Karkat stared, eyes wide, as the monster fled, the firelight fading into the distance. Now that the immediate danger seemed to have past, Karkat noticed the sharp stabs of pain coming from his right hand. Wincing, he cradled it against his chest. All of his limbs were still shaking with adrenaline.

Still, he had the presence of mind to be relieved. He turned toward Dave. "Where the fuck did that come from? You can conjure fire?" From the expression on Strider's face, Karkat guessed that he wasn't the only one surprised. Despite himself, Karkat was impressed. That power had likely saved all of their lives. "Thank fuck," Karkat muttered.