[first level]

[inflictedknight]

[Karkat is standing on the sidewalk, leaning against a wall, trying to figure out what the hell just happened. It wasn't entirely unbelievable; so much had happened to him and his crew lately that this was just another wrench in the plan, as far as he saw it

Comments

[smellyoudie]

[A test? Terezi thinks it's a crime, one she unfortunately can't pin on anybody, because there's no evidence yet!

But the familiar cherry-under-pavement smell when she draws close is evidence enough to draw a very important conclusion-]

Karkat?

[inflictedknight]

[Karkat seems to be a little relieved just to see anyone at all. Seeing as he had yet to run into a human, he thought it was just another test that the world was throwing at them.
It wouldn't be entirely unplausible. They'd been tested ever since they were grubs, what was yet another test on top of the thousands they'd already endured?]

Terezi. I never thought I'd say this, but I'm fucking glad to see you. Have you gathered everyone else yet?

[There is an expecting tone to his voice, as if he had expected the blind girl to go round up all of his charges all by herself.]

[smellyoudie]

[Good thing that's exactly what she already did. Odd thing to say, though. Had she missed something somewhere? Were they no longer on good terms?]

If by everyone else, you mean Kanaya and Gamzee, then yes.

[inflictedknight]

[Karkat's head is still reeling from being transported out into nowhere. His mood isn't exactly what one would consider peachy; although he hears himself taking it out on the first person he sees, he can't really stop himself.]

We all must have been transplanted here then. It's just a matter of finding the others.

[He takes a deep breath in a futile attempt to calm himself down, glancing down at the tin full of sopor when she says Gamzee's name. Once again, he finds himself wishing he would have packed something a little more efficient.

Past Karkat is such a fucking idiot, not packing for any and every possibility. If he could, he'd go back and beat the shit out of himself from a day ago.]

[smellyoudie]

[Oh, Karkat. Because it's so productive, getting angry with your past self.]

Maybe, maybe not. There's no evidence to suggest one possibility or the other. Maybe they aren't even here yet. Kanaya and Gamzee had both arrived before I had, and I've been here days.

[...and then, because this is relevant, if only because he SHOULD know.]

Gamzee isn't entirely himself at the moment.

[inflictedknight]

[Karkat definitely isn't the pinnacle of productivity at the moment.]

But they weren't gone... Ugh. I don't know what's going on. It's making my thinkpan hurt. [A pause.] I don't think I'm really entirely myself at the moment either. [Of course, this is most likely nothing compared to how Gamzee is doing.]

[smellyoudie]

[She bites her lip a little, wondering how to explain this to him. Did he ever get her message? Did he even know what was going on in the Veil? And she doesn't have any answers here, either, unfortunately.]

What do you mean? Are you okay?

[Just because they'd been arguing and he was an insensitive jerk over the dead Daves doesn't mean she doesn't still care about him!]

[inflictedknight]

[Karkat had no clue what was going on. He was basically bluh bluh bluhing around Meridian, trying to figure out what had happened.]

I'm worried about the others. I'm the leader, right? So they're kind of my fucking responsibility.

[smellyoudie]

[They are going to have to have a long, long talk, man.]

That's not answering my question.

[Like, yeah, SHE COULD PREDICT HE WAS GOING TO SAY THAT but that does not tell her 1) if he is really okay, or 2) clarify him not really feeling like himself, which is what she wants to know about.]

[inflictedknight]

[Karkat feels like he's already answered both her questions, and his irritation grows quickly when he feels like he's repeating himself. He hasn't the patience to sit around all day and elaborate, but he does so anyway.]

I'm more worried than usual. I mean, of course I'm more fucking worried than usual. I'll be fine though. We should just concentrate on finding everyone else. There's just four of us so far, right?

[smellyoudie]

[She pretty much ignores his irritation as per the usual.]

Yes, and a bunch of humans. Before you ask no, it's not John or Dave or any of the ones we know. [Mild amount of bitterness, there. Just a little. Okay maybe more than a little, all thinks involving them and Dave considered.]

[inflictedknight]

Good, because fuck that guy.

[Karkat doesn't even bother to hide the bitterness. The last thing he wants to be thinking about is that guy, but of course, Terezi felt the need to mention him specifically.]

[smellyoudie]

[Oh, all right, here we go. Because it's not like Karkat had been a jerk or anything when he'd been totally insensitive over her getting upset, or anything. No, it's all her fault.]

I see. So all the other humans, the ones you talk to, they're fine. If it's Dave, it's not okay.

[So. Not. Impressed. With this jealousy.]

[inflictedknight]

[Karkat is raging. It's hard to tell what emotion it is, but jealous is probably a pretty big factor there.]

Yes, fucking exactly. Dave is nothing but a shitstain on everyone's already tarnished view on the human species. A coward hiding behind his little sunglasses. There's nothing I'd like more to do than to introduce him to my sickle. The blunt end, so I can enjoy beating the shit out of him with it.

[smellyoudie]

[She definitely thinks he's got to be jealous. But if she ever wanted to say something about John! Oh no, that would be just fine, probably, there's nothing wrong with him. Or Jade. Or anyone who isn't Dave.]

You don't even speak to him! This is ridiculous, Karkat. You haven't even asked me what's going on, you just jumped to some tactless conclusion and started flailing around like a silly little wriggler.

[inflictedknight]

I know enough about him to hate him. But not in a fucking kismesis way, so don't even start thinking that. [Karkat had already embarrassed himself enough on that front-- every one of his troll friends knew about the John incident.]

Tell me what you know, then.

[It's clear Karkat hasn't cooled down yet, though.]