♎

That was of course back when he used real sopor. Sopor pills just couldn’t do it for him. It helped to keep away the nausea and sweats but it wasn’t as effective as his old pies. It still made walking around the hallways more interesting though. However, it also made it harder to concentrate which led to him almost stepping on the troll in front of him. Oh it’s Redglare!

Terezi just about trips into the taller highblood, head snapping upwards as she catches her footing. Albeit delayed, she gives a shriek at the realization of who is before her; arming her cane properly and aiming the point in his direction.

“How dare you of all people follow me here! You rancid circus trash, I told you stop calling me-” She stopped, the snarl on her lips fading as she remembered the mention of a Gamzee aboard. With the cane lowered to a less aggressive hold, Terezi’s near-teal eyes stayed locked onto him as she spoke. “Sorry, I guess... you’re not the Gamzee I should be yelling at. Not yet at least. You haven’t done anything to warrant it. But I’ve got my nose and eyes on you, clown! So when you do...”

[ “I do not know, love. What do you think? Should we believe her?” ]

If hearing about their Kanaya affects her, it doesn’t show, her expression neutral the entire time. Once the testimony ends, she lowers her cane, clicking it on the ground again and taking a deep breath.

[ “Lack of deceit does not constitute truth, I’ve hung enough scum over the side of buildings to know there is plenty someone who is truthful might not be telling me. For instance…” ]

She flips the younger Alternian’s blade around, expertly lifting the blindfold without cutting the woman or the cloth with it, icy teal eyes of the elder meeting those of the younger. An educated guess, given her conversations with alternates of this one, but that was most of detective work, wasn’t it?

She doesn’t get a chance to argue before the replacement items are offered- arm falling with a disappointed sigh as she notices the transparent, functional glasses. But Terezi knew not to look a gift hoofbeast in the squawk gaper, especially one from her ancestor.She need not be a Seer of Mind to know that this was her best option. And an even better opportunity.

[ “Of course I was telling the truth. That would be a rather impressive FLARP campaign. Multiple years, an exile, working up through the ranks of an actual police department…. Quite impressive indeed.” ]

She smirks. Her Matesprit is an impressive woman. An impressive woman who isn’t getting answered.

She clicks her tongue, circling again as she takes in the younger Pyrope. If her appearance was any indicator, they must’ve moved the brooding caverns out of East Alternia, or at least their line wasn’t purely from there anymore. Too tall, not thin like her and Latula.

[ “Whereas I would have been the youngest Legislacerator General in Alternian history if I hadn’t found better things to do. Not that Mindfang didn’t take her shot, but a little death doesn’t stop Justice, which means it didn’t stop me.” ]

Once she’s reached her starting point, she flips her cane, the dragon’s head stretching up to touch her taller kin’s chin. With so many having abandoned the cause, or worse, a little interrogation was in order. Not that she was planning any culling, but it was important to know allies from potential enemies.

[ “So, descendant of mine, you smell of blood and battle. The Court is very interested in an immediate testimony and, I’m sure I don’t have to tell you, but perjury is a punishable offense. We always know when we’re being lied to.” ]

She goes on to recount the events on LOFAF,  that she was in the middle of apprehending a rather detestable criminal. His charges included several counts of murder, theft, deception, poor hygiene, and so on. He had not only made a mockery of her, but he then thought he could slip away from her undetected! It was indeed time for the clown to go down.

Terezi requests a brief recess to sniff through her sylladex, producing the remaining half of her cane to relinquish -it was evidence, after all- stained with the blood of her and the offender in question. She continues to explain the loss of Karkat, and eventually Kanaya. But not before the late mortician had bravely took out the mirthful evildoer. She points out a few of her significant injuries, and explains Aranea’s role at the scene. And her quick, and quite painful, disposal of Terezi.

In a desperate attempt to save her dead friends and reverse the atrocious mistakes as a neglectful seer, she made her way to the two only other survivors. Directing them to their necessary tasks to undo the battles that had transpired, she waited to bleed out and be erased from existence: should their missions be successful. Upon her final breaths, poof! Suddenly she was here, the most fatal of her wounds sealed.

Terezi sighs, shoulders slumped as she catches her breath. No wonder she never played witness- way too exhausting.

She just frowns at the next part, that’s a lot of dead. Dead dead, not just rainbow drinker dead or god tier dead. 

[ “Right. Of course. This way, Pyrope.” ]

She puts a hand on the younger woman’s back and kind of guides her to the door. It’s funny, Terezi doesn’t quite seem blind… Perhaps its just a trick of Dragonsight. Pyropes are weird when it comes to sense. Anyway, once she’s gotten the door open and they’re in the room, guiding Terezi is once again forgotten. Blind girls have nothing on her Matesprit. She’s by the older woman in an instant. 

[ “Love, we have a new arrival. Your descendant from a different timeline.” ]

[ “Well, well, well. What has my Matesprit dragged in…?” ]

She gives Kanaya’s hand a squeeze before she is gone in a blink. For some reason, people never believed her when she said she was faster than a Strider and their cute little ‘Flash Steps’. She was sure the elder alternate might be up to her speed, but the little ones were a ways off. Two decades of training to be too fast for Vision Eightfold meant she was behind the new Pyrope in an instant, circling with a wide grin on her face.

[ “…a Pyrope! Not an alternate of me, and not of Mèimei…hmm…so that makes you a Terezi, or whatever name you’ve taken for yourself now…” ]

Stopping again in front, she clicks her cane on the ground, leaning in just slightly and licking her lips.

She’s circling around Terezi in an instant- the sharp click of a cane reminds her to breathe; a harsh intake of air through her nose. The scent of aged newspaper clings to her clothing- no, more like opening up a dusty lawbook in a grand library. She smells like ripe cherries and blue raspberry sorbet. The crisp, minty scent about her is akin to Kanya’s, sticking to her tongue with each breath. The way she sounds out her words is like an old memory- dragon scales hung proudly on a wall, smeared chalk and plush snouts, stacks upon stacks of law books and role-playing manuals.

[ “It’s.... y-you’re-” ] Terezi stiffens, posture correcting and her mouth wide with amazement. Was she missing a few teeth...? [ “You’re really her! Oh my god!”]

They… didn’t have a Jack? At least, she thinks Terezi was talking about someone actually called Jack? Or maybe she was just talking about jacks? Like…. hijacks? They had some of those on Derse. 

[ “Well. Perhaps. If all but four people dying is a better than whatever yours is going through, then yes.” ]

Anyway, it’s not too important now, they seem to be up at the other floor. 

[ “Ah. Here we are. This way please.” ]

She gestures outside of the elevator, and follows the young teal blood out. 

Terezi happily takes the lead, planting herself firmly on her feet and sniffing out her surroundings. Eugh, she’s going to need to do some redecorating. She considers slapping her hand on the pad and getting it over with, but the encounter with this supposed Redglare is just too promising, she had to see this. Uh, smell it.

There, unfortunately, is not much else in way of color on the station. A thing that even Kanaya laments on occasion. At least she and Porosi can bury themselves in the fabric that came along when they want a burst of color. 

[ “Not to my knowledge. I was not even aware of SGrub until I had gotten to Derse and using social media. By that point I was already 9 sweeps, which I believe to be older than most for the start of a session?” ] 

While Kanaya might not appreciate Terezi pressing all the buttons on the control screen, it ultimately would not be that big of an issue. For all the buttons, only four of them would actually work. She’s accustomed to the side to side motions of the elevator as well, which might be a bit disorienting to those who only use elevators of the up and down type. 

[ “Thats...”] her head eventually rolled to face Kanaya, making up for the lack of a stare. [ “Really, really confusing. And waaaay different from where you were in my timeline!” ] Terezi grinned, a chuckle bubbling up in her throat. [ “But hey! Whatever Terezi was ‘yours’ didn’t pick her friends right, or take a stand and make herself known! Obviously, or you’d know her. I’ll gladly take up the stead she may or may not have had, and promptly left. And improve and expand upon it as necessary.” ]

She fell quiet, eventually sticking her tongue out with a “blech”. 

[ “These circumstantial differences between our timelines are kinda... odd. No offense! I guess it’s just... all the timelines I saw or heard about had the same core events, the same basis for everything. Twelve kids play a game, get Jack’d-” ] Terezi paused, waving a finger as she spoke. [ “And not jacked, mind you. Though both applicable- get Jack’d out of our endgame reward, and help four other alien kids play the same game. Only to spawn the very Jack that jacked us! Jack’d. Not jacked. Whoops.” ]

She shrugs. She died. Porosi had died. Gar seems to have died…. 

[ “Well, most of us were on the run from Alternia. But that was also not related to arriving here. That was just why we were on Derse. It was complicated. Old school technology and mobs.” ]

That doesn’t really sound like the Prospit that she had heard of. However, she’s not going to comment because she doesn’t actually know. Perhaps she’ll have to ask her Matesprit about Prospit. 

[ “Well, that is not good. I take it that means you all had a game then? If we did in my timeline I certainly was not involved…. Nor anyone I know, which makes it feel unlikely that there was one considering that I know individuals from all three groups.” ] 

[ “You weren’t part of a session?!” ]

An elevator? Uh oh, how huge was this place? Terezi hoped there was at least a bit more color throughout the station. This drab grey was practically suffocating. The only thing it needed was constant yelling and an undertone of watermelon.

[ “That’s... definitely odd. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered a group of us that didn’t start a session. You really had no instance of SGrub?” ]

She continued lingering behind Kanaya, resisting the urge to push all the buttons.

She briefly wonders what exactly happened to the little shouty troll once she had left the Crew. It must be different on Derse now that they’re gone. Though that’s less about her leaving and more about the Pyrope’s disappearance. The only place her disappearance was significant was her shop, which had been a lovely gift from her Matesprit, but probably not important in the long run. 

[ “It is slightly harder to drown out his drivel when it’s against those you love.” ]

She hadn’t found Kankri nearly as annoying before they had argued about Latula and Porosi. Either way, she doesn’t interact with the red blood that often. Mostly in passing at Latula’s room. 

[ “Uh. Well, the best way I could describe it would be a painful and inexiplicable pull from our timeline to… wherever this is. Gar and Porsi were pulled first. Then I was. And then Latula, though we all arrived at the same time? Then Kankri and Gamzee showed up a few weeks later. I believe it had been about a month back on Derse, where we are from?” ]

Their move had been terrifying. She had been in such pain about the disappearance of her Matesprit, the move had felt like the physical manifestation. To wake up by herself in a strange place hadn’t helped. Luckily, Porosi was here as well. Being moved across space and time to a place so empty is… less than ideal, but she’s got her Matesprit so she’ll be okay. 

[ “If I’m real lucky, my timeline shouldn’t exist anymore.” ] Her walking had already began to improve; getting used to the smells of the place helped significantly. Still, her cane would always be helpful. [ “Your timeline sounds really... weird. I don’t know why you were living on Derse, but I guess Alternia wasn’t exactly the best either. I don’t blame ya. But I’m guessing your circumstances were a lot different than ours.” ]

[ “I also don’t know much about Derse. Prospit was where I always woke up.” ]

Her arms stretched out in front of her exaggeratedly, already losing track of the original point. [ “I always loved the smell. Waking up to the smell of crisp citrus streets outside my window. And tall, golden freshly-sliced pineapple towers... with little marshmallow people to live there! They weren’t squishy like marshmallows though. Believe me, I tried.”] She smiled, taking a good, audible sniff in reminiscence. The onslaught of grey on her senses quickly brought her back, frowning along with slumped shoulders. [ “But that’s long gone. Now I just dream when I fall asleep.” ]

She huffs slightly. Of course it’s the Redglare. Why wouldn’t it be Redglare? Her Matesprit is amazing. 

[ “If you think Kankri is tolerable, then your memory has failed you. But perhaps you will get along with him. Latula seems to.” ]

She can feel the fingers on her back which is slightly concerning. Because it feels like either drawing or light caressing, neither of which are acceptable. 

[ “The question was less if you can and more if you would.” ]

It took Terezi a moment to get her bearings; all the metallic tasting grey was a bit disorienting in regards to directions. But she eventually sniffed out the wall, letting the waft of jade peppermint guide her sparkly red footsteps.

[ “Though I suppose they were just as chatty as the other... Karkat’s yelling would practically shred everyone’s auricular sponge clots. At least you can drown out Kankri’s speeches.” ]

Another wheeze of laughter from Terezi, nursing her healing wound as she did.

[ “Hey, how did you all get here anyways? By the same sporadic means? Or... is this a dream bubble? I’m still considering that option. It makes the most sense. But if I were dead, I should know! I remember everything...” ]

Silly Terezi, of course a rainbow drinker seamstress who happens to also be an ax wielding mobster knows how to get blood out. Of course, it’s also not too likely to show on her black shirt anyway. Even if it does, more teal is never a bad thing. She loves teal. 

[ “The not you is Porosi, my Matesprit, or I suppose you probably would know her as Redglare. As for the other two. I cannot blame you on Kankri, and Gamzee does not leave his room much so you can avoid those two if you wish. I suppose technically you could avoid everyone after this as well. Though that will affect your ability to get food.” ]

[ “THE Redglare?” ] It took all her strength (the ache in her torso helped) to hold back a laugh. Though she couldn’t get a whiff of deceit in Kanaya’s words. The Neophyte Redglare? In the flesh? She’d been in plenty of dream bubbles, but never saw any trace of an ancestor to anyone. There was no way. Must be another Terezi under the alias.

Terezi nodded to herself proudly upon this idea. That had to be it, of course. Nothing got by her, no siree.

[ “I hadn’t thought it would be anyone other than a Karkat. Kankri should be.... relatively tolerable. If memory serves me well.” ]

She had accepted her fate; wiggling to get a bit more comfortable on the S.S. Maryam. She had already began to make crude scribbles on the back of Kanaya’s shirt. A true artist need no paintbrush. Or paint. Or canvas. Just blood, apparently.

[ “Oh. Well, even if you are blind I am sure that you have no trouble seeing. Though, if you insist on this whole law breaker thing, maybe you should take it up with the court. Which conveniently is who I am planning on taking you to anyway.” ]

Ugh, she doesn’t really feel like fighting and ragging the teal blood there, so maybe she’ll just pick her up and carry her there. …. Latula might be affecting her decision making slightly. Anyway, given that she’s not a quadrant, Terezi doesn’t get the bridal style carry, instead just kind of thrown over the rainbow drinker’s shoulder. 

She’s silent for some time after, pondering a thing or two before speaking up again.

[ “Alright, listen here. I’ll meet with whichever.... not-me me you’re taking me too, or whatever! But that’s it. I’m not meeting with constant-complaints crabapple. Nor with bumbling, sopor-dependent Makara cretin. Got it?” ]

She gives a bit of a bow even though the teal blood has something covering her eyes. If this Terezi is anything like her Porosi, then she can still tell that Kanaya’s doing the thing. 

[ “I am sorry. But I believe it is my turn to ask some questions. Though, actually I think that I will suggest that my Matesprit asks the questions for me. She’s better at these sorts of things.” ]

The younger woman’s stumbling around doesn’t exactly inspire confidence in Kanaya, so she’s by the other woman in an instant, reaching out to stable her. Which serves a lovely secondary purpose of stopping Terezi from walking away. 

[ “Unhand me, lawbreaker! Attacking the blind, you should be ashamed!” ]

Terezi, honey, you’re no longer blind. You can’t play that card anymore. Regardless, she hooked her fingers on the corner of the wall, straining to hold herself there should Kanaya attempt to lead her further. Kids and their tantrums, man.

[ “You can keep your Makaras and Vantases, and your Latulas! And uh, the other one. Loki? You can keep ‘em too. I will slobber on you. Highblood saliva is acidic, you know.” ]

Pyropes, quality of personality aside, are typically good. At least, in her experience they’re good. Hopefully that’s not timeline dependent.

[ “How do I know that you are Pyrope? Well. You look like my Matesprit for one thing. Actually that’s pretty much the whole reason. A younger version of her.“]

Pyropes had a distinct look to them. They’re attractive, if slightly strange. The chin stroking makes her more aware of just how much blood is on the younger teal blood. Kanaya tenses ever so slightly before relaxing again. Feeding from the source has given her better control, she doesn’t need to worry so much about the blood. 

[ “Mhhm! The prosecution appreciates your compliance in regards to this utterly important evidence. You have been nothing but helpful.” ]

Her arm receded from her chin, quickly folding over her torso as she leaned to give a grandiose bow in Kanaya’s direction.

[ “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to find the opposite end of this horribly flavored, metallic heap and stick there until I figure out a way off.” ]

Last year I did a cover of BL1NDJUST1C3: 1NV3ST1G4T1ON and I wanted to redo it because I still really love this track. I don’t know if I’ve improved at all but its still a lot of fun to listen to!

[ “Uh. Well. No. I do not. Though, I believe you are a Pyrope of some form?” ]

She doesn’t *think* that this is a copy of *her* Pyrope. Or, well, either of her Pyropes. More like a …. different Pyrope? Anyway. 

[ “Yes. I get the feeling that my timeline… differs from the norm slightly.” ]

The delectable fashion sense comment makes her grin slightly. Good to know that most of hers are good with the fashion thing. It’d be disappointing if they weren’t. Perhaps she really should look more into other hers… but that’s another thought for another time. 

[ “Yes. There are others. There are six of us. At least, there was last I checked. Your arrival might be part of a new wave. Though, I am not actually sure how that works…” ]

Terezi paused, contemplating a bit further as she fell into a slow pace, circling Kanaya as she spoke. [ “And how exactly do you know that? Check me if I am wrong, but I could have sworn you claimed this was your first meeting me.” ]

She stopped to stroke her chin for added contemplative-ness. Nevermind the fact that she was smearing teal about as she did so. Completely unimportant, and a sacrifice she was well willing to make.

[ “There’s no stink of deceit in your words, so what aren’t you telling me? Who are these five others? Did they mention the name Pyrope? Did they mention my admirable cunning in the fields of justice?? If not, then your sources cannot be trusted I’m afraid.” ]