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Caramella Seashell

Carmen Gumshoe

Gray Rivers Alto Yuri

Wrenched Fates - Closing Act

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Publish Date: November 6, 2022

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Wrenched Fates - Closing Act

November 7, 2022 1:57 pm

All shows start somewhere. From the writing, to the casting, to the creation of props and the music to carry the scene. At every stage, and on every stage, there are hundreds of ponies, griffons, drag... View MoreAll shows start somewhere. From the writing, to the casting, to the creation of props and the music to carry the scene. At every stage, and on every stage, there are hundreds of ponies, griffons, dragons, and other creatures that do their best in bringing these shows to life. Whatever- and however long -it may take! Al for the enjoyment of the hundreds of not thousand that would be in attendance. No show is without its hurdles. From the small incidents and accidents to the troubles in finding the right ponies for the job. From props being damaged to entire sets being destroyed! An all it could take is a few bad apples, three young fillies or a deranged man in a half-mask to ruin an entire show before it even gets off the ground. But some shows...some are more successful as events pass. Things move forward thanks to a turn of events that none (or maybe many) expected. Behind the Curtain, a play put on by the always wise Tera Nuo. A story about two ponies who'd met, become close friends, and found out they had more in common than they could have ever bargained for. The play had already garnered the two stars of the show. A renown star, Gray Rivers Alto Yuri, who would play the charming stallion, Constance. The counterpart, Allure, played by an actress named Alice Rose. Amongst the many background characters there were many names, but one of them stood out. Caramella Seashell, or Cara for short. A singer who'd always desired to play in a show! She never cared for the spotlight, just to do it for her family. To make it places they never got the chance to. But this show was different. Things werent about to go the way they expected. They'd rehearsed for weeks before Cara had joined, and she had just finished a vocal casting. The director, Tera, had invited Gray to see what he'd think, if she'd make a good addition. With a shocked expression following hearing her voice, she'd look over to Gray, hands dropping the casting list. "I don' know if you' ever been in this seat, but you have an ear for voices, no? Her's is...is... If we didn' have Alice, I know who'd be the Allure. But the question is...can she act?" Her eyes returned to the mare on the stage, waiting patiently with her hands crossed behind her back. "Do you think a scene with her would be possible? Anything, could be spontaneous! I want to see more!"

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Gray Rivers Alto Yuri

Oh, how life gives turns and tumbles… Gray couldn’t imagine himself taking part in another one of these big Broadway productions. Now he was not only part of the main cast, but the director trusted him enough to ask for his opinion about things. Earlier that year his career had taken a significant ... View More

Like 1 November 8, 2022

Caramella Seashell

"It's an improvision, Mister Rivers. I'd like to see if she has what it takes in case Alice were to fall ill. A backup capable of being as good if not better? A more promising outlook on our future!" She'd state, clapping her hands together and standing up beside Gray. This was going to be a big sur... View More"It's an improvision, Mister Rivers. I'd like to see if she has what it takes in case Alice were to fall ill. A backup capable of being as good if not better? A more promising outlook on our future!" She'd state, clapping her hands together and standing up beside Gray. This was going to be a big surprise to Cara, but that did not mean she'd lose her cool. As exciting as it was, for this moment, class came first. Caramella used a hand to block out the spotlight above, squinting to see why the playwright had stood. Poor girl had a bit of trouble seeing the dimly lit audience seating. As her eyes began to readjust she'd find herself now focused on someone she didn't expect to see so soon. That wasn't the casting director! She froze up for a moment, just a moment. The stallion she'd seen just now she never thought she'd have the chance to even talk to! That stallion was Gray. If Cara had one idol that wasn't her parents, it was definitely the actor before her. She knew he was a lead actor, but always figured at best she'd get choir. "H-huh, pardon..?" The gal hadn't realized that during her exposition, Tara Nuo had been trying to grab her attention. The elder silver mare saying calling out her name a few times to try and garner attention. Once her attention was placed, she would apologize profusely. "I'm sorry, Miss Nuo! I was getting worried when I couldn't really hear or see you out there. I was worried my voice scared everyone away," she said, jokingly, but still flushed. Tara hummed an odd chuckle before waving a hand dismissively. "Caramella, right? Your singing is much more above par than we'd expect. Now, I called Gray here today because I needed an actor. Someone to play playwright that look nows potential. I myself see potential. I want you two performing an act. Plan quickly if you want, or start right away. Improvise. Astound me!" Fangirling wasn't something Cara would do, but she was close. This was a moment of her lifetime. So, she decided not to wait for Gray to approach, strolling across the stage, head tilted up and hands clasped behind her back. "Gray, is it? Actor? Singer? Capable of so much with so much passion?" She's twirl, ending in a little curtsey with an arm outstretched to the stage. "Your home...awaits~!"

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Like November 8, 2022

Gray Rivers Alto Yuri

Gray remained by the director’s side, his hands behind his back and his eyes shifting between the pair of mares. The one beside him, who continuously clapped and hyped… and the one in front. He gave Caramella a good scan up and down. He’s seen a million of girls like her, die-hard triers trying to g... View More

Like November 9, 2022

Caramella Seashell

Once Gray had made his way on stage, Caramella would return to standing up straight, near statuesque. It was probably more obvious up close than across the room, but she was definitely nervous. Plus a bit embarrassed at the previous action. This was a big moment that could make or break the mare. Sh... View More

Like November 9, 2022

Caramella Seashell

The following weeks would become a constant grind for the crew. Everyday was an uphill battle with so much to learn, and so much to master. Tera Nuo had continued to push Cara, wanting her to succeed, and seeing in her something that she would not tell anyone else. The rest of the cast, on the other... View More

Like November 15, 2022

Gray Rivers Alto Yuri

The grind was not just for the performers, but for the stage crew as well. Everyday was a chaotic mixture of designing and altering scenes, configuring dress and makeup for every character, choreographing the musical numbers, etc. etc.! The stage was packed with actors, dancers, singers, makeup arti... View MoreThe grind was not just for the performers, but for the stage crew as well. Everyday was a chaotic mixture of designing and altering scenes, configuring dress and makeup for every character, choreographing the musical numbers, etc. etc.! The stage was packed with actors, dancers, singers, makeup artists, producers, technicians… in short, an infinity of people! It was stressing, and egos were meant to crash every now and again. The days where nobody ended up yelling or crying were few and far between. It was rare for Gray and Cara to cross paths, even though they shared the same spaces, simply due to the amount of other people and things to be done. Gray hardly ever hung around the dancers and background actors and actresses. Most of his days were spent polishing his own scenes with the other main characters and his co-star. Sometimes he could be found discussing changes to the scenery with the director herself, or he would simply choose to remain in his personal trailer whereas the others were forced to share a dressing room with the rest of the crew. Yes, Gray had the privilege of having his own dressing trailer! As did a few other big names from the production, such as Alice. But those privileges weren’t without their own sets of responsibilities. The level of perfection that was expected from him was much more ruthless than that of the other actors on scene. Gray couldn’t afford to make mistakes, and under so much pressure… he understandably felt a twinge of disdain whenever Caramella fell short in her delivery. The side glares casted were plenty, even if they didn’t directly interact, it was as if Gray always kept an eye on her performance. He often made it evident when he thought that she wasn’t on par. Compared to the others, Gray put a lot more pressure on Cara. Going as far as to personally reprimand her in front of the other performers, which most likely didn’t help the way they themselves felt about her. It was hard to drive him away or to call him out though, since his criticism was often on point. Like her, he often stayed late to continue perfecting his own act… but unlike her, he had his own safe space in the production: His trailer. The actor had been rehearsing his dance numbers all on his own in the empty stage prior to Caramella’s arrival. They happened to miss one another, because as soon as she had entered the stage, Gray was on his way out to take a shower. The actor remained locked in his own room more than a couple hours. It was nearly 3 am in the morning when he finally reemerged with the intention of going home. A duffel bag hung from his shoulder as he exited the trailer and breathed out in relief. He survived another day…! Fortunately, Gray was forced to cross the stage in order to reach the building’s exit and his own car. The stage’s backdoor opened with a shrill metallic creak. Only one of the lights right at the center of the stage were still illuminating it, everything else was obscured. And right there in the center…? A figure. Gray squinted his eyes tiredly… was he seeing things? The actor reached with his free hand to scrub his face and groaned. But the figure did not disappear, he wasn’t imagining it. Now showing certain concern, Gray warily continued on his path, thinking that maybe someone had left their costume on the floor. No, that wasn’t a costume, that was a whole person! The actor’s eyes peeled wide open as soon as he was able to recognize the fact. There was someone else on that stage! He approached rapidly, quickly the unidentified figure before him became someone he knew. “Caramella!?” Gray exclaimed, he stopped right in front of her collapsed body and looked down upon her. For once, he wasn’t glaring, he only appeared shocked and concerned. “What are you doing here…? Get up!” Ah, it didn’t last. The scolding actor kneeled beside her and put a hand on her shoulder to prod at her. “Caramella…! Caramella!? How can you be so careless???” He pressed a hand to her forehead to find that she’d been overheating. Then he quickly reached into his bag for a bottle of water to empty on her head. It was a necessity, he needed to cool her down! And he also needed her to awaken… “This is a mess!”

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Like November 18, 2022

Caramella Seashell

Infinite was an unimaginable number. Especially when it came to dealing with so many, so often. Whether it was in the confined spaces of the shared dressing rooms, or backstage on the way to and from. But that didn't stop Cara from pushing on through the days. Doing everything she could. Taking ever... View MoreInfinite was an unimaginable number. Especially when it came to dealing with so many, so often. Whether it was in the confined spaces of the shared dressing rooms, or backstage on the way to and from. But that didn't stop Cara from pushing on through the days. Doing everything she could. Taking every step she could. No matter what anyone, or anything, thought of her. But in that infinite number, there was a huge number of those that constantly drove her down. Each day it'd only seem to get worse. Starting from light scoffs and upturned noses, to belittlement and being stepped on. But throughout it all, throughout every petty remark or even the few insults, she'd keep her head high. Often, she'd find solace in the director. One of many non-cast that did support her. But, they all knew there was no way to intervene. Stepping in an actor's way often leads to more issues than repairs. It wasn't like Cara didn't expect any of this, and she understood more than most. They had all forgotten she was a professional singer. Not just a stage prop, or a pretty face. Her music had grown, and continued to grow far and wide! That brought spite, jealousy, and forlorn groups to spring up. They only gave her more inspiration, driving her will to reach everyone. Eventually making a song, or being included in one, that fit the genre they preferred. She did rock, alternative, pop, classic, even a bit of rap and metal. Only increasing her vast reach, and keeping the haters limited. That didn't work here, and it was only going to worsen. She stopped believing that certain ones were even willing to help, or offer sound advice. Instead of offering kind criticism, they dove in to make the kill. What hurt the most is the who that lead the charge. Sure, a few of the other crew members would be spiteful, but their constant berating of her were only egged on by the one she thought she'd be able to look up to. There is a difference between help, and just being plain spiteful. So hearing those constant remarks from Gray, being constantly held accountable when she knew her mistakes. When she was willing to admit her faults, and worked tirelessly to fix them. It was destructive. Which lead to now. Another day, another late night practice. Now, when she'd collapsed, she didn't faint. She simply flopped onto her back and rested her eyes. It was her way of learning, remembering everything, and catching where it went wrong. It wasn't as good as sleep, but it was a moment to investigate. Wrong step here, or wrong word there. Wrong pronunciation here or unsatisfactory articulation there. So, it was to her surprise that she started to hear Gray's voice. As if the days weren't bad enough, now he was beginning to patronize her when she needed time to think. Caramella's eyes flew open just in time to see the bottle, and she'd reach up to knock it away, follwed by pushing herself away from him. This was the last thing she needed, and the dam had already broke loose. All filters were off and she snapped. "Seriously? What are you here for, to spout on about how I tripped? Or my movement wasn't perfection? Wasn't up to your standards?" She'd shakily get up, the emotions were already flowing. "Well?! Go ahead! Sorry, though, your little posse isn't here! It's just you and me, so whatever the hell you want to say, spout it! Do you need to tell me I'm poor at this? That I should just quit already? Do you hate me? Is that it..? You all just hate me?" She spun, wobbly, and waved towards the ponies that weren't there. "See?! Your audience isn't here! Ever since I'd seen your first acts I wanted to be like you... To be able to inspire others to be more! I see behind the veil now, and you know what, Gray? I hate you. I. Hate. You!" It was almost as if the words echoed off of the walls, repeating over and over. This wasn't like Cara, she never hated. Never loathed or despised. Her hands clasped over her muzzle, she sharply sucked in air through her nose, and the tears began to drip down her cheeks. The girl stepped backwards slowly away from him. "Well," she'd say, shakily, "you win. I'll tell Tera to place me back in the choir... you-you'll never have to deal with me again." It was Gray's decision to make a move here. To try and stop her, or let her go.

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Like November 18, 2022

Gray Rivers Alto Yuri

Gray really did think that she was out for good, so, when the bottle was knocked away from his hands he gasped in surprise. His eyes followed the bottle as it rolled away somewhere towards the back of the stage, out of the light. And as he returned his gaze upon Cara, she was already getting up. Now... View MoreGray really did think that she was out for good, so, when the bottle was knocked away from his hands he gasped in surprise. His eyes followed the bottle as it rolled away somewhere towards the back of the stage, out of the light. And as he returned his gaze upon Cara, she was already getting up. Now, from her movement he could tell that her muscles were strained. He too began to get back on his feet. But already, there was no room for him to talk. Cara started to go off, and Gray did expect that! I mean, after all those weeks of rehearsal he knew that Cara would’ve grown wary of him and his constant criticism of her performance, it was only natural for her to think that he was about to chew her for whatever mistake lead her there. The actor took a couple of steps back and rose his hands as though he was trying to demonstrate that they were empty. Or maybe he was trying to contain her anger? “Cara…” Gray started as soon as she plainly asked if they hated her. He couldn’t get any word in, though. She spun around and demonstrated the empty stage to him, suddenly, her words weren’t just defensive, they turned personal. Gray was already startled, but to be attacked like that??? His already wide eyes continued to stare in disbelief as the understudy told him that even though she had admired him, she hated him. “….!” Gray’s shoulders tensed and he turned his gaze away as he picked his duffel bag back onto his shoulder. Despite her breakdown he managed to hold himself straight and calm. “…And what are you going to do when the directors become the ones who get constantly on your ass, Caramella? Are you going to hate them too? What are you going to do when it is the audience which harshly criticizes your performance? …If you want to take this path then this is how it is going to be for the rest of your life.” “…And that’s what I’ve been telling you from the beginning. This doesn’t get easier with time; it only gets harder and messier. The more eyes you have on you, the harsher they’ll tear you down. There’ll come a time when you’ll have to kiss someone you find disgusting, or you’ll have to undress in front of an audience. What are you going to do then? What are you going to do when they look at your exposed body and mock you for it? For being vulnerable? What will you do when the cameras catch you on a difficult day and it becomes the joke of the month?” He sighed. “As a singer, I honestly expected more of you. If you drop out right now, no one’s ever going to hire you again. You’ve already wasted 4 weeks of training and at this point there’s not enough time to find a replacement for you. Hate me and cry about me all you want, just know that if you drop out, the ones you are letting down are Tera, the investors, and the audience.” Gray coyly stepped aside to retrieve his lost bottle, as he was crouching down to pick it up, he continued, “I stayed late to rehearse, by the way.” He turned to look at her with a scrunched-up muzzle. “You’re not the only one who has to push harder.” He put his bottle away and checked the clock… it was about time for him to go home, since there was someone waiting for him there. He sighed and walked past Cara on his way out, but he did look over his shoulder. “It would be tragic if you allowed your dream to die because of me. But that’s your decision. Good night.” The door at the other side of the stage echoed as Gray shut it behind himself.

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Like November 19, 2022 Edited

Caramella Seashell

The show must go on, as they would say! And so it would. Not without the usual ups and downs, of course, but at a mostly steady pace. Things would begin to lighten up a bit more the next day as the rest of the crew caught Caramella returning to the fold. Though, not quite right away. You see, the re... View MoreThe show must go on, as they would say! And so it would. Not without the usual ups and downs, of course, but at a mostly steady pace. Things would begin to lighten up a bit more the next day as the rest of the crew caught Caramella returning to the fold. Though, not quite right away. You see, the rest of the crew had a rough time adjusting to Cara's sudden promotion, but with Alice being limited to crutches and a wheelchair, there was no one else they could depend on to play the part. To begin the first day would be the meeting between Gray and Tera. She wasn't going to argue with him, or ask for an apology. She just wanted to see the two get along in the first place. And with Cara not quitting it saved her a lot of pain. There'd have been quite a lot, sadly. She'd chat with him, though, as well as Cara in private so their conversation would be limited. Again, nothing was said that would or could be construed as negative. Just the conversation between herself and the two. It would be everything else that'd follow which would push the actors and actresses to their limits. Tera had become tough on everyone, even Cara, and made sure they all knew their mistakes. All knew what needed to be fixed. Even offering advice where she could. There were no hard feelings, that was the target the group wanted, surely. Everyone wanted a happy ending, right? Happy endings are something everypony hopes for. That light at the end of the tunnel that welcomes them with warmth, like a big hug! A place to rest, finally. Relax with joy. The play told that type of story where the ending was left completely unknown. Through their hardships, though, the crew would make it to the final show. Caramella was still a little rough around the edges, but for the most part she was proving capable. Working hard every night up until the play with the help of Alice and Gray when he had the opportunity. Props were done. Music was ready. Singers were prepped. Crew prepared. Actors all practiced. All that was left was the show. A show that would go down in history! But as what, exactly? Well, that's hard to determine. You see...

When it finally came time for the show, things would actually go fairly...smoothly! Let's just say, the main events of the play were done well. No hiccups from anyone. The main characters, Constance by Gray and Allure by Cara would make their debut together, a record surely had to have been placed for quickest bottom-to-top role given to someone? Well, maybe, but there was one more important note left. That would be the end... You see, the basic story of this play is about two ponies that meet each other. One male, one female, that become pretty good friends. They see each others as equal rivalries, but nothing more than the title of friend. It may have been for a good reason, too. For the ending of the story goes with the two sharing a dance. A spinning, quick, up close dance that pit Allure right in Constance's arms with a chance to win big! The biggest part of the play is here. The end. The point of no return as the music draws near, and the final lines are coming up. Do they win, or do they lose? Allure would end the dance with Constance, hand held in hand, and staring into his eyes. Were they about to break their friendship seal? Was this going to be a new beginning? That was until something came to her attention... A realization. Looking at Constance, Allure would suddenly frown, dawning the recognition of something she'd never noticed before. Being this close, her eyes would lock with his. His features. His style. It all came rushing to her all at once. It all was rushing to not only her, but to Cara as well. If a bombshell could drop, then now would be the time. As she stared at this stallion, she'd slowly pull her hand away. The judges would stand and gasp, not expecting the movement to end so abruptly, when she'd say one word. Gray may pick up on the sincerity, but the rest would think it was perfect acting. Cara's heart ached as words came flooding back to her, and they almost perfectly matched the lines in the play. "My...father once said I had a brother... Your features, your style, your job... Brother..?" A glass pane shattered within her mind, and the colors came flooding back. The curtains, as planned, would begin to close...but not as planned, they would all see Allure (but to the cast, obviously Cara), turning to run offstage. Heading to...her dressing room. Brother?

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Like November 26, 2022

Gray Rivers Alto Yuri

Finally… months of preparation lead to them all to this very night. With everything set, Gray was touching up on the last details of his makeup right before going on scene. By the corner of his eye, he saw Cara walk by in disguise, most likely to assume her position before the play’s begin. “Break a... View MoreFinally… months of preparation lead to them all to this very night. With everything set, Gray was touching up on the last details of his makeup right before going on scene. By the corner of his eye, he saw Cara walk by in disguise, most likely to assume her position before the play’s begin. “Break a leg!” he called to her. It was a theater thing… Well, eventually the curtains rose, and the show started. Gray delivered an incredible performance as Constance, which was expected of someone with his talent and experience. His co-star Caramella was not bad herself! And now that everything was falling into place, she too seemed to perfectly adopt the character that had been given to her to bring to life on stage. The two had already rehearsed every scene, it went without a hitch! Every line, every move, every song… They already knew it by heart. Everything was according to plan except for the very ending of the play. Gray was a seasoned actor, he could easily identify the boundaries between acting and… well, a character break. And the moment Cara was up and close to his face, he could tell that her mask was shattering. The actor was intrigued, but he couldn’t allow his act to fall. If anything, if Caramella ended up losing her ground, he needed to improvise and save her. It was his role as the most experienced actor, and both had the common goal of wanting to deliver a perfect show. He didn’t exactly know what it was that happened within her, but… even though the lines she delivered weren’t the exact ones they had rehearsed, they suited the play. He figured that maybe she had panicked…? The curtain began to close, and it wasn’t done yet… Caramella turned to run, and Gray knew that it was still visible to the audience. He… well, he needed to check on her, but he couldn’t just abandon stage whilst still in full view of the spectators! He waited for the excruciatingly slow curtain call and then ran off to chase her as soon as he was out of sight. “Hold on!... Sorry!... Excuse me!” Gray ducked past a few other performers and stage staff on his way to Caramella’s dressing room. He stopped by the door and knocked, “…Cara??? Hey, is everything alright!? It’s normal to panic! You’re fine, you improvised, and it was fine!... I… I know those weren’t the lines, but hey! They were similar enough, no one noticed!” the actor tried to soothe her. He didn’t actually know what was wrong though. Obviously, her speech was just that, speech. A character prop. Aha…. Maybe it was the mention of her father? Gray knew that she was still sensitive to her old man’s death. He took one deep breath and sighed, “Cara… your father would be proud.” Gray added, hoping that it’d help her overcome whatever emotional thing she was going through.

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Like November 27, 2022

Caramella Seashell

Many of the crew and performers would move aside for Gray, each casting surprised glances his way. Each one confused by the way both Cara and the actor fled the stage. But there must have been something more to it than that! They would not ask, though. This was some sort of drama that they'd rather ... View MoreMany of the crew and performers would move aside for Gray, each casting surprised glances his way. Each one confused by the way both Cara and the actor fled the stage. But there must have been something more to it than that! They would not ask, though. This was some sort of drama that they'd rather avoid having surpassed the last month or so without any real incident. On arrivale, Gray would find the door shut and seemingly pinned closed. It almost seemed like the silence from within continued to grow. Even through all of his calling and reassuring her that there was no mistake. The truth was there, and she was more than sure on it. It made sense, from everything her father told her to everything she'd noticed over the past few months The signs were there and she missed every single one of them. She wanted to ask this stallion to help her find her actor brother, and now she had found the truth was right there. Hell, the door would have never opened if it wasn't for the the last thing he'd said. It was the final trigger she needed before pulling the door open. If Caramella was super strong, the door would have flew off the hinges! She looked at Gray, tears welling up in her eyes, and her expression was a blender of emotions. That's when she'd finally start talking, starting off with a confusing statement. "Our father, Gray!" "You mean 'our father'... It has been right in front of me this entire time, the truth just waiting to come out! I wondered why your mannerisms echoed his. The way you cross your arms, the disapproval, your mane style, everything! At first I thought that you just disliked me for getting the spot I have but no, I can't help but feel that it's because I have the same reactions of my dad- OUR dad!" There'd be a long, pregnant pause from her, awaiting any comment form Gray, but no matter what he said, her response would be, "Ares told me...as he passed on...that he wanted me to find his son. My half-brother. He barely got a description out before-before he... Dad always kept quiet about his past, and I could always see the pain he hid. He told me to find my brother, and actor...with amber eyes." She'd be unable to hold it together much, a few sobs following as she lowered her head. "At the last moment, in the play...it clicked. It all clicked... To think that the one I've looked up to all these years, the one I crushed on when I was younger, was my brother!"

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Like November 27, 2022

Gray Rivers Alto Yuri

It is true that there was something about Caramella that Gray instinctively rejected. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but it was there. Still was it something for him to focus on? No! A mere coincidence. He never dug deeper than the basic cordialities on stage. I mean, not that he were heart... View MoreIt is true that there was something about Caramella that Gray instinctively rejected. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but it was there. Still was it something for him to focus on? No! A mere coincidence. He never dug deeper than the basic cordialities on stage. I mean, not that he were heartless, Gray as many do, had grown a certain fondness for Cara, a companionship sentiment that naturally developed through the forced interaction of having her as a co-star. Seeing her so distraught, called to his empathetic side to try and help her. When she emerged with tearful eyes, he opened his arms to catch her and offer a shoulder to cry on. Everybody needs one sometimes. And… well, wouldn’t you know, most actors and actresses tend to be the emotional kind. So, it actually happened quite often. Everyday stuff! Right? No, in their case, there was some nuance yet to be addressed. ‘Our father’… Gray cocked an eyebrow. Shit, was this some kind of mental breakdown? Was she struggling to get out of character? The actor bit his lip nervously and shifted his eyes to the sides. “Cara… Do you… need medical attention?” he suggested with the same nervosity as he reached up to scratch one of his cheeks. But no, she continued… She insisted. “Agh, Cara… I don’t know what you’re going on about. I know who my dad is, and hear me, it is highly unlikely that---” Gray was ready to counterargue, just as the name escaped her lips. Soon as it had reached him, his voice got caught into his throat, forcing a sudden halt to every word he was speaking. ‘Ares’? he hadn’t heard that name in decades. Ares Rivers, that was Gray’s father’s name. He still remembered the stallion’s face too, even after all those years. What had become of him? He never knew, and he never had the courage to try and find out. Gray’s arms dropped to hang loosely at his sides, his blank stare focused on Cara as she continued to tell her tale. If it was true, then he was to believe that they were related…? That all those years he didn’t see his father, he had gone and founded a new family? With a new wife and a new daughter? That he had actually stayed to raise said daughter? It couldn’t be true, because Gray knew the stallion his father was, and a guy like that would never be the kind of fatherly figure Cara had growing up. She must be confusing herself. “Cara, no…” Gray frowned in disbelief, “I’m sorry to disappoint you a second time, but that can’t be true.” The actor shrugged. “My father was… er… he wasn’t the best. I lost track of him so long ago; I was just a child. When mom and I left, I never saw him again. And he didn’t come looking for me either, I mean… if he’s out there, he must not even remember that he had a son. Hahahah.” Gray laughed, but it was one of those performative empty laughs. He added it to compensate for the gloom in his story. “He wouldn’t have known who I am. Maybe our fathers only happen to share the same name. After all, you’re Caramella Seashell… I’m Rivers, Gray Rivers.” “Ares Rivers, that was my father’s name.” That was it. His attempt at calming her down. The coincidences were eerie, but he couldn’t be convinced that they actually had the same father. That’d mean that Mr. Rivers had passed before Gray had the chance to meet him again. That’d mean that he had replaced his mother and himself. He refused to believe that. No, it wasn’t that he refused, and more like he preferred not to find out. The actor swore up and down that the stallion had no relevance to him, that he had outgrown every trauma that man had inflicted on him. So then… why did it bother him so much? The simultaneous angst of learning that his father was dead, as well as the scorn of learning that he had the ability to be a good father, just not to him in particular. It was welling within Gray in the form of a light head and stomachache.

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Like November 28, 2022

Caramella Seashell

Maybe Gray was right, and it was a way she'd always looked at it. Now, she wasn't in a hurry to find some partner or anything! In reality it was embarrassing that she'd even brought it up. But, what's done is done. Simply leaving with a nod at what he'd said about the...relationship stuff before hea... View More

Like December 11, 2022

Gray Rivers Alto Yuri

The days leading to the big reveal were long, passive ones. Although most of the time it was easy to ignore and continue living like there wasn’t something big going on in the background, Gray did stay up a few nights, anxiously wondering about the future and about the meaning of family. “Is blood e... View MoreThe days leading to the big reveal were long, passive ones. Although most of the time it was easy to ignore and continue living like there wasn’t something big going on in the background, Gray did stay up a few nights, anxiously wondering about the future and about the meaning of family. “Is blood even that important? All of the ones that I hold most dear to me, we don’t share any blood…” the actor would share his thoughts with his companion during those sleepless nights. “And what if we end up hating each other…?” Gray often assumed the worst, he much preferred to be pleasantly surprised than disappointed. But deep inside, he couldn’t really deny that the idea of having a sibling was something that did excite him. Even if it was somewhat childish… it had always been something he had wished to have: Someone his size, his age, with his same young enthusiasm… someone to play with, and someone to talk to. Well, long gone were the days where that would’ve mattered. Now he was an adult. Sure, growing up was a lonely experience, and he did end up raising himself from a rather immature age… But that lifelong dream seemed to have survived. The actor was on his way to the grand theater after dropping his boo off at his office. Yeah, Carmine wouldn’t be joining him this time. It was Gray’s own wish in case things didn’t go as planned. The least he needed was his partner witnessing him at a low point. Soon enough, the lonely theater would see its doors open to reveal the man of the hour… Gray Rivers, walking through the seating area to join Cara at the stage. It was only the two of them, and already from a distance he could see that envelope in her hands. “…Sorry, there was some traffic around the avenue!” the actor apologetically rushed the last few steps, right until she was in front of her. From his position he was forced to look up, even though she was sitting. After all, it was rather large stage, for an even larger audience. “Have you… have you taken a peek yet?”

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Like December 12, 2022

Caramella Seashell

"It's okay, I was enjoying the quiet here, actually. It seems...earie, but it helps me calm my nerves when I'm in a place like this," Cara laughed, slowly holding up the envelope in question and shaking her head 'no'. This was going to be a huge surprise either way, and maybe it'll spark a friendshi... View More"It's okay, I was enjoying the quiet here, actually. It seems...earie, but it helps me calm my nerves when I'm in a place like this," Cara laughed, slowly holding up the envelope in question and shaking her head 'no'. This was going to be a huge surprise either way, and maybe it'll spark a friendship in the least. It may seem like she had forgiven Gray by this point, not that he really needed forgiving in the first place. The last while has been hectic, stressful, and nearly dire in circumstances. But, the two were talking now, and it'd seem after going to Ponyville, Cara had returned with a much better outlook on life. She'd made a possible new friend there! But, that is for later. For now was the offer she wanted to make Gray. Holding up the envelope still, she'd reach out and offer it to Gray. "I know I am the one who has been searching, but I feel that the news may be more important to you now. You have so many closed doors without the key to see just what had closed them. I feel if anything, this might help you open the doors once more, so that you can shut them instead." It wasn't really a great example or metaphor, but she hoped he picked up on it. Just in case, though, she'd add, "If we share the same father, then...you definitely deserve to know the truth. And the words I have from him will carry so much more. At the same time, if he isn't...then I guess it just leaves us both with more questions, doesn't it?" She'd ask, almost sadly. But the smile on her wouldn't betray the continued hope in her heart. Caramella wasn't, and isn't, your average "main character," if-you-will. She's not supposed to take center stage for anyone, she's always been destined to be seen as that background character that comes around for an episode, or a few scenes. Someone who is expendable. She hadn't been involved with "The 8s", has no idea there are "ghost things" around, and definitely has no idea of anything else going on. And this was her one episode, the one where she took center stage with someone else...and was about to have news revealed that'd change their lives forever. It was up to Gray to decide, will he open it? Or will she?

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Like December 16, 2022

Gray Rivers Alto Yuri

“More important for me…?” Gray inquired curiously; he extended his hands to receive the envelop she was handing to him. It was more of a reflex and less of a thought-out action. So, this envelop was a key… right? At least according to Cara’s vague metaphor. Then she continued… Gray turned his eyes... View More

Like December 17, 2022