at the pan as he desperately tried to remove the remains of what should’ve been a perfectly round hot cake from his burning pan. Instead, he ended with a charred mess. The second and third tries looked somewhat better, but they’d never win a cooking contest, that’s for sure. Shortly after, two plates were freshly served at the dining table. Gray had conserved the withered flowers and placed them into a vase, even though they looked terrible. He couldn’t get himself to throw them away. 4:30 pm. That’s when Carmen Gumshoe’s door was first knocked on. Gray waited outside with his food ready to be delivered. He did not know what to expect, but he at least had to try. #rp

View Less

2 people like this.

Carmen Gumshoe

Was Carmine there? Well, there was only one way to find out. The knocks on the doors did prompt a stir on the other side, but that very well could’ve been Carmine’s cats. “What?” Or the detective himself. No, Carmine had purposefully remained invisible ever since that god awful night. It brought ... View More

Like September 9, 2022 Edited

Carmen Gumshoe

He thought it was pretty self explanatory, but *just* to make sure Gray was following the same train of thought, he’d elaborate. “It means the prison he’s in— the Ferry— had some trouble. They’re cracking down on the riot before they let us talk to him.” Then, he’d speak up and clear his throat. “Ah... View More

Like September 12, 2022

Gray Rivers Alto Yuri

And Gray used to think that a ‘Ferry’ was some kind of ship. Luckily for him, Carmine was there with the explanations and clarifications necessary! “Ah… I see.” The actor sighed in relief, now that he was back on track, he continued to do a whole lot of just listening. Well… not that much listening.... View More

Like September 12, 2022

Carmen Gumshoe

“No clue.” Pluto’s reply was instant. Maybe too quick, but she had no reason to suspect one of her own snagged them without alerting her. Carmine begun to think, to theorize just what could’ve happened to the others. Carmine piped in with one theory: “He could’ve grabbed them on the way out?” But w... View More

Like September 12, 2022

Gray Rivers Alto Yuri

With officer Pluto out of the way, Gray turned his entire attention towards Carmine, eagerly waiting for him to do his thing. However, he did not stop moving either. Without knowing, he directed their path towards the seats where he was sure the ‘audience’ from that night should have been sitting. ... View More

Like September 12, 2022

Carmen Gumshoe

It only made sense if the ones in the audience were actually the deceased Eights. So far, he couldn’t think of who else they could be. To add them to the audience would be like having them watch their own vengeance enacted. It’s obvious this guy isn’t all there— maybe it works? Either way, this wa... View More

Like September 14, 2022

Gray Rivers Alto Yuri

“…!” Carmine up and left, which forced Gray to follow suit. “I’m coming, wait!” They had gotten there together but now it appeared that Carmine was acting on his own, Gray merely dragged along for the ride. It wasn’t apparent, but the two had taken quite the hit. Both emotionally and physically. Ca... View More

Like September 14, 2022

Carmen Gumshoe

“Then wait outside,” huffed Carmine. Honestly, it’d be for the better. He remembered this building from just a couple years ago… a small, barely noticeable loan service, yet they somehow got the green light from the big man himself to pull Berry into their scheme. They weren’t that threatening. But... View More

Like September 14, 2022

Gray Rivers Alto Yuri

“Oh yeah! Good idea…! Let me just stay here sitting outside while you go into a lair full of hitmen…Are you kidding!?” Gray snapped. “If you’re so adamant in getting yourself shot then I’m going too!” Words of bravery, but he was clearly terrified. Going into a shark’s secret business, just the two... View More

Like September 14, 2022 Edited

Gray Rivers Alto Yuri

Gray couldn’t help but to accompany every laugh. In a way, they both should have known that those would be scarce as long as their dear friend’s life was endangered. These small breathers had to be enough to keep the two going, so they may as well make the most out of them. A little heart to heart... View More

Like September 16, 2022

Carmen Gumshoe

While ‘I like you too’ was more or less to be part of the confession, Carmine merely shook his head. “I know. You ain’t very subtle.” Neither one of them were, actually. If he looked at it right, they were already together in everything but name. Gray’s tease about Carmine’s struggle to handle his f... View More

Like September 16, 2022

Gray Rivers Alto Yuri

Gray had figured out that Carmine must have known about him. A few too many slips. And maybe the subtext behind those nightly conversations? The signs were there, for both of them, not just himself. He had a hunch that Carmine was an accomplice the whole time. But with him it has always been hard to... View MoreGray had figured out that Carmine must have known about him. A few too many slips. And maybe the subtext behind those nightly conversations? The signs were there, for both of them, not just himself. He had a hunch that Carmine was an accomplice the whole time. But with him it has always been hard to tell… The PI had a habit of erratically changing his mind. He had already thrown Gray in a loop a few times before. Like Berry said, it appeared that Carmine was able to figure out every mystery, except for those pertaining to his own romantic life. From Gray’s perspective, there was always that faint possibility that his feelings had completely gone over the detective’s head out of denial. To have him verbally confirm it was both relieving and… …And it also signified that there was no way back anymore. Since it was out in the open. As per usual, Carmine then began to explain the reasoning behind the conclusion he had reached. He always did that. Gray had evidently grown a little restless, like a criminal hearing the judge’s final verdict that would finally expose every lie. But despite the tension, he was smiling because finally…! The actor would be able to drop the act and fully commit to the truth. “Even if you say that I wasn’t subtle, I bet you had only figured it out recently…” he bragged? “You have no idea how long I’ve been trying to figure out whether if your heart was open or not. Hahaha, and then you began to accept my advances…” Gray snorted, “…But it wasn’t until you agreed to go together to the summer festival, that I first…” he trailed off. “I mean… I still didn’t know if you meant it *that* way. I… I was honestly going to see whether if you’d treat it as a date or not, and then plan accordingly…” there was another short confession. He, however, still did not reveal the nature of his last conversation with Strawberry, nor the role that it had played in getting them here. It seemed irrelevant now …It was too bad; Carmine had also figured out exactly when and where he had planned to come clean! Gray blinked his eyes wide open and then his mouth curled into a light pout. Maybe his idea of a confession was a bit of a cliché, and that had also indirectly made it an easy guess? Carmine also knew him. He must have known how much he liked overly dramatic things… But then… As Carmine began to recount the events to come, as though he was looking into the not-so-distant future, he also revealed his intentions wordlessly. Gray didn’t think that Carmine’s face could turn any redder, and the way he began to move forward… It was obvious what he was going for. Gray raised his hands to Carmine’s chest and clutched his shirt with a certain nervosity that was typical of newfound lovers, about to share their very first kiss. Rosy cheeks, ears flat and eyes already half-closed. Carmine continued to close in on him, and so all he needed to do was just… tilt his head and… …And the phone rings… He feels Carmine pulling back, Gray releases him and sighs whilst the other groans. The frustration and disappointment last only a moment though. Gray shoots right up to sit on the bed, ears high and alert. There was one call he’d been fearing would come. That ring could very well be it. Instantly, the actor turns to look at his companion, sharing that one look of both, uncertainty and terror. He got up and ran for the phone. He did not want it to be the hospital… On his way there, he was begging to whoever would listen, not to let it be the hospital. “…Hello!?” Gray breathlessly calls into the phone, soon as it been pressed to his ear.

View Less

Like September 16, 2022

Carmen Gumshoe

Who could it be? Who could it be? Well, Gray could rest easy enough, as the voice on the phone was not one from the hospital, but a familiar voice he became reacquainted with this afternoon. Officer Pluto!... View More

Like September 16, 2022

Carmen Gumshoe

So, just as he imagined. It isn’t like it’d be crossing a super weird boundary— the two have shared a sleeping space at least once— but recent events have turned this situation in to something… different. It’s different, right? It’s not just his mind being weird? He was nervous, yes, but he knew be... View More

Like September 18, 2022

Gray Rivers Alto Yuri

Unsurprisingly, everything worked out. Gray sighed in relief, but it was more than that. He now had an actual real *proof* that he was welcomed into that space! Plan B was to take the loveseat and then mysteriously sneak into the couch at some point during the night. Perhaps it would have been smoot... View More

Like September 18, 2022 Edited

Carmen Gumshoe

Oh no! Looks like Gray has to sleep on top of Carmine. The detective didn’t mind, he kind of envisioned some form of snuggling… but, oh, Gray found a solution. He might hear a complaint from the neighbors, but that’s their own problem. They’ve done plenty in keeping them awake on other nights, so t... View More

Like September 18, 2022

Trip Wire

September 11, 2022 3:36 pm RP

“Did you know that you can go anywhere you please around the city, *AND* remain undetected the entire time…? I know…! I know! It’s pretty cool, huh? …How…? The sewer system of course!” “…And before y... View More“Did you know that you can go anywhere you please around the city, *AND* remain undetected the entire time…? I know…! I know! It’s pretty cool, huh? …How…? The sewer system of course!” “…And before you say anything about how ‘gross’ it is, and how unsanitary… Just listen! It works. First rule of engineering: You don’t fix what ain’t broken, Bers…” Pause. “By the way… I appreciate you coming to get me. -It was unnecessary-. Yet incredibly heroic on your behalf. Hahaha! …But honestly? You’ve done less good than harm.” He takes a drag out of a cigarette. “I would’ve gotten out anyway… You’d still be here.” “Hah… what am I talking about??? You’re still here. You’re just trapped in your head.” “It was my fault I got caught. Rookie mistake, I know… Do you know what I was doing…? I can’t remember. Bastard nearly drilled a hole into my head and now some data’s missing. Bah, nothing I’ll notice…” “That’s how you know that he’s mediocre at his craft. He could’ve killed me had I been any less stubborn…! what was he going to do if I died, huh? Wouldn’t have lured you in with a corpse.” He laughs. “You’re not *that* dim… But you did disappoint me.” Sigh. “…You know Bers? it speaks about your character. No—your true nature. You’re a good girl, Bers.” He takes another drag; and blows the smoke out of his lungs. “A lil’ rough around the edges… a lil’ broken in the mind… But you got a good heart.” Long pause. “Now… I know that this was never supposed to be personal. But I’m sure you will understand, I wasn’t the one who escalated things… And now with what he’s done to you??? I frankly believe we’re past the formalities.” He clicks his tongue. “So, I have a few ideas… and I was hoping to hear your opinion on the matter, friend.” He clears his throat. “The bastard loves drama, doesn’t he…? Now, I know I may not look it, but I am a bit of a tortured artist myself…!” “Hahahahaha!” “…What do you think…? He obviously ruined the whole wonderland thing… But I’m sure we can come up with something even better on our own!” “Oh, oh! What about the Phantom of the Opera? Hahaha! But -and hear me out-, with a *twist*! …You see…” “…Back in ancient Fleece there was this device… this… *thing* they called the Brazen Bull.” The sound of scribbling was faint but noticeable. Scribble, scribble and then erasing, and then scribbling once more… “He’s a bird so… I figured he might be a bit hard to catch… and then… Well, do you know how they catch birds? In cages, Bers… Birds go in cages.” “…He will not be flying away this time around…” “So… Anyway! I’m getting sidetracked…” “Here’s my idea… That pompous fool looooves the attention. He dreams of grandeur, doesn’t he? I can appreciate a man’s passion, I really do. That’s why, I was thinking we should reward that: Let’s throw him a lil’ homage! Complete with his very own Oscar, as large as his own ego…! Golden like bronze! A… bronze griffon…? Genius! Hahaha! Isn’t it, what do you think?” “Do you want to know how the Brazen Bull worked, Bers? It’s really very simple, the secret was in the head… Allow me to explain, I know you’re not well-versed in the world of torture devices, so take this lesson from me…” “The bronze bull is actually both: a sarcophagus, and an acoustic apparatus… Within the head are a series of tubes that convert the sound of agonizing torture into music. Clever, isn’t it? Screaming -specially the shrieking of prisoners that are cooked alive within the Bull’s brazen belly- can get pretty annoying after a while… And it isn’t as quick a death as one might hope.” “…So, the fact that those horrid agonizing screams can be transformed into something that’s a little easier for the ear… it is practical, not going to lie! Hahaha!” “He could be our very own angel of music…” “…Ah, another point: He loves to have an audience. I keep thinking about how… it was honestly kind of sad that he had to settle for a sack of potatoes last time…?” “…As a treat, I’ve gone the extra mile and gathered all of his favorite people for this once in a lifetime event…! I think I might even take them upstage with him. What do you think…? It still is a work in progress… Of course.” “Awgh… All these things would be way easier to plan if I could have your input…” Pause. “I know you can hear me, Bers… I brought you a little gift. Just so you won’t get lonely. It’s… it’s a cautionary thing… Don’t let the nurses take it away.” “Well… Sounds like someone’s coming to check on you. Which means that I’ve got to go! …See you soon, kid.” The distant sound of a closing door fades, giving way to the deafening silence. #rp

View Less

2 people like this.

Strawberry "Berry" Cream

September 5, 2022 2:23 pm

The afternoon sun had set on the city, but that did not merely meant the day had transitioned to another phase. Offices and schools were shut down so that the night life could share the spotlight. Br... View More

3 people like this.

Strawberry "Berry" Cream

Gray Rivers Alto Yuri it wouldn’t let me tag you ):

Like 1 September 5, 2022

Gray Rivers Alto Yuri

With Carmine out at work, there wasn’t much for Gray to do back at their apartment. Most nights would be spent at the couch watching TV. That was precisely what he was doing when his door was knocked. Just him and his pajamas, and the dim blue light emanating from the screen. It didn’t take a long ... View More

Like September 5, 2022

Gray Rivers Alto Yuri

Gray laughed alongside her, “Yes! Thank you…! I knew it!” he comically perked. “…Oh, I don’t actually feel bad about it. I also thought that it was one of the funniest things I’d ever hear.” He reassured her, regarding the Well and… the poison and the cutting. -Grim example, Berry.- Actually, he did... View MoreGray laughed alongside her, “Yes! Thank you…! I knew it!” he comically perked. “…Oh, I don’t actually feel bad about it. I also thought that it was one of the funniest things I’d ever hear.” He reassured her, regarding the Well and… the poison and the cutting. -Grim example, Berry.- Actually, he did kind of linger thinking about that example and wondered if she had used that line before? It seemed like something she’d do. “…Me?” Now, that next comment wouldn’t be as well received. Gray had long settled into the idea that it was Carmine who kept botching all of *his* attempts to get closer. The actor blinked, he then frowned, then glared a little and then… then he went back to frowning with greater concern than before. “I don’t understand.” He muttered defensively. Berry had hit the nail in the head, perhaps even an exposed nerve. Not only did Gray already feel incredibly guilty about that silent crush that had suddenly sneaked up on him. The fear of ruining his relationship with Carmine, either romantic or platonic, had always been among his greatest fears. Well, not always *always* but long enough to feel as though it had always been there. Even though for a long moment it looked like he had shut down, he was actually thinking of a counterargument. No way it was his fault… “Berry… My situation is a little more complicated than that.” Gray eventually managed a reply, and then… he couldn’t say anything else again. He could’ve argued that there wasn’t a single thing that Carmine could do, that he couldn’t forgive. And that that wasn’t the issue. But in saying that, he would also be saying that he did not believe that Carmine could forgive him if he were to hurt him. Which… he didn’t agree with? It wouldn’t be fair to assume such a thing. That would be an insult to their connection, wouldn’t it? Wasn’t that alone the same as saying he did not trust Carmine to be there for him? Even if they realized that they didn’t mesh well as an item, they already knew they were good friends. They’d most likely remain as such for life. And to fear losing that connection, wouldn’t that be the same as not trusting it? From an outsider’s point of view, Gray was silent. Only the erratic movement of his eyes indicated that there was a very intense process taking place within him. That, and the way his ears pinned against his head. It didn’t usually take much to get his eyes wet either, he was reaching that point where anything would make him burst. “…Do you really think it’s me?” Gray sincerely, asked her to reiterate. In the end, it wasn’t like anything terrible had happened yet. So, Gray was able to smile despite how terribly uncomfortable that confrontation had gotten. “I don’t know what to make of that, Berry… There’s still something you haven’t told me about and I’d really like to know… why are you picking me apart like this on a Tuesday night?” he playfully, albeit still showing certain distress, snickered. “We hadn’t talked for a while; you can’t just hit me with that! Though, in your defense… you did buy me a beer first.” He jested.

View Less

Like September 7, 2022

Strawberry "Berry" Cream

“Not entirely,” she’d begin her elaboration with a little bit of a backpedal. “I mean, you two are definitely… uh, complicated? I think out of the two of you, you have the most to carry when it comes to this… stuff. Right now he knows he likes you, but he’s too afraid to act because… well, you know ... View More

Like September 7, 2022

Gray Rivers Alto Yuri

Gray searched his bottle for another drop, but even as he flipped it upside down there was nothing left to drip. He paused… Glanced up at her, and… even though he had been looking rather squished just then, he seemed to bounce back out from his metaphorical shell again. “How do you know he knows…?” ... View MoreGray searched his bottle for another drop, but even as he flipped it upside down there was nothing left to drip. He paused… Glanced up at her, and… even though he had been looking rather squished just then, he seemed to bounce back out from his metaphorical shell again. “How do you know he knows…?” the actor inquired, squinting his eyes for good measure. As if that would help his dense mind read whatever secrets Berry still held. Even if he asked, Berry was finally making her stance clear. In fact, she spelled it out for him and even tapped the notebook aggressively, really driving the point into his brain. Gray only exchanged a blank stare with her. He rose a single eyebrow in disbelief, continuing to hold that awkward eye contact. “…Me? I should make the move…?” Gray turned his chair to the side. The table was by a corner; therefore, he was able to lean into the wall a little as he sprawled. Berry had made plenty of good points… Carmine couldn’t and shouldn’t be trusted to move first. And Gray didn’t really want to wait to be 40 to say something either. There were still a few mysteries to unfold though… Something must have prompted Berry to urgently address the situation. It could’ve been a conversation with Carmine… or something else, maybe? She, much like her cousin, was shrouded in a layer of mystery as well. What had she been up to all this time, anyway? and how come she had only had one single beer this whole time? Gray smiled at her again, indicating her that he had finally recovered from her little interrogation session. “…Fine. It’s not like I could’ve hidden it much longer anyway.” “So, is this it? This whole thing was an elaborated scheme to give me your blessing?” Gray teased light-heartedly. “But that’s not all, is it? C’mon Berry you’ve only had one beer… And I know you ain’t broke.” “So, what’s up? Is the roach infestation really bad or something? …Is it actually a roach infestation?” he stared. “Don’t tell me you killed someone.” he was joking of course. He couldn’t have known.

View Less

Like September 7, 2022

Strawberry "Berry" Cream

Her smile reflected his; she was no doubt proud that she managed to break through. In her mind, she was Cupid, only the two had been shot a while ago and she just needed to make a return trip to twist the arrow a little. Part of her reasoning was due to familial telepathy. She just *knew* there was ... View More

Like September 7, 2022

Carmen Gumshoe

Sure enough, Trip’s direction pointed toward a heavy looking door opposite to where the pair entered. The most shocking part of it all was that he was still alive… so, Carmine did the humane thing and freed him. He had to act fast, otherwise he would’ve asked Gray for his butter-spreading weapon in... View More

Like September 8, 2022

Trip Wire

Trip was drowsy, he could’ve been helpful before but not now. Not in this state. He had lost and was continuing to lose an alarming amount of blood, plus… judging from his slow reactions, he had most likely suffered a concussion from that nasty hit. The eerie stallion still had it in him though, to ... View More

Like 1 September 8, 2022

Gray Rivers Alto Yuri

Gray’s eyes were locked on the dark red puddle that had formed beneath Trip. He had only once seen that much blood, back when… Oh, he didn’t really want to think about it. Plus, the memory was foggy either way. As if it couldn’t get worse, Trip’s sudden bout of laughter freaked him out. …And the gu... View More

Like September 8, 2022

Carmen Gumshoe

Of course, nothing bad would happen to Strawberry! Nothing bad ever happens to my characters, famously. “We’ll come back for you.” Just hope for Trip to live by, but as Carmine said earlier… better a stranger than Gray or Berry. The passing of a random friend of Berry’s would haunt him, yes, but th... View MoreOf course, nothing bad would happen to Strawberry! Nothing bad ever happens to my characters, famously. “We’ll come back for you.” Just hope for Trip to live by, but as Carmine said earlier… better a stranger than Gray or Berry. The passing of a random friend of Berry’s would haunt him, yes, but the previously mentioned would absolutely wreck him once more. With Carmine once again taking the lead, they were brought to a scaffold of aluminum stairs. They were not enclosed, hell, there were barely rails, but that wasn’t the most dangerous thing in the room. As soon as they made it down the first flight, they’d be greeted with a large atrium. Years ago, this room was used to belt pig carcasses for processing. Some ground, sliced, we all know how meat is made. Somehow, the griffon from earlier had created a mock stage using the remains of this building’s guts. Thousand-lumen flashlights had been tied to the rafters and brought down to shine on the stage itself— a very wide conveyor belt with none other than the mare of the hour: Strawberry. She had a few cuts on her cheek, but nothing that suggested serious medical attention. Mere scratches. The mare herself was tied to a chair by way of zip ties. Behind her was a twisted backdrop of the Red Queen’s garden from Alice in Wonderland, complete with corrupted depictions of the curious little girl’s friends say around at a tea table with their hateful eyes all made to look like they were leering at Berry. Everything outside of the small halo around Berry was pitch black and unable to be seen. But what would a theater be without an audience? Rows of charred seats were sat in front of the execution ground, though only four were occupied… none by ponies. The first was a fabric mannequin. A sandbag, with a single black dot on its forehead. The second mannequin was western themed… cowboy boots, hat, and a faux gun on its lap. The third only wore a bike helmet, and the final in biker clothes and fishnets. The music swelled. Something was happening soon.

View Less

Like September 8, 2022

Strawberry "Berry" Cream

By the time Gray had gotten to Strawberry, she was a mangled mess. Site restrictions prevent me from describing in great detail, but everything from the neck down had faced the blades. While none of them went completely through, they did go deep enough to cause concern. Nothing suggested she was a... View More

Like September 9, 2022

Gray Rivers Alto Yuri

Gray couldn’t see anything but red, everywhere… Everything, she was soaked. That alone spoke of the gravity of her situation. If it weren’t because she spoke and because there was still light in her eyes, he wouldn’t have known. The way he was holding her, it was almost like he was trying to keep ... View More

Like September 9, 2022

Carmen Gumshoe

Red and blue lights were flashing outside now. While Gray had managed to rescue Berry, Carmine was busy searching for the assailant. He went as far as he could bring himself without considering it “too far” from the two. Using the cover of strobe lighting to escape. Clever. But by now he’d have to... View MoreRed and blue lights were flashing outside now. While Gray had managed to rescue Berry, Carmine was busy searching for the assailant. He went as far as he could bring himself without considering it “too far” from the two. Using the cover of strobe lighting to escape. Clever. But by now he’d have to be long gone. If they could see the lights, he totally could. The grim black lights even shut off, adding a whole new bright light to Strawberry’s fate. That, and… Gray’s cries. The detective had heard similar anguish come from someone discovering their loved one in a mangled state, but hearing it come from… well, Gray, and knowing that his cousin was on the brink, it was extra bone chilling. Carmine rushed over as fast as he could, but he stopped just far enough away so he couldn’t confirm Berry’s death. If he didn’t look at her, then she wasn’t dead. She wasn’t dead. Despite what he tried to trick himself into believing, Carmine’s shaky voice wavered behind Gray. “Is… is she?” Neither one could tell just from looking at her. Carmine didn’t even know what to do. Was he sad? Was he angry? He was, and he wasn’t. The emotion didn’t have a name, but it’s the same one he felt nearly a decade ago. Tears streamed down his cheeks, but he couldn’t bring himself to make a sound. Emptiness. The police stormed in to the building from all possible sides, armed with rifles, commands, and with emergency medical staff storming in right after. There was some flicker of hope when the medics swarmed Strawberry and announced she still had a pulse. She was alive… and mostly stable. The blades put her in a coma, but they managed to miss any fatal vein, but she would not have survived much longer without intervention. Everything was down to a procedure. The police collected their statement, which Carmine’s rare lucid moment dubbed “rare targeting by a single psycho” and left it at that. Carmine said nothing up until they made it home. The very first thing he did was go straight into his room, and he wouldn’t come out until morning no matter how much Gray tried to get in.

View Less

Like September 9, 2022

Melpomene’s Tragedy, Thalia’s Comedy / [KILL THE PAST/ END]

Melpomene’s Tragedy, Thalia’s Comedy / [KILL THE P... updated their cover photo.

September 5, 2022 12:31 pm

1 person liked this.